The gold refining process is more than amazing; but one of my favorite aspects is how the black sludge comes to the top. So the average viewer might think there was nothing of value in the refiner's pot, but the truth is that the pure gold is on the bottom, solid as can be. Only the refiner has a good picture of the worth underneath the darkness.After further reflection on "Why am I going … [Read more...] about What’s your worth?
Fading Flowers
The current age of technology is thrilling to me. Twitter, Facebook, phone capabilities: the opportunities are vast. While embracing this glitter of a techno-world, there is part of me that has a strong desire for just good old-fashioned living. The kind I grew up in. Where a day can seem to last forever. Where you wouldn't be surprised if you drove by someone's house and they were sitting out … [Read more...] about Fading Flowers
Ring around the fall or?
Most days when I wait to pick up my children from school, I ponder over a massive tree that is in the front lawn of the school. There is no way that my arms would fit around this tree and it is so unique as it stands there, alone. It has no other accompanying foliage and just who decided to let this tree continue growing we will never know.As I viewed it today, Ecclesiastes chapter 3 came to … [Read more...] about Ring around the fall or?
The Refiner’s Fire
Did you ever have a Sunday morning when you just KNEW that Satan didn't want you to go to church? I mean, every possible physical obstacle was placed in your path or your mind was in such a state that you knew that spiritual warfare was taking place? This morning, I awoke in a major funk and really didn't understand why. I always want to go to church; this morning was the first I can remember … [Read more...] about The Refiner’s Fire
Hannah’s Prayer Path
I Samuel 2:18-21You may have heard the statement, "You can never outgive God." But how many of us really believe it? We all know about Hannah desperately begging God for a child and God granting her request. And most of us have read far enough along to know that Hannah made a coat for Samuel every year, which she took to him at the yearly sacrifice time. Imagine the joy of sewing that precious … [Read more...] about Hannah’s Prayer Path
Waiting… and “Action!”
I Samuel 2:11-18Wait up! Wait for me. Wait a minute….Wait, wait, wait. We hear the word "wait" and automatically think of a temporary hold. We see a sign that says "waiting room" and immediately picture people sitting in lethargy, yawning extensively.In our passage today, continuing in the story of Hannah, we arrive at the doorstep of Eli's wicked sons. Because the focus of this lesson is not … [Read more...] about Waiting… and “Action!”
The Princess and the Pauper: From Spiritual Rags to Riches
I Samuel 2:6-10In chapter 2 of I Samuel, Hannah is praising God in prayer and thanksgiving. Her reflection of God's power and provision is full of depth! In the last entry, we discussed that verse 8 essentially describes the wonderful power of God to take the worst and exalt it to the best. Hannah describes this process as going from being a beggar in the "dunghill" (KJV) to being a princess in … [Read more...] about The Princess and the Pauper: From Spiritual Rags to Riches
What God and Superman have in common
I Samuel 2:6-10At this point in our study, we are halfway through Hannah's prayer of praise to God. Though she has just completely turned over her son to God and physically left him with Eli, she is praising God for all He has done and is going to do. One of my children started kindergarten this year and I wanted to sit on the couch all day the first day with a tissue box and tub of Starbucks … [Read more...] about What God and Superman have in common