Refiner of Silver

Mom received the following email on a really bad day for her. I thought it was really cool and it seemed to help so I wanted to share it with you. Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered that
this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it" Mom says this a great description of how God is always watching over us, especially when He tests us and or we are going through great trial. Mom said this shows God watches us even more closely during those times, and that He doesn't keep us in the "fire" longer than necessary. Mom also said that it also showed that the more we are perfected the more in God's likeness we become. (Told you this was cool!) To tie this in to both Thanksgiving and Christmas, this shows God's great love for us and I am so very thankful for that! Love, Beau

Giving Thanks in Everything

Thanksgiving is next week and I've been thinking about not only what I'm thankful for, but also how important it is to stop and be thankful. Not just for the good times but in the bad times too. I think in the bad times we need to be thankful God is there to help us, and also it's a chance for us to grow, mature, learn, and become stronger. God even said in EVERYTHING give thanks. Mom is always saying if we don't stop and be thankful, God gave it to us and He can just as easily take it away. I think she's right. I know at a much smaller level if I don't show appreciation for my treats and toys, mom takes them away from me for a while. And God is way more powerful than mom! AND, in the Holy Bible, people were always thanking God for good thing that happened to them, especially a guy named David. They say the first thanksgiving was when the humans called pilgrims ate with those called indians. But, I think it started back in Bible times because lots of times when they gave thanks they also ate big meals too. So, take some time this week and next to think about what you are thankful for, thank those that gave it to you, and eat a BIIIG meal!! Thank you! Love, Beau

Be Joyful

Sometimes it's hard to feel joy, especially when everything is going wrong, something bad happens, or if there's death or illness. However, God wants us to be joyful in all things. I find this very hard to do. After all, I'm not exactly joyful about going to the v-e-t (ask him)! I think this is probably hard for all of us. Like I've said, we can always find something good in everything if we look hard enough...even if it's a life lesson. And I DO know, this: God says that our sorrow will be turned to joy and they they weep will be full of joy. That means that whatever is sad, upsetting, or just going wrong is only TEMPORARY. Things will turn around and get better. It may not be as soon as we like or think it should be, but it will. We've just got to hang on! And that in itself is something to be joyful about. Love, Beau

God's Pumpkin

I received the following analogy just before Halloween and thought it would make a good sermon. It's self-explanatory and short, but very deep. I don't know who the author is but thanks to whomever. "Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. Happy Fall Y'all!" (Love, Beau)

Stop and Smell the Roses

We are always so busy that often we rush from one thing to the next forgetting to see the good in everything, even if it's right in front of us. We lose site of our blessings and don't take time to appreciate them. And, this is the time of year when things start to get busier for everyone... both at our humans' jobs and at home. As we approach the holiday season, and in our every day lives, we need to slow down and appreciate the good in our lives, and be thankful for what God has blessed us with and done for us. You will be happier and better for it! Take time today to be thankful and feel blessed! You'll be glad you did! Love, Beau

The Greatest Commandment

Love one another. Sometimes that's easy and sometimes not. But that is what God tells us to do and it is the most important thing we are to do. God says, 'the GREATEST of these is love.' It's more important than anything else. Even when we're really, really mad or hurt, by or at, others we're supposed to love them. We are supposed to love one another as God loved us. . I don't always feel loving toward mom, but then I think about neither of us is perfect, and I love her just the way she is. That is how God loves us. He loves us with all our faults, flaws, and imperfections, and even when we do something really bad. And He forgives us. He loves us so much He even died for us. Do you love someone enough that you would die for them? I think if we see others as a child of God, instead of the imperfect side of them it makes it easier to love one another. So, the next time you're having a hard time loving take a step back and think about others as a child of God. It changes your perception. It really does!! And be sure to say, "I love you" today. Love, Beau

Prayer

Prayer changes things. We have seen this, and what it can do. God wants us to "pray without ceasing." That means everything we want, everything we need, and all the desires of our heart God wants us to tell Him. Yes, He already knows what's in our heart and minds, and what our needs and wants are...but He wants us to tell Him because he really wants that conversation with us. He wants a relationship and one on one time with us. He also wants us to listen to what He has to say. He wants to help us. That is what prayer is all about. It's about a relationship with God, like what we have with our families...talking, sharing, one on one time, and being there and helping each other. We help God by doing His will for us, and He helps us when we share what's in our hearts. So, whatever hurts, scares, worries, hopes, dreams, and joys you have, share them with God. He will rejoice with you in the good times and help you through the hard times. He wants to know and He's waiting. Pray without ceasing. Love, Beau