A Contest, A Month of Gratitude, and NaNoWriMo

November promises to be a busy month!

Mary over at Sketches by Mary is hosting a  

Holiday Treat Giveaway!

  The winner of this giveaway will end up with lots of loot!

Here is what the winner will receive:

12 Tealight Candles

1 Smelly Jelly

1 Creamy Aloe Foot Butter

Rules for Entering:

First, become a follower of Sketches by Mary.

Second, leave a comment telling her what kind of fragrances you prefer.  (Mary has several choices to choose from.)

You can increase you chances of winning by blogging about this contest. Be sure and add a link back to Mary’s site. Then send Mary an email letting her know you are blogging about her Holiday Treat Giveaway. You will need to send an email, letting Mary know when you post about the giveaway. You’ll find her email addy on her site.

Contest begins ~ November 1 and runs through November 15.

Now, hurry! (You know you want that foot butter!)

Beginning November 1st, Brenda ~ Garden of Learning ~ has challenged bloggers to join her in posting one thing they are grateful for each day for the month. I am posting this now, so you have a little time to blog-hop over and get signed up.

Can you believe it is nearly November? Remember, thirty days of Gratitude! See you Monday!

Monday, is also the first day for NaNoWriMo!

November is when authors and would be authors race to see if they can put 50,000 words on paper in 30 days! You can check out the NaNo website for all the details and you can join their forum and visit with other writers who are participating!  This November Writing project brings Professional and Amateur writers from all over the world together.

By the way, that is roughly just under 1700 words per day and it is difficult to achieve! If you miss a day, it is the pits hard to catch up!

Your writing doesn’t have to be perfect! What NaNo does is encourage writers to put their ideas on paper and write that first draft (typos and all).

And while I have never finished, it is fun to try!

Okay, I think this is going to wrap it up for this Sonday! May the month of November be filled with good things for you and your family.

Blessings,

Cheryl

Company, Worming Horses and Dieting!

I’ve been struggling to get a post together. I apologize, especially to you new followers. I really do try to post….almost everyday, at least when life doesn’t get in the way.

We have had company visiting.

This is my niece, Stacy and her husband, Rusty.

And this is the newest member of their family, Darby Elizabeth. This is the first time we Okies had a chance to meet, Miss Darby. They live in Illinois.

Darby Elizabeth, 9 months

See those cheeks? I’ve been getting lots of sugar!

On other things, like blogging.....

I did get on my soapbox while leaving a comment on another blogger's site. I'm posting it here, for all to *see*. (It's not required reading.)

The Prairie Maid Speaks and speaks.

There are days I worry we are all over the place. And there are times I am most thankful for what they aren’t learning (if they were attending public school).

I recently read where middle school students were required to participate in a six-week cultural class about Islam. This class was so involved, it required students to choose Islamic names, repeat Muslim prayers, wear a head covering while in class…etc. Mine won’t be doing that.

My 14 & 15 y/o are a little immature compared to their public school counter parts. They rarely talk about sex, unless to ask a question. This usually pertains to the breeding of some of their animals and the fact that our dairy goats are short day breeders. They don’t do drugs. They rarely see an “R” rated movie. They are not on a bus with 40 other students with little supervision 45 minutes twice a day.

Yes, one “school” day last week, we spent the afternoon worming the horses. They watched. They helped. Isn’t that better than sitting in an Ag class reading about how to worm horses, while someone else is throwing paper wads? They took turns driving the jeep through the pasture. We had to read the instructions to know the amount of worm medicine to administer depending on the weight of each horse. While we were worming, we went ahead and fed and watered. We talked about how flies lay eggs on a horse’s back and legs and while scratching, these eggs are sometimes swallowed, becoming parasites and can do a great deal of damage. Yes, humans have parasites too. That’s why it is important to wash your hands, especially after working with animals. That’s why you don’t saddle your horse, mount up, and then put the reins in your mouth because you are trying to do something else with your hands.

So, I figure during an hour & half, we had covered a little/or a lot in:

Ag – Equine and General Livestock Management/Animal Care

Health – Reminder of how important it is to wash your hands and to keep hands (and equipment) away from face, especially mouth; parasites

Drivers’ Ed – They all drove the jeep while out.

Practical Math – Weight of horse/amount of worm medicine

Reading – Comprehending Instructions

When we got back to the house, they watched Schoolhouse Rocks, a film about lightning and baked a pan of brownies.

So we add:

Lesson Reinforcement

Science

Home Economics

The morning (part of it) had been spent milking, feeding dogs – cats – chickens, doing two pages of penmanship, working on this week’s memory verse, and computer skills.

Our school day was about 4 hours. What public school could possibly provide the same opportunity to learn?

I’m sorry this is long. But just because we don’t fit into the same box as public school or because our lessons don’t come out of a box, doesn’t mean our children aren’t learning. If it is only life coping skills and common sense, they are learning more than the majority of those enrolled in public school.

And if we want to sleep until 9 a.m., then practice multiplication (and fractions) while making and baking cookies at 9 p.m. That’s our choice.

Sorry, I am now stepping off my soapbox. ;) Personally, I think Mish Mash ROCKS!!!

Here is the link to the post I was responding to. Peace Creek On the Prairie

I am also dieting....AGAIN (I know). If you want to read what I've been eating and find the links to Allan who is the ENCOURAGER of this latest attempt, you can check out My Journey, which is also my blog. There isn't much there (this is just day #5), but I will be posting updates and goals....and probably more information than you want to know.

Warning...Allan's mouth is a bit, just a bit, over the edge of what this country gal is used to, but I'm cutting him some slack. He lives in NY and he has lots of good ideas and information.

In the meantime...til I return to blogland (company leaves Wednesday), have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Cheryl

The West Ladies Are Having a Giveaway!

The West Ladies have produced a NEW DVD and are hosting a GIVEAWAY!

To join in the fun, go to their blog, Homestead Blessings.  You won't want to miss this!  It is like having friends over!  Scoot, you need to hurry! LOL

Blessings,

Cheryl

The Simple Woman's Daybook, 10/25

I know, originally the Simple Woman post was intended for Tuesdays, but I love doing it on Mondays.  It helps bring my week in focus.  Hope no one minds. ~

If you are following me and I am not following you, please leave me a comment and let me know.  Also, if I have failed to come by and comment, leave me a comment.  Please know, I would never overlook anyone on purpose.

Thank you, Cheryl

Outside my window...  ~ the weather has been beautiful.  I love it! 

I am thinking...  ~ about the two newest grandbabies.  They are so sweet.

(And they don’t talk back yet.)

I am thankful for...  ~ the years we have had with Granny Dorothy (my mother-in-law).  She is beginning to get a little frail (at 92) and over the weekend we had a bit of a scare.

I am wearing...  ~ everyday, comfortable

I am remembering...  ~ when we brought our oldest daughter home from the hospital.  We didn’t know anything!  Friday, she delivered her fourth child at home under the care of a midwife.  Jenny is so much smarter than I was. LOL

I am praying for… ~ among other things, the people of Haiti.  They have been through so much.

I am going...  ~ be working on finishing up some projects….nothing like being optimistic….right?

I am currently reading...  ~ Worms in My Tea and other Mixed Blessings by Becky Freeman and Ruth Arnold

My Bible

I am hoping...  ~  for a long, pleasant, Indian Summer

On my mind...  ~  the holidays.  Christmas is exactly two months away!

Noticing that...   ~ I have much to do

Pondering these words…  ~ “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

From the kitchen...  ~ I’m thinking about making a fresh coconut chess pie.  I’ve always used dried coconut, but I have some fresh I need to do something with.

Around the house...  ~ I seem to have children’s clothes stacked everywhere.  I need to start a clothing ministry.

I am creating… ~ a place of rest, only some days I seem to be the one doing most of the resting.

One of my favorite things… ~ autumn;  the smells, the colors, everything

From the Learning Room… ~ every child has potential.  It is our job to find the key that unlocks that potential so success can follow.

A  couple of pictures to share… ~

 These were two lovely crafts I found while surfing some of the blogs.  I thought if you haven't seen them, you might enjoy them.  The links for each one are posted beneath the appropriate picture.

It's A Hodgepodge Life

The Jellybean Junkyard

May your day be blessed!

Cheryl

                              For more Daybook entries visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

I Would Like YOU to Meet ~

For those of you who have been asking ~

This post will be short! After all, I've had a busy day of giving Mamaw kisses to the newest member of the family.

I would like you to meet ~

Elisha Jerron Oxley

"Eli"

Born Friday, October 22nd
Weight: 6 lbs. 8 oz.
Length 20 1/4 inches

Mama and Eli are doing great! (Thank you for your prayers!)

He looks a little like his big sister, Gabby.


And yes, he is a carbon copy of his older brother, Josiah.


And Michaela has decided he can stay, even though she really wanted a sister.

Blessings,
Cheryl

Michelle Palmer Giveaway!

It isn't everyday you get to add great original artwork to your blog! But Michelle Palmer is having a great GIVEAWAY! You can visit Michelle's blog and sign up to be a part of this awesome giveaway.

There will be SEVEN winners! (Well, me and six more.;) JK (kindaof) Aren't these cute?!

I love this little wren. The colors are PERFECT!

And these notebooks are lovely as well as practical. What teacher, aunt, babysitter, Sunday School teacher wouldn't love one?!

CHRISTmas (I borrowed that from Linda;) is only TWO months away!

And if you blog about Michelle's giveaway, she has promised to tuck in a little something extra if you win. I think this Black-Eyed Susan is adorable! Just saying....

You can also go by Michelle's Esty Shop to see more of her wonderful creations!
You'll be glad you did!

Did I mention this giveaway is in celebration of making her 700th sale! (Told you she's good.)


Have a great weekend, y'all!

Blessings,
Cheryl

Twenty-five Days and Counting

In a little over three weeks, many around the world will celebrate World Kindness Day.




I don’t get behind every movement that comes knocking at our door, but I do believe in being kind to others.


Over the years, we have tried to make doing “random acts of kindness” a way of life. We have five children and we have always felt the best way to train them to be better adults, is to be better adults ourselves.

I am a member of a group, who’s only purpose is to do one random act of kindness each weekend. The only rule, you can’t tell anyone what you did. (You may be saying that’s easy. Really? Because keeping my mouth shut is never easy.)

The Bible tells us “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

November 13th has been decreed World Kindness Day. This was the opening day of the first World Kindness Movement conference held at Tokyo in 1998, and the 35th anniversary of the Small Kindness Movement of Japan, which brought the signatories of the ‘declaration of kindness’ of the World Kindness Movement together in 1997.

November 13th is on a Saturday this year. Isn’t that perfect?!

As we move into the Thanksgiving season, is also a wonderful time to remember to be kind to others.

So, here’s your challenge, should you choose to accept it:

On November 13th I challenge you to do five random acts of kindness. These can be as simple or as complicated as you want. You can spend money or you can spend your time thinking of sweet things to say. You can cook your honey’s favorite meal or you can call your mom, your mother-in-law or a friend from way back when. You can send flowers, make a wreath, bake a loaf of bread, or tell someone how wonderful you think they are. You can stop by a nursing home and pass out cookies and hugs. You can take the little neighbor child to get an ice cream cone.

Be creative

And

Be KIND, one to another!

Maybe it will catch on, who knows?


Blessings,
Cheryl

The Simple Woman's Daybook, 10/18

I know, originally the Simple Woman post was intended for Tuesdays, but I love doing it on Mondays. It helps bring my week in focus. Hope no one minds. ~ Cheryl

Outside my window... ~ we are finally getting a little fall color, which I love!

I am thinking... ~ about Sarah’s story. If you haven’t a clue, you really need to head over to Linda’s blog and add a few lines! (I think I am in love with this little family!)

Oh, and Linda is doing a Christmas cookie recipe book! If you want to join the fun, go here.

I am thankful for... ~ for the prayers I’ve seen answered this week and I am looking forward to see how God answers many more.

I am wearing... ~ my pajamas, still ~ perhaps, all day.

I am remembering... ~ a little boy named Kyle

I am praying for… ~ continuing to pray for baby Alex and his family and for each of you!

I am going... ~ to be busy this week! I will be making chow chow (green tomato relish to you non Okies), drying some red cayenne pepper and trying to figure out what to do with more eggplant.

I am currently reading... ~ only have time for my Bible for now

I am hoping... ~ our beautiful fall weather continues

On my mind... ~ my new grandbaby that is due any day!

Noticing that... ~ there are less than 100 days left in this year! Amazing!

Pondering these words… ~ “I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do” – - – Edward Everett Hale

From the kitchen... ~ butternut squash and something good I hope!


Around the house... ~ I am (still) de-cluttering
Worked a little on the wall covering in the kitchen this weekend

I am creating… ~ I’m not, HE IS!

One of my favorite things… ~ butternut squash! I love it! (Who knew?) This is the first year we have tired it.

From the Learning Room… ~ Fall break, but we will be working some or special projects!


A picture to share… ~

I've seen this several times around the net and I love it. I think I am going to do something with it for the granddaughters. Any ideas?

For more entries visit The Simple Woman's Daybook! You'll be blessed!

May your day be blessed!
Cheryl

We Did It!

picture from internet
You can tell, because we don't wear coats this early!

Well we did the deed and I am not happy about it!

Territory Mom over at OklaHome reminded me, we needed to do this!

One day this past week, the boys picked a few persimmons and we proceeded to have a lesson in predicting the weather.

Have you ever looked inside a persimmon seed? Yes, that little orange colored fruit that makes you pucker if you try to taste one before a good frost! After a frost, they taste a little like an apricot.

If you cut open a persimmon seed, you’ll find a little white sprout looking thing. These “sprouts” come in three shapes ~ fork, spoon and knife.

If one sees the fork, it means a mild winter with dry powdery snow.

If one sees a spoon, it means a lot of wet snow for the upcoming winter, so get the snow shovel ready! (Not really, because we don’t use snow shovels in Oklahoma, which is a whole ‘nuther post!)

If one sees a knife, it means cold winter winds are ahead. The kind that “cut” right through you!

It’s a little tricky cutting a persimmon seed in half. If you try this at home, be careful!

Each boy picked three persimmons, from three different areas in the pasture. We ended up with one fork….don’t get excited! One knife and seven spoons! The boys think that is “so cool”, but I am demanding a recount!

The way I figure it, if it takes a good frost to make the fruit edible, maybe it takes a good frost to set the sprout….finish it’s developing process….it could be! Then possibly all those spoons we found were under developed forks! Yeah, I like that forecast much better!

The persimmon is native to North America and it was the Algonquin Indians who called it putchamin, pasiminan, or pessamin, depending on the dialect of the tribe. The unpleasant taste when eaten before it is ripe is due to the tannin present in the fruit. Some say, it isn’t the frost that makes the difference, rather persimmons are not ripe until well into October.

I can vouch for the last part! I had terribly mean cousins who were forever talking me into tasting unripe persimmons! They would say, “No, really, they're ready now!” Now, I get to be the mean one!! Hey guys, you want taste this? No, really, it taste good!;)

Have a blessed weekend!

Cheryl

Cool Tupperware Giveaway!

If you would like to enter a cool giveaway, that will make an excellent gift for a little girl, hurry

on over to Pioneer Beauty's place!

She's giving away a Tupperware, Kids In the Kitchen set.

This is sure to be a welcome gift for some little Mama's helper!

Blessings,
Cheryl

The Simple Woman's Daybook, 10/11

My disclaimer continues….

I have no disclaimer!!! I am once again free to comment!!

Outside my window... ~ the pasture is covered in yellow blooms, thanks to the goldenrod. Beautiful at a distance, up close, not so much. However, it provides lots of food for migrating birds and butterflies.

I am thinking... ~ about the year ahead and the things I want to change. It should be an interesting journey.

I am thankful for... ~ salvation, family, and friends

I am wearing... ~ jogging pants and a T-shirt

I am remembering... ~ the way the air smelled during the T-storm last night

I am praying for… ~ Alex and his family

http://cindy50.blogspot.com/

(Please join me in prayer, if you would.)

I am going... ~ to be knee deep in pears!

I am currently reading... ~ blogs and my Bible

I am hoping... ~ to accomplish a list of priorities today

On my mind... ~ Thanksgiving (it’s not too early, is it?)

Noticing that... ~ even though it is fall, there are still a number of things coming from the garden

Pondering these words... “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in his love, He will joy over thee with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17

I love this verse! I may never change this part of my post.;)

From the kitchen... ~ buffalo stir-fry over brown rice and winter squash

Around the house... ~ I am decluttering

I am creating… ~ a comfortable nest

One of my favorite things… ~ the smell of cinnamon

From the Learning Room… ~ today, the story of Columbus (of course). Did you know his real name, Cristóbal Colón, means dove? Remember the dove Noah sent out to see if there was land? Lots of interesting facts interacting here!

From my picture book ~

file picture from the internet

Blessings,
Cheryl

For more Simple Woman Daybook entries, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook .

Priorities

I received this email from my sister. It is called Just An Old Cowboy, but it certainly illustrates how we “humans” get our priorities out of line.

One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn-out old hat and an equally worn, dog-eared Bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and fine jewelry. As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled by his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.

As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship in church." The old cowboy assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again he was completely shunned and ignored. The preacher approached the cowboy and said, "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church."

"I did," replied the old cowboy.

"And what was his reply?" asked the preacher.

"Well, sir, God told me that he didn't have a clue what I should wear. He said he'd never been in this church."



Blessings,
Cheryl

Just In Time for the Holidays!

Good morning!

No, I'm not rushing the season! The Christmas holidays will be here before we know it. So, I thought I would "help" you out. LOL Actually, here are a couple of things you might want to check out.

First I wanted to let you know sweet Linda over at Prairie Flower Farm is having a party and a terrific giveaway. (The above snowman is her pattern. I'll not say more, after all it is a surprise!)

Second, you can receive 140 free address labels from Vista Print . They have a huge selection of designs to choose from. But you need to hurry!

I hope you are enjoying your Saturday morning. The weather here is so lovely, we are blessed. But the crew is beginning to get hungry.....and they get mean when they get hungry! ; After all, they're boys!) I guess I'd better leave you for now and do something before they eat the table legs.

My our Heavenly Father shower you with His loving kindness throughout the day and with His faithfulness each night. (~from Psalm 92:2)

Be blessed this fine Saturday and be a blessing!

Cheryl

Guess What?!

Yes!!! I am now about to comment!! I am no longer s.i.l.e.n.t. Yes! Yes! Yes!

Give me a little time and I will be by to share some comment love on your blogs!!!

(Thank you, for your patience and kind suggestions!)

There Is A Season

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

It is time.

The last few days, I have heard from many hurting people, people I love. Some of these are family going through difficult times. Some are friends or friends of my grown children, people facing challenges they had never dreamed would come their way. Some are neighbors facing tremendous health issues. Some are friends from our past, who we have remained in contact with over the years and some are bloggers, like me, like you.

I happen to have three diaries written by my husband's grandfather. Brick Nelson always kept a journal. I have the years from 1917 to 1923. Granny, my m-i-l (92 y/o), was born in 1918. I feel very priviledged to have the journal containing Brick's daily entry on the day Granny Dorothy was born.

Brick was a Christian, a farmer, the father of six sons and one daughter. He and his wife, Lizzie, moved to Oklahoma in a covered wagon in 1906 and again in 1907. It was difficult to leave Texas (evidently, as it took two tries ;) ).

Brick and Lizzie's families had moved to Texas from Missouri and Tennessee. Life was always centered around God and family and life was difficult. At one time, both Brick's and Lizzie's mothers had to come live with the family. Lizzie's Aunt Jo also lived with the family for a number of years.

One of the phrases Brick often wrote was, "Life is difficult this side of the grave."

When I was younger, in my twenties, I thought this was a strange thing for a godly, family man to say. Brick had a lot of people depending on him. He had a lot of mouths to feed during a time when this country saw some very lean years.

I'd say, we are getting ready, in the middle of, or are going to see some very lean years of our own.

I believe in the power of prayer. I have seen God do miracles. I know He still is moved by the cry of His children, just as you or I are moved when our children are hurting.

I am writing this to let you know, I am always here to pray with you, to pray for you and for those you love. There is nothing you could say that I would feel was too "small" a request and there is nothing, absolutely nothing that is too big!

Please, if you ever desire a friend to pray with, know I am here. You may leave a comment or you may email me. If want to email me, use the following email (it is the one I check most often):

bloomwhereyoureplanted@yahoo.com

It is TIME we get serious. It is TIME we learn to trust our Heavenly Father. It is TIME we respond to the hurts of others.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."1John 4:7-8



Be blessed,

Cheryl

The Simple Woman's Daybook, 10/5

My disclaimer continues….

First, let my say hi and welcome. Some of you are new and I am so glad to *see* you. However, I have been having trouble commenting on some of the blogs. I’ve narrowed the problem to two possibilities (our son, the ‘puter programmer laughs, because he knows his Mama is no “techie”). But I think it is either with Blogspot (as I am still having other issues) or I may need to load a different browser. I am trying to get this worked out. Please be patient. I’ll be by to leave comments on your blogs as soon as I can.

I really do intend to straighten this mess out. We are nearly finished with the garden (still have to dig sweet potatoes and put up the pears). Once that is behind me, I'll have more time to devote to working through the problems here.

Outside my window... ~ fall…wonderful, breathtaking fall. I love to watch the steam coming up off the pond while the sun’s rays are shinning through the trees.

I am thinking... ~ my toes are cold! It’s chilly.

I am thankful for... ~ the path God has chosen for me.

I am wearing... ~ my pajamas and I think I’ll wear them outside to have my coffee.

I am remembering... ~ the good times we had over this past weekend with all the grands!

I am praying for… ~ a number of people

I am going... ~ to be working on several projects. (It is that time of year!)

I am currently reading... ~ nothing other than my Bible. The months set aside for reading will be here soon. It is the rhythm of the seasons.

I am hoping... ~ to be a blessing to someone today

On my mind... ~ the remarkable lady of Proverbs 31 ~ how did she get it all done?

Noticing that... ~ I have lots to do!

Pondering these words... “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in his love, He will joy over thee with singing.” ~ Zephaniah 3:17 (I love this verse!)


From the kitchen... ~ beans are simmering and a fresh apple cake is in the oven, to go with ~ bar-b-q chicken, salad, and cornbread. Kraut sounds really good, but I don’t think I have everything I need.

(BTW, for those of you who asked, he picked the chicken and dressing. Always!)


Around the house... ~ slowly, I am beginning to get caught up. It will take a while, but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel now ~ even though it is still very dim. (From last week, but I seemed to have lost my focus, that happens with lots of grandkids around.)

I am creating… ~ a place of refuge (at least the grandkids seem to think so!)

One of my favorite things… ~ just living in the country!

From the Learning Room… ~ we are working mostly on reading this week, with some history mixed in.

Sharing this beautiful picture ~

I love this picture! It was taken by Linda over @ Prairie Flower Farm.

For more Daybook posts, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman’s Daybook!

Blessings,

Cheryl

Great Lesson to Start the Week!

I had planned to post about our wonderful, adventurous weekend with all the grandkids today, but a friend shared the following life lesson with me this morning. This illustrates one of those foundational truths we all need to hear. I thought of each of you and how we all go through trials and difficulties, each in our own way. I wanted to pass this along.

Praying it will bless you as much as it blessed me.

Hugs,

Cheryl



The following story is a great example of how the Lord teaches and molds us through life's trials.

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3)

This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week this woman called up a silver smith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silver smith, he held a piece of silver over th efire 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 he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.

She asked the silver smith 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 even a moment too long in the flames,it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silver smith,"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."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you.

~Author unknown