Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Refiner's Touch

8:37 PM 3 Comments
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 the woman called up a silversmith 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 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 so 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 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. For 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 silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part -- when I see my image reflected in it."
***

Right now, I am feeling the heat of the fire. The story about the Refiner's Touch made me smile and gave me strength to endure my current trial. Isn't it funny that I posted last Sunday about how much I wanted to be a reflection of Him? And now, here I am...I feel like shit and just a while ago, I really felt like giving up.

It's amazing how you stumble upon things that will give you answers and affirmations...I know He sees me. I know He loves me.

I have no complaints Lord because after all, I really want to be like You. It's just that I am really hurting and I really need more angels here on earth. Please send them, STAT. =D

***
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire,
remember that God has His eye on you and will keep His hand on you
and watch over you until He sees His image in you.

*the picture is from here*

Sunday, August 28, 2011

I am a reflection of His love.

11:26 PM 1 Comments
I know I am not even close to His reflection but I want to keep on saying that, like a mantra, to remind me of how I want to live my life. I really don't remember when did I started to keep those words in my heart but I am determined to persevere, to live a life that reflects His love. I know I am not doing a good job imitating Him because honestly it is really hard to imitate His compassion, patience, forgiveness, love and faith.

so I pray..
Lord, it has always been my desire to be like You, to show love and to serve Your people in any way that You want me to; guide me, use me and hold me tight whenever I am shaken with trials. Forgive me if at times I can't control myself, my disappointments, my frustrations and anger. Forgive me if I dislike some people; touch my heart and take the negative feelings away. Teach me to love and see people the way You see them.

Lord, I love You so much; may my actions, my thoughts and the words that I speak reflect my love for You.

Is the face that I see in the mirror
the one I want others to see
Do I show in the way that I walk in my life
The love that You've given to me
My heart's desire is to be like You
In all that I do, all I am

Do they see Jesus In Me
Do they recognize Your face
Do I communicate Your love, and Your grace
Do I reflect who You are
In the way I choose to be
Do they see Jesus In Me

It's amazing that you'd ever use me
But use me the way You will
Help me to hold out a heart of
compassionate grace
A heart that You're spirit fills
May I show forgiveness and mercy
The same way You've shown it to me

Now I want to show all the world who You are
The reason I live and breathe
So You'll be the One that they see
When they see me

Amen.


Do They See Jesus in Me
by Joy Williams

Friday, August 5, 2011

A Walk to Remember

11:59 AM 7 Comments

No matter how many times I watch "A Walk to Remember", I always end up crying. It's the sweetest movie I've ever seen. It's the kind of love that I've been dreaming to experience; It's the kind of love that I want.

I remember watching it the first time and cried because the girl died and left the guy; I thought that was tragic. However, as my beliefs mature and the more I see and experience life and especially relationships, the more I get to reflect about the great love that the movie is projecting.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

It's hard to find an unconditional love, a love that is so great that is always willing to put the happiness of others first. I wonder if God had planned for me to experience that kind of love or if He had planned to make me the giver. I know love should be a give and take thing; but the thought of being a part of an extraordinary love story excites me...or maybe I'm just saying that because I'm still high from the movie. lol

Anyhow, here are a few quotes that I've been keeping in mind and I hope that someday I can use these quotes to describe the kind of life I've lived.


"I don't think that we're meant to understand it all the time.
I think that sometimes we just have to have faith."

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent 
people and the affection of children; 
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and
endure the betrayal of false friends; 
to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; 
to leave the world a little better place than we found it,
whether by a healthy child, 
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; 
to know even one life breathed easier because you lived. 
This is to have succeeded."

"As I go through my day, I will be mindful
of how my actions affect others. 
The ripple effect of kindness moves swiftly. 
I will be like the stone thrown in the water that starts the movement."

i am a reflection of HIS love ❤