He Shall Sit as a Refiner and Purifier of Silver

This was passed along to us from our Canadian Teresa (Thanks Teresa N. Let us know how the "zoo" is going.):

"Malachi 3:3 says, "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:"

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what 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 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.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you."

Seth Update

Our family has been getting a lot of questions about Seth. I was going to write Michelle for an update today, but this was sitting in my inbox waiting for me:

Seth's parents have set up a site so you can receive updates and post messages in the guest book. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sethspaulding You can also go to http://lottakids1961.blogspot.com/ to see updates and a picture of him. Also, Riley has a site set up where you can email a patient http://rileychildrenshospital.com/information-desk/patient-email.jsp Most of all just continue to pray.

Nov 27th

Seth's surgery went very well. The surgeon and the anesthesiologist said it was un-eventful, which is just how they like it. The surgeon replaced the neccessary parts, but did make the comment that the blood type of the donor parts was not an exact match, which may decrease the longevity of the parts that were installed... but it is an "unknown" ... which basically means that based on emperical data, the longevity of mixed blood types falls within a normal bell curve of matched blood types ... but each body reacts differently.Seth has been in fairly good spirits ... sore throat (from the vent tube) and general soreness (from the surgery) are his main complaints. Many family members have visited and, despite the fact that both hands are still bound to a brace to prevent movement of wrist (IV's are still in both wrists), he continues to touch our hearts with the "I Love You" sign proudly formed and displayed by his taped up hands. He does this as expression of pure, un-conditional love for his family and friends.Your continued support through the recovery is greatly appreciated.... The 2nd day after surgery is often a day filled with a lot of soreness and pain, more so than the day of surgery.

Nov. 28th

They have begun taking him off of all of the medications, including the sedation that helped him rest. So far his body is not showing any signs of rejecting the cadaver part WOHOO PRAISE THE LORD! He is in a lot of pain today and seems to be sad. Everything on him is hurting, including his hips. They keep coming in and out because of his position in the bed. When they strip his drain tube to measure his chest drainage, it about sends him into orbit. They have been great about upping his morphine before they do anything big, but it is a hard day. He has been very weepy today. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. He will have to get up and walk 3 different times today according to his grandma. He cannot fall while walking so be praying that God will give him the strength he needs and would carry him as he takes those steps.

I had a good birthday...

I worked for 6-7 hours on cleaning house and going through clothing for ministry. Clint offered to take me out to eat, but I told him I'd rather have a quiet evening at home. I have leftovers for lunch today. The children and Clint gave me gifts and then I went outside to do something I have been wanting to do for months now. I have thought about it a lot the last two months, but never gave myself time for it. So, last night, I jumped and jumped and jumped on the trampoline. Clint lit it up with his car's headlights. Then he took me for a ride around the neighborhood. Lo and behold! Was that two houses being elevated by FEMA that I saw?!!! I guess it might happen after all!

After that, we came in and danced for hours. We danced alone. We danced with the children. We danced with each other. We even "walked like an Egyptian" to our children's delight. We had such a good time!! I rarely get to listen to music during the course of my day, so that was a nice treat.

Thank you for the cards, e-mails and phone calls. I really appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to wish me happy birthday.

I feel so blessed to have had 39 years on this earth to learn and grow in Him, to have my family, to have survived hardships, to have experienced good and bad, joyous and sad.

For this next year, I want my delight to be in the Lord, for my voice to be continually praising Him for all He has worked in my life and for my life to a be a testimony of His incredible love and goodness. He is merciful, but don't decieve yourself. Mercy can only be present where there is judgment. His judgment is righteous, but it exists. He extends mercy based on our repentant response to His wisdom as given to us in His Word.

Titus 3:3-7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

What It Means to Be a Christian (poem)

Christians
by Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."


When I say.. "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.


When I say.. "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.


When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

There is a difference between being a Christian (living like Christ's example) and having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Only one of them will get you into Heaven:

1. All Have Sinned. Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:12 
    
2. There is a Penalty for Sin. Romans 6:23
    
3. Christ Died as a Substitute for Us. Romans 5:8
    
4. Call Upon the Lord Jesus to Be Saved. Romans 10:13

"When I get big,

I am going to build you a real big house, Mom!" said Caleb. He made this house for me right before Thanksgiving. He even put my favorite name on the door!

We had a sad thing happen on Thanksgiving. Joshua's mouse, Jerri, started to decline a few months ago and died on Thursday. She lived 15 months which is average for a mouse. He was very sad to lose his first pet. He had asked for her for two years straight before he got her as a birthday gift. He and Clint buried her under the tree and said a prayer thanking God for the joy she brought to our family.

Thanksgiving

went well at our house, in spite of the house being torn apart for the floor refinishing. We ate and had a relaxing day on Thursday. Friday, Clint had to work a midnight shift at his part time job so he and I took a nice, long nap together.

We had an issue with the floors, so we are still working on those. It was drying to a half semi-gloss half satin finish. We double checked our procedure with the instructions on the can and found we were doing it correctly. We took a trip to Lowes to talk to the paint man and he said we were doing it right. He believes it was a defect in the can and suggested we call the manufacturer. We bought another can and put it on last night before bed. It looks like it is going to do the trick. We'll close off the upstairs again and put the last coat down on the den and dining room tonight. Then we have to do the master bedroom again.

We'll be working outside today gathering up pine straw and river reeds for bedding for the animals. I've been trying to spend a little time with Jesse each day. She's becoming my buddy now.

This is a scarecrow Amanda made out of bits of trash in just a few seconds. Amanda is very artistic and creative.

I fixed the pictures in the blog that were not working: Thanksgiving, Bethany, Jeff and his family.

I am very, very tired!

Seth's surgery is tomorrow. Please keep him in your prayers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!

Yep, some of you know me better than I know myself....I cooked! I couldn't resist! The house is still torn apart and chaos abounds, but we'll eat a home cooked Thanksgiving meal!

We grew some of the gourds in the picture above.

Don't forget to pray for Seth (see below).

Urgent: Seth Heart Surgery Nov 27th

This darling little boy, who reminds me so much of Joshua, is very sick. His parents are friends of friends of ours. They have asked the body of Christ to join them in prayer.

"There are some very specific things we would ask you to be praying for as Seth begins this battle: (Once I insert a picture, I can't get the text to behave.)

- The blood for transfusions during surgery would be pure

- No surgery complications

- Easy transition off of the heart and lung bypass

- That his heart would start beating immediately

- His heart would not reject the new material being placed in it

- They would be able to put him to sleep before starting the IV’s.

- That his last moments awake would not be filled with fear

- That he would feel the presence of the Lord with him

- That his lungs would be strong and he would be able to come off of the ventilator easily. During his last open heart surgery, his nurse almost killed him by pouring fluid down his vent tube and clogging off his airway.

- No air bubbles in his IV tubing

- God’s strength and peace to walk us through every day of Seth’s recovery

- Nurses and staff that would be God fearing and tender with Seth

- The children would not feel displaced during this time

- Caleia would adjust well to all her caretakers and sleep for them at night.

- That the Lord would use this time to speak compassion to the older boys. That they would truly understand the power of the Lord.

- That God would get the glory in all that is about to happen

- That Brent and I would have and take the opportunity to share our faith with other hurting parents that don’t have the hope of Christ.

Thank you for your prayers. There is nothing like the body of Christ to come along side you in a time like this and help. I think of Abraham when he could not hold up his arms and pray, Aaron came along side of him and held is arms for him. Thank you for holding our arms. You will never know this side of heaven what it means to us! Prayer is our greatest tool against the enemy, and we want to be ready for the battle in front of us.

In Gods Love,

Brent, Vicky and Seth"

Our friend Michelle says: "Please keep this family in your prayers. Also please feel free to send this letter to others who would be willing to pray. If you would like you may send notes of encouragement, scriptures, prayers, etc. to them at prayingforseth@yahoo.com "

Let's pray for this child and family as if they were our own.

When we sit down to enjoy our Thanksgiving Day meal, let's agree in prayer together.

I have not posted their entire letter here. It is very long, but beautiful. If you'd like to read it, please contact us @ contentmentacres@yahoo.com and we'll forward it to you.

I Love the Dog, but...

This is the saw dust from sanding the floors in the den and dining room. This bag will fit over our couch so this is a fairly large sized pile. We emptied the collection bags outside to keep the dust out of the house. That didn't work too well because Nala thought the dust would make a good place to sleep. She ran in the house and left a trail on our still tacky floors! Everyone yelled for her to go back outside so loudly, we gave her a complex!

Energy!!!

It's late at night in this picture and these two are full of enough energy to run circles in the den.
See the dust reflecting the light from the flash?

Still at it....

Here's Bethany running the floor sander. Everyone took a turn with this machine. I used it the most to free Clint up to do the edge work. Clint only let the older children use the orbital sander since it is easier to damage the floor.

We are still at it. Yesterday, we lined the floor with cardboard and painted the master bedroom. Today, I am doing the touch up painting on the walls which are a warm yellow called Honey Pot. I did a coat of white on the windows and trim, but it will need another coat.

Now, I am off to do some touch up paint in the den.

Psalms 55:16-17 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Old Floors

That's Bethany's artwork in the bottom picture. I asked Clint not to sand it all the way out so we could keep it around for the grandchildren to see. You can faintly see it through the finish. It might get one or two of them out of trouble in the future! A perfect floor would not have character.

New Floors

Refinishing Floors

Wow! It has been a busy weekend here. We used the floor stripper to strip all of the floors in the original part of the house (5 rooms). We took it back an hour before it was due to be there. We left the floors with a very rough texture to blend in with the old farm house and to protect our family from slipping. It will get smoother each time we have to update the polyurethane to sand out the scratches from normal use. With our traffic flow, we expect to have to do that every couple of years. We have stained two rooms and have finished the polyurethane in the den. We still need another coat in the master bedroom. Once we get those rooms finished, we can move our belongings and start on the others. The weather has been mild so we've had our windows open to blow out the fumes and the dust.

Prayer Request: Our niece Jennifer broke her femur and has had surgery.

You are the God who performs miracles; You display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:14

The Rest of the Gang

Nala

Emily

I've been asked what Emily is doing now. She's sitting up with support and is crazy about everyone in the house. If she hears Clint's voice, she'll stop eating and start looking for him. He does a Scooby Doo impression that cracks her up. She still doesn't have teeth, which is abnormal for our children who cut teeth at two months. (I am not complaining!) She is chewing, as you can see in the last picture. She is wearing and filling out 1T (12 mos.) sized clothing and keeping her mama on her toes.

Amanda and Peace

Proofreading

Alright, don't write me any more letters about Elliot. He's really a nice guy and he's apologized. We've written quite a bit back and forth. I like him! In over ten years of being online, he's the only critic we've ever had to send an e-mail.

Here's the deal: Clint and I are responsible for over 2,000 internet pages. We would love for everything to be perfect, but it is not going to happen. Even the best of writers have paid proofreaders that go over their work several times in different ways. (Amazingly, I took a proofreading course in college.) Your own errors are never as apparent to you as they are to someone else. If we waited until we had time to get everything perfect, nothing would ever get posted to the blog or anywhere else. I just don't have that kind of time. Being perfect isn't our goal anyway. Sharing the love of Christ and encouraging fellow Christians is the aim of Contentment Acres. We hear from people all around the world who say we are doing a pretty good job of that too.

We had a campfire cookout last night and everyone enjoyed their fire roasted meals and desserts.

This morning we have school and then we will begin moving furniture. All of the furniture from the den and dining room must be moved today so Clint can begin to sand and refinish the floors tomorrow afternoon. There is a lot to move too. We had planned to do the floors four years ago until Hurricane Isabel forced it further down the list.

Don't expect e-mail. It's going to be a very busy weekend.

Pictures are next. Elliot will be happy....much less text to proofread. :-D

I am already tired from nursing and yesterday, so today should be a challenge. Pray for me.

A Letter and My Reply

I got this today. My reply is below:

Please correct your site for spelling, grammar and useage. As a Christian, I am embarrassed when someone who is so obviously Christian is running what is supposed to be a professional operation and they write something like this:

"People who suffer from skin allergies, winter itchies, eczema, and dry skin are frequent users of goat's milk soap. While we can't tell you it will heal these conditions, we can tell you it will not further excerbate them."

The word is "exascerbate," not "excerbate." If you start to get shaky when you reach for a more than 3 syllable word, either use words with less syllables,(as in "it will not make them worse), or reach for a dictionary.

Also, the phrase, "further exascerbate" is redundant. It's like saying "repeat again" or "stupid idiot."

The correct way to write the sentence is: "While we can't tell you it will heal these conditions, we can tell you it will not exascerbate them."

I understand a home schooler won a National geography contest, but it has been my experience that Christians as a group are very poor spellers and very lazy about using words. They use the words "impact" and "incredible" both incorrectly and to the point where anyone who is listening for them could about vomit.

Please have someone who knows spelling, grammar and useage go through your site and correct what is wrong.

Here's another, actually humorous error:

"Brandon was born in 1992. Clint and I realized then that we wanted the best for our children and recommitted our lives to Christ when he was still in womb." It sounds as if you recommitted your lives to Christ when Clint was still in the womb.

I apologize for writing to criticize, but I think it is in our best interests as Christians to look just as good and intelligent as we can to the rest of the world. Dan Quayle did us some real damage. Let's not make that worse.

Blessings and best wishes,
Elliot


Thank you Elliot for taking your time to go over our website and find errors that make you "want to vomit." I have been very clear in our blog that I will make mistakes in spelling and grammar. In fact, I know of many more than what you pointed out. Overall, we find our readers to be very understanding, forgiving and humble people who encourage us to keep sharing our lives.

I've learned to face the facts that I will make mistakes not only in writing, but in every area of my life. In fact, I make them often. If you are looking for perfection in any area, please don't look this way! Instead, I point you to the example of Christ. He is the only Perfection I have ever met.

I am a full time mother of six children. I am homeschooling five of them this year. The other is a newborn. I breed our dogs, run our farm, make soap, sell used books, garden, use coupons to plan out each grocery trip and cook our meals from scratch. I also spend time each week writing women around the globe who are desperate for Christian fellowship. I have been asked to do three book reviews in the next few weeks. I am also working with my husband to repair and renovate our home and so on and on the list goes. When I get a chance, I am also working on a book, which will be edited by someone who is paid to find my many errors. :-D I am asking you to cut me some slack, Elliot.

I promise to everyone reading that I WILL make more mistakes. I am not going back to correct the errors you mentioned. I am just not that proud and do not have the time. Many people relate to me because my flaws are so apparent.

In fact, I receive many, many compliments and have been told more times than I can count that I should write a book. Parts of our website are printed in electronic and print media every month. Something here works OK in spite of the many mistakes!

While I like doing things correctly, how I spell and the grammar I use is not quite as important to me as it is that I convey God's great love for each person who comes to this site. God is not going to ask me about my spelling and usage. He's going to ask me if I reached out to others in His Name. Did I change lives for Him? Did I show love, encourage, build up, strengthen, help, die to self and so much more?

Maybe that is why you find Christians to be "lazy" with words. Sincere Christians try to reflect Christ's humble, loving and forgiving spirit. Doing that means we work harder on the inner man than the external appearances. It's much easier to worry about how my hair, clothes, writing, home, etc appear to others than it is to work on the character traits it takes to be a dedicated follower of Christ.

What you get here is leftovers of a tired, hardworking mother with a love for the Lord and good sense of humor. If it bothers you so much, please find another place to read. If you can accept my humble and imperfect ways without being driven to the barf bucket, keep reading. We'd love to count you among our friends.

By the way Elliot, since you brought it up:

You misspelled usage. You do not need the "e." Spell checker would have found that for you, or were you like me, going so fast in a very busy day that you forgot it was there? or just didn't have thirty seconds more before your family needed you again?

The word I was looking for was exacerbate which means to increase the severity. According to dictionary.com (yes, I know how to use one) and Blogger's spell checker, you misspelled that also.

If it were part of a title, national would need capitalization.

In spite of your imperfections, I understood your meaning. I saw other errors in your writing, but I believe my point is made.

No matter how imperfect we are, Christ still shows us His awesome love. I don't have to have perfect words or a beautiful voice because He sees right to my heart. He never demeans. How wonderful it is to belong to Him! If only we could follow His example in how we relate to others.

If you really want nightmares Elliot, you should drop by the house and hear my southern accent whip out some slang. That'll put a knot in your britches. :-)

If Dan Quayle's only flaw anyone can remember is that he misspelled a word, I feel he's done very well.

You should also be aware that homeschooled children are doing a lot more than winning at national geography contests. Read up a little and be impressed.

In Christ,
Wendy

Hardwood Floors

I can't"nest" at the end of my pregnancies because of the HG, but it sure hits after the baby has been born. I've been painting, cleaning and rearranging making up for lost time! I have most of my strength back and feel fairly energetic.

The last warm day we had, I put the first coat of clear coat on the upstairs hallway floor. Since it is suppose to be warmer, I put the second coat on today and hope to do the third tomorrow. I am using a fast drying, low fume polyurethane from Lowe's. I closed off the children's bedrooms and opened the windows in mine. I have fans blowing air out so we aren't smelling any fumes at all downstairs. We are using the restroom in the RV since our bathroom downstairs is out of commission. (It doesn't even exist...Clint tore it down to the frames of the walls!)

Brandon had his friend Matt over for the weekend, which was fun for the entire family. They rotated through the computer, playstation and trampoline all weekend.

Clint had to work, but is off next weekend.

Emily has been waking up at night to nurse for the last week. She's four months. I packed away the 6-9 month sized clothing three weeks ago. I bought some 12 month sized sleepers for her, but I do not think they will last her the winter since she fills them out now.

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

BABY IS HERE!

Congratulations to Brian and Wendy and Family on their newest addition!

Thank you to everyone who prayed!

Ohio Trip 2 (picts)

They stayed in an Amerisuites and enjoyed it. They raved on and on about the hot breakfast buffet. The second picture shows the waffle machine. Clint and Amanda just loved this. It was already hot. You took a syrofoam cup filled with batter and poured it in. Two and a half minutes later, they had fresh waffles! In the bottom shot, Amanda is using one of the laptops Clint brought along in the lobby of the hotel.

Ohio Picts 1 (picts)

That is a pict of Sean who grabbed Amanda's hand so he could show her something.

Below that is Jeff and his family: Elizabeth, Sean and Kade (I am sure I spelled something wrong!) with Amanda.
Jeff and Clint met through work and hit it off. Clint and Amanda really enjoyed their time with their family.
That is a pict of Sean who grabbed Amanda's hand so he could show her something.

Prayer Request for Baby and Mother Part 3

As of very late last night, she was still working on having the baby. Please keep praying.

It's been one trial after another the last few weeks. Hopefully the trial period is over and their family will have a time of peace and rest with a beautiful new addition.

As soon as we know, we'll post it. Thank you for praying.

Prayer Request for Baby and Mother Part 2

I tell ya, I post a prayer request and ya'll get to praying and things start happening!

She's progressed more and it looks like this might be labor!! Let's pray it is and that it goes quickly and easily. They've had a very difficult and trying time so far...just one thing after another....

Hopefully it will be over soon and baby will be safely delivered into their arms.

Another Trip Down Memory Lane (picts)

This is Clint's 1971 Chevelle Malibu. He is about 16 in this picture.

Prayer Request for Baby and Mother

A friend of ours is overdue with pregnancy almost by 2 weeks. Her midwife has given her until Tuesday to have the baby naturally. This has added a lot of stress the already frustrating situation.

Please lift up prayers that the baby will come over the weekend so she can avoid interventions. Please ask God to keep the baby and mother healthy and safe.

We'll post it here when we learn she has had the baby.

There is a God by Trent Willmon (video)

We enjoy this song and video.
It's busy here today. I hope to get the errands run tonight so we can work around the house this weekend.

Memory Lane (picts)

Here's Clint and I our senior year of high school in 1987.
We had to scan these in for a class reunion power point presentation.

Just a Little Peace

While Clint and Amanda were in Ohio, the rest of us had a little fun with Amanda's kitty, Peace. Every morning, we'd have a picture, or two, or three of a "doctored" Peace waiting for her. We had a little fun with Hot Shot and some family photos too. It guaranteed a phone call and a laugh. By the second day, Amanda and Clint were looking to see what we had done next. Laughter is a great way to build or maintain a bond with your children as most children are very playful by nature. If you are very serious all of the time, they can't let down and be themselves with you.

Pumpkin Dissection

Dissecting a pumpkin so we could learn about its many parts for plant science. You can click here to find references to gourds in the Bible. It is thought the vine that grew over Jonah was a poisonous wild pumpkin. (look under gourd)

Halloween is something the Lord has led us away from, so our children have never carved a jack-o-lantern. Joshua wasn't too keen on putting his hands in the pumpkin, but he did it. "It's all slimey, Mom!"

I am working on the soap page as I get a minute here and there. It should be up by the end of the week if all goes well.

Happy Birthday Relative!

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:14