*Thanks to Scott Blackwell, my awesome husband who lets me raid his pictures.
I don’t know if it is just me but man am I being challenged by these Five Minute Friday words! I think there is some method here. And trust me I am not complaining, I am just noticing and enjoying the stretch. Ahhhh stretching. It’s grand stuff really.
Okay first things first. I am joining in for the third week in 2017 of Five Minute Friday. It is a lovely spot at Kate Motaung’s blog where everyone can get together and write their hearts out with no interruption and no editing. Five minutes of freedom. It is quite fun seeing what other people have written, and a great way to meet other bloggers and maybe even find a new friend. Learn all about it here.
So today’s word is: Refine
Let’s Go
Initially when I read the word refine I was a little jolted. When i think of refine I think of all the change that needs to be made, and I think of my imperfections, and my friend, I am the epitome of imperfection. I felt the need to dig a little deeper into “Refine” so I did what anyone might do, I typed in a search in good ole Google….don’t get me wrong. I have a dictionary, but it wasn’t at my fingertips whereas Google is…well…BLAM…right there when you need it! But I’m digressing here.
Top definition (verb): remove impurities (blech) or unwanted elements from (a substance), typically as part of an industrial process.
Sorry, I had to add the blech here. The whole definition is not a particularly attractive thought. Seriously, did anyone else think of pimples? Oh and by anyone else, I mean the few folks who will stop by and the myriad of intriguing spammers I get here daily. You know who I mean right? At least to me because of course I am thinking of the impurities part and impurities tend to be gross. Think a Biore strip. Yep…you get where I’m coming from right?
I kind of dig the definition two more (also a verb): improve (something) by making small changes, in particular make (an idea, theory, or method) more subtle and accurate.
Now doesn’t that sound better? I’ll tell you why I like this. God created us and He had His design and His purpose in mind, but often we see just total garbage which I imagine is kind of insulting to God. We are often seeing all our flaws rather than His glorious plan and how we fit into it. I mean in Genesis we read that God saw His creation and it was good. I don’t think His creation stopped being good once He got to me, but I act like it a lot. When I read the second definition, I am reminded that there are improvements that God makes in me. He definitely does refine us as we communicate and develop deeper relationships with him, as we pray and as we get involved in relationship with others, but I also see that even in my totally not-quite-ready-for-prime-time state, He can use me and in using me refine me all the more.
Has God been refining you lately? For a while I believe God used traffic to refine me. I used to drive like the east coast girl I was before I moved out to Arizona. Bad drivers got me very uptight. God worked in me, and now my commute is my prayer time. I’m not going to say that I keep it all together all the time, but I am definitely better than before. And warning…IF you cut me off…I WILL PRAY FOR YOU.
Stop
For many years (20+) I was involved in ministry up to my ears. I was on staff at church and it was expected that I would serve above and beyond. When I got laid off two years ago, I realized how burnt out I was. I have stepped away from ministry and God is refining me by teaching me to “be” and not “do” which for me is so hard. Stopping by from the FMF where I am #9 this week. Blessings!
After over 20 years in ministry, I can see how it would be quite difficult to learn to be rather than do. I am so grateful for God’s grace in our lives. I am so glad that the Lord used you in ministry for so long and now is ministering to you in a special way. Barbara, thank you for stopping by. I so appreciate it.
Yes, I often wish for the end result of the refining process without wanting the work or to move out of my comfort zone. I used to ride to college classes with a friend and we would use the time to pray together. I hope you have a lovely weekend
That’s nice that you and your college friend prayed together during commutes. I wish I had gotten into the commute prayer habit sooner, but I am glad I am there now. Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Beautiful post. You got me right in the gut. “God don’t make junk,” they say.
As an east coast girl with a bit of a temper, I get that. And I’ll start praying, too.
Thank God for grace! I know I need it. 🙂 Thanks so much for coming by. I loved your blog by the way…especially the title.
I enjoyed reading your post and am grateful that our Father is always refining us. One of my favorite verses is Philippians 2: 13, “God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him” (CEV). I appreciate His patience and grace. Blessings.
Thank you for coming by Esther! I love Philippians 2:13. I am still learning to appreciate and recognize His grace. I am so grateful. Have a wonderful day!
I think we had a lot of the same thinking on this one. 🙂 I enjoyed reading your page, will enjoy exploring it and I LOVE the pictures. Nicely done.
~Maxine… not a spammer, just a visitor from FMF.
Have a fantastic Sunday
Maxine, thank you so much for visiting. Thanks for the compliment on the pictures. 🙂 My husband will be delighted!
I enjoyed your post, Kelly. So true that while we can often see our imperfections and there are changes he wants to work in us we should not lose sight of the fact that he created us and says we are good, and that we have a part in his plan. Thanks for visiting me too!
Thanks so much for coming by Leslie. I really appreciate it! My hope is always to remember that God truly loves us right here and now and it is not contingent on any ofthe changes we make.
Oh my goodness! You are funny and your site is gorgeous! I love that you are praying for drivers around you. I also struggled with this word. FMF is one of my favorite places to write. Kashoan #61 visiting from FMF
Have a great day!!
Thank you so much for coming by. I remember your post, and I hope you are over your cold. Your pictures with your friends were super sweet. I am loving FMF and hope that I can continue weekly. 🙂 Have a great day!!!