Refining Moments: Defining a Life Unknown.

Refinement:

1. A subtle point or distinction

2. Subtle reasoning

3. An improved, higher or extreme form of something.

4. The quality or state of being refined: Cultivation

5. A contrivance or device intended to improve or perfect.

Streams In the Dessert is a devotional that I have read and reread over the last few years. When I had exhaustion in my bones in Lincoln Montana on a cold morning in a Lincoln log cabin, I recall reading this devotional:

June 19

"Grain must be ground to make bread."- Isaiah 28:28

"Many of us cannot be used as food for the worlds hunger, because we have yet to be broken in Christs hands. "Grain must be ground to make bread," and being a blessing of His often requires sorrow on our part. Yet even sorrow is not too high a price to pay for the privilege of touching other lives with Christ's blessings. The things that are most precious to us today have come to us through tears of pain." J.R. Miller

"God has made me as bread of His chosen ones, and if it is necessary for me to "be ground" in the teeth of lions in order to feed His children, then blessed be the name of the Lord"- Ignatius 

"To burn brightly our lives must first experience the flame. In the words, we cease to bless others when we cease to bleed."

Poverty, hardship, and misfortune have propelled many a life to mortal heroism and spiritual greatness. Difficulties challenge our energy and out perseverance but bring the strongest qualities of the soul to life. It is the weights on the old grandfather clock that keep it running. And many a sailor has faced a strong head wind yet used it to make it to port. God has chosen opposition as a catalyst to out faith and holy service. 

The most prominent characters of the bible were broken, threshed and ground into bread for the hungry. Because he stood at the head of the class, enduring affliction while remaining obedient, Abraham's diploma is now inscribed with these words: "The Father of Faith." 

Jacob, like wheat, suffered severe threshing and grinding. Joseph was beaten and bruised, and was forced to endure Potiphars kitchen and Egypt's prison before coming to his throne.

David, hunted like an animal of prey through the mountains, was bruised, weary and footsore, and thereby ground into bread for a kingdom. Paul could never have been bread for Caesar's household if he had not endured the bruising of being whipped and stoned. He was ground into fine flour for the Roman royal family.

Combat comes before victory. If God has chosen special trials for you to endure, be assured He has kept a very special place in His heart just for you. A badly bruised soul is one who is chosen."

My how we wish it were June 19th, right? I'm sure a lot of you probably feel like this.

But perhaps there are other trials besides weather happening currently with in us. Perhaps it is a bit more than a flesh wound and perhaps it distracts us easily from our focus. It is in these teachings, these stretching and exhaustive times that we often discover what God has been doing in the lives within us and around us. Clearly this devotional is NOT telling us that in order to succeed at serving and building His kingdom we must bleed out physically and endure wounds of extreme hostility. No these trials and seasons are often figurative. How awesome of an opportunity to realize within those threshing moments that He prepares us through all of it. With out it we would be ill equip to serve where He calls us to. And He knows this! So of course we must endure and praise Him for it! Thank Him for it all because Abba knows!

Whether physically or figuratively speaking: Love is War.

It's been a good week of refinement my friends. I am continually humbled in the work that I am doing for SROM and have been greatly encouraged by those around me near and far. A few things for you to check out this week!

our rad Oscar nominated video for our Patagonia Nano-air Hoody giveaway! #Pattyswag

It was much colder this week which was actually really awesome! Like I mentioned above I'm sure that many of you really do wish that it was Summer. I'm and optimist! If we had whatever weather we wanted when ever we wanted, how could that thankful, JOYFUL deep feeling of thanksgiving ever occur to warm our souls in knowing we don't have control over any of it but yet God provides for us every single day! (Stepping off my soap box) Here's a little something that I hope will make you smile regardless. Bittersweet understandings if you will

In the midst of our busy work week of updates and upgrades we also took one of our lunch hours to celebrate our dear accountant Christy  #Christysixty. 

The days are getting longer! Which means that the Sun on Emily's desk exists longer and at a perfect brain break time of day around 4pm.

 It's also that time of year again! Banff Film Festival! It's been great!Between Mending the Line Doc and Suffer Fest 2, We've been enjoying it tremendously. Even though I don't drink coffee, I've still be snagging some complimentary for friends! One more night of films! Stoked!

Things on the horizon:

-25 Mile Trail run in Colorado But not JUST for fun. To benefit the world as well!

-Still waiting for my permanent license plates, but Laramie has been really wonderful and understanding!

-Wilderness First Responded Course!

-Trampled By Turtles February 28th!

-Keep Adventuring