To begin...

Well, I've wanted to set up an official blog for sometime now, and while I've blogged for class requirements, I've never really felt the need to blog my personal thoughts until now.

It all began when my good friend and I watch Julie&Julia, and she suggested that I write a blog. That sounded like fun, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Now, what to write about? Well, that was simple: the most important Part of my life, and the Center of it all -- Jesus. Oh yes. This is already looking good.

The title, "Like Gold Refined", came to me in song during a worship service, and I later used the line in a worship song I wrote this morning :) Essentially, this blog is intended... well, I'm not exactly sure what my intentions are. Maybe to remember all the glorious things God reveals to me, and to share those great and awesome pieces of God with whoever stumbles across this blog. I'm sensing that this blog will be more of an encouragement, a sort of "iron sharpening iron" deal. I'd love it to be a place for people to come together and share God's absolutely amazing works with each other. Community is absolutely essential in our walk with God. We were never intended to walk alone. Therefore, this blog will be going into existence as soon as I click the "Publish Post" button at the bottom of my screen. Okay.

I figure this blog will also help me work out my thoughts a little bit, as I tend to be a journal junky anyway. Writing definitely helps me process my thoughts like nothing else can, and there's something about the rhythmic clicking of the keyboard that keeps me here until everything is laid out on the table. So be prepared for bottom-of-the-heart questions, things that I wrestle with deep inside, and for revelations that have blessed me, and will hopefully bless you as well :)

Enough with the introductions, let's get to the good stuff.

Okay. So there's this Jesus fella. and OH MAN, He's so alive and present, and He is ON THE MOVE. Great things are already happening inside of us, the Spirit is moving. One of my daily devotionals, "Today is Your Best Day," illustrates the Holy Spirit as a river. Not only does the Holy Spirit provide living water, like Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well (John 6), but it is MOVING. It is a river that does not stand still, because it is ALIVE. It moves with purpose. It moves within us to pour out on the world. A lake stands stagnant and can become infected with all sorts of... slimy things, for lack of a better description... but a river keeps things fresh EACH DAY. "His mercies begin afresh each morning" (Lamentations 3:23).
Sidenote: I have learned that there are SO MANY remarkable books in the Bible that I have often overlooked -- check out the string of minor prophets before you hit the New Testament. Solid promises to be found there!

I would go on forever about the greatness of God, but I know I'll be elaborating on this constantly throughout this blogging process :) All I have to say for now is Habakkuk 3. I will definitely be touching on what I have learned through that passage soon, but I don't want this first entry to turn people away with its length ;)

I leave you with the lyrics to my newest song, which illustrates the feeling in my heart that God is moving, like a rushing river that's ready to cut through the stonework of our hearts and society and break down walls and show us the wondrous glory of our God. OH MAN. Talk about exciting. I just can't wait to see what tomorrow brings :)

Joyful Song

The joy of the Lord is our strength and our song (Nehemiah 8:10)
The song of the Lord is rising, so sing along

Can you feel the Spirit rising, all you nations?
Can you feel the Spirit moving in your hearts?

‘Cause our God is alive and nothing can keep us apart (Romans 8:38-39)

The joy of the Lord is our strength and our song
The song of the Lord is rising, so sing along

Can you feel the fire burning, all you people?
It’s the fire that is refining all our hearts

‘Cause our God is alive and nothing can keep us apart

Purify, purify like gold refined
Our God is moving, He can’t be stopped

We can make all our plans
But God’s purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:21)

The joy of the Lord is our strength and our song
The song of the Lord is rising, so sing along

Can you feel the river rising, tribe of Judah?
It’s the river that is flowing from God’s heart

‘Cause our God is alive and nothing can keep us apart!

You can listen to the song, and more of my music at www.myspace.com/amydormanmusic

Love and blessings to you today!