Monday, August 23, 2021

God's Treasure

 


For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. ~Psalm 66:10

When it comes to deciding which items in my mother's house to keep or discard, my brother, Bill, and I have only brushed the tip of the iceberg.  We not only have to claim what we would like, or even have room for in our respective homes, but also check with our children as to which paintings/books/knickknacks/furniture each one of them would value for themselves.

I am poking around inside a hutch in Mom's dining room when I discover this sterling silver cup.


Instantly, I realize, this isn't just any silver cup, but was presented to my grandmother's parents when she, Gladys, was born.  If you can discern in spite of the tarnish, here initials, "GB," can be faintly seen.  And below that, in miniscule print, is the year she began life on earth:  1897.  What a treasure!

I tell Bill that I recall occasionally drinking out of that cup when I was a little girl.  Oh, how cold and refreshing fresh milk tasted in its silver casing!  Immediately, Bill insists that I claim this historical item for myself.  I don't argue!  (I love my brother!)

Of course, this precious cup deserves a much-needed face lift to wipe away the grime and erase the discoloring that comes with age and neglect.  I use TarnX and a soft cloth to accomplish what I imagine will be a daunting task.


It's anything but difficult, and within minutes, the cup has returned to its original sheen and shine.





Isn't it beautiful?

And I am reminded that all the dirty stains of sin we accumulate over the years are impossible for us to erase, but it's an easy-peasy job for our loving and forgiving Father when we repent and turn to Jesus.  He will refine us, make us new creatures in Him, and give us a fresh start.

So, ask yourself today:  Do you need to regain your shine and sheen?  Run to the Lord, confess all your sins and seek His forgiveness.

God is waiting with open arms for His treasure - you!

Amen!

42 comments:

  1. What a beautiful treasure containing such fond memories of childhood.

    I like the ending of your article. Yes, I do run to the Lord once more. And He says, "Not you again!"

    God bless.

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    1. "Not you again!" Gotta love it, Victor. I think we all do the same thing, so you are definitely not alone in this boat.
      And yes, I'm not one to hang onto things, but this is a very special treasure, indeed, for all the memories it holds.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. Beautiful cup. Even better application. Thanks for reminding me Martha of what God has given me with His salvation.

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    1. Yes, Bill, God's given you a sheen and a shine with His salvation. Glad you enjoyed the post, my friend.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. If it's to shine, silver needs constant polishing!

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    1. So true, Glynn! And we need to allow the Lord to clean us up more frequently than not.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Dearest Martha Jane,
    That is a treasure brought back to original shine indeed!
    You were daring for using a very hazardous product instead of some elbow grease with a good brush... Check out the many hazards for the silver but above all for your own health: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/375980268900367567/
    Sad that now almost all the silversmith' applied patina of the engraving has been removed...
    Sure don't hope that God will cleanse us in such a dangerous and harsh way!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the MSDS link. We did follow the safety guidelines. Interesting that it can be sold on grocery store shelves.

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    2. Thanks for your comment, Danny! It is interesting that it's sold at the grocery store.
      Love and blessings!

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    3. Hi, Mariette! Yes, I was so pleased with how well this all came out, and as Danny said, we followed all precautions. And I know the way God will cleanse us will be the safest one around!
      Love and blessings!

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    4. As to Danno, grocery stores, and any others of course sell it for $$ profit! It is up to us, the consumers to do our homework and learn about it. Just like any bottle of alcohol... you cannot blame the store for its often devastating effects on humans.
      😉

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    5. I hear you, Mariette! That is oh, so true.

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  5. Martha, I love this story! Not a week ago I was searching for something in my mother's hope chest and came across my own silver baby cup. Once I finish this, I think it deserves some TLC.
    What a blessing to know our Savior is waiting to wash us clean!

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    1. Oh, you found your own treasure, Myra! I know you'll clean it up so it can shine, too, just like its owner. :) And yes, what a relief to know that God is in the business of polishing us up.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. This is so heartwarming to hear how you and your bother are taking care of things for your beloved mother. What a treasure to find such a lovely keepsake. I loved your story. Hugs and blessings



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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story, Nells. Yes, the going is slow, but Bill and I are keeping at it a bit at a time. Will be meeting up again on September 8 to try and get some more accomplished.
      Love and blessings!

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  7. What a sweet blessing; those memories of items that helped shape who we are. I could almost taste that cold fresh milk from a metal glass from when I was a little boy. Nothing quite like it. I'm so glad you are finding these treasures, and their associated memories, to fill the void where your mama was in your life. Our loved ones do live on within our hearts don't they? God's blessing as you and your family work through the legacy your dear mom left upon your lives.

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    1. Oh, yes, J. D., our loved ones certainly live within our hearts long after they've gone to be with the Lord. I'm so grateful for this particular treasure as it did bring back wonderful memories for me. It made me wonder, though, why my Nana gave this cup to my mom instead of giving it to her sister. That's something I may never know!
      Love and blessings!

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  8. What a beautiful cup! And story! I just love old things like this, especially if they have such deep sentimental meaning and value. So thankful your brother let you take it home!

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    1. I'm thankful Bill insisted that I have this, Cheryl. Old things with memories attached are the best things we don't need to declutter, but pass on to family members when we are gone. My brother is a great guy!
      Love and blessings!

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  9. That is a beautiful treasure, indeed! TarnX is the best silver cleaner, and Jesus covers us with His precious blood and heals our souls. A wonderful analogy. Well said!!

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    1. I'm so glad you liked this treasure, Terri, and the analogy here today. Yes, Jesus cleanses and covers us with His precious blood and grace!
      Love and blessings!

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  10. How wonderful!!! That is such a beautiful cup...what a difference the tarn-x makes! Just like what a difference Jesus makes in our lives so that we can shine like brand new again! Amen! Your grandmother was just two years younger than my grandmother! That's pretty neat!! They could have been friends if they had lived near each other! Love this story so much.

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    1. Oh, Pamela, I'm so glad you shared that fact about your grandmother here today! It has been striking me hard that our generations' grandparents were born in the 19th Century, and here we are in the 21st. Wow! If your grandmother loved fun and giggles as much as mine did, I'm sure they would have been thicker than thieves. :)
      And yes, what a difference Jesus makes in our lives!
      Love and blessings!

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  11. Martha, I love your story. I hope that as you continue to sort through your Mom's possessions it will fill you with more delightful memories and that you'll re-discover treasures you completely forgot about.

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    1. I hope that happens, too, Linda. We do have such a plethora of things to sort through in the weeks and months to come, and I pray for patience and resolve as we do so.
      Love and blessings!

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  12. Wonderful analogy about a real treasure, Martha. Those treasures will bring you great comfort in the years to come.
    Blessings!

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    1. Thanks, Lulu - I'm glad you liked the analogy here! Yes, I'm so happy to have this treasure that I can one day pass along to my grandchildren.
      Love and blessings!

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  13. When He hath purified me, I shall come forth as gold. .. so agree, Martha.. I think youve a loving brother, too. Def the mug is now ultra special.

    Thanks for sharing, and may God bless and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
    Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}


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    1. Amen, Shaz! May the Lord purify and refine each and every one of us.
      Love and blessings!

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  14. The application is like "WOW!!!!!" God really lead you on this one! :)

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind compliment, Ed.
      Love and blessings!

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  15. Boa tarde. Fico feliz que você achou esse maravilhoso tesouro.

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    1. I am, too, Luiz. It's so dear to me.
      Love and blessings!

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  16. How what a lovely treasure. It is amazing what a good cleaner will do to brighten our treasures. JUst like God's love for us. Thank you for the rmeinder and thank you for your kind heart.

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    1. You are so welcome, Anne, and I really appreciate your kind words here. God will clean us up, indeed!
      Love and blessings!

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  17. Your silver cup is, indeed, beautiful and the spiritual application you made to it is perfect.

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    1. Thank you, Barbara! I will enjoy this cup for years to come, and will certainly pass it on to my children.
      Love and blessings!

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  18. Martha, the cup is simply stunning! So thankful you now possess it in memory of your sweet mom and her life!

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