Hey everyone,

Sometimes the most powerful victories aren’t the loud ones. They aren’t the milestones we check off a list or the big events everyone sees. Sometimes, the real victory is simply choosing to keep your heart steady and your mind at peace when the day feels heavy.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the word "Refined." This week in my Lifegroup, we’re studying Simon Peter, and I’ve been captivated by the message in 1 Peter 1. It talks about our faith being refined by fire, much like gold is purified. We often think of "fire" as something that destroys, but in this context, the fire is what makes the gold shine. It's what makes it strong.

I’m realizing that my "refining fire" shows up in the everyday:

* It’s the discipline of showing up for work.

* It’s the "Sound Mind" choice to listen to my body and rest when a headache strikes, knowing that recovery is part of the work.

* It’s the quiet joy of a "Shiloh peace" moment after a long shift.

We don’t have to be perfect to be "The Rock" for our families. Like Peter, we just have to keep our eyes on the goal and keep walking. Whether I’m navigating health challenges or a busy work week, I’m learning that every step taken with integrity is a step toward restoration.

I’d love to hear from you: How are you finding "refinement" in your own life today? What quiet victory are you celebrating?

Let’s encourage each other to keep walking. The fire might be hot, but what comes out of it is going to be pure gold. 

#Restore2026 #SoundMind #RefinedByFire #SimonPeter #FaithJourney #ShilohPeace #QuietVictories #KeepWalking