TYLER — “Refine us as silver is refined” is painted on the door of Deborah Harter’s Tyler jewelry store, Sterling Grace. Inside are beautiful necklaces, sparkling jewels, earrings, and T-shirts surrounded by artdeco sculpted to imitate an old brick building.

It was immediately apparent this place was dedicated to the Lord, scripture writings encircling the entire room. But in Harter’s office was the true gem of the store.

She has traveled numerous times to Israel, and the intricate details of the ancient Jewish customs can draw the believer into a deeper understanding of the life of Jesus Christ, shedding a new light on the Master’s teachings.

Harter is a wife, mother, and grandmother — all while remaining a faithful servant to the Lord. She explained how she juggles all those responsibilities.

“On my face,” she laughed, “And usually in prayer, because if I’m not, then I will fall on my face — right in the dirt. I have to let God be in control. Otherwise, I would crash and burn. I go where He calls me, and I allow His Spirit to pave the way.”

Over the years, Harter has endured her share of personal and spiritual trials, with many resulting in what she describes as “miracles.” Her first battle came in the form of ovarian cancer when her boys were 1 and 5.

Nearly 98 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer do not survive. Yet, the Lord delivered her.

Then, when her son was a teenager, he was diagnosed with lymphoma — a devastating prognosis. Harter explained that after her son’s surgery, the doctor warned the family it was most likely malignant.

Once again, facing what appeared to be unbeatable odds, she prayed. Two days later, the doctor called the family in and told them their son had received a miracle. The mass was benign. Count it miracle No. 2.

Finally, when Harter’s boys were in high school and college, cancer appeared again. This time, she had breast cancer. Her faith was challenged, but she remained determined to hold onto God’s promises. That was miracle No. 3.

Cancer-free for many years now, Harter’s faith that God would be glorifi ed no matter the outcome saw her through to the other side. She praised Him for the journey, a notion most people would have a diffi cult time accepting. But she maintained her love and trust in the Lord, who saw her through the painful times of her life.

“It changes you as a person. You learn how important every day is. I’m not afraid of (cancer); I’m not defined by cancer. Every day and every person is valuable to me. I want to live until I die, and I want to die living for Christ.”

This drive — to live life to the fullest — spills over to Harter’s ministry.

“When God first led me to pursue this ‘Walk the Line’ conference, using Johnny Cash’s song, I thought, ‘Me?’ This is crazy. I’m a city girl, through-andthrough. But the Lord leads me and I follow. There is a powerful message that I want women to hear about finding freedom in the Lord.”

She went on to explain that the top three areas this conference would focus on are first: finding freedom in Christ; second: developing a deeper passion for Christ, having a desire to go someplace spiritually they have never been before; and thirdly: to have a desire for God to deliver believers to experience a higher, holier place.

Harter tearfully shared how conferences change people’s lives — addictions released, marriages saved, joy washed away grief.

“Sterling means pure,” she said. “That’s what my business is all about. This company is my ministry and my speaking is merely an extension of that ministry. Sterling Grace means pure grace. He will continually refine us to make us pure and holy, but we have to be diligent.”

“Walk the Line” is scheduled for April 17 at Rock Hill Baptist Church. Visit www.rockhilltexas.com.