The Process

This is from a devotion book I picked up today and it is great!

Allow God to shape you

"We are the clay, and You our Potter." Isaiah 64:8 NKJV

Imagine a beautiful china teacup saying: "I wasn't always like this. There was a time when I was just a cold, hard, colorless lump of clay. One day the potter picked me up and said, 'I could do something with this.' Then he started to put pressure on me and change my shape. I said, 'What are you doing? That hurts. Stop!' But he said, 'Not yet.' Then he put me on a wheel and began to spin me around and around until I shouted, 'Let me off.' He replied, 'Not yet.' Then he shaped me into a cup and put me in a hot oven. I cried, 'Let me out of here, I'm suffocating.' But he looked at me and said, 'Not yet.' When he took me out, I thought his work on me was over, but then he started to paint me. I couldn't believe what he did next. He put me back into the oven, and I said, 'I can't stand this, please let me out!' But he said, 'Not yet.' Finally he took me out of the oven and set me on a shelf where I thought he had forgotten me. Then one day he took me off the shelf and held me up before a mirror. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had become a beautiful teacup that everyone wants to buy."

There are things going on in your life today that you don't understand. When you finally get to the place God wants you to be, you'll realize that He has been making you into a vessel He can use, bless, and use to bless others. So, allow God to shape you!

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WOW! I am in that process right now and I am certain that many of you are too. I don't understand the place that God has me in. I have felt alienated, distanced - if you will - from the world around me. I can't describe it. But, something has been stirring in my spirit and I feel the Potter's hand in my life through this uncomfortable time. I may lack understanding, but He has given me peace.

Have you ever walked by a store window and something in particular catches your eye? Maybe something beautiful like this teacup. It just stands out... It could be that that one item was recently in the process saying, "What are you doing? Stop! That hurts!" But, the Master...the Potter kept hard at work creating what He wanted it to be. And it is set apart now, catching your attention in a store window.

That is what we are called to be as Christians...Set Apart. Separated from the world around us. Different. Our Potter knows our potential. He wants to shape all of His children into something beautiful that can be used for His glory. We just have to surrender and be a willing vessel.

Don't fight the process. It is uncomfortable. I am there right now! But, if we beg him to stop because it isn't pleasant, He may just listen to us. Then, what would we miss out on?

Please comment! I love your feedback! God bless...

Fall Y'all!!

Can you feel it?

Step outside right now...no just kiddin'! I heard so many people talking today about how nice the weather was. I don't know what the temperature got up to, but it was perfect!

In fact, coming out of church tonight, I was chilly...but a good kind of chilly. Ahhh that 100 degree heat is for the birds...well bless their hearts too! It must be even hotter up there where they fly! :c)

My husband thinks I am nuts because I start itching this year for the Fall to get here. Fall is a fun season. It does mean football, which doesn't excite me at all. But with football comes parties and get-togethers and with those comes time with friends. It is a busy season full of planning. What costume will I find for E to wear to our OctoberFest at church? Then, amongst other things, Fall brings Thanksgiving...what to prepare...oh and the decorating! We all know how excited the day after Thanksgiving is!! That early morning shopping and time with girlfriends...and mom...the best girlfriend! The deals, the clothes, the lines, the crowds ~ I love it! All of it!

With Fall, the Christmas lists begin. Who will I get What for? When will I get it? Where will I get it from? Hmmm ~ How good have they been this year? Again, hmmm :c)

Then, speaking of Christmas, the music, the music, the music! I would start listening to Christmas music after Easter if people didn't think I was absolutely batty! I don't know what it is about Christmas carols and why it feels so special, but as ridiculous as this sounds - it puts utter joy in my heart and it makes me want to spread the love!! I'm the corniest person ever! I know!
...add Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, etc. to Christmas music and you think I was corny before...I'll spare you!

Anyway, we've but a few days left of Summer '08 and I say sianara! It's not been a bad summer, but I get the feelin' the next few months are going to be great!

I plan to do a lot of relaxing with good friends...the kind that you can do nothing but relax with! I want to read...curled up under blankets. Watch movies with my best friend...my hubby. Hang out in the yard with E and take her to the park...in weather that is actually enjoyable. Carve a pumpkin, go on a hay ride, roast marshmallows and enjoy the warmth that the season will bring.

Man ~ and we're not even there yet! Bring it on!!

Dear Faithful Readers

Don't give up hope on my return to regular blogging! I have plenty to talk about, but it seems that finding time to write lately - time where even 5 words will make sense when all put together - is a little hard to find.

Please don't go away. I would be lost without you... :c)

You'll hear from me shortly!

Wordless Wednesday...on Thursday