Sunday, May 25, 2008

The Potter's Hands

Beautiful Lord, wonderful Savior
I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands
Crafted into Your perfect plan

You gently call me, into Your presence
Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord to live all of my life
Through Your eyes

I'm captured by Your Holy calling, set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself, lead me Lord I pray

Take me, mold me, use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter's Hands
Hold me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter's Hands


(you can hear the song at this link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kn6PIQvF-A or go to youtube and search for The Potter's Hands - it's by Hillsong.)


Today was the youth led service at church. The above is a song that we closed with called "The Potter's Hands." Karen sang it, it was beautiful! The service was based around the Potter and the Clay. One of the youth gave a "recent" testimony about what he was dealing with in his life as a teen and on the baseball team. Then Karen spoke a little about pottery and how the potter molds the clay and smashes it and molds then smashes, etc until it's the way they want it. She gave that example to show what God does with us. She then opened the mic to those who had gone through "moldings" recently to share with everyone, several got up and shared different stories. She encouraged those of us who don't like to speak in front of people to share with someone else...so here's my story...

When I was working at my last job, there were times I was not as close to God as I should have been...which I'm sure most have been at in their life at one point or another. I'd get back on track then get out of the "habit" and be back at square one again. When I least expected it, God granted me this new job. Now all new jobs are usually better because it's new and different from the last and no stress from day one! GREAT! Praise God! I prepared myself for the stress I had been through previously and the boss I didn't want to have again...intimidating, rude, etc. I still find myself expecting the same reactions and such from my immediate supervisor and boss and in the end realize, they are nothing like my previous employer! I am able to have conversations with people that are Christians about the church service and those that aren't, still enjoy the conversation. I shine of God's love as I greet the clients with a smile (in my eyes at least) and make some of their days by just doing that. Most of our clients have depression and their families are either not there for them or have caused their problems. So to have that when they come see the therapist or the doctor just gives them slight hope for the day. (I've had a few tell me that...which then makes my day.) Friday as I was driving I was listening to Air One (Christian radio station) and I heard a song I haven't heard in years...a line from it is "They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love." And I thought, God has given me that to show to our clients and everyone I come in contact with. Since I have gotten this new job I have gotten things on track (again) and there aren't many days I grumble and such as I go into work and I am hardly in a bad mood at work. I do not have that stress and my (minor) health problems I did have, are gone. Praise God! But as I look back, I see how God has formed me...and I smile! That gives me more encouragement!

Thank you Jesus for all you have given us...even that which we do not deserve! Thank you for molding me how YOU wanted me and kept me as your child, even when I should have been "cut loose!" I pray you will continue to mold me into bigger and better things as I out grow the current mold.

Feel free to share a story of how God molded you recently or anytime in your life. I have several stories but shall end here. :) If not with me, at least with your spouse or a friend that may need encouragement...never know when your story will mean more to someone else then you can imagine!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Celebration...

Another reason to celebrate (for Ron and I) this week is because today is our THIRD anniversary! We unfortunately won't see each other much but that's ok. Our plans are to go out Saturday night (we weren't planning anything tonight anyway...middle of the week?).



So...Happy Anniversary to my sweet, wonderful husband of 3 years!!!! I love you honey!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

News

This week has been a roller coaster ride for our family. Sunday we found out that Dick had left this earth to spend eternity with our Savior! We are blessed to know he is in Heaven but saddened that he will not be here with us. He had told Grandma last week that when God tapped him on the shoulder he was ready to go! Throughout his life and the time he spent with our family you could truly see his love for Christ through every action and word spoken. When I close my eyes all I see of him is his room-brightening smile with his eyes sparkling. He loved Grandma so much and you could see that in all that he did and said as well. The last two weeks have been rough especially on Grandma but may we rest now that he is Home.

As I looked back on things this past week a song came to mind: "Homesick" by MercyMe. Here are the words...

"You're in a better place,
I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times
I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken,
the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyes
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now"


We need to remember, it's not "goodbye"...it's "see you later."

Also, in other news this week...as part of the roller coaster ride...

Ron got a job! We have been patiently waiting for the one GOD had chosen for him and we have been through many trials and pain and ups and downs over the past 3 years and we were blessed yesterday with wonderful news! Ron had gone through several interviews in the past few weeks and the one he would have liked to have is the one we were blessed with. It requires a drive to Cranberry (about an hour drive) daily but we are just happy with GOD's decision for us, His children! We have learned many things over the years and understand the meaning of "Productive Pain" now. Our (at least my) dream is to be able to help others (down the road) that have gone/will go/are going through what we did these past 3 years.

His job is in the Information Technology department at the American Eagle headquarters in Cranberry. Today was his first day and when he called me this afternoon he was very happy and enjoying his day!

God is good...ALL the time!

Also, we were informed that my brother-in-law, Mike, got good news about his job searching as well. He is one of two finalists for a job out East. We will continue to pray for you!

"God's purpose in pain is to brand His image in our hearts."