The Rest of The Story....Part 2

As I sat there that day in my Dad's pottery shop making and forming my first piece of pottery and watching my husband do the same thing, I couldn't help but to think of the way that the Lord is molding and making us.

We are nothing but a big glob of clay on The Potter's Wheel.
Sometimes when His hands are upon us, they are heavy.
There is a lot of pressure or heaviness. Like when we haven't been with Him in the quietness of the morning in a while.
Sometimes there is even some pulling and pushing in our lives. We are being pulled and pushed at work, at home, in family life and other places.
Of course then there is that gentle water. That feeling of the coolness in the morning as it flows over you as He molds your heart while you read and study His word.
There is the uncomfortable-ness of when He is working out the imperfections.
He may use a blade.
He may use a sponge.
He may use some water and a gentle finger for just that one particular area.
Then he gentle covers you with His water again and the imperfection is gone.
You continually stay on The Potter's wheel.
The amazing thing is that His hand never comes off.
His presence and touch is always there.
As the clay that is on the wheel, you have no control over what He chooses to do.
You have no control over what He has planned for you.
You love Him and trust Him.
He already knows what you are going to look like.
You will look like Him because we are created in His image.
No, being on The Potter's wheel is not easy.
It's not always gentle but you know that He loves you.
His touch is always there.
He doesn't take His eyes off of you.
He never leaves you just spinning out of control on the wheel.
One day we will be a finished product.
We will have been created to do His perfect will.
We will have been through the fire and will be PERFECT!!!!
Oh, how I can't wait for that day.

Are you on The Potter's Wheel? What is He doing while you are there? Do you feel as if you are spinning on the wheel out of control? Rest assured, His hand is on you and He will never leave you or forsake you!!!!!!!

Piece of Clay,
Pam K.

For the rest of the story.....

I posted the other day the scripture about the potter's house and being in The Potter's hands.
The weekend of July 4th, our family went down to my parent's house in Georgia. What a weekend it was. We didn't stop for a minute. We had so much to do and so little time. The weather was PERFECT that weekend. You may or may not know that my Dad makes pottery. He does great work. I have some of his pieces and just love them so much. I collect pottery coffee mugs but feel guilty for buying them because my Dad makes pottery, why would I buy someone else's stuff. Any way, we have always talked about getting me to do something on the pottery wheel in the pottery shop. Well, this was going to be my time. The cool part was that my husband, Bo got to do it to. Of course we have lots of pictures. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!
As I watched, my Dad start with just this very odd shaped piece of clay that he had taken from a very large slab and pounded it on the table a few times to get things going. We then placed it on the wheel. Then you have to use your feet to get the thing going and it's not as easy as it looks. Once it gets moving, you put the water on with your hands and the molding starts.
It's messy but it feels so good on your hands. I watched him in a matter of a few minutes make a small spoon rest. They are so VERY neat. Then it was my turn. I put on the apron while he got everything ready then I sat down. I had seen what he had done and now it was my turn. I put on the water and it was just spinning under my hands. I listened as my Dad coached me through the entire process. GENTLE here. FIRM there. PULL and PUSH equally on both sides coming up the side of the bowl. Before I knew it....I had made a small bowl to put my paperclips in on my desk at work. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
My husband sat down and I watched as he made his container for his desk. The edge on his is flared and he even put a texture on the outside. It was amazing to watch it all come together in just a matter of a few minutes. AMAZING!!!!! Of course me being the Journal-er that I am (Thanks to Marsha and Peggy) this was a journaling moment if I had ever seen or had one.

As I close today, I hope you will join me back here tomorrow for "The rest of the story".....you will not want to miss this journaling moment.

Pam K.

Think on This Today...I have more to share.

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:


Jer 18:2 "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message."


Jer 18:3 So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel.


Jer 18:4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.


Jer 18:5 Then the word of the Lord came to me:


Jer 18:6 "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.

Searching For The Savior Saturday

“We Christians are too calculating today. We calculate how much risk we are willing to take, how much sacrifice were willing to make. We seem to forget that the highest and most glorious privilege in the world is to have the chance to suffer for Christ.
When we consider going to some dangerous and hostile area, our friends call us mad. Our parents may accuse us of not loving them. But Jesus said to his disciples, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves" (Matthew 10:16).
Throughout history, the greatest advances of the Gospel have come through suffering and sacrifice. That is God's preferred way - starting with his own Son. And today many around the world have severely suffered and are suffering for Christ.
Those who would join the ranks of the missionary endeavor must likewise be willing to suffer and sacrifice. They must count the cost and be prepared to pay it. God is ultimately the one who will set the price of their service. Let their calculating spirit be replaced with a sacrificing spirit. Lord, send to the mission field such workers.”
Shared at MOP and credited to Hale

We can no longer give out of our surplus, we must now give out of sacrifice. U.S. Christians spend more on McDonalds than on missions."
Shared at MOP by Warren Jentzen

Cindy Hunter

Think About It Thursday

I got this in an e-mail so I take no credit for it but just wanted to pass it on. Something kind of fun but at the same time, something to really think about.


RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.
This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost Of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:
P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.
Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 1. Love 2. Joy 3. Peace 4. Patience 5. Kindness 6. Goodness 7. Faithfulness 8. Gentleness 9. Self control Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded.
For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding To this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter his Kingdom so as to prevent contamination of that facility..
Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'! Because He Lives

Hope this is something for you to think about today.

Pam K.

Worshipful Wednesday

I know that we have posted this song before but I would ask that you listen. I mean REALLY LISTEN!!!!!
Worshiping with You,
Pam K.

Meet You There Monday

So many exciting things going on at Cornerstone. Very exciting times that we are in.

Monday- Spend time with your family outside playing a game in the yard or at the park.

Tuesday- Spend time with your family night at home without the TV

Wednesday- 6:15pm - Mission Friends, GA's, RA's, Choir and Life Development Institute.

Thursday- 7pm- Women's Bible Study in Sanctuary

Friday- 12 noon- Women's Prayer Time in the Sanctuary

Saturday- 7:30am Women's Walk and Run Group- Call Pam K at 339-2670 for details

Sunday- 8am-Worship
9:15am- Worship/Sunday School
10:45am- Worship/Sunday School
4:30pm- Join The Journey

Have a SUPER week!!!!!!! Wanted to share about Pastor's sermon tomorrow. Do you have something to share? Please let me know.

Pam K

Silent Sunday

Searching for The Savior Saturday

This week I listened to a sermon by Andy Stanley that was given at the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando a few weeks ago. It was powerful and challenging. My toes hurt when the sermon was finished and at the same time I couldn’t wait to implement some of the things that I was hearing. There was a single question in the sermon that has continued to ring in my head and that question will be the extent of this post. Ministry is not just the programs at church; it is what you do every day to reach those around you for Christ. What is your answer?
Are you going to continue to be in love with a model of ministry, and simply flirt with the Great Commission,” he asked. “Or are you willing to fall in love with the Great Commission and abandon a model of ministry that you know in your heart is not making a difference in your city?”

Preparing for Spain,
Cindy Hunter

Under New Management

Well, it is official. I am not the "writer of the blog". I am thrilled and yet a little sad that I have lost my co-writer. I know I have been away for a week but just seeking what He would have me to do with this blog and what you all would like to see on it.

PLEASE SHARE!!!!!

We are ready to move and I would covet your prayers.



Serving Him,

Pam K

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!!!!

Searching For The Savior Saturday

Next Saturday I leave with Scott and Hannah and Alex for Michigan. We will be at the SEND International Headquarters for two more weeks of training. The majority of the training will be cross-cultural training, both for us and the kids. Hannah and Alex are excited about meeting some kids who understand all the thoughts that are going through their head. Scott and I are excited because we realize it puts us one step closer to Spain.

Part of the requirements before we arrive is to read three books. Have We No Rights by Mabel Williamson is a short, seemingly easy read. Until you stop and think about what you are actually reading. The book attempts to summarize rights that career missionaries give up to reach the lost.

Williamson says “On the mission field it is not the enduring of hardships, the lack of comforts, and the roughness of that life that make the missionary cringe and falter. It is something far less romantic and far more real. It is something that will hit you right down where you live. The missionary has to give up having his own way. He has to give up having any rights. He has, in the words of Jesus, to “deny himself.” He just has to give up himself.

Paul knew all about this. If you do not believe it, look at 1 Corinthians 9. “Have we no right to eat and to drink?” He asks. “Have we not a right to forbear working?....Nevertheless, “he goes on, “we did not use this right… Though I was free from all men, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more” (vv.4, 6, 12, 19)

Paul, as a missionary, willingly gave up his rights for the sake of the Gospel. Are we ready to do the same?

But, someone will ask, why should this be especially true for the missionary? What rights must be given up on the mission field that a consecrated Christian at home would not have to give up?”

The book goes on to answer that question with a list of 11 rights that are given up to be a missionary. The rights include things such as privacy, ordinary safeguards of good health, to run things and more. And yes, I realize that the missionary on international soil must give these up in greater extremes than my mind can even fathom today. But what about the missionary (all believers) left at home?

Are we ready to “bring myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more?” What are you hanging on to that you aren’t willing to forsake for the sake of the gospel? Jesus gave up every right that he deserved for the sake of all of us. Do we really deserve more rights than Christ?

Cindy Hunter

Focused Friday

Well, it's almost the 4th of July......where in the world has the year gone???? I pray that you will be mindful of what a blessing it is to live in this country over the weekend and if you see past or present service men and women, please tell them a huge THANK YOU!!!!!!

As the summer is now in full swing, what are your plans? Are you going to be traveling? Hanging out at the pool? Swimming at the Lake? Camping? Seeing family and friends? Whatever your plans are, take the time to realize that those around you are watching. They are watching you and your family and your children. What kind of witness are you being? Can they see Christ in you? Are you being His child and His ambassador?
Just some thoughts for today. I hope that you have an awesome day today and a glorious weekend!!!!!!!! Be safe and be prepared to share the HOPE that is in you!!!!!

Pam K.

Think About It Thursday

I was listening to K-Love on Monday this past week. Of course, Make a Difference Monday, they were challenging the listeners to Make a Difference. I listened as they featured Max Lucado and talked about what we can do that will make a difference after we are gone. Scripture talks about when we give a drink, give food, provide clothing that we have done it to the Lord. They talked about the things that others do in his church. For example, his wife buys $5 gift cards from McDonalds, Wendy's and other places and hands them to the people that stand on the corner. Another group in the church collects quarters. Once they have a jar full, they go to the local laundry mat and pay for people's laundry. When they ask what and why, that opens the door for them to share the Gospel and the Lord with them.
I was truly challenged. What about you? What are you doing to Make a Difference for eternity?

Pam K.