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But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor. 4:7

For the first time in 1997 we gave the “Potter’s Message” using a potter’s wheel and a lump of clay. The message is about the grace and transforming power of God, our Master Potter. Later in 2013 Carl had a massive stroke that affected the right side of his body. He had to learn how to walk, talk, swallow and write by using his left hand because he was right handed. Two years later our church family asked us to once again give the Potter’s Message. After a lot of prayer we took a deep breath and said, “Yes.” We felt like God was stretching us to a new level of trusting Him. To our amazement God has enabled Carl to make bowls using only one hand on the potter’s wheel. Who has ever heard of a potter using only one hand?! Yay God!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice! O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, and give him the glory, great things He has done! (Words to the song: To God Be the Glory)

I have not stopped thanking God for you. Eph. 1:16a

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Gen. 2:2

When I first read that scripture I thought even God rested from His creative work. Although God didn’t rest because He was stressed or worn out from all the creative work He’d been doing. Instead, He stopped and rested to commemorate the “very good” work He had done. God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. Gen. 1:31 Let’s celebrate this Labor Day weekend by resting, and reflecting on something that’s good or positive about our work in the home, or outside the home. Thank You Lord.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Rev.3:20

This is Ginger. She’s the sweetest dog. She looks so content standing in the open door looking at us with no toys and no treats. In today’s world being content can be a real challenge. This world offers temporary satisfactions like money, entertainment or material possessions. But Jesus offers eternal life with lasting satisfaction. Jesus patiently and persistently is knocking on the door of hearts with the invitation to accept His gift of grace and His life changing presence and power.

Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy. Psalm 96:12b

Our son hasn’t outgrown his love for climbing trees. My tree-climbing days are over, but like our son, I still enjoy trees. I love their uniqueness, beauty and strength. I think God likes trees too. Fig trees, palm trees, fruit trees and olive trees are mentioned in God’s Word. In the Garden of Eden and in the book of Revelation trees are mentioned there too. Even the cross is sometime represented by a tree on which Jesus was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins and the hope of eternal life. And one day, all of God’s creation will be renewed and the trees will be even MORE beautiful and fun to climb. Wow!

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12

Song of Songs 8:6-7 (NLT)

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.

God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Without excuse this picture of an early morning sunrise makes me think about how God is ever-present and reveals Himself in creation. Do you see the sun rising with rays making a cross and the moon in the sky too? I’m reminded that God, Our Emmanuel is not distant or uninvolved. Instead, He is with us and we’ll never face trouble alone. He’s ready to daily provide the help and strength we need to stand firm in troubled times. I want to become even more aware of the evidence of God’s ever-present nearness in my life with a fearless trust in Him. I bet you do too.

I taught elementary children for many years and I remember starting each school day with the pledge of allegiance. The children placed their right hand over their heart promising to be loyal to our nation “under God.” Those 2 words “under God” is a humble acknowledgement of God’s rightful position of authority. I pray that all those children that are adults now, will place their right hand over their heart and humbly pray for America to be one nation under God.

Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Prov. 14:34

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.” Job 42:2

This picture made me think of a time in my life when I felt the dark clouds of suffering and those heavy clouds of unanswered questions. My husband had an unexpected brain bleed and a massive stroke. Our lives changed in a heartbeat. I want to encourage those who are suffering and wondering why… to not forget that God’s love doesn’t stop and start. God’s love for you is forever and He has not turned away. He is with you. God’s purpose is supreme and you have a significant purpose in God’s plan. When open to Him and willing to follow… No dark times of suffering or heavy clouds of unanswered questions can stop God’s loving purpose for you.

God’s right hand represents his reigning power and sovereign authority. His right hand also symbolizes action that brings divine protection and deliverance. Our Father God’s right hand is an expression of strength with a readiness to give comfort, help and endurance. The very thought that my right hand, and yours too, fits perfectly in God’s right hand leaves me awestruck and a loss for words. But God’s Word says it best…Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings, My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-8