Sometimes, mistakes can lead us to repentance and in our humility we can see how much our Savior really loves us. The painful feeling of sorrow sticks to guilt like a mishmash of superglue and confetti. An array of colors; darks and lights seem to form highlighting more dark than light. Or are we the neutral color of clay? Does anyone see the cracks in our clay formed pottery exterior?

Does anyone see our impulsive choices? Did we just sabotage a wonderful friendship with a quick response? Did we share someone’s personal story under the statement, “Can you pray for so and so who is in crisis, here’s the details?” Why couldn’t we stop at “Can you pray for her, God knows the details?” Oops, I am an imperfect human.

We are a clump of cold beige clay being molded; by the people around us, our own thoughts (whether truth or not), the words of affirmation or curse that are expressed from friends, family or the community, and also the whisperings from our Creator God. Did we let Him lead? Did we push forward again without so much as a “Jesus, what do you think?”

Jeremiah 18: 1 – 3 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, ” Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” So I did as he told me and found the potter working at the wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.

We can have little stones or hard spots embedded in our clay clump by the words or actions of others, for good or in hard times. We can feel the spin on the Potters wheel, around and around, repeating the lies of the enemy, ” you aren’t good enough, you will always be a mistake, you can’t do better”, and as a result we feel our journey become smaller and more lumpy. We can’t hold on to lies, they are meant to hold us back and stop the trajectory of the Lord’s plan for our future. Did you know the pottery term crawling means, “when the clay doesn’t stick to the glaze due to dust not cleaned off the surface? Lies can be like dust that need to be removed before the glaze can stick and shimmer correctly.

Picture this, the Lord is the Potter and we are the clay. We are imperfect. Yes, I said it, You are imperfect, you have blemishes, imperfections that need to be kneaded out. You have hard spots of clay, as do I, that need a splash of the Living Water of Jesus.

Do you thirst for a different course like less stones? Open your heart, mind and soul and let Him pour life back into you. He wants to refresh His children. Let His hand on the Potters wheel work out the blemishes and bring smooth, softer clay along with a more Christlike example. The eyes of your circle of influence are watching your journey.

How do we combat the imperfections and believe in the Lord’s promises? We must spend time learning His Truths, in the Bible. We must clear out the cobwebs of past lies, blowing instead in the whisperings of God. We must claim the truths of scripture, here are a few scriptures that have empowered my walk with Jesus. Write the words of life on an index card and tape the message on your bedroom mirror, refrigerator, on your car visor, or wherever it will encourage your day.

I am more than a Conqueror in Christ ( Romans 8:37)

I am made uniquely. ( Psalm 139: 13 -14)

I am God’s workmanship ( Ephesians 2:10)

I am loved. ( 1 John 3 :1)

He delights in me. ( Zephaniah 3:17)

I am His, wanted ( Psalm 139:17)

He has plans for my life. ( Jeremiah 29:11)

He works best in my weakness. ( 2 Corinthians 12:19)

Meditating on these scriptures daily can change our minds, Romans 12:2, states, “be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” We must put down our need to be in control and allow God’s words to change our lives. Don’t be afraid to ask a fellow brother or sister in Christ to pray for you and share Godly wisdom. We are blessed with other sojourners who are placed in our lives to help. Galatians 6:1 -2 reminds us to gently and humbly help that person onto the right path. You may be surprised who else may need comfort and support. Ask the Lord to guide you to the specific person. We are works in progress, He wants to transform us.

Aren’t you grateful for ” do-overs?” Let the peace and grace of God into those imperfections and be ready for renewal, His hands can soften even the hardest clay.

Springtime reminds me of new growth,the sound of robins and chickadees music to my ears. The call of a dove cooing to get noticed and find her partner or maybe a new friend….

The flash of movement as a rabbit scurries across the front garden. Suddenly, I hear a loud shriek and the wrestling sound of our cat, Nemo running through the dry yellow Timothy grass to the safety of our yard.

Nemos’ eyes focused on the safe place just over the fence. I glance behind him as a blur of red fur scampers across the pasture.

Hmmm, I ponder, was that a red fox and her kit, a mom training her baby to find food or fun?

Nemo is just a bit too friendly. He can even be seen bumping heads with our white and black Boer goat. Will he ever learn to be cautious with new friendships? His best buddy is a chocolate Labrador with golden eyes and Sampson our rescue black cat.

Nemo assumes all animals are friendly. Surely there is safety outside the yard. Peace and harmony rule in our home with the occasional struggle for being the lead animal.

Isn’t that so much like life, each contact with another human can be a great beginning or a path to destruction? Being kind, generous, and compassionate are the traits of character I want to exemplify. Yet, I may have to choose with the wisdom of the Lord, that only comes, if I am spending the time to know what my Jesus guides.

Oh yes, I can claim the title of being a Christian but the harder action is to seek the Kingdom of heaven and let Him gather all things for me. It means being open to new friends and being amazed as He opens my friend group to a Sisterhood in Christ that spans the country. Those with like mindedness who honor the Creator God and want to spread the love of Jesus. That is the body of Christ gathered to do a great work not for our glory but to spread the message of the love of Jesus.

Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.

Just like the disciples in Acts, they had to trust the Holy Spirit, seek His wisdom, and throw caution to the wind. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

In order to know where the Holy Spirit may be leading, we have to prioritize time; put Jesus first. That may mean, initially, setting aside time to be in the Bible. I find the New Living translation easier to understand, however, you should chose a version that speaks to you. It takes time to set up a habit that will feel natural. Consider a special, quiet spot, perhaps a quiet corner, comfy chair, in your home, or maybe a park bench in the sun.

Daily setting aside time to be with the Creator of all things will bless you. Give yourself 20 days in a month, specific day a week, 15 min. No guilt if you miss a day. The book of John in the Bible can be a great place to start. You will see the life of Jesus written.

Let His will draw you to Him.

It has been 2 years since I last posted, joys and trials etched in our lives and in the world. Where would I be without my faith in Jesus? A salmon flowing upstream without a guide, swimming against the worlds’ current and yet more in synchronicity with my Creator God!!! He never leaves or forsakes. He is steadfast in His love for me, He is my strength when times are chaotic; when those I love turn to Him for the same peace I stand in awe.

John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

When those in my life, choose fear, shame, guilt, or regret for past choices over the healing grace of Jesus, I am reminded that it isn’t about me as Savior. I must not get in the way, by my words or actions, of Jesus instructions to His children. I may have been my childrens’ first seed planter, sowing seeds of faith and giving instruction, but The Gardener, Our Father, may send others to till the soil, water in desert times, or the trials of life may be used to burn off the chaff. I want to see the fruits of my love and labor, how much more does their Father in heaven. So stepping out of the way, detaching in love, yet praying for those I love is my calling. In scripture, I am reminded that Jesus will leave the 99, for the one lost sheep. Trust in Him brings hope.

Luke 15:7 There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over the 99 others who are righteous and have not strayed away!

It is about leading those I love to the grace and mercy of Jesus who died for a sinner like me. It is about loving those (I do not understand) as Jesus would. Only Jesus can heal the broken hearted, we must reflect Him by speaking the truth in love; our children are created in the Image of God and in our human form, we are weak and in need of a Savior who understands every blemish and loves us anyway.

Peter is an example in the Bible of a man wanting to be steadfast in faith in Jesus. He walked with the Savior yet he still being human, denied Jesus. Yet Jesus forgave Him and reminded Peter in John 21: 15 – 17 that Peter would be used to feed the sheep of His pasture. If we are willing and obey the call of Christ, He will use our testimony to make a difference in the lives of many. He will use every part of our lives; joys and sorrows for good.

John 21:21 Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

It is about praying unceasingly as a mother, sister, wife should for lives transformed by His grace. It is believing without seeing that He will complete the work He started in those He calls His.

Acts 2:39 This promise is to you, to your children and those far away ( examining their lives, needing salvation) — all have been called by the Lord our God.

Easter is a time to reflect on the love of God by sending His Son, Jesus to atone for our sins. Jesus loves us that much. He died a sinners death on the cross to provide a way for our eternal life. He will finish the work He starts. We must have faith over fear, love over judgement, patience over immediate solution. He waits for each of us to choose Him. Praise the Lord!!!

In this world of technology, every day becomes a battle of resisting comparison. Whether it is access to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat, the ability to see other people’s lives in a photograph or with a post can be a daily struggle of discontent. The photograph or post may appear to reflect a positive, healthy relationship, or successful career and life, but looks or posts can be deceiving. No one wants other friends and family to believe there is trouble in paradise. Appearances must show “everything is awesome”, just like a kid’s movie, Lego Land portrayed. The sad part about this representation is it is a lie, it brings a person more sadness. You can’t hide forever. The fallacy of “Let’s keep up appearances” is physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually exhausting. It ultimately causes more envy, more loneliness and more depression. If we aren’t able to be transparent and real with at least a few trustworthy friends we will become increasingly isolated. The Lord calls us to community, all humans need connection and to feel heard and understood. To feel invisible and isolated is not the answer.

What was deemed a community access point, ie.. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat has instead lead to more isolation. The number of Followers may seem to say a person is popular and well connected often times it may mean the exact opposite; multiple acquaintances but less meaningful relationships.

I find the less I reach out to the social media sites the more content I am. I was listening to a podcast from John Eldridge today, “The World Part 1”. Mr. Eldridge and his fellow radio commentators were talking about the increase in depression, loneliness and its cause of discontent being The Comparison Trap.

We used to value our differences in likes and dislikes. We used to stand for our opinions, however, it is becoming more common that all opinions are considered above the Creators. Our need to feel the affirmation of others has overtaken our self-esteem. Even if I was to post a blog on this topic, I may anxiously await a Follower’s opinion as a like or dislike, or may anticipate a comment of affirmation after publishing my next blog.

What has become with a society that seeks constant reassurance instead of being content that the Lord creates each of us uniquely with a specific purpose? We seek human affirmation over His. We must seek meaningful trusting relationships with a few chosen friends who encourage and support one another (Isn’t that what Jesus did with his disciples?), friends who listen attentively, who give advice when asked, who are willing to be transparent in good and not so good days. Friends with whom we can share our insecurities, joys and failures are priceless. I am blessed to have some of those friends, I am forever grateful for their input, their listening ear, their discipline in words or actions with love. I hope I am seen in the same light. May that Light be the light that reflects from me, as I read of Jesus.

The only person you are destined to become is the person you decided to be.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

What a profound statement by Ralph Waldo Emerson, our destiny is our choice. Sometimes I can think the life of someone I care about is set in stone.   Temporarily, it may seem that their future is preset by the generations before, however, there is a reason that we all have free will and that is to make our own choices. Those choices pave the way for our own opportunities to learn and grow. Those choices may be for our good such as the good company we keep, the ability to resist temptation, and the willingness to look at mistakes as just that mistakes. Or our alternative choice is to connect ourselves with company that corrupts, seek risky choices, push aside the idea that we are called to avoid temptations, live the world view lifestyle, and sit in the pity party of our choices believing things will never change.

Proverbs 3: 5 -6 tells us ” Trust in the Lord with all our heart, lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path.”

Could it be possible that our life will include trials, challenges, joys, happiness and consequences related to that free will?  Yes,  of course!!! Life is a journey with light and dark contrasts, meant to provide a kaleidoscope of many reflections.  These reflections can bring new insight into our life purpose. There are sunny yellow days, pink loving days, teal blue cool days, lavender peaceful days and black darkness filled days.

There is always the opportunity to learn from the mistakes, not hold onto failure and stay stuck. Failures give us a chance to see the infallibility of being human, to seek the Lord who knows we are not perfect and wants to guide our lives. Failure is not a dead end but an opportunity to take the other road that leads to freedom. Our Lord wants to take us by the hand and point the way to redemption, reconciliation, and a life lived abundantly with Him. Lightness over darkness can be achieved when we choose obedience to His path and lay down our need to plan the journey.

If I think with the mindset of the temporal I may feel overwhelmed and hopeless. I choose instead to think with a mind for eternity.  I choose to use quiet time reading His Word; seeking greater understanding for the ups and downs or play worship music that soothes my soul. As I sing about His promises, slowly but surely my heart and soul connect on a deeper level with the Lover of my Soul, Jesus. I choose to pray intercessory prayers for those who are on challenging journeys. The phrase, Letting go and letting God, can lead my life and the lives of those I love. I choose to spend time with friends that support and encourage me as I hope to reciprocate with them the same.

Your destiny may be your choice in some measure, however, you do not walk the steps alone, unless you choose that path. Seek peace and direction from the only One who really understands you, Let go and Let God!! There is something amazing about holding hands with the One who created you and knows your destiny. Realize that the kaleidoscope reflection may not be clear yet, however, that doesn’t mean the image won’t be beautiful in the end.  Open your eyes to the colors of the day.