My Red Water Fountain

While walking the other week I saw this fountain sitting by the road side at a neighbors house during Big Item trash week. I had observed this fountain on the front porch of the home for 2 years. With the way the trucks zoom around picking up items I was afraid it would get gone before I could get back, so I picked it up and carried it all the way home in my hot little hands. I didn't know if the fountain still worked but thought if it didn't it would make a great garden decoration.
To my amazement the fountain did work.  The only thing wrong with it was some pain peeling off on the top so I went to the drawer and pulled out some clear decorative stones and filled it up. Now I was all set.
The first time we had the family over they couldn't believe I got such a cool item which is now stationed on our screened in porch. Our son brought his dog over and she enjoyed slurping water from the fountain each time she went by or getting her tail in the water and giving us all a shower as she wagged it.
I am happy with my find and am just thrilled that I got it without cost.
Aren't we glad we can drink from the Living Water of life without cost?  The Father provides it for our nourishment and for our pure pleasure.  I slurped it up every chance I get. Every time I look at the fountain bubbling up I think of His Living Water that is available to us if we will just partake.

The Potter: I was not whole until He broke me

The Potter: I was not whole until He broke me

A lump I was and a lump I would stay.
Soft and supple, a mound of clay.
And so I waited for my turn on the wheel.
Waiting, just waiting, His hands to feel.

One day I was chosen, and I thought it must be
that I'd done something special. I thought it was me.
I did not resist as he kneaded and pressed.
I did not resist as he left me to rest.

But the Master's tools became rough and crude.
They hacked and they hammered, exposed and nude.
I began to feel a little bit daunted
as I realized this was not what I'd wanted.

When I felt that surely this pressure must end,
for I could not recognize the lump I had been.
When I thought I just couldn't take anymore,
my world changed again, though I was aching and sore.

The Master's hands became gentle and kind.
He urged and he teased as he molded my mind.
This is easy, I thought. My shape will soon come.
Then the Master leaned over, His voice a soft hum.

He said you are ready. I've done all that I can.
It is time for the fire to see where we stand.
The kiln was quite nice. I had no need to fear.
I'd become special. Surely I'd gotten me here.

But as the temperature started to rise,
I turned on my Master.  I said he told lies.
How could he leave me in here all alone.
How could he think I'd survive on my own.

As the fire grew stronger, I realized the truth.
The lies were all mine and here is the proof.
I said I was special but he made me so.
I said I'd earned it, little did I know.

As the fire died down, I noticed a bright square.
I realized my Master's eyes had always been there.
He didn't leave me here without care.
The Master, I knew, would always be there.

When he glazed me and placed me back in the fire,
my heart didn't bubble with the same sort of ire.
I knew I must trust Him for He knew the best.
I know this moment, but He knows the rest.

The fire washed over and I did not resist.
I knew it would hurt but I knew I'd persist.
Out I emerged, a beautiful piece.
Awaiting my purpose, my journey to cease.

And as I sit waiting, I see it more clearly.
God loves us all. He loves us all dearly.
He choses each for their perfect part.
It is now what we have but who we are in our heart.

We do not become jars of clay by happenstance.
We are who we are by design, not by chance.
So if ever you find yourself deep in the fire.
Follow the Master and not your desire.

God will not lead your footsteps astray.
He is with us right now, each moment, each day.

                               -LHW2012

Day Retreat April 14,2012

What a wonderful day Nancy and I had with these precious young ladies. The Lord led me to share the chapter from Worthy Vessels with them on Firing of the pottery because each one has walked through their personal fire.
In the book the story goes:  The ladies in ancient times would make baskets and then began putting clay from the ground in the bottom to be able to carry their berries without them falling through.  One day there was a fire in the field and the ladies grabbed their children and ran, leaving their baskets with the berries they had collected in them.  When the women came back to investigate what was left from the fire, they found the clay pots, as the baskets had been burned away.  The clay had taken on the beautiful colors of the berries and now that they had been through the fire, the vessels became more useful in the fact that they could now hold water.  What a great discovery...the vessels became beautiful in color and useful.
It was interesting that the Potter knows just the place to set the vessel in the kiln.  He knows just how much the vessel can tolerate. He places the vessel either close to the fire, far from the fire, or even in another vessel to protect it.  The Potter also stays with the vessel because he wants to oversee the firing.
What a great analogy....our Heavenly Father being our Potter knows just how much we can tolerate and carefully allows us to go through the fire, always promising to stay with us, never leaving us nor forsaking us.
Each lady had time alone with the Lord and came back to share their experience. It was amazing to hear how He had spoken to them but more amazing to know that they heard at such young ages.  We know God has wonderful futures in store for them.  I will share the poem Leslie wrote in her quiet times with the Lord.