As
I spent time making this year's ornaments, Jesus spent the time teaching and reminding of
so many things.
The
recipe for the clay is 3 ingredients - corn starch, soda, and water. As I stirred and stirred this conglomeration
on the stove top I thought it would never turn in to the "smooth mashed
potato consistency" the recipe said it would. The first try at the recipe I was too
impatient (as usual). Dough stuck the to
rolling pin and board. Then when I tried
to lift them from the board they became misshapen - edges were rough and
ornaments cracked while drying in oven.
Next batch I took my time. Oh my!
What a difference. Those ingredients
really did look like smooth mashed potatoes with enough time given. I kneaded the cooled dough for several
minutes till it became more pliable which made rolling it out a breeze. After cutting each heart shape a stamp was
then used to impress an image on the heart. A small straw was used to pierce a hole in
the top of each heart. I lifted it from board
and very carefully took my finger to smooth out the edges before placing on
dehydrator trays to air dry. I then placed the dehydrator close to the
fireplace so they would dry.
Bet you didn't think you would be reading a
recipe did you!? I really am going
somewhere here! As I worked with the
second batch of ornaments I thought of how so many times in my life I get
impatient with God's timing and though things turn out ok He desired so much
more then just ok- He had a really good plan.
I thought of how-
-God
can take this crazy mixture of humanness
and make something out of it
- we are kneaded and molded by Jesus, His
whole desire to make us more pliable and useful for His
glory.
-He
makes us a new creation, giving us a new heart, stamping us with His name and
seal because He chose to be pierced for
our iniquities so we could enjoy awesome relationship with Him!
-the Spirit lovingly smoothes out those
rough edges, sometimes using the iron sharpens iron person or circumstance to do so.
I hope in the promise that just as the heart
ornaments, when we go through the fire of trials, His promise is that we will
be refined - looking more like Jesus.
A
red and white striped string was used so that the heart could be useful as an
ornament or present tag. By His stripes
we are healed, The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin, He makes us white as snow......
My, the simple but divinely awesome truths -
the heavenly blessing we have all received because of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with
Us, came born of a woman born under law to redeem those under the law that we
might receive the rights of sons (and daughters). His recipe for our life is good!
What a reason to celebrate! And I do hope you are celebrating and not
just getting through this Christmas Season as I have heard so many lament this
year. As the Message Translation so
wonderfully states, let me encourage you to "Tune me in
to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to
dancing" Ps 51:8 Don't just sit and
watch dancing with the stars- Get up and Dance! Dance with Jesus this
Christmas!
Speaking of dancing, we are dancing in praise to our
Father for each of you. Thank you for your faithful prayers, support, and love
for us and the ministry He has here in SE Colorado.
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