Tuesday, October 11, 2011

God Breathed Words

Write down these words.  Exodus 34:27  

Words.  Sometimes they tumble around and around in my head like socks in a dryer.  Other times it's as though the socks never make it to the dryer -- eaten alive by the washer before they become a possibility.   And then there are the times I find them in the drawer of my mind, mated and folded, ready to put on paper.

But rarely do they end up published like they emerge.  They need a metaphor here or a Scripture tucked in there for better clarity.  RB reads through the initial drafts with questions, "What did you mean here?" or "I think this word works better."

Click to see larger
When I became a Christian, God changed me, but there was plenty of maturing that followed.  Tidbits of ideas and personal interpretations from sermons I've heard through the years tumble around in my head.  Some of them are discarded by the Holy Spirit when they don't stand the Scripture test.  Others I find mated with God's approval, ready to accept in my heart and assimilate into daily living.  

This awareness helps me listen more closely to the whispers of my Heavenly Father.  "Why did you speak so sharply?"  "Why didn't you offer grace?"  And in my heart of honesty I find that I need those corrections, remembering God loves those He disciplines (Proverbs 3:12).

It is then, through Grace, that the manuscript of my life shines authentically.  Only then the God-breathed words I write become not my own, but His.  My words, devoid of my pride, change from my original intention into a  "Behold, I make all things new."  I look at my manuscript and wonder, Did I write this?  And I know the credit belongs to God.




* * * * *

From Old to New

I had an idea and went searching for an "old" that could become new.  At one thrift store I found the candlesticks and a pumpkin.  In another I found the second pumpkin.  Emily found the third one in Marion.  The paint I found on clearance at Walmart.  The Krazy Glue I found in RB's stash of glue -- Do all men love glue or are my daddy and RB the only ones with stashes? 

The steps are easy:
Ask husband to spray paint candle sticks.
Glue one to the bottom of each pumpkin.
Dry and fill.

In my writing, the credit goes to God.  In my crafting this project, the credit goes to Eighteen25.  Check out the blog of three sisters: Jamie, Jodie and Jen.  They are always crafting something fun that I want to craft-lift. 

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31 comments:

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Oh words . . . how we love the good ones.

Fun project.

Fondly,
Glenda

Ruth said...

I love the way you worded this post's words. His Word comes through what you write. Thank you for always inspiring me.

I like the craft idea! Perfect for Fall.

Many blessings,
Ruth

Mindy said...

What a cute craft! I love the idea. =)

Anonymous said...

Hi Pamela - I am so grateful that God is gracious with us as we grow and change and mature in Him. Great post
God bless
Tracy

Renee said...

I too am grateful when God blesses my words..when He intercedes. And I am grateful for your posts here. They touch my soul and bring me a sense of peace that must radiate from you to the "written word" you express. I often feel calmer when I leave your home on the web.

jamie carter said...

i love how your project turned out. that is such a fun idea to use the pumpkins.
i think i need to make some just to fill them full of candy corns and peanuts. that combination sounds yummy. :)
thanks for sharing!!

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

Wonderful post! God's grace is all we need :)He will do the changing in us, we just need to stay willing :)

Jane said...

I love the part about the ideas and tidbits tumbling around until the meet the Scripture test. I too,have many thoughts and sermons jumbled together in my mind, trying to discern if they are truly Scriptural. Cute project too!

Unknown said...

This touched me so and echoes my same sentiments:

Only then the God-breathed words I write become not my own, but His. My words, devoid of my pride, change from my original intention into a "Behold, I make all things new." I look at my manuscript and wonder, Did I write this? And I know the credit belongs to God.

Thank you for articulating that so eloquently.

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

Great 'candy jar' project. Mmmm. Thanks for following, I have followed you and put a link to your blog on my today's post.
- Joy

RicKaren said...

Great post. I used to fear man when using the Scripture test, but am learning the fear of the Lord. =)

mtashie said...

Love this post....thanks for stopping by my blog today! I'm a new follower!

Susan Evans said...

I love it when God humbles me and uses me to say something spiritual in just the right way. It makes my heart soar, so I know exactly how you feel.

Florence said...

Hi Pamela,

a lovely post full of 'good words' that both teach and encourage. :)

Thank you also for commenting on my blog, will def. stay connected.

Anonymous said...

Love the candy jars. Yes....I know about the words.

Holly said...

Such cute pumpkins!

dtbrents said...

That is such a great idea. I will try to do it. I love things like that on my counter in the kitchen. Thanks, Doylene

Wandering Thought said...

Beautiful words to ponder!

Your little project is so fun and pretty.

Esther Joy said...

I agree with Renee in comment above - God's grace shines through you, and I often feel calmer after reading your post. Today was no exception.

Esther Asbury said...

Your words give usually me much food for thought...thanks for sharing them with us!
BTW-Love the pedestal pumpkins!

Sharon said...

Oh my - not only are you a gifted craftswoman of words - you're rather creative in crafts, too! These were adorable decorations, Pamela. Really cute.

And of course, your lessons are always so inspirational. Your words reach me. And I know they do that because your heart is open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Isn't it wonderful when we feel Him provide the message?

I am also thankful that He continues to make this old(ish) woman, me, into something NEW!

GOD BLESS!

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

You have such a beautiful heart. I love reading what you write about. Blessings Crystal Mary

Rebecca Nelson said...

I love the way you write....

Beautiful~

Love to you...your new ribbonaholic friend, Rebecca

Adelina Priddis said...

Those look so nice!!

Karina Pacheco said...

Such a beautiful post :)

I did see The Help and it was beautiful, you should definitely try going to the movie theater one day by yourself :)

Have a great weekend!

Betty Manousos said...

what an inspirational post!

i'm eternally grateful to the Lord for his great mercy and love.
Thanks so much for following CUT AND DRY.
i'm following you right back!

have a great weekend!

Cat Davis - Food Family Finds said...

What a great idea! My mom has a ton of old glass candy jars like that but has them hiding in a closet.

Debbie said...

lovely post!

Marie said...

This turned out so great! I love the idea of using the pumpkin! Thanks for linking up with us at Show & Share! Can't wait to see what you link up this week!

Marie
mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com

seashore said...

The idea of words tumbling around in my head is so true. Sometimes I feel that my head is like an over stuffed dryer. This is what I try to avoid. Thanks for the image

Coupon Housewife said...

Such a great post, and I love the candy jars!

Thanks for stoppin by and following my blog! I am now following you back.