I've always said the Lord allowed pottery in my life when I had no idea what I was doing or how I would do it. I had NO intention of starting any kind of business, I only wanted to enjoy the days I have left on earth and I knew it was what I was supposed to be doing.
Once the Holy Spirit starts working on you, it becomes so much more. Through much prayer and contemplation I stepped out. I trusted because I knew he would meet me there. He equips those he calls, you know. You will be broken, unequipped (you think) but then he opens the doors you need, he sends the people you need for encouragement, he sustains you and strengthens you. It is not always easy but the process is necessary. Because he grows us from those deep places of insecurity and doubt. The peace that has come from this journey following two separate kinds of cancer has blessed me in ways I never imagined.
I happen to believe, there is no true peace without God. True peace is a holy process. It is often a journey filled with raw emotions and pain but only through prayer, the surrender of self and the power of God is peace found. The world will not understand your peace. You will have to get over that.
We enjoyed a busy weekend at the Helena Buck Creek Festival. It could have been a long, tiring weekend but it wasn't. We had some amazing conversations with people who shared the love of Jesus right there in my booth, surrounded by pottery. The young ladies who joined us from Gospel Light Baptist were precious and I was quite proud to see them sharing the love of Jesus, and plan of Salvation with others. I was also encouraged by the reception they received from many young people. (I watched from my seat, as young people gladly spoke with them as they shared their godly message.) I met a young couple and we talked about cancer. He is two months out and all clear from Leukemia. Praise God! I discussed with a young father, how the world is changing so quickly and we have to continue to set goals and standards we believe in, for our children. Let them run in a field and play, let them be children but train them up with a firm foundation in Christ. I love meeting parents with their shoulders squared to raise their children in the love and admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It reminds me, as children we had great adventures. We played outside most days. Cartoons were allowed on Saturday but only for a little while, then mama shoo'ed us outside. "It's hot" I would say. "Sit under a tree" she would say. There was no nonsense in Mary Lou's household. I soon got tired of sitting under that tree and went off to play. There were forts built, bicycles to ride, tree climbing & creating fairy houses around the roots of huge Oak trees. We enjoyed many tree house adventures, high in the old Beech tree. A big rope swing hung in the front yard and daddy checked it each spring to make sure it was acceptably strong. We also worked. We worked in the garden and got everything in for some great eating in the fall and winter. By most standards today, we would have been considered poor and a garden was a necessity in the south. I never felt poor. Summer vegetables are a short season and when they come in, it must be done right now. My brothers were older and worked harder than I did. I was the corn silker. Daddy would say, "I'm sorry baby but you are the most patient with the corn and you do it right." I hated doing it right but I did it. Understand, daddy did not have to tell us twice. It was understood what your role was because he made it clear the first time, he encouraged me with his compliments and he trusted me to do the work. I must have cleaned the silk off thousands of ears in our kitchen sink each summer. Then they went in the freezer. Daddy always reminded me how well I did, when we ate that corn in December or January. I cherish the memories of those carefree days of working the garden and tending things with mama and daddy. Sitting around and shelling peas and listening to them tell stories of their childhood.
I also pray that if you do not know my Jesus, you step out to find him.
