ANOTHER SCHOOL SHOOTING?

WHAT IS GOING ON?

My heart is heavy this morning.  I just can't stop thinking about the shooting at the elementary school in Connecticut. Every time I see the picture of the children being led away in line and see the look of fear on their faces, my heart hurts for them. When I think of the parents who don't have their babies to hold this morning, I can't help but shed tears. 

 

Children are such a gift from God. What could possess anyone to go to a school and kill innocent children going about their daily routine? I'll never understand it! As a parent myself, I can only imagine the pain and heartache these parents are going through. As a teacher, I can't imagine the horror of this happening at my school. Why does this keep happening and what can we do about it?

At times like this, anger takes the front seat and gun control, school safety measures, and mental health care come to the forefront. Those are very important to discuss in the hope that some of these senseless tragedies can be prevented in the future. 

   But I think there are other things to consider as well. Guns have been around for a long time. In the 60's and 70's when I grew up, my dad's guns were easily accessible on the gun rack in my parent's room. Out of my reach, of course, but I could have gotten to them with a chair if I'd really wanted.  My preteen brother had a BB gun and a 22 rifle of his own in his room and it was the same way at most of my family and friend's houses. Driving around town, you were likely to see pick-up trucks with a gun racks and rifles clearly visible in the window. Guns were everywhere. Yet we never saw the rampages that are happening now. It has to be something more. Honestly, I think the real issue is not a gun control problem, but a heart control problem. 

Consider the changes made in the last few decades. We have taken God out of the schools and almost every aspect of society. We've become more permissive parents, focused on the happiness and self-esteem of our kids above discipline. We've overindulged them and given them more things and less time. We spend little time teaching our children godly morals and instead allow them to learn from violent television shows/ movies and even more violent video games. Did you know that the average child leaving elementary school has already witnessed 8,000 murders and over 100,000 other acts of violence on TV? By the time that child is 18, he/she will have witnessed 40,000 murders and 200,000 other acts of violence. (Huston, A.C. et al. Big World, Small Screen: The Role of Television in American Society. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 1992.) 

These figures were from a study done in 1992 and do not even include all of the violent video games which are much worse. 

To be sure, not all children who are exposed to violence become violent themselves, but it certainly increases the risk of aggressive behavior.  All of the above are things we as parents; teachers; adults in general; need to be thinking about when raising our children.

There is definitely something going on in our society and a lot of sadness and questions to go along with it. I don't pretend to have the answers. However, right now many people are thinking about these things and I just wanted to write down some of my own thoughts and maybe give others something to think about. I'm a christian so my beliefs are based on God's word, but they also come from experience and the studies/research that I've seen in my schooling. Children are a passion of mine and I've spent a lot of time around them as a parent, grandma, teacher, scout leader, and volunteer in many organizations for kids. I love doing this. Unfortunately, it has also made me realize that while there are many good parents, many others aren't doing a good job and our children, our society, and our country are suffering because of it. So here are some things I think parents need to can do to help.

1. Be aware and responsible for the things you expose your child to.  If you feed a child a lot of junk food, there is no doubt that he or she will become physically unhealthy. If you feed a child's mind a steady diet of violence, vulgar language, and video games that focus on killing/ hurting others in order to win... you can be sure that they will begin to develop an unhealthy mind. Music is also something that parents need to be monitoring. Much of the popular music today is shocking to me. Check your child's Ipod and phone. Look up the lyrics, and be picky about what they listen to.

2. Teach your child consideration and empathy for others. Many kids today have become so desensitized to the feelings and pain of others. They have heard and seen so much, they become dull to things that should shock them or produce a feeling of compassion. The media plays an important part in this. Shows like America's Funniest Videos are funny. But shows like World's Dumbest Videos, Scarred, and others project the idea that seeing others badly hurt is entertaining, hysterically funny, or cool. YouTube is full of stupid stunts, people fighting, and inappropriate pranks that are put on view for all to see. Children are young and impressionable and this can really affect how they view things. Limit their exposure to these kinds of things and be sure to talk with your kids about how others feel. Ask them questions to make them consider someone else's perspective. It should go without saying to teach them to show kindness to others and to reach out and include those who feel left out. The golden rule never gets outdated. Explain and most importantly, live it for them to see. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. 

3. Teach your child responsibility and accountability. Give your child chores and responsibilities so they understand that life is not a free ride and it doesn't revolve around them. Everyone needs to contribute to the world around them. Guide and discipline them even if it takes a lot of effort and you're exhausted from work. When they mess up, don't shield them from the consequences. Easier said than done... I know.... but true none-the-less.

4. Spend time with them. Turn off the TV. Close the laptop. Put away the smartphone. Do something together that doesn't involve electronics....find something that really involves interaction. Be there and in the moment together. It will build closeness, happy memories, and help them learn how to connect to you and others. It is amazing how much they (and you) can enjoy a game of cards, Monopoly, or a walk together. It's also a great time to listen. How are they feeling about things? Do they have friends at school? Children have a tendency to open up and talk when they are doing fun and relaxing things. 

5. Teach them about God. To do this, you have to know about Him yourself. I know. ..This is where some of you may stop reading, but a belief system that answers to a higher power and promotes loving others IS a benefit to society. When lines are blurred and there is no real sense of right and wrong, but only subjective opinion, there is bound to be a breakdown in society. A belief in God promotes the value of human life. Our creator knows what is best for us. When we recognize that and live by his guidelines, our lives will be better.

I am praying for the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School, the parents who are suffering, and for all of us. May God hold them in His arms and give them peace and comfort... protect our children... and guide all of us in raising them up right.

GRANDMA'S APRON

As I looked through my kitchen drawers the other day, I ran across this apron.

It was made for me by my Grandma King and I have a blue one similiar to it that my Grandma Bray made. They both laughed when I requested them several years ago, but seemed happy to make them for me. Now both of them are gone, but I smile whenever I see those aprons and think of my childhood and how often my grandmas and mother had one on. I don't wear my aprons often.... in fact, not in years, but they are so special to me and bring a flood of memories whenever I see them.

Not long ago, I saw this poem on a friend's site and found it very touching as it reminded me of seeing my grandmas do many of the same things. Hope you like it:

Grandma's Apron

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.
The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few. It was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.
It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears…
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.
When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.
And when the weather was cold grandma wrapped it around her arms.
Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.
After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.
In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men-folk knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.
It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that'old-time apron that served so many purposes.

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool.
Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.
People now would go crazy trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.
I never caught anything from an apron…
except Love.

~Unknown


I also remember how my grandmas used the pockets to hold their clothespins while taking clothes off the line and how flour always seemed to be on the apron from frying chicken, making biscuits, or rolling out pie crust. On Sunday dinners at Grandma's house, my sister, my cousin, and I would have one tied around us while we helped with dishes. Funny, the memories that an object can bring back.....


Saw this at the dollar store today and couldn't help but buy it for it Christmas. Not very functional, but I think they'd like it. :)

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

When I was diagnosed with cancer and given a scary survival rate, I began to keep a journal of happy thoughts to keep myself positive and focused on my blessings. It brought me so much comfort and joy just to sit down each night and write one or two things that I was thankful for that day. Even in the midst of trials, there are so many things to be happy about. Example: Warm towels fresh from the dryer or comfy flannel sheets... Can you tell I'm cold natured? :) Some may think of it as a Pollyanna thing, but I think of it as finding contentment and joy in all things, no matter how small. Like Abraham Lincoln said, "People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be".  Wouldn't you rather see the glass half-full than half-empty? Sometimes perspective makes all the difference in the world. The way we see a situation directly affects how we handle it. A positive outlook can get you through some bad times. The Apostle, Paul, also noted the importance of thinking on good things when he wrote:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. [Philippians 4:8,9]

Of course, the most pure and praiseworthy thing to think about is the Lord and His great love for us, but I think that reminding ourselves of the little things that make life pleasant is also a good way to lift the spirit. My grandma, whom I was very close to, used to remind me of that and whenever she noticed I was feeling down or complaining about something, she would begin singing the old hymn, "Count Your Blessings". (http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/countyou.htm) It always cheered me up and made me turn my mind toward all the many things God had done for me. He is so good.

The other day when I was doing a search for blog ideas, I saw that lists were a popular thing to do when a topic does not come readily to mind. So, today I'm going to do a list along with these few paragraphs and hopefully prompt someone else out there who may be needing a lift to count their blessings and think on things that bring happiness:

10 SOUNDS THAT BRING ME JOY:

1. Children laughing... especially deep belly laughs from babies.
2. My favorite old hymns we sang growing up.
3. Crickets chirping outside when I'm sleeping in a tent.
4. A heartfelt prayer.
5. Thunderstorms on days I can sleep in.
6. A children's choir singing Christmas songs.
7. A fire crackling and popping.
8. Rhythmic waves of the ocean.
9. Being called a term of endearment by someone I love.
10. The song of a bird outside my window in the morning.

There, I feel happier already. :)  Hoping your day is a blessed one.......

Chocolate Gravy - A Breakfast Treat

They say that smell can evoke strong memories and feelings and I know it's true. There is nothing more comforting to me than waking up to the smell of coffee and bacon frying. It takes me back to my childhood... waking up warm and snugly in bed to the sound of voices in the kitchen and the smell of breakfast already cooking. Now, of course, I'm the one in the kitchen doing the cooking so it's not quite as pleasant, but when I spend the night with relatives and wake up to the smell of breakfast, I get a warm, happy and familiar feeling that brings me back.

One of my very favorite things to have for breakfast was Chocolate Gravy.  It is every child or chocolate lover's dream and I always feel a twinge of sadness for those who've never tasted it or even heard of it. It was served regularly around our house and always at my Grandma's house. She would even let me eat it first, before my eggs and regular sausage gravy and I loved it. I would crumble up my biscuits (much easier to eat that way and it soaks up more of the gravy) and then pour the smooth chocolaty mixture over the top until the pieces were completely covered. My mom and grandma always made homemade biscuits and that is how it tastes the best, but today I cheat and use biscuits from the can. It is still delicious! I don't make it often, but my kids love it too. Mine still isn't as good as my mom's or my grandma's... I have a tendency to get it too thick one time and too runny another. I think it's because they never gave me a real recipe with measurements, just something like... "Use a little more sugar than cocoa, and then add the flour. Stir in the milk until it looks about right and then cook until it thickens. Oh, don't forget to add the vanilla flavoring."   Oh well, I think I've finally got it mastered and while it might not always be the right consistency, it always tastes delicious. My kids love it and since tomorrow is Saturday and my son is heading off to college in a couple of weeks, I think I'll make some for our breakfast. I went online and found an actual recipe that looks about right. :)  So for those of you who love chocolate , want to make a special treat for your kids, or just want to try something new, here's the recipe below. I hope you enjoy it. 

Ingredients                                                                   

• 1/4 cup cocoa
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions

1. Whisk the cocoa, flour, and sugar together in a bowl until there are no lumps. Pour the milk into the mixture and whisk until well incorporated. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until its consistency is similar to gravy, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir the butter and vanilla into the mixture until the butter is melted. Serve immediately over warm biscuits. Enjoy!

Raising Boys Part 2

For those of you interested, this is a continuation of my last post on raising boys. As a teacher and mother of 3 boys I often find myself amazed at some of their antics, the things they enjoy, and how different they can be from little girls. Here are just a few more things I've learned:

1. Always wear house shoes when tiptoeing through their bedroom at night to make sure they are covered up.  As a girl, I'd always thought jacks were the most painful thing to step on, but that was before I placed my bare foot down on a Lego. It is a pain that will make even the purest of heart want to blurt out words you don't normally say. Legos, however, are nothing compared to action figures like Goku from Dragon Ball Z. You haven't felt pain until you've put all of your weight down on top of  plastic pointy hair. (Here's a picture so you'll know what I'm talking about. Goku is in the middle).

2. An exercise ball thrown against a sharpened pencil will pop - LOUDLY.

3. Pretending to be a dog and eating Nerd candy off the table with your mouth will cause some to be inhaled and stuck up your nostril, requiring help from the doctor.

4. Trampolines with the net sides make good wrestling rings. They are even more fun when you spray them down with a hose and they become slippery.

5. Did I already say that bodily noises are hysterical? 

6. Going over ramps with a bicycle is more exciting when you actually jump over 2 or 3 friends lying down.  (Why do Mom's have to ruin all the fun?)

7. If your son gets a gift at his birthday party called a StinkBlaster (especially if it's name is B.O. Brian), do not .... I repeat... DO NOT let him open it in the house. It took days to get rid of that horrible smell. 

Wow. My list could just go on and on... but I have laundry to get out of the dryer, a son waiting to show me something funny on YouTube, and another one searching through the cabinets and all my hiding places for something to snack on so I guess I'll end this here.

Thank heaven for boys. They make me laugh, gross me out, drive me crazy, and keep me oh so busy, but I love them with all of my heart.

THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM RAISING BOYS

My past few posts have been serious-minded, and I thought it might be time to talk about something a little more light-hearted. After all, the name of this blog includes my musings. :)  As a teacher and mother of three boys,  I've learned quite a lot about them. They are in constant motion, always up for adventure, and soooo different than girls. Here are just a few of the things they've taught me:


Disclaimer: Not for the squeamish or those who have never had the pleasure of raising or being around boys.... :)


THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM RAISING BOYS:

Hiding food is sometimes necessary to avoid being eaten out of house and home. Hint: The electric skillet is wonderful for this - boys just don't think to raise the lid and look inside an appliance.

Youtube is full of gross and disgusting videos. Think twice before watching something they find hilarious.

Boys actually do use the sniff test on clothing sometimes. Eeeww.

Burping the alphabet is a talent that most boys seem to find admirable.  


If someone looks at you and says, "I smell popcorn", whatever you do, don't sniff.  It probably means they just farted. 

Boys will be dirty, wet, or messy a majority of the time, and they enjoy it.


Anything is more fun if you can climb it, kick it, or take it apart. Be warned, the teen years
expand to include blowing things up.

Always check to see if toothbrushes are wet. Asking if they've brushed their teeth only encourages vague answers like "I think I did" or "Not yet".  The same goes for young boys who've just used the potty... don't trust them to use soap. I had a sniff test of my own... smell their hands and you'll be certain.


Fascination with "that" body part starts at a very early age. Ever notice how little boys hands just seem to radiate to their pants? When my son was only two, I put him in the bathtub one day, and just as he sat down in the water, he smiled  at me and said, "Look Mommy, my pee-pee is getting bigger and bigger and bigger!"    (Thankfully he doesn't read my blog posts! lol)


To be continued........

(  PROOF THAT IT STARTS EARLY  )

        

My son, Jesse's first birthday. He enjoyed his cake.

My son, John at 10 months old... always into things. :)

 

STAINED- GLASS WINDOWS

I spent the weekend in Chicago and saw the most beautiful stained- glass windows in the Smith Museum on Navy Pier yesterday. The light shining through made them a wonder to behold...clearly revealing each intricate design and beautiful burst of color. Walking through the museum though, I was disappointed when I saw a few windows against the wall where no light shone through. They weren't nearly as noticeable, radiant, or pretty as the other ones. I wanted to see them glowing vibrantly. If only the sun or some kind of light had been filtering through so I could see their true beauty. Continuing on, I was happy that the rest of the windows were brilliantly lighted. As I stood admiring the workmanship and the wonderful way the light illuminated them, I thought of Jesus being our true light and remembered a quote that I read just the other day:   

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
~ Elizabeth Kubler Rossefore

Isn't that insightful?  Stained-glass windows are beautiful to see in the daytime...standing inside seeing the sunlight stream in. But when it's dark outside, the only way to see the beauty is to have a bright light inside shining outward. I really like her quote. It encourages us to have inner beauty that will shine out to the world. 

The bible tells us that Jesus is the true light. (John 1:9) When we let His light shine through us we will begin to reflect that beauty and light to others. When we are confronted with darkness from the outside, the light from inside us can dispel the darkness. 

Our lives can be a radiant story of His glory and goodness. When you look at a stained glass window in the dark, the beauty isn't evident. In fact, the dark colors blend in with the wall, making it hard to see anything special about it. In a similar way, if His light isn't shining through us, we tend to blend in with the world. When we reflect His light from inside us, others will know there is a beautiful story to tell.

A couple of my photos of the beautiful windows at museum on Navy Pier

As a side note... Who knew I would love Chicago?

I grew up in the St. Louis area and have never really liked the city. Chicago seemed to have a whole different feel to it. To begin with, it seemed cleaner and safer. And there were so many things to do! The museums were wonderful, the food was good, and once I figured out how to operate it smoothly, the segway was great fun!

(More Pics Below)

                                    

T-REX SUE AT THE FIELD MUSEUM

MY CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOG - SURPRISINGLY GOOD!

ME PRACTICING BEFORE HEADING OUT.



OUR GROUP AT BUCKINGHAM FOUNTAIN - MY SON JOHN IN THE STRIPED SHIRT.

LESSONS FROM GRANDMA

SINGING LIFTS THE SPIRIT AND SOOTHES THE SOUL
   My grandma loved to sing. As a girl, I would sit and listen to her sing with my grandpa. You could see the look of pure enjoyment on both of their faces, and the pride in hers when he would hit the high notes. My grandpa played the guitar, and he would strum or pick while the family gathered around and sang. A lot of the time it was old folk songs that told sad stories, but it made us happy to sing them.
   We were together and sharing with those we loved, and perhaps that's one of the reasons I love to sing. I'm by no means good at it, but it brings me joy, so I do it anyway. When I'm happy, a song usually comes to my lips and with it, a smile to my face. Most days, I find myself singing in the car, in the shower, and while cleaning house. It just has a way of brightening my day. It's a natural anti-depressant. When I'm having a bad day... feeling angry or tense... I can belt out a few songs (usually from a 70's rock station) and soon feel less stressed. When I sing at worship services on Sunday, the words inspire me; they lift my spirit and bring a sense of peace, joy and gratitude to me. I feel the presence of the Lord, and I think He is enjoying it too, even if I miss some of the notes.

YOU CAN HELP OTHERS NO MATTER YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES
When I was first diagnosed with cancer, my grandma called and told me that she had made my favorite soup and a couple meals for me, even though she was on oxygen, suffering from heart failure, and in a great deal of pain. That is love in action. I was impressed with the fact that she was in worse shape than I, but still trying to do something to help me. What I learned from her is to try and take your mind off your own troubles and look for what you can do to make someones day better or easier. It's not always an easy thing to do - our own problems can seem so overwhelming at times. I'm still a work in progress with this lesson, but helping others always makes me feel blessed. Realizing there are others who have the same (or worse) problems, puts mine in perspective, and makes me grateful for the the blessings I have. Knowing that I've done something to bring someone happiness or have met a need of theirs makes me feel good. Busy, poor, old, or sick,.... there is always something we can do to love and help someone else.

SPEAK YOUR MIND
You always knew how my grandma felt. She said what she thought and spoke her mind. Granted, sometimes it might have been nice if she'd kept a little bit more of it to herself.... like the time she told the hospital nurse that her cologne smelled awful and that she would need to wash it off before she could tend to her. Or when she scolded the visiting minster (through the locked door) and told them that he needed to go home and come back another time - surely he knew better than to visit an old lady at almost 8:00 at night! She was already in her night gown and ready for bed. I used to be shocked at how plain- spoken she was, but the older I get, the more I appreciate it. I've spent a lot of my life, trying to be too kind and keeping many of my feelings to myself. Call me slow, but I'm finally figuring out that doesn't work always work so well. I've learned that it's better to say what's on my mind. How else are others going to know? This doesn't give us the license to be unnecessarily rude or unkind to others, but it's important to stand up for oneself and let your feelings be known. Not everyone will like you for it, but they'll know where you stand, and you'll feel a whole lot better about yourself.

DESSERT IS GOOD FOR YOU - ESPECIALLY CHOCOLATE
My grandma loved to bake, especially cakes, pies, and cookies, and I loved to eat them. Her chocolate cake was my favorite, and I use her recipe now to make special birthday cakes for my sons. They always request it, and I feel close to her when I spread the warm, fudge-like icing on the top and leave a little in the bowl for us to eat. They say food brings us comfort, and that's how I felt at Grandma's house - loved and comforted. It must be the love that goes in while baking that makes a cake taste so delicious. I have some of Grandma's recipes and I love to bake and see the pleasure on my boys faces as they bite into a piece of my cake or cookies fresh from our oven. I hope they taste the same sweetness that I did in my Grandma's cake.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP I'LL EVER HAVE IS WITH MY LORD & SAVIOR Grandma wasn't a saint, but she was always conscious of  her relationship with the Lord, and taught me, by example, that serving others is in actuality, serving Him. Her never wavering faith was evident and an anchor for me in a troubled home and an uncertain world. She had times of worry and her own flaws, of course, but she always looked to Jesus. She spent a a lot of time praying and reading the Bible, and that is where she drew her strength. That is also where I draw mine. Family and friends sometimes let you down, but the Lord is always by the side of those who seek Him. He never breaks His promises. He offers peace, rest, joy, and eternal life to those who believe in Him and obey Him. Something wonderful happened as my grandma was nearing the end of her time here on earth. She had a peace, almost an excitement about her, to be going home with the Lord. She was assured and happy that she would be with my Pa-paw and loved ones soon, but most importantly, with the One who truly loves her. Grandma lived out Hebrews 10:23-25:  "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,  25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.".  Grandma was full of love and good works, and held fast 'til the end. Of all the recipes she left, her relationship with God and the example she set are the most precious to me. Thank you Grandma.

CLAY IN THE POTTER'S HAND

Have you ever used a pottery wheel? As you sit down, it's easy to look at that lump of moist, wet clay and wonder how it will ever end up to be something beautiful or even useful. At least that's how I felt sitting down in an art class many years ago. But then, unbelievably, as the wheel spins, you begin to feel the mushy clay rise up and see it begin to take shape in your hands. It can actually be formed into something with the right touch. With just the right amount of guidance and pressure, it can be fashioned into a beautiful work of art. That is how God must see us... that is why He continually works and molds us. He created us and knows what we can become. He sees our worth even if we ourselves and others may not. If we will only let Him shape our life, we are sure to become something beautiful and useful.

Even the best artist cannot form something from clay that is hard and dried up; it has to be pliable in the potter's hand....yielding to his touch. I want to be like that clay. I want to be shaped by Him into something more than I am on my own. I'm in my late 40's and realize now more than ever that God is still working on me. (Thank you Lord!). He works on us at every age, through our whole life. It is up to us to be like clay and  yield to His touch. We can't be dried up or too stiff or we will never become the work of art that He intends us to be. Sometimes, without even realizing it,  past hurts and experiences have hardened us and made us difficult to work with. We focus on that instead of becoming what we can be. Or we are so set in our beliefs and habits, it becomes hard to yield. Sometimes, we never really get past seeing ourselves as that big glob of clay with no potential. 

I've read many verses in scripture that refer to the potter and the clay, but have recently really been reflecting on them. Ephesians 2:10 says that we are God's workmanship. (For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them). He formed us for a purpose. II Cor 5:5.  Verse 15 goes on to tell us that we are to live for Him because of His great love for us. He sees great value in us. ( Matt. 6:26 and Luke 12:7)  He created us, loves us, and bought us with a great price. He never gives us on us or leaves us on our own. I am so glad to know that He doesn't give up when I become lop-sided like that clay, but gently works to form me into something more. I'm so thankful to know that He sees beauty in me.

He hath made everything beautiful in its time... Eccl. 3:11