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HE IS THE POTTER, WE ARE THE CLAY
True life stories to encourage and inspire
heaven
"WE'LL LEAVE THE LIGHT ON FOR YOU" 9/25/2026
In 1986, a budget-minded motel chain struggled to compete with other motels that focused on luxury. This led to an aggressive advertising campaign about hospitality when, over the airwaves, Tom Bodett’s pleasant drawl assured us, “We’ll leave the light on for you.” I picture heaven like that - a place where the light is always left on, prepared and waiting for God’s beloved children to come home.
EARTH
What a gorgeous day today turned out to be! I took off walking toward the gazebo where I planned to read a few lines from a book I’d choose from the little Lending Box near the Church. My plans were in place, but they never materialized. Three quarters of the way there, a vicious, unfamiliar dog stood its ground, so I turned around and retreated. Okay, I reasoned. No biggie. I will “walk around the block” instead. A mile down the road, a new obstacle stood in my way. The township crew were filling potholes with tar and gravel. Dirt flew everywhere, and with the truck parked in the middle of the road, I decided to turn around once again. Heading toward home, I couldn’t help but marvel at how my perfect plan fell apart. Such is life here on earth. Sometimes lovely. Sometimes not.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Philippians 3:20&21 says, For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall change our lowly body, that it may be fashioned like His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. 1 Peter 1:11 adds, For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 18-21
PRAISE
I BLESS YOUR NAME 9/20/2026
Inspirational music has a way of turning a self-serving attitude into one of gratitude. I know, because this happens to me all the time. I will be in the basement where I repair broken-down chair seats, listening to tunes, when a song like I BLESS YOUR NAME arrests me. This one tells the story of Paul and Silas who, on their worst day, were beaten and imprisoned, and yet behind bars were singing praises to the Lord! If only l could be a testimony such as this in my own time of need.
ONE MORE THING
When the song first came out, the words in the title, I BLESS YOUR NAME, bothered me. I mean, how could a mere person be worthy enough to bless the God of the universe? It took a while for me to reallze that this is a means of praise He desires from us. It’s His due.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
I dearly love the 100th Psalm! Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD, He is God; It is He who hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name; For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth to all generations.
JOY
"HEY, I'VE GOT A HOVERBOARD!"
Years ago, Hubby and l started a tradition to spend time at a Flea Market on Labor Day. We LOVED walking up and down the rows, checking out merchandise, looking for deals. This year, Jul and Oaklynn agreed to make the trek with me. Before leaving, we tucked a few bills in a change purse for Oaklynn, thinking she would enjoy the whole buying experience. Except she didn’t! With limited knowledge of the value of bills and coins, confusion led to discouragement. She didn’t enjoy herself until the money was spent. Once vendors discovered she had no cash, everything changed. One taught her to barter. “If you can hula hoop for 10 seconds, you can have that robot LEGO kit. (Brand new!) Another saw her yearn over a hoverboard, and demonstrated generosity by glvlng lt to her.
HER JOY COULD NOT BE CONTAINED
“Look, I’ve got a hoverboard!” she told nearly everyone we passed. Even at the gas station, she bounced out of the backseat, grabbed the hoverboard, and yelled at the guy pumping gas into the motorcycle behind us, “Hey, look! I’ve got a hoverboard!” Now, I can’t imagine running around yelling, “I’ve got Jesus!” Although He ls what gives me joy, because if l do, someone will probably label me a nut case. However,…
WHAT DOES THE BLBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Luke 18:15-17 tells us, And they brought unto Him also infants. That He would touch them; but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Permit little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such ls the kingdom of God. Verily l say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God like a little child shall ln no way enter lt.
stress
WRONG NUMBER! 9/5/2026
A granddaughter needed a device to call from to set up service on her new phone. She used my phone. Meanwhile, the tech assisting her switched my phone number to her phone. To rectify this, she removed my number and placed it… who knows where? But not on my phone. Now, not all techs are equal, so throughout the week my granddaughter, daughter, and I took turns dealing with heavy accents, trainees, and people who seemed to know what to do, but none could help me. Five days later, a tech told me something very disconcerting. According to their records, l last used my phone number in 2024. What! She also said the number could not be retrieved. What!? But thankfully, she did turn on my service. Later, l called back, again, and asked to have my current number exchanged with another. I gave the tech my old phone number. “No problem!” she enthused, and within moments my business contacts and friends were accessible once agan!
STILL THE RAGING WATERS
This Sunday at Church, l will sing an arrangement by Selah titled Part the Waters / l Need Thee Every Hour. The title and lyrics speak of how God takes us through rough, turbulent seas. All we need to do is ask, trust, and rest in Him. It’s so simple. In my heart l knew He would take care of that phone situation. So why didl allow myself to get so stressed? Ugh!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Isaiah 12:2 says, Behold, God is my salvation; l will trust, and not be afraid; for the LORD even, JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Isaiah 30:7b tells us, Their strength is to sit still.
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GOD PROVIDES
WHEN WE DON'T UNDERSTAND 8/28/2026
Some things are impossible to process, like an accident that happened 3 months ago while l burned trash on my property. Standing a few feet from the fire, l envisioned a face with a burn on the right cheek- my face! In terror, I fled to the other side of the fire. Once there, l heard what sounded like a cannon explode, then excruciating pain spread through my right foot. The culprit? A very small aerosol inhaler. But why would he allow me to be injured when he saved me from being burned?
FOR HIS GLORY
A month earlier, one of my brothers ordered a pair of tennis shoes online. He received a women’s pair instead, in my size. I didn’t care for them because they were too wide and the sole was too thick. But they became invaluable when paired with a “boot” on the other foot. When the time came to shed the boot, the podiatrist recommended one of 3 different brands of athletic shoes. Two months earlier, a friend had given me a new pair from the first category. They didn’t fit her, but they sure fit me. How about that? He provided for my every need. I can't help but shout this from the mountaintops! He is so good!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8 & 9, “For this thing (the thorn in his side) I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will l rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
ANGER
A ROOT OF BITTERNESS 8/21/2026
Spending the better part of a day with an old friend, l couldn't help but marvel at our friendship, one that was forged through years of shared experiences. Some of them good, some bad.
PRIDE
Randy and l looked through old photographs of people, events, of ads, flyers, and other store memorabilia. According to one journal entry, when we flrst joined forces, we got along famously, then l began to feel like he was stepping on my toes. After all, didn’t I make all of the declslons up to that point? Randy didn’t know about the keg of dynamite building within me, but God did. He dealt with me at a Ladies’ Retreat when, once and for all, I admitted my sinful attitude, and He mercifully forgave me.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Colossians 3:12&13 tells us, Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
rELATiONSHiPs
THEY'VE STILL GOT IT 8/14/2026
A favorite subject of mine to write about is my parents. For the most part, they are very healthy, and Mom will tell you straight up, “I’m a tough old bird.” Well, this past weekend, she gave us quite a scare when she admitted to having chest pains that morning and the two mornings before. Dad and l followed the ambulance to the hospital, and he remained quiet. l could only imagine the thoughts running through his head. After all, my parents were high school sweethearts, and they mean the world to one another.
HOMECOMING
After a brief stay at the hospital, they diagnosed Mom, prescribed meds, and sent her home. As she walked through her kitchen door, she exclaimed, “I’m so glad to be home!” Dad showed his gratitude by reeling her in for a smooch. Mom smiled with great contentment, and said, “Now l can take care of my boy.” Still sweethearts after all this time!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
When Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 9:9, “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of this vanity (man always attempting to achieve) which He hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity; for that (true love) is thy portion in this life.
answered prayer
EXACTLY ENOUGH 7/31/2026
His hair, moustache, and eyebrows were white and fuller than most; in fact, they looked very much like the famous person he would be speaking about: American writer, humorist, and essayist Mark Twain. The guests were awed by the speaker’s grasp of Twain’s wit and hung on every word with great expectation. The fellow brought along books of his own to sell, and it tickled me pink to see the lengthy line form at the front when his engaging talk came to a close. Mark Dawidzlak is a first-class speaker and/or impersonator of many different characters. Perhaps he will be coaxed to return to the McCook House one of these days!
GOD IS SO GOOD!
I prayed beforehand that enough cash would be donated so l could pay the speaker’s fee, and not have to write a check for reimbursement later. l started figuring out the total by using a stash l found in an envelope in the drawer from earlier donations. Next, l added the cash in the jar on the desk designated Donations. Someone came in for a tour and put $10 more in the jar. When it was all said and done, l needed $4 more. How could l be $4 short? l pondered over this for days, remembering all the times the Lord gave me the exact amount l needed. Then l spotted the donation jar, noting the $4 in there. Of course! The seed money l leave in the jar when it is emptied… donated money! He gave me the exact amount once more! Thanks, Lord.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Matthew 6:32b-33 says, “for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
relationships
A MATE OF GOD'S CHOOSING 9/12/2025
They loved their 90th birthday party! Mom looked classy as usual in tan slacks, a chocolate-brown pullover and a string of pearls. My jovial Dad dressed casual in a blue-striped shirt and jeans. 38 people assembled at the farmhouse to celebrate. Photos were snapped when we gathered in the kitchen to sing “Happy Birthday” and to eat a slice of Holstein cake made by my brother’s daughter, Holly. I took my own pictures, and Mom’s wide-open smile nearly made me cry. You see, in planned photographs, her mouth is always closed, but on this day, her joy could not be contained. Did Dad’s adoring glancnces have anything to do with it?
A BIBLE LOVE STORY
It just so happens that my bible reading on the morning of this birthday occasion came from the book of Ruth. A story of God’s leading to bring a woman (Ruth) out of a foreign country to meet and marry a man (Boaz) who was in the line of Christ. Ruth had put her faith in the God of the Jews, and He phenomenally blessed her.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
When Naomi exits the foreign land to return to Israel, her attempt to prevent her widowed daughter-in-law (Ruth) from following fails. Ruth’s devotion is touching, and in part, her words have been used in countless weddings. Ruth 1:16, And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to turn away from following after thee; for where thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God.
BLESSINGS
IN AWE OF HIM 7/11/2025
These days, I am overwhelmed by the blessings our great God has showered upon those who love Him, including me! He welcomes us without reserve, then woos us into a sweet fellowship which is more fulfilling than any other we will ever know. His word is all-powerful, and it clearly outlines what He expects of believers and how we are to be witnesses to those who are not. He is so good to us that we can see Him working in and through our lives every single day, including Wednesday of last week, when Jul and I witnessed a miracle.
THAT PESKY CRITTER!
My granddaughter successfully turned the key to unlock the side door of the garage, but even so, the door wouldn’t budge. After a few tries, she enlisted my aid. We guessed correctly that our “culprit” was a groundhog that had taken up residence in the garage, which lacks a cement floor. The critter dug a tunnel on the other side of the door under the hinges, and loose dirt caused the bottom hinge to spread somewhat. After ramming the door a few times with her hip or mine (we looked ridiculous), we discussed our options. The two garage doors were bolted shut on the inside. We had no options. I finally decided to pray. Immediately after, Jul placed her hand on the door, but before she pushed, the door fell open! We looked at each other incredulously. But we shouldn’t have.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Luke 18:1, Jesus says, And He spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. This verse and a few that follow are about retribution for a persistent widow by a nonbelieving judge, and the passage goes on to say our awesome God will surely avenge the elect because of their persistent prayers. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to, Pray without ceasing.
NEW GOALS
"YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 1/3/2025
Right or wrong, we are alwaysresponsible for reacting in a Christian manner, no matter what. God holds us accountable to a high standard – the life lived by our dear Savior. A long time ago, at the insistence of a close friend, I had to face the facts. Hubby and I were not getting along and if nothing changed, we would remain unhappy forever. I prayed earnestly for a long time until one evening on my way home from work I implored God one more time to intervene. Then something miraculous happened! In an audible man’s soft voice from the direction of the empty seat beside me, I heard the words, “You have to change.” “What do you mean, I have to change?” I retorted with irritation, listing a couple of Hubby’s faults for good measure. When I paused, the voice restated what it said before, “You have to change.” My thoughts? This is either an angel or the Son of God speaking to me! Pay attention! Suddenly I recalled a kind act Hubby did for me every morning and an uncharacteristic softness stole into my heart. Thirty years later, it is still there.
GREAT ADVICE
Today the memory of that night came to light when I considered the three goals I made for myself for the new year: to be less critical, be a better wife, and humble myself before the Lord. “You have to change.” The words once turned my life around, and if I apply them to other circumstances today, who knows what will be the outcome? After all, I can use some tweaking!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY? I always believed those words would not be audible to anyone else in the car, had I not been alone. In Acts 22:7-9 we read in part about Paul’s conversion. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, “Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?” And I answered, “Who art Thou, Lord?” And he said unto me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.” And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spoke to me.
DESPAIR
PART TWO OF "YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 1/10/2025
Last week I shared a personal story about how the Lord miraculously intervened to heal my broken marriage. He could have chosen a different method, like conviction through His powerful word or directing us to the right godly counsellor. Why a miracle? I don’t know. It was His choice. A valuable lesson I learned that night is that I am not responsible for the behavior of others, only my own. In short, we can’t fix them we can only fix us. But the good news is, when we change, they change too.
SPECIAL MUSIC
My favorite place to practice singing is in the basement. I set my CD player on the chest freezer, like it’s my desk, and plug in the cord before setting CDs in an array in front of me. (CD’s? I know. I’m old school.) I start by singing with the artist until I can remember the prompts and go it alone. This reminds me not to handle anything alone without first seeking the original Artist’s help. I love these lines from Lauren Daigle’s song, Trust in You. “I’ve tried to win this war I confess, My hands are weary I need your rest, Mighty Warrior King of the fight, No matter what I face You’re by my side.”
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Psalms 145:18&19 tells us, The LORD is near unto all those who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
MARRIAGE
PART THREE OF "YOU HAVE TO CHANGE" 3/14/2025
Someday I planned to write about the miracle God used to heal my marriage, but the truth was, I didn’t want to hurt or embarrass the other person involved, John. But God. God knew how badly I wanted to share my husband’s and my story, so on the second Friday in January, when I settled down to write this weekly blog, out of the blue, a strong impression changed my mind about the subject matter I planned to use. Now, I must add that at this time I had no idea my husband would be passing away in less than a week! There were no signs of decline – although he was a bit depressed about leaving the Cardiac Therapy class he attended for a few weeks. What we hoped would strengthen his heart had to be discontinued because his blood pressure wouldn’t cooperate. Once I finished writing the blog I asked John to read it and to give me his honest opinion. His face showed no expression until the very end when he smiled, and advised, “Yes. Go ahead and use it.”
A NIGHT OUT
Twenty-seven years earlier, two months after the marriage miracle, we were returning home from a “date night.” Sitting as close to each other as humanly possible, we were sublimely happy. However, John knew nothing about the miracle as yet. I asked, “Have you noticed a difference in our relationship?” “You bet I have! What happened?” My reply? “God gave me the kind of love for you, that I should have already had.” I filled him in on all the details (a few I did not share here). When I finished, he cried. He knew everything I said was true because of the change in me.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
Genesis 2:24 says, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh. (Like being glued together). Ephesians 5:33 adds, Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife, see that she reverence her husband.
GRIEVING
WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? 2/28/2025
Will we sit at the feet of Jesus, see his nail-pierced hands and feet, and watch His shining face when He speaks of the kingdom to come? Do we eat food because we want to and not because we have to? Do we need any sleep at all? Will the angels sing? Will we?
GRIEF IS A PROCESS
Looking back these six weeks to the days when l first lost John, I must admit, after the shock of his passing, my thoughts raced to list all the things we could no longer do together, like plant a garden, work in the yard, watch movies, go thrifting or out to eat or hang out with family and friends. Poor, pitiful me, I thought, the one left behind picks up the pieces, alone. After these self-centered moments passed, I stared at the places in the house where he normally could be found. Although he wasn’t present anymore, I could conjure up a mental picture of him at the drop of a hat, and I did. I wanted to share my thoughts with him about this or that and found myself doing so, often. Most recently though, I am finally connecting the dots, considering his lengthy hospital stays (which he hated) and the painful issues he suffered in between. It’s over now, dear one. Rest easy.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
In I Thessalonians 5:17&18, Paul advises, Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. In EVERYTHING give thanks. Even while grieving.
faith
NEVER FEAR, ONLY TRUST AND OBEY 4/23/2021
Our 3 year old great-granddaughter, Oaklynn, and my husband share a special bond they developed when he babysat her as an infant and toddler while Mommy worked. This bit of information will be detrimental as you continue reading, so please keep it in mind.
TOOTHPASTE DILEMMA
While Oakey and I were brushing our teeth, somehow or another, toothpaste got into her eye. Oh - how she wailed! It would be futile to try to rinse the offending goo out with water, so I grabbed the Visine out of the medicine cabinet. "These drops will help." "No-o-o!" she wailed on. John's voice came to us in a clear and unworried tone. "Why don't you come here and let my magic hanky take care of it?" (His what?!) She rushed to his side, weeping less, as he explained calmly how the magic hanky would immediately draw out the pain. She laid down, and he covered her eye with the cloth but a moment, pulled it away with a flourish, and asked, "Does it hurt anymore?" Joyfully she replied, "No!" Although he never tried this before, Oakey trusted him so completely, the ruse worked! A verse from an old hymn reminds me about this kind of devotion.
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
Or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do
Where He sends we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE HAVE TO SAY?
If we trust in God the way Oakey trusts in Grandpa, the peace mentioned in Philippians 4:1-7 will be ours! In Psalms 37:3-5 we see how this actually transpires.
1st, TRUST in the Lord and do good, so shall thou live in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 2nd, DELIGHT thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
3rd, COMMIT thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
