Earthen Vessles

As I would arrive every morning at the ceramic studio, I would be met with the aroma of coffee brewing mixed with the earthiness of humid clay and a quietness broken with only low conversation, and the sound of several people at work wedging their clay. They would be lined up at the wedging tables  cutting, folding and kneading their wads of clay, an orchestra of fwing, slap, sewish, sewish, sewish, sewish, sewish, sewish, slap, sewish, sewish, sewish, sewish, sewish, sewish, slap and on and on. Eventually, with the daily preparations completed, the wedging song dissipated into louder conversation, laughter, radios and the business of throwing pottery.

This preparation is not just a traditional custom of the ceramic trade, its part of the science. To obtain expected and consistent results there is a process to be followed. (Applied science). “Wedging” is part of the process. The science behind wedging is simply to blend the clays that are combined in the lump by working and kneading the lump in a manner that aligns the clay molecules in the same direction thereby enhancing its properties.  Clay molecules are coin shaped, and in an unprepared piece of clay the molecules are every which way. Un-wedged clay us difficult to work with, as it is inconsistent in texture, plasticity, moisture and most likely contains pockets of air. It is crumbly, less workable, shaping and refinement is greatly compromised and a vessel made with it is unlikely to survive drying or firing without cracking or exploding. Essentially, an unworked piece of clay is worthless to a potter.

The clay the potter prepared today is for future use. A wedged piece of clay is usually wrapped in cloth or plastic and set aside for a few days before use, a period called “resting” or “aging”. The finest clays are aged even longer; weeks or even years, assuring that each molecule is surrounded with water, thereby lubricating and making a more plastic or pliable clay, (a potter usually has a special cache of this set aside). This pliability is a desired quality as it makes for finer and stronger vessels. So, ideally, the potter uses clay that he has previously prepared so his wheel work is not only more enjoyable but also of the best quality which can withstand the firing processes and years of reliable service. It takes more that one firing in the kilns for a finished vessel, the first is to achieve what is called Quartz Inversion, wherein the vessel is changed from delicate air dried clay to a form of “stone”.  The second firing is for ornamentation and waterproofing with glazes and even further hardening. Every work day is preceded with preparation, so there is a reliable supply of usable clay, and to assure that his day’s work survives.

Throughout the years since I last stepped out of that ceramic studio, I have often thought of how my God has prepared (wedged) me, aged me, formed me, tested me in the fire and used me. I also know that there are works inside me that he is still preparing me for, some that are being prepared, some are “resting”, some that are now on the potter’s wheel and some have been through the fires and are in use. I’m just very happy and amazed that I’ve been prepared by the Master Potter for His use.

I Know! Who's Gonna Read All This... Right?

Sometimes words fail me. This may not be a great opening sentence, but please bear with me for a bit. Failing words, I think, is a primary weakness in my various roles in life and most especially as an ambassador of God’s Kingdom. It seems that my alleged weakness is in the process of translating my thoughts into spoken words. This faulty process frequently produces Barney Fife-like fits and spurts of ramblings hugely missing the mark that I so richly and earnestly intend to communicate. Specifically, it’s spoken words that so often escape me…like a handful of BBs.  What may seem to most as if I am being sullen or mysteriously silence is most likely me being deeply inarticulate.

Having recently been in a situation where acquaintances were quizzical of my Christian beliefs I again experienced my extraordinary lack of words along with the associated frustration. So I find it is in my best interest to finally meet this echoing frustration eye to eye, and to then examine it and eliminate it. Understanding and resolution of this mental stammer merits pursuit. Moses knew he had a problem in effective verbal communications, yet he managed to get his people out of Egypt. Of course, he had the hand that parted the waters to help him out. And it is at this point that I again humbly call on that mighty hand to guide my understanding and build within me an articulate ability.

One of the difficulties of this whole big deal with I have with words is, like all those who proclaim God’s Word, I am literally up against the Silvered-Tongued-Devil. (Smooth, he is.)  He has skillfully worked and reworked us all with diversionary words from multitudes of angles. He works it repetitively, continually, especially in our unleashed and unrelenting media. In time one thinks, “Well, that really makes sense and it feels right, therefore I believe it enthusiastically.” Of course it does, when the daily media mantra is, “Hey! If it feels good, do it!”

I recall a preacher friend of mine, who spoke once of a young man whose neighbor had a messed up bicycle. Apparently being a competent bicycle repairman, he one day set himself to fix his neighbor’s bicycle’s crooked handlebars and wobbly front wheel. He did it as a favor and a surprise, never telling the man. Well, when it came time for the neighbor to hop on his bike and head to town, he did so and peddled along for about twenty feet and … crashed. He got up sore and confused and complained loudly that some idiot had tampered with and ruined his bicycle. It seems over time and un-noticed, the bicycle had fallen out of “rightness” and he became used to and was satisfied with riding it “wrong”. Some times when we are used to it, we prefer wrong.

 It can be understood that spiritual deception (lies / untruths) that he continually spews have been ingrained in our cultures from the earliest generations, which devise has predisposed us to readily accept distortions as the norm. With each generation the packaging becomes more sophisticated; deceit mingled with just enough truth so there is some goodness and allure to it. But the pseudo ideal is always missing the very specific core of truth that God will not back down on, nor change as the foundation of truth. And that is that for mankind, the way to Him, the only way to Him even in this day and age, is through His Son Jesus Christ. That is how He has set it up for us. This, after all, is God’s decision; He didn’t set this up through approval of a sub-committee of men. It is therefore to be understood that if you reject Jesus, His Son, you reject the very essence of God Himself. His son is the vehicle through whom He has presented and given mankind access to himself. All else is deceit, beautiful perhaps, yet deceit nevertheless.

Act 4:12 - 20  Neither is there salvation any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

      Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.  And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,  Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Christ is God’s manifestation of Himself to mankind. (Read John 1:1-12). When Christ is rejected, God’s whole big point is completely missed and one is left standing there with crooked handlebars.

 No matter what tradition or accepted cultural or personal experiences dictate, it is Christ alone whom God has Himself designated as mankind’s Master /Lord. To reject His Christ is to reject His precepts. Jesus is someone who merits

 John 1:10-13: “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

There is no other personage or name that God provided or endorsed who gives us entrance, introduction, relationship, citizenship into eternity as children of God. There is no other personage through whom God provided for us the spiritual condition that is required and which enables the relationship of being his beloved child/offspring and all that this relationship enables.

There ARE other gods. The Bible supports this repeatedly. It is well supported however in our times to think that they are all the same God. It is popular and perhaps relevant to think that we all worship the same one but simply because of culture and experience give him different names focusing on different attributes. But God refutes this. And this very concept of there really being only one God, that they’re all the same, seems to be one of the consistent themes of man’s error in God’s own record of man’s history. This concept is usually paired with the idea that all we need to do to “tap” into God is to realize and discover the God within us which then unites us with all humanity and the huge potentials and powers that are thus reached. We so badly want to live as “one”.  Although it is widely popular and persuasive it is essentially self worship propagated from the most ancient of times to deflect worship from a separate eternal and much greater being outside of the person to one within. This is simply the spin that the adversary first promoted in the garden when he said “You shall be as Gods.” Argument can be taken, but worship is to be toward God not toward the self. God is separate from you, you are not God.

So, this where my mountain rises: How can I neutralize objections that arise out of so great a vista of error that people so profoundly accept? As a supposed communicator of God’s thoughts to his people, I am called upon at times to shepherd people into the fold. How can they hear unless someone preaches? Yet I find more often than not, to the point of avoidance, that my spoken words are little more than fodder for their folly and for them to toy with. I have found myself rarely daring speak to unbelieving people of the scriptures unless they demonstrate an interest in our Christ. Not because I am ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but because through my experience people are not listening for truth – but they are listening for faulty or issues that do not line up with new-religious propaganda and agendas. Or really anything to harrumph and use as reason for their rejection.

I have found throughout the years, that unless a person is genuinely seeking God they simply ask questions of Christians to toy with them, or me, and then to spew out their own sparsely thought-out-ideas and regurgitations of popular or even arcane readings. They ask questions of which they already have their own answers. Even as predictable, contradicting and vague as the offered alternative concepts often are, they seem well rehearsed and packaged, quoting significant and popular orators and philosophers. Man’s wisdom has a long history; that is, long in Man’s viewpoint. It seems that people consider Christianity only as a last resort - an unintended and unfortunate destination; the New Jersey of religions. (That actually had been my one time opinion).

Now, for examination of the problem, I continue. Three co-existing efforts have affected this “avoidance at all costs” of modern Christianity. The first, is even Christianity in its purest form is un-natural to mankind. Christ can only be spiritually discerned. 1^st Corinthians 2:14 states: “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” The entire concept of a kinsman redeemer for mankind, the acknowledgement and acceptance of a Spiritual Kingdom such as presented by the God Jehovah Elohim is unacceptably foreign. Christianity is not a convenient or comfortable persuasion. But truth is hard to swallow when half truth has been the rule. (I reiterate: getting the unbeliver’s attention off of their pre-packaged crooked handle bar retorts and pre-set arguments)

This brings me to the second effort. (John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.)  That is of our God’s adversary whose station it is to at all costs keep people from entry into God’s kingdom. His history is long; how he came to be is another topic for another time, so let it suffice to say for now that we (Christians) have an enemy. He is Lucifer, he is very real, very subliminal and he seeks only to steal, kill and destroy the Word of God and its effect out of every detail of every human life on this earth; believer or unbeliever. Since he’s been around a while and knows mankind’s basic character and limitations, he, that Silver-Tongued-Devil, has become remarkably good at his job. He has offered altered systems of thought poignantly arranged with every cultural nuance, every level of every system of education, philosophy, sports, lifestyle, social class, arts, science, politics, government, climate, financial, marketing and industrial and even the military. The threads of change have been woven in over the centuries. He is a master of his passion.

Thirdly, he has also entered and invested himself fully in every religious system on earth – including, (and I might stress), Christianity.  He has in recent times been making very bold and effectual efforts to legally neutralize Gods Word in my country and even among its churches. In ever expanding arenas, God’s Holy Word (Writings or words that He has separated, ie: made holy), is becoming inappropriate, unwelcomed, and at best permitted and marginally tolerated. It has become in the most visible arenas watered down, largely compromised so as to be more marketable to various demographics slices of society. Through that, its true value and effectiveness has been successfully altered so that, faith has been replaced with “socially acceptable” and satisfying emotion. Careful contemplation of God’s thoughts has been replaced with faddish novels and cute quotes embellished with muted greens and browns to match any décor. The orchestration of the adversary has skillfully projected present-day Protestant Christianity to appear as an unnecessary sideshow; at best, awkward and eye-rollingly tolerated. It is comically portrayed as a cohesive group of Bible toting, nutty and inconsistent, emotional drama addicts returning week by week for an hour of primal group cry, shout, hand waving, hugs and sing-alongs for which they pay dearly through quilt-tithes, and from which they walk away from with short-term memory of the principles they just heard toward their shallow and ignorant lives. Christians are among the most ignorant of Christian History and of the Scriptures!  Mis-use of the scripture for personal or political gain is common. That is what is primarily projected in the media and in many cases and unfortunate reality where a shallow form of Godliness through religion, rather than Godliness, has taken hold. It has become ugly. Many are even projecting that devout Christians are a threat to national security as they are fanatics and dangerous. It’s a difficult prelude to presenting the real thing.

The recent conversation I had that kindled this writing involved acquaintances with whom I have history. They know me well enough to understand that I’m not a shallow person. That I’m kind, considerate, thoughtful and not given to flippancy or disrespect. They have been the same with me …mostly. They have been cautiously curious about my Christianity, in the aftermath, and as I suspected it would be, they are curious of it as an oddity – as if I unknowingly have dog doo on my shoe, this Christianity of mine.  Surprised that I just don’t know better. I knew I had been dismissed before I even fully answered their first question. It is the new rule that politeness or respect does not have to be extended toward the Christian Faith; (but only that faith). It is OK to openly give a “knowing look” to each other as if to say, “Oh brother!”. It was kinda sad.

But as I look back to that situation where I was not being offensive, Bible thumping, or egotistical I realize that the lack of confidence in what I was speaking was not concerning my in ability, but a reaction to the situation spiritually. My words were falling on dead ears, ones that were not listening for Words of life but for utterance that would validate their crooked handlebars.

1Pe 3:15, 16  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Chris.t

So this frustration that has been such an issue for me is nothing more than that: a frustration. I can let it be utilized as a mechanism to keep me from ever bothering to again speak of God’s Kingdom to non-believers, maintaining the “Don’t cast your pearls before swine” attitude, or I can claim my position as an ambassador of God.  It, my frustration, doesn’t change the truth within or without me. Jesus is still the King of Kings. I am still called to eternity through His name. God’s world view is the viewpoint I embrace and it is Him with whom I enjoy a dynamic and eternal relationship. My responsibility to those who sincerely or insincerely ask me about what I believe about God is simply to have an answer and to speak it the best I can. My purpose and responsibility to God is to be a worshipper and a preacher. I am to “Go, stand , and speak.  I am to proclaim the kingdom in a manner that honors God, and to expect opportunities to do so. Although it is my deepest desire that those to whom I speak of God precepts receive life altering understanding, it is not my responsibility that they do. That is solely God’s department.

I am very thankful for having been called out from among the world. I am still after all these years amazed by the vastness, richness and necessity of God’s Word (His thoughts toward us) in the Christian’s walk through this world. I am stunned by who and what God is and what he has prepared for us. I want every part of it, and it is my desire that everyone I know and come to know can fully share and experience God’s reality. I choose not to be offended by my own self for my lack of skillful oration, or by anyone’s or response or lack thereof to my effort to hold forth the Words of Life.

So, if I speak about God and quote His Word to you, please realize that I only do so because God may have something for you in it. Don’t be offended. Realize that I can not harm you with what I tell you even though you may be uncomfortable. I will not belittle you. You’ll most likely soon realize that your not being addressed by a world renown speechifier; just me! But, I will speak only things to build you up and encourage you toward a deeper sort of love and a wider sort of potential, so that perhaps you can join us.. and be as one, with the creator of all things who lovingly and patiently waits for you to be a resident of His Kingdom. That’s all… just saying.

People We Know

People, ... people we all know, say they have asked God to reveal Himself to them. Even some of us can recall having at least once asked God  - if He is really there and desires to know us and us Him - to at least present a brief "hello" and meeting of sorts. Earnestly hoping He through chance or intent, would make a first hand introduction. Something beyond a spokesperson or written entreaty. Something Holy. Something nice.

And fairly soon, in a quick while. Really, just as soon as it is unanticipated, an entrance is made. There are some events that change everything. There is a woman I know who said, "It changed the very way I think." and added, "Well, most of the time." She grinned, "Usually." "But its so contrary to what is evidenced in the -What We See World. I took time for me to trust it - Him and myself - with it all."

The world is so full of noise about what is and what isn't. Even though it has no dominion beyond what the 5 senses reveals, it rallies and charges on its own dos and don't, can't be's and a narrow spiritual agenda, which is it seems, to throw the baby out with the bath water. Spiritual experience is whittled down through behavioral science to good endorphins supporting positive character outcomes. Beyond that it is irrelevant as it is "undocumentable". The true science of religion is what man can do: politics.

And what have we done with that?

And what do we do with the encounter?

What do we trust?

What are we purposed to trust?

(to be continued)

By the Lake

I took my father for a ride and lunch  yesterday. It was beautiful - the sun stayed out for the duration of our tour; clouding up only as we neared home. I drove him around Linesville which is situated near the top of Pymatuning Lake. (lotsa bogs there!) Its the town where he was born, in the Baptist Church's manse. When he was 6 years old, his father was transfered to ..."Transfer", Pa, which was his final assignment as a pastor. But he had a lot of memories to relate to me. We drove up to his house - but there's a factory there now, and the church burned several years ago and a new one was built in another part of town. It was 82 years ago that he left -but he pointed to several homes and named the families and friends that lived there. He told me of coming home from school one day with wet pants. When his mom asked him how it happened he told her that there was a stop sign...  I can tell we're related.

We had lunch at a great little restaurant called "Rebecca's". The owner knew him. Wonderful food. He wants to go back. After that we drove around the outskirts toward the lake's spillway and spotted some deer and then a huge flock of geese. (see above photo -just a few). And then we turned home where our discussion turned to quitting one's goals.

My grandfather quit pastoring after his last transfer - although he would still preach on a fill in basis. It was during the depression and money in small town churches was not substantial for a family of 5 kids. Dad seems to think there was more to the story. I agree, as grandfather left his family as well. He seems to think his dad quit out of frustration.

This is a common event in ministry. There is an enemy constantly whispering in pastor's "ears" with thousands of reasons to not minister to God's people. Frustration enters as a final stage in considering the argument against God's calling. Its an agreement with the adversary that one's efforts are, in fact, ineffectual - a waste of everyone's time and money. It is disagreement with the Word, with God. And when the pastor not rescued and leaves his ministry the effects reverberate. Families are left behind - and sons never hear why.

Congregations can enter in this turn of events as well. They forget that God's the one who does the calling and placing. If a preacher doesn't preach to their liking - why they go all out to get rid of them. Bad idea. God always has a plan / reason for putting his leaders where he does. God's leaders need to be supported by their people, not manipulated. They really are not expendable or disposable. We are a people called to love; above all. We are to help each other; above all.

Sometimes we do get our feet stuck in the mire. But if we are walking as children of God, as a family, we can minister to each other and pull each other out. We can talk things out, taking care of each other so that he predominant words in our ears are Godly - not destructive, or frustrating and devastating whispers. 

Dad said he'll probably never know why his dad  left. I wanted to tell him that yeh he'd find out some day when they meet again. But then I thought , "Well, no! When we all meet at the return - it will no longer even matter."  It'll no longer be a hurt. We'll be engulfed in glory and praise eternally. =]

cJa

On Speaking One's Mind

Ever try to think and nothing happens? As an artist and a communicator I'm severely familiar with it. As a mother I am stupendously inarticulate with it, as so often when I try to utter what I understand in words to my kids. I can tell - I'm frequently met with blank stares, furrowed brows (either I insulted them or worried them), haffs and slowly pronounced Okaaaaay Moms.  Now, need I go on with what I can do with all the varied relationships we encounter? I'm pretty sure thats why I am most content alone or with someone with whom we finish each other's sentences when and if we need to speak.

But you must admit there are a good number of things for which there are no adequate words. Others that have too many personal connotations to negotiate the right angle of approach, and yet others that seem so terribly important and basically profound , which when uttered seem little better than spindly T-shirt fodder. I imagine much of  being communication-ally impaired has to do with eroding vocabulary - (due either to laziness or the duh-factor). But I think also - really, not as an excuse - is that I simply think and reason a little different than an obviously huge percent of folk.

I think this because often what I appreciate about my life is best expressed in what I do in my work. I sense this from God as well. He gave us His Word that we can better understand Him. But his creations sings, resonating with soundless words, of His profound and eternally unfolding love love.  Hmm-m-m, mebbe I'm just now taking on some of my heavenly father's character. He certainly speaks... and few listen..

Anyway, "study to be quiet" -  could possibly become a new fad in our era of over-stimulated senses.

Then He says, "Be still and know I am God".

Oh, and  Happy Valentine's Day. Go give someone you love a quiet hug... just a suggestion.

cJa

 I had to be really annoying to this deer to get this shot; hooting and wolf whistling to get its attention. It finally paused from drinking from what must be a field spring (a potential bog- how bout that!) so I could see its head. It stared at me for a few minutes before it decided it was horribly afraid and ran for its dear (?) life. I was mildly surprised that it took so long to react. Surprised that it made it through hunting season with such slo-mo instincts.

I would like to think that it pondered me as well and sensed no threat. Maybe it was waiting for me to make the 1st move and finally was just too creeped out. What ever its thoughts, it didn't diminish its beauty. There's just something about a deer.  

So I thought I'd share this with you as I found myself smiling when I had the few moments with this deer. As a storm is on its way here and we'll all either be hunkered down or scraping windshields for the next few days - we can use a smile. God provides for this deer and he provides for us - so we can relax and enjoy His provision.

cJa

Harper's index (Harper's Magazine)

Harper's index (Harper's Magazine)

Frozen Water

 You may notice throughout these entries, that water is a common theme - which I suppose is somewhat academic in a bog blog. But - h2o  is present in many of my images, both photo and drawn. You'll see a good number of crows as well - but that's for another day and another tangent. This one's about frozen water- or really a red canoe.

On my way to Erie (PA) this afternoon I spied this canoe inertly yet patiently waiting the thaw on the bank of a farm pond. I may just take the same route (77) to watch the unfolding of it's story throughout the seasons. Right now the pond behind it looks pretty frozen. No mud yet. The frogs and fish are snoozing deeply. The big lug of the farm dog was dutifully  barking  at me. But his tail evenly slapping his ribs revealed that he was really rather pleased to see me.

cJa

Surprise! mebbe not...?

No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.
- Robert Frost

Life's full of tears, surprises and thankfully days of great joys.

Lets see what bubbles up. - cJa

What?

We'll be watching the mud flow as winter ends and spring sets in in N/W Pennsylvania. Which, at this point in the calender year, is simply an mental image used for heat. So until then I'll be filling this blog with things that rise and bubble up out of the bogs. You may learn something - you may not. Same here.

I'll also keep you up to date about my work - and how to get a hold of it. You may want it in your home and or office - you may not. Same here. I also intend to bring you articles that I've come across that may be helpful and or needed in your daily existence on this blue planet. Some you may enjoy and agree with - some you may not. Same here. But they'll make you think. (God loves His people to THINK).

Oh, if talk about the creator (Yahweh) upsets you to the point your ears squeak and you frown heavily, you might not enjoy this page - or you may. But as He's pretty much what I'm about (the lamp that lights my path) - His name and purpose will probably be mentioned.

But - I'd thot I'd take this blog deal out for a spin. Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping - lets see what happens.

cJa