Day 7 - Draw the Circle - Put on Waders

Sunday, May 3rd,  2015

Theme:  If you want to see God move, make a move.

WHAT DID YOU HEAR?

Beautifully Broken

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

A tangible way that I have seen God move in my life started with the purchase of a kiln.  I'd dreamed of working with dichroic glass for years but didn't have the knowledge, resources, skill or tools to do anything about it.  For years, I thought it was a dream that would only remain as a longing in my heart.

When my dad passed away, I prayed about a tangible way that I could honor him with the financial gift that followed. Iwill It was time to invest in my jewelry company and get my kiln.  My dad had watched Philippine Script Designs come to fruition and he'd even worn a necklace I'd made for him when he was diagnosed with cancer.  Buying the kiln would always keep my dad part of the business and part of something that gave nourishment to my Spirit.

The problem was, I didn't know how to use a kiln, I didn't have any glass, I didn't know the process of firing glass and I had no idea what I wanted to make or how to make it.  The kiln was an answer to prayer AND my leap of faith. Dad had provided the kiln. God would have to show me the rest...and He did.

I needed a teacher and God gave me TWO incredibly talented and generous women to start me on a path toward my dream becoming a reality. One taught me about glass, showing me how to cut it and fire it.  She also put  me in touch with the gal who would sell me my brand new kiln and teach me how to use it. They both shared their time, free of charge (because God is THAT amazing) and I came away with enough knowledge to get started.  They only made one request:  Find your own voice. 

I wish I could say God set me on this path to showcase talent He miraculously gave me...but in the beginning, it was far from true. I ruined countless pieces in my kiln and figured my voice was a mute. It was a devastating process of trial and error and I felt that with my unsteady, incapable hands I was ruining the beauty of dichroic glass. 

Several weeks later, I was at a LeadHer retreat lamenting my lack of talent when the worship leader played a song called Beautifully Broken. In those minutes, God spoke into my heart, "Break what you've made and remake them into crosses. I had to break you to make you something new in Jesus Christ and this is what your jewelry will represent. This will be your voice." With that, I was inspired to go back to work and it would be the beginning of my business's best selling series, Beautifully Broken. (I have attached the message of encouragement I include with every cross and an example of what they look like.  It has been a great joy to play with COLOR.)  Since then, I have been so blessed by the opporunities for ministry that have come from this kiln.

God took a dream that felt impossible and made it into tangible provision for my family. He put people in my life who filled the exact needs and provided inspiration. He took the pain from the loss of my dad and gave me something that was constructive, creative and honoring.  God moved when I made a move. 

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

I will keep moving toward God. 

NOW TALK TO GOD...

Lord, thank You for being dynamic and fluid and fun. My ways are not Your ways and thank goodness! I love Your creativity, the way You weave a story together and the way You always leave me in awe.  I pray, Lord, that we are a Church and a nation who move TOWARD You. WITH You is so much better than anything we could  hope  to be without You. Oh, Father, help us be fearless when it comes to You and protect us, in the name of Jesus. Amen.