Isaiah 64:8
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, has never met a challenge she didn't like. Whether it's learning a new game or skill, concocting dance moves, or creating works of art, she definitely thinks outside the proverbial box. And her fertile imagination leads her recently to re-purpose objects, destined for our recycling bin, into useful ones in decorating her reclaimed room here at the house.
A shoe box becomes a treasure chest for her cut-out drawings.
Virginia loves all things space, so I print out this photo she requests as an embellishment.
And who would ever think to transform a discarded Cheerio's box into a trash can?
Or an empty Pringles can into a container for candy?
All these objects sit on top of Virginia's bedroom "table," a large cardboard box; she covers four of the sides with paper, and on each one are written the words: Love, Faith, Hope, Believe. Wow! No, she had no coaching whatsoever from this Gammie!
But Virginia doesn't stop here. Another cereal box becomes an eagle, complete with outspread wings. And a paper towel tube turns into a blushing worm.
Not in my wildest dreams would I ever have converted a Stouffer's Mac and Cheese container into a picture frame, yet here it is!
As I watch Virginia's creations take on new life and usefulness, I'm reminded of how God continually fashions us into the vision He has for each of His beloved children. We are the clay in His capable hands. And in times of trial and trouble, when we may feel like a discarded piece of trash, He can breathe new life into us, and re-purpose us for His glory.
The question then becomes: Do we trust God enough to allow Him to do all the shaping and molding that a full life lived in Him requires? Will we remain faithful and pliant during the process?
The lyrics from a "back in the day" song by The American Breed come to mind; definitely an unconventional prayer, but fitting nonetheless.
Bend me, shape me
Any way you want me,
Long as you love me,
It's alright.
Bend me, shape me
Any way you want me.
You got the power
To turn on the light.
Amen!
Certainly one very creative young lady! I bet your are just a teeny, tiny bit proud of her. :) Love her creativity. I hope she never loses it. And love your application. The American Breed song didn't hurt either. Man, am I getting old! LOL
ReplyDeleteGetting old? I think we all are, Bill - lol! Hopefully, we are wiser, too.
DeleteYes, I can't help but be proud of Virginia. Her creativity absolutely blows me away.
Love and blessings!
You have a very artistic grand-daughter. God bless her always.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the title of your post I remembered the song by the Amen Corner, (here in the UK). I did not know it was also recorded in the US by The American Breed.
God bless yuou all.
I'm not surprised that this song "jumped the pond," so to speak, Victor. Very popular over here back in the day.
DeleteAnd thanks for praying God's blessing over Virginia. I'm certainly proud of the young lady she is becoming.
Love and blessings!
I love the picture you paint with of how God re-purposes us into His masterpiece. I think she takes a bit of her creativity from you as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ryan! God has gifted Virginia with so much creativity, we can't help but feel blessed.
DeleteLove and blessings!
HOW creative! I am impressed. She is a beauty and I KNOW you both are so proud!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
I know, Loralu! Virginia blows me away with her ability to "see" other objects in the ordinary ones.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Your granddaughter is so creative! I love her mind. Thanks for sharing her creations from found objects!!
ReplyDeleteI was so happy to share Virginia's creations here, Terri. She never ceases to amaze me!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, What a fun and engaging post. Virginia is quite creative; I hope and pray she doesn't stop! We, the world, need people like Virginia to bring "color" to life.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, God lovingly shapes and molds us as He sees fit. We do have to submit to this molding and shaping. Sometimes the molding, the shaping is downright painful.
Love and blessings!
Oh, no doubt about it, Kim - that molding and shaping and bending CAN be painful at times, but we have to trust in and fully submit to God's will for our lives.
DeleteAnd yes, Virginia has certainly brought color to our world!
Love and blessings!
Today's post brought tears to my eyes. I LOVE Virginia's creative heart that displays the heart of our Creator. I love her grammie's humility and wisdom to see with spiritual eyes and share it with us. Just beautiful, Martha! Give sweet Virginia a hug from me :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter to you and yours, my friend!
I'll be sure to give her that hug, Beckie! Next time she's over here, which will be this weekend, I'll show her your picture on Facebook and tell her you are a cat lover just like she is. :) So gratified that you enjoyed today's post, my friend.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I'm seriously in awe of Virginia's creativity! Chip and JoAnna Gaines, step aside. There's a new designer in town.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I used to love that song. It's a perfect accompaniment to your message.
Loved that song, too, Myra! Yep, may those fixer-uppers learn a lesson from Virginia in creativity, though I think they've already realized their gifts and aptitude. So fun to watch, aren't they? Still, the young can teach us so much. No wonder Jesus put them in first place!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a creative soul. She sees art and possibilities everywhere!!
ReplyDeleteShe certainly does, Susan. I do hope she never loses that ability to "see" things differently.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a dear, sweet, creative girl you have! She must bring so much sunshine to your lives!
ReplyDeleteShe certainly does bring sunshine in abundance to our lives, Cheryl. I'm looking forward to seeing her Easter weekend!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Wow, I love that child! She is a powerhouse of imagination, responsibility, inspiration, and creativity. I've enjoyed catching up on your blog. Family stuff has kept me away for a while.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this post, Galen, and I hear you with having to catch up with family business. Totally understandable!
DeleteVirginia is coming over this weekend for Easter, so I'm already anticipating what she'll come up with next.
Love and blessings!
Virginia's creations remind me so much of my firstborn daughter's work. She was always making something new out of what I would consider trash. I'm grateful for that peek into God's ingenuity! Thanks for sharing this, Martha Jane. Hope you and your family have a blessed Easter.
ReplyDeleteI'm gratified to know that Virginia's creativity reminded you of your daughter's, Lisa. Isn't it great when children instinctively make lemonade out of lemons? So thankful for God's great gifts He gives each of us!
DeleteA wonderful Easter to you, too!
Love and blessings!
I love how you share your adventure with your granddaughter. How creative she is and quite artistic too.
ReplyDeleteYes, she is, Jean, and we truly enjoy watching her mind, and hands, at work. What a joy!
DeleteLove and blessings!