"Love is beautiful, but it is also terrible--terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the beloved."
~ Hannah Hurnard ~
~ Hannah Hurnard ~
When I read today's quote I did not recognize the author's name...so as I always do I did some searching...and I found out just who Hannah Hurnard was....If you don't know either, click here and read the biography of this amazing woman of God.
Once I read her story I could understand better the woman such words would come from....I think I understand what she was telling us...at least what she was telling me~ :)
~Love is beautiful~
"Love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud....not rude, not self~seeking, not easily angered, and keeps no records of wrongs. It does not delight in evil, and rejoices in the truth. It protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres...LOVE NEVER FAILS" ~
~ 1Corinthians 13:4 - 8 ~
It's in that last part of 1Corinthians 13:4 ~8 that I find understanding in the second part of Ms. Hurnard's quote.
"...but it is also terrible--terrible in its determination to allow nothing blemished or unworthy to remain in the beloved."
It never fails...God never fails...God is "terribly determined" to mold us into the disciples HE wants us to be.
Each and everyday I stand in the shower, long before the sun comes up and I pray...."Father, make me into who you NEED me to be and USE me today." It is not the most eloquent of prayers, but it's from the heart at 5:30 am...I guess when I think about it symbolically I am standing there in the dark (never shower with the lights on at that hour) and I am letting HOT water run down my back...I am symbolically surrendering it all ~
In asking that I also am committing myself to HIS will in my life...including the "breaking and remaking" of my spirit...
That Great Big God of mine wants nothing less of me than something that is "non blemished ~ worthy" to serve HIM...He LOVES ME THAT MUCH~ WOW!
I want the best for my children...I would go to the ends of the earth to help them become the people I know they can be ~ AND my Father does the same for me, guiding me daily, shaping me as the POTTER shapes his clay.
Funny thing about me that many of you reading would not know, I notice things...(yes, there are other words for my "attention to details" around the house, but that is another post for another day...stick with me here.:))
I see the "speck" on the floor or the dust that has settled on the table or the streak on the mirror or crumbs on the stove.... I SEE them, the "blemishes" all around me, and I find myself stopping and bending over to pick it up or wipe it clean...and HA, it hits me.....
THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE IS DOING IN ME!!! He wants to dust and polish and wipe me, until I become unblemished and shine! He wants me to be what HE created me to be...He works daily at it. I see it in the challenges that come my way, I see it in the difficult relationships, I see it in the interruptions ~ all strokes of the MASTER POTTER to turn me into a piece of clay that is "unblemished and worthy."
YES, it WILL take a lifetime, and I don't want Him to stop...I'm glad He notices the "details" in me and continues to dust and wipe each day! I admit, I must be like a whole house cleaning some days...continual dust building up!!
Someday, I pray... someday, I will be one of those who, while not unblemished, will stand worthy to meet Him face to face....FINALLY becoming truly unblemished in HIS love and presence ~
I will remember to thank Him for always seeing where I needed the extra dusting, and for not ever giving up~
Each and everyday I stand in the shower, long before the sun comes up and I pray...."Father, make me into who you NEED me to be and USE me today." It is not the most eloquent of prayers, but it's from the heart at 5:30 am...I guess when I think about it symbolically I am standing there in the dark (never shower with the lights on at that hour) and I am letting HOT water run down my back...I am symbolically surrendering it all ~
In asking that I also am committing myself to HIS will in my life...including the "breaking and remaking" of my spirit...
That Great Big God of mine wants nothing less of me than something that is "non blemished ~ worthy" to serve HIM...He LOVES ME THAT MUCH~ WOW!
I want the best for my children...I would go to the ends of the earth to help them become the people I know they can be ~ AND my Father does the same for me, guiding me daily, shaping me as the POTTER shapes his clay.
Funny thing about me that many of you reading would not know, I notice things...(yes, there are other words for my "attention to details" around the house, but that is another post for another day...stick with me here.:))
I see the "speck" on the floor or the dust that has settled on the table or the streak on the mirror or crumbs on the stove.... I SEE them, the "blemishes" all around me, and I find myself stopping and bending over to pick it up or wipe it clean...and HA, it hits me.....
THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HE IS DOING IN ME!!! He wants to dust and polish and wipe me, until I become unblemished and shine! He wants me to be what HE created me to be...He works daily at it. I see it in the challenges that come my way, I see it in the difficult relationships, I see it in the interruptions ~ all strokes of the MASTER POTTER to turn me into a piece of clay that is "unblemished and worthy."
YES, it WILL take a lifetime, and I don't want Him to stop...I'm glad He notices the "details" in me and continues to dust and wipe each day! I admit, I must be like a whole house cleaning some days...continual dust building up!!
Someday, I pray... someday, I will be one of those who, while not unblemished, will stand worthy to meet Him face to face....FINALLY becoming truly unblemished in HIS love and presence ~
I will remember to thank Him for always seeing where I needed the extra dusting, and for not ever giving up~
that is just what LOVE, beautiful LOVE, does. ~amen for that....
Our host this week is Bonnie at Ink it...
Visit her to see what other's had to say on this week's quote.
Visit her to see what other's had to say on this week's quote.
18 People Shared:
Amen, so very beautiful dear one.
You write what is on my heart, Girl! And...I am so detailed as well! I liked how you compared that to what God is doing in our hearts!
Thanks for your encouragement today concerning my children. I feel so blessed and grateful!!
Good job going to minister to your brother in law and family. I know that they were so appreciative of that. Your kids are learning from your example of service! You were His hands today!
God bless!
gina
This truly blessed me! Such a beautiful post...So glad he sees every detail, never gives up and continues to love us always.
Blessings!
Lori your faith is so strong. Every morning I read your post, I walk away feeling so energized and full of the love of the Lord. Then reality sets in and my temper kicks in. I pray every day for God to guide me down His path, to reveal His wisdom to me. But as life settles, I forget. I forget the feeling I have when I leave here and I fall QUITE short of what is pleasing to God. How do you do it?
Love,
Julie
Dearest Lori,
Wow, that was so awesome. I love how God showed you those things.
"Someday, I pray... someday, I will be one of those who, while not unblemished, will stand worthy to meet Him face to face....FINALLY becoming truly unblemished in HIS love and presence ~"
This is my prayer too!
Blessings to you,
Susan
I followed your link her from Nunnie's Attic and I am so glad I did. What an inspriation:) Thank you. I will be back often.
Rhonda
Lori,
What a wonderful prayer to start the day!
"Father, make me into who you NEED me to be and USE me today."
Thanks for sharing today.
Bonnie
Lori, could you let me know what you use as "curriculum" for your character quality studies with your kiddos?
thanks!
gina
Beautiful Lori. I can't tell you how often God gives me guidance in my shower time! :) Blessings on you as you continue to pursue His best in your life!
Oh, yes! THanks for the pumpkin bread...My favorite!
That was well said. Thanks for sharing. I'm so glad that God is willing to stop by my life and pick up the specks He finds before going on.
Wow. Just wow. And the thought of that day when we stand unblemished...amazing! Bless you for sharing.
Lori,
Finally someone who read this quote and interpreted in a way similar to the way I did. I was beginning to think I thought wierd :o)
I loved the photo of the potter's wheel ~ a perfect mind picture for today's quote. Oh, and I would suggest you read Hind's Feet on High Places ~ WONDERFUL!
I love the pottery example! I usually see those little specks of dirt and just ignore them. Wonder what that says about my personality? :) And, you haven't heard of Hannah Hurnard? Where have you been? You have to read Hinds Feet!!! Have to - it's awesome.
Loved the comparison to cleaning house! "I admit, I must be like a whole house cleaning some days...continual dust building up!!"
Oh yes. . . Thank the Lord he is patient and Kind and loving and persisitant!
I will remember to thank Him for always seeing where I needed the extra dusting, and for not ever giving up
You must read Hinds feet on High places! I think Ive read it at least 8 times in my life. Mountain Of Spices follows it and Ive read that one another 8 times. My books are all marked up! It's just that good!
I know we usually share our comments in person, but I had to come over today because I just posted a very late night post on a very similar subject, something that has been brewing all day - it HAD to get out before bed!
Oh, and Hannah Hurnard's book is wonderful if you haven't read it... "Hinds Feet on High Places." I'll bet you could find a copy for under $5. It's a must-read! You can borrow mine if you want...
Post a Comment