"1 Chronicles 4:23
These were potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.

Potters were the very highest grade of workers, but "the king" needed potters, and therefore they were in royal service, although the material upon which they worked was nothing but clay. We, too, may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord's work, but it is a great privilege to do anything for "the king"; and therefore we will abide in our calling, hoping that, "although we have lien among the pots, yet shall we be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold." The text tells us of those who dwelt among plants and hedges, having rough, rustic, hedging and ditching work to do. They may have desired to live in the city, amid its life, society, and refinement, but they kept their appointed places, for they also were doing the king's work. The place of our habitation is fixed, and we are not to remove from it out of whim and caprice, but seek to serve the Lord in it, by being a blessing to those among whom we reside. These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they dwelt "with the king" and although among hedges and plants, they dwelt with the king there. No lawful place, or gracious occupation, however mean, can debar us from communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarming lodging-houses, workhouses, or gaols, we may go with the king. In all works of faith we may count upon Jesu's fellowship. It is when we are in His work that we may reckon upon His smile. Ye unknown workers who are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low, be of good cheer, for jewels have been found upon dunghills ere now, earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and ill weeds have been transformed into precious flowers. Dwell ye with the King for His work, and when He writes His chronicles your name shall be recorded." by Charles H Spurgeon in Morning and Evening

Yesterday I finished up my last 2 days of the Living Beyond Yourself bible study. Yikes. Self-control as it relates to TV, food, and speech. Ouch ouch ouch. Then it went on to beginning the morning eagerly focused on God. BIG ouch. It was good, though. I wrote down a list of scriptural guidelines for what I watch on TV and put it on the TV (too bad I don't have tape). I also documented the scriptures that talk about praying in the morning. I want to copy these onto something I can put by my bedside. They inspire me to make a habit of waking early to spend time with the Lord, but I am looking ahead to when I have a special spot just for that. I have a vision of a sitting area looking out to the butterfly garden in our new house, with a sunny chair and little table. Only 3-4 weeks away!

Many things are flying through my mind, Lord. Thinking about the many setbacks that have happened, the irritations, the spiritual warfare going on. I really believe You've protected us from a lot of stress and heartache. But it's still been difficult. I love that You have new wisdom and plenty of strength for us each day. I love that as we love each other, Your love abounds. I wonder at the miracle it is to be filled with the Spirit. I've only just been struck with an actual internal pondering and discovery of what that must be like... As I'm sitting here, You are IN ME, Holy Spirit! I talk to You as though You are floating out there somewhere, not thinking to address my own body! ha ha! So what do You think? Do You like it in here? :)

Becky reminded me today that You have been teaching me about Yourself lately. And yesterday I had a fresh revelation that anything I am, or that I do is meant to be USED by You! That it's silly to be jealous of others' things or abilities because anything that would actually be helpful to Your ministry through me will be provided! I fully expect to be graced with some talent I didn't know I had, or to suddenly have a passion to develop a skill I had no interest in before, or to gain something that You wish to bless others with! What an amazing adventure this humble life of service is! Is anything more exciting? Is anything more worthy of my complete attention and devotion? Should I spend time watching the tube? Not so appealing when considering the compelling alternatives! What an awesome God You are. Your love is better than life, but life with You is good love.