Influence

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It has been a long while since I have posted anything here. I have been busy completing three years toward my B.A. in English and my senior year is underway. My current class (Creative Writing) has finally given me the space to take off the tight harness of academic writing rules, and it feels SO GOOD!! After reading my first assignment, Mom and Daddy gave it their thumbs up and suggested I make it a blog post, so here it is. It is my story and their story. It's a little longer than my usual posts, but as with everything I have ever posted here, I pray it encourages you to run "up the sunbeam to the sun" (C. S. Lewis). "Follow my example,  as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV I sat above them on the stairs. Looking down through the window-like openings in the partition between the living room and the stairway, I listened to the basketball players, football players, baseball players, wrestlers, track athletes, both the lettermen

Brick by Brick

--

Brick by painstaking brick . . . that is how a brick building is built.  With great care and precision, following the exact design of the architect, the mason lays each brick, one at a time, to form the interlocking strength of the wall.

Character is built like that.
     Experience by experience,
     trial by trial,
     triumph by triumph,
     challenge met by challenge met!

Our strength of character is built one brick at a time, under the skilled handiwork of an Artist Builder.  He is both Architect and Bricklayer, Designer and Laborer, Owner . . . and Resident . . . and Cornerstone of the character edifice He builds in us.  He is a Master Craftsman who takes great joy in creating lasting beauty out of mere bricks and mortar, the stuff of this earth-y life.  His is a labor of love, and He has chosen us to be His life's work, His monument, His glory.

I write of the God in Whose image we exist . . .
              the God who wore our skin . . .
              the God who won our freedom . . .
              the God who wants our hearts.

Like character, faith grows a little at a time too.
     Red Sea by Red Sea,
     Fiery furnace by fiery furnace,
     Impossible victory by impossible victory,
     Miracle by miracle.

With each successive escape through deep water on dry ground, or coming through the fire unharmed, our faith expands and becomes increasingly convinced of God's very real love and mercy toward us, not to mention His almighty protection and all-sufficient provision.

Character and faith are being built through all kinds of experiences, good and bad, right now.  All over this country and throughout the world, people are going through times that challenge and change them, sometimes in very difficult ways.  Maybe your character-bricks look like lost jobs and uncertain futures, sick loved ones or broken relationships.  Maybe your faith-bricks are paid bills and healed children, restored marriages and soldiers returning safe.

If you are among those people experiencing the unpredictable mix of trial and testing, waiting expectantly for your victorious miracles, don't worry!  Just know that bricks are being laid and Red Seas are opening as God takes the things life throws at you and builds your character and faith.  Be encouraged!!

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life
that God has promised to those who love him."
James 1:12 NIV


How is God building your character?
How do you see your faith growing?

FaithBaristaLLogo2  Delighted to be joining Bonnie Gray for her Thursday Faith Jam!

Comments

  1. I love this...
    "I write of the God in Whose image we exist . . .
    the God who wore our skin . . .
    the God who won our freedom . . .
    the God who wants our hearts."
    What an awesome JOY to be the handiwork of such a loving Master Craftsman! Wonderful post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Faith Barista BonnieOctober 21, 2010 at 6:20 PM

    Hi Shaunie! It was wonderful to see you at Faith Barista on last Thursday and today's post. Your presence is a ray of sunshine. I hope you're doing well ... and it was refreshing to read your thoughts here. I hope all is well with you & yours, friend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you so much for sharing your joy in Him with me. So glad you enjoyed this!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey Bonnie,
    I really love your faith jams--such great energy in that idea!

    Despite circumstances that don't seem in a hurry to behave themselves, we are blessed and trusting God no matter what!! His goodness is never in question--HE IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!
    Thank you sweet friend!

    ReplyDelete

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