Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Heated and Forged...Works of Art


The Smithy


What is it about the metal objects that I am drawn to? I like softer things, feathery, fluffy cottons, pretty fabrics... I like beautiful hardwoods full of character with scars and memories, I love statuary and 3-D relief objects, carved into stone...but I do love the swirly, curvy, scrolley, forged, welded creations of metalwork.
How about you? Do these type of things reach out and grab your gaze when you go thrifting or shopping?

You all know in order for this very strong material to be shaped and molded into an object of art, it has to be heated to a very high temperature under a torch or in a furnace to become soft enough to be reformed....shaped into something of beauty from something that was plain and really not outstanding.

This is how God works on us too...It is only in the heat of fiery trials and walking through the fire of adversity that God can soften us enough to make us turn to Him and cry out. It is then that He does His BEST work on us. We are soft and supple in His hands. We can be formed into beautiful creatures in our hearts. He designs and bends and shapes us. It is then that we are truly defined as HIS work of art. And it is to Him that the glory goes. When we submit to His careful Creator skills, we become something better than we ever could have been without Him! Thankful for the work HE does on me in my harder times on this journey through life.



Next time you are feeling the heat of the fires in life...think on this...you are being forged, you are being shaped into a work of art. When things cool down, you will be stronger and more beautiful, because you endured and learned a life lesson...
God is Good!

Here are some favorites of mine that have been thrifted over the years.



















"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart." (Prov. 17:3)

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)

Please continue to pray for our military as they are forged physically in the heat of the Afghanistan deserts, and mentally and spiritually in the stress and battles of combat and a radically different way of life.... Thank you.


God bless you all who stop by here...

6 comments:

Theresa said...

Love all of your beauties! I am still praying for our Military, I will keep my prayer wheel turning!

Have a blessed day my friend! BIG HUGS!

Julie Harward said...

I think it show strength! I think you are drawn to strong things because thats what you are made of..strength! :D

Sandy said...

You sure have come across some lovely
things in your thrifting. I think I
like the napkin holder with that sweet
little bird best of all.
We are being shaped into a beautiful
work of art--God's art. It's wonderful
to know we become stronger and stronger.
I continue to pray for dear Justin.
The Lord's hand is upon him.
Love,
Sandy

billypandnikkysmom said...

You really do have some very loevly pieces! Thanks for sharing your treasures with the rest of us!

Praying for your Justin & all of the Troops!! Blessings & hugs to you Marine Mom Sis!!

CACHANILLA73 said...

Love all your finds... please don't forget I'm praying for your Justin and all military personnel (active and retired) and of course for you and your family.
Hugs.!!

Cotty

Dianna said...

Loved all of the spiritual food in your post today, dear Julie. Not only were your pictures a feast for the eyes, but the words were a feast for the soul! :) And would you believe that we have the same holder of ivy for our doors? Love it!

Thank you for the time you spend in leaving comments here and other little places, my friend. I appreciate your steadfastness more than you will ever know.

Love and prayers coming your way,
Dianna