GRANDMA'S BUTTER BOWL

“Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand.” Jeremiah 18:6

Grandma's Butter Bowl

Drop right in and goes with me back in time, to my Grandma's house.  In fact, join me in the kitchen.  It is time for lunch.  Ah, here we are.  Now watch and listen . . .

Round and round it was passed, the cream-colored bowl with the poppy-red flowers and black leaves.  Filled with freshly churned butter, it landed center-stage of Grandma’s kitchen table.  Purchased from the Jewel Tea Man, a sales representative for the Jewel Tea Company, its value was minute.  But in my mind, it became a vessel of worth-- a reminder of a bountiful table, a place where I was filled.

Today, it sets in a place of honor in my kitchen.  When my eyes happen to fall upon it, I am transported back to my childhood. I hear once again the screech of the outdoor pump as the men come in from the fields and pause to wash away the day’s grime.  I hear faint echoes of the clamor of everyone taking their seats and the clanging of the silverware, and the chatter of happy voices, sharing the day’s events.  The scene of the family gathered ’round the wooden table is etched forever in my mind.  A simple vessel, this old butter bowl, but a vessel of worth, because it was always filled with Grandma’s labor of love. 

Heavenly Insights

The apostle Paul speaks of vessels in his second letter to Timothy.  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but of also wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.  Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.  2 Timothy 2:20-21 NKJV   Are you seeking God’s filling on a daily basis and allowing Him to pour you out as a blessing upon your family?  Will you demonstrate the meaning of this Scripture by allowing your grandchildren to observe you as a vessel of honor? 

Grandma’s Pearls

-Status and finances don’t make us an honored vessel.

-Our physical appearance does not make us a vessel of worth.

-A vessel has to be cleaned before being used to hold something of worth.

-Repenting and confessing our sins, accepting -Jesus as our Savior allows us to be honored vessels for the Lord

Passing on the Godly Heirloom

Of  BEING AN HONORED VESSEL

What vessels do you have in your home that has been handed down from generations past?  Share the significance of these vessels with your children and grandchildren.  Then share the following Scriptures on vessels and discuss them with your grandchildren:  Jeremiah 18:1-

6, Corinthians 4:7-2, II Timothy 2:20-21.  If you are long distance, make a videotape, or send snapshots and a letter.

Mold a memory by using the following activity, which involves giving your grandchildren a gift of packaged clay or using the following recipe for eatable homemade clay/dough.  Remember, younger children have to be supervised with clay.  Be sure to check with your children to see that clay activities are permissible in their household.  Sometimes, parents have had to set rules regarding clay.  If it’s okay, then proceed with this activity.  Clay is easily mailed if you are a long-distance grandparent.  If you live close by, you may do this at your house under your supervision.

PEANUT BUTTER PLAY DOUGH

1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup of light corn syrup

1 ¼ cup of powdered sugar

1 ¼ cup dry milk.

Mix together—mold into designs, eat & enjoy!

Plan a field trip with your grandchildren to visit a pottery shop.  Let the grandchildren watch the vessels being formed. Later, over a snack, talk about how we are vessels for the Lord, and how God shapes us by the happenings in our lives.  Don't forget to mention the need for having clean vessels.   Explain how we can become spiritually clean and free of our sins.  Mix in your witness with your everyday conversation and don't forget to have fun!