Encouragement |

Steampunk-stēmˌpəNGk

Hi! My name is Joy… and I’m a Steampunk Junkie! I can’t find a support group because… well, I can’t seem to find many other SP Junkies like me! In fact, most people ask me to define Steampunk, and I mumble a few adjectives such as industrial, futuristic, Victorian, eclectic… and then promptly show them an image or two on my phone!

So, why do I enjoy this creative style? I’m glad you asked! I’ve asked myself that same question! What is it about the rusty, copper-colored menagerie of gadgets and gizmos that make my pulse stir?

When I look at a Steampunk piece of art, my creative juices begin to bubble! My imagination flourishes and my desire to create an original work of art goes into overdrive! Before long, I have a pile of odds and ends, glue, paper, and trinkets just begging to be set into place.

Steampunk art… Unique… colorful… intricate… and NOT perfect! It’s an art filled with discarded tools, torn edges, crumpled papers, broken chains, and stained pieces. Yet, when a designer puts those components together, they become a beautiful, one-of-a-kind display of art.

Steampunk art is a reflection of me! It’s an outward display of the intricately woven ribbons of my life. Torn moments, wounded memories, delightful snapshots, discarded choices, bursts of color and dreams, all threaded together by the Master Designer into a masterpiece! I confess, sometimes it’s hard to see the beauty when the work is in process. The chaos and brokenness just don’t seem usable. However, that’s all the more reason to trust the Master Designer!

Your life is also a work of art in progress! The Master Designer began that work the day you were conceived. He has not forgotten you! He promises to take all the torn and broken pieces and merge them with the beautiful, glittery ones in creating a complete and precious work… if you allow Him to! “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6 NKJV

This Master Designer, the Creator of the Universe, the Lover of your soul, Jesus… go to Him, lay it all at His feet in surrender and watch Him begin to piece the threads of your life together into the work of art that is you. You won’t be disappointed!

Dig Deeper! Genesis 45:3-7, 50:19-20, Romans 8:18-28

Make a Declaration:

Lord, You are a faithful God and the Master Creator! You are also my Father. Help me to trust You and Your plan for my life. Take all my broken pieces, my hurts, my mistakes, and weave them together into the good You promised for my life. I love You, Lord! Thank You that You’ve called me according to Your purposes.

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Live loved,

Sitting beside my grieving uncle, I listened as each person stopped by to pay their respects for my Aunt Kate. As one put-together woman walked away with tears in her eyes, my Uncle Dan said, “She was an addict on the streets and your Aunt Kate ministered to her day after day. Look at her now. Your aunt was amazing!”

As the Memorial service progressed, person after person testified regarding the impact that my aunt had on their lives, families, and churches. For me, the jaw-dropping moment was when my uncle stood up. He told us that my precious aunt didn’t even believe she had any gifts! She saw herself as simply there to serve my uncle in his ministry role.

But, oh, what a powerful gift she had! Authentically encouraging and loving each person that the Lord placed in her pathway. Much like the widow’s response to Elisha’s* question, “What do you have in your house,” my aunt looked at her skillset and said, “I have nothing at all… only a little bit of oil.” But that oil, when submitted to her Savior, became the answer that so many needed! That oil of submission became the kindness, grace, truth, and encouragement she daily poured out on others.

What about you? What do you have in your skill set? What can you give? You may not carry the gift of singing, the anointing for preaching, or the grace of a Sunday School leader… but you bring a uniqueness simply by being who God designed you to be!

Each one of us has been blessed with something… some skill, some talent, some ability, some strength.

Your “little bit of oil” may be covered in a layer of fear.

It could be buried in the closet of insecurity.

Or hidden by walls of destructive lies.

It may be a well-hidden treasure yet to be found!

No longer! Today is the day of discovery!

Quiet yourself before your Savior… Let Him unearth the treasures He has placed inside of you! Listen to His whispers; follow His prodding; allow Him to pour His anointing on what you discover!

Walk free from fear and insecurity in the knowledge that you are designed to reflect the image, or character, of your Creator! (Genesis 1:26, Psalm 139:14) His creativity knows no bounds! Dig deep to discover what He wants you to give… today, now, to those in your realm of influence! When you are faithful with your “little,” He will give you more!**

Aunt Kate may have thought she gave little, but what she gave was all! The Lord multiplied her surrender creating a harvest that far exceeds what my gentle aunt could ever have imagined! For her, it was as simple as being an authentic friend. For you, it may be baking cookies for the lonely, weeding someone’s garden, smiling at the grumpy, or reading to the elderly. The world needs YOU! Give your all, sweetly surrendering, your “little bit of oil,” knowing that our God is one of multiplication!

Declaration: Lord, I ask that You would open my eyes to see what gifts You’ve placed in me to bless those in my realm of influence. Help me to walk in boldness, freedom, and truth, knowing that You have created me in Your image! Thank You for the gifts You give. Enable me to hear You clearly and obey You completely! I love You, Lord! Thank You for your strength, anointing, and grace!

Dig Deeper: Romans 12

*II Kings 4

**Matthew 25:14-23

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Live loved,

My Precious Aunt Kate! Kathleen Hall Lewis, loved by many and loved many!

Category Archives: Encouragement

What is Steampunk Again??

Surrendering Our “Little”