The title of my blog comes from a line in a movie called ‘How Do You Know’ with Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd. He has just handed her a tub of Play-Doh and goes on to explain… I will let this link do the talking – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI7yKncMCaA
The non-toxic, non-staining, reusable compound that came to be known as “Play-Doh” was a pliable, putty-like substance concocted by Noah McVicker of Cincinnati-based soap manufacturer Kutol Products. It was devised at the request of Kroger Grocery, which wanted a product that could clean coal residue from wallpaper.[4]
Following World War II, with the transition from coal-based home heating to natural gas and the resulting decrease in internal soot, and the introduction of washable vinyl-based wallpaper, the market for wallpaper cleaning putty decreased substantially. McVicker’s nephew, Joe McVicker, joined Kutol with the remit to save the company from bankruptcy. Joe McVicker was the brother-in-law of nursery school teacher Kay Zufall, who had seen a newspaper article about making art projects with the wallpaper-cleaning putty.[5] Her students enjoyed it, and she persuaded Noah McVicker (who also sold the putty) and Joe McVicker to manufacture it as a child’s toy.[5] Zufall and her husband came up with the name Play-Doh; Joe McVicker and his uncle Noah had wanted to call it “Rainbow Modeling Compound”.[5]
Explanation from Wikipedia
I was so wowed by what the actor Paul Rudd said that it got me thinking more about the transformation journey I am also currently traveling. Reese Witherspoon was all up in a tizz and did not know which way to turn in her choices so was seemingly flitting around like a ball being hit back and forth on a tennis court. But so too was Paul Rudd cause in the natural his circumstances had come crushing down on him and although he wanted great interactions with Reese, his weighty situation was in a way smothering him.
This scenario/drama resonated with me for a great many reasons as in life we all get stuck seeing our weighty choices consuming us, as well as flit back and forth in un-decision so why then do we put ourselves through it when the word of God says…
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Matt 11:28-30 MSG
Like the movie clip above - reassuringly God is right there with us, looking into our eyes/hearts and saying, “I am here with you and have the answer ‘one small adjustment’ needed to make your life work”.
How many times have we all played with Play-Doh and created something fantastic and we would never have given another thought to how the ‘Doh’ itself came to be but if the one adjustment they needed to turn their product around had never taken root we would be without it now! Millions of children around the world would have missed out on the pleasure! My granddaughter loves the stuff!
What things in our lives do we need to consider that may need ‘one small adjustment’ to bring them to the place where they can be made into a masterpiece for God?
I know that back in 2008, I had a dream to write a book and had written 90% of it at that time but the last 10% and urgency within me did not come until 12 years later when it was published in 2020.
My first book was a long time in the making, during April 2020 when we were all sitting at home because of COVID 19 I felt God nudging me to make my book a reality. I hope that those who read my book will be blessed, encouraged & willing to ask the Lord to empower them for greater steps of faith for their own walk in this difficult season.
‘Door of Hope’ is now available to purchase at the following:
The ‘one small adjustment’ needed for me in that situation was unloading the weighty burdens on my heart onto paper so I could continue the journey that still needed writing… hence twelve months later I then published –
Fragrance - now available!
A lot has happened since I published my first book in 2020.
This new book is an open, real, and heartfelt reveal of intense personal struggles showing our vulnerability, and if willing enables us to focus on what God's word says, and desires for our future in Him.
‘Fragrance’ is now available to purchase at the following:
I do believe that since producing both books I have been released and made free of carrying something that my Heavenly Father wanted me to give to him to take the care of it, so I am now able to move on into a new season that God is calling me to! I am very excited by the possibilities open to me now and looking forward to seeing what other ‘small adjustments’ may be needed to help me grow and mature further.
Our journey is made so much better by allowing our Heavenly Father to take control and lead – Why not let him today?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Prov 3:5-6 ESV
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Rom 8:28 ESV
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7 ESV
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. – Ps 32:8 ESV
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. – Ps 16:11 ESV
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Ps 119:105 ESV