Many years ago it was foretold that there would be a time that a hunger would grip the nation. Most people did not seem to heed the warning just like a previous time in history. It was once revealed that a great famine would spread throughout a certain region to a man who was in prison from a false accusation. The governor of the state was very impressed with this man’s faith and abilities, and therefore put him in charge of preparing for the great famine. The famine did come, but because of the faith of those who believed the revelation there was plenty that had been stored up for all to partake of.

The hunger that is now gripping a nation is not due to famine. For a famine is when there is a scarcity of food and it is reported that there is an abundance of “this food” in the nation, but it is that people are choosing not to partake of it. Many people are choosing to try and fill themselves by different means. However, a recent poll showed that what they feed upon only brings temporary fulfillment.

A banquet table is spread with the true Bread of Life for all to come and find the ultimate nourishment. Once this nourishment is given to those who choose to partake of this Bread it has been reported that they will receive special abilities to produce fruit. There have been many eye witness accounts that those who have taken part of the Bread of Life have begun to produce a fruit that many seem to desire such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

It has been demonstrated that those who seek to find fulfillment elsewhere have a difficult time producing any of these. Recently there have been new developments to this story. There are several who have taken part of the Bread who are no longer producing the fruit that they have the ability to produce. The One who gave the Bread is the One who owns the vineyards. He came to the One who cares for the vineyards and was disheartened to find that on many of the fig trees there was no fruit being produced.

The Owner of the vineyards explained to the Caregiver that for three years He had been coming looking for fruit on the fig trees only to find none. The Owner decided that those not producing fruit should be cut down and thrown into the fire. His thought is reported as being, “Why should those not producing fruit take up the space of the ones that will?” The Caregiver replied that those not producing fruit now should be given one more chance.

The Caregiver agreed to work with those being unfruitful for one more year. He explained that He would give them special attention and fertilize them well and then if they produced fruit by the next year that would be great, but if they didn’t then they would be cut down. This hunger that has began gripping a nation has already began bringing devastation to many. Those with hunger pangs seeking elsewhere for their fulfillment and those who refuse to produce fruit after being specially cared for are close to being cut down.

Hopefully, you will find yourself in the category of one of those who continually partake of the Bread of Life, being like a fig tree that produces fruit that helps others. This fruit from the F.I.G. tree will only come by having Faith, Inspiration, and Godliness. Then the grips of hunger will be loosened and rays of hope will be seen as a nation’s soul is nourished.

Originally written in September 2000 based on Genesis 47 and Luke 14.

~TRS

Walking through her apple orchard Ellice took in the fragrance of the fruit of the trees she had once planted as tiny seeds. As she walked the aisles of trees she came upon one of the apple trees that needed immediate attention. Several of the apples on the tree were beginning to rot. She picked off some of the rotten ones that she could reach and examined them. Each one that she had to discard brought a feeling of sorrow to her. Some of the apples she could tell had once been ripe, but something had gotten a hold of it to make them rot before they had a chance to be picked and used for their purpose. Some of the other apples were smaller, but had already began to rot.

Ellice’s heart was saddened that these apples would not get to mature and be enjoyed. She could imagine and almost taste how good they would have been in one of her homemade apple pies. Walking back to the house Ellice heard someone driving up. As she walked around to the front of the house she saw her seventeen year old granddaughter getting out of her car. Ellice could tell that Acacia was bothered. She hated to see her granddaughter upset, but she was thankful that she had a good relationship with her that when she was upset, Acacia knew she could come to talk with her grandma.

They met in the driveway and after hugging they ended up in the porch swing where Acacia began venting her frustration and anger towards her mom, Ellice’s daughter. Her anger was over her mom’s demand that she stop hanging around this new group of “friends” she had recently made. Acacia’s parents were attempting to raise her in an environment that respected good moral conduct and Christian values. Acacia’s new friends were quite the opposite of what she knew her parents would approve.

Acacia never had any intentions of actually participating in the activities such as drinking, smoking, drugs, and fornication that her new friends did regularly. She just wanted a taste of living rebellious and careless. She had thought that this might break her “goody-toe-shoe” image and become more popular. She tried explaining to her grandma what she thought her mom just could not understand. She believed that just because she hung out with them did not mean she would be like them. At this moment Ellice asked Acacia to walk with her out to the orchard.

As they walked in the shade of the apple trees with the aroma of apples filling the air Ellice began telling Acacia of something she recently read in a book that dealt with friendships. Ellice explained that a person’s friends truly help to shape and influence who we are. She also shared what she had heard A.W. Tozer observed, “There is a law of moral attraction that draws every man to the society most like himself. Where we go when we are free to go wherever we want is a near infallible index of character.”

Acacia’s frustration began to rise again when she believed that her grandmother was taking the side of her mom, and not understanding that she was not like her new friends just because she hung out with them. By this time they had walked up to the tree that was bearing some rotten fruit. Ellice asked Acacia if she wanted to pick an apple to eat. Acacia looked up at the tree they were under and saw some of the rotten apples and then walked over to another tree to pick a ripe, delicious apple.

Ellice explained why Acacia did what she did. She pointed out that even though there were a few good apples on the tree with some rotten apples, because the good ones were close to the bad ones, Acacia perceived the good apples to possibly be “no good” either. That was why she went and picked an apple from a tree that was surrounded by other healthy looking apples. Ellice shared that she would have to prune away the branches causing the rotten fruit, or else the entire tree would have to be cut down. The remaining good apples on the tree will be infected by the others if they remain around them.

Acacia began to understand the analogy her grandmother had shared. She realized that no matter what her beliefs were that if she continued to hang around her new friends she would eventually be drawn into making the same bad choices that they were making. Ellice informed Acacia that one of the meanings of her name means, “a blossoming tree that can symbolize resurrection” and that in time she would blossom if not infected by the bad choices of others. Acacia would have to make the decision of who an what to put into her life. But, as a reminder, Ellice let Acacia know that it is the apples that not only look good on the outside, but are good on the inside that make the best apple pies.

Originally written: August 16, 2000

~TRS

Once in a blue moon in the depths of the forest, perched on a limb that had survived many stormy nights was an owl with great wisdom. The owl was so wise that many of the creatures of the forest came to him for wisdom and counsel. Many animals and even the tiniest of insects had been helped by the knowledge and understanding of the great wise owl.

Sometimes in the darkness of the night the owl perched on his favorite limb to just be still and listen. He could hear the slither of a snake and in a distance could hear the movement of a deer. Ever so slowly, as if time stood still the movement of a turtle could be heard.

Over the years a time had been set aside for the inhabitants of the forest who where seeking counsel could come to meet with the owl. After giving counsel and having a meal the owl would often think upon things he did not yet comprehend. There was one creature that the owl could never quite understand no matter how much knowledge he acquired.

Often the owl thought to himself that he would give all of his knowledge of the creatures of the forest to be able to understand the complexity of human behavior. Questions flooded his mind that he would love to ask a human. What makes makes people do what they do? Why do some not learn from their mistakes? How is it that two people in the same situation react in different ways? The ways of humans was just too complicated despite the wisdom of the wise old owl.

The owl knew of a simple man who had learned a trade and for years worked hard at his job and helping to raise his children. The simple man was well respected in his community and liked his life treating others the way he would want to be treated. Even when this man was taken advantage of he had rarely, if ever reacted in a way that he later regretted. This simple man seemed happy and content with his life, even through the times of trouble.

Another man the owl knew of was one who most called shrewd. This man knew how to beat the system in all he did. He took every opportunity to travel and see the world and make a quick deal even if a little dishonesty was involved. There were trials and trouble that came the shrewd man’s way, but they never seemed to phase this man. He didn’t seem to care what come his way as long as he came out with something for himself. The owl could not understand why this man was so cunning. The ways of the human was just too complex for the mind of the owl.

There were so many more situations that ran through the mind of the owl. Do humans fear the unknown and scared of change? Do they take every opportunity to better themselves? Why do some care for their families and some do not? Why do some who have plenty never give to those who have not? How do those who have suffered great tragedies survive? Why do some seek solace in addictions that only bring greater pain? How can someone know they are doing wrong and not change? These and other questions were like a whirlwind in the mind of the owl, as he sat still in the darkness of the night and listened. Once in a blue moon the owl could hear his Creator whisper that for humans life is the sum of the choices they make.

Originally Written August 2, 2000

~TRS

Many years ago there was a period of time that many know as the Dark Ages. There is an old legend that many have never heard about how this age grew so dark. In a far and distant land there was a great kingdom ruled by King Darcey. Several years before there had been a great famine and diseases that took the lives of many. There was a great number of children who became orphans during this time.

There was a man named, Sergio of the Christian faith who was called to be a great servant. His heart’s desire was to help those children so they could experience love and a sense of belonging. He began taking in the orphans himself to care for. After awhile there were too many for Sergio to care for alone. He began going throughout the kingdom looking for families to take the orphans in to provide them a loving home.

Sergio knew he must have the faith of a child and great things would happen. He had the hope that something good would come out of the tragedies. Sergio had became well known for his kindness of taking in the children without parents and so there were many of the peasants who came forward willing to also take in a child to give them a home. Because the peasants did not have a lot the church would help out as much as they could. King Darcey was impressed with the work of Sergio and decided to use some of the kingdom’s money that had been collected to be used to help out those families who chose to take in and care for the orphans.

A woman named Marelda had once been an orphan herself and had always desired to be a part of a family. There was an old woman who found Marelda and took her into her home. Marelda was never able to form an attachment to this woman, because the woman was a witch. She took more interest in practicing sorcery and witchcraft than showing love to Marelda.

Over the years Marelda dabbled in witchery, but still had a desire to help children who were like she once was. She talked with Sergio who needed help in placing the children and agreed to Sergio’s request that while working with the children she would follow the Church’s values and not practice her witchery. For a while Marelda was able to be truthful to her agreement, but as time passed she delved deeper into her witchcraft. Many of the king’s officials had heard of Marelda and became enchanted by her.

Sergio pleaded with Marelda to focus on helping the children, but she was too caught up in making her witchery known. Therefore, Sergio eventually asked her to no longer help out with the children. Marelda became very offended at Sergio’s request, even though she had not kept her word about the agreement. Without thinking of the consequences it would have on the families and especially the children, Marelda convinced the king and his officials to stop supporting Sergio’s mission. Without the support of the kingdom’s money during this time many of the children were devastated as they became orphans again.

This great tragedy on the children began to reek havoc throughout the kingdom and thus the legend of the dark ages began. Sergio began to spread the word to those who brought about the age of darkness that to anyone who brought harm to a child it would be better for a millstone to be hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Many of the orphans started to lose hope so Sergio would comfort them by sharing that one day the true king would return. A king that would not be enchanted by deceptions, but support and share what is truth. A king that would give the kind of love Marelda even longed for that would end an age of darkness by sending out rays of hope.

Originally written July 12, 2000. ~TRS

After 20 years it is difficult to remember specific things that I have written about. As I was re-writing this “story of fiction” I remembered that it actually was inspired by true events of that time that I think had to do with many faith-based programs being de-funded because they would not change their values and continued to believe Biblical teachings. My curiosity was sparked so I recently looked up info on faith based programs and was pleased to find the first article I looked at, (that actually was published a year after my original “story”) claiming that faith based programs are shown to be more effective than secular social justice programs. (Public Justice Report, 2001, cpjustice.org). Faith will win every time… Just Thinkin’

*I may start sharing some of my JUST THINKIN’ cartoons I also did for The Outlook. For those who ever read the Wayne Co Outlook newspaper may have seen my little cloud cartoon person named JT who would share some of his thoughts.

It was awhile back in another time and another place when a young woman left home and married a man she thought she could change. Growing up her home life was not the worst, but it was by far not the greatest. Her parents had seven children and she was the oldest and got the responsibility of helping care for them.

At first she enjoyed taking care of her younger siblings, until it began to interfere with her school work and her social life. She had big dreams of things she wanted to do and places she wanted to go, but then her parents were in a car accident. Her mother was killed and her father became bitter and harsh.

Being the oldest she gained the responsibility of solely taking care of all the siblings, plus waiting on her father. At fifteen she was no longer in school. At sixteen she began looking for a way out. At seventeen she met a rebel who promised to deliver her from the bondage her life had become. At eighteen she had handed over the responsibility to the next eldest girl and she was married with a child and a new set of responsibilities.

Her husband, the rebel, had lessened the load a little and he often reminded her of that. However, within a few years she had two children and an alcoholic rebel to care for. Times were tough, but she managed to make the most of it as best she could.

Some years passed and she had became a widow. She never dreamed she would be a widow so early in her life, and the life the rebel had promised her he was never able to deliver. It’s not that he was a very bad person, but his habits were hard to break. Actually, his habits had broken him and his family.

Being a widow with two teens was no easy task either. If the road wasn’t a hard one many times she thought she was on the wrong one. Her son, the eldest of the siblings unfortunately began to follow in his father’s footsteps. Many times she had bailed him out of trouble. She began to believe that it must be her gift to help “save” her family from hard times. Never realizing that her help often times just enabled her family to continue going down the wrong paths of life.

Being responsible is an important quality for all to have but it was demanded of her from an early age to take on more than her share. Therefore, she came to believe that she had to be responsible for practically everyone. This belief had turned her hair grayer way before her time. Plus, her children then were never able to suffer the consequences of their wrong actions. Her children never learned to take responsibility for the choices they made.

Her daughter had it easy compared to her when she was her age. However, at sixteen her daughter already found her way out. Her mom didn’t hear from her for nine months and then her daughter came back and she had became a grandmother.

Grandmother was now busy filling her day with the responsibility of raising another baby. Raising a child was very different now than when she was younger. Her daughter didn’t feel the great weight of responsibility of raising a child, because Grandmother did everything. Therefore, over the next few years her daughter had two more children by different men.

The fathers of the children lacked just as much responsibility as the mother, but Grandmother kept enabling them to be that way. Eventually the daughter met another man and moved away leaving her three children in the care of the one who had been caring for them anyway and the cycle continued.

*This is a story a fiction that was originally written on June 14, 2000. Not a lot has changed over 20 years in regards to the topic and theme of this story; I think that is why I must have ended the story with “the cycle continued,” yet never really realizing twenty years later how true this is.

We can always have hope that the negative things in our life can change through trusting God and allowing our faith to transform us. …”And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11) I do want to stress that I know, especially being a counselor for the past 23 years that some people don’t change and don’t take the responsibility they need to for whatever the reasons. That being said this means some will have to step up and take on others responsibilities, but we must continue to pray for people to be changed as quoted in the scripture referenced. ~TRS

The Potter had came down in the form of a clay man without any scars or brokenness. It was the Claytons’ free will to choose to believe that JayCee was the chosen one sent by the Potter. Many of the high ranking officials and religious leaders of the Claytons did not believe in JayCee. They wanted to continue to go by the ten instructions and the numerous other laws that the Claytons had made, without going to the Potter to be refined.

It was the will of the Potter to let JayCee become broken and bear the scars of the Claytons as the ultimate act of service and love. JayCee let the Claytons know that he was going back to be with the Potter to prepare a paradise for all who believe in him to eventually spend eternity with him and the Potter. JayCee also gave them comfort to let them know they wouldn’t be left alone. He assured them that he was given the authority to send out the Refining Fire to be a guide and comfort for them.

No longer would the Claytons have to go to the Potter to be refined, but they would have to believe in JayCee. Once they believe in JayCee he will send them the Refining Fire that will dwell within them to continually mold their clay bodies and images into the image of JayCee. This does not mean that the Claytons who have the Refining Fire within them will be perfect and never make mistakes, or suffer. It simply means that those who daily surrender to the Refining Fire will be shaped more in the likeness of what the Potter had initially intended. Many of the Claytons did not believe in the Refining Fire, because they could not see him. To them if they couldn’t see Him then He must not exist.

There were several Claytons that were called to be messengers to proclaim the good news that JayCee offered. One of the most respected messengers of the Claytons was BeeGee. He went all over the city of Clayton proclaiming the good news. BeeGee especially loved to tell about the Refining Fire. As BeeGee would be telling of the Refining Fire there would always be a few of the Claytons speak up and declare, “we do not believe in what we cannot see.” BeeGee would then ask them if they believed that there is such a thing as the wind. “Of course there is wind,” they would reply. “Can you see the wind?” BeeGee would ask. “No, but you can see the effects of the wind, therefore we know there is a wind.” they argued.

BeeGee then explained that is how one can believe in the Refining Fire. “You cannot see Him, but you can see the effects in the lives of those who truly believe. You can’t see the wind, but you can see the leaves on the trees moving because of it. Likewise, when you see someone’s life being changed know that it is the Refining Fire that is moving in them.” There were some of the Claytons who had become so broken and scarred because of the choices they made they felt that even the Refining Fire could not help them. However, there would be other messengers that would come and let them know that it is nothing that anyone can do to accept the gift of the Refining Fire.

The Refining Fire is a gift that is freely given to anyone who simply believes and asks. As long as the Claytons who accepted the free gift pleased the Potter with their faith, service, and above all their love for others, then the Potter would see to it that even though they may at times stumble, they would never fall for the Potter would uphold them through the power of the Refining Fire. Some of the Claytons who did not believe in JayCee, still like the idea of someday being in a paradise for eternity. They rationalized that as long as they were decent, good clay people and occasionally helped others out, they would inherit this paradise too. But, the Claytons who did believe would often wonder why those who ran from JayCee and the Refining Fire their entire lifetimes would want to spend an eternity with them.

The Claytons who believe know that those who don’t believe and waste their life avoiding the Refining Fire will someday spend their eternity in a much different kind of fire. A fire that doesn’t refine or mold. This is a place that was made solely for the salesman who first deceived Amissa and Clayton. The Potter will not send anyone to this place, however the Claytons who never believe will have chosen to go there by the choices they make. The Potter started with a lump of clay and breathed it to life. The lives turned and became broken. Only through the sacrifice of JayCee and Him sending the Refining Fire may the brokenness be healed and the choice is yours of where you spend eternity after THE END.

Originally written May 24, 2000. * This is the end of the 5 Part story of The Claytons. Hopefully, you know the Bible well enough to understand each of the characters in these stories represent real and true people and summarizes the stories found in the Old and New Testaments. The story of the Claytons as a whole is meant to be more like a children’s book; to bring about discussions of the truths found in the Bible.

~Timothy Ray Stockton (TRS)

The Claytons were again back living in the land of the cliffs, which had become known as the land of Clayton. After much thought and debate the little clay people decided to call their new homeland the city of Clayton. They had the ten instructions to go by and they believed as long as they followed those to the best of their ability, they and their children would be able to turn this barren land into a great city. As the little clay people began construction on building up the city of Clayton their faith was being deconstructed . They thought they were too busy to go to be refined by the Potter. They started to believe that the Potter wouldn’t mind, because part of their construction consisted of a great temple in honor of the Potter.

After the temple had been completed one of the Claytons named, Levin was appointed to be over the temple. The city had grown tremendously over the years. However, another thing that had grown was the separation between the Potter and the Claytons. As each generation passed, the Claytons were more focused on following the instructions than going to the Potter to be refined. The Claytons set aside one day a year that they would bring offerings to the temple, but only Levin would be allowed to enter the innermost part of the temple to be refined by the Potter.

The Potter was pleased that most of the Claytons wanted to follow the instructions, however He yearned for the Claytons to return to him to be refined. The Potter was disheartened that the people seemed to be in competition of who could follow the instructions the best. As time evaporated the Potter sent out a man named Prophet to foretell of the Potter coming down to live among the Claytons. Most of the Claytons thought this to be hilarious, because they wondered how the Potter who was not made of clay could live among them. The Claytons enacted many new laws after hearing Prophet. They began to believe that just in case the Potter did come down if they were found following the laws the Potter would be very pleased.

Again time had passed and the Claytons were more concerned about the laws than about being refined, which is what the Potter truly wants from his creations. It was only a short time before the Potter would be among the little clay people like he had never been before. The Potter sent out someone much like Prophet. His name was Johnny B.

Johnny B. went all around the city of Clayton proclaiming their need to be refined and that the Potter’s coming was at hand. There were many who believed the message that the Potter would make himself into clay, yet without any brokenness or scars, and that he would soon be among them. The message that Johnny B. proclaimed was that there would be one far greater than him coming that would bring a cleansing fire that would help them realize that their true purpose was to be refined.

Eventually the Potter himself appeared on the scene being in the form of a clay man, yet having no scars or brokenness about him. This man, JayCee went around the city of Clayton doing many miraculous things. He was even known to break some of the laws that the Claytons had dreamed up to show them that following the law alone would get you nowhere. No matter how many good choices the Claytons made and how often they followed the laws, if they did not choose to believe in JayCee they would never know the way to the true refiner’s fire. Only through Him would they find an eternal hope. To be continued…

Originally written May 3, 2000.

~TRS

As Marden was coming down from one of the cliffs many of the Claytons in the wilderness looked up to see him coming with the two clay tablets. The Claytons saw bright flashes of lightning and heard roaring sounds of thunder, as the cliff seemed to be surrounded with smoke. Marden approached the Claytons who had gathered in the center of the wilderness trembling with great fear. As Marden walked closer to the crowd of little clay people he explained to them not to be afraid.

The little clay people were encouraged to know that if they follow the ten instructions that things would go well for them and their children. Marden assured them that if they walked in the way that the potter had instructed that they would surely be able to go back to the land of Clayton and be prosperous. The main thing that the Potter wanted the Claytons to do was to remember the original fall of Clayton and Amissa and that they were all broken. He wanted them to realize that no matter how low in the wilderness they lived they were still broken and in need of being refined by the Potter.

The very presence of Marden seemed to brighten the land of the wilderness, because he had been refined by the refiner’s fire. The glow engulfed the Claytons and their eyes were opened to the reality of their brokenness that over the years they had learned to deny. After gathering things the little clay people started the journey back to the land of Clayton, being led by Marden. At times there were so many obstacles in the way back to the top of the cliffs that many of the people began to complain and feel hopeless.

The Potter had given Marden wisdom to know what to tell the people, so without placing blame upon the ancestors, Marden explained that the path they are having to go back up was the same path that the ancestors had chose to come down. As the ancestors chose to move further away from where the Potter wanted them to be they never realized that their choices would effect future generations.

Some of the Claytons were so discouraged they wanted to turn back instead of facing the situation. They believed it would be easier going back down to the wilderness than finding a way over some of the huge rocks that were along the path. Marden spoke words of encouragement and urged them to keep the faith. He told them that if they kept their eyes up-word and believed that they were following the Potter’s will, they would show their trust and be able to come over the obstacles that were in their way. There was a legend that began with the future Claytons that told this is where the word “overcome” came to be.

The Claytons persevered and eventually made it to the edge of the land of the Cliffs which had become known as the land of Clayton. Once assembled together Marden again went over the ten instructions that the Potter had written upon the clay tablets. Instead of being thankful that their journey was almost complete, many of the Claytons began to grumble among themselves when they looked back over the cliffs. “If we would have fallen we surely would have been broken to pieces,” they raved.

After a great journey they eventually made it to the land of Clayton. As time passed many of the Claytons believed all they had to do was follow the ten instructions, without going to the Potter to be refined. The Potter was saddened that many of the Claytons would not recognize their broken state and need for refinement. The Potter knew that soon he would have to live among the Claytons to give them an example of what they were to do. To be Continued…

Originally written April 12, 2000.

~TRS

Many years had passed since Clayton and Amissa, the little clay people, had chose to venture into the Land of the Cliffs. Their lives were more difficult now as they wandered around the cliffs, but they always remembered who they could go to in times of trouble. The Potter still cared for his creations and was very pleased when they would choose to come back to him to be refined. However, it seemed that as the years passed the Claytons, who were the offspring of Clayton and Amissia would wander further away into the wilderness.

The wilderness began at the bottom of the cliffs. Some of the valleys were so low that when looking up one could just barely see the tops of the cliffs. The wilderness was a wasteland and practically barren of any good thing. But, many of the Claytons believed that it was safer to live there. They believed that if they didn’t live in the Land of Clayton, then they wouldn’t be at risk for falling over a cliff and becoming broken. Many of them did not remember what the potter had told Clayton and Amissa about the fate of their offspring.

The Potter had informed that all the Claytons would be broken due to the original fall and disobedience of Clayton and Amissa. Many of the Claytons had become adapted to their original brokenness and believed they didn’t need to be refined, unless they were to fall over a cliff and that is why they continued to live for years to wander in the wilderness.

In one of the valleys was a pool of water were one of the Claytons had been pulled out of when he was a baby. His name was Marden, which refers to the valley with the pool. Marden grew up thinking he was different than the rest of the Claytons. Marden had a yearning to get out of the wilderness and to go back to the top of the cliffs. One day he sat out on a journey to the top of a cliff. All of the Claytons told Marden that he was crazy to attempt something like that. They told him the higher he got the more likely for him to fall and be broken.

Each step that Marden cautiously took he could remember the stories of the Potter that many of the Claytons had seemed to forget about. Marden thought that it was ironic that the higher he climbed and looked down upon the Claytons the more he could see their brokenness. After a long and exhausting climb Marden finally made it to the top of one of the cliffs and was frightened at what he saw.

He seen what looked to be a Refiner’s fire, but it appeared out of nowhere. Marden then heard the voice of the Potter. The Potter told Marden that he was the one who had created their ancestors, Clayton and Amissa, and that he had seen the misery of the Claytons in the wilderness. The Potter explained how the Claytons were never intended to live in the wilderness. After the fall of Clayton and Amissa the Potter had given them the land of the cliffs to be their homeland.

The Potter had instruction on how to live in the land of the cliffs and how to maneuver around them, but before they were given the Claytons headed for the wilderness. The Potter told Marden that he would be the one to go back to the Claytons and lead them back to the land of Clayton. But, Marden humbly asked the Potter, “Who am I to bring the Claytons out of the wilderness?”

The Potter assured Marden that he would be with him and that as the Claytons were on their way back the Refiner’s fire would be a guide for them. Marden had the faith and hope that this was so, but he still wondered if the Claytons would believe him. The Potter formed two clay tablets with his own hand and wrote ten instructions upon them to be a sign of hope for Marden to take back down to the Claytons…. To Be Continued.

Originally written: 3-29-00 (My 28th birthday 🙂

~TRS

Once upon a time there was a potter who took great pleasure in creating various forms of pottery. One day the Potter decided to create a person out of clay. The potter took great joy in making the hands and feet of this little person. As the potter shaped each facial feature he would smile at his work. When the little person was complete the potter was satisfied with his new work of art. The potter took a close look at this little man made of clay and realized he was covered with dust. So, the potter took a deep breath and blew the dust from the clay man.

That was the breath of life as it came to be known. For when the dust rose off of the little clay man the potter’s breath gave life to him. The potter was even more pleased with his creation and he gave the little clay man the name, Clayton. The potter felt that Clayton needed a companion. As Clayton slept the potter took a piece of clay from the side of Clayton and formed a little clay woman, the potter called her, Amissa, which means companion and friend.

The potter had also created a little village made of clay for the new couple to live. Not far from the village was a place called the Land of the Cliffs. This was a place that they were told to never go. The reason the couple was to never go to the Land of the Cliffs was because they did not have any depth perception. This meant that if they ever went to this place they could walk right over a cliff and not realize it until they were on their way to the bottom of it.

The couple enjoyed living in the village and having fellowship with the Potter. Many times the couple admired each other and how there was not even one blemish on the body of clay of the other. One day a salesman came into their village. The salesman found Amissa and enticed her with a map of the Land of the Cliffs. She told the salesman that they were not supposed to go there. However, the salesman was persistent and assured her that with the map they would surely find the way. Her curiosity was peaked and she turned to Clayton to see his reaction.

Within a short time both had reached the land they were told to never enter. Neither could see that they were standing right on the edge of one of the cliffs. The couple being filled with curiosity and excitement glanced at each other and decided to go just a bit further. Each took the hand of the other and took the next step that became one that they would regret for the rest of their lives.

Over the cliff they both began to fall and at that moment their eyes were opened and they were able to perceive the depths in the Land of the Cliffs. By the time they reached the bottom their bodies that once had no blemishes were now scratched, chipped, and parts broken. They both were engulfed with feelings of shame, guilt, regret, and great sorrow for the choice that they had made.

After a great struggle each had made it back to the top of the cliff and eventually made their way back to the village. The Potter had come to fellowship with the couple, but they attempted to hide from the potter. The Potter called out for Clayton, but he responded that he was afraid to show his broken body. “How was your body broken?” asked the Potter. Clayton sorrowfully explained how he and Amissa were deceived to venture into the Land of the Cliffs.

As the Potter mended the broken bodies he explained that now life for them would be the sum of the choices they made. The couple was no longer allowed to live in the village, but would have to make their home in the Land of the Cliffs. Their new home was also given a new name, The Land of Clayton. The potter also informed them that since they had now both been broken that all of their offspring would be broken. The only for sure survival of the offspring would be if they were brought back to the Potter to be refined. To Be Continued…

*This is a 5 Part story started March 15, 2000. Stay tuned to find out what happens to The Claytons.

~TRS