A Photo Essay

Mary Puplava, Editor HANDMAIDEN.ORG

January 31, 1999

Since the summer of 1997 and all throughout 1998, I have heard teachers, pastors, and prophets speaking to the bride about "The glory of the Lord." It seems that almost every brochure for a seminar or retreat rang out with Isaiah 60:1,2!

"Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth and
thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and His glory appears over you."

I am not surprised as the Word always proceeds. In these, the last of the last days, the Holy Spirit is speaking to us individually and corporately. The time is now. The season is here. We, as vessels, MUST hear the cry of the Holy Spirit, "today is the day of visitation." Our hearts, our motives, our words and our actions are under His constant scrutiny. For, just as we know that God will not share His Glory with another, we also know that the Church -- His Bride -- has been created to bear His Glory.

My second volume begins in January 1999. This issue of The Handmaiden will hopefully touch upon issues which will help us become vessels of honor -- prepared for our Master's use.

February 2001

Due to a change with my web host provider, the first two issues of The Handmaiden were lost. I was fortunate to have printed the issues and have begun the reconstruction of the various pages in this issue. As I read what I had written almost two years ago, I was struck with how appropriate this word is for today as we begin the first year of the millennium.

It may be hard for some of us to see His Glory shining on us because the times appear so dark. But the day is coming. I sense it deep in my spirit. The hard part for most of us is the waiting.

My mother always taught me to look on the "bright side" of things. One of my favorite phrases was, "Well, you can always go outside an eat worms." Funny today at 50. Serious when I was 5. Ahh, the wisdom of age...

I hope this issue will help you see a brighter day as we prepare for what He has in store for us in these days and in this hour. ~ Mary

Perhaps it would help to read a little more from Isaiah...

Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the arm.
Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
Isaiah 60:3-5a

Earthen Vessels ~ The Hands and Feet of God
by Mary Puplava

God is Spirit. We can't touch Him. We can't see Him. But, we know He is there. We believe it in our hearts -- no matter what our minds say.

Did you ever take chicken soup to a sick friend? Maybe you bandaged the neighbor's boy when he fell on your sidewalk? Perhaps you watched someone's child while your friend got her hair done? Ever smile at a stranger? You've probably spent time comforting a friend in their desperate hour.

I enjoy being thoughtful. It gives me pleasure to see a smile on someone's face. Being nice seems to come -- well, "naturally." Ever wonder where those urges or nudges come from? It's the Lord. It's His Spirit in us and through us. God is spirit. He doesn't have hands and feet in human form. But, we do!

It's the Holy Spirit who brings Debbie to mind: "Pray for her!", or my mother: "She'd enjoy a call from you today," or my Jim: "He needs some quiet time with you today," or my sons: "Make a fun dessert tonight."

Scripture teaches us that "there's none righteous, no not one." The Lord used my mother and dad to instill moral values. He used my teachers to train my mind for study. Through my employers He taught me responsibility and accountability. Through my brothers, sisters and friends, He's given me comfort and a sense of belonging. There have been many people in my life who have loved me and ministered to me in my times of need. All were vessels used by God -- even the police officer who gave me a speeding ticket!

The Lord has really impressed upon me the importance He places on my willingness to be His vessel. I know that He is omnipresent. His Spirit is everywhere I am. And if I am sensitive to Him, I feel His presence. But there are times when I need to SEE a smiling face or FEEL someone's heartbeat next to mine.

Have you ever been driving in the car and an old friend comes to mind? That's the urge of the Holy Spirit to lift them up with a prayer or a call. Ever look into your husband's eyes and see pain or anxiety? The Holy Spirit allows you to see it so that you might encourage him. What about those times when you sense anger or unforgiveness in someone's words? Perhaps the Lord is showing you an opportunity to speak a kind word of healing. Yield to those impressions or urges. Be obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

God is looking for a vessel of light, love, and holiness. He searches the earth for those who will do His work. Jesus promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. He promised to send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Be filled. Be filled with the Spirit to overflowing and thereby, touch the lives of others. You ARE the hands and feet of God on earth.

Remember John's words, 

"No one has seen God; but if we love one another,
God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:12

So -- let's get our hands and feet moving!

A Friend in Need
Author Unknown

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.  He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. 

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak. Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. 

Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said. 

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach... but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." 

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. 

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse. God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others. 

I truly believe the message this story shows.  If you ever feel insignificant, think of how many people you've touched in your life. How many wouldn't even know each other if not for your introduction, how many have been lifted by your call, given strength by your confidence in them or helped by your advice or example.  How many more have been touched that you don't even know of. Your life is important in the total scheme, even if you don't remember doing anything.  You've been important to me.

The Master Artist
by Patricia L. Stroud
May 8, 1996

The artist chooses the focus of his painting. He discerns that which of most value to impress upon the observer; and in the placement and treatment of that central focal message, he employs his artistry in selecting what will contribute to the most powerful presentation. Principles of design and color and shape and perspective are skillfully employed to draw the viewer's eye along a path of contributing, revealing detail to the main focus of his thought and/or affection. The writer of a story goes about the same process to present his theme, as does the master of any artistic craft. The focus, the theme, the climax, determine the priority of every detail allowed. They are chosen to support, to enhance, to glorify the one point of focus, to leave in the soul of the viewer, the reader, the listener, a potent unified impact upon the soul and spirit.

As the Master Carpenter, the Master Potter, the Master Artist, does God not also work into our lives the central message with its well-chosen supporting details that will enhance the impact of our lives upon others? Is it not up to Him to set the limits, to choose the colors, the trials, the blessings, etc. that shape and form the character? Unlike paint, clay, musical notes, or words, however, we are not so easily molded because of our unruly will set in suspicious, nervous tension against His choices for us. He must first win our confidence, for our free will is His most esteemed element. That combination alone produces a work of glory to Him.

Without that element of faith, no coercion is sufficient to bring the whole together. His artistry cannot be demonstrated without it in the moral part of His creation. "But without faith, it is impossible to please God. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that He IS, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Heb. 11:6) In light of this admonition, it becomes obvious that we are needed as co-workers in order for God's greatest artistry to be accomplished in and through our lives. When we die, like a gain of wheat that is planted, our life's impact shall be tested; its fruit will be manifest to the observer. Will the combined labors of His providence and our faith bring great glory to Him by focusing the onlooker's attention upon those vital of His nature that He chose to picture through our lives? Is our current level of trust in Him, manifested in our obedience, moving us in that direction or away from it?

Selah ~ think carefully on these things.

  Photo Essay based on Patty's Story Click Here!

Top