Extrusion

Extrusion

Traditionally we don’t think that a “ROUND PEG” can fit into a “SQUARE HOLE”.  However, it becomes very possible using an extrusion process.

So, what is an EXTRUSION?

Extrusion is the word used to describe the process of forcing a material through a die.  The product that eventually emerges has been extruded into a useful form.

It’s my observation and experience that God may often use an “extrusion process” to CONFORM and TRANSFORM each of us into His image.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.
Romans 8:29a

…. be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Roman 12:2b

If the goal of our faith is being conformed and transformed into His image with the outcome of Holiness, Purity and Godliness, we must not resist the forging of our character, even when it may be painful and enduring.  For only then do we become the “new form” of HIS creation.

It is ironic that a physical “die” is used in the extrusion process.  The analogies in scripture are abundantly clear…that WE must “die” and “deny” ….

I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I that lives but Christ lives in me ….
Gal 2.20

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.
John 12:24

Then he (Jesus) said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me”.
Luke 9:23

The final “form” of our lives is more useful to God when our personal agenda dies …. perhaps after being put through some form of an extrusion process.  We can then pray more openly, honestly and willingly as Jesus did, “not my will, but thy will be done”.

Irene had an early morning dialysis treatment and spent the balance of the day resting.  She was nauseated and very lethargic, but delighted to have Jocelyn and JoAnna available to her this

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

Unappreciative …. ungrateful …. unpleasant ….

Angry …. bitter …. cynical ….

Disagreeable …. pessimistic …. thankless ….

How does it make you feel when you read those words?  Read through them again …. slowly.

Beyond reading the words, how would it feel to actually express those words with intense emotion?

If you’re like me, those words and emotions are sad, negative and demoralizing.

If “attitude determines altitude” we must be intentional about our outlook on life.  But if anyone has the “right” to express those negative emotions, Irene does.  But she doesn’t.  She’s a model of HOPE and OPTIMISM.

Irene’s signature smile and buoyant spirit express it all.  The inner joy and beauty of her life, reflected by unqualified faith and confidence in God represent a lighthouse of cheerfulness and enthusiasm …. despite facing Primary Amyloidosis …. and she even maintains a refreshing sense of humor through it all!!

Beyond the decision to accept Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior many years ago, in my humble opinion, those attributes are overwhelming evidence that God’s Holy Spirit resides in her.  It’s a manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit.  It’s also the attitude of the heart that speaks His quest into her world.  Simply put, it’s inspiring …. and she models the following:

A happy heart makes the face cheerful ….
Proverbs 15:13a

A cheerful heart is good medicine ….
Proverbs 17:22a

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7

According to Wikipedia…

On December 4, 1619, a group of 38 English settlers arrived at Berkeley Hundred, comprised of about eight thousand acres (32 square kilometers) on the north bank of the James River near Herring Creek in an area then known as Charles Cittie (sic) about 20 miles upstream from Jamestown, where the first permanent settlement of the Colony of Virginia was established on May 14, 1607.

The group’s charter required that the day of arrival be observed yearly as a “day of thanksgiving” to God. On that first day, Captain John Woodleaf held the service of thanksgiving. Here

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