The Cracked Pot

A water carrier in India had two large pots.  Each hung on the end of a pole that he carried across his neck.  One pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house.  The other pot was cracked and arrived only half full.

The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, but the cracked pot was ashamed that it could do only half of what it had been made to do.  One day, it spoke to the water carrier.

“I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”

“Why?” asked the carrier.

“This crack in my side causes water to leak out.  Because of my flaws, you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.

The water carrier felt sorry for the old cracked pot.  In compassion he said, “I want you to notice the flowers along the path.  Can you see that there are flowers only on your side of the path but not on the other side?

“I have always known about your flaw and I took advantage of it.  I planted flower seeds on your side of the path and everyday while we walked aback from the stream,, you’ve watered them.  For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table.  Without you being just the way your are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.

Each of us has own unique flaws.  We’re all cracked pots.  But if we acknowledge them and take advantage of them, they can become strengths instead of weaknesses.

Prayer Requests

Andy Behanish has broken bones in both feet and treatment is progressing.  Because of a mix-up, he has no health insurance so they are dealing with both challenges.

Nancy Wallis’ father who is in a care facility is not doing well.  He is not eating and is in critical condition.

Mike Johnson is losing his job.  Please pray for new opportunities.

Karen Carico has been having difficulty with the tube that supplies pain meds so she is in a lot of pain.  Please also remember the family  who as been seeing to her needs.

Karen Hardy and her continuing challenges.

Jim Mort is hoping they will be taking the cast off soon.

Please remember Jake Ferrell and Kieran and Katie Mort in their new lives in Christ.

Glen and Marge Stevens in dealing with Glen’s illness.

Barb South’s brother-Mike Hysell’s brain tumor has returned. He is having treatment.

Jeff Moore— to follow his diagnosis go to www.caringbridge.org/visit/JeffMoore.

Toni Lovejoy’s father with prostate cancer and her grandmother with lung cancer.

Bob Kunce, Kim Greer’s father; Jean Cook, Archie’s mother, who all have cancer

Kimball Matkins, who has ALS go to:  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kimballmatkins.

News & Notes

TEEN GATHERING is at the Miller’s on Sunday evening after services, November 16.  Teens bring beverages and chips.

CARE PACKAGES:  It is time again to begin collecting items for the annual “We Care” packages/baskets for college students, soldiers, and our shut-ins.  A sign up sheet is posted and a collection box is in the fellowship hall. The deadline is November 23.

McCLAREN’S have arrived in Texas safely.

NEW ADDRESS:

Mike, Cassie and Claire Johnson
4007 36th Place
Des Moines, IA 50310

CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN!  Please be very careful as the construction progresses.  Drive carefully and be careful of the children.

PROFILES:  If you have not already done a short profile of you and/or your family, please do one and turn it in to Jason Housby.  They will be made into a booklet for members and visitors to read.

PHILIP GANTA:  On November 16, we heard from an amazing brother-in-Christ, Philip Ganta, who preaches out of Dubai, U.A.E. and throughout the Middle East. He also teaches evangelism at a school he founded. Please pray for the good work this Christian evangelist is doing in bringing even Muslims to accepting our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and being baptized into his name.

Calendar of Events

Nov 16 – Teen Get Together

Dec 4 – Ladies Class Cookie Exchange at the Mort’s

Dec 7 – AM Potluck

Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Party at the building

Jan 16 – All Church Birthday Party

Central Iowa Missions

Nov. 16 – Osceola – Joe Buxton

Nov. 23 – Osceola – Michael Mazak