Monday, May 11, 2009

Treasures in Jars of Clay



I'm linking up with Rhoda at Southern Hospitality today as she shares some wonderful yard sale treasures! You wouldn't believe some of the things that people will buy...and then turn around and sell! Not being a yard sale queen (that's prime running time on Saturday mornings, y'all!), I rarely get to find these bargains.

Our church is sending groups of missionaries to Peru and Tanzania this summer. To raise $$ for the Peru trip, the folks going sponsored a huge yard sale last weekend to raise support. Fun!! I found some really cool things! I have darling circa 1950's pin (precious on a denim jacket) for 50 cents. The other two items are above. That's where I NEED your decorating help!! The clay jar was only $8.00--ugly, but $8.00. What would you do to spice it up? Some black spray paint , maybe???? Then, would you stick anything in it? It's in the corner of my taupe hallway in front of a mirror. Next, we have the lovely tray with painted flowers for only $3.00. I heart this one especially! Should I put it on a wall in my study--that is STILL a work in progress. (One has to be at home in order to work on one's home!! I've been subbing like crazy! But I am not complaining... it's moolah to help decorate!) The colors are just right for the study. How do I attach it to a wall? I haven't seen plate hangers quite that large!! Iwould really appreciate your tips on these two treasures!!

I love the scripture that my title is based on, 2 Corinthians 4:7. It says "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." Back in the days of Jesus, people would actually conceal their treasures in clay jars. These jars had very little value and were usually not very pretty--just like mine from the yard sale! Because of this, people would hide their valuables in these pots because no one would be attracted to their beauty. In this scripture, these pots represent how frail and unworthy humans are. You tip them over, they will shatter into a million pieces. When we are hurt or distressed, we too might come apart into a million pieces. When we allow God to fill us with His love, strength, and beauty, these pots (ourselves) become strong because we rely on Him for His power. It's all about Him and not about us. We cannot do it alone.

This jar that decorates my home symbolizes God's all-surpassing power. It's a great reminder of my Savior each time I walk by. It's just ugly!! Help!

Many Blessings!

15 comments:

trish said...

I love the scripture that you chose! You could even create a little sign with that scripture and attach it with twine, to the jar!
I have seen plate holders that attach (with an adhesive) to the back of what you are hanging. I would imagine they would have a weight listed on the package (hopefully-smile) that would let you chose the right size. Then you could hang your new platter on the wall. I love the black and flowers painted. I have looked all over for them! You lucky girl!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne
Ps. Your spray painting sounds great! You could fill with tall dry pieces, maybe? :o)

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Susan, you scored on that tole tray!! And girl, if you decide you want to sell that, I'd be first in line. It's gorgeous. I've been lucky enough to find 2 black ones at yardsales, but yours is really spectacular. Gorgeous piece! You can find little discs that glue onto the back of plates that will hold your tray just fine. You wet the disc & then stick it on the back & it has little hook attached. Check Michaels or Hobby Lobby to find them.

That's a good size jar too. I can see it painted creamy white with some tall sticks added to it. Great finds!

The Tattered Cottage said...

I purchased a tray also with a rooster motif. I am going to use a hook that has a fabric piece w/glue on it to hang my tray. You can find them at JoAnne's Fabrics & Michaels. Great finds! Really love the Tray!
Toni

From the Old InkWell said...

Susan, I sprayed a clay pot grey the other day and it worked out perfectly. It covered easily with not much effort at all. I would recommend it. I can see some tall curly willow in it. Good luck!

Unknown said...

Hmmm...I see that vase black with gold just like my mirror! Love the tole tray! I'd fight Rhoda for it too...shhhhh, don't tell her. : )

~Misti

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Perhaps, then, keep the jar as is and put something you treasure inside...

an object lesson for all who pass by.

As for they tray, I wouldn't do a thing, but then again, I'm not the decorating type.

God's blessings to you this week.

peace~elaine

Carrie said...

Thank you for that beautiful scripture! I always wondered what that meant! :)

God bless you!

Yolanda said...

I'm the last person in the world to ask, I do not have the "knack".

I'm with Elaine, in not doing a thing to the pot and it would be a great conversational piece to share the Gospel!

Love ya

On Purpose said...

I too am liking the idea of leaving the pot the way it is and filling it with something beautiful and amazing. A true lesson...that what we look like on the outside doesn't matter. Our hearts are the true treasure!

Susan said...

Hey Sweet Susan,

Wow, you really got some great buys!! I love yard sales too.

That pot is just beautiful, you got some great suggestions above.

No matter what you do, it's going to be great.

Please let us know what you decide.

Gotta Run..... said...

You are a shopping queen. Tray should not be changed at all. great just like it is! hang that baby on the wall.

Empty Nest Full Life said...

I too love the scripture that you reminded us of. The tray is a definite score!!! It is going to be beautiful hanging anywhere. I too like you, have to be home to even think about decorating. Between trips and subbing not much decorating going on here. There is a bronze spray paint that would be pretty to. Cream, w/some distressing depending where you want to put it. Have a great remainder of the week. I will be subbing Fri and Mon, and that't about it. School will be out next FRI here. Jackie

Pinkshoelady said...

Hey Girl,
Don't touch that pot! As I looked at it before I read the message underneath my first reaction was "What an interesting pot!" I stared at it for several minutes before I read the post. I have to admit I almost got to the point of covetting. I like the suggestion of using it as a conversation starter for the gospel.
love ya girl,
Pamela

Leah Adams said...

Susan,

What a beautiful post!! I love the jar especially and the scripture that you chose is one of my favorites.

The little girl that I sponsor through Compassion is from Tanzania. How cool that your church is going there on a mission trip!! I hope to one day go there to meet little Ruth.

Thank you for visiting me over at The Point. I'll be back to visit with you again too.

Leah

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

I kinda agree....keep it like it is, because it's so special that way. BUT, I do like the idea of painting it black...either way what a neat find! =)