Buttons - The Culver Button Factory

Pam brought a jar of buttons to writing group. She poured the buttons out on the table. We could pick any button to write about for 10 minutes. For the next few days, I'll share our button stories.

The Culver Button Factory
by Dawn M. Hamsher

Albert Culver smiled with satisfaction as he looked out over his factory. The sound from the machinery was loud as they pounded out gold metal uniform buttons. War was a nasty business, but it paid him well.

The ladies that used to sit covering buttons with fabric and snapping backs on them, now worked the extra equipment used to produce buttons for the military. Only a handful of men worked for the factory now -- ones not fit for military service. Albert didn't mind. The women did the job well enough and at half the men's wages. Yes, war was treating Albert just fine.

At half past one, Albert went to inspect the workers and the product. He knew how things were after lunch. No slackers allowed. So, he walked up and down each isle, commenting on slouching employees and picking up buttons. He held up buttons looking for imperfections. As he did so, a small smile would creep upon the corners of his mouth. He admired the brushed gold, quarter-sized button featuring the eagle with outstretched wings--his own design. The "Superior Quality" engraved on the back and the solder of the loop were impressive. But most of all, he liked his name on the front, under the eagle--the name "Culver". 

His name would be on all the soldier's uniforms as they went to other countries. After the war, he might even get business from Germany, from Russia, who knows -- all because his name was there.

 

Buttons - The Anchor

Pam brought a jar of buttons to writing group. She poured the buttons out on the table. We could pick any button to write about for 10 minutes. For the next few days, I'll share our button stories.

 

The Anchor by Brianna Renshaw

After discussing the ways God preserves us, I couldn’t help but zero in on the big black button with the imprint of an anchor. What better symbol for God’s steadfast presence in our lives? Adrift in a stormy sea of guilt and grief, it was God who anchored me; who gave me strength and solace. 

Sometimes in the midst of distress and turmoil, I flail about gasping for air and reaching out for a lifeline without realizing that I’m safely anchored to God.

I’m never adrift. God is always my anchor. When sadness, despair and grief threaten to drown me, God is there – a strong sturdy presence to steady me and keep me afloat. His word, His love, and His power all preserve me as I navigate the the ups and downs of life.

Buttons - Coat of Arms

Pam brought a jar of buttons to writing group. She poured the buttons out on the table. We could pick any button to write about for 10 minutes. For the next few days, I'll share our button stories.

 

Coat of Arms by Dawn Rennhack

What a shiny button I am with my coat of arms which may represent some family from long, long ago. Was I on a uniform I wonder? Or was I on a beautiful dress or even on a nice, crisp jacket that someone cherished so many years ago?

How many people touched me as I was handed down from generation to generation?  Were any of them famous?  Did my coat of arms represent a wealthy family? Or a pauper's family who wore me proudly until the outfit wore out? Was I then removed and placed carefully on the dresser till I got pushed aside and ended up in this jar with all these other misplaced buttons? 

I wonder if I will once again have a garment to hang on or if I am destined to sit in this jar forever? Buttons are so one of a kind, so individual that anyone can find one for their liking.

I long for the day that I will once again be the chosen one--the perfect button for that dress or uniform that will make someone very happy.  I will be polished up and will look like new. Oh how I long for that day for me and these other buttons, the day we find good homes once again.

Buttons - Hapuna Beach

Pam brought a jar of buttons to writing group. She poured the buttons out on the table. We could pick any button to write about for 10 minutes. For the next few days, I'll share our button stories.

Hapuna Beach by Pam Williams

The turquoise water swells and spills its way to the shore in crystal clear waves edged with lacey white foam. Such tremendous power ebbs and flows, and yet, bathes me in peace.

I love the softness of the white sand beneath my feet and the comforting warmth of the sun on my shoulders. A gentle breeze cools my face and plays with the fine tendrils of hair that have escaped my pony tail, tickling my neck.

White puffy clouds in the distance hold no threat. Even rain showers are pleasant—here one moment and gone the next, lasting only long enough to quench thirsty flowers.

I breathe in serenity with the sea-scented air. Tilting my face upward, I whisper my heartfelt thanks to Jesus.

Psalm 119:73-104

Source: therealkenpatterson.com

Wednesday's study was on:

 

 

Psalm 119:73-88

New International Version (NIV)

  

 י Yodh

 ⁷³ Your hands made me and formed me;
   give me understanding to learn your commands.
⁷⁴ May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
   for I have put my hope in your word.
⁷⁵ I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous,
   and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
⁷⁶ May your unfailing love be my comfort,
   according to your promise to your servant.
⁷⁷ Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
   for your law is my delight.
⁷⁸ May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
   but I will meditate on your precepts.
⁷⁹ May those who fear you turn to me,
   those who understand your statutes.
⁸⁰ May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
   that I may not be put to shame.

   כ Kaph

 ⁸¹ My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
   but I have put my hope in your word.
⁸² My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
   I say, “When will you comfort me?”
⁸³ Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
   I do not forget your decrees.
⁸⁴ How long must your servant wait?
   When will you punish my persecutors?
⁸⁵ The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
   contrary to your law.
⁸⁶ All your commands are trustworthy;
   help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
⁸⁷ They almost wiped me from the earth,
   but I have not forsaken your precepts.
⁸⁸ In your unfailing love preserve my life,
   that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.

Questions: 

1. Read verse 75. What do you think about God "afflicting" us?

2. Read verse 81. Do you thirst or hunger for longing? Explain.

3. Read verse 82. Have you ever grown weary or tired in your journey waiting for God to show up and comfort you or to fix your problem? Explain.

4. Read verse 83. What does "wineskin in the smoke" mean? Look it up on Google. Do you ever feel like this?

5. Read verse 85. What pits have people set for you? What pitfalls have you set yourself up for?

6. Read verse 88. Read back to any Psalm 119 verse and list all the ways that God "preserves" us.

Now, meditate on how much God loves you.

Blessings, Friends!