In the Hands of the Potter

by Camille Fronk

In the hands of an experienced potter, an ordinary, unworked lump of clay can become a glorious, flawless work of art, unique from any other vessel formed at the potter's wheel. Similarly, each of us — though once a somewhat ordinary and unworked soul — can become a glorious and chosen vessel, shaped by the hands of the Master Potter through our experiences, trials, obedience, and repentance. Isaiah exclaimed, “But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we are all the work of thy hand” (Isaiah 64:8). In the Hands of the Potter examines Isaiah's metaphor and explains the process through which we, like lumps of clay, are cleansed, shaped — and sometimes reshaped — before being formed into vessels of honor that bear the imprint of the One who has shaped us. Additionally, author Camille Fronk ties the metaphor of the potter and the clay to the account of the woman at the well, who partook of the Savior's living water and thus became a new and honorable vessel of the Lord. Her story is a perfect illustration of the magnificent power manifest in the Potter, who so lovingly offers to prepare and shape each individual lump of clay. At once thoughtful and revealing, In the Hands of the Potter will help readers discover that each life has a unique purpose, that God is in control, and that He will direct our paths.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lds, Religion, Inspirational, Church

88 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Corey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found value in this book. It is small and I didn't totally understand the language choice. It has helped me see some things differently.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful analogy of how we can be perfected in Christ. Such a great, quick read!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this little gem of a book--it is short, under 100 pages, so I finished it fairly quickly. I am looking forward to going back through though and looking up the scriptures and Ensign articles Camille Fronk sited. I recommend this book to everyone. I loved the way she weaved the story of the Samaritan women at the well with the imagery and symbolism of clay fashioned by a Master Potter where I could then relate it to in own personal life. GREAT book! (I bought it "used" (it was in brand-new condition) on Amazon books).

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camille Fronk was my favorite religion teacher at BYU, so I was excited to read this short book. She draws connections between the woman at the well, a lump of clay, and ourselves. We all need to find God by ourselves- no one can do it for us, and along the way, we are transformed from a ball of clay into a beautiful vessel if we allow the Lord to refine us and work with us. I'll add some of my favorite quotes soon...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a quick read that I had to make myself slow down to really get the messages that were there. Camille Fronk helps you understand the process of how we are molded into what they Lord would have us be. I have read other books similar to this using the refining process of Gold as the example. Either way it causes pause and reflection.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful read. I love analogies and this is a very applicable one. I have to admit that I had a hard time staying awake, but that is probably 99% due to the fact that I had a baby a day before reading this?!!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little book with reference to the Savior as the "Potter" and we are His "clay". The process of forming a pot; adding water to clay, kneading it, pulling out impurities, then forming it while "centered" lends new meaning to the analogy. Great scriptural references & supporting material.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOO GOOD!!I usually don't mark or write in books, but this one is all marked up. I have a habit of buying a book before reading but have stopped doing that for the past 4 year. I'm SO glad I bought this one. A really fast read and a lot of good uplifting thoughts on Christ.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

It offers lots of interesting insights into our relationship with the Lord. It's one of those books that should be read multiple times.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read. Good book.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with great insight on how the Lord moulds us and shows us to become more than we ever thought we could be!

[Cayenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful analogy of how the Savior works in our lives. Well written and insightful.

[Sandra]

One of my favorite books of all time...

[Beckie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read focused on the samaritan woman who meets Christ at the well. I read this previously and should probably read it again periodically.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, very insightful. Very grateful for it.

[KAREN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, quick read. My copy was given to me by an amazing woman who told me to pass it on when I was done. Any takers?

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great who LDS book!!!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book and a life changer!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a little gem. This is the second time I've read it, and I'm sure it won't be the last! Great quotes throughout.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked her close reading of the woman at the well and the way she used the clay in the potter's hand parable to gain insight about our relationship to God.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. Very inspiring.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's short but thought provoking. I liked the imagery of the Potter and his clay in relationship to us and God.