Every day is an exercise in endurance. Trusting in God with the uncertain future, with our relationships, and our emotions require thinking outside our own control.
There are moments I want to be a child again, putting adult decisions and responsibilities down. Guess what, we can put down our worries and concerns. We can give them to a God who extends His hand to us, saying come, my child!Jesus actually spoke these words in Matthew 11 as He spoke to people about seeking faith in God.
Matthew 11: 25-26 Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”
Matthew 11:28 - 30 (The Message) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Holy Spirit Come by Patrick Mayberry
Patrick Mayberry sings of going to the Lord in our distressed times, singing, “Holy Spirit Come.” I love to play this song when I feel weary and burdened. I sing loud and feel the love of Jesus pour over me. Sweet moments of peace are there for the taking just sing or call Him. Come Holy Spirit and refresh your children.
There was a time in my life when God was not the focus, instead, it was about a checklist. I felt I was a good person, not one to cause conflict, and did the Christmas and Easter church thing.
However, I felt an empty space in my heart. I had a solid career as a mentor emergency trauma nurse and trained paramedics. My husband and I joined the land of mortgages, a solid career I loved, our first dog, with an expectation of a baby.
Screech went the brakes for this standard list of western expectations. Infertility without a cause and I had no control of my barren body which drove me to seek Jesus.
I had my final infertility treatment and took a memorable trip out of state. After a near-death experience on a Colorado rafting trip, I saw life from a different vantage point. I wore a crash helmet and tightly zipped life vest as the guides gave instructions on body position should a tourist end up in the frigid, springtime, mountain river. I was thrown from the raft at a point in the river called Cardiac Corner ( Class 4 – 5 rapids).
As my body and head were crashing into boulders and trees skirting the river and I was stuck in the swells and sucking water, I cried out to the Lord. I felt as if I would drown, but almost as soon as I called out Jesus, help me! I felt a warmth surround my body, even though my hands especially my fingers were bluish and numb, I felt no pain. I felt the river was a metaphor for life. Would I trust God with the details and take a ride in the rapids or crash and die?
I chose to trust God, rest in what felt like the huge, warm hand of God, and lived. My husbandand I relocated to Colorado within six months. My first Colorado friend took me to my first Bible Study. The book of Romans 5 showed me a new beginning and I learned after dedicating my life to Jesus that I will let Him drive my future plans.
One of my favorite scripture Romans 5: 1- 8 was an epiphany.
Romans 5:1-11 NLT [1] Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. [2] Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
[3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. [5] And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. [6] When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. [7] Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. [8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
I no longer saw my infertility as a failure instead I saw the need to trust God with everything. After infertility procedures, giving myself shots, waiting on God while caring for children at work in illness and trauma, relocating, and subsequently, the unknown of adoption. I realized I wanted to be a mom and trust the Lord to orchestrate the details.
After a decade of marriage, our first child came to her forever home through adoption six weeks after I accepted Jesus. All three of our children are amazing gifts from God who know more about Jesus as children than I did.
“God so loves”, a song by We the Kingdom brings a vision of joy, and diversity of many beautiful children created in the Image of God. I hope you enjoy it as I did when I saw the band play it live.
I hope you are inspired to realize God so loves. That is the first step of faith in an unknown God. I had to flip out of a white water raft to come to this amazing realization. What will it take for you?
Are you weary? He will strengthen you. You may feel unworthy of His love, He knows but loves you anyway. Bring all your failures. He will direct your life journey. God so loves.
Our faith has a chance to grow when we get opportunities to have trials. It reminds us we can’t do this life alone. It reminds us we need Jesus. It reminds us that he’s the holder of our heads. He’s been the One from the beginning. He will be the One that will see us through whatever the trial may be. His Holy Spirit wants to bring life, and new hope and when we connect to the Holy Spirit we’re in awe.
John15: 1- 9 1. “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
Our faith gets a chance to be strengthened when it is strengthened by the One who has all power and wisdom, our Father! He is the Gardener and we are the growing vine that needs His pruning. Pruning may feel harsh, discipline can feel like judgment, but when received in an honest. open way, the pruning can take off the deadly sin, and our impulsive choices, and provide recovery and growth. Initially, the pruning feels painful but the growth is a new life.
When we sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit, but He wants to help grow a harvest of good. Our impulsive fleshy choices block our minds from hearing the gentle whisper of God.
It’s not about breaking the rules so much is breaking the heart of our Savior who loves us and wants us to let Him guide our lives.
Jen Ledger, a solo musician and also bandmember, singer, and drummer for Skillet shared in her solo song, Completely, the faith and love of God. He loves us completely and I love to sing loudly this anthem.
Completely by Ledger
I would be surprised if you didn’t feel the love of God with this awesome song. He takes our chaos and creates a symphony. We are His and He loves us. Anticipate growing in the Father and becoming a beautiful harvest for Him. Rest in that, my friends.
Are you hurting? Are you broken by the trials of life? I know who can change your life, transform your mind, and love you beyond all human understanding. He calls you by name. His name is Jesus.
Psalm 139:1 - 6
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
Let your heart believe again or for the first time, He wants to pour out His Love. He is your Savior, He knew you before you were born. He sees the whole painting of your life, not just the broken pieces. He can be the gold thread that ties all things together. Trust Him, Believe He is who He says He is.
I am broken, we are all broken and need a Savior, Jesus. This song by Stars Go Dim is so amazing, “Yes He does”. He can turn all things for good. Let Him heal all the broken places.
Ephesians 2: 8 - 10
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Yes, He loves you. Yes, He has plans. Yes, He wants to change the hard places into amazing purposes. He uses everything. Let Him!!
I am in a drought. It may sound crazy but my family just returned from Disney World. Originally, two years ago before Covid, we were supposed to travel to Florida then Covid hit and everything was shut down.
We finally went as a family of four last week. My son watched our house and all of our animals. You would think that I would come back feeling refreshed but, instead, honestly, I felt depleted because it was such a world of materialism and really I missed my Jesus time.
Being still with Jesus is what refreshes me. I realize I’m probably more an introvert but can be an extrovert, especially on thrill rides. Filling up my internal reservoir actually comes from the Word of God and my time spent with my Savior Jesus.
Yes, I went on a bunch of rides and screamed with hysteria. Yes, I was one of many in the crowds, yet I am set apart as a daughter of the King. Yes, Disney World is touted as the happiest place on earth.
When I saw sweet families having a blast and sharing memories, it brought back past memories when our kids were young. I had a great time sharing rides and funny moments with our family of four, however, something was lacking.
I saw stressed-out parents, kids asking for more souvenirs, and mega meltdowns. I pondered if perhaps the parents were using their last dime to provide “a happy experience” for the kids and yet looked stressed because of the bills when they get back home.
I realize my eternal joy cannot be filled at Disney World. My peace and the feeling of the presence of the Holy Spirit cannot be completed at Disney World. But the peace and the love of God can be found when I spend time with my Jesus. And that’s what I missed. Oh yes, I did my devotions in the morning and I didn’t check it off the list. Even if it was two in the morning when I couldn’t sleep, I felt the peace of God.
I feel I was given a window into observing people and at times saw frustration and people cutting off people and an unsettledness in that particular place. I felt drawn to act the same way. It is supposed to be the happiest on earth, is it?
I’m not sure if I’m ranting‘s are making any sense. My point, the happiest place on earth is when we spend time with our Jesus who is not superficial but eternal. That’s where joy and a peace that passes all understanding are found.
Ephesians 3:19 NLT [19] May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Psalm 34:8 NLT [8] Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Psalm 16:9-11 NLT [9] No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. [10] For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. [11] You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
No matter where you travel, seeking the peace of Jesus is just a step away. Seeking Jesus and focused time with His Word is the happiest place to be. As my teen texted, ” Mom, the happiest place is not a place or earth, it’s with God”, from the mouth of Babes.
Iveth Luna sings a powerful song, “In You”, about throwing away fear and meditating hope and strength in Him alone. I feel so strongly about this transforming action. I blog about the importance of Faith in Jesus, trusting in Him, believing He is who He says He is, repenting of our stupidity and sin, and claiming a new life with Jesus.
As I heard this song for the first time, my mind gathered its message and I felt for just a little while the peace that only the Lord can give.Peace and Awe at the free gift of Jesus!
Regardless of the world or personal chaos, the enemy has no unsettled claims against us after we give our life to Jesus. However, we must make time for daily reading of scripture, being still with God, turning from our fleshy mindsets and actions. We must actively seek to change the sinful patterns of our life. It is a daily submission to His authority not in restriction but in a relationship with Jesus. We must take every thought captive for Jesus and the Lord will be our fortress.
2 Corinthians 10: 3- 5 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 [a]We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
Iveth Luna – In You
Submitting to the authority of Jesus may seem an impossible step. But when we accept and believe He died for our sins and agree to let His Holy Spirit guide our lives we are HIM powered ( not human empowered) by His strength, to break patterns of the past and live in freedom.
John 14: 14 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.[a] If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”
5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
Even Jesus’ disciples ( his closest friends) did not fully understand the concept of the Holy Spirit. I am so grateful that scripture tells us about their questions. Further along in John 14, Jesus explains that they will not be left as orphans. The Holy Spirit will guide their lives.
John 14 : 10 - 21 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, obey[d] my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,[e] who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.[f] 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”
We can have this same amazing source of wisdom, the Holy Spirit. I am a sinner saved by the free gift of grace from Jesus, I have never regretted the day I bent my knee and have been in awe as He instructs through His Word, His people ever since. He awaits your voice and bended knee. May today be your day of transformation as His Child.
If you have made the decision to follow Jesus, send me a message, I will rejoice with you.
We pray for our brothers and sisters across the world especially those in harm’s way. The Shepherd knows His sheep. It is heart-wrenching to see people on their knees, praying for their country as the bombs were coming. What inspiration to see people return to fight and mothers praying on media proclaiming their faith in Jesus. Or to see Russians protesting the war and praying for a cease-fire, we are all sheep of His pasture.
Genesis, the first book of the Bible talks about Adam and Eve and their first offspring. Ever since the first family, Cain and Abel there have been clashing sin relationships. Ishmael the first son of Abraham was born by Hagar, his maidservant who was told by God, Ishmael would be a man in conflict. However, God also said he would bless Ishmael, as the sins of Abram and Sarah were not his fault. Ishmael reaped the consequence of Abraham and Sarah’s impatience to go ahead of God’s plan for a child. Hagar was a servant and slept with Abram with the result, Ishmael.
What happens when we forge ahead of the Lord’s plan? When we must have our way, we choose disobedience instead of being still and awaiting better plans. We are seeing the battle of pride, getting its own way regardless of the human lives destroyed, lost, and changed forever. It is a selfish, deadly, evil position. When we consider human life as meaningless. When we choose to bomb as refugees are attempting to flee, we are evil.
The Lord sees all of this, however, we wonder if He hears the cries of His people. We pray for continued endurance and safety as the people continue to seek Jesus. Lord strengthen Your people.
We do sense many are considering the end of the world now. The time seems to be shortening, where do you stand? Is it with the Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord God Almighty, or with the enemy of your soul, the evil one? The time is now, choose whom you will serve.
Joshua 24:15,17 NLT
[15] But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." [17] For the LORD our God is the one who rescued us and our ancestors ... He performed mighty miracles before our very eyes. As we traveled through the wilderness among our enemies, he preserved us.
Meditating on what we see in the world and how it aligns with battles written in scripture is eye-opening. It has made me ponder my own walk of faith over fear and considering from where the battles come. Who can predict tomorrow? Only the Lord knows the number of our days. Fear is addressed in many places in the Bible and meditating on the truth, He is with us in the battles can strengthen our faith.
Isaiah 43:5-13 NLT
[5] "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. [6] I will say to the north and south, 'Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. [7] Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.'" [8] Bring out the people who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. [9] Gather the nations together! Assemble the peoples of the world! Which of their idols has ever foretold such things? Which can predict what will happen tomorrow? Where are the witnesses of such predictions? Who can verify that they spoke the truth? [10] "But you are my witnesses, O Israel!" says the LORD. "You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God- there never has been, and there never will be. [11] I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior. [12] First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God," says the LORD. [13] "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done."
When I watch the Ukrainian people and their willingness to bear arms, women, and men willing to die for their country. Russian people are willing to protest, go to jail, and maybe be persecuted for their stance for a cease-fire and no war, we see fearlessness and strength. We can click on a newsreel or personal accounts at the moment our fellow humans; brothers and sisters, trying to survive the chaos and feel deep in our souls the heart of mothers as they comfort children, care for their parents, or see fathers leaving their family at transportation stations. We see strangers join the fight for humanity.
Those in the war zone are like Daniel and the guys in the fiery furnace. They are warriors for peace, amid potential death. They are strengthened by the Lord how else can the war of David against Goliath continue unless the Lord and His angels are engaged in this battle.
Daniel 3:17-18 NLT
[17] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. [18] But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."
People from multiple countries are choosing to serve the people in crisis, neighboring countries are being the hands and feet of Jesus. Serving others is serving His people.
Psalm 46:1-11 NLT
[1] God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [2] So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. [3] Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude [4] A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. [5] God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. [6] The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! [7] The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude [8] Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. [9] He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. [10] "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." [11] The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Who can know the mind of God? No one! His ways are above our ways. These times have brought me, and I am sure many, to their knees. I heard a podcast from Pastor Tony Evans, his insight has stayed with me. “Faith is the key. God has enough for each of us. It isn’t material it is eternal. “
We only see or hear what the media wants to represent. What is true or what is not? God is enough for us. We see evil on all sides, yet we also see the strength of people who proclaim their faith in Jesus. Warriors for their families and nation. Both sides are children of God. Both sides need prayer.
Our Creator God sees and hears, He waits for all His children to repent and come to the Father, how it must grieve Him to see the destruction. Human understanding is not the wisdom of God.
2 Peter 3:8-10 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
He waits for all His sheep to return to the fold. Will they return? Will justice be done on earth as it is in heaven? Even the disciples asked Jesus during his time on earth, how they should pray? Jesus responded in Matthew 6: 7 – 13.
Matthew 6:7-13 NLT
[7] "When you pray, don't babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. [8] Don't be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!
[9] Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. [10] May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us today the food we need, [12] and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. [13] And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
Action step: Who are we to give an opinion? We are called to pray for our family, the brothers and sisters in Christ to stand firm and not give up. They are not alone, the Heavenly armies fight for them. We are called to a deeper prayer of the supernatural calling the angel of heavens armies to come to save His people, in the Name of Jesus?
The battle is not flesh and blood but against the evil ones, the Battle is the Lord's. What can we do as His people, we can battle by prayer for all people in crisis, may His will be done on earth as it is in heaven, in the Name of Jesus!
No matter who we are, or what our life circumstances are, we need oxygen, we need food and drink but more than anything we need love. We need the love of others but more importantly, we need the love of our Savior Jesus.
We need to know that our God will always love us! we don’t need religion we need a relationship with Jesus. We are human and we will make mistakes. We can go to our Jesus and have our minds blown, our hearts filled with the One who loves us most.
We can call on Him, we need only accept His love, believe He is our Savior Jesus, seek His forgiveness for our stupidity and He is faithful to give grace and mercy, even when we feel we don’t deserve it.
Grace and mercy are used interchangeably. It is the unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification. We are blessed when we turn from our sin and reach to Him. Reach to Him, He awaits your hand.
Enjoy this beautiful song, “How You Love Me” by Patrick Mayberry. I was so moved by its lyrics. What amazing love! Throw off the obstacles of the past instead accept his love and grace. It is worth the steps to His peace and, as times get shorter, steps to a new life.
John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
As we watch the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, we must take a deep breath and breathe in the Breathe of Life, our Creator God!!! From the beginning of time, the Bible shares in the first book Genesis: the creation of the earth, water, the sky, animals, birds of the air, ocean creatures, and the human in the physical forms of Adam and Eve.
Genesis 2:7 7 Then the Lord God formed a man[a] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
At these times of uncertainty in the world or even in our personal lives, our first reaction is to freak out and isolate hold or decrease our breathing. Our body is an amazing thing that needs the breath of oxygen and the exchange with carbon dioxide. We don’t even think about this physical exchange, it happens naturally. Our body needs the balance of these two elements.
When we are anxious, in fear or anger, we may tighten our chest, breathe more shallow and become more anxious, fearful, or angry. This sure doesn’t help our circumstances. With less oxygen circulating and less carbon dioxide exchanged, our minds are less clear and we freak out even further.
What would happen if we remembered to Breathe in with the Lord? With every deep breath, meditate on the fact, the Lord is your creator and He is filling you with Life. What awe, what truth, amazing!!!
I was blessed to hear this song from Maverick City Music, “Breathe”, is so filled my mind with hope, lessened my anxious thoughts on world events, and brought me to my Savior again.
Breathe in the Lord! Don’t hold your breath instead Praise the Lord! I believe you will sway with the music and receive the blessings of a moment of peace.
This is a reblog of my first post. It feels so relevant for current times. May it encourage and remind you we all have broken parts. The world seems to be fracturing between nations. We all need peace and unity with our Creator. Our cracks can be healed and patched up by time meditating on His Word. Let Jesus provide the glue and wisdom.
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I am inspired to share wisdom from the challenges in life. I went to an adoption group meeting last week, one of the leaders spoke about an ancient Japanese art called Kintsugi.
This Japanese art mends broken pottery with gold lacquer making the repaired piece more beautiful for having been broken. The message of using our broken stories, mistakes, trials and pains, for good, resonated with me.
Why do I see broken experiences as loss? Why do I see mistakes as failures? Why do I see trials as punishment? Do these broken stories mean I am forever broken? Who gave me this pessimistic thought? Should I stay in the negative or choose instead to see the other side? That is the choice I must make no matter which road I choose to journey.
As I purposely broke the creme colored china tea cup, I pondered the long list of my challenges with myself, and others. I pondered the mindset of the negative. I thought back to how in my infertility I found God. I thought in the stress and fears of adoption, awaiting God’s blessing, I felt His presence again. I thought, how each one of my children came to my husband and I at just the right time, God’s time, His Presence, His blessings to me. Why is that surprising and yet inspiring? The trials brought me to a closer relationship with Jesus. I had to trust Him with the unknown.
As I watch each stage in my children’s life, I am reminded yet again, God is refining me as the epoxy and gold flakes reconnected the broken pieces of my china tea cup. The bond of strength in this cup is stronger, the gold shimmering edges of the cracked pieces are more luminous. The beauty of the creme colored tea cup is changed and more meaningful to me now than if the tea cup hadn’t been broken.
As I was breaking the tea cup, I thought in the back of my mind how amazing it would be if there was a small irreparable opening. I reflected if that opening appeared it would be a reminder of how the Lord God Himself has shown Himself through the cracks of my life. It would remind me I am not meant to go through repair without His Light.
Interesting enough, the small opening in my creme colored tea cup did appear, I carefully dabbed on gold dusted epoxy in the opening. Surely I will remember He is steadfast in all trials, joys and the steps of life. May I be the example to those who watch the step by step journey of His Light shining through the cracks. Refined, remade, richer and Luminous!!!
Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 