Jesus – For His Purpose

Celebrating with Eternity in Store

Well just like that my husband and I blinked and our oldest daughter, Paige, has grown up and now graduated high school.

My, my time flies!!

We are soooooo proud of this girl’s accomplishments! She worked her tail off, overcame learning challenges with Irlen’s Syndrome (which is basically an allergy/sensitivity to artificial light) and graduated with honors!! Just wow!!!

So of course we celebrated her with a fun reception at our house after a bittersweet graduation ceremony.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am a procrastinator through and through.

Friday, the day of graduation, I decided to put a photo book together using the Walmart Photo website. I sifted through hundreds of photos with the huge help of my youngest daughter and managed to create a photo book that highlighted each of the years of Paige’s life starting from her birth through graduation.

The photo platform that I was using was telling me that I would be able to pick up the finished product in store that day. And I actually believed it because I’ve made my grandma a photo book before and was able to pick it up the very same day. I ended up spending from 9:30 in the morning until 4:45 in the afternoon on this photo book (non-stop), rushing to finish it in time to have it displayed at the reception the next day, only to find out that it actually won’t be to us until May 22nd!! Hilarious, right?! Oh-well we still had plenty of photo books and great memorabilia!

On the other hand I had collected food items, party supplies, etc. a few weeks ahead of time so that was good.

I had also enlisted the help of my best friend to prepare and serve food and drinks. Her and her daughter, plus my mother-in-law, brother and sister-in-law, mom, niece, and my daughter (McKenzie) were an incredible blessing!

We had settled on serving pancakes with toppings and had loads of butter, berry fruit mixture, peanut butter, Cool Whip and syrup for all of that. Fresh lemon and orange slices were added to pitchers of ice water, coffee was hot, and apple juice was chilled.

Everything came together just in time for guest to arrive to celebrate our young lady.

And overall It turned out great…even if I let it slip my mind to stock up on toilet paper, neglected to put napkins on the food serving table, left the Cool Whip in the freezer the whole time, and last but not least forgot that I should’ve provided a gluten free option because we have a daughter with Celiac Disease and I should know better! …No one ever mentioned the napkins, even though we had sticky syrup so I guess that takes the heat off me for that one!!

Y’all life is funny isn’t it?! We think we’re good and prepared for the next big thing until we’re simply not! Oftentimes we can pull it all together, regardless, and make a good thing happen even with a few hiccups along the way though!!

Isn’t that such a sweet reminder for life as a Christian?

We’re never going to be perfect this side of Heaven. We’re going to mess up. We’re going to forget this and that. We’re going to fall short of self-made expectations or the expectations others have for us. And we wear ourselves out thinking otherwise. But as long as we’ve accepted Jesus as Lord over our life, have repented of our sins and asked Him into our heart — we have the hope and promise of Heaven. Mess-ups or not along the way, Heaven is still our eternal prize.

Jesus flawlessly perfects everything and in light of Him we can do our best and simultaneously surrender all of our shortcomings upon Him. He is able and willing to carry the weight of our burdens, the sorrows of our today or tomorrow, the stress, the afflictions. All of the things.

Just like Paige’s reception definitely had its errors the end goal still happened. Our girl graduated to a new season of life despite any issues. Such so is life…the bumps will come but as long as we’re sincerely in relationship with Jesus, Heaven will still be in our future.

I’m not sure what you may be walking through right now, but if Jesus is your Savior trust and know that “this too shall pass” — we will all graduate into Heaven one day because of His amazing grace and oh what a glorious celebration that will be.

Sweet blessings, friends! Congratulations to the class of 2024 and a gentle squeeze for all you parents. Well done!

I can’t wait to see the work God will continue to do in Paige’s life for His glory!!

The Cone of Shame

Happy Friday!! Here’s another oldie…a repost from February of 2019!! Somehow I had two previous blog posts delete (probably my fault) a while ago but had email copies of each. I finally reposted one last week and now reposting this one today! So here we go….

I feel like our dogs end up at the vet every other month. If it’s not for a routine check, we’re there because Eli’s seizures are flaring up or he’s not feeling up to par. The other day though it was my daughter’s dog, Maxx (a little three-pound Yorkie who self-identifies as a pit bull). To keep this post rated ‘E for EVERYONE’ I won’t go into a detailed description of his medical issue, but I will tell you his back half was suffering irritably so without delay I loaded him up and took him in. Turns out he’ll be fine; doc fixed him up and sent him home with two different types of meds….and since he’s a chewer and a licker he also got a free prize!!!….a plastic necklace AKA The Cone of Shame….

The poor little guy looks pathetic trying to tote along this protruding piece of plastic (that’s half his size). When he walks, there’s a swanky waddle as his head bobs from side to side, almost resembling a swagger-type strut; but his face and eyes droop, revealing a true depressive temperament. (I wish I could attach a video to give you a good laugh but apparently I’d have to upgrade my WordPress account so just imagine Ace Ventura’s awkward stride and you’ll have a good idea!) And to top it off it’s been snowing a lot here, so when Maxx goes out for potty breaks you can imagine the “snow-cone” humor from my kids.

I feel bad for him, but in a canny sense I’m reminded of the many times I’ve mentally and emotionally worn my own cone of shame for a lengthy period of time…when I’ve caught myself nagging at my husband over petty things, harping on my kids when really I’m the one in need of an attitude check, or when I allow shameful lies that “I’ll just never get things right” to fester…the list goes on as Satan quickly steps in and says, “here my pet, you’ve messed up again, let me firmly place this cone of shame around your neck—keep your head down, don’t look around, just focus on your pity and the extra weight you carry, and most importantly medicate yourself with an extra dose of embarrassment and shameful thoughts and feelings. Now stay put!! And remember your key diagnosis is shame.”

…Here’s the beautiful thing though, “cones of shame” whether on a dog or on us (in a mental denotation of course) aren’t meant to be permanent!!

It’s in these moments of shame (which is always from satan) that we must look at our state of condition with a new perspective. Even if our cone seems too snug, hopeless with a circumference the size of a pin needle, Jesus is right there and He can still work us through our situation and mental health when we seek Him out. We can then see purpose beyond the shameful cone.

The truth and positive outlook regarding a cone of shame is this:

It’s a direct effect of the cause (in other words you can typically identify what caused the shame once you feel it, which means no guessing games, making it quicker to tackle and fix the problem)
Perhaps the most obvious, a cone of shame will force you to look forward (you have no other choice honestly)
It’s temporary (there is light at the end of the tunnel…or cone)
It’s purpose is to work towards strength and healing (even if it has to be a slow process)
Guilt is when you’re still caught up in the sin, shame usually follows afterwards and comes from satan as he causes us to wallow in pity….we can be thankful we’re past the action that originally made us guilty

We aren’t meant to remain in a cone of shame, our dog or ourselves! Shame just simply, but skillfully, can serve a temporary purpose—to pinpoint or recognize the mess created, correct it, and get healed by Jesus. And the quicker we allow Jesus to heal that shame the quicker we’re released from its grip. Such a beautiful reality…

Unfortunately some never look past the rim of the cone of shame, some feel stuck.

I’ve been there. Too many times to count.

But as I draw closer to my Master, I know and trust when the shame longs to define me, the One who graciously releases the cone of shame’s tension is right in view ready to free me of the burden.

Maybe you’re currently struggling over shame…but check out this promise of hope—if you’re reading this post, you’re looking beyond the cone of shame right now in this very moment and here is what God’s word says regarding your pain…

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 103:8-12 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

Now remove that cone of shame and take a long refreshing drink from the One who offers an endless supply of living water and eternal life.

(Read John 4:1-42 The Woman at the Well for further studying)

Thank God for Easter Morning

Not too long ago, while I was substitute teaching, a student in my class had some very exciting news that felt needed sharing.

Enthusiasm built upon every word as it spilled out…

“Mrs. Witt, my mom has a new boyfriend…and…he moved in with us!!!!”

“Ohhhh…okay.” I responded, not surprised because this unfortunately seems the norm and kids share these situations seemingly oblivious to poor conditions.

Without a warning or chance to change the subject, more words quickly gushed from the tiny, thrilled voice…

“He has his own room, and sometimes…my sister and I sleep in bed with him!!!!!” A wide grin remained on the proud face, in exchange for a gut punch for myself.

My mind felt empty, and my heart heavy. Feeling nearly speechless I managed to studder over a few words to collect the whole class’s attention, “ummm…okay…okay let’s get to working on our assignment.”

For the record, I reported my unsettling conversation to the normal teacher.

I’ve thought of the brokenness in the days since.

And I’ve thought of my own brokenness. The way I get impatient with my kids or even my husband at times. The way I sometimes run to coffee or a shopping spree before offering my stress to the One who frees me of my burden.

My own personal story of mistakes makes me no better than the sins of another.

This world consists of much brokenness. Of much sin. Of poor morals. Of sad choices.

But this is exactly why Jesus came to earth.

This is why I need Jesus, and why the world needs Jesus, no matter the size of sin. He gave witness and testimony to the Good News. He was and is the Good News.

Jesus died for the sins taking place in this innocent student’s life, just like he died for my sins. And for yours. All out of love for the world. (John 3:16)

It is with acknowledging our mess (and feeling necessary conviction by the Holy Spirit’s power) that change, for the betterment of ourselves, is available and ushered forth, with Jesus’ leading.

Our sin becomes less and our gratefulness more, as we continually choose to lean into our Savior. Might the heartfelt echo of our soul, each day, give much praise—in unity we shall declare:

Thank God for forgiveness of sins.

Thank God for love and goodness.

Thank God for mercy and grace.

Thank God for the cross.

Thank God for the resurrection of Jesus.

Thank God for Easter morning.

Sweet blessings, friends. He is indeed risen!!

What Would I Tell the Man at Walmart Now?

Years ago, when I was still in college away from home, I had a part-time job at Wal-Mart as a cashier. The store had its small town, local shoppers and then, because it was located alongside a busy interstate, there were always a fair share of passers by. So some faces became easily recognized after time, while others would end up being someone I’d see (just once) as they popped in to stretch their legs and pick something or another up before hitting the long spread of barren road once again.

One day, a dark haired man, maybe middle aged, approached my checkout line and memory escapes me now but I don’t even know if he was making a purchase. What I do clearly recall though was what he asked, seemingly in a mocking manner, “You been to church lately?” Admittedly it caught me a bit dumbfounded, and without waiting for my response, he slyly followed up with, “Church, what’s that?”

And then just like that he was gone.

At that season in my life I was living pretty carefree and oblivious, so although the comment threw me for a loop in the moment, it wasn’t something I dwelled on. And I most certainly wasn’t making church attendance a priority. Instead his words made no difference for the betterment of my faith, although I didn’t know that I’d subconsciously tucked them away in my heart.

A few years sped by after that (as life has its way of doing) and in the meantime I had moved the two hours back to my hometown.

I was taking more classes at our community college but also cashiering at the Walmart in our town as well.

While working my shift one day some old, familiar words rang out from a voice across the checkout counter, “You been to church lately?” And again, without delay, a snarky follow-up, “Remember me?” with a snicker in his tone.

Indeed I did.

But before I could collect my thoughts and a confident answer, just like that he was gone…once more.

Now not much had changed in-between the years of my two brief encounters with my somewhat estranged visitor. I was still self-centered and although I called myself a Christian from a young age, my life didn’t at all reflect a Christ-following example.

And so again, our second meet-up made no difference, other than, unbeknownst to me, I tucked (this too) away into a piece of my heart.

Life moved forward, and I hit my later twenties, along with a brick wall and it was then that my avoidance of a genuine faith in God could no longer be pushed away. He intervened in my self-absorption and I came to realize a deep dependence on Jesus was and is the only way to live a fruitful, meaningful life with surrendered-purpose dedicated to Him.

That was over a decade ago…and roughly two decades ago since my little occurrences with “Mr. I Have an Awkward Way of Trying to Share Jesus, Anonymous Walmart Dude.”

I couldn’t tell you the number of times I’ve thought back to those encounters. Who was that guy, what was that about and why? And If I had the opportunity to be asked just one more time, “You been to church?” —what would I tell this fella now?

I hope that I wouldn’t be speechless, but rather joy-filled and long-winded…able to tell of the wonderful ways Jesus has worked in my life. Of His saving grace and unbounded mercy when I did nothing to deserve that kind of favor, but out of an infinite love He chose to rescue me from sin’s firm grip regardless. I’d tell him of God’s generous, faithful provision over my teeny tiny life because I matter that much to Him!

“…And sir,” I would say, “you bet I’ve been to church, but respectfully that’s not what actually matters most, because after all church is simply just a building, what’s much better than church is the Lord Himself who has gifted us PEOPLE to make up the church. And although you had a funny way of bringing up faith, and perhaps well-meaning intentions, I guess you did get my attention because I still remember your exact words from all those years ago. Most importantly, God intervened in my life, and drew me to Him, in His perfect timing, by His glorious desire. I am forgiven and I have been changed and transformed. I am the Lord’s beloved child, and I am a daughter of the King of kings.”

“Oh and one more thing, Sir—may I now have a turn at asking you a few questions?”

“…Have you been to church lately? Not to fulfill a religious quota, but to commune with fellow believers and to worship the One who loves richly? Do you know Jesus…truly know Him, the way I’ve had the opportunity to come to know Him? Do you know that He loves you unconditionally? And Sir, do you understand how important it is, not just to drip Jesus over strangers, but rather to pour Him out with the chance that one would come to know and love this Living Water that satisfies and quenches the soul like no other?”

“I’m just curious, Sir. I just don’t want you to have missed the real deal, substituting surface level for heart altering? Because, Sir, it’s truly not about church attendance…Do you know Him and love Him, first and foremost, above everything else, the way I do, Sir?…”

Nostalgic Blessings

Recently my husband and I sat on the couch recounting pleasant memories of our childhood; things that have held a fond, sweet spot in our hearts. We both agreed that certain smells take us back to the days when our lives reflected the innocence of youthfulness.

For my husband he recalled earthy, woodsy scents which are reminiscent of the Skoal Long Cut Wintergreen that his grandfather used to chew.

And for myself, every once in a blue moon, I’ll pause any and everything I’m doing if I come across the smell that replicates my years of visiting my grandparents home in Costa Mesa, CA. That just does it for me. There was a fresh and calming fragrance in the air that came along with those years, and I nearly stop the world every time I catch that mimicked scent.

While getting a little nostalgic and reflecting on sentimental things of the past, I have to keep in check that I’m not yearning too hard for the old stuff…not giving it more value than my current state…physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc.

But rather I have to remain mindful in thanking God for those good, sweet memories and then equally living with a heart of gratefulness for this present time. After all, life (along with time) always moves forward according to God’s control and His plans.

Ecclesiastes 7:10 says,

“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.”

Each one of us is blessed with a memory…God has given purpose in allowing us to healthily recall times of old, BUT to enjoy the here and now gives us the opportunity to live in the moment as a witness of His goodness while sharing in that with others. Enjoying these current moments creates nostalgia for the future, all with the encouragement that our lives, secured through Him, have the best yet to come as we move closer toward Heaven.

Remembering Grandma

Judy A.W. (November 7, 1941 – January 22, 2024)

Sunflowers, Proverbs 3:5-6, chicken decor, a house set at 80 plus degrees Fahrenheit, Mac’s Drive-In hamburgers, and the strong smell of freshly brewed Columbian coffee from Knowlen and Yates, “strong enough to put hair on your chest” she’d always say…those were some of my grandma’s favorites. The beautiful thing about getting to know someone we love is that when those things they enjoyed so much show up within our view they serve as sweet God-wink reminders of our loved ones.

I feel graciously blessed that when I consider the roots of my faith, where it all began, I’m directed to my Grandma Judy’s own faith. Her love for Jesus, and commitment to attending church faithfully each Sunday, sparked a flame within my mom, dad, brothers and my heart.. and over the years (for myself) that flame gradually grew. It wasn’t until my late 20s that it finally ignited with a genuine zeal, surely my grandma prayed that day would come.

The most precious of our times, more recently, had been of me reading scripture and praying with my grandma and the peace that flooded over her, I can’t even begin to describe.

Last Saturday, what a bittersweet joy we experienced as a family with my grandma at the nursing home as we spent the full day with her. She knew her journey this side of Heaven was nearing an end, and she humbly and bravely called each of us to her bedside, profoundly declaring love and thankfulness over each of us being there beside her to spend those last moments together.

Throughout the day there was a mixture of laughter and tears, though my grandma was fading I know she wouldn’t have had it any other way. Her most treasured hymns played softly in the background. She even gently sang along to a few of the lyrics with me.

In her younger years, my grandma always enjoyed getting all gussied up so we painted her fingernails her favorite light shade of purple. She was encouraged and reminded of the wonderful role she’d served as grandma in our lives. We shared with her ways that she’d touched our heart in life changing ways, she no doubt felt love bigger than any pain she was experiencing.

Saturday was such a bittersweet chapter in my grandma’s story and we will continually reflect upon it as we mourn the loss of our beloved gal.

Sunday came and with it Grandma Judy had settled into a comfortable and peaceful state. Her eyes remained closed and her voice had been replaced with soft breaths rising and falling. We continually encouraged her up until her final moment at 1:20 early last Monday morning.

True to my grandma’s humble spirit, very quietly and gently she transitioned from an earthly life to an eternal Heavenly one. It still feels a bit surreal to me.

As I look back, I’m reminded that those final days with my grandma honestly felt like my family, with our grandma, were the only ones in the nursing home. It felt like nothing else was occurring outside of our little love-filled room. Sure a few nurses would step in and out and all of them were so kind, respectful, and caring but as far as anything outside those walls, I just feel like life was on pause out there.

I’ve been curious about this and I’ve asked, “Lord, what was up with that?” And the repetitive answer in the solace of my heart I’m getting is this, “that’s what enjoying and living in the moment feels like, Alicia.”

My mind wasn’t distracted by a thousand wonders. My hands weren’t busy with multi-tasking. It was just me simply being in the very presence of God’s flawless alignment, focused on the blessing of family memories He had at hand.

And it felt good.

I’m at peace, and am grateful, knowing that I was fully in the place God wanted me. How often I run at “Alicia-pace” forgetting to slow down and allow our Father to have His way and His timing. Even in her final moments, my grandma was tugging my heart for the betterment of myself, teaching and pointing me to Jesus’ perfect will…what a wonderful testimony she’s imprinted over my own faith, such a legacy of Christian leadership she’s leaving behind…

From Christmas Decor to Winter Decor

I hope the Christmas season was filled with many blessings for each of you and that you were able to (and continue) to reflect on the greatest Gift of all!! Jesus.

I thought I’d post a little different today as I’ve been transitioning my home from Christmas to Winter decor, so I’ll be sharing those ideas with you today!

Typically I put my Christmas decor away after the first of the new year and my house returns to plain and simple. This year (well last year technically) I decided I’d try something new by dressing up the place with a bit of Winter appeal following the Christmas holiday.

January and February, the cold and dreary months in my neck of the woods, can become a bit of a burden on my mental health so if I can do anything to pep up my mood I’m in, and this is just one little additive in hoping to do so!

To start off I began putting away all of my Christmas things that included the color red. In a commercialized Christmas scene red screams Santa and all things likewise. I opted for a soft and neutral color palette to give a comfy and cozy Winter vibe.

My pictures may not be the greatest because I didn’t really have the idea to share a post until after I started switching things up, so some of the Christmas decor pics are just ones I pulled off of whatever I could find in my camera roll.

I’ll let the pics do most of the describing. 🌲

***see my caption notes with the “Winter-time” wreath pic down below to create your very own!

CHRISTMAS DECOR

WINTER DECOR

After- This was a DIY project the other day..super simple. I used a Styrofoam wreath (12” outside to outside) from Hobby lobby. Wrapped a lightweight scarf/shawl around it and tied a knot, then poked a few icesicle and spruce sprigs down into the knot. I also added a little “snow” with paint and the help of my husband to the little bells that I’ve had for years. And voila, I now have a use for that old scarf plus a Winter-time wreath!!

That’s it!!

Let me know any traditions you might have that are similar or if you decide to decorate for the Winter season as a first-timer too! Have a very Happy New Year! Praying it is filled with peace and joy!

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Giving From the Heart

A few weeks ago, while picking out some pieces at a gently used clothing store, I couldn’t help but notice one of the employee’s interactions with her customers.

It was a busy Saturday in the store and absolutely every single time someone would walk through the door, this gal would make a beeline straight to them and follow up by giving a compliment of some sort. She complimented me on my itty bitty nose ring stud, barely visible to the eye. I kindly thanked her and went on with my browsing.

Realizing the regular pattern happening, I laughed to myself…customer barely walks in, greet them, immediately find something (anything will do) and throw out a superficial compliment, then move right along to a new incoming shopper…It was quite obvious what was taking place and also a bit awkward.

I determined this must’ve been some hopeful pitch at making a few extra sales, maybe she was being paid commission. Either way I could see straight through to the false advertising tucked into each desperate word. And it quickly bothered me.

As I reflect back to this scene, I’m reminded that, with the Christmas season brightly shining, “giving” becomes quite an opportunity during this time, and it can also look a number of ways. We can give of our time by singing carols at a nursing home, donating goods to the food pantry, offering our time by volunteering at a homeless shelter. Maybe we feel led to give monetarily or by choosing gifts that will put a smile on the face of our loved ones, perhaps our talents lead to giving homemade projects…and furthermore maybe our giving does happen to gush outward in the form of offering a compliment, which is a wonderful means of giving…but it must be offered from a heart of genuineness, as does any type of giving, otherwise it’s meaningless.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 says, (7) Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (8) And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Giving, in whatever way, must be done in pure love, not surface level, begrudgingly or with hesitation. Our heart must be all in, believing God will bless the receiver and in turn grow our love more abundantly. Being created in His image, and understanding Him as a good and faithful Giver of life, we can trust that He will lead us in our giving. It doesn’t need to be so much about the thing, but rather about having a sincere, authentic and cheerful attitude through giving, which impacts those involved and ourselves—and ultimately compliments our Jesus.

Have a very blessed weekend!!

Coated in Mercy and Grace

Last weekend, while out in Denver, I found a bargain of the year!!!

A military-style, woman’s coat—which I’d been in the market for over the past few months.

I walked into a nice, gently used, clothing store and this coat was the very first thing I spotted. After realizing it was my size I determined it was meant to be!! It’s the color I prefer. It’s Gap brand, which can typically be a bit spendy but I was able to pick it up for only twenty-three bucks!! It’s exactly what I had been wanting but at a fraction of the cost!

…here’s the thing though—since purchasing this coat, I’ve tossed and turned it around, pulled it inside out, checked the zippers probably 37 times trying to figure out just what exactly caused this coat to end up in a second hand store…and as you can probably guess, I’ve found absolutely nothing to be the matter. Zippers zip, buttons button, and ties tighten. Honestly I’d be slightly interested to know how much time I’ve wasted in brutally examining this coat, just to turn up with nothing at all.

…As with most everything in my life, I’ve humbly gathered a lesson through this process.

Here’s the funny, but honest, thought I had…I “rescued” the coat, right? Gave it a second chance…now it’s mine to put to use, appreciate and enjoy. I have the pleasure to choose to do so BUT instead I’ve mulled over its condition, trying to find something amiss, broken, or out of place…however nothing has turned up to coincide with that idea.

We’re gonna turn a corner here, stay with me…

I’ve openly shared about my struggles in overcoming the string of adversity I was dealt throughout my childhood and teen years. And it’s also known that the only reason this blog exist is because of Jesus Christ’ saving grace and boundless mercy in my life. But since becoming a sold-out for Jesus gal, you know something I’ve simultaneously excelled at?

Scrutinizing, examining, and digging away at my past!!

The past that I left completely behind, for the One who rescues graciously, I’ve mentally revisited time and time again, successfully beating myself up with regret, along with jumping in on satan’s shame-game. Rather than basking in the glory of freedom through Christ, I often find myself masking due to the insecurity of something that was. Rather than enjoying myself as a new creation, my mind often wonders back to decades ago, things I wish I could erase from my memory completely.

As ridiculous as it may sound my recent second hand store purchase is reminding me that I was given thee most amazing deal of all through Christ’ sacrifice, followed by my choice to accept Him as Lord over my life.

You see, it’s crazy that I would stew over the condition of my new-to-me coat rather than enjoy the blessing of it. But it’s eerily similar, and even more crazy, that I would try to peel open and rifle through the pages of my old life in the flesh when I’ve been gifted this beautiful, new life by His spirit in which God wants me to experience with a great amount of joy. Because I’ve been coated in mercy and grace there’s no reason I should be toiling in the past—the goodness of today is in this moment, there’s so much to enjoy in the here and now (through a life in Him) and the best is yet to come…

Healing the Broken Pieces

Well this time of the year marks another birthday celebration for our family, our son (Warren) turns 14 today!!!

This kid keeps us on our toes, he’s sassy but witty, goofy but cool, impatient but thoughtful. We have been absolutely blessed by 14 years of this character!!

I want to share a unique story with you all today…last year, at the same time of year, Warren found himself wearing a sling on his left arm after a wrestling incident landed him with a broken collarbone, quite literally. Needless to say he decided wrestling wasn’t for him, that happened on the third day of the season and he was a complete newbie to the sport.

Fast-forward to present time and he’s in a sling once again. This time it’s the other arm, his dominant side. Recess (or rec-time because they’re older now and recess is something for kids, not teens, I’ve been informed) consist of lots of soccer play. It happens to be Warren’s all-time, favorite sport, and he’s pretty gifted at it but last week, somehow or another, while they were playing, a kid accidentally slammed into the back of his right shoulder…Warren ended up with another broken collarbone in the same exact spot, only on the opposite side.

Crazy, right?! Side-note: We met with a specialist last week who assured us all is good and not to worry about a bone disorder, etc.

Anyway I share this story because you can absolutely bet that ten more weeks from now Warren will no doubt go right back to soccer practice; in fact he should be healed up right in time to start YMCA soccer—which he looks forward to every year, all year!!

I’m reminded, through this experience, that in the Christian faith we sometimes have seasons of brokenness. Challenges in relationships, prayers not met in the way we hoped for, an embarrassing moment, loss of loved ones.

We can turn bitter or turn to God in these times. Bitterness will lead to harsher memories as we reflect back later on—turning to God will glorify Him in the moment and bring a message from a mess. Healing is a process but always happens more effectively when we allow the Great Physician to intervene on our behalf. Yes, a mark or scar will remain, but we get to choose the story it points to.

For Warren, he’ll go straight back to the very sport that caused the injury once he’s been cleared. It won’t even be questionable.

For us (as Christians) there has been and always will be times of getting burnt or broke, so to speak. We get to choose, however, how we’ll mend.

There’s no need for us to give up, back down, or not return to a heart of joy because Jesus fixes us to His purpose if we let Him—right in the current moment. In Him we find motivation, perseverance, and the strength to bounce back.

The beauty from brokenness happens when we brace ourselves with Christ’ care and healing power—and allow His light to shine through the cracks. Because of His faithfulness we can face the obstacles of our today or tomorrow knowing that He’ll provide, regardless of circumstances.

What a story to be told when Jesus is our remedy in overcoming.

Psalm 147:3 — He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

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