Tag: encouragement

Broken but Beautiful

It’s easy to focus on the negative traits that we possess – at least it is for me. I’m so good at finding my flaws, my imperfections…and it’s easy for me to feel like I have nothing to offer God.

But that isn’t the case.

We normally don’t think of brokenness as being beautiful. It’s ingrained in our culture to seek out the best, most excellent, most desirable things. But the truth of the matter is this: God uses broken people (Psalm 51:17). And for this I am very grateful.

Why am I grateful? Because I am a broken person.

I struggle with depression, anxiety, and OCD on a daily basis – but God can use these struggles to help me reach out to others going through the same things.

I have many imperfections in my character that I am continually fighting against – but God somehow sees me whole in Jesus Christ.

I war against temptations every day, and often give in to sin – but God is faithful to forgive me and restore me as I cry out to Him for cleansing.

I frequently doubt God and choose not to trust Him – but God is right there waiting for me when I turn from my self-reliance and give myself to Him fully.

I many times refuse to obey God and to take that step of faith – but God, in His goodness, gives me gentle nudges and holds my hand to help me move forward.

The common thread in these statements is “but God.” It’s because of God that we are who we are and that we can do what we do. He is in the business of taking broken people like you and me and making us beautiful! Praise Him!

So what is your “but God”? What are the areas of your life where you struggle the most, but where God uses you the most? ❤

 

Photo by: Crystal Knauss

Thankful Thursday (episode 7)

Okay, so you might be thinking, “Today isn’t Thursday!” And I would reply, “You’re right!” 🙂 I forgot to write this post yesterday, so I am a day late. But what really matters is that any (and every) day is a good day to be thankful.

I tried my best this past week to add to my gratitude list using the 5 Minute Journal app, and I did okay! I set reminders for myself using the app so that it would prompt me to record my thoughts. I also made sure the reminders were set for a time I would most likely be free, and this helped. With God’s help, I’m making small steps of progress.

So here is this weeks collection of things that I’m grateful for. Enjoy!

  • A wonderful family that loves me and is always there for me.
  • Supportive friends!
  • A roof to cover our heads from the rain and other weather.
  • That getting my blood work done went well.
  • That we have good health insurance.
  • Having both my Mom and my Grandmom in my life this Mother’s Day.
  • A productive handbell rehearsal.
  • Being able to hold the baby girl of close friends. It felt great! 🙂
  • A glass of cold water when I was thirsty – I often take this for granted!
  • Feeling the cool breeze on my face.
  • A delicious homemade pizza and NCIS with the Hubby.
  • Air conditioning in our home and cars to make the hot weather more manageable.
  • My Hubby’s getting good news regarding finishing his college degree!
  • God’s providing for all of my needs.

That’s all for this week! Thank you for reading. And I’d love to hear what things you are grateful for. Or what tricks you use to keep gratefulness in the forefront of your mind and heart. ❤

 

Fearless

What would I do if I were fearless? What opportunities would I accept? What dreams would I pursue?

And how do I become fearless?

Fear is a big struggle for me. I fear that I’m not doing well at my job (even though I’ve been told I’m doing great). I fear that I won’t make the *right* decisions (even though I have the promise of God’s wisdom). And I fear what other people think about me (even though this is not important). And these are just a few!

But how would my life change if I didn’t constantly struggle with that fear, that anxiety?

I would be confident in my job performance. I would trust God to guide me with each decision that I make. I would rest in the knowledge that God created me just the way He wanted me to be, and not worry about the opinions of others. Also, I think that I would take baby steps forward in pursuing God’s purpose for me.

Now the big question is…how do I become fearless? I’ve found several Scriptures that will help us gain some more wisdom regarding this. Even though we may always struggle with the temptation to be afraid, we can rely on God to help us focus our minds on the truths in His Word.

  • “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10
  • “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
  • “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
  • “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
  • “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
  • “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
  • “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
  • “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

From these verses we can see that the remedy for our fears is trusting in the Person and Word of Christ. This doesn’t mean we won’t struggle with fear. The temptations may continue to plague us. But when we turn to Jesus and rely on Him instead of ourselves, He gives us the power to be fearless.

What are some of your fears? How have you overcome them? What verse is special to you regarding this struggle with fear? I’d love for you to let me know in the comments section! ❤

Photo By: Julia Caesar