Broken Pieces

     Did you know that when a potter wants to create something new, beautiful, and with a purpose he has to use broken pieces from old, tattered pottery in order to make it strong?

     The same goes for us. Our brokenness is not what defines us. Instead, it is what God uses to make us strong and beautiful and with a purpose. He mends those broken pieces and makes us beautiful.

     Some of you reading this right now may have recently been broken. Or perhaps you have old scars you have been hiding. Maybe your circumstances are such that the tears will not stop and the wounds will not heal. What is it in your life that you think God could not possibly reconcile? Can I make you a promise? There is nothing... and I mean nothing that God cannot rebuild, redeem, or restore... But we have to trust Him to do so... And then we actually have to let Him work. (Romans 8:28)

     God has invited us to come as we are. Circumstances, situations, and the things that have been done to you... are not who you are. Truth is, God, the Creator of the universe and the maker of all things, has fearfully and wonderfully made you. (Psalm 139:14) You have been created in His image. (Genesis 1:27) You are chosen, redeemed, and called by name. (Isaiah 43:1) He has a plan and a purpose for your life - to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) 

     I want to encourage you to make the choice to trust God today with your broken pieces, so that He can make you whole. It is not easy to let go and it may be a choice you make daily. But I promise you will be glad you did.

     "You Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, and You are the potter. All of us are the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8 

Let God be the potter. I hope you will be the clay. You are a work of art!

Living Beyond Fear

     About 4 years ago, I went on mission trip to Kenya, Africa, not knowing that place was going to change my life. One of my favorite memories was walking through the towns and villages, admiring the children. When they saw a ‘mzungu’(white person) they giggled and shouted. Some would run toward me with excitement, and others would hide from the sight of a foreigner. Those who weren’t afraid would grab my hands so eagerly, as though we had been friends forever. The people and children made it so easy to fall in love with them and their country.

     In just 6 short months, I have been given the opportunity to return to Kenya. So often when I mention visiting such a foreign country, I get a response like, "That's great, but aren't you afraid? or Do you know how dangerous it is?" Most days I do not have the right words to respond to such a common question.


     But let me ask you this.... How much more dangerous is the comfort of our soul?! (Matthew 10:28) "I am much more terrified of living a comfortable life in a self-serving society and failing to follow Jesus, than I am of any illness or tragedy." When we are focused on serving the Lord, we are not focused the task or our fears, because we are focused on Him.

     My heart had found its joy, as I served the beautiful people the world calls “poor” but who seemed so rich in love to me. I lost a part of my heart to a place I had never been before. My prayer is to solely remain in the center of the Lord's will - no matter the where He leads, long or short term, I know He is greater. This is my passion and I have chosen to dedicate my life to it!