The Value of Brokenness

It is easy during times of trials and difficulty to forget the value of brokenness. Not many people would choose to be burdened with heartache or disappointment, but few that go through suffering fail to realize some value from those times…after the trial has passed.
As I was recently reflecting on my own times of distress, I discovered 7 values to brokenness:
It makes and keeps one humble. Humility is highly honored by God and is an attractive quality to others.
It teaches valuable life principles. Honestly, I have learned more from the hard times in my life than from the good.
It brings repentance. I often forget how much I need forgiveness. Brokenness, especially when caused by my own actions, reminds me I am hopeless apart from His grace.
It encourages a fresh start. Starting over is not always as bad as it seems. (Read THIS POST for more on this thought process.)
It invites grace. Brokenness brings me to my knees. That’s never a bad place as long as my heart longs heavenward.
It illustrates humanity. Brokenness reminds me that frail people share the commonality of life struggles.
It welcomes the heart of God. Psalm 34:18 says, “God is close to the broken-hearted.”
Has your story been shaped by brokenness? Allow the molding energies of God’s hand to craft His masterpiece in you as you yield to His ultimate plan for your life.

If we could only read the secret history of our enemies, we would find each mans life, sorrow and suffering, enough to disarm all hostility.

Brokenness is the prerequisite for greatness.

Beautiful people

The most beautiful people I know have been broken and then rebuilt. Their fraility is their strength. For they understand their need for God~ Mark Brown

I am really going to have to work hard this week to fit my workout in. I am sowing kindness into a friends life. I am taking my friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer to her radiation appointment. It's good to invest in other peoples lives. Sow seeds of kindness, and you will reap a harvest of kindness. But, I am going to make sure I make an effort to do my workout when I get home, and the days I don't take her. I am determined to keep this up. I will be stronger, and more tone. I will drop a couple of sizes. I will be healthier, and have more self confidence. I will be motivated to eat healthier,  therefore feeling better, with more energy, and a better outlook on life. I will stay positive, when negative thougts try to take me over. I will be active everyday. Hike, ride bikes, walk, swim, do my cd workout with step and weights. Read fitness articles and stay motivated. I'm getting older, but healthier than ever. Fighting gravity. Push, push, push!

You are the Potter

You are the potter, I am the clay. I was thrown on the wheel, only to be reshaped into something more beautiful and valuable. The process was very painful. Imagine a the potter squeezing, pushing, pulling, scraping away, only to have it fall apart. Then taking that lump of clay, forming a ball, and throwing it down on the wheel and starting the process all over again. But finally the finished product. The potter liked what he saw so he painted it, a beautiful shade of purple, glazed it and put it in the kiln to bake at very high temperatures, for a long time. Mold me and make me. You are the potter, I am the clay. I willingly put myself on the potters wheel. Because I, (the lump of clay) completely trust the skill of the potter. I know there will be pain involved. But I also know there is a much more valuable work of art that you have in mind for me to be. You are forever molding me. Thank you for the amazing detail and thought you have put into your work.   Creating something very unique,special, and priceless.

The Dark Tunnel

Thank you Lord for all of the pain and suffering I've experienced.  I say thank you because I would not be the person I am today had I not experienced heartache, and pain.  I would not have the understanding , empathy, & compassion for others, that I have.  I would not know how to help, and minister to those experiencing betrayal and loss.  So, I say thank you.  I've walked through the darkest, longest tunnel you could imagine. I could see no end, and there was no turning back. At times it was pitch black, and at other times I could see a dim light way in the distance. Then it would disappear again. Sometimes I would just stop and sit a while in the darkness, and cry out, "Lord, where are you? You promised you'd never leave me.". And He'd say, "I'm right here Dana. I know you can't see me, I know you cant feel me, but I'm here. Just hold on, I'll get you to the light." I am at the end of that tunnel, and in the light now. Finally!!! Ah, what a relief! Thank you lord for holding my hand when it was pitch black and I couldn't see any thing. Only my pain. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord for whispering in my ear "just hang on Dana, just a little farther. Trust me. I know you can't see past the pain right now, but just hold on to my hand and I will lead you into the light."

God is faithful. There have been very dark times I've walked through, when I wondered if He was there. If He had given up on me. I would cry out in my darkness, Lord please help. Take the pain away. I just want to die. I can't take this pain anymore. When I heard him gently whisper, Dana, give me the pain. Give it to me. Cast your cares on me. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Trust me with it. I will never leave you nor forsake you. My ways are not your ways. My thoughts are not yours. My ways are so much higher than your ways. Trust me. Have I ever left you? There will be suffering in this life. But I go to prePare a place for you. He that endures to the end, will be saved. My grace is sufficient for you. You are an overcomes. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Pick up your cross and follow me. I know the plans I have for you. I have great things in store for you. Only believe. The latter days shall be greater than the former. I will give you beauty for ashes. I will give you seven times back what the enemy has stollen. Trust in the lord with all of your heart, don't lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. Trust me. I will lead you, and guide you. Follow me. When you cryy unto me, then will your enemies turn back. Forgive those who have betrayed you, and hurt you. I have also been betrayed and hurt. Forgive. It's not an option it's a commandment.

It's been quite a while since I've blogged. Today I am very thankful for everything in my life. The good and the bad. All things work together for good for those who love the lord, and are called according to his purpose. I feel especially blessed because I am finally seeing things turn around in one of my son's life. He has suffered so much (and you mothers know how hard it is to watch one of our children suffer). But I have been praying and believing God for years~and finally things are really beginning to turn around for him. It's a miracle!
I have been working diligently on health. Healthy mind, body, and spirit. Working out on a regular basis, eating healthier, praying, seeking God. I feel healed in all areas of my life. My marriage HAS been restored. God has been GOOD!
This has been a three year journey. WOW! I know I haven't reached my final destination, but oh how I've grown! Through spending time in His presense, and being willing to listen and obey His voice.