Not all that is Broken can be Put Back Together

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 2 Comments

One afternoon I was cleaning up my living room with my daughter who was two at the time. Her toys were everywhere and as we were cleaning I came across a broken toy. I told her that the toy had to get thrown out because it was broken. Hearing that really upset her and she began to cry.

As I tried explaining to my toddler that this particular toy could not be fixed, she repeatedly said to me, “Nooo, it’s still good”. She was so upset and I said to her, “But Mama, it is broken, it will no longer work.” She looked up at me with her eyes full of tears and said, “Yes! It can be fixed, it’s still good.” She wanted to keep this broken toy and did not want to accept that Mommy couldn’t fix it for her.

I tried to explain to her, some things can be fixed and some just can’t. But her little heart was broken and she couldn’t understand what I was trying to explain to her. She was frustrated and kept insisting to me that we could fix it and continuously asked me over and over to please try to fix it.

Once she calmed down I redirected her to all her other toys and played with her to remind her of all her other blessings. That time together restored her joy & she was reminded of all her other fun toys.

Sometimes we are so caught up on the one thing we no longer have, that we loose sight of all the other good things we do have and all the good that is to come.

Isn’t that the case in life? We hold onto things not realizing that they are actually broken and they can never be fixed. We treasure things that are of value to us, so even when they are falling apart we hold tightly onto them, and continue trying over and over to repair them. But sometimes, no matter how much or how hard you try, they remain broken.

After I got my daughter to sleep later that night, I laid next to her and began to imagine how God, our father, felt when we cry and plead to him asking him to fix our broken relationships, restore our broken families, or fix situations that cannot be fixed. Surely it must hurt him to hear his children crying out for something they don’t know isn’t his best for them.

God is all powerful and is a miracle worker, but imagine how hurt he must feel knowing that we want him to fix something that he simply cannot give back to us? As our Father, he does not want to see us in pain, just as we don’t want to see our babies hurting. But, he knows we must accept that he alone knows what is best, even when we can’t understand why.

Have you been in this place? Are you there now? Are you struggling to let go of something that is broken because you can’t understand why it can’t be fixed or restored even when you’ve done all you can? I was there too.

If you’re struggling in this place today, I pray that you would pray and ask the Lord to heal your heart. I pray you’d ask him to give you the strength to find acceptance and to trust that you can move forward without what is now broken.

To move forward and heal you must place your situation into God’s hands. Ask him for the strength to accept his will, even if it is not the outcome you are hoping for. Pray and ask for God to heal your heart and give you the obedience and patience to be able to wait for his plans to come to pass in your life.

God prepares us for our future blessings and he equips us to be ready for them.

Sometimes our hearts desires do not line up with his will or timing for our lives. God has seasons for everything, ask that he help you discern and accept the season he has you in. Rather than desperately trying to hold onto a season that is past and already gone, move forward with hope for the blessings to come.

May we seek to learn the lesson and trust God even when we do not get what we think we need.

God allows painful situations in order to teach us valuable life lessons and to change our hearts. He let me experience loss so that I could rely soley on him to experience what love was.

God Heals Our Pain, Jeremiah 33:6. Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

God Comforts Us, 2 Corinthians 1:3–4. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

God has Purpose in all Things, Romans‬ ‭8:28-29. We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers.

God is Our Strength in Every Situation, Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Isaiah 41:10 – 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.

Father God,
We thank you because we know that you are a loving God and that you desire to protect us from anything that would cause harm to us. Father, many of us have things in our lives that have broken and are irreparable, but we are hanging onto them hoping for restoration and hoping that things will be fixed. Father, humble those in this struggle so that they may turn to you and seek to be strengthened so that they may move forward. Father, your word says that there is a season for everything, help your children to accept when a season has ended and place that which is broken into your hands so that their hearts can be healed and restored. Situations and circumstances may be shattered beyond repair, but our hearts are not. Father, heal like only you can. Bring acceptance, strength and renew your children’s spirits. Father we know that you make all things new, reveal to your children that you have greater in store for their future and remind them of your unfailing love for them. Although what they have lost hurts deeply, remind them of your promises Oh God. Your plans are to give us peace not suffering and a hope and a future. We thank you oh Lord for your love & protection. And we trust you father.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Growing with you,

Sandy

Letting Go is Hard, but there is a Blessing in the Lesson

A Prayer Request

June 27, 2021June 27, 2021 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

We ALL have moments of weakness but why is it so hard to admit? Why do we put on that fake face pretending to be strong? Why do we avoid answering when friends & family call to checkin? Why are we afraid for them to know the truth?

For some of us:

Truth is, we aren’t as strong as we seem.
Truth is, our heavy hearts keep us up late into the night as thoughts fill our minds trying to solve all the issues in our lives.
Truth is, that we cry ourselves to sleep at night crying out to God asking for comfort.
Truth is, that even though we feel anger, we don’t want to wish this pain on those who hurt us.
Truth is, when you all see us as strong, inside we are fighting not to fall apart.
Tears give us release & help to find rest.
Tears renew strength to make it through the next day.

Owning our weaknesses takes strength and it is something we should not be ashamed of.

2 Corinthians 12:9, says: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

He is our strength when we feel we have none.

Through God’s word we know that there is power in prayer and there is power in numbers.

Philippians 2:4. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
James 5:16. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another,that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

When we feel alone or as if we need support, it is ok to ask our fellow brothers & sisters to lift us in prayer.

So tonight I am being transparent and admitting my weakness. I am hurting and I’m in a struggle right now. I know anxiety is not from God. And I know that he knows that which I am unable to see right now and he is working all things out.

I am in need prayer. Please keep me lifted.

Growing with you,

Sandy

Be Light 💡

February 15, 2021April 9, 2021 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This world can seem so dark and many of us are living wounded in a daily struggle just trying get by. We all have internal & external battles taking place. So while my life does have dark moments, even when I am in my own storm, I still must consciously choose to help uplift others who reach out in need. Trust me, when in your own storm this is a very hard thing to do.

Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to give. But as I worshiped him this morning, God reminded me that I do: I have Jesus to give.

When others come to me and they are struggling with heavy hearts I can be a light by reminding them that Jesus is their anchor! I am to let them know that Jesus will sustain them through their storm. He has done it for me time and time again, and he will do the same for them.

When you feel unworthy to be a giver or unworthy to be an example to anyone due to the personal battle you may still be fighting, be reminded that even in your storm YOU STILL CAN BE LIGHT💡 and you can still help encourage others. Show them to Jesus. That is the very thing which he has called you to do! Make a choice to still serve others and in due time, you too will be blessed and overcome the battle you are in.

Lets Pray:

Father God we thank you. We thank you for loving us when we are too weak to love ourselves. We thank you for the gift of family, friends and sometimes even strangers which you strategically place in our lives to help lift our spirits and show us that there is still light. Father we know that there are dark days we will face in this world. Remind us that we are not alone. Lord Jesus, remind us that we can still be light even when we are fighting our own battles. Give us the strength to run to you when we don’t know the way to go. Lead us, fill us and direct us Lord. Remind us we are yours and that you are by our sides in every circumstance. May we never forget that you are here. Comfort those who feel unworthy, hurt, and incapable of being used. Strengthen us to look to you to fight our battles so that we can help our fellow brothers and sisters in need. Father move in our hearts and help us to walk in the purpose you set out for us. Bless all those just trying to find a way. Remind us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

In Jesus name, we give you all the Glory for the healing that will take place going forward. Amen.

~Growing with you! ❤️ Sandy

Broken with Purpose

October 9, 2017October 16, 2017 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This has been a trying year for me. I have experienced anger, sadness and disappointment after having people test both my character and my faith.

I created this blog to be obedient to the calling on my heart and share experiences in order to encourage others and share with them God’s unconditional love for all. I knew that sharing personal experiences would mean having to be transparent, and frankly, this meant opening myself up to negative criticism.

When you share your faith with the world there will be individuals who will criticize or judge you because they either disagree with you, dislike you, or feel that you’re not good enough to offer encouragement due to your mistakes. Read more ›

Mighty Within Us

September 22, 2017September 22, 2017 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 1 Comment

I am currently enrolled in the last trimester of the International School of Ministry (ISOM) program at my church and in tonight’s class something stood out to me. The speaker , T.L. Osborn, stated “The most difficult thing to get unbelievers to understand is, God lives in us.” This statement resonated with me because so many people are blind to the fact that Christ can dwell within each of us.

Often when you tell someone you’re a Christian, they think you are religious and judgmental. We get a bad rap because so many who claim to be Christians are condemning and judging everyone around them. As Christians, our job is not to convince anyone who Christ is and it surely is not our job to judge others. We are called to love and share the unconditional love of Jesus Christ with the world. Everything beyond that will be done by the Holy Spirit.

Don’t enter into the business of condemning or judging yourself or others. We live in a sinful world and all fall short of chasing what we desire rather than traveling down the roads God intended for us to travel down.

To the unbelievers: Becoming a Christian does not mean that one must strive to be religious or try to behave as a Christian behaves. Becoming a Christian means that you are opening your heart to receiving Christ and inviting him to dwell within. Read more ›

Savoring the Crumb

September 21, 2017October 22, 2017 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 6 Comments

Have you ever tasted something that was so good you enjoyed every piece of it and savored the very last crumb? The last crumb from a delicious dessert can be quite satisfying.

Have you every been so hungry that you would give anything to have a few crumbs just to hold you over? When you’re starving the idea of having crumbs to savor seems so satisfying. But reality is crumbs can only hold you over, they are not enough to fill you.

Food is not the only thing we savor.

There are many people who are in a state of brokenness longing for the company of another. They struggle with emptiness and loneliness and would do anything to escape the feelings of abandonment or neglect.

When someone is neglected they crave every crumb of affection they can get. Just like a neglected puppy craves attention from anyone who will love him. Not only do we crave the crumbs but sometimes we feel like one. I recall a time when a relationship I treasured ended. I couldn’t understand what I did wrong and that unknown made me feel like I held no value to the person.

While some savor the last crumb of their meal others throw away their crumbs. Crumbs can be satisfying to one person yet worthless to another.

If you’re facing any type of rejection know that you are not worthless. It took me a little bit of time to realize that my value was not tied to the person that left me. If you are in this place or in a place of loneliness or longing, I pray that you will know that you are treasured and loved.
Read more ›

A Piece of My Story

August 30, 2017September 1, 2017 by madepiecebypiece ♥ 6 Comments

I thought I would take some time to write a little bit about myself so that my readers get to know to me. Like every human being I have been through many difficult times in life but I have also experienced joy.

I had a rough upbringing, I come from a broken family without a dad in the home. I was raised by a single mom who struggled independently and needed assistance to raise three children on her own. As a child, I never experienced what a healthy family life felt like so it is a hunger I have carried with me my entire life. This hunger caused me to have a blind eye to love. I have a huge heart and allowed my heart to lead me in my choices, this resulted in me having many painful life experiences.

I became pregnant at the age of 17 and gave birth to my beautiful daughter at the age of 18. She represented life to me. She was so innocent and precious so I made a promise to myself to always be her provider and protector. God graciously blessed me by opening doors to jobs that paid me enough money to support my daughter and provide for all her needs. We had all the material things we needed to survive, but somehow my inner hunger for a life partner led me in the wrong direction.

Parenting helped me discover that I have a giving heart. I found joy in providing for my daughter and seeing her face light up. This birthed a strong desire within me to help others. I know what it’s like to be in need so when I see someone with a need my instinct is to help them. I find myself having a desire to make their load lighter. So I try my best to help them in any way I can. I give the encouragement I know I would need if I were them.

I know what it’s like to have a longing for something in my heart and I know what it is like to be broken. I also know what it is to feel hopeless and shattered because the one you trusted to protect your heart left you in pieces instead. So when I come across someone who feels shattered or lost, my heart is lead to encourage and help uplift. I don’t want anyone to feel the emptiness I struggled with in my past.