Today I’m brewing an interesting blend called Russian Caravan tea…welcome dear friend, how lovely to have you drop by…it is just about ready…come let us begin our time together…
I have some delicious gf Macadamia shortbread to accompany this tea blend. I was introduced to this tea many years ago…it isn’t readily available in our area, so it’s a lovely to have for our time together…
As I sip, the taste is smokey & ricey, very interesting & quite enjoyable, combined with the shortbread it really makes for a delightful treat!
I have been reflecting upon brokenness…
Have you ever suffered a broken heart? Or maybe a trauma so great that you felt completely shattered emotionally, mentally, spiritually or physically…I am sure all who visit here have experienced some type of brokenness in their lives…
But you know what…
to truly understand brokenness we first need to go through the process of healing…
& that dear friend…can be a painful, scary & anxiety inducing process…but ultimately very rewarding, restorative & transformative…to a healed wholeness for a greater purpose in our lives.
In my life I have experienced many such times of brokenness…A great deal of restoration has been done but there is yet more to accomplish…
I have not done this work on my own though…
I have had the great Restorer, God Himself & those whom He has sent along the various crossroads in my life to accompany me on this journey of a healing transformation…
Recently, while walking along the beach & thinking about this, an image of what God’s healing & restoration process looks like came to mind…
A vase was laying on the ground, where it had fallen, broken in pieces, some larger & others completely shattered…our brokenness can look similar….
Then God approaches us, as explained in Seasons & generations... & if we will allow Him…picks up each broken piece delicately & then examines each one carefully with us…as part of His healing work…
Restoring the larger pieces with the clear glue of His love
But some pieces are so shattered that instead of restoration He replaces those areas wholly with Himself….in a transformative way.
Then the transparency of His love allows His light to shine through those transformed areas! So, that through our mended brokenness others may see the light of His love & strength through us….beaming forth..as living beacons of hope…
Those who allow God to do His healing work in them will each have a unique pattern to His shining light. Though this doesn’t mean they are perfect for they are still being transformed in other areas of brokenness…but it does mean they are looking to Him for their lives….
While we are reflecting together…shall we ask ourselves…What pieces of the broken vase are we still holding onto deep down…that we know only God can heal, restore & transform with His love, strength, patience & kindness…so that we may uniquely shine His light in this darkened world…
Until next time dear friend…
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Book Nook
© 2018 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog All rights reserved. Photo on Pexels.com
Featured at Lori Schumaker’s #MomemtsofHope Linkup
& Maree Dee’s Grace & Truth Linkup
I like to think we are all broken in our own way. That is why we seek the comfort of friends, relatives, and lovers to fill in our broken pieces.
Have a good weekend. Enjoy your tea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we are all definitely broken in our own ways…& while comfort from others is great…it is only momentary, it never quite sates the void the brokenness has left behind, so we then constantly seek a source of comfort to fill the brokenness. Unfortunately, comfort does not heal brokenness…it only puts a bandage to cover it.
Healing brings peace, serenity & rest from the constant seeking after things to fill the void of brokenness.
Thank you I had a lovely weekend & I always enjoy a good cuppa.
Jennifer
LikeLike
I have a round magnet on my refrigerator with the statement “God will heal a broken heart if you give Him all the pieces.” It can be painful to pick up those sharp shards from the past, but He will be faithful to use them in our restoration. A pastor told me years ago that God doesn’t waste anything, including the wreckage of our past.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I totally agree Elizabeth & I like your fridge magnet!
It is definitely worth giving Him every piece!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That tea & shortbread combo seems perfect for this journey of healing. We all have need of healing in some area of our lives.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That we do, lovely having you join us here this weekend 😀
LikeLike
Those broken pieces restored by our Great Creator and Restorer become something beautiful when we hand them over to Him. He never fails! Thanks for reminding me of his healing and restorative powers, Jennifer. ❤ xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely Bette, being able to be His shining beacon of hope & light in this world for others from our restored & transformed brokenness is beautiful isn’t it…♡
Jennifer
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, indeed! ❤ xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know for a fact God will heal our brokenness when we place it in His loving hands. The Psalmist says He keeps our tears in a bottle, that is how much He cares! Blessings, Jennifer❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
I remember that verse, it became very dear to me during my first marriage…
But He restored those sad pieces into usefulness for Him! Which is what its all about…Isn’t it…♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a joy to be your neighbor at Crystal’s link up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely to have you drop by Elizabeth!
LikeLike
A broken and a contrite spirit He will not despise; we must come to Him for true healing. Thanks so much for this reminder, Jennifer. Blessings to you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, blessings to you too…
LikeLike
Thanks, Jennifer!
Even though Scripture is clear on our brokenness, we need the reminder that we are all standing in that place of needing to be mended. It’s a blessing to know that God stands ready to do that every single day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The image of the candles is a perfect fit to match the words you’re speaking here. Nobody wants to be broken, but I’m grateful that we have a Healer who can use all of our pieces.
LikeLiked by 2 people
No I agree, no one wants to be broken but it happens in this world to each of us…
Its the process of healing in Him that is the amazing time of transformation daily.
Glad you liked the lanterns!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I came upon this post at just the right time …it’s a struggle to give him all the pieces but really needed to acquire any healing or peace …
LikeLiked by 1 person
That it is Nancy but He is so gentle in His healing 😀 lovely that you dropped by!
LikeLike
Jennifer–you are so gifted in gently leading us to consider a profound question. I’ve experienced much healing in my life, but I do think it’s good to revisit this question of if there are more pieces that have yet to be healed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Amy for your kind words!
LikeLike
I’ve been broken and the work to put myself back together was not easy. Everyone has their own way of healing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Wrae,
Lovely to have you drop by….I have found through personal experience that the hard work & journey of mending brokenness is so much lighter & easier when I have allowed God’s love to do the restoration & transformation with me.
And He does take a unique & individual approach with each person…
Jennifer
LikeLike
I definitely agree with that. You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will go about my day being grateful for all the things that have caused a bit of brokenness here and there. Your post reminded me of how beautiful those cracks can be. Thank you! Let the light shine through!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am sure you are a beacon of light in your part of the world! Shine bright Christina!
LikeLike
Jennifer, your description of how God heals brokenness is beautiful. God is tender in the healing process, isn’t He? THe picture of Him holding each piece of our broken selves in His hand, working with us and in us as He heals . . . I’m thankful that He is gentle with our pain. And when we hand over those broken pieces of our lives to Him, we can be assured He is trustworthy, safe, and tender in the healing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, He is very tender with our brokenness & the perfect loving gentleman lover of our souls…
It was lovely having you drop by!
Blessings new friend.
LikeLike
I have heard of this analogy and I sure do appreciate it. I feel broken a lot of days, and then try and let him fill me. Some days I “feel” like I am doing a good job of it and others not so much, then I remember his filling isn’t dependent on me for which I am thankful. Blessings to you!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amen!
LikeLike
I love spending my tea time with you each week. You posts are such an inspiration to the #LMMLinkup community..
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Mary, it’s lovely to have you here each week & an absolute joy to be a part of the community.
LikeLike
Hi Jennifer! Beautiful post! It is one of my features this week at #MomentsofHope! Thank you for joining me ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a humbling surprise & privilege Lori, thank you!
LikeLike
Hello Jennifer!
Starting to go back and catch up a little with your posts. This one was a balm after a very wearying day. So on target and well said. Our brokenness does like His light shine through. It is indeed a process. Those who acknowledge it are stronger, I think, than those who pretend or try to hide their brokenness.
Enjoying these times with you!❤️
Pam
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Pam, yes I agree brokenness needs to be healed in truth & light through Him. ♥
Jennifer
LikeLike
Good question, Jennifer–what pieces am I still holding onto deep down? It’s a question I’ve been grappling with a lot lately and I don’t always like what I find! However, like you’ve pointed out, once I turn them over to Jesus, He makes them into a beautiful mosaic that His light and healing can shine through! Lovely post, my friend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, we just need to allow Him to do His work in us which can be the challenge for us 😉
LikeLike
Excellent questions, Jennifer! Sometimes it takes awhile to realize that we’re clutching broken pieces in our hands and that their shape edges continue to hurt us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
And cause us to bleed. Lovely having you drop by Anita.
LikeLike
Beautiful post, Jennifer! It is amazing how God can heal and bring beauty from brokenness and how he can shine through those broken places and reveal himself to others through us!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely Lesley! 😀
LikeLike
Loved joining you at the table again. Brokenness isn’t something we enjoy thinking about, but it is a reality. Until we realized we have fractures, we cannot begin the mending process with God. thanks! Look forward to sitting with you again soon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I agree Karen its essential for our own spiritual health…Lovely having you drop by I look forward to your next visit 😀
LikeLike
Beautiful post, Jennifer. I think that all of us who have lived a long time have suffered a broken heart at one time or another. We are broken and live in a broken world. Only God can make us whole.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Laurie for your kind words! 😀
I totally agree, we do live in a broken world & only God can truly repair our brokenness…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jennifer, This post was so good! Bringing with it so much encouragement. The Word pictures you painted were just beautiful!
I just finished a book by a fellow Christian blogger where she talks about sitting with God for an afternoon and asking Him to bring to your mind your broken places and then journaling through and allowing the Lord to bring healing to those areas. As I go through that exercise, I will think back to this post. I loved how you called Him the Great Restorer and indeed He is!
Thanks so much for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re most welcome Karen, He is our Great Restorer & that sounds like a great exercise! 😀
LikeLike
I’m so thankful for how Christ Jesus heals our brokenness. How He mends and restores! So many seasons in life we get wounded but the best thing to do is to run straight to Jesus every time. He refashions us every time. #faithandfriends linkup
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely April, so lovely to have you drop by from Deb’s link up 😀
LikeLike
Oh if we could count the ways we have been broken. But God is so faithful. Another great post, Jennifer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Heather, isn’t it great that we have the One who can renew us though 😀
LikeLike
Love this description of how in our brokenness and as Christ mends us that His light shines through those spaces! It’s so very true that through His healing and restoration….God makes beautiful things all in His time! Inspire me Monday linkup
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you April, yes He does make everything beautiful in His time 😀 lovely having you drop by from Anita’s.
LikeLike
What a beautiful reminder that God can pick up the pieces and heal the brokenness. Thanks for linking up at the #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 4
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you & it’s a pleasure Sylvia 😀
LikeLike
Such a beautiful post! I remember reading this before and I enjoyed reading it again! :)Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome Amy! I find that God always highlights something new to us in each time of mending… Don’t you… 😀
LikeLike
Hi Jennifer,
What a beautiful post. I loved this part, “Those who allow God to do His healing work in them will each have a unique pattern to His shining light. Though this does not mean that they are perfect, they are still being transformed in other areas of brokenness…but it does mean they are looking to Him for their lives….”
We do have to be willing to allow God to work. This went so well with my post that went out today. I’m offering a book giveaway drawing. You might be interested in this book. “The Heart That Heals.”
We had a few things happen over Thanksgiving, and I found many of the broken pieces resurface. But what was neat was to see they had mended. Yes, still painful, but we could see the light.
Thank you for linking up with Grace and Truth. Maree
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a beautiful testimony Maree! Thank you for sharing this with me ♥
I’ll check out your post 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jennifer, I am featuring your post tomorrow on Grace & Truth LInk-Up. Thank you for posting it. I loved it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an honor Maree, thank you! 😀
LikeLike
Though it’s painful to experience, it happens to all of us, usually multiple times over the course of life. How sweet to think of our Lord picking up the pieces and transforming us while mending us.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Its a continual process in one form or another isn’t Barbara, lovely having you drop by! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
To truly understand brokenness, we must go through the process of healing. Wow. I had never thought of that before. Loved your image of the broken vase and God putting it back together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Theresa! 😀
LikeLike
This is So So Good, Jennifer! It speaks so clearly of defining what is ours to do and what He alone can do. Wise words indeed♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Pam! Born from long journeys of healing experience with Him ♥
LikeLike
Praising Him that He is the great Restorer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That He is Lauren 😀
LikeLike
God loves to work with those who acknowledge that He alone can fix them. If only we would allow Him to fix us, then we can be fit and be His masterpiece, just as He desires that we all be. 🙌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! Lovely having you drop by today. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful. I’m in the process of being put back together, by the “Great Restorer”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful that is, praise Him! 😀 So lovely having you join me here today.
LikeLike
Hmm. Lord help me to let go of every broken piece that I’m still holding on to. That you perfect and make me whole. 🙌🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! Beautiful prayer Herry! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jennifer, thank you for your encouragement here! This post spoke to my heart today, as I do think I hold onto the broken pieces of my past, afraid to allow Jesus to transform them, or maybe I’m afraid he can’t transform them. Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing though your own story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think at times we all do that Donna with certain broken areas that we cling to. But I love how He so gently & patiently asks us to hand them to Him step by step, little by little, bit by bit. ♥
LikeLike