Friday, November 6, 2015

Post 2 of Divine Appointments Through Surgery: I'm Glad I Didn't Miss Them

Today is 5 days post neck surgery. I shared the details of one divine appointment with nurse "K" a couple of days again. You can read about that by clicking here.

Details of my second divine appointment have fallen in to place over the past few days. 

I woke up from surgery in the recovery room. I remember talking to Nurse "D" and asking her if God had become real in her life. She told me that she had recently started a relationship with Him. 

At about 2:15 she also said that they had a room for me, but were waiting for it to be cleaned. God had other plans and I didn't make it to that room until after 6:00 pm. 

The gentleman next to me didn't recover as well as I did. I remember Nurse "D" calling people over because the gentleman stopped breathing. He didn't respond as they tried to rouse him. He also had no response when they began "bagging" him.There was only a curtain separating me and the bustle of activity that erupted in an attempt to bring him back. It easily could have been a scene from an emergency room trauma movie.

I was alert and prayed throughout the event. 

My family knew someone had "Coded" because they kept hearing "Brahms Lullaby" play over the intercom. My mom was nervous that it was me since they had not been allowed to see me. 

"The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lordyes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears."(Pslam 18:4-6, NLT)

I wasn't the one dying, but I have no doubt God appointed me to be there that day, at that time to pray for this gentleman as well as the medical staff who worked on in. God heard my cries on this gentleman's behalf. By the time I left recovery, the gentleman was visiting and talking with the doctors and nurses. 

I am honored that God used me to stand in the gap through prayer for a man I don't know.

I have more divine appointments through surgery that I'll share as I am strong enough to be at the computer. 

Dear Lord, Thank you for using me even during times when natural circumstances say I shouldn't able to be used. Thank you for hearing my cry and rescuing that gentleman from death that day. Help me continue to be sensitive to your guidance and prompting. In Jesus' name I pray ~Amen

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Post 1 of Divine Appointments Through Surgery...I'm glad I didn't miss them

I had neck surgery Monday morning. Between the busyness of trying to make sure things were good for my family while I am out of commission, a book launch party to release my latest book, as well as concern (not fear) over what I would experience as recovery...I could have easily become consumed by me and my agenda. I am so thankful I had an open heart and mind going in. I intentionally asked God to help me see how He wanted to use me as I walk this path. 

I was in the Hospital for 28 hours and experienced 3 Divine Appointments. I am so humbled that God would use me in these ways.

Since I work in the area of Grief and Loss, a common theme I hear from clients is "I wish we could have had one last "I love you" or one last "Goodbye." 

While I didn't believe God was going to call me home during this process, I knew there was a gift I could leave me family...just in case God's plan was different than my own. I wrote my husband, children, and parents each a final "I love you, goodbye" letter. I asked the sweet pre-op nurse if she had an envelope that I could seal them in. 

As it turns out, she is having surgery tomorrow (Please pray for nurse "K"). She had been having nightmares of loved ones surrounding her in ICU as she lay dying. I was able to share a fer scriptures with her. 

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, oh Lord, will keep me safe.", (Psalm 4:8, NLT)
and 
"Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what He did for me. For I cried out to Him for help, praising Him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw His unfailing love from me.",(Psalm 67:16-20, NLT)

Nurse "K" decided she was going to write similar letters to her family members. She was going to cling to these verses to have faith that she would come through her surgery fine. It could have stopped there, But God wasn't done with Nurse "K"

Turns out the father of her oldest child died in January. She needed to hear the message of hope and how Conquering the Grief that Stole Christmas (For more information click here) could bring hope to her child and the rest of the hurting family members.

As I prayed for Nurse "K" she wept and said, "I'm supposed to be here for you, but God brought you in here for me today."

I love how God works. The enemy and my human nature would want me to focus on what was happening with me during that time...but God granted me a Shifted Vision to see how I could be His hands and feet towards sweet Nurse "K".

I have two more amazing Divine appointments to share, but physically I am not up to it at the moment. Just know that God will use you no matter the circumstances...you must have the heart though to say, "Here I am God, use me!"

Dear God, Thank you for allowing me to introduce your hope into the life of Nurse "K". Help us all gain the ability to have s Shifted Vision to see how you want to use us even when we have things going on in our own lives that could easily draw our full focus. Thank you for allowing me to see you and your purpose in the midst of my own turmoils. In Jesus' name I pray~ Amen.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

A Stone Rolling Away: Bringing Life and Relationship with God



Today is the final day of my series "31 Days of Laying Down Our Stones." If you are interested in seeing the other posts, please feel free to check them out here.

While we have spent the past 31 days learning to trust God with different "stones", there is one stone, that as it was moved, brought hope and life to each of us. I'm thrilled that Jesus rolled the stone of the tomb away to conquer the enemy and bring new life and relationship to us.

Forever Lyrics

from Majestic


Kari Jobe - lyrics Majestic Other Album Songs

"Forever" is track #7 on the album Majestic. It was written by Johnson, Michael Edwin.

The moon and stars they wept
The morning sun was dead
The Savior of the world was fallen
His body on the cross
His blood poured out for us
The weight of every curse upon him
One final breath He gave
As Heaven looked away
The Son of God was laid in darkness
A battle in the grave
The war on death was waged
The power of hell forever broken
The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated
Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive
The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated
Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive
Forever, forever
You have overcome
Your resurrected King
You have overcome the grave
You have overcome
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
We sing Hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome
Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive (Forever)
Forever, He is glorified
Forever, He is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive
Songwriters
Johnson, Michael Edwin
Published by
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O APRA AMCOS


Read more: Kari Jobe - Forever Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Friday, October 30, 2015

Stones of "What If": Letting God be Bigger

Today I am disappointed to the point of deep heart sadness. I honestly could cry, and I very well might crawl in the shower once I post this and bawl like a baby.

I have attempted two "family" times in the past 15 hours and neither of them worked out. My husband knew I had planned a nice meal and even rented a movie from Redbox so we could have a nice family evening. He received a phone call from a relative who lives out of state and stayed on the phone for two hours, essentially ignoring my planned special family time. I finally told the girls to eat and we began the movie without him.

This morning I got up early and made homemade waffles for my crew. I started waking them up in time for us to share a sweet breakfast together, only to have grumpy tired teens not want to cooperate with a peaceful family moment. Sure, everyone ate but it was a hurried-shove it in your face- experience that didn't give me the quality family time I am longing for.

What is going on with me? Why is this family time so important? I will be having a pretty significant surgery Monday...and the monster of "What If" is tearing at my peace. What if I don't make it through surgery? What if they make a mistake and damage nerves leaving me unable to serve my family? What if there are complications and I never have an opportunity to have this desired family time again. What if my surgery Monday steals these special opportunities from my children's future. What if this rushed and hurried morning is the last time I am capable of making them homemade waffles? (okay, I'm crying already)

When it comes to the "What if's" of post surgery I am acutely aware of the many things I have no control of. As a result, I find myself grasping at any opportunity to give myself a sense of control over things I think I can control (like special family times)...only to find out that I have no control over those things either.

The other emotion that is there, threatening to swallow me is fear. I'd love to tell you I have absolute certainty and faith that everything is going to be fine when I wake up from surgery Monday afternoon. Unfortunately life has taught me that things don't always go "fine". What if, in my attempt to become pain free, I sentence myself to a life more painful than the one I am experiencing now. Yes, I hurt...I hurt bad. But I can still make a special dinner or breakfast whether my family cooperates or not. (crying again)

The more I focus on the multitude of "What Ifs" the less I seem to trust God. Once I stop my crazy "What If" Dance, I am free to notice how BIG God is! 

So today I choose to anchor to Psalm 91 and allow God to become BIGGER than my "What ifs"

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LordHe alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.  I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” (Psalm 91, NLT)

Dear Lord, Help me cling to you instead of my fears. As I am tempted to fear what lays ahead, help me choose to trust you. As my heart connects more to you, let your presence evict the "What ifs" that want to steal my peace. In Jesus' name I pray~ Amen. 

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Stones of Betrayal:Friends Become Enemies

12 
We were the best of friends. We shared everything with one another and were practically inseparable. I considered her a sister even though we didn't share any of the same DNA. Having her in my life brought much joy. 

One day all that changed. My friend turned on me. She stirred others against me and used all the things I had shared in confidence against me. I could have managed or handled the assault had it of come from someone I didn't know very well or care about. Her betrayal broke my heart in ways I had never experienced before. 

David experienced the same emotions.
"It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.",(Psalm 55:12-14, NLT)
I tried to mend things with my friend as well as understand why the betrayal happened...what did I do to offend her so deeply to cause the rift? I made no headway and gained no answers. There was nothing left for me to do except cry out to God. I clung to this verse praying that He really did hear my cries.
But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.", (Psalm 55:16-17, NLT)
As time went on, more and more emotional wounds were inflicted as it seemed my "friend was determined to destroy everything that was special to me. It became a constant battle that affected every area of my life. I had to trust God in ways that I had never had to do so before. David had faith to believe that God would keep him safe during his time of betrayal.
"He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me.", (Psalm 55:18, NLT)
I longed to lash out in revenge...to defend myself...but I had no way to do so. I also loved her too much to cause her the wounds she so eagerly caused me. 
"God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them, For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God.", (Psalm 55:19, NLT)

 The following verses of Psalm 55 felt so familiar they hurt.
 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!",(Psalm 55:20-21, NLT)

In my place of hurt, all I can do is give my burden to God and trust Him with it. 
"Give your burdens to the Lordand he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. But you, O God, will send the wicked down to the pit of destruction. Murderers and liars will die young, but I am trusting you to save me.", (Psalm 55:22-23, NLT)
The relationship with my friend has never been repaired. I have never understood the source of our falling out or parting of ways. What has happened is that I my relationship with God grew deeper as I relied on Him to take care of me and not allow me to be crushed under the weight of the betrayal and assault. 

Dear Lord, Help me treasure my relationship with you over all the others in my life. I trust you to protect me when wounds come from the ones I love. Give me the courage to continue to love and trust even though I have been wounded. Help me to not reject future relationships because of the scars of old ones. In Jesus' name I pray~ Amen.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Stones of Doubt: Do I Trust God?

Yesterday I shared about Moses' lack of trust to do things God's way. (read here) Today in my own personal life, God asked me the question I asked you at the end of the post, "Do you trust Me to reveal my Holiness?"

I shared in another post about the pain I struggle with daily and constantly. (read here)

Today I had pre-op appointments with at my doctor's office as well as the hospital.  The appointment wasn't I had hoped for. The prognosis of the physician assistant's part was not all butterflies and flowers. To be honest, he had me doubting whether or not having this surgery was going to be a good thing or not. I also know I don't think I have the physical or mental stamina to live the rest of my life with the current pain levels.

Last week I had lunch with a friend and I confided in her that I was still asking God to reveal to me who He is as healer. (I know I am all over the place, but please bear with me!)

As I left the hospital from doing my pre-op obligations, I was asking God to show me what to do. (I'm still weepy over the entire thing)While I was waiting outside for my husband to bring the car around, I checked email on my phone...God had worked a miracle on my behalf!

You see, I have a book that was released this week...(see more here)...I have a book launch party scheduled at my home Sunday afternoon because Monday morning I will be in surgery. This is a perfect plan, except copies of my books were not supposed be delivered until the day after my party. I paid expedited shipping and did everything humanly possible to get the books here sooner, but there was no way for me to get books delivered to my home any sooner than Monday November 2nd.

In this e-mail, God showed his Holiness to me. I had a notice that the first shipment of books had been delivered today! The second shipment that wasn't supposed to be here until the 6th, are scheduled to be here Friday the 30th. God is Holy! God cares! No detail escapes Him. If He can get books here from a facility in Canada 5-7 days ahead of schedule, how much more will He want to guide the surgeon's hands to reveal Himself as my healer?

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.",(Matthew 10:28-31, NLT)

I know this next passage is long---please forgive me for that---but I NEEDED the entire passage today, maybe you do too!

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?  Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.",(Matthew 6:25-34, NLT)

I don't want my faith to be a little faith. I don't want to doubt God's Holiness. I am humbled beyond words that He would use the miracle of books being delivered WAY AHEAD OF TIME to let me know that He really does take care of the details. He is my healer!

Dear Lord, Help me not doubt your Holiness. Help me trust you more in all areas of my life. Help me remember that you provide for the birds of the air and will not leave me without what I need. Thank you for loving me and using things like the early delivery of books to remind me of just how precious I am to you. In Jesus name I pray~ Amen! 

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Stones of Repetition: Trusting God's Plan Over Routine

My mind goes numb as my body goes through the motions of tasks that are all to familiar and routine.

Sorting Laundry
  • Whites
  • Darks
  • Towels
Loading the dishwasher
  • Cups
  • Plates
  • Silverware
Quiet time with God
  • Worship music low
  • Bible
  • Journal
As people, we are creatures of habit. We find what works and tend to follow that pattern to ensure success. Over time, these tasks become familiar routines that don't require thought or conscious consideration.

We can find these patterns in our daily lives, spiritual walks, as well as in our careers.

What if, one day, we were told to do these tasks a different way? We KNOW how to get the desired result. We've done it many times before...so why bother attempting a different way?

I saw a post on Facebook today that stated:

7+2=9 but so does 5+4. Remember your way isn't the only way to get the same result.

Moses faced this. 

"I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. The the people will be able to drink." So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and the water gushed out as the elders looked on.", (Exodus 17:6, NLT)[emphasis added]



Moses obeyed and struck the rock, and God fulfilled His part in having water come from the rock to quench the thirst of the children of Israel.

Later, when there was a need for water again, God's plan was to provide it from the rock just like before. His direction to Moses, however, changed.

"You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will our out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.,(Numbers 20:8, NLT) [emphasis added]

Isn't it odd? They had already established a workable system for getting water from the rock, yet God gave different instructions this time to get the same result.

Moses did not follow God's instructions. He was too caught up in what he had done in the past to get the same results.

"Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.", (Numbers 20:11, NLT)[emphasis added]

It is wonderful that water still came from the rock, only God's plan was for the water to come by a different set of actions...speaking to the rock.

Are there things the Lord is telling you to do differently...even though you already have a proven way to get the desired result?


  • restoring relationships
  • career choices
  • job search
  • quiet times
  • areas of service
  • volunteering
  • parenting
  • spousal interaction
  • prayer time

"But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”, (Numbers 20:12,NLT)

The bottom line, according to this scripture, is that we cling to the familiar out of a lack of trusting God. I know there can be other factors as well...but I challenge you to really ask yourself, "Do I trust God enough to demonstrate His holiness in the areas I cling to familiarity?" 

It take courage to allow God to use you in new ways.

Dear Lord, Help me have the courage to trust you when you prompt me to do things differently. Please forgive me for the times I have chosen routine over faithfully trusting and obeying you. In Jesus' name I pray~ Amen

Monday, October 26, 2015

Stones of Brokenness: Revealing What's Inside

This is day three of me posting about brokenness, its such a rich topic and I didn't want to miss this aspect of it. (My other two days can be read by clicking the following links:
Read Stones of Brokenness: There is Beauty
Read God's Love (+) Brokenness= No Stones Here
We all experience brokenness in our lives. What do we do with it determines whether we become better or bitter. Naomi had experienced significant loss in her life. You can feel her anguish and relate to what is in her heart as she cries out:


“Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”, (Ruth 1:20-21, NLT)

In the moments when life breaks our heart...we can react in one of two ways. We can allow our brokenness to fester into bitterness, or we can allow God to use our brokenness to reveal what is on the inside and do "Heavenly Heart Surgery" to clean us up.
16 
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in my heart that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.",(Psalm 139:23-24,NLT)
Our seasons of brokenness aren't to crush us; they are to reveal to us what truly is in our hearts. Will we embrace the path the Psalmist did as he sang, "Point out anything in my heart that offends you, and lead me along your path everlasting.", or will be become part of the broken bitter?

Dear Lord, search our hearts and reveal what is there. If we have allowed our broken seasons to turn to areas of bitterness, we ask you to reveal those. As you do, give me the courage to trust you to heal and restore those areas of my heart. In Jesus' name I pray~ Amen

Sunday, October 25, 2015

God My Rock: Standing Strong

If you are just joining me, I've been posting a new blog daily using the topic "31 Days of Laying Down Our Stones"  Each Saturday I have posted a song that speaks to my heart regarding a topic I wrote on earlier that week. 

Each Saturday I share a song about God being our rock. If you would like to catch up on my other posts, feel free to check them out here.

Please enjoy this song: God My Rock by Paul Baloche


When my heart is overwhelmed
I will look to You alone
God my rock, God my rock, God my rock
You will stand when others fall
You are faithful through it all
God my rock, God my rock, God my rock

In the blessing, in the pain
through it all You've never failed me

You are the strength of my heart
You are the strength of my heart
I can rely on You, I can rely on You
You are the joy of my life
You are my song in the night
There is no one as true
Jesus I trust in You

When I've struggled to believe
You have not let go of me
God my rock, God my rock, God my rock
Carried through the darkest storms
You have held me in Your arms
God my rock God my rock God my rock




Saturday, October 24, 2015

God's Love + Brokenness= Beautiful: No Stones Here

Yesterday's blog was about how God doesn't ignore our brokenness. If you missed it, you can read it here.  I wanted to further encourage you today with this beautiful song that a friend shared with me. God sees us as His broken beautiful!



Ellie Holcomb - lyrics 

Broken Beautiful by Ellie Holcomb

I know that I don't bring a lot to the table

Just little pieces of a broken heart
There's days I wonder if you'll still be faithful
Hold me together when I fall apart
Would you remind me now of who you are?

That your love will never change, that there's healing in your name
And that you can take broken things and make them beautiful
You took my shame and you walked out of the grave
So your love can take broken things and make them
Beautiful and make them beautiful

I'm better off when I begin to remember
How you have met me in my deepest pain
So give me glimpses now of how you have covered 
All of my heartache, oh, with all your grace
Remind me now that you can make a way

That your love will never change, that there's healing in your name
And that you can take broken things and make them beautiful
You took my shame and you walked out of the grave
So your love can take broken things and make them
Beautiful and make them beautiful

You say that you'll turn my weeping into dancing
Remove my sadness and cover me with joy
You say your scars are the evidence of healing
That you can make the broken beautiful

'Cause your love will never change, and there's healing in your name
And you will take broken things and make them beautiful
You took my shame and you walked out of the grave
So your love can take broken things and make them
Beautiful and make them beautiful
and make them beautiful you make us beautiful you make us beautiful

Friday, October 23, 2015

Stones of Brokenness: There is Beauty

I love walking down the beach and finding seashells. We have jars of these beautiful treasures throughout our
home. Since I love being at the water, each jar makes my heart happy as I am transported back to memories if the salty spray in my face and the breeze in my hair. 

I spent years searching for the most beautiful shells to add to my collection. Only the perfect ones without flaw would find a place on my shelves.

One day all that changed.


 I was walking along searching only for the whole, complete, and beautiful shells. As I was discarding one that wasn't quite so perfect, I sensed God say, "That one is mine!"


Broken shell, broken pot, broken people
"I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot.",(Psalm 31:12, NLT)

Up until that moment I had definitely spent my treasure hunting time ignoring the broken shells. My heart was pierced as I realized that all to often I do the same with people. 

It is easy to overlook or ignore broken people.

God used a broken shell to remind me that He never ignores the broken. Instead, He is close to them.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.", (Pslam 34:18, NLT)
 Not only is He close to Him, but He cares for their brokenness like a physician does a broken bone.
"He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.",(Psalm 147:3, NLT)

I began to look at the broken shells in a different light. I saw a beauty that I had missed before. In my own brokenness I am thankful that God hadn't missed the beauty inside of me, and I pray He helps me not miss the broken beauty inside of you either.

Dear Lord, Thank you for loving me in my brokenness. Open my eyes to see the brokenness in others and give me the courage to be near them just as you are near. Help me allow you to do the healing work in the shattered places of my heart so I can encourage others to trust you with theirs. In Jesus'                                                   name I pray~ Amen