From Broken Glass To Stained Glass Window

Humpty Dumpty, what an icon of childhood nursery rhymes. I learned very early the plight of poor Humpty. How he fell off of that wall (continually with every recitation of the rhyme) and how inadeqaute those kings horses and kings men were at putting him back together again.There was always a feeling of hopelesness in this tale of the egg.
Looking back I can certainly relate to Humpty. I too have fallen many times. I lay broken like shattered glass, looking for someone to "put me back together again". Relationships (some destructive), food, money, and a host of other things were my versions of the kings horses and kings men. Problem was like Humpty, none of these things could put me back up on the wall. I remained broken....... Until I met the King himself!!!
I am broken, but not irreperable. Proverbs 24:16 tells us that "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again". God promises to uphold and rescue the righteous. It is the King who can take every little piece of shard glass and put it back together. He can heal every wound and mend every heart.
I have also learned that it is during these times of brokeness that God will often use me the most. In her song "Break my Heart", by Kathy Trocolli. Kathy tells how during her times of brokeness (pain and sorrow) that she has grown and seen the Father the most. She then says "if that's what it takes for you to lead me this far, go ahead and break my heart". I cry every time I hear this song. It's not because I am sad, but rather joyful at the prospect of God using my sorrow to bring me closer to him. I am not left shattered. For every time I fall, my King picks me up and puts me back together. Each time I become more like a stained glass window. The light can shine a little stronger and a little brighter with each piece of mended glass.

"Can't- eloupe" Harvesting Spiritual Fruits In preparation Of the Bridegroom

For the past two years I have worked at a bridal shop. During this time I have become intimately aware of every minute detail that goes into the preparation of a bride for her bridegroom.
It all begins with a simple question, "Will you marry me? After a much anticipated (and hopeful) response of "yes", the bride begins to formulate the "ideal wedding." Some brides envision a large formal ceremony followed by a lavish reception with all the trimmings. Others prefer a more intimate ceremony with a few of their closest friends and family. And then there are those who simply wish to run off and elope at some justice of the peace or do the "Vegas thing.
Though very different in nature, each of these weddings have one thing in common, and that is the importance of how the bride presents herself to her bridegroom on their wedding day. Choosing the perfect gown, veil, flowers, etc.. These are things that can't be rushed. "As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you".(Isaiah 62:5)
This is what every bride desires, for their bridegroom to "rejoice over them". This is why the preparation is so important.
We are the bride, and Jesus is our bridegroom. He is coming back for us. How will we present ourselves to Him? Are we prepared?
Again it all begins with a simple question, "Do you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead"? (The seeds are planted)
If the answer is "yes", we know that preparations have to be made, (the Holy Spirit enters and the watering begins).
Time to choose our perfect gown (love, joy , peace) -- veil (patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness)--flowers (gentleness, self-control). (Galatians 5:22). (time to harvest our spiritual fruits).
Again these are things that cannot be rushed. There is no eloping with God. We cannot go from "yes" to honeymoon all in one day. Growth takes time and faithfulness. Our fruit is our witness, not just to those who watch us but more importantly to God.
We are the bride and Jesus is our bridegroom. He is coming back for us. The wedding of the lamb is prepared. Are you?

Authenticity

Every time I receive another Thomas Kinkade Christmas village piece, I open it and find that it is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. A little piece of paper that guarantees me that what I purchased was indeed designed by Thomas Kinkade himself. In other words, it's the "Real Deal". It started me thinking about who I am, who designed me. and most important, do I display authenticity?
Do people know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made? Is God's design evident to others? In other words, "Am I the real deal?
I have often wondered if people know that I am a christian because I profess to be one, because I act like one, or because I AM one. God has written His name upon my heart, This is my certificate of authenticity. Yet so very often we trade our "little piece of paper"for a "fake ID:. We try so hard to create our own identity by working harder, obtaining more stuff, and working on our self-esteem, that we often wake up and ask ourselves, "Who am I and what am I doing here?" As illustrated in cartoonist Jules Feiffer's fable, "George's Moon." George's desire to establish universal existance by total concentration on his own existance results in the loss of his personal starting point.
God is our personal starting point. It begins and ends with Him. So throw away your "fake ID", grab hold of your "litttle piece of paper", and make it REAL.