Allow me to set the stage here. Paint you a picture so you can catch a glimpse of how big of a dork I am.
It’s a Wednesday evening. 6:30, and I’m in my little NYC kitchen, making a big, beautiful salad.
I was super jazzed because I had bought some ~fancy~ ingredients to really spoil myself: red cabbage, kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
I know. Frickin’ Gordon Ramsey over here.
But I had Pandora playing, as I always do in my apartment – christian station – and the next thing I know, I’m literally belting out the chorus, to Audrey Assad’s “Beautiful Things.”
And even though I’m a singer (I was the lead singer of a latin cover band as my first NYC gig, so there’s another great mental image for ya) – but even though I’m a singer, I neverĀ just belt out songs on the reg. I mean, hello…thin walls. #PrewarApartmentLiving
So, startled at the noise spewing from my pie hole, I started listening to the lyric I was repeatingĀ over and over in this song:
“You make beautiful things out of dust…You are making me new.”
Chills yet? Because I sure had ’em, once I realized what the heck I was singing at the top of my lungs.
But maybe not for the reason you may think.
You see, I had been spending the day in prayer for my mom. Being in NYC, away from her has been really hard, I’m not going to sugar coat it. Really hard. I long for ways to feel connected to her, and I’ve found that prayer helps that. So after a particularly hard, tear-filled morning, I spent the rest of the day praying for her continued healing from her stroke. And so, I’m not joking, I didn’t even realize I was singing until I realized I was belting out that particular lyric. It was the Holy Spirit, I am sure of it.Ā Caught ya red handed there, Advocate!Ā
But all kidding aside, there is something that I want to say to a very special reader. —You know who you are. —
Healing is a journey. Healing is a long road that can be desolate at times. And right now, you’re walking through one of those dusty stretches of road. There is a deep sadness we feel when we find that we are unable to do something that was once a hallmark of who we intrinsically are. We mourn. We grieve the loss of our ability to be who we once were.
This is a very painful chapter of the healing process.
I walked through this during my anorexia when I completely lost my personality. The goofy, fun-loving girl who would bust out funny accents and spontaneous dance parties was replaced with a hollow, unfeeling shell of a person without passion or zest or personality anymore. And during the initial phase of my recovery and healing, I was having trouble finding her. And there were days that I would grieve – heartsick that I would never be able to be that vivacious young woman ever again.
You makeĀ beautiful things out of dust.
Right now, you’re feeling like dust. Things are frustrating. Hard. Seemingly impossible. Will I ever be the same? I was once an extravagant garden, overflowing with the most beautiful of blooms, now all I can see is a hole in the ground. What will people think of what I’ve become?
You are making me new.Ā — He is making you new.Ā
Thereās a danger that comes with discouragement. Thereās a mindset that we can slip into that threatens our innermost spirit.
When weāre hung up on what we cannot do, or what is hard to do, or what weāre missing, we tend to only see those things. Weāre looking down at the ground, focusing on the hole in the ground of whatās missing or lacking, and in our laser focus, we begin to think that thatās what the whole garden is like. I must be standing in a barren patch of earth.
But in your focus on that hole, you canāt see what I see. You canāt see that youāre actually standing in a beautiful garden, where succulent wildflowers are all around you. This flower: grace. That flower: humility. This one: courage. That one: perseverance. This one: peace. That one: Hope. But you canāt see it because youāre only looking at the hole.
Look up. See the beauty youāre radiating. See the exquisite blooms surrounding you.
Sure, your garden may not be exactly the same as what it once was, but dare I say, this garden is better: even more beautiful than before. This garden was built on a foundation of resilience. And your bravery permeates the air with a fragrant aroma of dignity and strength.
Thatās what I see when I look at you. I donāt see the hole. I see the magnificent and beautiful garden that is you. Because He makes beautiful things.
Never forget that.
Please find the lyrics and song below.
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All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way.
I wonder if our life could really change at all.
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found?
Could a garden come up from this ground at all?
You make beautiful things.
You make beautiful things out of dust.
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us.
All around, hope is springing up the this old ground.
And out of chaos life is being found, in you.
You make beautiful things.
You make beautiful things out of dust.
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us.
You make me new,
You are making me new.
You make beautiful things.
You make beautiful things out of dust.
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us.
254 responses to “Beautiful Things”
Such a nice post!
aw thank you so much Dasa! glad you enjoyed it! Hugs and love xox
This is my very favorite song! I read your posts on Anorexia also, I’m glad you have healed, and hope you continue on praying! Its the most intimate, important thing to do for someone.
thanks Jen! isn’t it such a beautiful song!? oh gosh, thank you so much for reading my story and for this wonderful encouragement. it really means a lot. Hugs and love xox
We all have the power to rise again from darkness we will face at times. Life is beautiful, we are all beautiful within
That was a beautiful post. Someday you will look back and see how God has used your story as a seed to help many gardens grow out of desolate holes in the ground. Someday you will look back and see how much you’ve bloomed. You are still growing. The tears we cry waters the soil to make a beautiful garden bloom out of the dry desolate ground. The life we live after surviving challenging situations is always more beautiful. Excellent post!
aw, thank you so much! i’m glad you enjoyed it. you’re right – God is always at work, that’s for sure š Hugs and love xox
If we didn’t face challenges and hardship in life, then we would appreciate the good and paradise in life. God shows us bad so we know the good
Holy smoke. I was just thinking about this song the other day (our youth group plays it commonly at our annual graduation banquet) and thinking “Yep…still haven’t found MY way.”
So it’s a relief to know that the purpose of it all has not been forgotten or lost in the mix. Ashes are still being swept out, but they ARE on their way out.
Hey Brandon! isn’t it such a great song!? thanks for your thoughts. you’re right – those ashes ARE on the way out š Hugs and love xox
I haven’t heard it. I shall listen
Im chopping onions over here. That is all
hahaha nice š thanks Billy š Hugs and love xox
This song was just stuck in my head a day ago! We do this one at my church. Beautifully written post, friend.
it’s so beautiful, isn’t it? Thanks so much, friend! Hugs and love xox
All events come from LOVE – and – GOD IS LOVE! Here, we live our fleeting moments, but our ETERNITY is returning to the SOURCE of all things: GOD and LOVE! ā„ā„ā„
Hey Billy! yes He is love! thanks for this. Hugs and love xox
We must listen to some of the same music on Pandora. The first line of that song and insta-earworm in such a beautiful way. I admire how open, and vulnerable you are with us. Sharing your story so that others may find life in the midst of some pretty horrible stuff, or some stuff that simply isn’t easy.
I love reading your blog – I always hear a little word from God. <3
thanks so much Teri! haha, i love the Pandora Audrey Assad station. it’s my go-to. thanks for your love and support, Teri. it seriously means the world. Hugs and love xox
<3
xoxo š š š xoxo
Fantastic. And I love Audrey Assad’s music.
me too!!! it’s my favorite way to pray to Him by singing along š thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
God is peace and love!
You are an amazing writer, and I love that song!
gosh thank you Daniel, I really appreciate that š Hugs and love xox
One of your best ones yet! Have you ever noticed that people allow problems to literally take over their lives? You see it when you look at their faces, how they live in their houses, how they take care of their bodies (wait a minute!), etc…it reflects a much deeper sense of who they ‘think’ they are. Your right, ain’t seein’ no garden! One small note: I do believe “beautiful things” was written and sung by Gungor first (though I could be wrong)…I listen to both of them and it was on one of the first Gungor albums. Keep up the good work sister b.b.b.
oh my gosh thank you so much!! yeah, problems can definitely become crippling, that’s for sure. oh really! that’s an interesting fact! i’ve never heard his version, but I’ll have to check it out š Hugs and love xox
Exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you friend.
oh good! i’m so glad it resonated with you! thanks for stopping by, Brittnee! Hugs and love xox
Trying to catch up on your blogs, I hadnāt been writing for a couple weeks/months. This is so good! You are amazing as always šš½š„ thanks for sharing this
oh my gosh thank you so much!! i’m so glad you think so š thanks for stopping by! have a great night xox
Beautifully written. I truly appreciate your transparency.
gosh, thank you so much friend. i appreciate your kind words and support! Hugs and love xox
I nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award! Check out the link below if you are interested in participating š
oh wow! thank you so much! what an honor š Hugs and love xox
My pleasure š
xoxox š š š xoxox
She deserves the award
Agreed!
I don’t know who the very special reader that you wanted to say something to but you sure said something to me. :):) I am thankful for your words. God Bless you :):)
oh gosh, thank you so much Margaret š I really appreciate that. Yeah, this special reader perhaps gave birth to me… š haha so glad it resonated with you š big hugs xo
I won’t tell anyone who it is. Our secret š hahaha. Yes it really touched my heart. I’m not going to speak for everyone but I for one have stood in that hole :):)
AND it was a blessing to read about your blessing too. While you were belting out that song, enjoying your visit with God :):) I was smiling the whole time reading it. I love it when God wraps His arms around one of His children. So, thank you for sharing that too.
Hahaha perfect š aw I’m seriously so glad it hit home with you and made you smile. Yeah me too. š Hugs and love xox
Beautiful posts!!! God is so good!!!
thanks so much friend š yes He is! Hugs and love xox
Loved this, Beauty. It is certainly true that God’s Holy Spirit breathes into our lives and helps us to know and understand God’s working in our lives.
Thank you for your blog. I read every one, even though I don’t always comment.
Congratulations on your book. I am a Christian author too.
God bless, Mary T. Wilkinson
On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 6:59 PM, BeautyBeyondBones wrote:
> beautybeyondbones posted: “Allow me to set the stage here. Paint you a > picture so you can catch a glimpse of how big of a dork I am. It’s a > Wednesday evening. 6:30, and I’m in my little NYC kitchen, making a big, > beautiful salad. I was super jazzed because I had bought some ~fanc” >
aw thank you so much Mary! I’m so glad ti hit home with you. you’re right – He really does breath into our lives. hallelujah! š Hugs and love xox
Truly wonderful post. He IS an AWESOME GOD.
thanks so much Ann š He really is! Hugs and love xox
God is always awesome. We must see the purpose in everything he does
You have this profound gift for lifting people up through your writing. I suppose it takes hitting the bottom to understand how most of the human race feels inside so empathy can be shown to those you meet. Blessings to you!
gosh, thank you Ian. what an incredibly kind thing to say š Well, I definitely have hit the bottom, that’s for sure! haha but seriously though, thank you friend š Hugs and love xox
I know that place you speak of- where everything you’ve ever known, achieved, striven after, is shattered, crumbled on the ground at your feet.
And the Father comes along, and begins to reassemble it all, only this time, into something completely new. And beautiful.
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth. Shall ye not know it? I will make a way in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.” -Isaiah 43:19
Thanks Rob. You’re so right – He reassembles our mess into something beautiful! Hugs and love xox
That was lovely and needed! Thank you! I hope your Mom is improving. Much love!
Aw thank you so much. She is! She’s my hero:) Hugs and love xox
“This garden was built on a foundation of resilience” these words are so perfect! You are such a wise young woman and a beautiful daughter! Another amazing one!
Awwww thank you so much š you are so kind to say that. Hugs and love xox
š
Xox
Beautiful! It is so hard to think of ourselves as beautiful. But you are right.”He makes beautiful things.” That includes all of us peeps! Love your writing. Milly.
Thank you so much Milly! What a kind thing to say. Yes He does make beautiful things š Hugs and love xox
Nice oneš
Thanks Sharon! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for helping him/her. You have a wonderful giving heart. Hugs & Love, xoxo <3
Thanks so much Walt:) I appreciate that so much. Hugs and love xox
12th Anniversary Poem (fragments) 1981
by Patricia A. Bow
I know the scent and shape of you:
I know you all, yet not at all.
I linger with a connoisseur’s delight
over a contour of bone, a texture of skin,
gloating over treasures of silk and ivory
that are mine alone,
and yet no-one’s but yours.
For you and I are so entwined
that we can read each other’s mind
at times, a simple exercize.
Then comes the stumble of surprise
when, reaching out in haste, I find
the stranger self behind your eyes.
Far apart upon the lawn,
two tall trees confront each other
never to touch, ever alone:
yet beneath the grass and stone
intertwined their roots have grown,
so intimately webbed together,
neither one can tell his own.
So with us: which flatly proves
futility of arguments
On which is which, and whose is whose.
Thank you for sharing this š Hugs and love xox
Beautiful.
How lovely it is to be known… And how known we are by our Maker (Psalm 139).
Thank you for sharing this.
I don’t know who this was for, but I’m sure they appreciated it. There are people I know that I wish I could have written this for. Spot on with the message and beautifully written. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you so much David. I appreciate your kind words š it means a lot. Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I love the fact that you’re so courageous to share your experiences to help others in need of it. Your words of encouragement produces nothing but positivity. I always get inspired to try to help others out in some fashion because of you. Keep it up and thank you!
Thank you so much Mark. Wow I am so touched by that š we never know what even a smile will do for someone. Hugs and love xox
I love Audrey Assad and the lyrics of so many of her songs. Smiled as I realized she’s one you listen to as well. As I read through your post, you know what I kept thinking? That I bet your mom is really proud of you…BIG time. As always, thanks for sharing and encouraging and making us laugh in the midst of it. Sing on, friend š
She has such beautiful music, doesn’t she? I always have her playing in my ear buds. Thanks for this encouragement š Hugs and love xox
What a beautiful and encouraging post! Thanks.
Thanks tony š I appreciate it so much. Glad you enjoyed the post! Hugs and love xox
I absolutely loved this post ! Keep on inspiring girl !
Aw good I’m so glad! Thanks Morgan! Hugs and love xox
You lift me up with your powerful, scintillating, sparkling perspective of His omni-creationism. You have reminded me He is still making “beautiful things” in the inner places of this aged, diminishing, deteriorating physical tent called the body, which temporarily houses the developing soul. Thank you Caralyn, so much for sharing your gift with so many blessings!
As thank you so much GW. what an incredibly kind note. So glad this resonated with you:) Hugs and love xox
Another great post! I’ll bet a lot of folks would love to see a daily YouTube Blog by you. Imagine you’ve heard this before. There’s a guy who has a YouTube daily vlog called After Prison Show. Fascinating personality. He has a whopping 400,000 Subscribers!
It’s monetized big time. I sincerely believe you could do as well. Get a couple of good lights, have quality sound and go for it.
Just a thought.
Your friend
Roland
Hey Roland! After Prison Show…hmmm I’ll have to check it out! Sounds pretty awesome. And definitely something to think about. I did a few videos about a year ago and i definitely enjoyed the process. Maybe it’s time to bring it back š also – I just emailed you back. Thank you for that wonderful note š were you able to download it? Hugs to you xox
Beautiful post! I’ll be praying for you and your mom.
Thanks so much Deborah! I really appreciate your prayers. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for following me. Hope you enjoy and feel free to share
Thanks! Hugs and love xox
I like this, am going to look you up on the IG. ā¤ļø
Thanks so much JB! See ya on the ‘gram! (@beauty.beyond.bones) š
Great post, just followed you on Twitter, also!
-Mike
Thanks so much Mike. awesome! i’ll see ya on twitter! š Hugs and love xox
Loved this post. I remember recovery…. I remember not having a personality. It broke my heart and shocked me to my core when I realised what I’d become. Fortunately like you I knew/know Jesus and began to choose to believe the truth about myself and to believe that what he saw was better than what I thought I saw in myself. Now, I’m on my year abroad in Russia, and although its so hard being this far away from home, I’m just so amazed and humbled that I’m here. I’m actually living my dreams and becoming fluent in another language…. I look back and realise that 4 years ago we weren’t sure if I would get through my GCSEs and get into college (high school). God is so amazing. And I have a beautiful story of healing … and an inner strength that surprises even me. I have my personality back… I won’t say I’m the same person before I had anorexia because I’m a better person. I’m more confident and more in love with God than ever. It’s so weird, don’t know if you had this but a couple of times I would look back and just start ugly crying – not out of sadness or happiness, but out of pure relief that I’d survived… I don’t know how people recover without knowing God is with them!!
Anyway… thank you for the post. Who knows, maybe I’ll write about it on my blog one day. Hugs!! š
Hey friend, thank you so much for sharing your story. i’m so sorry you can so personally relate. I’m so glad you’re having such a positive experience in Russia. I’ll definitely be praying for you while you’re there! you’re so right – God is amazing. I definitely have had those ugly cry sessions, and i think it’s actually really important to let that emotion out š sending such big hugs to you friend x
God does make Beautiful things. Beautiful post, Beautiful song and Beautiful You! I belt out quite a few songs myself except my gong is a joyful noise to the Lord only! š
Big hug, Beautiful!
Tammy
Hey Tammy! Yes He does! and what a beautiful thing that is š sending such big hugs xox
Absolutely love this – felt like this post was directed at me – and it’s these little things that keep me sane and going. You’re an amazing woman. Thank you x
awww, thanks Bee. I’m so glad this hit home with you š sending you the biggest hugs xox
Brought me nearly to tears! So beautiful and fitting for what’s on my mind. I did two interviews today for the upcoming International Babyloss Memorial Day on the 15th of October, and so many of the good encouraging things you’ve said apply well for recovery from the trauma of such loss. I think enabling people to acknowledge and enter into their suffering while growing in hope and faith is such valuable work! God bless you! Your vulnerability is that humble dust that God makes beautiful things of…
Aw, Anna, thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so sorry that you’ve had to go through that loss. I cannot imagine. Praying for you friend, and I’m sending you all the love in the world š Hugs and love xox
Thank you for your sweet comments! Feeling the warmth of that hug! š xxoxoxo
oh good!! xoxoxo
You said that post was written for someone specifically and they know who they are. I feel as if it was written for me and you don’t even know me. Love it.
Oh my gosh, that makes my heart so glad to hear that. I’m so glad it resonated with you š sending you so so so much love friend xox
Beautiful post, thank you for the inspiration
Thank you so much Milo. So glad it hit home with you . Hugs and love xox
This post touched and spoke to me so much……..thank you. š
oh good! i’m so glad it hit home with you š thanks for stopping by, Teresa! Hugs and love xox
Great post! There is a song lyric by Neil Peart – “You’re only immortal for a limited time.” Overlooking the theological fallacy of that for a moment, it seemed true to me, especially when I was younger.
When I was a teenager and in my early 20’s there was no “tomorrow.” I wasn’t going to ever die (I was immortal) and that shaped how I saw the world and how I tried to be in this world. I lived for the moment and I lived for me.
But I got older, presumably more mature and more wise. God brought a beautiful woman into my life and all of a sudden life got fragile. And the world got bigger than just myself. I was thinking of my wife more and more and myself less and less. Then children entered my world. More fragility, wider horizons.
At times I would grieve the passing of the old me. Would I ever be able to go back to that person I once was? The Holy Spirit whispered into my ear and my heart, “Why would you want to?” And he was right. Satan whispered on the other side and I found myself still grieving at times. But less and less frequently because my eyes were opened – hopefully never to be shut – to the man I am now.
The man I am know because of my wife and my sons. Because of God. The man Christ died to save. This man is reality. The man I was is history. I will learn from history, but I will live reality!
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Ed. This is so inspiring. It’s so true – it’s amazing the perspective a loved one brings š thanks for stopping by and for being so open and honest! bigwig hugs xo
What a beautiful piece! Itās like one of those sermons where everyone feels it was written for them personally! Now THAT is writing! More thoughts on Patreon!
Julie and I got back safely late last night. We had such a great time! Hard to believe I’m saying that when we really did NOTHING! Most of the time was poolside or the grill right nest to the cabana that was reserved for us. We took walk to the gulf coast Wednesday morning, then back to the pool. The staff was wonderful. We met two people from our (almost) old stomping grounds: Bedford Township Michigan and Ypsilanti! Who would’ve thought that far from Ohio?
I even got my phone back from the driver yesterday. I wonder of God deliberately took it away!
So a few minor thoughts await you at Patreon!
Hey Jeff! so glad you two are back safe and sound! i hope y’all are tan and well rested š hehe So glad to hear it was a great trip. sounds idyllic! God is so good! thanks Jeff! looking forward to reading more of your words over on Patreon! Hugs and love xox
So I just posted my Quote for 10/13/2017. Oh, my – how appropriate!
nice!!! can’t wait to check it out!!
We are born beautiful, but the disease of addiction leads us to believe otherwise. I wrote a little about my recovery from compulsively overeating here. Take a gander, if you wish: http://essential-life.org/2017/04/04/my-back-story/
Thanks so much for this powerful response, Kim. I look forward to reading your post! Hugs and love xox
I could not hit the like button enough times!!!!! This makes me think of my 13 year old daughter and even though she is fine right now, I know there will be a day when she will need this EXACT advise~! Thank you so much for writing this and giving me this insight
awww thank you so much! i’m so glad you enjoyed the post š keeping you and your daughter in my prayers š Hugs and love xox
I’ve been an Audrey Assad groupie for years – her music ushers us in to worship God & live in the love of Jesus. You would probably also like Sarah Hart (another amazing woman of faith & music!) Blessings as you pray & ‘be’ with your mom from afar: notes, texts, calls mean a lot (& surprise flowers or small packages!) ššš
she is such an incredible musician! thank you so much Virginia! thanks for your kind words and prayers š Hugs and love xox
Beautiful! And so very true! Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you so much Traci! I really appreciate your kind words š Hugs and love xox
Did you watch The Shack? This post reminds me of a portion of that movie . . . I was moved by it, and your post does the same. I can relate to what you’re going through right now with your mum, my mum is far away in some wilderness of her own right now and I feel quite helpless sometimes . . . but I know that in it all, God has her, more than I could. It’ll all end in praise, for all our mums. Amen.
I did!! i loved that movie. i think I wrote a post on a while back, i can’t rememeber! hah but thanks for this encouragement – God’s got her for sure. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for the encouraging post! I have been in a funk lately where I feel disengaged from things around me, especially in my quiet time with God. Itās easy for me to focus too much on what I worry Iām missing, why I feel so emotionally detached, that I may be ignoring what is around me.
Thanks so much, Ellen, for sharing you heart. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers š what’s always comforting for me to remember is that even though i may feel distant or detached, God hasn’t gone anywhere, and is right by my side š Hugs and love xox
God has amazing ways of refining and making something new out of us. My mom used to pick me up from school on this old scooter back when I was in kindergarten. On the way home, we would sing out loud into the traffic- ‘he’s still working on me, to me make what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon and the stars but he’s still working on me. You go on and on and by the time we reach home we’ll be singing ‘there’s a sign on my heart- don’t touch it yet, it’s an unfinished heart’. Somehow that song stuck with me. When my grandpa died and mom was sitting there sobbing, I hummed this tune sitting by her. It fills the things words can never fill. God bless you and have a great week!š
Yes He does! what a comforting thought. thank you for sharing your story – what a beautiful gift you were able to give your mom through song. there are some things that words just can’t express that music, for some reason can š Hugs and love xox
Amen and amen. Btw. Took my ex (divorced now 10 years ) to east is east afghan restaurantin Vancouver which has a live gypsy jazz band on. Thursday nites . We had an awesome time and she left the restaurant completely jazzed. She wrote the next day. Such a blast from the past I really enjoyed the evening. Such a delightful surprise in every aspect .
Never give up
Hey Jack, thank you so much š I’m so glad to hear that you had a nice evening with your ex! Hugs and love xox
Good Morning Caralyn: Godās Blessings as you continue to brighten the world around you. I do believe the Light keeps spreading in a wider circle about you, and the reason that can happen is because it is not your light, it is the LIGHT of the world, Jesus Christ shining through you,
John 8:12
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, āI am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.ā
1 John 1:5
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
God certainly does make beautiful things out of dust. You are a great example to each of us, āBeauty for Godās Gloryā.
He first of all creates us, He has plans for us. As some of us slip away, He never leaves us alone, and calls us to return in various ways, since we are all unique, and special in Godās sight.
It would be great to hear you sing, perhaps you can record, and work it into one of your blog writings. š
I didnāt read your good words until mid morning today, was running late it seems yesterday, and the weather seemed to be bothering this oldER body again.
But early this morning, in my reading and writing my thoughts seemed to fit with yours.
My thoughts:
These are verses of truth for every woman, girl, boy, man, regardless of age, race, background. God, the God of the Bible, the Triune God, knows each of us, and knows us well, because He created each of us. God does not make mistakes, so regardless of circumstances or situations, no one is, has been, will be mistakenly created.
Each person has worth, and God has plan and a purpose for your life. Please look to God, call to Jesus. He loves you.
Psalms 139:13-14
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my motherās womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
God Bless you Caralyn,
LUV, šš¹ā¤ļø
George
A late thought, do you skype, or face time with your Mom? Your prayer times must be so special for her, and it must be difficult having that distance separating you.
Praying for you all.
Hey George! thank you so much for this awesome response. i absolutely love those verses. thank you for sharing them with me. Yeah, i do occasionally face time with her. i talk to her every day, but i should adopt FaceTime more regularly. Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragement. know that you’re in mine too š Hugs and love xox
Thank you so much for your prayers.
Much love. šš¹ā¤ļø
xoxox š š š xoxox
A TV break is enjoyable when you feel it’s well-deserved, I agree. Changing the subject here, your ebook about blogging turns out to be great. It’s hard to be confident, which is how you seem in your blog, and it isn’t altogether different in your ebook, but I couldn’t have known precisely what the ebook might be like. Turns out, it is excellent.
thanks for this Odell. You’re right – TV breaks are definitely beneficial! and gosh thank you so much! I’m so glad you’ve found the ebook beneficial? Would you mind if i used that as a quote? I wouldn’t put your last name or anything, but just as some feedback? Hugs and love xox
Reading your ebook helped me think more like how you think, I would venture. If you want to quote what I’ve commented about your ebook, I am so happy that I helped in my way. If you feel the feedback could help others absorb what you’re doing, the pleasure is all mine to think you might quote it. All the best.
awesome! thank you so much š i really appreciate it!! have an awesome sunday xox
I was inspired by this post. I look into the deep hole way too often. It is so easy to get sucked into the doom and gloom but blowing bubbles helps š
oh thank you so much! I’m so glad it hit home with you. blowing bubbles, huh? I’ll have to pass that along to this special person š hehe Hugs and love xox
I love the song! I couldnāt help but sing as I was reading. Since you are a singer, is there any of your music floating around on YouTube, iTunes, etc.?
Thanks so much Matthew š yeah it’s such a great song! unfortunately nothing that I have the rights to distribute :/ I do have a couple past posts that include me singing. I’ll try to find the links. Hugs and love xox
That little part about the flowers is so cute! Sometimes we seek eloquence to communicate but it is simple things like that that inspire. š
aw, thank you so much š i love simple things š Hugs and love xox
I was at the Mandalay Bay today in Vegas. Besides war ravaged areas its the biggest crime scene I’ve saw in America. Spanning a quarter mile. A quietness that is uncommon for the area. I met a monk and we talked. He said, well, he didn’t say much just kept saying peace, peace, peace in Tibetan. I agreed. They choose to see only goodness. Like you. Its good, healing is good.
wow, that sounds like a terrifying and haunting scene. Yes – peace š Thanks for saying that, Kenzie. Yeah peace and healing is so needed in this world. it’s what i pray for every night. Thanks for sharing this experience with me. Sending big hugs xox
One sad thing, if there was a life ending event there would be a “doomsday sale” people would party until it ended like, Pompeii or London during the Black Death. I think, that’s where the 50 Shades of Grey masks came from. One happy thing, some that are saved will make it to Heaven regardless. So, what do you do with all this pain? All this, uncaring? I like your approach, salad. Not to be facetious, but it is lovely.
We cannot take on an uncaring world, alone. So, don’t. Do, what you can.
You’re right – life is always best when we have people by our side š Hugs and love xox
š I usually roll alone. I see it though, friends. People in love. Looks nice. How was the salad? I used to put sun dried with my pesto on pasta.
nice! there’s something so delectable about the chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes š it was delicious! š Hugs and love xox
Agree. Our taste buds know the sweet and as our tongues work it through we might find sour or salty. In the movie, Rain Man, she tells him to kiss her like he’s tasting something sweet. Our brains react to good food like a great kiss. From, what I remember. Haha.
hahaha wow that’s some powerful imagery!
Artists make the everyday, a little more beautiful. Good artists are remembered for it. You are a good artist.
Thanks š
Another great post. I’ve not read the comments, so I apologize if this has already been pointed out. I’ve not hear the version of the song you mentioned, but I am familiar with Gungor’s version. I heard the song for the first time several years ago at Catalyst right after Gungor released it. I’ll never forget how overwhelmed I was by the performance of the song and the power of the lyrics. I actually have a link to Gungor’s version in a post from a while back – “Dust” – https://rosschellis.com/2017/01/07/dust/
Thanks again for the post!
Blessings to you!
thanks so much š i love that song so much. never heard Gungor’s version, so I really look forward to listening to it! thanks for sharing it! Hugs and love xox
God takes us…imperfections and all…though I often protest…i am not good enough…and He makes beautiful things…out of THIS dust.
Yes He does! isn’t that such a comforting truth to know š because no one is good enough, and yet we have been made new in His eyes š Hugs and love xox
Thank you…from the west coast to an east coast gal! š
xox š
This was a beautiful post! Life has been difficult lately and I needed your encouragement. Thank you for sharing this with us! Peace and Blessings!
thanks Tammy, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I’m sorry that things have been difficult lately. lifting you up in prayer š Hugs and love xox
Deep and insightful. The subconscious is always processing.
Thanks so much Brenda, Glad this resonated with you! Hugs and love xox
Good morning, this was beautifully written š thank you for liking my latest post š Have a joyful Saturday
Thanks so much Angelica š same to you! Hugs and love xox
You are more than welcome sweetheart š
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God is so amazing! This post brought tears to my eyes remembering where I’ve been and who God has made me now. It is deeply humbling. The really incredible thing though, is that my post tonight is supposed to be about being a garden and one worth protecting! Thank You for the inspiration (do you mind if I quote you and link to this post)?
Another song, I’ve found healing and helpful when going through rough times is Heart of Worship by Matt Redman. Much love Sister keep healing!
Thanks so much for your kind words! Yes He is! I love that song too! Hugs and love xox
Just š
I’m saving this post for the time which may come again when I relapse into depression. Thank you for the beauty, realism & hope in your writing. X
Thanks friend š I appreciate it. I’m glad this resonated with you:)Hugs and love xox
“We grieve the loss of our ability to be who we once were.”. Made my heart cry. Very true. I can only hope for better days. xo
Thanks so much Faith, for sharing your heart. Sending you so much love and hugs xox
I’ve been meaning to look through your blog foreverrrrrr and was finally able to get the chance to today. Thank you for sharing your testimony with us, it was truly uplifting and encouraging. I will be looking into your blog more! Keep on shining light for Christ sister!
Hey Ru’ach! Thanks for checking it out! God is good! Hugs and love xox
oh my gosh I needed this one today – am going through my own dry spot at the moment. thank you…
Thank you so much Tom, glad it resonated with you. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers š Hugs and love xox
I know you didn’t write this for me, but it felt like you did. I needed to hear this. Thank you.ā¤
Aw thanks Robyn. I’m glad it hit home with you! Hugs and love xox
Yesterday was a pretty bad day for me, and God used my brokenness to crack up new potential in me I didn’t think I was ready for. Amen, He is powerful, He is loving, He is the Almighty One!
Oh TR, I’m so sorry to hear that:( sending you so much love and know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. God’s got you friend. Xox
He most certainly has š He used the brokenness I felt to allow me the choice of choosing humility. I plan to write further of the experience I am talking about, but due to past pain and lack of trust I’ve given people in many years, I’ve built up walls of struggling to allow others to help me (in the few times they do), I’m not used to it. But God used my pain I felt yesterday in my chest, and was like, “Nope, kid. This has to stop. You want Me to help you? I’ll use the pain to break you more than you can handle so you will admit the truth.” And when I was able to admit it, immediately relief, assurance, and peace filled the emptiness I felt in my chest. It was gone. Thank you so much for your care!! š <3 I thought about you yesterday when I was having a hard time.
Thanks TR! wow – choosing humility – what a powerful thought. thanks for sharing that with me š Hugs and love xox
Everything you said about mourning who you once were, and losing that personality to an illness– I completely understand that, for reasons I can’t discuss right now publicly; but, I am writing a book about it, so I know that some day I will go public with it. It is a deep grief, to ourselves and to those who love us. Praise Jesus for making beautiful things out of us– for making all things new. šš
Love you, my sista in Jesus.
-Annalee
Thanks so much Annalee š I’m so glad that it resonated with you. big hugs xox
Excellent post! Thank you for sharing! If you haven’t already, I would suggest reading Priscilla Shirer’s “Discerning the Voice of God.” It might help you on your journey.
thank you so much Lindsay š I’ll definitely have to check that out. sounds like a great book! Hugs and love xox
Your post are always so inspiring and so relatable. Thank you for sharing. š
thanks so much š Hugs and love xox
1. Audrey Assad– YESSSS!!!
2. Been struggling myself but with Jesus’s love- I will heal day by day GRACEā„ļøšš¼š
grace!! yes!! i’ll be keeping you in my prayers, friend š xox
Thank you, prayers for you too!šš¼š
xox
I really enjoyed the pictures you paint. I hope you feel better and prayers for your mother too. Take care
thanks so much Alberto, what a kind thing to say. i appreciate the prayers! Hugs and love xox
Prayers for your mother and you. Maybe you just needed to let go and sing. Music is said to help us.
thanks so much Crystal, i really appreciate it. Hugs and love xox
you’re welcome
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you’re so sweet
Love and prayers for you and your mom <3 God certainly is a magnificent craftsman! Only He can repair His creations once they are broken <3 Well written!
thanks Jackie for your prayers and support. Hugs and love xox
<3 xox
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Reblogged this on Airica Colley.
Thanks for the reblog! Hugs and love xox
I couldn’t sleep last night with these worries on my mind. I thought about who I used to be and worried if my best days were already behind me. I laid awake for hours with the burden of my wasted days keeping me from sleep. I needed your inspired words tonight. Thank you for sharing them. God isn’t done with me yet. Who am I to think that the best isn’t yet to come?
Hi Samantha, thank you for sharing your heart. i’m sorry to heart that you were kept awake by those thoughts last night. God definitely has a good plan in store for you š Hugs and love xox
I am truly inspired by your stories, everything you write about always seems to be connected to certain times in my life, so I just want to thank you for your inspiration. Keep following your dreams!
Thank you for this. I can relate. I had very bad burnout several years ago and totally became this numb shell of my former self. I lost my sense of humour, and previously I was a bit like you – goofy and fun loving. The realisation I hadn’t done any of the fun and silly things I used to was what opened my eyes to the burnout, and I believe ultimately saved me from hospitalisation. I’ve had to make peace with the fact I’m never going to be my pre-burnout self again, but I know God used that awful time to sharpen and refine me into someone new. Much aroha (love) to you as you’re missing your Mom.
thanks so much for the aloha š it really means a lot š and thanks for sharing your heart and story. you are an inspiration š Hugs and love xox
Great post. I believe we can heal through the love we have. We can all rise again from when we hit lows in our life. The garden is always beautiful if we look at it as beautiful. Love your quote ‘when things get – warriors are born’ inspirational.
thanks so much Mick, i really appreciate that. Hugs and love xox
Hi Ana!
Thank you for being one of my top followers!
Aside from Captivated Child, I am also one of the administrators of Today Collaborative Blog
https://todaaaay.wordpress.com/
This story is just so beautiful that I am out of words on how to tell you how it just hits my heart. I hope you would consider sharing stories like this in our site to influence, inspire and impact our readers by telling about your today. I know the world is looking for inspirational people like you to look up to.
We hope you would consider accepting this invitation!
You may contact us via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TodayYourStory/
Thanks!
Fats
oh my gosh thank you so much Fats! i am honored to receive this invitation š thanks for the encouragement and i will definitely check out your site! Hugs and love xox
Thaaanks! Keep on inspiring us – Fats
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Thank you for posting this, not because it made me cry… which it did but because it perfectly describes my life right now. Hugs!
thanks so much Melissa! i’m so glad that it hit home with you. sending you the biggest hugs and love xox
What a refreshing post thank you for that. And you go on a sing your heart out, you sound like a beautiful person, far from a dork so sing and be happy, hopefully your joy will rub off on others.
thanks so much Michael, i really appreciate that š hehe Hugs and love xox
[…] via Beautiful Things ā BeautyBeyondBones […]
thanks for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Nice one, thumb up .
thank you so much!! i appreciate it š Hugs and love xox
You are so wonderful and more so with everything I learn about you A LATIN COVERBAND SINGER OMG!!!! I SO WANT TO GO TO CASA LATINA, FIND THE CONGAS IN THE BACK, AND HAVE YOU START SINGING!!! Ok, cool off. š No, I know what that is like. I used to run a lot, I haven’t tried lately because my right foot doesn’t seem to like it anymore, but now I bike 3 + miles a day!! You are are beautiful, you make and do beautiful things and bring out beauty in all around you!! Love and hugs and I’m serious about Casa Latina, El Barrio Music Center or what, next spring!! x0x0x0
Aw thank you so much. Hahah oh my gosh that would be so much fun. I’m in!! Hugs and love xox
I’ll KIT about the date when I make my reservation for the trip this coming winter!! š xox
perfect!
š
This really blessed me! This song is really beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing!
– Shelita
oh good! I’m so glad to hear that, Shelita! hugs to you friend xox
Healing is a journey. Healing is a long road that can be desolate at times. And right now, you’re walking through one of those dusty stretches of road. Amen girl! Amen!
Yes it is š thanks friend. Hugs and love xox
Healing is a journey. Thank you for sharing.
Yes it is. Thanks Diana. Hugs and love xox
Needed that! Thanks girl </3
Oh good! Hugs and love xox
Hello BBB,
Great song! There are times that Lord move us though those everyday things. Question for you: do you use Photoshop for your infographics? My students are building blogs and I want them to design some of their own graphics.
Have a great week,
Gary
On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 4:01 PM BeautyBeyondBones wrote:
> beautybeyondbones posted: “Allow me to set the stage here. Paint you a > picture so you can catch a glimpse of how big of a dork I am. It’s a > Wednesday evening. 6:30, and I’m in my little NYC kitchen, making a big, > beautiful salad. I was super jazzed because I had bought some ~fanc” >
Thanks Gary! Isnāt it a great song?! I actually donāt use photoshop. I build them with a font app on my iPhone š thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Thank you. Are you a Lauren Dagle fan? Awesome deep praise music. I am subtly hinting at our praise team to do some of her songs.
I am! I love her stuff!!
I am not ready to share this book series, but I have a character named Elm Woods. She is such an perfect example of girls you minister to. Her story resonates with topics you talk about. I know this is kind of crazy but at some point, pray about this, I would like you to read about her I love the series the Lord has me working on now, but there will be six books on the series. Because of my teaching schedule, I can’t balance too many projects. However, I love to collaborate with other writers, even on the blog. This is just a thought, but if you have time in the future, maybe you can look at Elm and make sure she portrays the broken, renewed young woman she is meant to be. Think a surface Goth. Deeply imaginative, artist, who lives in her mind, and Jesus is rebuilding her world from the inside out. If you want a sample, the first chapter is very short, but it sets up who Ms Woods is.
The Lord has given me so many story and story ideas, and I know I am not meant to do them by myself.
Please pray about it,
Gary
I would be absolutely honored.
BBB,
Send an email or a website where I can send you those first two chapters when you can.
Thanks,
Gary
Beautiful! I have no other words…beautiful
awww thank you š big hugs xox
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Good one!
Thanks so much! Hugs and love xox
You have no idea how much this touched me today! By the way, I live in Washington and my mom lives in Texas….I cry all of the time because I miss her!!!
Oh my gosh, Iām so glad this resonated with you. Aw, sending you a big big hug. Thanks for reading xox