Wow, what a conference. We’re driving home right now and my goodness, my heart is so full, it feels like it could absolutely burst.

If you’ve been following along my adventure at the FOCUS conference (#SEEK2019) on Instagram (@beauty.beyond.bones), then you are up to date on all the phenomenal talks and concerts from these past several days.

From Father Mike Schmitz to Leah Darrow to Adoration to NEEDTOBREATHE and Matt Maher – it was truly life changing.

Something happened over the conference.
As you know, this blog has been anonymous for the 4 years it’s been in existence. But I think if I’m honest, one of the main reasons for that anonymity, I believes stems from pride. I’m too prideful to admit that I suffered with anorexia in high school. That is a gross and ugly truth to admit, but here I am, folks.
Well, I found myself, this weekend, sharing with people about my blog. Not just as a vanilla “Christian blog” – but by actually naming it: BeautyBeyondBones. Sharing the actual blog. The topic. Letting people in. And it felt amazing.

I just felt the Lord move in my heart that what I went through – the anorexia in my past – it is nothing to be ashamed of anymore. It doesn’t mar me or define me, or make me any less of a person. But in fact, it is the precise way that God has reached me, and rescued me. It was the access point for His grace. And my healthy body, and reclamation of my life actually is a living, breathing, and interactive example of the grace, and mercy and glory of God that He generously poured out over me.
I have always “known” that – but this time, it actually hit. Sunk in, deep to my core.

I felt that stigma that I had carried, burdened in my heart that it made me a defective person – I felt that melt away this weekend. Jesus replaced that fear in my heart with a boldness. And I’m really excited about it.
Because the truth is, God does not allow you to go through something that He’s not going to use. He is going take every brokenness, every hurt, every wound – and use it to help shape you and I into the people He created us to be: fully alive.
And not only that, but as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to run together towards Heaven. And if what I went through can help someone else in their journey, then praise be to God. Because that’s what being a family is all about – sharing our healed wounds, and the power of Jesus with one another, and building up the body of Christ.

There is a beautiful tradition in Japanese ancient art, called Kintsugi, that dates back to the 15th century. And it translates to “golden joinery.”
This revered art form takes broken pottery, and mends it back together with gold. These exquisite repaired bowls and dishes actually highlight and emphasize the breaks, rather than hide them. And in fact, they’re regarded as more beautiful than before. They’re prized precisely becauseย they were broken and masterfully mended.

I cannot change the fact that I had anorexia. But is part of my history that God has used to give me the heart and the spirit I have today. My healing reveals the glory of God, so why should I hide that away?
I should be shouting it from the rooftops! Because God is good – He is so so good, and I owe Him my life. Why not share that.
I am that Kintsugi pottery – broken, yet beautifully restored by a skilled and gentle Artist that doesn’t discount my worth, but rather sees me as valued all the more. Not because of anything I did, but rather, because of His healing in me.
There is nothing we give to the Father that He cannot mend and repair into a beautiful, worthy work of art.

He sees those fractures and chips not as something to hide, but rather, something to illuminate. Because they reveal His grace, mercy and love.

So let me walk up to you, look you in the eye, and share with you exactly what I write about. Because it sets my spirit on fire. Because God rescued me from the depths, and He sure as heck will for you, too.
Never be ashamed of your story. You are beautiful. And worthy. And worthy of being known. Just as you are.

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Here was yesterday’s video! https://youtu.be/8pmp4ZI968A
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219 responses to “Seeing Gold”
Powerful!
Thank you so much Jack!! I appreciate your encouraging words! Hugs and love xox
You are truly an inspiration. May God continue to do his work through you. Thank you.
Oh my goodness Mary, thank you so much. I cannot begin to express how much that means to me. God bless you friend!! Hugs and love xox
Incredibly beautiful!
Oh gosh thank you friend ๐ I really appreciate that. Hugs and love xox
Nice message. The gathering was obviously meaningful! -Jeff
Hey Jeff! Oh my gosh it was SO meaningful. What a weekend! You can actually watch all the talks online if you want! https://www.youtube.com/user/FOCUSNational/videos ๐
Glad you had a good day and thank you for your like on my blog, I really appreciate the encouragement. God bless you.
Thank you so much Jim – it was a phenomenal experience. Highly recommend! ANd it’s not just for college kids! It’s open to all! ๐ hugs xo
Beautiful. I love the tradition of Kintsugi too. My son has autism, and his day centre is teaching young people with disabilities the art of Kintsugi – restoring broken china to become beautiful works of art. Too often people with disabilities are seen to be of less value, but God sees them in just the same way as he sees us – as beautiful, restored works of art. All the best for 2019.
Hi Karen! Oh thank you so much ๐ It is such a special form of art – I love the meaning behind it. And thank you for sharing that. What a powerful lesson he’s learning. You’re so right – beautiful, restored works of art!! amen!! hugs xox
That is beautiful truth! Amen!
Thank you so much Ryan!! Glad you enjoyed it! Big hugs to you xox
He is moving powerfully through you for His kingdom. God bless you! ๐๐ปโค๏ธ
Hey John! Oh my gosh – I am so humbled by such generous words. Thank you, dear friend. Hugs and love xox
You’re so welcome Caralyn. It’s obvious and wonderful. Be well! โค๏ธ
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Carolyn,
Hey awesome blog again!!! You sure your not called into the ministry? You really should pray about it. God might be calling you to go deeper in Him!!!
Hi Ricardo, gosh thank you so much! I am humbled by your generous words! I would actually love to speak, but only God knows the plans He has!! Gods hands! Thank you for the encouragement! It seriously means a lot! Hugs and love xox
Great! Be blessed!!!
Thanks again, you as well!! hugs x
hi carolyn,
you really never fails to inspire me with your sharing.
indeed! the gifts of the holy spirit has been distributed to all. and thanks be to GOd, you are one of the many few who responds graciously and generously to the call of preaching ministry.
continue to be God’s inspiration to others.
be His apostle in this 21st century world.
all blessings and all good things for you.
God bless you.
Hi Ofelia! Oh my goodness thank you so much for your generous words. Thatโs so true! The Holy Spirit lives in all our hearts! I am humbled by your kindness. Thanks for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox
Your most welcome, caralyn
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What an empowering realization! Christ sees every detail of every person and loves us perfectly, with all of our imperfections and scars. When we can love ourselves and others the way He loves us, then we have really achieved something of eternal worth.
Gosh thank you so much Rebecca!! I love that – yes He does! Thank you for sharing that powerful truth! Hugs and love xox
What amazing truths. Thank you for sharing more of your heart for God, and just being you. God Bless you!
Thank you David. Youโre so kind to say that ๐ thank YOU for being YOU! Hehe Hugs and love xox
So well done. I am beginning to think that you have a calling as a pastor…..God bless you.
Gosh thank you Sandman. Wow – I am humbled by your affirming words. I would absolutely love to have the opportunity to speak and share Godโs love. Godโs hands! Thanks for the encouragement! Hugs and love xox
Your entry reminds me of an idea that was shared with me while i was discerning conversion: The challenges we face are challenges God sends us, because we are exactly the people he wants to face the challenge. No one else can face my challenges the way I do. No one else can face your challenges the way you do. God sends them not just for anybody, for US. They make us who we are. They lead us to holiness.
Thank you for a thoughtful post. AMDG
Hi Scoot, thank you so much for sharing this powerful reflection. So true – lead is to holiness. I LOVE that. Hugs and love xox
Beautiful reflection!
Thank you so much Gerry!! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations on the conference Caralyn! You certainly are an inspiration to me. ๐ You’re absolutely right about sharing our story. It sets us free, as well as others.
Hi Emily! Wow I am so touched by this. Thank you, dear friend. Youโre so right – it sets us free! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I could just cry with joy to finally hear you make that break with the insecurities of your past! I have no other words for you tonight. Allow my moist eyes to say everything that needs to be said.
Oh my gosh thank you Jeff. You have been such a encourager and source of positivity and gusto! My gratitude to you and for you is truly to the moon ๐ thank you, my dear dear friend ๐ passing you a box of Kleenex ๐ hope you have a great week xox
Thanks… *sniff*
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What is a pastor, but I shepherd, a guide. You walk lead, sometimes by walking alongside. You take the scripture, interpret it and make it accessible to people by affirming and reaffirming timeless truths….You can use your own example, in fact, that can sometimes make the message resonate more deeply. A pastor I once knew taught me that the cross has two elements, the vertical: the relationship between man and God and the horizontal: the relationship between man and man. Seems to me you have both in progress and you are really good at the second. If there is one thing we need more of its the horizontal interaction of the cross. With the overemphasis on the self, we’ve all but lost it, and we are in danger of losing the vertical piece too. I think you manage the bridge of these two elements and that is the key. May the Lord continue to guide your steps and protect your path….
Oh my gosh – this honestly got me choked up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love that image of the cross – youโre so right – our relationship with others is just as important. Weโre on a mission to get one another to heaven and strengthen each other in our walks with Christ. Thank you for this powerful encouragement. Hugs and love xox
One last point go on a pastor friend, different one, taught me something that you may find helpful as you go forward: โPeople donโt care how much you know until they know how much you care.โ Iโm not saying that for any particular reason, except that it occurred to me, and I thought you might find it useful sometime in the future. As I remember the story, my pastor friend was preaching and trying to figure out a way to reach some kids who were playing basketball. The best way to reach them, he discovered was to meet them on the basketball court first. Have a good night.
Meet them on the court. Absolutely. Thereโs so much truth in that. Thanks again ๐
“For I know the plans I have for you,โ declares the Lord, โplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future, (Jeremiah 29:11). I believe God has a plan for all of us and if we follow God’s plan, things will work in our favor.
I love that verse so much. Thank you Noel for sharing it with me. I whole heartedly agree with you on that one! Hugs and love xox
Honestly wow! I have been feeling something similar this weekend some really deep deep (personal) stuff has been coming out in the open which I won’t mention here but would talk to you about
Thank you Benny. Iโm glad youโve been releasing those parts of your heart. I pray youโre experiencing the freedom of being fully known!! ๐ youโre worth it dear friend ๐ Hugs and love xox
My resolution one of them at least has been to be more kind to myself and let the lord do his work I have a long way to go yet, but quoting your inspirational (my favourite) “the road is long but look how far you’ve come”. I’ve started reading Psalms my goodness how powerful it’s been and only 10% through
I love that resolution! I’m so happy for you Benny!!! That brings my heart so much joy to hear! God is good!! and so are you ๐ xox
Real beauty is in your soul and shines outward to light up those who are fortunate enough to experience the real truth!
Thank you so much, dear friend. Amen! Real beauty comes from the Truth! Hugs and love xox
What a beautiful message! Thank you so much.
Gosh, thank you my dear friend. I always appreciate the little nudges of encouragement from you! big big hugs xox
Love reading your blog. Inspiriring
Thank you so much Lois! That so kind of you to say. I appreciate it ๐ have a great night! hugs xox
As usual, excellent. Thanks.
Hey Spencer, aw shucks…thanks! ๐ means a lot that you would stop by and read my blog! hope you’re having a great week ๐ hugs xo
Beautiful words Caralyn! Your life-changing experience reminds me of one of my favorite verses of all time, Ezekiel 36:26, which tells us that God will take out our old, stony, cold heart and give us a new one, one that is a heart of flesh. This verse was so powerful to me when I finally laid down the burden and guilt of my past life and walked free unafraid of people finding out who I really was. I felt this verse was God telling me that I finally was ready to live free in Him and so He was taking my old, broken, heart of stone out and replacing it with a beautiful new, warm, feeling, fleshy heart that was ready to live and love in Him completely. Which meant completely loving MYSELF – ALL stages of me. It was staggering for me to realize this! I hope with your life-changing experience and new transparency, you will feel staggered and free with your new fleshy heart too! Love you girl, thanks for sharing <3
Hi there Mindy! Gosh, what a kind response! Thank you so much! YES!! I SO love that verse in Ezekiel! Isn’t the bible amazing how it gives us exactly what we need to hear? Oh that is so awesome. I’m so glad you’ve embraced that freedom! ALL stages of us! AMEN! gosh this was so encouraging to read! thank you!!! big big hugs xo
Beautiful as ever! As alwys, I love and believe in you! Hugs! XO ๐โค
Hi there Tonya!!! oh gosh, you are just the sweetest, thank you my dear friend for always giving me a little nudge of encouragement and positivity! you’re a blessing to me! have a beautiful week! hugs xo
You too, sweet friend. Thank you for always posting encouraging blogs. They always make my heart lighter and give me hope for the future generation. So beautiful!๐โค
Thanks for saying that ๐๐๐๐๐๐ You rock!!
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[…] https://beautybeyondbones.com/2019/01/07/seeing-gold/ […]
Thank you for the link up, Tonya! big hugs xox
Beautiful thought- God uses our brokenness to do his work because we share about our healing with others. Rejoicing with you
Thank you so much! Yes, He really does! that’s the best part of the body of Christ – we can share with one another His working in our lives and our joys! Thank you for sharing in the joy with me ๐ you’re a great friend! hugs xo
Congratulations Caralyn on breaking free from doubt. You’re HIS child and HE wants the very best for you! Many times the only things that stands in our way is “ourselves”. Thanks for being an inspiration. ๐
Thank you Eric. Gosh I love that – youโve written so much encouragement here! Youโre right – weโve gotta move out of own way!! So glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Your beauty is very,very deep, Caralyn and is reflected by your countenance-radiantly so!
Gosh what a kind thing to say. I am humbled by your generous words. Hugs and love xox
I know that God has so much in store for you, that will affirm all the good you have built around yourself. Many more blessings be upon you, Caralyn! <3
Wow thank you again. God is good and has something beautiful in store for all of us!
So beautiful!! Glad you had that experience. Your energy and excitement is infectious and inspiring!๐
Thank you Jenny ๐ oh my gosh youโre so kind to say that! Hugs and love xox
So, so beautiful, Caralyn. Youโre an amazing woman and continue to inspire me. Keep being YOU! Youโre a radiant light with so much to offer to all of Godโs broken people…
Hi Mary, oh wow youโre so kind. I am incredibly touched by this. Thank you. Praise God that He is the master mender of hearts! We are in good and capable hands! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful!
Thank you Dee. I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to read! Hugs and love xox
I could actually see those teeth of your mouth… ๐๐ What did you use?
Great conference anyway!
Haha I use my magic toothpaste! You can get it here: https://beautybeyondbones.mynuskin.com
Touching the pain is touching one’s own soul, a remedy to become aware of ouselves,
our Selves to bing us consciousness. Without the night we cannot appreciate the day and once a day may come when day and night are united.
God knows our heart and knows the way how to connect us with Him.
Thanks for sharing, my dear friend
From heart to heart
Didi
Thank you this beautiful affirmation didi. Youโre so right about that- we need the night to appreciate the day. Amen! Thanks so much for all your encouraging reflections. Hugs and love xox
Welcome, my dear friend ๐
Love and light to you.
Hugs from heart to heart
Didi
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Such a beautiful, inspiring post. Love it! Suffering changes us, but can with grace indeed make us more beautiful, unique and real. Thanks for being brave enough to be yourself! Xoxo
Thank you so much Anna! Youโre so right about that – more beautiful and real! Hugs and love xox
An ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL message Caralyn! While I was reading this message the Lord led me to Isaiah 61:3 reminding me that “He gives us beauty for ashes.” Those ashes are symbolic of those old painful times and places in our lives that are consumed by His fire, that are no longer a part of our new spiritual identity. Here we recognize that we indeed are and have become those beautiful creatures that He’s fashioned us to be.
Much like a potter, who carefully and meticulously shapes and molds a piece of clay into a masterpiece. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them…Ephesians 6:10
Soooo as far as “kintsugi”, I love the way God sends and gives us little nudges from the most unexpected places. Shortly before Christmas, while running a few errands, I stopped by a pottery studio where my daughter had been taking classes. Her instructor gave her a pottery wheel for Christmas, so I dropped by to pick it up. While there I noticed a piece of artwork that I could tell had cracked in the kiln, but had also been repaired. At this moment, I learned about this Japanese technique of repairing broken or cracked art, which suggests that it’s NOT something to hide but to share.
So grateful for your God-given ability to share your past, because God will truly use it to help others find healing in Christ Jesus. I’m reminded of Jesus who revealed His scars to doubting Thomas and the impact that it had on his faith and walk with the Lord. We never know how God will use us. Thanks for the message and for the nugget that encourages me to keep trusting, believing, and following God!
Oh my goodness thank you so much! Ah Isaiah 61:3 I love that verse- thank you for sharing that. Youโre so right! He is always giving us those little nudges. He is a good Father. Thank you so much for this beautiful encouragement! Hugs and love xox
What a beautiful realization! I’ve been thinking about this recently – how the Lord uses the broken, terrible parts in our lives, including our own mistakes and rebellions, to bring us to Him and make us glorious. If we let Him!
Thank you so much! Amen! He does all of that!! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for visiting liking my blog. I’m so glad you did because it led me to following yours! You shine light through each of your stories. It is so encouraging to see what beauty God brings through the ashes of our deepest struggles. Keep writing!
Thank you Katherine! Oh thatโs so kind of you to say. Amen – He makes beauty from ashes! Hugs and love xox
I love everything about this. There is absolutely nothing that we give to God He can not heal.
Thank you so much Naomi! Amen amen AMEN!! Hugs and love xox
Thank you so much for writing this. I’m still really struggling with my mental health issues but this post and what you wrote gives me hope that one day everything will all be okay. Thank you doll!
Thank you so much, dear friend. Iโm so glad this resonated with you. Amen – it will ABSOLUTELY be okay. Praying for you!! Hugs and love xox
It sounds like you have come back truly inspired – have a great 2019 and keep doing what you do.
Thank you so much Rob, I really appreciate your kind and encouraging words! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for your courage in sharing about your anorexia. I worked in our regional eating disorder unit as a support person for about a year when we returned to Wellington. I saw first hand just how cruel and destructive eating disorders are. I pray that your message will help others to find healing.
Thank you friend. Oh wow what important work that was. Thank you for that time you spent there and for your prayers! Hugs and love xox
beautifully honest, and honestly beautiful. thank you for sharing your strength of vulnerability x
Thank you so much Eva ๐ I appreciate that so much! Hugs and love xox
Your anorexia – my alcoholism. God is the fixer, finds a use for our brokenness.
Thank you Larry for sharing that. Amen – He is the masterful fixer!! Hugs and love xox
I’m so glad you had such a powerful experience at the conference!
Conferences like these remind me of the district youth retreats that I attended in middle school and high school. They were typically several hours away, and every one was a “mountain top experience,” where your focus that weekend was fully on God, your youth group, and people that you meet. It was something I always looked forward to during the school year!
Someone mentioned it already, but Jeremiah 29:11 is my all-time favorite verse. Hugs and blessings!
Hi Laura Beth! Yes! Theyโre definitely mountain top experiences. The challenge is to sustain that feeling when you leave the bubble! So glad you know that feeling too! Ah I love that one as well. So glad you stopped by! Big big hugs xox
It is a challenge! But I know you will success in sustaining it. You already have, with this incredible blog of yours! XOXO
Gosh thank you Laura. Just trying to follow where He leads!! Have a beautiful Tuesday! Hugs and love xox
XOXO
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Transparency is so important in our walk. You go girl!
Deanna
Thank you Deanna!! That means a lot! Hugs and love xox
Needed this today. Thank You
Thank you friend. So glad it resonated with you. Big hugs xox
Reading this post this morning filled me with so much joy. I could tell in the words you typed that you felt His spirit within you and that you are doing His good work. May God continue to bless you!
Thank you so much Todd! Iโm so glad it filled you with Joy! Praise God! Amen – they were His words, not mine!! ๐ so glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Same to you! Have a wonderful day!
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Wow, Kintsugi is cool, Iโd never really known about it. Good illustration! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Jason! Yeah it’s a really incredible art form! with a powerful message! hugs xox
Well said & done, dear girl. Proud of you. -Alan
Hey Alan, oh gosh, thank you so much ๐ I appreciate you taking the time to read! big hugs xox
That was just absolutely beautiful…thank you so much, really touched me and I’m so glad you were so blessed and “set free” at the conference. A very happy and blessed 2019 to your and yours!
oh gosh, thank you Jen, I really appreciate you taking the time to read. Yes! Jesus sets us free! hugs xox
I see the gold on you shining off the pages of your blog! You are beautiful and I am so excited to see how God is using you to bless so many. Keep it up girl!
Oh my gosh Meghan, I am so touched by this!! Thank you my dear friend. You are a blessing to me. God is good! Hugs and love xox
Was it scary telling others the true nature of your blog? Mines still my best kept secret, to the point where I’ve blocked all my work colleagues on any social media platform where there’s a link back to my blog so they can’t find it. Even though God healed me of anorexia, I don’t want to admit to people who I see in my day to day life that there ever was a problem. But the more time passes from the days of the ED the more I want to tell people about how I was healed of it, telling people would glorify God. Yet I’m to scared and quite possibly too prideful to tell people.
Hi Arabella! Thank you for this thoughtful reflection. This is exactly what I wrestled with. Your recovery is something to celebrate. Because at the end of the day every single person has something in their past that they would rather not share or erase altogether. But the fact that you have owned yours and are sharing Godโs glory through it all, it will help people on their own journey of healing from whatever their trial is. Hugs and love xox
Thank you. That’s really encouraging and helpful
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Praying for you!
This is awesome!!! I rejoice with you in your new victory!!! I too have struggled with disordered eating so I totally understand the place you come from and where God has brought you!!
Oh my gosh thank you so much Nicole for sharing your story and for your kind words of encouragement. God is so good! And Iโm cheering for you in your freedom from ED! ๐ Hugs and love xox
Amen! It is only when we bring light to our darkness that it can bring light to the world. Look out world!!
Thank you so much Karen! Aw this is so sweet. Yes! Let His light shine! Hugs and love xox
Keep shining and reflecting the love and healing power of our Lord to those going through similar struggles now especially the younger girls. Also, I find that some healing lessons we need to remind ourselves of over and over again. Have a fabulous and blessed 2019 sis!
Thank you so much my dear friend. I think youโre right. The healing process is in constant evolution! God is always working! Hugs and love xox
Yes, God is perfecting his work in us day to day! Keep encouraging, keep growing, keep reflecting Gods beauty. Remained blessed
Same to you!!! ๐ xox
Life is a journey. Enjoy yours ๐ God Bless!
Thank you friend. Yes, it most certainly is! thanks for stopping by ๐ God bless! hugs xox
You go girl! There is no shame in the truth!
Aw thank you Krista! That means a lot! ๐ Hugs and love xox
OMG I love Leah Darrow!!!! That’s so cool that you got to meet her!!!
Thanks! Me too! Sheโs an amazing human! You can listen to her talk on FOCUSโs YouTube channel! And hey! Iโm going to be a guest on her podcast in March! We recorded it last month and i canโt wait for you to hear it!! ๐ค Hugs and love xox
That’s SO exciting!!! Good for you! I’ll have to listen to it!
thanks girl! yeah, I cannot wait for it to be released! I’ll be sure to share about it! ๐ hope you’re having a beautiful day!!
Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks JB for taking the time to read. Hugs and love xox
You are very graciously welcome. Hugs and love to U!!!
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Haha
So, so good!!… this is truth that others need to know… and experience… Glad you’re on fire about it… Keep sharing and letting GOD use you…
Aw thank you so much! Yes! God is so good ๐ glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
Congrats, on sharing ๐
Thanks
Caralyn, that was so beautifully stated!! I loved it. As I was reading this, it’s as if my spirit in me was screaming “Yes!”, especially when you wrote: “I am that Kintsugi pottery โ broken, yet beautifully restored by a skilled and gentle Artist that doesnโt discount my worth, but rather sees me as valued all the more. Not because of anything I did, but rather, because of His healing in me.” I needed that reminder! I’m glad that it was such a powerful time for you. Thank you for sharing. Oh, and gotta love some needtobreathe, too! – Joe
Thank you so much Joe! Aw Iโm so glad this resonated with you! Thank you for the wonderfully kind words. They were such a great band! They put on one heck of a show! Hugs and love xox
Your success is based in your honesty. Caralyn, we can only love you for who you are. The past is there, you live the affects the past gave you to deal with. There is more beauty in you than beyond bone. You are learning more with each experience you share with our readers. We support you to continue as the new year will take you to the next level. Go on and BE.
Gosh thank you for this beautiful affirmation. I am truly so touched. You are right about that – I am learning so much everyday – God is a generous and *patient* teacher. Thank you again. Youโre a blessing to me. Hugs and love xox
Reading your story with your journey are that which brings pleasure. Stay the Course.
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Beautiful. True. God helps us overcome. Through weakness. Dependence on Him. And we’re stronger and our story helps others. Evident in your blog’s reach. big hugs.
Thank you so much my dear friend. Yes He most certainly does!! Hugs and love xox
Well said, Caralyn. You are what you are now because of where you came from. Never forget that! Ted
Thank you so much Ted, what a kind thing to say. Hugs and love xox
“He is going take every brokenness, every hurt, every wound โ and use it to help shape you and I into the people He created us to be: fully alive.”
I love this. It is an amazing reminder of a Christ-like perspective on our suffering. Keep being an obedient light for your readers! And keep pointing them to Christ!
Thank you so much, my dear friend. Amen to that! Fully alive! That is the vocation for each and every one of us! Hugs and love xox
I love the way you folded the pottery repair into this story. It was inspiring!
Congratulations on coming out of your blog closet! Enjoy the daylight it brings. ๐
Hi Galby! Thank you so much:) yes! The daylight feels good! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Hey love your posts. Your name on here inspired a post you might like. Check out depth of beauty on my page. Thanks again.
Thank you so much Lazrus ๐ I can’t wait to check it out! hugs x
THIS IS AMAZING YES WOW. I LOVE IT. I have been listening to some of the SEEK talks all incredible. What was your favorite one?
Oh my gosh, thank you so much Anna, I really appreciate your kind words! oh awesome! isn’t it great that they’ve live streamed it? My favorites were Sister Miriam James, Leah Darrow, and of course, Father Mike’s keynote! WHat about yours?
Yes of course ๐ it’s so great, I love it! Mhm will definitely check those out! I have only watched a few but Curtis Martin’s with Leah Darrow is SO good ๐
Those two were great!! Such gifted speakers!
No doubt. Totally!
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Maybe hope for me too! (-:
absolutely!! I believe in you ๐ hugs xox
I’m glad you loved the conference. We all need a spiritual boost of encouragement. Thanks for sharing your story. Loved the imagery about the repaired plate and gold. Blessings to you Caralyn.
Hey Kevin, thank you so much for your kind words! Yes! A spiritual bookstore – love that. Hugs and love xox
Another great article!
Thank you so much Michael! Hugs and love xox
So needed to read this today. God bless you sis!
Hi Charlene! Oh good Iโm so glad! Hugs and love xox
Wow, so exciting to hear how God poured out his truth into your heart to give you the courage to share it not just because you feel you have to, but because you want to. Our testimony is our greatest weapon and yes, it always seems hard to use any weapon and we would rather not, but the battles rage and we will share the victory. I wish I didnโt ever have to admit that I was a substance abuser, (nice word for druggie) but the miracle that set me free has inspired many many more. My embarrassment is a small price compared to the cost of my freedom. Bless you my friend, you continue to bless me!
Hi Dan, thank you so much for sharing your story. So glad you have found that freedom! God is good! Hugs and love xox
Your blog is one of the few I have emailed to me and which I forget is a blog at times because I read the posts as emails and often forget to come show love though likes and commenting as much as is needed to ensure your blog continues to grow and develop sponsors. For that I commit to being better this year because you share truly wonderful, life-giving content – more what Iโd like to call inspiration. I read and I want to cook or go call a friend or spend more time in prayer. Iโm inspired to act versus just read and move on. Thank you.
That said, I read this post hours ago under my other profile – website versus blog – and made a note to come comment because I was heading into Bible Study. I too did the whole anonymous blog thing. Shoot, Iโm a ghostwriter – my whole life is one big secret I canโt talk about! So I relate to your comments about that and having bravery to discuss it because I feel like that at times even though this blog isnโt deep yet. I had blogged for the last five years doing thought oriented posts that explored faith and life and always felt like people would judge me if they knew I was a domestic violence survivor and teen mom, or if they knew I was Christian who had friends with alternative lifestyles, so I kept silent. And then over the past year I started to talk about the blogs and what I wanted to do with this one and such. โThis oneโ being the profile Iโm writing from. So as I read this, tears escaped my eyes and I had such joy for you as you shared about how you felt. Your posts have been life at times when the days were dark and even though I canโt relate to some things – I value reading each of them and am thankful you share. I was a teen mom and I love thinking of how my 23-year-old daughter could read a post from you and learn that virginity isnโt to be shamed, or how itโs okay to laugh at yourself over dating disasters. Itโs great to have a blog to send young adults to and know the content comes from a good place! Bless you and thank you so much for your vulnerability. May God bless you phenomenally this year with growth and awareness of your blog so all who need this information and inspiration and encouragement will be able to read it! And thanks for being an inspiration to me! ~Shell (I Apologize for typos; using phone app and didnโt reread.)
Hi Shell! Oh my gosh, this absolutely touched my heart. I am seriously so humbled by your words. And wow thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry that you had to endure that abuse. You did not deserve that. You deserved to be cherished with respect and dignity and I am sorry that you were mistreated. Thank you for blessing me tonight with this incredible affirmation. Your daughter is lucky to have such an awesome mom ๐ and God bless you and yours this coming year as well!! I canโt wait to see what God has in store for both of us. Know youโre in my heart and prayers! Hugs and love xox
โค๏ธ๐ Just as He helped you see your beauty beyond bones, He helped me understand why I experienced what I did. With Him, nothing is wasted and now my story can help younger women and children to experience freedom from bondage! I forgot to mention how much I loved your reference to Kintsugi!
Amennn!! Freedom!!! ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ
Beautiful! Amen!! Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you Jenny! I appreciate your kind words! Hugs and love xox
I absolutely love what youโre writing about hear. Iโm sitting on my couch nodding and wanting to scream โYES!โ There is such incredible victory and salvation in Christ. Everyone – and I mean everyone – has elements of themselves that they wish they could change, or decisions they wish they could have a do-over on. But God doesnโt see those – God sees a child, still learning and growing in life and in faith. He sees HIS child, perfect and lovely and deserving of salvation, no matter the cost.
I applaud your honesty and your transparency! Iโm so glad I found your blog and look forward to continuing to connect with you in your journey and in your faith!
Thank you so much Duck! Yes!! Hugs and love xox
Lol being called Duck is odd! Itโs Jon. ๐ Keep writing!
Haha sorry Jon! I donโt see your names, just gravitar things! Yours says Captain Duck N Tickles ๐คฃ haha
Haha donโt be sorry! Itโs the character I have assumed, as dubbed by my wife and daughter. ๐ thanks for stopping by my blog, by the way! Would love your feedback
Hahah love that!! ๐๐ผ
Amen! Have a blessed week!
Thanks Jim! Same to you!! Hugs and love xox
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Appreciate the support!
you’re so welcome, Shane! glad you stopped by! hugs xo
Okay here we are again. I was discussing a post I was working on this morning with my daughter. She immediately started a new post and mentioned the Kintsugi that you mentioned and I know for a fact she didnโt read your post. Anyway would you mind if I tag your post to mine when I mention this?
Thank you Bruce! What a coincidence! Great minds… ๐ Absolutely! i would be honored, and i can’t wait to read it! hugs xox
My daughter and I have been working together on various projects together. She is receiving a certification as a sign language interpreter this spring
Oh wow thatโs terrific! Good for her!!
Good for you, Girl! Wonderful article! I, especially, love “Because the truth is, God does not allow you to go through something that He’s not going to use. He is going take every brokenness, every hurt, every wound – and use it to help shape you and I into the people He created us to be: fully alive”.
Thank you Delores! So glad it resonated with you ๐ Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I was one of the people you met at SEEK and so courageously shared your blog with; opening the windows into your past to a complete stranger. But I’m not really that, rather I am a sister in Christ who had the honor to meet another beautiful, redeemed,Child of God. I could see God’s love radiating within you and I know that He is using you in a powerful way through your testimony of His goodness and faithfulness. Thank you for your willingness to step out in faith.
Hi Brigette, gosh your beautiful note warmed my heart. Thank you so much. The amazing thing about our Father is how He loves us, and He transforms us. I so enjoyed meeting you at SEEK. I am still flying high after such a powerful conference!! Sending you so much love and hugs, my sister in Christ! Xox