puzzle pieces.

so here i am blogging. imagine that...

in the past few years, i have taken up journaling, especially to help me express or process significant events or lessons. this is my attempt to 'build an altar of stones' [Deuteronomy 27:5] by which i (& maybe even someone who might read this - whoa. strange thought...) can be reminded of the Lord's presence in my life & of the good work He has done.

"being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6

as for the creation of this blog, it has already required more reflection than i was prepared for. but what a fitting way to spend a piece of Easter Sunday - reflecting on the life & healing my Savior died to bring me.

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full... Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." - John 10:10, 17:3

for anyone who might wonder why i titled this blog "puzzle pieces," here is your explanation (& my reminder)...

there was a point in my life when i felt horribly discontent. i could not understand why i was not happy. when i finally sat down to sort out my frustrations, God decided to show me something. i was holding a piece of my life tightly in my hand - staring at it & scrutinizing it, when He said to my heart...

"stop asking why your life is so 'ugly;' your perspective is limited. I am not going to take this experience away because it is important! it is as important as any other experience you have had, even though it has been hard. I knew what I was doing when I allowed this to happen. if you would just put that little puzzle piece in its place & step back, you would see what a beautiful masterpiece I am making of your life!"

it was then that i understood; even the most beautiful paintings have dark strokes. these parts are crucial. each of these lessons i have been taught & will continue to learn plays an important part in making me into the person God intended me to be, & what a beautiful life He has in store for me! He is perfecting me into a woman after His own heart, & sometimes the refining process is painful, but it is all good. before i can see the finished product, i have to let the Artist work.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28

like Johnny Square says, "God is good - all the time. & all the time - God is good."

whether easy or difficult to accept, these lessons & experiences are the puzzle pieces with which God is gradually creating a masterpiece of my life. what will follow here are more of these puzzle pieces - as best as i can illustrate them with words. let the collecting begin... :)