It is fitting that the topic of change has been on my mind recently in the month of March. Where I live, the weather changes constantly. I compare it to a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, twists and turns. In Nebraska, we can have winter storm warnings in the north and thunderstorm warnings in the south at the same time.
Change has been a theme for me the past few days. Part of that is because in the process of final editing of my two books, Lifted Out Of The Pit/Called To The Nations and Jesus Understands Trauma, reflecting back is involved. It is also due to some questions my therapist gave me to work through.
Looking back to my teen years and my twenties, that person was a completely different person than I am today and yet that person is a part of me, part of my story, part of my testimony of how Jesus changes lives.
A skilled artist can take broken pieces of colored glass and make a beautiful mosaic of them. Jesus is the ultimate artist who can take the broken pieces of our lives and create beautiful lives if we give ourselves to him. Ephesians 2:10 says:
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
So the teenage me, the young man in his twenties me. are long in the rearview mirror of my life, but Jesus worked those experiences into the mosaic of my life to bring me to become a person who has a full life of teaching, ministry for refugees and immigrants, writing, friendships, and travel. Jesus can definitely bring newness to lives.
My desire for the two books are to glorify Jesus and shed the light of hope for others.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
Matt, nothing is wasted in God’s Kingdom. “As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this— to preserve the lives of many people.” (Genesis 50:20) Although your life had a rough start, God is turning things around and many are being blessed, encouraged, and thriving because of your life, Matt!
Thank you for your kind words 🙂
Amen that nothing is wasted in God’s kingdom 🙂
You’re welcome!
Matt, it’s so true how we can look back and see all the pieces of what we once were, before trauma, before Jesus,…and the beautiful artwork, mosaic, he molded our lives to be when we allowed the Potter to take the wheel! Your books will glorify HIM! There’s no doubt! Your life is all about praising God and sharing his love. Your stories will give hope and be an inspiration! God is using you, brother! Blessings as you navigate all the layers!
Thank you little sister. How are you today?
You’re welcome ☺️. I slept better last night. I’m running on adrenaline as I will be visiting my oldest son and family soon. I leave tomorrow for a week! I’ll soak in every moment as I pray and keep myself balanced and well! Happy Friday and you take care and rest when you can!
Have a blessed trip.
Thank you, brother!! 🙏🏻
I love how you said that though that teenage person is no longer you, it is still part of you, still part of your story, sometimes it’s hard not to regret our youth, when in fact it actually is a stepping stone toward our becoming
It amazes me how Jesus has taken even my past sins and struggles to work together for good
Amen
I am excited for the completion of your books! Celebrating with you!
Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome!
I can really relate to this Matt and am so thankful for Jesus’ saving grace, never want to take His work in my life for granted!
What a blessing your books will be for others and an honor to Him who inspires your writing!
Thank you little sister. That is my hope that my books honor Jesus and bless others