"One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering."

Ida Scott Taylor


Wednesday, February 24, 2010

It Amazes Me How We Become Real

It amazes me how God uses our life's story. 
It amazes me how He can take our trials and turn them
into something beautiful later. It amazes me how our 
specific story
can touch someone else and help them
to make a life-changing turn for the good in their life.
It amazes me how he can
take someone that is broken and has the
cracks to prove it,
and then mold them, cracks and all, 
into a beautiful vessel. 
  HIS ways are just AMAZING!

So if YOU my friend, are in the middle of a life's trial
that you don't understand, don't loose heart.  
YOU will make it through.  
It will be the beautiful scars in your life that will end up
helping others
in the AMAZING ways that no one else can.

Since a child, I have loved the story of 
The Velveteen Rabbit. 
I love the part when the Skin Horse explains to Rabbit
what must happen in order to become real.

(My favorite quoted part of the book)
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room.  "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse.  "It's a thing that happens to you.  When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful.  "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse.  "You become.  It takes a long time.  That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.  Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby.  But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

I'm so glad that being REAL is a
good thing, 
since my hair is thinner and my
joints seem looser than they used to be!

So go out and be the amazing and real
person you were created to be this week.
You might have a velveteen rabbit
watching YOU...

21 comments:

Mary said...

Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!

Jesus came to restore what was broken.

This is one of my favorite storybooks too.

And look at your blog, love the background - love dots!!!!

Hugs!!

Andrea said...

I, too am glad that being real is a good thing...a worthy thing.
Hugs,
andrea

Amy said...

It amazes me too. I once heard it said the "God takes our mess and makes it our message." I try to remember that when I do share my story.

Butterfly Works said...

I love the potters picture....it holds a special place in my heart since I help lead workshops called "Footprints to the Potter's House" and they are actually held in a house called The Potter's House.....The name came from the Scripture in Jermiah.....
Thanks for a very reflective post...
Hugs and Blessings,
Butterfly

Heart2Heart said...

Lee Ann,

I've always loved that classic story ever since I was a child. I guess that is why I am still drawn to rabbits.

This post is amazing because God needs us at times to become weak and turn to Him, when things are going great, we have no real need for Him. So He allows us to only go on for so long before the storms come and once again, we finally turn and look back and become real again and run to Him!

Be sure you stop by today for a last minute opportunity to participate in two giveaways for tomorrow.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Unknown said...

What a lovely write. I so enjoyed every meaningful word.

Have a beautiful day ~
Hugs, Marydon

Farmgirl Paints said...

Another beautiful encouraging post. Love how you use your gifts with posting LeeAnn.

Your new blog design is so fun and happy. It matches you:)

DJ said...

Being real, and loved, is so much more fun than being anything else~
Fake or otherwise, lol!
Thanks for the reminder, sweet friend.

GrannySmithGreen said...

Yipee! Yes, being REAL is wonderful!

I found you through Pearls and Grace's blog. (Isn't she an amazing REAL girl too!)

Thank you for spreading your encouragement. What a blessing!

Tonya said...

Hi LeeAnn, I have given you a Beautiful Blog Award. Simply stop by my blog and it is yours to pass along!
I like your new look for your blog! Very colorful and cheery!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Well LeeAnn, I can hardly believe it for this book and that part of the story has been pivotal in my life since childhood. That story helped me to process the pains that come with being who you are in a world that isn't always 'understanding,' long before you fully understand yourself. For 'loving real,' requires coming close enough to truly touch, accepting that the friction leaves traces of those we love imbedded into the fibre and fabric of who we are and we in them...
Your artwork is so soft, delicate it gives a sense of peace just looking at it..

Jackie said...

Thank you for this encouragement and I really enjoyed reading it today.

Have a great weekend.
Jackie

Jeanne Oliver said...

One of my all time favorite books and what an incredible message..thanks.

Just Be Real said...

Dear one thank you for this wonderful post. I was given the book a year ago. Was not ready to read it. Until you mentioned it at my blog and I came over here, I may just pick it up. Thank you for your continued encouragement. I cannot tell you Lee Ann how much your words help. Hugs to you and yours. Blessings.

Anonymous said...

I have seen first hand how God can take the ugliest of situations and redeem it into something beautiful! He is just so good like that! I'd rather be real any day!

Unknown said...

I absoulutly love the new look. Totally refreshing! Perfect match for your beautiful watercolor header, Great post! Many Blessings, Deborah

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed looking over your blog.

You are more than welcome to visit my mine.
http://ronjoewhite.blogspot.com

God Bless You, Ron
ronj1946 at gmail dot com

robynwbuxton said...

I have come to this time in my life, that God wants us to be HOT: honest, open and transparent!!! Heard this from a speaker from Life Action Ministries! I have had some TRIALS this past year and getting REAL with God is the only thing that has brought me through.

LOVE you post! Looking forward to reading more! Hope you don't mind, but I added you to my blogs I follow. :) God bless!

Trish @TheOldPostRoad said...

Great post!
Thank you!
(we just named our Women's ministry at church - Women Being REAL).
-Trish

Edie said...

I'm so glad Jesus is working to make me "real" cause I am quite a mess sometimes.

Your new look is beautiful!

Enjoy your week!

Sharon Sloan said...

Hi, LeAnn! Thank you for your sincere and sweet encouragement over at "Joy In The Truth" today. I am humbled and encouraged. Thank you.

Your blog is beautiful!! I love the look! :) Will be visiting frequently! :)

Hugs,
Sharon