Reasons to Rejoice: Images of Beauty in Brokenness

Spring break is here, and I have a short window when I have my family together again. So in that light, I’m taking the simple route this week: sharing inspiration and encouragement to you for a grace-filled week in images and phrases today and Wednesday.

Praying it blesses you. Seek the Lord always and experience His unfathomable grace and unsurpassed joy.

Rejoice! There is beauty to be found in every broken place. [←Tweet this.]

Look for it, it’s there.

From the beauty in nature to the beauty of being made in God’s image.

No matter how much wrong there is in this world, there is always hope and glory and loveliness and light infused throughout the darkness, indeed diffusing the darkness.

Yes, rejoice!

“Jazzing it” with these boys this weekend. So grateful for the gift of music. It brightens up any situation.

Loving having this boy home again. I’m not the only one.

Laughter is potent medicine.

The beauty in this girl is pure joy. 

These little guys’ lovely plumage and gay songs brighten my mornings.

There is indeed sadness, ugliness, darkness, and brokenness in this world. But focus on these and that’s all you’ll see.

Instead, focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, who beautifies all believers, and find joy in your day.

Focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, who beautifies all believers, and find joy in your day. Click To Tweet

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Reflection: What beauty are you finding in your day? Care to share in the comments (in words or images)? 

Linking up again this year with Ann Voskamp’s 2014 Joy Dare. Find the linkup at A Holy Experience. Beginning where I left off in 2013. What a blessing! #2609–2629, read the entire list by clicking here.

•  Watching Zach play at the Dorian Honor Band Festival at Luther College–great music and nice to be back on my old stomping grounds too; Driving time to chat with hubby without children; Extended work deadlines = a little breathing room
• Pine needles dancing in the wind; Living in a near zoo–turkey and deer in our yard and 5 cats, possum, and raccoon frequenting our garage; Home-canned meat for a quick meal
• People who extend grace to Rach in her sometimes excessive exuberance–so many at church and elsewhere; Baked potato bar; Rachel’s reactions to and interactions with Pastor’s sermon–priceless
• Creating a spending plan that works = freeing!; A warming trend; Young man of compassion and faith Joey is becoming
• Daniel home safely–an entire week with him!; Electricity and indoor lighting–thanks Rach for drawing my attention to this oft-taken-for-granted blessing; Laughing so hard I was in tears while playing 500 with my boys
• Watching Zach and Joey play in their jazz bands with hubby and big bro Danny; Not feeling well, but at least I have warm tea and a comfortable place to rest; Endless opportunities
• The joy and laughter I saw on faces today at#SpecialOlympics for just crossing the finish line–the satisfaction is in the journey and persevering to the end; Ending the night by watching Lord of the Rings with family; Cold medicine

By His grace ≈

Julie