Dress Fitting for the First Time & Special Invitation (BELOW!)
As someone who does not usually like to wear girly-girl outfits, this experience was a fun and interesting one.
A couple of weeks before my arrival in Malang, my mom already told me to check out @megamodemalang on Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/megamodemalang/)
I checked their “Gold Dress” category under their Insta story collection. Honestly, I was interested in the one that I ended up wearing for my brother’s wedding. But back then I didn’t know if the dress was still going to be available or not so I made sure to find another dress in case the one I wanted was unavailable.
I arrived in Indonesia on Monday and the wedding was on Saturday. I went to @megamodemalang dress studio on Tuesday (lol so 3 days before the wedding) in hope of finding a dress to wear for my brother’s wedding. Long story short, the dress that I’ve been eyeing was available AND it’s new (never worn/rented before), AND it fit me just fine (with a little bit of alteration here and there). GOD IS SO GOOD!
During the first week, I had to watch my diet and do Chloe Ting to make sure I don't gain extra weight. I remember telling myself how I can eat all I want AFTER the wedding, but not now in fear of not fitting into the gold dress on Saturday hahaha.
Here are some photos of my other dress fitting:
SPECIAL INVITATION
Today as I was getting ready, I accidentally dropped my favorite hair clip. One of the clips on the back broke and I thought of buying a new one from Amazon right away. Then I also remembered how I wanted to adopt a minimalist lifestyle this year….but this was my favorite hair clip because it matches with all of my other outfits. Keep in mind that I have 5 other hair clips that are exactly the same type and brand, just different color, picture below:
Then a small voice in my head said “Try it on, maybe it will still work?”
And I was shocked...with only two clips, it still held my hair together alright.
“Even the broken things can be made useful.”
After this incident, I value this broken hair clip more than the rest of my hair clips. Why? Not only because it still works perfectly fine but more importantly because of the lesson that it taught me to share with you today.
When you hear the word "broken" it usually implies to something is wrong. Several definitions of the word “broken” consist of not functioning properly, fragmented, fractured, incomplete, irregular, ruined, defective, or destroyed.
If we are honest, how many of us like to throw broken things away especially if they are not serving our needs or are no longer functioning properly? It’s quite rare to see someone keep a broken mirror, computer, microwave, or toaster around their house if they cannot function as they used to.
On the contrary, Jesus seems to love and is drawn to broken people. What is it about brokenness that attracts the attention of God? Why does God love using broken people?
The fact is we all live in a broken and fallen world and are in need of a savior. The good news is Jesus came to earth to be the savior of the world.
Psalms 34:18 tells us “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those
whose spirits are crushed.” One of the things I admire the most about our God is that He’s not surprised about our brokenness. Every scar, flaw, weakness, imperfection, addiction, past history that we have, well Jesus can handle it all. #BrokenTurnedIntoBeauty
The prayer of the tax collector in Luke 18:13 is an example of how broken people recognize their need for God. Whereas people who don’t recognize their brokenness never understand their need for God and refuse to call upon Him for help.
Moreover, looking at the life of Paul in the Bible we can see how a broken person becomes a trophy of God’s unending grace. Saul who was lost, rebellious, and persecuting the church ended up becoming the great messenger of the gospel and a trophy of God’s grace.
1 Timothy 1:15,16 Paul said “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
Throughout my life, I used to think that I’m not good enough, smart enough, capable enough to achieve anything great in this world. I used to ask myself the question “How could God use someone like me? I am far from perfect and intellectual to do what He’s called me to do. Plus I have an addiction problem so how can He use someone as broken and messed up as myself?”
Back then I thought I had to be super holy, memorize all the scriptures in the Bible, attend a Christian college, never ever miss a Sunday service, be involved in the worship and youth team to even be considered being used by God.
I didn’t know that God was after my heart and wanted to use my personal broken past to bring healing and strength to the people around me. I didn’t know that I could come to Him just as I am: fearful, doubtful, broken, hurt, hopeless, afraid, alone, etc. Even at the beginning of starting this blog, Skillful Pen, I was terrified and asked the Lord if He would choose someone else instead of me.
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you [Sharon], for my power is made perfect in [your] weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians (NIV)
Friends, I truly encourage you to come as you are. Jesus is opening his arms wide open to receiving you just as you are. He knows your mess, and what’s amazing is how He can turn and transform your personal mess into His wonderful message. The moment you make yourself available to Him and say “Here I am God, use me,” that’s when your journey of excitement and fun starts with King Jesus.
Trust me, you will never regret doing life with Christ. Every day just becomes sweeter and sweeter. Not saying that life will become easier, but you will surely become wiser and stronger with the help of Jesus.
Do not postpone this wonderful invitation any longer. 💌💝🎁 If you’ve never received Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, repeat this prayer with me:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. Please forgive me for my past iniquities. Come into my life today and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I receive You as my personal Lord and Savior. In the name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN! 🤗
Congratulations! You're a child of GOD! ❤️
Lastly, a special THANK YOU TO the lovely Tante Mega (the owner of Mega Mode Malang) for being so helpful, kind, and generous in helping me find the best dress for the special day. I highly encourage you all to check out their Instagram (@megamodemalang) or when you are in need to rent or buy a beautiful dress for your special event or occasion!
Click the video to see the studio fitting at Megamodemalang! All the dresses are stored in colors from white, rose gold, gold, red, and more! They are so affordable and beautiful too!