Broken Crayons Still Color: From Our Mess to God's Masterpiece

by Shelley Hitz, Deb Hall (Editor)

Many times what we see as our biggest regrets, failures and mistakes become what God uses the most in our lives.

God transforms our brokenness into something more beautiful than we can even imagine. He takes our mess and creates a masterpiece.

You see, broken crayons still color.

Included in this book:

A 7-week book study that will inspire you with real stories of how God can take our broken crayons and create a masterpiece.  Adult coloring pages for each chapter.  Reflection questions to use while you color or as journaling prompts to help you apply each chapter to your own life. Scripture memory verses for each week with downloadable scripture cards.  Prayers to personally connect with God on the topics covered in each chapter.  Corresponding videos and fill-in-the-blank viewer's guides for each week. Inside the book, you receive free access to watch the videos online. Leader's guide with discussion questions in the appendix for group study.  And more! 

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:9-11

God is the artist and our lives are His canvas. What will you allow Him to create from the broken pieces in your life?

When you are in Christ, you are His masterpiece!

Scroll up and click "buy" to embark on this journey to discover for yourself that broken crayons still color.

Genres: Faith, Christian Living

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2016

About the author

Shelley Hitz is an award-winning and international best-selling author. However, most importantly she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and follower of Christ. She has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998 and her main passion is to share God's truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements.

She is also the owner of AuthorAudienceAcademy.com where she helps pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian entrepreneurs get published and market their books.

Shelley's openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her books will inspire and encourage you.

==> Connect with Shelley online at her website, www.ShelleyHitz.com.

Reviews

[Susan Bricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelley Hitz's "Broken Crayons Still Color" is amazing! It is a faith-filled journey with Shelley as she shares raw and insightful stories of her own brokenness and how God turned them into beauty. I genuinely loved it! It is a bible study that includes not only her book but also corresponding videos, adult coloring pages, thoughts for the day,scripture cards, bible verses to memorize, reflection questions, prayers, and a leaders guide. I was amazed at how interactive it was and how it captured me completely! I couldn't put the book down and completed it in one night! I watched the videos the following day and felt so blessed by them. I will be going over them repeatedly because there are so many gems and powerful truths to capture within the pages and videos.

Chapter 2 ( Valuable and Loved ) and Chapter 3 (Fearfully and Wonderfully Made) really spoke to my heart, it was as though God was speaking right to me! Shelly really digs deep and bares her soul in this bible study set. She is authentic and vulnerable in sharing her own painful stories. It is so inspiring to see how God reached in and spoke to her heart and lifted her from the anguish she carried. I plan to go through it all again because I know God was speaking to my own heart and brokenness and I believe He will shed light on it and bring healing.

I am confident "Broken Crayons Still Color" will touch many lives. I feel truly blessed by Shelley's heartfelt words and examples of how much God loves us, no matter what! I believe each one of us is worth investing the time to follow along on this journey Shelley shares, spending time unearthing our hurts and allowing God to bring beauty from our brokenness.

These are a few of my favorite lines in Shelley's book: "However, if we will allow Him,God will take our imperfections—our
broken crayons—and create something beautiful, a masterpiece." "Just like the broken pieces of a crayon cannot be brought back together
but instead can be melted into something new, my broken pieces were made into something new that day.And yours can too ."

Broken Crayons Still Color is full of hope, encouragement, faith, inspiration, powerful truths, transformation, and authenticity. I loved it! Thank you, Shelley, for baring your soul to bless others.

"I was provided this book by the author in exchange for my honest review."

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am excited to be a part of author Shelley Hitz's influencer group for her new book, `Broken Crayons Still Color`. The tagline reads, `From Our Mess to God's Masterpiece`.

While studying the ARC I was at a place I didn't feel like God's Masterpiece. Instead, I felt like a broken crayon or one that has stayed in the heat of the sun too long. After the study, I feel closer to God and my husband. My husband and I stayed up one night just talking, sharing dreams, talking about our guys, etc. It felt so intimate and I look forward to doing that again.

I love the cover of this book. Even though some of the crayons are broken they are still colorful. Each chapter has a page to color while the pupil ponders over what they are being taught. The complete package contains student guides, teacher's guide, and a video.

One thing most people don't realize is that no one has it all together. No one is perfect or has a perfect life. While I was a child, into my teen years, I envied those beautiful, skinny models, t.v. actresses, etc. Author Shelley Hitz points out no matter how our life is, God is always able to use our brokenness to create something beautiful. To end each chapter there is a section on prayer, memory verse, and going deeper.

It's possible to do the study without the video, but they are a great asset to the study. The videos that come with the study are clear and of good quality. There is a viewer guide that goes with each video and I love how demonstrative Shelley is. She is very excited to get the points across to you the student.


Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of the materials. All opinions are my own."

[Felicia Slattery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is like getting a complete package of study, worship, reflection, and Christian spiritual growth all in one! I love the organization of each chapter, corresponding to a certain color crayon, that begins with one title of negativity crossed out and replaced by a positive title - and it only gets better from there.

Then you have the chance to read some wonderful, intensely personal, surprisingly honest stories and reflections from the author, as you might expect but the chapter doesn't end there. Also included with EVERY chapter is:

- A full video lesson about the chapter online for you to watch from your computer or mobile device anywhere (I love how she starts the video with prayer!)
- A fill-in the blank viewer's guide to go with the video and help you retain the lessons better
- A Bible verse for you to meditate on throughout the week that you are encouraged to write or print and put where you will easily be able to see it
- A COLORING PAGE (!!!!) to engage the creative side of your brain as you prayerfully consider the content from the chapter as it relates to your own life along with the next item included:
- A set of study questions for you to meditate on, or discuss in a group of others going through the book with you

Easy to read, much to consider and think about... this book will bless your life in many ways. Buy it today and enjoy using this author's work to improve your life for Christ!

[Litany Lineberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Crayons Still Color was so inspiring. It really helped me especially to know that yes sometimes you have a lot of burdens and go through trials but God is not through with you yet and that you can use what is going on in your life to glorify God. This study really answered the hopes that God see for us even in our down times. The coloring pages really helped me to "color" my truth and brighten up due to the hope I felt at the end of each lesson.

I truly highly recommend this book for those that feel like giving up due to life circumstances know that God can and will still use you.

I was given this book for an honest review by author.

[Jennifer J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for individual or group use. The depth of insight that can be gained by using the Broken Crayons Still Color materials is extraordinary. There is a component for every learning style and each piece fits well with the others, too.

I discovered so much about myself as I worked through the book, coloring pages, videos and response questions! This series has really brought me to new levels of self-awareness. I'm giving these as gifts and encouraging others to embark on this journey of discovery where they'll be challenged, comforted and inspired to find recognition and healing of their broken crayons, too.

Thank you, Shelley Hitz, for your transparency and honesty and for encouraging so many others to share their stories, too.
Disclaimer I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

The short chapters made this easy to read and each chapter lead to some interesting discussions in my weekly Sunday School class. Parts were a bit too evangelical for this Presbyterian, but I accepted it for what it was and kept going. The ability to color pages from the book during our discussions was an added feature. The author's ability to overcome multiple obstacles is a testament to her faith.

[Iris Capers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book a few years ago and used it for womens fellowship as one of the reading book. It's 2021 and we still hold conversations about it. Broken Crayons will help anyone who feels as if life is over because of traumatic experiences realize that brokenness does not mean God cannot use you. Life still has meaning and the sun will shine again

[Kristin Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful bible study for those who have a story to tell. The author shares her own story and how she perseveres with God's promise and belief that she is His masterpiece. She takes the reader on a journey of hope in Jesus Christ. Highly recommend this book.

[Carla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read! Let me tell you there are triggers like talk about rape. The hardest part was facing lots of past relationships and personal details that complimented the story. Some of the story was repetitive and it was just a reflection about brokenness and how to trust God through those moments.

[Rena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given this book by a friend because we did a joint study from this book on YouVersion. But the book felt long and drawn out. I got some insight but I would have preferred to have skipped the book.

[Brenda Seefeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creative and powerful Bible study to do with a small group.

[Sylvia & · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful

Thank you for sharing this amazing masterpiece with the world Ms. Shelley ...it has changed my outlook for life on so many levels. I am so grateful

[Katelyn Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing

This broken crayon is in the middle of a masterpiece. Thank you Shellie for sharing your hurt to help put meaning behind mine. 🦋🦋

[Roni Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned about me and how being broken affected my life and my relationship’s. God has blessed me by my broken spirit.

[Jackie Garrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

More for children than adults.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Bible study for people battling any kind of addiction.

[Teena D Lykins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick easy read but encouraging!

[Janice Garey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Title: God's Broken Crayon Masterpiece (Review of Broken Crayons Still Color by Shelley Hitz)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars

Broken Crayons Still Color will help you reevaluate the outcome of things that brought hurt into your life. People tend to get stuck in thinking back on the hurt without consideration of how God could turn it around to make something good from the brokenness. Shelley Hitz covers this with an easygoing style of writing that engages the reader from the very beginning to the end of the book.

As you read the book, you feel like a fellow journey companion through some of the major events that have caused Shelley deep emotional hurts in life. She explains the hurt, but does not dwell there. She takes the reader forward to see what God did to advance His kingdom on earth through her willingness to let Him lead her to better places. (Shelley thoughtfully advises that some hurts are so deep and severe that the reader needs to go through the book with a Christian counselor or Pastor.)

Each chapter has a helpful memory Bible verse, questions for reflection and possible discussion, a coloring page, and a video accessible through a website. Also, at the end of the book, she has included a thorough list of additional resources for those who want further help for themselves or others.

I was surprised at the depths and variety of emotional hurts Shelley shares from her life. She relates to those who have to forgive themselves for falling into. addiction. She discusses forgiving those who have perpetrated crimes against her and other family members. She tells of being bullied for being a member of the high school band and how she gave up the enjoyment of that activity as a negative way to handle the bullying. But God has redeemed her pain by giving her the story that so many can relate to so she can help others see a better way to handle the anti-social behavior of bullies. She also has an important message regarding being too caught up with concerns about one's outward appearance.

I loved listening to the Audible version of this book recorded by Shelley. It would be good to listen to in the car, while doing housework, or exercising. I do suggest getting the book if you have plans to utilize the resource list at the back. It would take a lot of time and effort to write down the resources.

Many people will benefit from listening or reading Shelley's book. It is ideal for small group ministry to women. Group leader information is included. This would be just right to cover in a ladies' weekend retreat.

I thank the author, Shelley Hitz, for giving me the Audible version of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to give a good review.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Crayons Still Color

Broken Crayons Still Color is a book of healing and restoration. Shelley Hitz is open and honest about her past, but she lets you know that God still has a purpose for you. You may be a broken crayon, but you still have worth and value. God loves and adores you so much that He refuses to leave you broken and battered. There are times He will challenge you to do something outside of your comfort zone so that you can heal.

This book is a blessing and it is not one of those books that you read once. No, you will find yourself reading it over and over again. It will encourage you and you will be compelled to shake off past hurts, pains and rejections. You will be extremely blessed by this book and will want to share it with others.

After reading this you will know that broken Crayons really do color. And remember that God is not looking at your brokenness, He sees the beauty from the ashes. Broken crayons can make a masterpiece.

[Horace Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful inspiration of God's healing power!

Shelley does a tremendous job of sharing examples of God's ability to heal hearts and use souls for His glory. She reveals painful experiences in her life that even though she may have felt broken, God used her brokenness to help others. The biblical truths referenced in her book, reinforce and remind us that God has a unique purpose for us. There are beautiful pages to color, access to heartfelt videos, and thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter as well. I truly appreciated the author's honesty and her willingness to open up and share what it felt like to not only be broken ,but to experience God revealing Himself to her. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it for anyone who has ever felt broken at some point in their life.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked some parts of this, and especially the coloring aspect of it, but overall I just didn’t get it with the book as much as I would of liked.