Amazing Grace…and Giveaway

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” ~ Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV – emphasis mine)

God’s grace has been a major part of my life for the past 20 years. It was not always that I understood God’s grace fully. I had to hit rock-bottom first! Today, I want to share with you a blog post that I had written 7 years ago on my personal blog. It talks about God’s grace in a big way. I want to share this testimony with you to show that, no matter where you are today or how far you are from God, His grace is always available. Also, in conjunction with today’s post, I want to give one person this beautiful print (12×12) made by Jennifer from Studio JRU:

“Once upon a time, there was little girl that was born to two wonderful people. Peter and Kim loved this little girl very much. She was their pride and joy…

Really, God truly blessed me with wonderful parents. Although they did have their fair share on disagreements during their marriage — they put God at the center and that helped even through the rough times. My parents raised us girls knowing God — church on Sunday, Sunday School, confirmation classes – the whole nine yards. I was very active until I was about 18. Youth-group, summer-camps…It was great. Then more and more I distanced myself from the church. It was no fun hearing every Sunday how much I sinned! There was not much Gospel message involved – believe me. I still went to church — once-in-a-blue-moon. But the biggest problem was that I also was distant from God. Why would I need Him? I was doing well, on-my-own – thank you very much.

Then my dad got really sick; my Sweetheart couldn’t find work in Germany after he had left the army…I was holding it together the best I could. When completely desperate I would send up a prayer…Did I listen for an answer? No – of course not. Then the biggest decision had to be made. Are we staying in Germany? Are we going to move to the US? My dad (once again) was the driving force. He said: “Your life is already planned ~ don’t refuse to follow”…Yeah, okay dad – you are sick, you will miss Daniel a whole bunch and you are telling us that we need to go??? That was in 1990…Well, we moved and dad died a month after we moved to the States in February of 1991 – and by this time – I was not very happy with God…

Fast-forward…the first years after my dad’s death were hard for me, because he was the best encourager someone could ever have. Did I ever think about picking up my Bible during that time? – Nope!!!! I enjoyed my pity-party. Another fast forward…1995 my Sweetheart wanted to go back to school, I wasn’t able to control our son…here I was again – trying to hold it together. Someone from work invited my to attend church with her on Christmas Eve….I went and the rest is ‘history’…Not really. But God really got a hold of me then. He got my attention big time. He welcomed me back home…no questions asked. He took me in His arms and was glad to see me. Not a “I told you so”, no “What in the world were you doing?”…Just a simple: “Welcome home, little girl”…”

Yes – His grace is amazing – He is waiting for you to come home….Do you have your own testimony? Let me know in the comments – I love to read about His grace in your life!

Next Wednesday, March 4th, 2015 I will select a winner (via Random.Org) from the comments to receive the beautiful print “By His Grace“. I have one myself; it truly is beautiful and a great reminder that we are saved by His grace…

Please also check out Jennifer’s website “Studio JRU” for more inspirational art for your home. Jennifer is a wonderful artist, bringing to canvas His Word!

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