Picture of God's Grace

My family is a picture of God's Grace at work in broken people.  Many of our family joined us to celebrate our son's graduation.  Between times of panic and "deer in the headlight" moments...I was overwhelmed by humbleness and gratitude.  

Amazing Grace.

Our family could be called messed up, dysfunctional or whatever fad term of the day.  And yet, God chose out of brokenness to put together a family.  A piece of art!  Rough individual pieces placed into order.  Where hearts are mended and wounds cleansed and restored.  Where the weak are strong.  Where grace, unconditional love and acceptance heal and unite and memories are made through stories and laughter.  

Amazing Grace~How Sweet The Sound!

Having my Mom, Dad I grew up with, Birth Dad and wife and sisters all together with David's family was a perfect picture of God's Amazing Grace.  Could my "Bible Thumper" Grandpa have seen that his son's daughter born into another man's family would go on to serve God and fall in love with his Grandson?  Could my husband's step Mom's Mother ever have envisioned that the Pastor that she prayed for in the family would come about through another broken vow?  Could my brother who is adopted ever imagine when he wanted a family of his own at age five that he would have so many?  

Amazing Grace~That Saved a Wretch Like me.

I rested my eyes on each family member (even those not there) and felt myself pull away.  The lump in my throat too big to swallow.  This little girl who grew up wondering what in the world God was thinking when he made her...drowning in rejected, brokenness and self-condemnation stood amazed at the amount of love surrounding me.  

Amazing Grace~I Once Was Lost But Now Am Found.

My biggest fear of living my life as a disappointment or being seen as one mistake after another.  The lies that blinded me fell away in light of the truth.  The pride and acceptance in my families' eyes. 

 Amazing Grace~I Once Was Blind But Now I See!!!

The woman who once was buried in depression and lost in fragmentation of a broken mind...stood.  Head held high.  Surrounded with the love of a husband, three sons and a family.

Amazing Grace~How Very Sweet The Sound. Amazing Grace~ That Saved a Wretch Like Me!  I Once Was Lost But Now Am Found.  Was Blind But Now I See.   Amazing Grace~God's AMAZING Love Coming Down!!!!!

John Newton (1725-1807)
Stanza 6 anon.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.


T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.


Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.


The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.


Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.


Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.