This first picture was 10 years ago when I was at the tail end of my life in sin. I had tried the world, but was never satisfied, secure or safe.

From bound, blemished, broken, blind, burdened to beyond beautifully blessed, beloved, blood bought and born again believer! Only a gracious Heavenly Father can do that! He took all of my failure in this flesh and gave me the faith to place my life in His faithful hands. When I couldn’t see beneath the surface of my sinfulness, He graced me to see my depravity so that I could place my faith in His deity.

9 years ago I took a chance at real love and I allowed God to cover me in the blood and love of Jesus in the waters of baptism. I surrendered to His Lordship! That day my sins were washed away, my shame and guilt were gone for good, and I was gifted with the most beautiful and powerful gift of the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, equip, and help me. These past 9 years have been the realist and trillest (yep I just said trillest) parts of my life.

I have been challenged to develop and grow into the nature of Christ. I have been sooo encouraged, corrected, rebuked, edified, built up. I have been persecuted. I have experienced “church hurts” and God has graced me to still press towards His presence. People are not my God. I have been tested and tempted in much. I have denied my flesh and gave in to my frail flesh desires. But here’s the thing, God has been faithful in every single season. He has patiently tended to my traumas and wounds. He has loved me through some difficult let downs. He has shown me my weak areas so that He can be my strength. He has covered me in His love and kindness instead of condemn me. He has blessed me with more than I could even imagine. He has used me even when I was not “qualified” and continues to do so. He has planted so much vision in my heart for His kingdom! He has fathered me in such a way that my little heart needs always. He has affirmed my beauty both inward and outward and He has done far more that I could even put in this post alone. He alone is faithful.

God sent His son Jesus to live a sinless life so that He could die for a wretched girl like me. Today I celebrate the reality and truth that God truly is love and I am a thankful recipient of it! I was blind but now I see. I see clearly that life in Christ is the O N L Y true way of living life abundantly. I couldn’t imagine facing this life without Christ. He is truly my rock and my redeemer! I am eternally thankful to be God’s daughter and the bride of Christ!

Happy 9 year spirthday to me!! Only Jesus can satisfy our souls! Only Jesus can make us whole!

Call on Him!

-Amy