![\"IMAG0282\"](\"https:\/\/fullmeasureofjoy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/05\/IMAG0282.jpg\")
<\/a>I saw this car\u2026what do you think? Should it be on the top of my shopping list? If you can\u2019t tell, there are trolls plastered all over this car.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I have never enjoyed car shopping. I love to look at cars, but please don\u2019t ask me to go and search a lot filled with hundreds of cars to find the perfect one. And as if that isn\u2019t enough, my husband brought me a whole magazine filled with information about cars to look through and choose one I liked. UGH!<\/p>\n
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I do the same thing with greeting cards. I\u2019m overwhelmed by the sheer number and I can\u2019t focus on what I need exactly. So I usually choose the first one I pick up (unless the verse is completely off base). Unfortunately, my husband has gotten some pretty strange cards from me through the years. Some a little more feminine than they should have been. But it\u2019s thought, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n
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Had I been sitting at Jesus\u2019 feet during His dissertations on the \u201clost\u201d articles, I\u2019m not so sure I would have enjoyed those parables. You know the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke 15? My mind would have gone to the fact that I don\u2019t like looking for items and perhaps He would have lost me.<\/p>\n
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But then He would have captured my attention when He spoke of the lost son. I can relate to that. Not in my physical life, but in my spiritual life. I would have understood the importance of restoration. I would have been drawn to the fact that one lost is too many. I would have rejoiced over the return of the son.<\/p>\n
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I would have found joy in the fact that the Father waited and accepted the son upon his return.<\/p>\n
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Like the son, I\u2019ve wandered. Gone spiritually where I should never have stepped. Spent some time in the bondage of sin. Found myself lost in the pleasures of this world.<\/p>\n
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But also like the son, when I \u201ccame to my senses,\u201d<\/i> (Luke 15:17) I returned to the Father who welcomed me home with open arms. He has forgiven and forgotten my past transgressions. His grace and love have covered me. And I heard my Father say, \u201cwe had to celebrate and be glad, because this sister of yours was dead and is alive again; she was lost and is found.\u201d<\/i> (Luke 15:32 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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Oh friend, there is no reason to live in a lost state. Our Father in heaven is waiting with open arms to welcome you. He is ready to share His grace and love with you. God\u2019s forgiveness runs deeper than any of us could ever imagine. Is it time to accept it?<\/p>\n
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And to my Christian friends, if there is sin in your life that seems to have burdened your heart, why not run home? Your Father is waiting for you as well. Accept His forgiveness and grace and you too will come to know the Father\u2019s celebration of your life.<\/p>\n
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Of course I\u2019m reminded of a song. One that you\u2019ll recognize and will able to sing without the benefit of music. Chris Tomlin\u2019s version is perhaps overused, but it still carries the message of finding freedom in Christ and the joy of being found. I can never get enough of God\u2019s grace\u2026can you?<\/p>\n
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“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”<\/p>\n
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Amazing grace
\nHow sweet the sound
\nThat saved a wretch like me
\nI once was lost, but now I’m found
\nWas blind, but now I see
\n‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
\nAnd grace my fears relieved
\nHow precious did that grace appear
\nThe hour I first believed<\/p>\n
Chorus:
\nMy chains are gone
\nI’ve been set free
\nMy God, my Savior has ransomed me
\nAnd like a flood His mercy reigns
\nUnending love, Amazing grace<\/p>\n
The Lord has promised good to me
\nHis word my hope secures
\nHe will my shield and portion be
\nAs long as life endures<\/p>\n
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow <\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to listen to this song, you can click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n
\nThe sun forbear to shine
\nBut God, Who called me here below
\nWill be forever mine
\nWill be forever mine
\nYou are forever mine[i]<\/a><\/p>\n