Today I am celebrating what the Lord has done in and through the shoppe at GraceLaced this past year. Undoubtedly, I am blown away by the 1300+ orders we've shipped out from my home in the last 365 days. I marvel at the emails you all send me about how my artwork has touched your lives. I'm beyond humbled by your sweet support of my expression through words and brush. I'm truly honored.
But that's not what amazes me most.
I marvel most that God always does what he chooses. He gives and takes away. He causes the sun to rise and set each day, year after year, whether we praise him for it or not. Whether we like his timing or not. Whether we agree with his plan or don't. The roughly 15 years I did very little with my love for art didn't feel like the fulfillment of dreams..in fact, if felt as if those dreams died. And yet, despite how it feels, I'm convinced there is nothing we would really want in our own timing instead of the Father's.
When God owns it all, and does what he will with our talents, giftings, we get HIS best, not our own best effort. My own effort can only go so far, and I won't ever win by might. But God: He does exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or imagine. Why do we fear? Why do not surrender?
I wrote these words last year: "It's no longer about dreaming big dreams and forging ahead until I can't go further, but waiting for his sweet voice to affirm and draw while I respond with open hands." Open hands was my aim then, and what it continues to be. It's all for you, Lord.
Thank you for your support and encouragement here.
To celebrate, I'm doing a huge giveaway that will take care of your Christmas shopping and hopefully bless one of you who's been wanting to get your hands on some of my prints...
1) Win 20 8x10 prints from the shoppe!
(a $320 value)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js....also, a sweet deal TODAY only....
***THIS DEAL IS NOW EXPIRED***
2) Every order placed today (11-20-14) in the shoppe, on Shopiversary day, will include a free 8x10 of "Room At The Table."
Enjoy! And again...I'm honored to share this little corner of the internet with you!
Because of grace,
I'm so honored that you are here. If you enjoy this blog and would like new posts to come directly to your inbox, I invite you to subscribe to GraceLaced by email.