I am always amazed when I see clear evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in my children’s hearts. This picture is a monument to grace. How aware I am that this has so little to do with me. Over and over again I see God taking what I have sown in pitiful measure, and causing it to multiply by His grace alone. And so many bad things I have sown (anger, impatience, laziness),yet He does not treat me as my sins deserve.
My children have been with us in worship over the past month, and it has been helpful to see first hand how they worship in a corporate context. I asked my boys if they ever felt the desire to raise their hands in worship. Two said, “yes, really bad, but I’m afraid to.” I remember this well from my own childhood. I have been praying for them, and giving them the “pep talk” about the ways we express worship to God, how He is worthy and to be feared more than man, etc. Well, last Sunday one of my boys raised his hands in worship. Now, being the gushy mom that I am I cried and cried. I was so grateful for God’s work in this little boy’s life. I am crying as I type. It is such undeserved favor. I’m overwhelmed.
This was the song he was worshiping to:
Grace Unmeasured
Grace unmeasured, vast and free
That knew me from eternity
That called me out before my birth
To bring You glory on this earth
Grace amazing, pure and deep
That saw me in my misery
That took my curse and owned my blame
So I could bear Your righteous name
Chorus
Grace paid for my sins
And brought me to life
Grace clothes me with power
To do what is right
Grace will lead me to heaven
Where IÂll see Your face
And never cease
To thank You for Your grace
Grace abounding, strong and true
That makes me long to be like You
That turns me from my selfish pride
To love the cross on which You died
Grace unending all my days
YouÂll give me strength to run this race
And when my years on earth are through
The praise will all belong to You
Grace Unmeasured by Bob Kauflin
© 2005 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)
May the truth of these lyrics sink deeper and deeper into all of our hearts!
ordinary mother 
I’m crying, too! I love that picture; gives me a little vision for my own little buddies! 🙂
That is so AWESOME Laurie!! What grace!
What a beautiful testimony and beautiful picture!
Laurie,
I found your site through some Knoxville, TN blogging friends. I love it! Thanks for the time that you have put in to it. It’s very encouraging. I have met you before when I was working at Parisian when you were pregnant with the twins. I knew Jason through Cornerstone Church’s campus ministry Volunteers for Christ. How many children do you have now and how old are they? You can see mine at knoxvillehills.blogspot.com. I have three: Andrew (4), Ethan (3), and Hannah (8 mos.).
Thanks for that entry! So encouraging!
I see more Knoxvillians have found your blog….oh do we all have stories about your husband and pictures, too. But we’ll keep them to ourselves.
Oh – Thanks for your email. I’ve read it several time to soak it up. I’ll respond soon.
How sweet! I bet that song will always be a family favorite!
Shelley, Jason remembers you, I was pregnant and remember nothing but “woo hoo, I’m having twins!”. Anyway, I went to your blog today and enjoyed reading about your life.
My kids are: Caleb and Josh – 8yrs.; Israel – 7 yrs; and Maggie – 4 yrs.
That is a precious testimony and picture. I remember the thrill the first time my kids raised their hands in public worship.–>