Not sure where to start with my personal testimony. I have been praying since Tuesday about it and I am not sure if I am clearer about it…Lets start at the beginning, I suppose…
Once upon a time, there was little girl that was born to two wonderful people. Peter and Kim loved this little girl very much. She was their pride and joy…
Really, God truly blessed me with wonderful parents. Although they did have their fair share on disagreements during their marriage — they put God at the center and that helped even through the rough times. My parents raised us girls knowing God — church on Sunday, Sunday School, confirmation classes – the whole nine yards. I was very active until I was about 18. Youth-group, summer-camps…It was great. Than more and more I distanced myself from the church. It was no fun hearing every Sunday how much I sinned! There was not much Gospel message involved – believe me. I still went to church — once-in-a-blue-moon. But the biggest problem was that I also was distance from God. Why would I need Him? I was doing well, on-my-own – thank you very much.
Than my dad got really sick; my Sweetheart couldn’t find work in Germany after he left the army…I was holding together the best I could. When completely desperate I would send up a prayer…Did I listen for an answer? No – of course not. Than the biggest decision had to be made. Are we staying in Germany? Are we going to move to the US? My dad (once again) was the driving force. He said: “Your life is already planned ~ don’t refuse to follow”…Yeah, okay dad – you are sick, you will miss Daniel a whole bunch and you are telling us that we need to go??? That was in 1990…Well, we moved and dad died a month after we moved to the States in February of 1991 – and by this time – I was not very happy with God…
Fast-forward…the first years after my dad’s death were hard for me, because he was the best encourager someone could ever have. Did I ever think about picking up my Bible during that time? – Nope!!!! I enjoyed my pitty-party. Another fast forward…1995 my Sweetheart wanted to go back to school, I wasn’t able to control our son…here I was again – trying to hold it together. Someone from work invited my to attend church with her on Christmas Eve….I went and the rest is ‘history’…Not really. But God really got a hold of me than. He got my attention big time. He welcomed me back home…no questions asked. He took me in His arms and was glad to see me. Not a “I told you so”, no “What in the world were you doing?”…Just a simple: “Welcome home, little girl”…
I guess that is why I like the story of the prodigal son so much…That was me! God will use situations, life changes to get us back into His mighty arms. I am just glad that He gave me a second chance to return home. I know that someone was praying for me to return to Him. So if you are praying for a prodigal – don’t give up – it will be worth it. For some it might just take a little longer…like me!
And if you wonder if He will welcome you back into His arms? You bet He does. And guess what — He will not ask you any questions either – He will be just happy to see you come home…Can you hear Him calling you?
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!” ~ Psalm 117:1-2
Visit Lauren at Created for HIS Glory or Heather at Graced by Christ to find more women who shared their testimony….Blessings on your day 🙂
Very inspirational & I can see that you really put your heart and soul into sharing your faith….you did a wonderful job.
Don’t waste your time visiting me…nothing new today. *s*
Iris, you’ve alluded to this before, I’m glad to hear “the rest of the story”.
Although we don’t desire suffering or painful circumstances, I am so thankful redemption is found within them! It is amazing how God uses those difficult times to shape us, draw us, break us, affirm us, encourage us. So often in hindsight, we can look back and see His holy hand guiding and directing, allowing and, at times, grieving our choices. How beautiful that it ALL works for GOOD!
Praising God this morning for your lovely testimony of God’s faithfulness:).
Thank you for sharing your testimony here, Iris. It’s so clear to see how God has His hand in different circumstances to lead you always closer to Him. Yet of course these are the times of struggle and pain — when we don’t know WHY we’re not happy! I can see that your Dad’s personality must live through your gift of encouragement.
Gulp, I am trying to swallow the lump in my throat and hold back tears. Oh well, let them flow… I too, lived the prodical life. Praise God He is a God of “no questions asked… I love you.”
Powerful testimony, thank you! Be blessed! Lynn 🙂
What a beautiful testimony of God’s love and forgiveness. Your life really exemplifies what the Christian life is all about… our wanderings and His forgiveness. The story of the prodigal son is a favorite of mine, and maybe it should be renamed “The Faithful Father!” *-) I’m so glad you can receive encouragement from your heavenly Father, now that your natural father is gone. Have a blessed weekend, Iris.
Ah! No wonder you’re such an encourager – you get it from your fathers (plural!).
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Iris!
What a great testimony! Really… I love the quote “Your life is already planned ~ don’t refuse to follow…” it’s really so true. Your Dad was a wise man.
Thanks for sharing your testimony it really was encouraging, your Dad sounds like he was very special
Again, I can relate on so many levels. I never thought about the fact that someone may have been praying for me…as I should pray for others. Thank you for this insight into my heart. Your Dad loved you enough to let you go…how hard that is for us…you were fortunate to have such a wise and loving father. God Bless!
Thanks for sharing, I love testimonies.
Your story is one that I hear alot. People who grew up in church, then strayed away during early adulthood, but eventually they find their way back. I guess I should say, God calls them back.
I’m with Lynn…I have a lump in my throat too. Iris, thank you for sharing your testimony. I feel really connected to you right now.
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. I loved reading it and seeing God’s fingerprints all over it.
Although I had exactly the same education as you I continued my way otherwise, being happily married to an Italian since 36 years. We also have a son of 33. Maybe we took different ways because I stayed in Europe and you moved to the States where that’s my believe people are much more involved in religion then over here.
Iris,
Your father’s advice is amazing. I agree with the others who said you take after your father when it comes to encouraging others. Wonderful testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful testimony, Iris.
My dad played a big part in my testimony as well.
Blessings to you.
I too love the story of the prodigal. I have felt like one and I await the return of my oldest sibling . . . waiting for that prodigal to come home! Two out of three in my childhood home are living for the Lord. Thank the Lord for parents who train their children in the way they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from it! I’m enjoying my tour through these testimonies. God bless you today!
Thanks for sharing. I posted mine just today.
You have a beautiful testimony, Iris. I’m so glad that God drew you back to Himself! Thanks for sharing!
Yours is a beautiful testimony and shows the faithfulness of our Lord. Always there for us whenever we are ready to receive Him.
I am praying for my prodigal son to return to Christianity. Sometimes I allow myself to have a glimpse into that wonderful time and it keeps me praying.
Iris, Thanks for sharing this. It is a beautiful testimony. God is good all of the time.
Hi Iris,
This is the first time I have read your testimony and I am glad I did. There is so much truth in your words, I know because I too strayed and the Father welcome me back with love and not judgement.
May you always feel Him close to you..
I just read your testimony ………..
I’m off to read more of your blog.
Your Dad…. was a blessing. So was my Angel Mother.
Lea
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I can relate to this story. My dad died when I was 11. My brother comitted suicide when I was 17. I grew up knowing God, but feeling very mad at Him. I knew what good girls did but my heart was never in it. I went my own way, but not doing anything really that “bad” except ignoring God. I’m so glad now for the freedom I have from shame. And even when we screw up, God always forgives if we ask Him too…
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope God continues to use you!
MB’s last blog post..Thank You!
Praise Lord,today i want to search something special informations,and ask God what would you give me special things?
Then i find this website:Christian Women & Bloggers.
I\’m very happy to read your sharings.
May God bless you and with you always!
Joanna —From China
Thank you for sharing your testiimony. This Prodigal is so thankful that the Lord has welcomed her back home. There is no better place to be than walking with Jesus!
Your ‘My Wander Years” touched my heart. I, too lost my Dad, my great encourager in 2008. I miss him so very much. I also have a son, Daniel, and another son, Matthew. They are college students, so they have left the nest to reside at their schools. My husband and I are trying to adjust to the emptiness around us. I feel I am at the point of “now what do I do?” I came across your blog because I am off my feet at the present time, (again).
Thank you for your blog. I have found a kindred spirit. Please pray for my family. I will remember you in my prayers.
Blessings,
Jan
What a beautiful testimony, Iris! Yes, He always welcomes us back! And I, for one, am incredibly thankful for His forgiveness and grace. Our God is great!
Thanks for sharing!
Living for Him, Joan
Iris,
what an awesome story.
I can tell by the sincerety of your testimony, Jesus is vibrant in your life. God bless you and I am so thankful God takes us back no matter how far we’ve gone away from Him.
WOW! It was like reading a story about myself! I happen to stumble upon your website a few weeks ago and follow your blog. Although I’m in a different season (married with two boys, 10 & 8) our stories are so similar. God is so amazing! I also started delving in photography and it’s my passion and hoping someday to do more of it.
Thank you for your Thankful Thursdays, a radio station here in Ohio does that and it’s such a great idea! Many Blessings Iris!