You Really Are God’s Handiwork (& a beautiful jewelry giveaway!)

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV) Ephesians 2:10 

For more years than I’d like to admit, I refused to believe I was God’s handiwork. After all, why in the world God create a person who always seemed to be messing up? How could God call someone His ‘handiwork’ – a work made by one’s own hands of which they are supposed to be proud of – when that someone has things in their past which God was surely not proud of? And how could one’s life be considered His ‘handiwork’, if one can’t see anything masterful being built at all?

Ever asked yourself those questions? If so, listen up friend. In the Old Testament, Psalm 139:13 says “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  And then in the New Testament we read this verse in Ephesians 2:10 above. He knew us in the womb, He crafted us, knitted us together piece by piece and we are His handiwork.

In the same way He crafted our physical bodies into a beautiful handiwork, He crafts our lives into a masterpiece too, which is exactly what I talked about in todays Proverbs 31 Devotion, When You Can’t See What God Is Building. In that devotion I share a story about my husband and son building a pyramid, of which I had no idea how it would turn out until it was all said and done. My husband – being the builder that He is – knew what he was building, while I – not being a builder at all – could not visualize what he had in mind.

mm1Yet when I saw the end result, I was amazed. Here are a couple pictures of the handiwork they built in our garage four years ago.mm I was planning on buying some glue and foam board, and my husband breaks out saws, hammers, lumber and nails. Have mercy. Needless to say, both my men got an A on that project. 🙂

As promised in today’s devotion, I have such a unique giveaway today!! I’m giving away THREE B-E-A-U-tiful Your Life Still Counts necklaces which are custom made by my new friend Amber James.  Each necklace has a little red umbrella, just like on the front cover of the book, with the word “purpose” on the front, with the scripture Jeremiah 29:11 on the back. My prayer is that each time you wear it, you’ll remember that God uses all things for good and that He has a great plan and purpose for your life – not despite your past, but because of it!

To enter to win one of these beautiful jewelry pieces, leave a quick comment stating why this piece might be special to you or someone you love, and then share about it on Facebook and/or Twitter. The more you share, the greater your chances of winning! To make it easy, I’ve put a few pre-made posts below to just copy and paste. Good luck!! necklace1

 COPY AND PASTE TWEET: 

I just entered to win a beautiful Your Life Still Counts custom necklace at blog! You can enter too at

COPY AND PASTE FACEBOOK POST:

Do you ever wonder if your life still counts to God? Check out blog today for encouragement & enter to win a beautiful custom made ‘Your Life Still Counts’ necklace!   

 

necklaceIf you’d like to purchase a Your Life Still Counts necklace for you or someone you love, please visit the links below.

VISIT AMBER’S ETSY STORE TO PURCHASE A LIFE STILL COUNTS NECKLACE or check her out on  www.facebook.com/Designing4One

If you’d like more info about Your Life Still Counts or want to purchase your copy, click here, and be sure to read about all the free gifts you can claim.

 

If you are visiting my blog today, consider subscribing to my posts in the right hand sidebar so you don’t miss any of the upcoming Past Into Purpose Story Series posts! The first of the 20 is below. 

57 Comments

  1. Jeanie Benson on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:32 am

    I have a close friend who lost her husband last year by suicide. She is doing great on the outside, but I’m worried about her in the inside. I know God has great plans for her but I want to make sure she knows that as well. I try to speak words of encouragement and I pray for her often. I believe the necklace could help her remember she does have a purpose.
    I enjoyed your devotion today and I’m sharing it on my Twitter and Facebook page. Thank you.



    • Tracie on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 8:52 am

      What a wonderful friend you are Jeanie. Thank you for sharing your comment.



  2. Erin G on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:49 am

    My mother-in-law is starting chemo today for the second time. She fought and beat uteran cancer three years ago, but now she is facing a battle with lung cancer. This beautiful necklace for her would be a reminder of how God uses all parts of our lives for a purpose, including the painful and not so pretty parts.
    This devotion was exactly what I needed this morning. Thank you! 🙂



    • Tracie on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 8:53 am

      Praying for your mother in law Erin – so sorry for all she is going through but I pray God does give her peace in knowing that He has a plan and purpose for her pain and for her life.



  3. Heidi on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:56 am

    I have been struggling with understanding how God is working in me, that he allowed the bad things in my life but is somehow going to use them for good. I think the necklace would help me to remember that He really is working to create a masterpiece in me and I have a purpose. I recently bought the book but found myself slowly going through it as it is emotionally draining to try to look at my pain from the past and reshape and rethink it.u



    • Tracie on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 8:54 am

      Heidi – thank you for your transparency – it is so hard when God first begins tugging at our heart to help us face what’s happened, but recognize how much we are loved and valued by Him, and that He longs to turn our pain into purpose which is what brings the greatest peace and healing for us. Thank you for buying the book and I pray God speaks to your heart loud and clear.



  4. Dianna Songer on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:59 am

    this is one of my favorite verses in the Bible, the good Lord knows of the plans he has for you in the future Jer. 29:11, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.



  5. Sandy on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 8:50 am

    This would be special to me and my youngest daughter. We adopted her at age 11, five years ago after abuse and neglect. The last two years have been a crazy ride as we struggled to get her the help she needed after the worst of the reprecussions of what happened to her came knocking. She is now in the midst of a life changing journey. I thank God for His plan and His timing. Her story isn’t yet complete, but she is right where she needs to be. She is a gifted writer and I know He has big plans for her.



    • Tracie on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 8:57 am

      Oh how that breaks my heart Sandy. What a high calling you answered by adopting that precious girl and I know God will get you all through it and reward you for such sweet obedience. One day she’ll realize how blessed she was to be adopted by parents who taught her to know and love the Lord, and to see how His plans for her life become visible.



  6. Lori+A. on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 9:11 am

    This is a beautiful reminder when life isn’t going as I planned.



  7. debbie+herbst on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 9:26 am

    I love this idea of “God’s holy vision”. What a perspective on life when I feel like I am just trudging along. Yet, to think that all parts of my life are the master piece, is amazing. My daughter has struggled with health issues and at age 19, the necklace would be an encouraging reminder that it is not in vain. Thank you.



  8. LRF on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 9:44 am

    Note: I tweeted & did FB post!
    I need the reminder that God is working-working even through my illnesses, my marriage troubles, my heart that is burdened for my son’s-that they would be passionate about Jeus. I also, have family members who are going through valleys and this would make a great gift for them as well. I think of my aunt and uncle -he has cancer and was doing so well when recently he got a bad infection-I need to know and they need to know that God is still working, still with them. My sister’s-all 3 of them and my newest sister (in law:) all have areas where they could use this reminder as well. I know this is long but one other has popped into my mind-a mom I know who has 3 children-2 and 7 years and just had a baby girl-about 2 months old. While pregnant her husband was diagnosed with a terrible form of brain cancer and God has been working miracles already but they have many things they are going through and its hard on everyone. They know and love Jesus and their testimony is amazing but it’s still hard, and each day has its own set of challenges. This gal is in a prayer group with me and so sweet -I’d love to give her a visual reminder of God’s promises and if any one reads this comment please pray for her and the whole family. Thanks for the devo and blog post-God used it to encourage me.



    • Mary+Z on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 11:57 am

      I offered up prayer for your family and those you love! God bless you for interceding for others! We are called to be lights in this dark world 🙂



  9. Karolina on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 9:47 am

    I got quite excited when I only saw the title of your devotional today! It is a funny coincidence that we discussed this exact ‘issue’ just last night….how often times we tend to focus/zoom in on the ‘seen’/our circumstances now, in the moment, and let that dictate our attitudes, emotions, and even thoughts about God, instead of choosing to trust God that there is a bigger picture that is unseen to us at the moment. I think a lot of us need the training to practice daily the latter, including me as well (instead of swinging back and forth). I think this beautiful necklace is a much needed reminder for training into us such thinking and attitude. Would love to own one!



    • Karolina on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:21 am

      shared as well.



  10. Meg on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 9:58 am

    After deciding to take time off before college I have struggled with finding purpose. Where is God leading me. How can some of the decisions I feel he’s led me to… come of good? I know God has a plan for me and this brings me hope. I find joy knowing that even when I am confused over where God is leading… he holds my life in his hand. He created each of us for a reason! Thank you for sharing this devotional today. The necklaces are very beautiful and seem like not only a good way to remind yourself that God has a plan and purpose for your life, but also could be a wonderful way share with others God’s plan and love for each and every person!



  11. Janice on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:07 am

    I have a friend who lost her husband to cancer and is going through a hard time right now especially during the holidays. I want her to know that God still has a purpose for her life.



  12. Peggy Clement on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:11 am

    I love this verse. God has given it to me number of times, He is always faithful.



  13. Wendy Langford on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:45 am

    I have been struggling with why I am even here. I lost my job almost a year ago, I have been passed up for at least 6 jobs. I’m having trouble hearing what God wants for me. Needless to say this has been a stress on my marriage. (that was already at the stress point) I keep praying for a direction or a answer. Thank you for your inspiration, it has helped me to get up in the morning.



  14. Sharon+C. on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 11:14 am

    Almost 11 years ago I was in a coma on life support. Everyone but God and my husband didn’t think I would make it. I love the necklace because it makes me think that God has a purpose for me and everyday I’m looking for that purpose. The necklace will remind me to keep searching for that purpose and PTL that I’m still here and there is Still Somethng Here for Me To Do. Love your book. Thanks, it’s what I needed to hear especially when I’m down and sick. Bless your ministry. Sharon



  15. Mary Z on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 11:53 am

    I would be so honored to receive one of your beautiful necklaces. Jeremiah 29:11 is a scripture that I began standing on when my life fell apart. It’s so easy when things start going wrong and I feel alone to forget that I have a divine purpose in deed. We are all God’s handiwork at how critical it is for us all to remember that! May whoever receives your gift be blessed!! Thank u!



  16. Amanda Evans on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 12:05 pm

    I’d love to win this for my sister!



    • Marion Armitage on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 12:18 pm

      A favori



  17. Debbie Parker on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    I would like to win this as a reminder that even though I’m going through a hard time, God has a plan and a purpose for my life. Thank you for your encouraging blog!



  18. Jodie on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    I’m a fairly new Christian and I have a really hard time believing that God loves me or has a plan for me. I think this would be a daily reminder to help me remember that he does.



  19. Kim+Mora on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    This is one of my favorite verses! I know He has plans for me to prosper in this life and not fail- I must keep looking towards the future with my awesome God!



  20. grace on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 1:44 pm

    Tracie, what a great reminder and I love that you even make this good reminder into a piece of jewelry. I am at that point in my life where I really need to be reminded that God uses all things for good and that He has a great plan and purpose for my life – bad or good — even though I can’t really see things very clear right now – I know that God has His best interest in my life. Thank you!



  21. Lorri Wright on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    Beautiful reminder that God does have a purpose for me even when I’m not sure what it is.



  22. Laura on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 2:06 pm

    I would give a necklace to my friend who is struggling with brain cancer to encourage her.



  23. Bridgette on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    Thanks Mrs. Miles!

    I appreciate having the opportunity to win the necklace and
    personally keep it as memory and a blessing from my sister in
    Christ . . . .Tracie Miles, of whom is such a beautiful
    inspiration to me:-)



  24. Amber+M. on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    I have been through a couple of tough years and looking back i see more of what God was doing. Thanks so much for your post and devo on P31!



  25. Karen on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 5:12 pm

    It is a beautiful necklace. I don’t want to win it — I just like the idea of ‘purpose’ that is what I am looking for. I stay at home with my 95 year old mother -in-law day after day and I can’t figure out what else to do around here. We live in a small apartment, she is always freezing so it is always too hot for me, and I get cranky and wonder ‘why is this happening? why don’t I have something to look forward to? the other in-laws are retired – can go on trips (except to MN to visit their mother) what is the purpose? ‘ God must have a plan (I am the only Christian around this part of the family and even I don’t understand if God has a plan.)



    • Chrissie on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:10 pm

      Karen, I don’t know the reasons why you have the struggles you do, but I do know that we are told “All things work together for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. What that purpose is, we may never know this side of Heaven, but someday, we will know and thank the Lord because He knew just exactly what it was we needed and just when we needed it. God bless you! Stay strong in Him, He will carry you through. Blessings!



  26. Loretta Pearson on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    Love the message and the necklace!



  27. Allison on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:00 pm

    I’m going through a rough time and am trying to remember that although I may fail sometimes that my life still counts (has purpose) and this would be a great reminder when I’m having a bad day or letting those bad thoughts creep in.



  28. Kelly Blackwell on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:17 pm

    I have a dear friend who is retiring before she is really ready. She had a stroke about 2 1/2 years ago. She fought so hard to regain everything that stroke took away from her, but at work, nothing was the same. She went unappreciated often. Too often. It is not her decision to retire. It is being thrust on her. There is still so much that God has for her. I know that in some ways she knows this, but this sweet message in a necklace would be a lovely reminder.



  29. Chrissie on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:18 pm

    Thank you for the devotional today. I’m not seeking nor expecting to win anything here. I just want to say sometimes I don’t know why God has chosen me to be so blessed. I don’t deserve it! Yes, I am faithful in returning tithe…but that does not guarantee anything…my mom, my sister, they were faithful too, but God in his infinite mercy let them go to sleep until the Resurrection. I had a biopsy just last week, and this week was told it was benign. I don’t deserve such a blessing, but I am grateful! I care for my disabled husband (he had a stroke 18 years ago next February 1) What is His plan for my life? I truly do not know, but I thank Him for each breath. I thank Him for the means and way to write His praises here. I thank Him for seeing us through 22 years of marriage. I thank Him for you. God bless as we continue to praise Him and seek His will in our lives. He has the plan, I don’t need to know, I just need to follow Him. Thank you! 🙂



  30. Linda N on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 8:27 pm

    I have a dear friend whose husband walked out of their marriage after 42 years. She feels worthless, rejected, unwanted, unloved – in other words, she is devastated. If I won the necklace, I would give it to her to remind her that she is worthy, accepted, wanted, and deeply loved by God, and that life can have a purpose even when it gets turned upside down. Thank you for the chance to win it.



  31. Lisa Rettig on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 9:22 pm

    I would love to get this for my sister. Jeremiah 29:11 is her favorite verse!



  32. Sharon+C. on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 10:28 pm

    Everytime I see that beautiful necklace I think of God having a purpose for me. I have to be on that potter’s wheel until he’s ready for me. It will all be worth it when I molded in the shape He wants me to be. Looking forward to that day. Thanks, your book proves that I’m still here and needed.



  33. Kathy on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 12:27 am

    I enjoyed the thoughts about how God is using all things in our lives to make us transformed into His image. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, as Psalms 139 states. The last verse from Jeremiah 29:11 has been my life verse and reminds me that He causes all things to work together to bring me good not evil and a purpose and plan for my life . Thank you for your encouraging words.



  34. Mary+T on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 1:22 am

    Tracie, I would give this necklace to my daughter. She is struggling to remember who she really is and to whom her heart truly belongs.



  35. Lori on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 7:50 am

    When you asked why this piece might be special to me or to someone I love, my daughter came to mind. Over the last year she has been going through one trial after another. It would serve as a reminder to her that God does have a plan for her life and that He is with her every step of the way.



  36. cynthia on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 9:06 am

    It is hard to see God clearly when you wake up and are in pain from head to toe from a physically debilitating disease. But Gos IS present during these difficult times. This neclace would be a reminder everyday that he knows my struggles and loves me and will reveal his plan to me someday. Thank you for your posts.



  37. Letitia Stanley on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 9:13 am

    I know God has a good plan and I am faithful He is building & in control – our family has had 3 years of events (not good ones) that have drained us emotionally and it does make it humanly harder to understand the whys. I am eager to see what God’s outcome is – I am 54 and do still wonder almost daily what am I supposed to do now? Am I used up – I can’t seem to figure out my purpose for after 54. But I am faithful God has a plan, I just can’t seem to understand it right now.



  38. Cynthia on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11:02 am

    Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite bible verses. Some days I wonder what God is doing in my life and I struggle to understand His purpose and His plan. But Jeremiah reminds me in this verse that God is in control and He knows what He is doing – all I need to do is stand back and let Him have His way. I would love to have this necklace as a reminder of God’s plan and purpose in my life.



  39. Crystal+Storms on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 10:27 pm

    Sometimes I struggle with things that happened to me as a child. I used to think and sometimes still do that I am less than because of those things.

    I try to remember that God has a purpose for that pain and where He has brought me comfort I can comfort others.



  40. Rachel on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 12:17 am

    At times when I’m feeling low, I struggle a lot to believe that I have a purpose. This necklace might help remind me that I do.



  41. Jeanne on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    As a child of God I am reminded daily that I am not in control. Lost my dad to cancer 3 years ago , through the journey of a couple year battle and monthly 24 hour trips to Cancer treatment Center of America. The Lord used my husband to save my dad. My mom is a cancer survivor, had a heart attack the day after dad’s funeral. Each day I thank God for all I have. Lately, I have been challenged with my 11 year old twin daughter. She has been, well, not herself. I have never felt so weak as a parent or Christian. We as Christians need a constant reminder of God’s love and how he made us special. I feel the necklace could be given to my daughter during this tough time. She is struggling to know if God is really there. Pray for our family. Thank you for ALL you do for Christ!!! Appreciate your Heart.



  42. Patty Schultz on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 7:40 pm

    After having back surgery with complications of nerve damage, I have lost my ability to run, (use to run marathons) and am learning to re-walk again, it has been a long hard process in which at times it feels hopeless, and I often ask Why God? I feel like I no longer have a purpose, my can’t do list out weights my can do list and it is very overwhelming, despair runs deep and I’m afraid of the bitterness growing in my heart. I long to have a purpose again. Thank you for letting me share a part of my story.



  43. Linda on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 3:04 am

    I have a friend who is struggling with life in general. Her daughter is grown, her life is busy, her husband works a lot and she has lost all of her purpose as a wife, mother and employee. Her faith is in crisis too. This necklace could help her see her beauty and purpose.



  44. Juanita Hargrove on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 6:35 am

    The wonderful necklace would be a reminder of the years we struggled, before retirement, in a wee small business with that Scripture as our guide & hope, on display there. Many comments were made by employees & clients, and now is on display in our home, among others God gives to brighten the day. Once retired, our income was cut, yet we have learned God’s purposes and reasons as He provides, surprisingly , by faith, indeed His wonders to behold! Keep up the beautiful things you do, Tracie! You inspire. Jeremiah has some great stuff! Aging sometimes throws loops, yet is overcome, PTL! TGBTG! PS…I love jewelry and wearing to make statements, more so in old age, at 75 in January. It’s good!



  45. Jamie on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 9:25 am

    I have recently recommitted my life to Christ. I grew up in church but starting growing apart from my Heavenly Father. Even after I recommitted my life I was still ashamed of my past and wanted to hide it. By reading your book I am no longer ashamed. I want to be able to help people that have suffered like me. I remind myself daily that my past is for his purpose!



  46. Carletta on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 10:15 pm

    After a lifetime of bad decisions, I am finally discovering that I really matter and my past doesn’t. Even with my past transgressions, having cancer and other health issues, and many other troubles in my life, I know that God is using my story for his glory. I believe that your book is important for women to read. Like me, I felt like damaged goods for so long that it kept me from a relationship with God. I now know that I wasted many years thinking like that. No more though. Jeremiah 29:11 has recently become one of my favorite verses, and I think that the necklace is beautiful. I don’t usually wear many necklaces because I had thyroid cancer with two tracheostomies. I used to try to cover the scars, however, after my son bought me a cross necklace for my birthday, I wear it and other necklaces proudly along with my scars.



  47. Deborah on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 6:53 am

    I enjoyed this post at the Prov31 site. It’s fun to see pictures of the project over here. What an impressive pyramid! I’m currently studying Ezra, about the rebuilding of the destroyed temple, as well as meditating on the verse about being God’s workmanship. This has been a timely post for me — thank you!



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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