Bread of Affliction and Water of Adversity = Hope

First morning of the new year. Much too cold to sit on the deck with my coffee, but I'm pretty sure Katie dog and I will be taking a walk in a little bit. I know it's traditional to say Happy New Year and look ahead to the new year, as if waking up one morning is going to make everything different—better, happier, healthier, wealthier, wiser and all the other things we wish for. 2013 was a challenging year for our family. We have said several times that we're ready to say good-bye and to embrace 2014!  Truth be told that as hard as some of it was, I don't think I will dismiss last year so quickly, as I reflect upon it this morning. 

I did awake this morning with a sense of both relief and anticipation.  While I have made new goals for my business, new personal goals, and new goals for our family, I won’t dismiss all of what I learned last year.  Some of the “old” will definitely remain.  I realized last Sunday, through some indescribable moving of the Holy Spirit, that God has been refining me, breaking me – and breaking my heart, honing me and reshaping me particularly in the last year, to grow into the image He has for my life.

How can I say I wish anything had been different? I learned that in no uncertain terms, I am not in charge—of anything.  I can pray and beg and rail at God and He responds as He sees fit. Sometimes the two seem incompatible and diametrically opposite. I would give or do just about anything to have my Mom back with us. I have felt her though, many times since March. She is in the “serendipity” I have experienced since then. I believe whole-heartedly, she has guided some of my goal-setting and certainly intervened in a more esoteric, spiritual realm. I won’t share all the “everyday” incidents (though I am going to begin journaling them) but I have an unshakable certainty that it is so. I find myself smiling more than once a day, knowing it’s her.

I won’t presume to say that I will be at better anything or in any way in 2014.  I will only say that I will try, every single morning, to wake up with a sense of relief and anticipation. Relief to have “survived” another day on earth, and relief to wake up with the hope and promise of yet another day . Anticipation that whatever happens, whomever I meet, however things turn out, God has all of “it” all figured out. And Mom will be with me always, in the serendipity.

 

“For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17).

“For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; You shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you.  And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, but your eyes shall see your teachers. Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30:19-21 NIV).

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:3-5 NIV).

 

Blessings on your journey, Mary

Perfectly Perfect Perfection

Synonyms for irrestible: alluring, beckoning, charming, enchanting, fascinating, glamorous, imperative, indomitable, ineluctable, inevitable, inexorable, invincible, lovable, overpowering, overwhelming, potent, powerful, ravishing, scrumptious, seductive, stunning, tempting, unavoidable, unconquerable, urgent

This is a post about perfection and the pursuit thereof -- okay . . . it's about my perfection and the lack thereof! I was making a statement earlier about my pursuit of perfection and while that is an "easy" word for one to define, I wanted to explain the hold that pursuing something so elusive and impossible can have on us and our lives. Irrestible is the word that came to mind and I knew that was on track, but, being a writer, I wanted just the *oops* perfect word or phrase. So I went to dictionary.com where I found the definitions above.

This whole thought process began in a very "ordinary" way yesterday. I had agreed to bring a dessert item to a lunch and learn meeting at church this afternoon.  I had decided I really wanted to make the adorable brownie bite "santa hats" in the picture.  After a trip to the grocery store I began assembly of the "hats" and my husband was surprised that I used "store-bought" brownie bites.

(There is absolutely nothing wrong with using "store-bought" anything! In fact, I had decided earlier in the week that I would, indeed, use store-bought brownie bites to make these.) My dear husband, though, is all too aware of my unrelenting pursuit of perfection - in everything I do (and is very familiar with my from-scratch baking habit). (Not that I AM perfect - rather that I pursue perfection--like a rat on a wheel!)

So . . . if you're still with me . . .  Bottom line is this:  It's appropriate and desirable to desire to be the best we can, in all aspects of our lives. However, pursing perfection can, in and of itself, become our purpose and our primary goal. It can make us (me) crazy - and drive those around us crazy too! But perfection is truly irrestible . . .  we will do anything and everything to pursue it.

I stated in a post on Facebook that when we spend to much time and energy pursuing perfection, it becomes urgently beckoning.  The pursuit takes over our lives, consumes us, turns us inside out! Even though we realize, in our sane moments, that we never can and never will achieve perfection, it is alluring and irrestible, until it becomes both imperative and overwhelming.

What is so "insane" is that the definition of the word I was looking for to describe my pursuit of perfection, actually describes God: alluring, beckoning, fascinating, indomitable, invincible, lovable, overwhelming, potent, powerful, stunning, unconquerable. 

That means that if I pursue my own perfection rather than the perfection that is God, I am guilty of idolotry. It means I am putting myself on the same level as God! That is just plain sinful!  Yes, I should strive to be the best "me" possible, but I sin when I seek perfection. 

God doesn't want us to be perfect--he doesn't expect us to be!  He wants us to seek Him! And he want us to have the same zeal in seeking Him - the alluring, beckoning, fascinating, indomitable, invincible, lovable, overwhelming, potent, stunning, unconquerable God of heaven and earth -- as we do in pursuit of own perfection.


"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:8 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Revisit, Reread, Reframe, Reset

I shared a post a couple of years ago about the depth and breadth of God's love and I thought I would repost and share it with you this morning.  I've been struggling this past couple of weeks with "letting go and letting God" about several situations in my life.

I have become caught up in my timing and not God's! Such impudence! Rereading this post helped me reframe and reset my perspective. Wide Open Spaces of God's Grace and Love was just what I needed to read today as a new week begins.

I hope you'll take a few moments to read about how much God wants to bless us - in His time and for His purpose--and how He moves and acts on our behalf before we even think to ask.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Grace and Hope Banish Fear and Doubt

My husband and I attended one of the worship services at our church this morning, and it was clearly God's plan for me to hear the particular sermon and the music this morning!

I told my husband that I came home feeling as if I wanted to delve more deeply into God's Word and that the scripture read and sermon delivered really "hit the bullseye" for me. The sermon was based on the Lenten study at church this year--The 24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton.

The sermon included brief video clips of the author in the Holy Land - in the actual locations of Christ's last hours on earth -- Gethsamane, the walk to stand before the high priest, then to Pilate where His earthly fate was sealed.

I was reminded of the human emotions Jesus must have experienced--fear, anguish, perhaps even hopelessness(?). I found myself deeply grieved by the shallowness of my own fears and anguish, frustration and yes, hopelessness at any given time.

To read the story of the end of Jesus' life, it is impossible to doubt that we worship a God who understands us and all our emotions, our weaknesses, our shortcomings. Our scripture today was Mark 14:53-72. Peter's denial of Jesus is included in this scripture. Peter loved Jesus so much and yet he denied knowing him! I can't help but recall all the times I chose the "easy path" in my faith walk. I understand Peter. Fear is a compelling emotion. So is doubt. So is hopelessness.

Isn't it amazing how words written so long ago - about events that took place so long ago, could still speak to the very core of who and what we are? Isn't it amazing that God loved/loves us enough that He chose to become like us - and yet never like us. Jesus walked to the Cross as a man. He felt all the same emotions a human man would feel. His choice gives us hope, reassurance and courage.

Jesus died for us. God's grace conquered our fear and doubt once and for all. Because He rose, we can have hope. Because of Jesus.

And that is all I need to know!

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

The true reason for the season

The Christmas counter shows less than 2 days until the birthday of Jesus! I am very excited because our daughter and son-in-law will arrive in a few hours. We'll only have them for a couple of days this year - we adore our in-laws, but often wish we all lived in the same town so we didn't have to "divide" the holidays;-)

Anyway, in light of my prayer focus for 2012, I've continued to reread some earlier posts to get some idea of how I'll proceed. I'm especially focusing on those experiences last year (and previous years) that have brought me to this focus.

In the Christmas theme, I would like to share a post from December 2010, Wide Open Spaces of God's Love. Talk about the perfect gift: God's grace!

Praying you take a few moments to think about--and enjoy--the true reason for the season.


Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Asking God for the "Big Stuff"

So I've been asking God to bless me -- about lots of things and in lots of ways and He has been so faithful and I am so blown away! Of course, when things turn out they way we want them to it's easy to be thankful and happy!

On Friday I had a thought: "If I trust God to answer all those little prayers, why am I not asking Him for the "big" stuff? I realized God answers all those little prayers to encourage us--rather to implore us--to ask Him for the really big, important, life-impacting blessings. I know this! I have known this!

Sometimes it takes a few quiet moments in the car to get my head on straight. Sometimes I need that time with God--not so I can tell Him what I want or think I need--rather to listen to Him. Prayer is, after all, a two-way conversation and sometimes we need to shut up and wait for Him to speak!

On Friday, I listened! God spoke - not like thunder or in a cloud of smoke, not with a voice I could hear. He spoke to my heart and my head -- He reminded me that, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV). Also, "And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened" (Luke 11:9-10 ESV).



I won't share the details, but my list is being compiled. There are some HUGE requests on the list. You might think it's nuts to ask for BIG blessings. You might think it's "impolite" or ungrateful. I did for a long time. I sort of figured I have "enough" and there are so many who don't that it is greedy to ask God's blessings. Wait a minute!!!! Doesn't that limit God? Isn't that a mindset that says God has limited blessings to dole out?

Hello!! If I have limited blessings it is because I don't trust God enough to be without limit - whether it is in my own life, in the world, or in the universe! God is limitless-Alpha, Omega, I AM. HE IS. God who cannot be confined or contained is the God I ask to bless me - in ways that I cannot even fathom! He's done it before -- which is the really crazy part - He has blessed me in this way in the past! He wanted me to keep asking. I didn't--again my limited mind and reasoning limited me.

God wants us to ask Him for our heart's desire. He wants to bless us extravagantly! "Ask, Mary," He bids me."Just Ask."

I'm not asking Him to deliver while I sit back and wait! I fully recognize I will be required to step up my prayer life. I'll also need to be open and receptive to His leadings--that still small voice.

I fully expect His blessings. How about you? Is your faith in a small God? Do you believe God can "kind of" help you? Do you ask God for the little stuff and never even think to ask Him about the BIG stuff? I urge you to let go of the gospel of "a little" and begin studying the God of abundant and extravagant grace manifested as blessings He longs to pour out into our lives.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Sharing God's Grace at Kroger

My experiment this Lenten season has been quite fascinating. I have realized my spirits are lighter and I am less grouchy since I committed to stop complaining. I know part of my new attitude has to do with the season, but I even surprised myself this afternoon at Kroger.

I was understandably tired after a long day at work and honestly my feet hurt from the heels I was wearing. But I needed to do my weekly grocery shopping. I strolled through the store and noticed many fellow shoppers smiling at me - and even a couple looked away and looked back to me. I finally realized it was probably because I was smiling:-) Can you imagine? Smiling in the grocery store?

I finished my rounds and got in line at the check out, unloaded my groceries, sorted my coupons, you know the drill.

When the cashier asked me the 'mandatory' how are you this evening? I replied, "I'm great!" She was taken aback for a moment and told me I was her first "great" all day! I explained that it was a new attitude I'm trying out and smiled at her. She claimed, "Well it's working!" As the young man finished bagging my groceries the cashier asked him if I wasn't the nicest customer he'd had all day.

Now, this is not about me and how wonderful I am! This is about how one person can, indeed, have a positive influence on the world. That cashier was beaming as I left the store. I bet she was extra perky to the remainder of her customers this evening. And I bet some of those customers will be cheered by her positive attitude.

I think back to my random act of buying coffee for the next person in line at the convenience store . . . the smallest things--a few simple words or actions, can change the course of someone's entire day. When I make a conscious decision to notice God's grace pouring into my life, my entire day is more enjoyable. And I am more able to share God's grace with others.

You can probably tell I'm pretty pumped up! I pray I can keep up my new "lease on life" and remember each day that God not only waits for us, but runs to meet us on the road!

"For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf" (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NAS).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

The Prodigal's Older Brother (or sister)

Our pastor has been preaching for several weeks about the parable of the prodigal son. It's one that I've always struggled with -- since I've always considered myself to be like "the older brother" in the story.

As I type this I find myself chuckling and honestly, somewhat embarassed, at my arrogance! Making a statement like, "I'm like the older brother" implies I have been good and righteous, upright and proper, that I've always traveled the 'high road' and chosen the 'right' way over the 'easy' one. It brings to mind one who has been overlooked and unappreciated. When you (I) really think about it, I am entitled to complain! You might (I have all too often) become angry that I have been so poorly treated!

"Excuse me," I say to myself. "What are you thinking?!" You see, like the eldest son, I have overlooked the grace in my own life--the times I was less than honorable but was blessed none the less. The times I failed to do what was right -- or as bad -- did what was right and then felt resentment that "the world" didn't applaud me! Yes, even the times I absolutely and completely deserved to be punished for some sin or another and God forgave me -- granted me blessings, answered prayers and poured out His grace upon my life without proper thankfulness and humility on my part.

How dare I? What was I thinking all these years? Who was I kidding, anyway? So, my pastor will no doubt be pleased to realize that at least one of those in the pews this morning heard his message. I'm sure he never imagined that the words he spoke were prepared in advance for me to hear. The notes I took from his sermon:

Joy and resentment cannot reside together. There is no room for joy when we feel resentment. . . Resentment = complaining [imagine my ears perking up here!] God loves all equally. No it's not fair = that can make us resentful. [My favorite part is next] Like the father in the parable, God leaves the party to draw us in, to draw us to Him in spite of our sinful resentment.

Wow! Imagine how these words resonated for me, especially in light of my recent revelations about gratitude and complaining. Some years ago I had a conversation with my pastor about how "hard" it was to be the older son. At that time he acknowledged my feelings - and understood. He also urged me "not to miss the party" as I wrestled with my feelings. Sound advice. Finally heeded, several years later.

I am so thankful to realize that I am in reality the prodigal child to whom God runs, while I am still far off down the road, to embrace me. God's grace waits for us to "get it."


Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Wide Open Spaces of God's Grace and Love

"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us--set us right with him, make us fit for him--we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he had already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand--out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary--we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit" (Romans 5:1-5 (MSG), 4-5 RSV)!

Wow! I haven’t ever read this version of Romans! Romans can be bit convoluted -- Paul thinks, and writes(!) like I often do, a kind of free flowing, wordy discourse. This paraphrase made it a bit easier to understand, I think. What Paul is saying is that we may think we’re acting alone in accepting Christ as our Savior. The truth is: God’s already taken the first step--He’s all ready for us! We thought we were planning a surprise party, but guess what? The surprise is ours!

I think of the story of the Prodigal Son--we are so much like that younger son, aren’t we? We go plodding down the road that leads us to the father‘s house, head hung down, beaten down physically, emotionally, spiritually, and determine we’ll finally admit we are unable to live without our Father--and we are willing to live on his property as a servant, rather than be without him. Rather than assigning the wayward child to the servant’s quarters, the Father runs, jubilantly to his child. He is so excited he can’t wait for the child to come the entire way home. He leaps and runs and calls out in joy, welcome home! That’s how God is too! We think it’s all our idea to turn our lives over to Christ. But guess what? Christ already cleared the way for us!

And there’s more! We continue to rejoice because once we accept Christ as our savior -- life only gets better! Oh, we will certainly have problems, struggles, probably even some heavy burdens to bear. But we know we are no longer alone. We know we have our Savior to bear our burdens with us. He is our constant companion, laboring with us that last mile to the Father. He holds us up, lest we stumble and fall before we reach our destination. He is there for us through it all and will never, ever leave us alone. Reason indeed to continue rejoicing!

Passionate patience. I like that term. When I’m in that state, my husband calls it restlessness. And that’s what it is. Not only is God excited about what He’s doing in me, I’m anxious for Him to reveal it, so I can get to it! I am, admittedly, more passionate than I am patient, but God works with me anyway! I long to run out in the “wide open spaces of God’s grace and love.” Jesus leads us there. And there’s more! “we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” It almost sounds like those “infomercials” that air late at night: But wait! There’s even more! For a limited time only, you get twice the bargain. The difference is, we’ve already got it!

I hope in light of the amazing grace of God, you will remain alert for whatever God wants of you next. And that you will rejoice with me because, we know that “suffering produces endurance, . and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.”

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Where Our Greatest Joy Meets The World's Greatest Need

Sometimes--often actually--when I offer assistance or advice or even just a listening ear, I find I am the one who comes away having been ministered to.

When I share ideas and dreams and opinions with others, my own mind is broadened and my opinions and attitudes are usually reshaped and enlarged. I think so many of us are afraid to give away any part of ourselves to another, fearing we will be diminished. I have found, and firmly believe, that it is in the giving of self to others that we are actually nourished, sustained, enhanced and empowered.

When we recognize that everthing is God's - from Him and for His purpose - it is easier and less risky to share what we have--our possessions, our wisdom and knowledge, our gifts and abilities. Yes, we may get hurt in the process. We may be misunderstood or taken advantage of. Worse . . . we may be thought a fool or considered naive! But in the end we have no choice, because nothing is ours to begin with!

The trick is to find our purpose and to release our sense of self-importance or significance beyond the One through whom and from whom we are significant. The trick is to find what theologian Frederick Buechner describes as vocation: "where our greatest joy meets the world's greatest need."

That's the sweetest place to be in the end. It is when I find myself there that I am the most joyful, peaceful, free. Where is that place for you, in your life?

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

LIfe in the real world

Angela's post at Free Spirit Haven about her "life in the real world" being more fulfilling than it had in the past really hit home with me.

I haven't spent as much time on my blogging as in the the past. At one point I had become almost like a slave to posting, posting, posting on multiple blogs. But at some point I realized God wanted me to expend my time and energy in my "other" life more than in the blogosphere.

Like Angela, our family has had some struggles and challenges. Like Angela, our family is stronger because of it all--individually and as a family unit. God is so very good to shape and mold, refine and fine-tune us continually. He longs for us to seek Him and His will. He longs for us to be conformed to His vision of us. When we don't make a concerted effort to sit with Him, to read scripture, pray, spend quality time with Him alone, we risk missing His message(s) to us.

We all need to take time to reorder our priorities once in a while. It's easy to drift off track. I rejoice with each of you that our God is a loving and gracious God with a heart that can hold us close even when we forget to seek Him, honor Him, thank Him for our manifold blessings.

Thanks, Angela, for the reminder that we must place God first, our families next and then everything else "falls into place" according to God's divine plan.

How about you? Are your priorities in order?

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another" (John 1:16 NIV)

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter 5:10 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Full disclosure

Full disclosure time. I'm not proud of my thoughts and my attitude sometimes. I get irritated and overwhelmed by people who are so full of hurt and pain they want to make everyone in their wake hurt and feel miserable about their own circumstances. I actually find myself almost indignant that they would intrude their "bad vibes" into my world.

Now part of my distress is because I am an extremely empathetic person -- I "absorb" the energy around me. That means I naturally become influenced by others' joy and sorrow--anger and pain as well as hope and determination. Knowing this, I should be clothed in the "full armor of God" every instant!

I have Christ as my Savior! Why do I forget that I am not to expend my energy being upset that others who are miserable try to bring me down? Why is it that I fail to go to God in prayer for them and their souls? Too often "it" becomes all about "me." And that is the worse form of sin because it makes ME the center of the universe.

This morning as I read my bible I opened up to 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 and I was soo busted! It was as if Paul was telling me "Convicted, Mary!" Fortunately, he also reminds me that I am saved by the grace of Christ - even though I fail all too often to extend that grace to others.

I feel so much "lighter" now that I have returned God to HIS rightful center of my universe. I am so filled with relief and gratitude that He has been restored to His rightful place in my heart and mind.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you" (2 Corinthians 4:7-12 NIV)

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

The God of all comfort

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV)

"If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. (2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NIV)

Sometimes in life it's hard to do the right thing, to not judge others, to allow God to work His will. I all too often want to rush in and "fix" a given situation to my will, without waiting for the God of all comfort to step in and do His work. It's especially challenging when I know without doubt that I am right and others don't see it.

These are the times Satan interjects himself into our lives. As my husband stated last night, sometimes he doesn't even need an invitation, because the door's wide open! I am praying today that I can keep that door shut and locked.

I'm praying for God's grace and comfort today -- for myself and my family and for you.

Thank you Dear Heavenly Father for pouring out your mercy, comfort and grace upon your beloved children.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

The beauty of grace

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:13-16 NIV).

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" (Ephesians 6:13-16 NIV).

God knows our deepest desires! He also knows all the unpleasant, imperfect things about us - even those we hide . . . even those no one else on earth knows.

The beauty of God's grace is that He loves us anyway! I'm rejoicing in that grace this week. I am so unworthy on my own -- through Christ I am wholly worthy and deserving -- but only through and because of Him.

Thank you Sweet Savior for winning me God's grace on the Cross!

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

Grace Abounds

"Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned -- sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the effect of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:12-17 NRSV).

In other words: God’s grace turns our world upside down! It’s just not logical to be loved in spite of our sin! It doesn’t make sense that no matter how defiant and disobedient we are, God loves us all the more! How can that be?! It seems so improbable that God in the form of Jesus Christ would walk the earth among us and stand in silence before his accusers. Why didn’t he defend himself? Why didn’t he lift his eyes to heaven and call out to his Heavenly father! Why?

Why did he do that? Why would anyone? It is inexplicable to be loved so powerfully! It is unfathomable that a God so big would love us so very much. It is unimaginable that we are of such great value to one so great and mighty! The One who made the earth and placed the stars in the sky--the One who waits for us in heaven -- Alpha and Omega -- is the One who watches over us and cares for us and loves us through this journey called life on earth.

But again, we must ask, “Why?” I don’t know! I love my children beyond description -- and my husband. I would certainly die for any of them. But would I die for you? Would I silently walk up that hill to be hung on a cross for my neighbor across the street? Or for the person in the check out line at the grocery store? Or the mechanic who works on my car? Would you?

I hope you spend today reveling in truth that Jesus died for you.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

I'm Taking The Love Dare

I just noticed something today. I know I shouldn't be surprised, but sometimes I just get distracted and don't make a point to notice things -- or at least to acknowledge them in the moment.

Almost three weeks ago I began reading the book, The Love Dare with about 40 women at Christian Women Take Root. I thought it seemed like a good idea as my belief is that our marriage (of 33 years as of June 12!) is better than it ever has been and I think I secretly expected to discover I (we) didn't "need" to do the study. Imagine my consternation at NOT being able to say, "Oh I don't need to improve in this area" about ANY of the areas thus far! Nor, I suspect, will I in all honesty say that at any point throughout the remainder of the book.

The group is, I believe, on Day 21 or 22. I'm on Day 18. I am not unenthusiastic, just very, very busy and being pulled in many directions right now. Also we are on largely opposite schedule so can go a couple of days in a row with only phone contact. My first thoughts were of resenting that I should be the one who changes. After all . . . it takes two to make a marriage. But when I am completely honest with myself, I am not the person I would like to be. Not that I'm not a good person . . . just not as much as I'd like to be. Whether I change "for my marriage" or "for myself" was not really the point. It was that I desired to be a better person.

Okay, so I first admitted there was 'some' room for improvement. By day three I surrendered completely to the process admitting that I need and want to change in many ways small and not so small! I haven't told my husband anything about what the assignment for each day was. I obviously haven't even kept up with the daily assignments. Again, in part it's because of our crazy schedules.

I have been changing though. Some of it has been conscious. Some, though, is unconscious--almost like osmosis from reading the book and reading about what the others are experiencing. And lately I've noticed a difference in my husband too. Remember the only thing I told him was that I was participating with the group. I have no idea if he looked up the book, read a review of it, or even gave it another thought. Just the fact that I cared enough to read the book brought about subtle changes in him -- and in us.

Today, I noticed a difference in how I deal with situations at work and how and what I think of others. I am extending more grace! If nothing else, The Love Dare study has reminded me just how desperately I am in need of God's all-sufficient, all-encompassing grace - not just today, but every single day of my life. Every hour. Every minute. With every breath. In light of my acknowledging God's grace toward me, a sinner, I am more willing and able to extend grace to others.

It's really like ripples of water, growing and expanding wider and wider with each small change in me. My marriage is improving. My work is improving. Other relationships are improving. My life is improving. We are all interconnected in ways we don't even realize and cannot even imagine, so I know the changes in me are bringing about changes in others.

I know others in my life are being impacted in their other relationships as well. God uses us in ways small and large to advance His kingdom. He is so very good to allow my small efforts to surpass any hopes and dreams I have about making an impact on the world. I'm figuring by the time I finish the book, the ripples will be as big as the ocean itself!


"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us' (Hebrews 12:1 NIV).

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize" (1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV).

THANKFUL THURSDAY

1) I am thankful that my son is beginning a work internships next week. He's doing so well in his job training program and realizing some successes! He is beginning to feel really good about himself.

2) I am thankful for my job. It is challenging at times, but I thoroughly enjoy it and know that I am making a positive difference for my employer and the children our agency serves.

3) I am thankful for my husband. He is the hardest working man I know--and the most faith-filled.

4) I am thankful for the gift of grace. I am often awe-struck that God sent His Son to die on a cross for such as me. Incredible. Amazing. Incomprehensible.

5) I am thankful for my friends-"old" and new. I am richly blessed to have loyal, loving and genuine Christian friends in my life.

What are you thankful for today? Stop by Sonya's blog, Truth 4 The Journey, to find out how to share your gratitude and see what others are thanking God for today.

God's All-Surpassing Grace

Growing up I was taught that there are different "levels" of sin. The teaching was that some sins are less offensive to God than others. For instance, I learned that telling a lie wasn't nearly as bad as murdering someone, so it wasn't as egregious in God's eyes.

On some level, that still makes sense to me. Obviously murder is wrong in just about everyone's book! Don't think I'll get much argument there. But what about those lesser sins? Well, to my mind they are almost worse because we tend to adopt an attitude of "Well, at least I . . ." That's a dangerous attitude, don't you think!?

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:3 NIV)

We've been having conversations at our house about Kaylee Anthony. That is a sad story--beyond sad. My husband commented the other evening that it was just impossible for him to imagine the grief of that grandfather. He brought it right home when he said, "Just think about what we would have missed." We have two beautiful children. We have rejoiced in them and reveled in their lives from the moment they were conceived. How sad it would have been to have missed a single moment. Our lives just would not have been complete.

I am struggling with forgiving that baby's mom. Really struggling. I have realized that she is mentally unstable, but I still struggle. I have had to turn my struggle over to God because I know I have sinned--continue to sin--on a regular basis. It would be so easy for me to say, "At least I didn't murder my child."

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8)

But did I yell at one of them out of my own impatience? Did I criticize my spouse because something wasn't done to my specifications? Did I covet the possessions of a friend or neighbor? Did I complain albeit to myself (and God) that I don't have as much as I would like to have? Have I rushed ahead of God, failing to wait on Him and His word? Have I ommitted my morning prayer time because I had "too much to do" before I started my day?

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it. (Genesis 4:7 NIV)

Oh! In that case, I have no right to judge another--even a murderer. Really. Sin is sin. It all breaks God's heart. Every time I do or act like the scenarios I posed in the previous paragraph, I send an arrow directly into the heart of God. The exact same size and shape as the arrows of other sinners.

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake. (Psalm 79:9)

This morning I have committed to try to replace my judgement of the poor, mentally ill young mother who killed her child to the grandparents who adored that baby. As my husband said, we know what they will miss out on because we have a beautiful daughter who is now a young adult. We know how good and full and blessed a life can be. And we grieve that those grandparents won't have that to look forward to.

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! (Romans 5:15)

I thank God for His grace, which saves me from my sin. I think I have enough for which to ask God's forgiveness without deciding anyone else's sin is beyond His grace. That in and of itself is sinful!

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. (Titus 2:11 NIV)

IT'S THANKFUL THURSDAY TIME!

After you read my list, stop over at Truth 4 The Journey and see Sonya's list and link to everyone else participating in this great meme.

I'm so glad I didn't have time to post this until this afternoon because I have more to be thankful for than I did this morning! Isn't that wonderful?!

1) I'm thankful the sun is shining! It is so pretty this afternoon. The air is fresh and clear and I just can't help but rejoice in the beauty of the day.

2) I'm thankful I saw the sunrise this morning. From my kitchen window I looked out to see a red-streaked sky - just breathtaking.

3) I'm thankful that I finished writing my first column for Christian Women Take Root (with a quick critique from a dear Christian sister/writer). It will be posted in the next couple of weeks.

4) I have had several opportunities to help writer friends with everything from proofreading to critiquing. It's a blessing to help other writers in the journey.

5) I'm thankful for God's unfathomable grace won for me and you by His Son.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday Rich Gifts Graphics & Blog Design


Sonya at Truth for the Journey started listing 5 things she is thankful for on Thursdays some time ago and invited others to join her. So, here goes:

1) I am thankful first and foremost for Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made to afford me eternity in heaven.

2) I am thankful for God's grace - which He extends to me in abundance - because I need it abundantly:-)

3) I am ever thankful for my husband, whose faith and strength are an inspiration to me.

4) I am thankful for my children, and all that they have become and everything they are becoming.

5) I am thankful for the people God has placed in my path - as a human being, a Christian, a writer, a member of church family.

I could keep going, probably up to about #100 but I think I'll stop here and make this an every Thursday habit. It's a good exercise and a great way to stay focused on my blessings.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [1 Timothy 1:14 NIV]