Has Grace Got You?

My Saturday early morning walk with my two fur-friends before the blistering heat made its way to us, gave me these two photo opts. I saw this beautiful Grace Church in front of me and the street sign read: “Grace Street”. We turned east and ran into this morning glory of God’s grace shining through to us. My “inside voice” was singing Mercy Me’s song, “Grace Got You” that put a skip to the beat in my feet:

Have you ever met those who
Have you ever met those who
Keep humming when the song's through?
It's like they're living life to
A whole different tune.
And have you ever met those that
keep hoping when it's hopeless?
It's like they figured out / what the rest haven't yet.
The second when you realize / what you have inside
It's only just a matter of time / 'til you
Chorus:
Sing, so the back row hears you
Glide, 'cause walking just won't do
Dance, you don't have to know how to
Ever since, ever since grace got you
Laugh, 'til your whole side's hurting
Smile like you just got away with something
Why? 'Cause you just got away with something
Ever since, ever since grace got you

So when you're standing in the rain again
You might as well be dancing
Why? 'Cause there ain't no storm that
Can change how this ends
So, next time when you feel blue / Don't let that smile leave you
Why? 'Cause you have every reason just to....sing

For the uplifting beat and words that make you raise a praise to the Grace-Giver, check out the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtiUjNT_vAM

I live in God’s grace. I just know it. We all do! No matter what kind of mistake we make, there is always a solution for restitution. It comes in the form of grace. God’s grace that heals and restores. He exchanges our tarnished slate, for a fresh, clean slate so we can begin again. Mistakes are inevitable, but the good news, as God’s repentant kids, all our mistakes are forgivable. That kind of grace is so amazing, God can even turn those mistakes to something good. Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” Most importantly, it reminds me that my God is bigger than my faults and weaknesses and He can turn anything around for His glory!

Maybe all kinds of stuff is being thrown at you -- like the media or your co-workers or your friends or family seem just too much to handle and it seems there’s no hope for tomorrow. I have good news for you. You are not alone. The ONE who created you and loves you and wants your life to be full of joy, peace and happiness…LIVES! And because He lives, your life is worth living. His grace will carry you through! Go ahead — tell tomorrow — “I’m alive. I live in the abundance of God’s grace and that grace HAS GOT ME!"

Mercy Me! Bring on the Light!

It's my annual rant time! That expletive isn’t about the Christian vocal group, Mercy Me! It’s about the ghosts, goblins, zombies, witches, and other Halloween paraphernalia that “haunts” us at retail stores and homes this time of year.

Wait! Before you Halloween enthusiasts stop reading this blog, please know I'm not judging anyone who celebrates Halloween! I know what Jesus said "Do not judge, or you too will be judged!" (Matthew 7:1) If I judge people who celebrate Halloween then those people can judge me for celebrating my birthday. Yikes! A whole day to celebrate ME? To bring me gifts and light a candle on a sugary idol with my name on it?

Honestly, my awareness of seeking THE LIGHT and being a light has come from years of growth in my walk with Jesus.
I was a trick or treater and, as you can see in these cute photos, we celebrated Halloween along with everyone else. (That first one is my son and the others are grandchildren). And, October 31st is a day we love because it's Mom's (my mom-in-law's) birthday. And, I know there are hundreds of things worse than cute kids dressed like Elsa or Buzz Lightyear.

Heaven forbid that I sound like a kill-joy! It's a heart matter for me. I don't want to rain on anyone’s Halloween Parade, but this chick prefers the "light" side. I have long removed myself from horror flicks that I watched as a kid. I wondered why I couldn’t sleep at night. Well, duh? I don’t read books that cause me to entertain thoughts of darkness, and neither do I put myself into situations that draw me into darkness or create darkness – anger, envy, strife, jealousy, sadness, grief, etc. If I find myself getting close to those places -- I look for the closest “escape hatch” that I can find. My motto scripture is “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8.

This Bible thumper just can't help but use this season to share the good news of the One who was raised from the dead. I want to preach Jesus. I want to find people to encourage, call that family member who needs hope, pray for professed witches and satanists who need Jesus and use my tongue and social media to communicate life, joy and peace. And, I want to see evil become good: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

I live in the light -- on purpose. I lean toward the LIGHT – God and His Word. That’s why the scriptures are so vital to me – they’re my absolute statements of faith, peace, comfort and joy. ”You will keep him (her) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he (she) trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

If you find yourself depressed, sad, afraid, doubting -- living in those places of darkness -- I lovingly encourage you to move toward THE LIGHT. Put light in your heart and home. I promise you…..you’ll find the SWEET SPOT…..where I live! There’s nothing like it!

The Bright Light of Christmas is With Us

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While "The Wallace's" and I were driving home from Austin yesterday, I was already thinking "I'm going to take down my Christmas decor' as soon as possible since I'll be going out of town next week and I want to come back home to a fresh clean slate in the new year of new beginnings and new conquests."

But, when I drove down my street -- the Christmas lights were still glowing on my neighbors' homes, and my home. I walked into my home and I started putting on the Christmas lights because I wanted "that atmosphere" to linger a little longer. Yes, all the anticipation and excitement of the Christmas season is rapidly coming to a close, but the joy and peace of Christmas is still very present. I’m still captivated by the Christmas lights that are still glowing brightly and and the sweet and tender Christmas atmosphere. The reality is the reassurance we have that the atmosphere of Christmas will remain if we continue to acknowledge that the babe in the manger is no longer a baby. He is here with us because He is Emmanuel, “God with us”!

All thirteen of us, together, in Austin, made for lots of laughter and high energy that included all of us going to see a Christmas movie, eating in and eating out, the children running around, lots of picture taking, sweet conversations and many hugs and kisses. From all that activity to walking into my quiet, non-busy home could really be a downer if I dwelt on who and what I didn't have. I could dwell on being alone or even lonely. My main word of encouragement for many friends and ME, during this season has been "Emmanuel" (God with us). Many have been going through "stuff" and it is still my word for all of us. We are never alone, because God is with us. He cares. He loves. He gives. He holds.

Today, I will return to my daily routine of spending time with Jesus as I pray, praise, read His Word and take notes on what He's saying back to me. Maybe I'll spend a few minutes or many minutes -- it doesn't matter to Him, but it does to me. I need Him like I need breath to breathe. When I breathe Him (His presence) in -- He brings me peace. He is with me during my everyday life. I purpose to live my days remembering that God is with me, so as anyone that would be a passenger in my car, or a guest at my dinner table, I will talk to Him. I will talk to Him about any, and everything. I will thank Him for the “favors” that come, like green lights, the parking places close to the doors of the store, the “bargains” that I may find. Because I stay close to Him during my days, when the times of unexpected challenges come, I just remember, I’m not facing anything alone, because God is with me…..and I feel His peace right away. I know He will bring about what’s best for me. I urge you to KNOW Him – to know Emmanuel – He is with me – He is with YOU!

I desire to get so caught up in "God With Me" this year. My main goal for 2018 is to become more desperate for God than I have ever been before -- not because I am in a crisis-or-needy-mode, but because I want more of Him, and less of me. I desire Emmanuel -- God with me -- morning, noon and night.....and all the in-between time. This is one of my favorite songs that describes breathing in the holy presence of God. Please listen, soak it up and may it resonate with you and perhaps it will become your song too. The bright LIGHT of Christmas is WITH US!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTzXpzSXtdQ