My Place of Grace

"Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air. Destruction and Death say, 'Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.' God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it, he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.' " Job 28: 20-28 We are limited creatures. We are alway trying to figure out solutions in our lives, wanting to know the how's and why's of everything. We like to have control over our situations and get frustrated when we can't make things work. We seek wisdom in books, from people,a...

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 The Junk Drawer Life can be messy, Like a packed junk drawer. Sorting it out, can be quite a chore. My brain is a place I store lot's of stuff. Thought's in abundance, more than enough. Ridding myself Of the things I don't need, Is sometimes painful indeed. One by one I pull each thing out. Keeping or throwing it, comes with doubt. It's contents Lay there for such a long time, Becoming ingrained in my mind. All kinds of things Good mixed with bad, The most perplexing job I've ever had. When it's finally done It's a pleasure to see The grand transformation in me. Romans 12:2 -Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

...And the second is Like it, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:39 Gods greatest command to us is to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. and then he says the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself. Have you loved your neighbor lately? My oldest son is a waiter. I love to watch him at work. It's more than just a job to him. He serves each party as if they were the most special people in the restaurant. He talks with them, makes sure they are comfortable and satisfied, jokes and listens. By the time their dining experience is over, it always seems my son and his customers have become united somehow, shaking hands, and wishing each other well. I guess what impresses me about this, is that he takes the time with each customer to treat them as special. He treats them as he would want to be treated. I also notice when my son is on the receiving end of service he does the same. He talks with the servers, puts them at ease, tries to make th...

What are the things that you're telling yourself? Are your thoughts causing you distress? Do you constantly put yourself down if you fail? Are you quick to second guess? How do you measure your successes? How do you view yourself? Is it through the eyes of how God sees you? Or through the eyes of someone else? Do you want to be free of this thinking? To look at yourself differently? I will let you in on a secret... You must understand how our God sees. You are His creation Calling you by name Masterfully, He forms every detail You were made to bring Him fame. The possibilities are endless If following God is your choice You'll be set apart as Holy As you listen to His voice. Train your mind to think upon good things That which is lovely, pure, and true. Doing this will secure the promise That God's peace will come shining through. Philippians 4:7-9 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, broth...

"Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take." Jeremiah 31:21 NIV How many time have we come up against a situation and blew it? Lost our tempers, practiced impatience, allowed bitter thoughts and negative emotions rule our life? Eventually we find our way out, but before we know it we find ourselves in that place again? This passage in Jeremiah gives some insight to this circular road. Life is meant to be a journey. We are on our way home to our Heavenly Father. How will we get there if we keep circling back? We Can't! Chasing our tail as a dog does will only make us dizzy and exhausted. I n order to move forward we have to stop going in circles and find a way to move ahead on the road. God gives us a clue in this passage. When we find ourselves in sticky situations, we need to take time to look at it, as we work our way out we need to mark the road we've traveled so we know not to take that road again. So if we find ourselv...

A ministry of message, rescue, and care Welcome to Save the Girls, a ministry where you can help free sex slaves by doing something simple but amazing: Host a Save the Girls yard sale. You sell your unwanted stuff and buy the freedom and care of a girl, a precious girl, made in the image of a holy God, who has been treated like trash. From junk to gems, from trash to treasure, these girls need your help. The Real Facts What is sex trafficking? Also called sex slavery, it is a massive global enterprise based upon force, coercion and deception. Traffickers detain their victims for profit through acts of rape. How widespread is it? Worldwide, more than 2 million children are trapped in sex slavery. (UNICEF) In the U.S., sex slaves number more than 100,000. (FBI/ABC) How old are sex slaves? The average age is 11. Some are as young as 5 years old. (CIA) Is human trafficking big business? Yes! Human trafficking (included sex slavery and forced lab...

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Some days I just don't "feel" like being happy. Some days I just want to curl up and sulk in my circumstances . The "why me?" syndrome takes over and before i know it i am in full blown throws of self centeredness . ugh! poor me, I'll never be good enough, i can't do anything right! Sound familiar? This is not your typical self centeredness , you know, the kind when you think you're all that and more. Nope not like that at all. I usually always go the other direction. which in someways is worse. not only is it all about me, but it's usually geared to the negative. I make excuses in my head like I'm not hurting anyone when i feel like this, but the reality is...Yes, it does hurt someone! It hurts God. When I act selfishly I am telling Him that he made junk. I know this sounds harsh but let's pretend you put your heart and soul into a creation, a painting , let's say and you give the painting to special friend and that friend takes ...

In the silence of the morning, I sit and think of You. The day ahead unfolds before my eyes. I give to You the plans I have, set firmly in my mind. To bless and help me to prioritize. Since I've come to know you Lord, I look forward to this time, Of Your instruction in the way I should proceed. When You're walking right beside me, every move I make, Gives me confidence that my plans will succeed. I will put my trust in You Lord, take me by the hand, In faith I will follow what You say. Instill in me the courage, to walk the narrow path That I won't slip into the worldly way. Not too many understand the faith I place in You Believing in someone I cannot see But in holding on to You Dear Lord, I will not be shaken. Help me live so that you shine brightly through me. Jeremiah 29:11 -For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Psalm 16:8 -I have set the LORD always before me. ...

Lord, I just want to be happy. I want to learn to walk in your ways To see the world with Your eyes Change my heart from complaining to praise. Lord, I just want to be happy I want my heart to be set on You Loving others sincerely The way You want me to. Lord, I just want to be happy To embrace the pain in my life I want to know how to transform it Gleaning something joyful from my strife. Lord, I just want to be happy I am aware this life is rough Even in the midst of suffering I want You to be enough. Lord I just want to be happy I want to grab hold of Your grace Live my life contently No matter what circumstance I face. Lord I just want to be happy I want to seek You in the storm Anchor myself to You When life's problems start to swarm. Lord, I just want to be happy You have made me to this end To experience joy, love and peace When on You I will depend. Lord You have made me happy Now that I'm rooted in Your love You've given me the tools I need To take my trails and ri...

"You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book. "- Psalm 56:8 (The Message) Tear Catcher Many kinds of tears are shed Tears of sorrow, tears of dread Tears that saturate our bed And those that stay tucked in our head. Tears that trickle, tears that gush Tears that turn our heart to mush Tears of embarrassment that make us flush Anxious tears when in a rush. All these tears have wet our face Each one has it's special place But today, these tears, filled with God's grace come flowing at a frantic pace. The realization of what He's done For you, for me, for everyone. Placing our sin on His only Son Who willingly took it, so the battle was won. Then sending His Spirit to guide our way To be with us night and day. Flowing tears of thanks convey The grateful hearts we now display. The special meaning of each tear Is something that our Lord holds dear Collecting them, He...

My Prayer life has gone through many changes over the years. From bargaining with God, to requesting, to sharing, to listening. Now God has become my constant companion. Our conversations are just that. I talk with Him all day long. I enjoy sitting quietly in His presence. I love seeing just how He is going to work things out in my life and the lives of others I am praying for. I've learned through my prayer life, to be patience in the waiting, as God sometimes chooses to not to answer things immediately , but I know with out a doubt He always answers. I also don't always like His answers...but this has made my trust that He has our best interests at heart grow. Like when I prayed for God to keep my son from drugs. He didn't answer right away. My son continued on that dark path, landed in jail several times, I thought God wasn't hearing me. but a few years later God met my son in his dark place and at that point my son was ready to be led out. God answered that prayer ...

I had lunch today with one of my oldest and dearest friends. We don't see each other often but she's one of those friends that is etched so deeply in my heart that no amount of time apart can separate us. We met in high school and have been through marriage and children, separations and divorce, death, traumas, tears and worries, Lots of fun times and always lots of laughter! Friendships are a treasured gift given to us by God. He commands us to love Him first and then to love others. He places those others strategically throughout our lives. It got me thinking just what does it mean to love them. I've been thinking a lot lately about loving. Not romantic loving, but real heart to heart loving, the way Jesus did. I fear I fail miserably to really love my fellow man at times...like today for instance...as i was driving to meet my friend for lunch, I saw a homeless man standing in the pouring rain, holding a sign: "Will work for food." I have seen him there before a...

I'm digging. I am tired of walking on the surface of life, of love, of feelings, and in relationships. I want to know and experience that deep gut level love in all areas of my life. I feel like I'm missing out on the diamonds of life when I stick to the surface, The most beautiful treasures are found by chiseling away the rock, shoveling out the dirt and shining and polishing them to sparkling clean. that's what I want from life. I want to dig out that deep love for Christ and others. I want to know their hearts, I want to find the jewels in every experience set before me, and take each one as a precious dig. No more passing them by because the effort to get to them looks too hard. The reward is in the effort. How do I do this is the question? Well using Jesus as my shovel, my chisel, and my strength I know I can get to the treasure. Digging for the heart of Jesus is my first priority, to know his heart, His ways, His wisdom, His love is what makes digging for the other th...

God's given a message That He wants you to share It's a message of redemption Of love and hope and care. From the moment you accept Him You're commissioned to go forth Bearing witness for His Kingdom Reaching south, east, west, and north. Telling the story Of life giving change How when Jesus entered Your heart wasn't the same. He opened you up To a love you've not known Gave His life as a sacrifice The greatest love ever shown. God took all your sins Forgiving each one Put them all on the cross With Jesus His Son. You have every reason To go out and tell Of the wonderful mercy You now know full well. Grace has been showered Now what will you do? Keep it all to yourself? Or pass on the news? Your life has been spared From the depths of the pit Will you stand up and shout it? Or on this gift will you sit? Today is the day What will you choose? There's a dynamite message Will you dare light the fuse? Blowing the lid off This worlds point of view Gives God the Glor...

Life flies by so fast....My son Steven and I were shopping in Wal-Mart tonight. He needed dress clothes for a Home Coming Dance he is going to. My mind began to wander to years past. Steven was always my shopping buddy, always willing, always easily pleased. Now Steven is 18, practically a man. He is still easily pleased, but he no longer has interest in hanging out with his mama, and shopping just doesn't hold the appeal it used too. Spending time with him these days is far and few between, and that's OK. He is growing,maturing and changing just as he should be. He has developed his own life and interests. It does my heart well to watch him progress; but it saddens me too, that those care free days of shopping, and ice cream cones, kickball games and riding big wheels are gone forever. In hind site, I wish I would have realized how quickly my time with my children would go. I wish I would have spent more time enjoying and less time being busy with things that just don't re...

Slow Burn, Fast Read!, October 8, 2009 By Mary Dreisbach (Emmaus, PA USA) - See all my reviews Mary DeMuth has done it again! In this second book of the Texas Defiance Trilogy, she takes us into the lives of those involved with the disappearence and murder of 13 yr old Daisy Chance. The first book in this series focuses on that incident, and gets us to know the characters surrounding Daisy Chance. The gist of the first book "Daisy Chain" is seen through the eyes of Daisy's best friend Jed Pepper. His agony, guilt and shame about letting his friend down. In "A Slow Burn" DeMuth takes a different route. This book tells the story through the eye's of Daisy's negligent, broken by life mother, Emory Chance. Emory has a world of regret on her shoulders, she goes through the grieving process, struggling with her self worth, things from her own past and other various problems that arise as a result of Daisy's death. This book tackles, with great realism an...

" Cast thy burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22 We all have burdens. Situations come into our lives that may feel heavy , annoying, hopeless, and just plain too much for us to bear. Our human tendency is to lash out or crumble under their weight. To be honest, if I did not know God and continually keep Him in the forefront of my heart, soul, and mind, I would resemble a squished bug at this point. When my oldest son was in the throws of drug addiction I and my whole family was living every day in a cyclonic funnel. Uncertainty was the norm. Nothing we did to "help" our son seemed to be helping, life was out of our control, he was completely out of control, and fear ruled in our hearts. Day by day we watched helplessly as he continually made poor choices, rebelled against our rules by staying out late, came home high, stole from us and others, and constantly lied. Adding to these obvious stres...

A friend of mine had a baby a couple weeks ago, and she brought her to the women's meeting at church last night. This was the first time I had gotten to see her in person(I had seen pictures). There is just something so miraculous about the birth of a baby. I remember when my friend first announced that she was pregnant. The joy I felt inside of me was incredible. She and her husband had just gotten married a year before and this little baby was a result of their love. I can recall how happy I and my whole church family felt for them. Over the next nine months we prayed for them. Followed her progress. Marveled over the Ultra Sound pictures and rejoiced when we found out the baby was going to be a little girl. My friends husband was so hoping for a girl, probably because he came from a family of four boys and one girl. So, we were so happy for them when they got this news. We watched as Baby Olivia Joy grew in her mommy's tummy. We prayed as my friend found that she had gestati...

Psalm 23 A psalm of David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. We all know this Psalm, most of us recognise it as one read at funerals as a passage of comfort for those mourning death. For me this Psalm is not only a comfort in times of mourning but an encouragement to enhance our living.It fosters ideas that lead us to holy confidence in our God. God's word, the Bible is so deep and rich, and the message within is one of hope and expectat...

IT'S ARRIVED! Do you find yourself praying, "Lord, I just want to be happy"? Maybe you can't see right now how God could possibly get you to a place of inner joy and well-being. However, it's not the new circumstances we often pray for that move us toward lasting happiness, but rather something entirely different. Drawing on her own struggles and those of people she has counseled, and using scriptural insights in fresh ways, Leslie Vernick reveals practical and simple steps to help you recognize and change habits that, day by day, keep you from experiencing happiness make good choices and learn from mistakes without beating yourself up develop the skills that will enable you to let go of negative and painful emotions more quickly transform difficult circumstances so you can live with gratitude, joy, and purpose You'll soon discover that, even if nothing changes in your circumstances, your inner chains can be broken and you can go free...int...

Life can easily become overwhelming and sometimes we so easily forget that God has thought of this fact and created a place of refuge for us. It is ours for the asking. But so often we neglect to take the time to sit at His feet and lay all our burdens down. Instead we try to take all of life's pressures on our own shoulders.... and we all know where that gets us!!! Stressed!!!! Lay It All Down The foot of the cross is the place to be When life's burdens weigh too heavily. God gave us this place to lay it all down Releasing our pressures on holy ground. Instead of succumbing to life demands Let us be led by His command. Come to me all who are weary and tired. Rest I will give when you're feeling expired. Your yoke is heavy My burden is light. I will guide you through the dark of night. Let me cast all of your fears aside, Sit at my feet, there you'll safely abide. He holds us securely in the palm of His hand, In His refuge we can firmly stand. There is victory living ou...

Proverbs 3:5,6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight. This is my life verse. It is the verse I try to model my life after. In every facet of our lives we need to put our trust in God. It's easy when everything is going smoothly. But let some bumps in the road come up and many times we get so beside ourselves that we end up crashing. God has promised to take care of things for us when we put our trust in Him, He will make our paths straight, he will lift us up, keep us on the straight and narrow road. Nowhere in His word does it say that when we trust Him that the circumstances in our lives will be perfect, but when we trust God, it's like having our own personal GPS system embedded within our hearts. He takes us by the hand and gives us that AAA protection promise to pull us through, guide us around and carry us over those bumps in the road. We never have to leave the...

I took a couple days off from posting about the promises set before us by God, so that I could help promote two books that are very dear to my heart, written by two very special godly women. Thank you to all those who are going to purchase their books Now back to the promises, which by the way will help us in our journey to true happiness and help us in times of trouble. Things that relate to both of the books I mentioned. Today's Promise is from the book of Isaiah 43:1-4 When You're Between a Rock and a Hard Place But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel:"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your S...

We don't have to be swept away with the circumstances of our lives. When we were born God gave us the gift of choice and free will. How will you choose to paint the picture of your day? Who will hold the paintbrush? Empty Canvas Pink streaked through the sky, Sun is on the rise, Another day is dawning right before your eyes. Like an empty canvas, waiting to be painted; Clean and white and new Starting fresh, untainted. Where will you begin, what colors will you choose? To make the masterpiece That's waiting for you? The tools we've been given, are set forth in God's word. A pallet full of promises Of things we've read and heard. Take hold of the paintbrush, don't hesitate to start. Ask God for direction Give Him reign over your heart. The strokes upon the canvas surely will reflect, His light that is within you, Helping the brush connect. Letting God work through you from beginning to days end. The Masterpiece created Will be just what God intends. The canvas is...

Author and Counselor, Leslie Vernick , Has a new book coming out today! It deals with the subject of happiness. What is this thing called happiness ? What does it mean is the Christians life? Can we find true happiness in the midst of harrowing circumstances? Is happiness a feeling or is it a learned skill? All these questions and many more are addressed in Leslie's new book "Lord I Just Want To Be Happy" Do you find yourself praying,“Lord, I just want to be happy”? Maybe you can’t see how God could possibly get you to a place of peace and contentment. However, it’s not the new circumstances we often pray for that move us toward lasting happiness, but rather something entirely different. Drawing on her own struggles and those of people she has counseled, and using scriptural insights in fresh ways, Leslie Vernick reveals practical and simple steps to help you recognize and change habits that, day by day, keep you from experiencing happiness, make good choices and learn f...