My Place of Grace

Morning sky Beautiful hues Grass is getting greener too Spring’s right around the corner A sign of hope renewed God never ceases to amaze me When out of darkness He brings light Chasing evry shifting shadows With a steady bright My heart is thankful For my Heavenly Father Who knows me Sees me Hears my prayers He’s laid out this day before me I know He will meet me there

Captured this beautiful creature on my walk yesterday. I was surprised how sure footed he was in the swelled swift running water, as it had been raining quite hard for hours. It reminded me how God equips His creation with what we need to fulfill the unique purpose He has planned for each of us in His Kingdom. ❤️

 A picture of perseverance. Spotted this little flower peeking out between some rocks. A warrior who, against all odds, fought and found herself space to bloom amidst the hardened world around her.She is a survivor.❤️💪

To love in the midst of sorrow  To heal in the midst of pain Is like a seed bursting forth to a flower Like choosing to dance in the rain God rescues those crushed in spirit He holds together those torn apart Love born of pain and suffering  Has roots anchored deep in the heart.❤️

 My new little project. It’s a worry worm. It comes with a little poem, letting people know they aren't alone. But as I was learning to make these little guys i decided it could also be called a wonder worm. Wonder could be considered an antidote for worry. For God created this big beautiful world for us to explore and enjoy. As i dwell on the wonder side of all He’s created,  it quells the worry within me, at least for a time. Either way, worry is normal, you’re not in it. Thankful for small victories.

 Courage thought for today: “See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~ Deuteronomy 1:21 Courage keeps going...it moves us forward because we know that Jesus has already won the battle over sin and death, and we’ve been given the keys, and been invited into the Kingdom of Heaven. (Our land,in the here and now and for all eternity,  along with God, to possess.) when we take our eyes off of the work Jesus has already accomplished for us, we can forget the power He has granted us, and miss out on the work He has for us in the Kingdom. We may shrink back seeing all the Giants that still live in our midst. But the courage inside us, stirs the power within us, and encourages us to keep going.

 Everyday I try to look for something beautiful. It’s a practice that helps me thru the harder times of life and I find it encouraging to my heart.  Anyway, this is a Praying Mantis nest. It is filled with hundreds of eggs, that in Spring, will emerge as tiny Praying Mantis’s. It may not look beautiful on the outside, but what is happening inside is a beautiful miracle of life giving transformation. This reminds me that God is the God of transformation. He wants the very best for His chikdren. No one who comes to Him, ever leaves the same. ❤️

 This “Don’t Quit”poem comes up in my Facebook memories each year. Always a timely reminder for me. It inspired my own version. Whoever reads it, know your precious and you are not alone. ❤️🙏💪 Trauma has a way of sticking around,  I refuse to let it take me down.  So I’m standing firm,  I hope you will too.   We’re stronger together.  That’s the truth.  Please don’t quit I won’t either Let’s cling to God Our hope, our anchor He will never let us drown He’s got us held safe and sound  He’s brought me thru many a storm His promises hold,  He’s true to His word When life get hard  Latch on tight Trust God He’s with us in the fight In Him is the victory  Don’t let go and you will see The storm will pass The sun will shine And we,dear friends, will be alright Don’t quit

 Snapped a picture of this cloud that looked to me like a wing. I’ve been working on a new song and one of the verses refers to wings: So run, take off, soar high above those waves  God gives you the courage  it’s God who makes you brave His breath beneath your wings Enables you to fly Don’t look down or around Look up into Gods eyes.  Wings and Flying remind me of freedom and the only true freedom is the freedom given by and found in God thru Jesus.  No matter where life takes you, no one can take that away.  Freedom is not a gift to keep to ourselves, it was meant to be used and shared firstly to love God, secondly to love others.  Thank You God for this precious gift of freedom and the visual gift of this wing. ”but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.“ -Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today begins a brand new month… Intentional seeking of beauty Amidst the dark, the hard, the broken Preserves my heart  Lifts my spirit Refreshes my soul It evokes praise To God, my Father, Who reigns  Sovereign over all ❤️🙏 Happy February!

He(Jesus)said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”~ Mark 16:15 As a follower of Jesus these words are my call,  Not just an invitation, but a charge, to go shine His light to all... To follow is an action I must take everyday.  Get up and use the gifts and talents  He’s placed inside of me. There’s never a better time to act, than this moment right now. To learn those things that Jesus loves and reflect them to this world.  Jesus is the example by which I try to live my life.  The path He leads me on is narrow but He always leads with light.  As long as I keep step with Him, my feet are stayed and sure. There’s nothing that I need to fear because He has me held secure.  Jesus is my compass, I am his hands and feet,  Lord, take me to those places, that You see the deepest need Help me be an instrument that bears Your love and peace. Amen

 Took this pic of my granddaughter washing her hands, and I was reminded of this song. “Lord, give us clean hands. Give us pure hearts. Let us not lift our souls to another...Oh God let this be, a generation that seeks...seeks your face oh God of Jacob.” My prayer today is to seek Jesus, to become more and more like Him, that self decreases, and He increases Himself in me. I thank You Lord, and praise Your Holy Name. Amen https://youtu.be/onGbkeWkA64

I spotted this beautiful flowering plant(Heath) on a cold winters walk. It caught my eye against an otherwise bleak landscape. I felt God’s presence in that moment. It was just what I needed, as winter has felt long and a bit harder than most. I am thankful. A little pop of color Randomly placed In the middle of cold winter Ignites a joyful spark  Small glimpses of beauty In a season grey and dark Infuse my heart with hope Heightening the anticipation of Spring All creation is awaiting New growth to appear Dormancy to vibrancy For those who persevere Thankful for my God Who sees me Knows just what I need Never will He leave me I am a daughter of the King ❤️🙏 ”Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.“ ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 God is a Mighty Fortress No evil penetrates Run to Him in trouble He’ll open wide the gates Enter in His rest For you- Nothing but the best He is a sanctuary  In Him you can trust Stellar is His care Sovereign in His reign Lavish with His grace  Holy is His name Amen ”The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.“Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ”It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.“ ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭22‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 Just some thoughts triggered by these hearts I discovered as I was planting a flower yesterday... An antidote to complaining is to cultivate a grateful heart. When my mind focuses on the things I am thankful for rather than that which I don't have, it prevents those complaints from overtaking my heart and leaking out from my mouth to others. Negativity breeds negativity. (Check out the story of the Isrealites in Numbers 21:4-9) Rather than complain and grumble, God wants me to remember Him, take my troubles and complaints to Him, and trust Him, that He will make a way through whatever lies ahead. In the mean time, I will think about, thank, and praise Him for who He is and all He has done already. God knows the struggle is real. He is faithful to help me root out anything that would separate my heart from His. ❤️ Lord, help me grow a grateful heart,  turn my grumbling back to praise.  For when my heart is fixed on You,  there’s no room for complaints. I thank You and I trust You 

New life in dead places Bring a beauty all its own Tho we grieve what has been taken We can look forward to new growth May not be what we expected But amazing just the same Open up to fresh beginnings  Possibilities and plans… ”See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.“ -Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When indifference and complacency  Silently creep in, The evil one gets cheering and sin declares the win. There’s nothing more that liar wants,  Than to see us desensitized, To the broken things that this world brings,  Rightt before our eyes. He prowls about like a hungry lion, Waiting to devour, The unwitting soul whose love grew cold, Drained of all it’s power. Be alert! Don’t get caught,  By the snares of the enemy. Be aware of your surroundings, Ask God for His eyes to see.  We must stand firm upon God’s Word Wielding His truth as if a sword. Taking on His strength and courage, Putting on the Armor of our Lord. Come ready for battle God will fight for us All He asks is we show up, And in Him, we place our trust. So step out mighty warrior! All we are given is today. We’ve been entrusted with God’s power  And we’ve got enemies to slay!

 Climb up here on Ol’ Pappy’s knee and let me tell a story. Once upon a time… There was this little boy Who thought he’d chase the moon and stars So he set out on a voyage Over land and through the seas He followed every twinkling But never catching anything He sat, a bit discouraged. Heavenward, he raised his eyes And in a small voice, asked God why? Is it impossible to touch the sky? As he waited there for Gods reply The sky grew dark As day passed to night. The moon and stars began to shine As if to say… Don’t be dismayed You may not touch us But we’ll guide your way. Every night We’ll be your light This is why we’re here. Keep chasing dreams, Curiosities And child, do not fear For I your God am with you In every wonderment and storm I put those dreams inside of you I made the moon and stars.  Now it’s time to close your eyes  And lay your sleepy head Gently in OL’ Pappy’s arms To find sweet dreams and rest. ❤️

  Clamoring to be heard To be the biggest, best, loudest, smartest, wisest Rising to the top At others expense… Yet, God says  Be still, be humble,  It’s in our weaknesses  He brings us strength There is only one God He alone reigns supreme All true exaltation Belongs to Him Amen  ”Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.“ ‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 Thought for today: We are made in the image of God. He tells us to be courageous. He has planted courage in each one of us. Part of our mission is to reflect Him in this broken world. Courage gains its strength in the struggle as,step by step, we move in faith and love, for the greater good of God’s mission. And in holding confidently to that faith, we emerge strong and victorious in the light of truth. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

 Walking along a path,  I spotted this tiny heart. I almost walked right past, But inside my spirit stirred. Stop. Pay attention to this moment It will not come again I turned around And captured it And marveled at God’s plan. You see, my minds been reeling, With all of the unrest. This small reminder of His love Is how He helped me to destress. God is ever present With me throughout each day It is for me to notice, To stay tuned in, Along life’s way.  For what I pay attention to, Is where my heart will lead. So I’ll BEHOLD the One who made me, He’s the only way to peace. ❤️

Emmanuel God with us A name meant more  Than just for Christmas  God will never leave  He goes before He goes behind He surrounds  Protects Defends Carries Strengthens Shines There is no other like Him No one can compare His mercies never cease Rest in His faithful care ❤️🙏

 With God I am stronger  than any mountain  I may face Fear says… It’s too big Too daunting That’s when i activate my faith Just a little bit Can go a long long way God is bigger He is stronger He will bring me thru that place He will set my feet on solid ground Where I can sing His joyful praise  Glory be to God the Father My defender  My shield Glory be to God the Son The final word and truth To which my heart and mind will yield  Glory be to God the Spirit  Who guides me every day In them I overcome From Them I will not stray Amen “I can do all things through Christ Jesus, Who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Totally worth the dirty hands and grass stained knees, to crawl underneath the canopy of her backyard trampoline, pretending we are living in our very own house, or trying to be quiet as a mouse as we play hide and seek. Messy hair and ballerina twirls, play dough snakes and exploring imaginary worlds. To spend time playing with this sweet girl is a priceless gift for me. Crawling around the sun warmed ground, laughter and joy at the treasures found. But the greatest treasures are the memories made, and the bond of love that we create just spending time doing nothing and everything when we get together to play. ❤️

  Life is full of curiosities, Stories to hear, Wonders to see. I’ll never stop learning. I’ll never stop growing. God is the teacher. I am the student. As long as I breathe I’ll have something to learn, And each time I do It will help me discern… What I will do, Which way I will go, How to respond, What seeds I will sow. It helps to build character Wisdom and strength. Learning stretches and shapes The person I am. I must be careful, though, Of those pitfalls and snares. For what I put in my mind Is what will grow there. It is my choice What I’ll allow to take root And when to dig out Those things that no longer suit. My mind is mine I control what I’ll nurture Truth is my goal Lies, hit the road! There’s no room for them in my future.

 Sitting in a waiting room A place new to me I turned to see this heart Plain as can be God knows when I’m nervous He is the God who sees The calmer of my fears The giver of my peace Such a small gesture Given in love Lets me know He’s near Keeping watch from above Thankful for His presence Keenly aware I’m never alone For my God is everywhere  ❤️