My Place of Grace

An island is the home to these gangly looking trees. An ugly mess to some, but beautiful to me. Their roots sunk deep into the earth, sipping water every day. Free to grow in all directions creating this display. They've stood the test of time, with flood and wind and storm. They've been shed bare in winter, and in spring they've been reborn. Drawing all their nourishment from the river they call home, They've become a sanctuary, a refuge all their own. Shade for weary visitors, shelter from the sky. Their branches shield from predators, providing ample place to hide. Trunks have made a fortress, surrounding lapping shores; To sit and watch the world outside, till minds becomes restored. I never would've found this place, had I not explored, The island full of tree's with my kayak and my oar. These trees are an example of how God wants us to be Planted by His living water, sipping continually. Then we too will grow in righteousness and strength Proving a place ...

Photographing out the car window really captured the picture of what my life often feels like. How do we slow it? How do things get to this fast pace to begin with? After looking at this picture a while I noticed something. Maybe you will notice too. Outside the window life is racing by as the car moves, but inside all is still. I think God revealed this to me as one of those aha moments when things of His Kingdom become clear. Though our lives become crazy, chaotic, fast paced and running at warp speed, if we are attuned to God, inside we too will feel still, at peace and OK to deal with our fast paced life. Let's face it, life happens and we don't always have control...but God does, everything is in His control and when we trust Him with that...He works things out for our good so His purposes will be fulfilled. Thank You Dear Lord for Your revelations through Your Holy Spirit.

Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46 is a song of victory and triumph for those w...

Jesus, you are my rock, the foundation on which I am built. Unmovable, unshakable, steady, secure. Helping me to endure. Jesus, you are my fortress which around me stands. Strong, sturdy, impenetrable, reinforced. Shielding me from evils course. Jesus, you are my defender, who fights for me. Unwavering, protecting, confident, sure. My fearless warrior through the war. Jesus, you are my comfort, who eases my hurt. Encouraging, loving, soothing, healing. Gently held in you're hand, concealing. Jesus, you are my joy, who makes my heart sing. Blessing, revealing, surprising, giving. My whole reason for living! Jesus, you are my strength, which never fails. Faithful, trusting, patient, true. In you there is nothing I can't do. Jesus, you are my peace in the midst of life's storms. Encompassing, calming, trustworthy, present. On my voyage through the unpleasant. Jesus, you are my redeemer over sin and death. Victorious, persevering, uncrushable, triumphant! Overthrowing the impos...

Storms will come and storms will go. Waves may toss us too and fro. But Jesus came to save the lost So hold tight to Him no matter the cost. There is nothing on earth that will ever compare, To the security He brings when our life meets despair. He is our anchor, our light in the dark. He won't let us be devoured by hungry sharks. He chases the enemy, calms the waves Keeps us afloat with His hand that saves. He soothes with His word, always faithful and true He plugs the holes in our boat so we don't fall through. Give Him a chance Call out His name. Reach for His hand. You'll never be the same. You will find that in spite of the treacherous storms, He's restored what's been broken, tattered, and torn. Covering over the damages done, Replacing storm clouds of doubt, with the warm hope of sun. Anchor yourself with Jesus today... And you'll sail through the storms not get tossed in the waves. Blessings, Mary

Here is an example of some of the after care efforts that the International Justice Mission provides to those they rescue. Something as simple as a bicycle can mean the difference between simply surviving vs. thriving. In India, Former Slaves Explore Freedom - On Bicycles(Information taken from IJM web site http://www.ijm.org/ ) Thursday, 26 August 2010 BANGALORE, INDIA – What does a bicycle mean? This symbol of sport and leisure for many signifies something quite different in IJM’s anti-slavery casework in India. To a recently-rescued victim of forced labor slavery, a bicycle can be a pivotal tool in the emancipation process, as it expands life choices, broadens horizons and makes the long road to freedom easier to travel. Being able to travel freely is a new experience for some IJM clients. While trapped in slavery, even if granted permission to temporarily leave the facility, forced laborers are often required to leave a family member behind as “collateral” to ensure their swift re...

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." Rev. 3:19 This is my Grand dog Charley. As you can see he's gotten himself in a bit of a mess! I love Charley. He is an energetic, fun loving, always ready to play and please puppy. He loves to be around people and he comforts them with his big brown eyes and is always ready to snuggle on your lap(even though he's really NOT a lap dog). Sometimes He gets a little carried away in his joy, as in this picture. These soft white rolls seemed like the perfect toy for him, they looked harmless enough. He thought he'd just check them out and before he knew it he had unrolled, tossed about, tore up and thoroughly examined each roll. He was feeling pretty good about himself, satisfied, till his master walked in the r...

"...When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.(Hebrews 12:26-29) Passionately I will worship God. Singing His praises all day Hiding His word in my heart Coming before Him to pray. Delighting in His commands Loving Him in all I do and say. Trusting God for all my needs Walking in His way Obediently I'll follow And in His presence I will stay. Fix your eyes on Jesus...especially knowing that the things of this world will pass away. Do not let any obstacle keep you from God's presence...He is the source of your strength continually call Him to mind...He helps replaces all feelings of dread with His ...

"that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living." Psalm 116:9 Entangled by the toils, temptations, and troubles of daily living, not to mention those lies we believe from the past, the stress of finances, wayward children, troubled marriages, financial difficulties, mood disorders, jam packed days, sleepless nights, caring for elderly parents, and the list goes on... have a tendency to hold us captive and hinder our walking in freedom with God, keeping us from the person God intends us to be. God has a predestined plan for each of us to carry out in His kingdom here on earth. So how do we throw all these things off so we can run the race set out for us?(Hebrews 12:1-12) How do we grab hold our freedom offered us as followers of Christ? We need to know him. We need to spend time in his presence,we need to become fully dependent upon him and live out of the strength He provides. We need to become aware of our weaknesses and quickly repent of our sins, becoming willin...

"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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. " Hebrews 12:1-3 I have been greatly inspired recently by a book that I read, called The Heavenly Man. It is a book about a Chinese mans life and journey to bring the message of salvation to the Chinese people, in spite of the great risk involved in spreading the message. You see, China does not allow freedom to express your own beliefs, you must be part of their registered church. So to stand against the government in the name of Christianity is a serious crime. Those who ...

The last post I wrote was entitled "Don't Hold Back" It was basically about being afraid to give your all for God. Well, since I wrote that post I had an experience with my good friend when we met for lunch. This is a simple story, but I am telling it to make a point. This post also deals with fear. Not the holding back kind of fear, but the leaving your comfort zone kind of fear. Why is it that 2 grown women fear walking into a crowded restaurant? Oh, we walked in(to the lobby) where we both looked at each other and as if we could read each others minds we turned around and walked out. At that time we both had to laugh at our insecurity. But the reality is...there is something in us holding us captive. It's the F word (fear) I know it is...and now I am determined that the next time we meet for lunch that we are going to conquer our fear no matter what! I know this sounds really silly...but how many times during the course of our lives do we let these fearful insecuri...

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:7,8 We are often times, throughout our life, ruled by fear. Fear that we won't have enough; enough time, enough money, enough energy, enough food, enough patience, etc...and this fear of not having enough, really tends to hold us back from doing the things we want to do, and the things God wants us to do. This verse in 2 Corinthians, tells us that we don't have to give in to our fear. If we believe God's word as truth, we must push past our fears and trust God. Here's a breakdown of this freeing verse: This verse tells us that God loves a cheerful giver...not a fearful giver! So when we are presented with an opportunity to give, whether it be money, time, food, talent...

I am very much like the prodigal son, in that God, my Father saw me, while I was yet far off. He saw me there and He dropped what He was doing, ran to me, wrapped His arms around me and welcomed me with such undeserved joy and celebration...His unconditional love and compassion for me tore at my heart, at that moment i knew, there was NOTHING that could ever separate me from my Fathers love. God works it all out for good when we accept the gift of His unconditional and compassionate love and grace, receiving it even though we don't deserve it. The realization of this lavish love melts the pride in our hearts causing humble repentance. When we can see our brokenness and helplessness and complete need for God, then He can bring us to the place of restoration that He so desires for each one of us. Putting Him first and loving Him most becomes then, something we really want to do rather than something we feel we have to do. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, whoever ...

What are the enemies that threaten our life, our well being? Enemies can be defined as anything trying to destroy us, or in the spiritual sense, anything that hinders our relationship with God. Whether your enemies are of the human nature, or those of more subtle varieties, such as fear, shame, pride, guilt, self indulgence, self hatred and a myriad of others that infiltrate our land and try to steal out joy, we have a most powerful God waiting for us to trust Him and he will take them out! Read this chapter in 2 Samuel twice through. The first time as it is and the second time make it personal to you by replacing any reference to enemies with what ever enemy you are facing in your life right now. God's word is truth. Will we believe it? If so, we have access to it's power to use in overcoming our enemies that try to keep us bound to this world. Let us, as David did, praise God for the things He has done and is going to do in our lives! Blessed be the name of the Lord! 2 Samue...

John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." In any given day there are numerous things that are apt to trouble our hearts. I found it interesting that in the gospel of John where Jesus is comforting His disciples that He mentions, Let not your hearts be troubled, twice in the same chapter. It is obviously a message that Jesus wants to hit home. The disciples are given horrible news, their beloved Jesus will soon be leaving them, at this point they don't understand the magnitude of what he is saying, what to expect, or how to handle it. They are probably feeling distraught and grieved over the fact that Jesus won't be around to guide them and teach them and lead them any more. Though Jesus acknowledges their sadness He doesn't want it to consume them. He tells them to t...

I'm reading a book right now called "Embracing Your Freedom" by Susie Larson(an excellent book by the way) In this particular part, it was talking about reclaiming the stolen areas of your life due to fear. Susie gave the analogy of a basketball team that had practiced for an important game, they knew their stuff and were on the court and ready. When the other team stepped onto the court the first team just looked at eachother in defeat, this other team were seemingly from the land of the giants. Fear welled up in the team who had practiced and was ready, they were ready to give up before they had even begun...until their coach yelled to them to look at him, and told them to remember they are ready, they had practiced, they knew the drills...now play. they played their hearts out keeping focus on what they knew and ran circles around the mammoth team. (so here's what came to my mind) Are there Giants in your land? Threatening to take you down? It's faith in God th...

"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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,the author and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1–3 How do I throw off that which hinders? When it clings to me like glue? When the sin that easily entangles Masquerades as what is true? How do I run with perseverance, The race marked out for me? Fixing my eyes on Jesus, Is the only solution I can see. When my eyes are focused on the Son, And my mind is set on Him. The perfect faith that Jesus authored, Lives in me and chases sin. For the joy of my salvation He endured the suffering of the cross, Scorned it's shame and took His place, At the right hand of God, The Boss. I think ...

Hand In Hand Wandering in desolation Hopeless with despair Couldn't see through darkness Caught in evil's snare. Entangled by the lies Coiled up in sin Engulfed by sheer deception Advancing for the win. I call out to my God Reaching toward the sky God puts His hand in mine Quieting my cry. God sees me in my weakest state Renews me with His strength Reclaims the land I've lost to sin He goes to every length. To assure my life in Him's restored That I may rest secure Under the shelter of His wings Till I'm strong enough to soar. He leads me by still waters Walking hand in hand He gently helps untangle sin Helping me to stand. I thank You God, that when I'm weak I find my strength in you. Your loving hand sustains me in all I'm going through. 2 Corinthians 12:10 - That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Obstacles, stumbling blocks, pitfalls appear Seemingly out of nowhere, instilling great fear. Will we clear them, or fear them? Will they cause us to fall? Can we maneuver around them? Avoiding their call? Blind sided, hidden, strategically placed, These holes in the road of life must be faced. Will we keep to ourselves or take hold of God's grace? Will we stay in the pit, wrought with worry and shame. Or let God's hand lift us Back into the game? Obstacles, stumbling blocks, pitfalls and such, Can turn into stepping stones, used as a crutch. To aid in the climb from the pit we are in Helping to lead us away from our sin. God sent His Son, Jesus to give us a lift, Out of darkness to light, with His ultimate gift. Isaiah 49:11 I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. Isaiah 57:14 [ Comfort for the Contrite ] And it will be said: "Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." John 16:33 ...

As the Christmas holiday approaches, our minds are set on preparation. Preparation of what is the question? Preparing for company, buying gifts, baking cookies, cleaning house, decorating, wrapping, visiting friends and family, setting up the tree, the advent wreath? All these examples are ways we prepare for the holiday season. But wait! Are forgetting the most important preparation, that is the preparation of our heart. Are we preparing the way of the Lord? I have been thinking about what this exactly means. How do we prepare the way of the Lord? Well being prepared means to make things ready. Is my heart ready? Do I have my priorities in order? Is Jesus first and foremost in my life? Christmas is a time we celebrate Jesus' birth. We can't think about Jesus' birth without also thinking about His life, his reason for coming, His death on the cross and His resurrection. He came to prepare the way for us to enter the kingdom of heaven. His life by example shows us what we ne...