My Place of Grace

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...

Yes! I have given birth! No...not to a human baby, but to my first published book. It felt much like the birth of a baby. A lot of anticipation, care, hard work, and push, push, pushing it out. It was finally delivered on October 28th. That date having great significance, because it also happens to be the date of my first child's birth day, so my first child and my first book were delivered on the same day...how cool is that. What's so special about this book? Well, there are several things that make it special. First, it was inspired by a time in my life when difficulties were running rampant, and God gave me the outlet of expressing myself through poetry. Second, it is a ministry book. Not only ministering to peoples heart and spirit, but also all the profits from the sale of the book are going to a Christian organization called the International Justice Mission, to help put an end to the injustice and tragedy of human trafficking and slavery. Last but not least, it is part ...

This morning as I prayed, God revealed this little snail on the ground at mt feet. I picked it up. it was securely encased in it's shell at the time and I placed it in the palm of my hand. For a long time it stayed safely hidden in its shell, but after a while of being very still, it started to venture out. I thought a moment about this, and a picture formed in my mind. We are very much like this little snail. We all tend to hide ourselves away when the world around us becomes too scary, big, and ominous. It is only when we feel safe and secure that we can begin to advance. The only place we can truly feel this kind of security in when we are resting in Gods hands. There we are safe, there we are protected, and there we can explore the world around us without apprehension. As with the snail, things will come along and scare us back into our shell, but when we stay in the protective shelter of God hands we don't feel the need to stay inside our shell for long. The other interest...

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."...Exodus 33:14 Lord, our lives get so busy, We lose sight of what is true. Productivity become our idol Always seeking more to do. It's a trap we all fall into, Thinking more is always best. Relaxing seems a waste of time And it's laziness to rest. The world keeps moving faster. We try hard to keep the pace. Feeling worthless when we're tired; And need a break from life's cruel race. Lord, You never called it lazy Taking time to spend with You. It's in those quiet moments That Your presence can shine through. Let us just remember As we go about our days In His presence rest is given When we follow in His ways. M.D.

"This is what the LORD says—he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun , whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams." - Isaiah 44:2-4( NIV ) Have you ever gone through a dry season in your life or in your ministry? Listen to Gods words through the prophet Isaiah... "Do not be afraid"...could it be in those dry times in our lives that it is fear that is our drying agent, leaving us cracked and thirsting for that life giving water? Fear can cause all progress to stop. It paralyzes, limits growth, creates doubt, holds us back, and sucks us dry from the joy and prosperity that God has planned for us. The antidote for fear is faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is being sure of what we ...

Spirit of God, wash over me Cleansing my mind of impurity Fill up the cracks, revealing my leaks Wash away all the obstacles keeping me weak. Rush over my soul with waves of Your power Strengthen my faith hour by hour. Renew my heart with Your life giving rain Quenching my thirst, removing my pain. Plant me by a stream where Your waters flow. As continuous nourishment to help me grow. "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."... Psalm 1:1-3

"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!" Psalm 92:1-5 Walking through the forest this morning, I noticed the sun emerging from it's sleep. It crept through the forest trees, creating such perfect clarity. It's light shown and danced with glimmers of hope for the coming day. I thought about God and His perfect plan for creation. God has provided all we need for each day. It's right there within our reach. but so often we are stuck in our own dark forest, and we can't see anything clearly. It is only when we look to God for our direction that we become aware of the light He gives. He sends those glimpses of light through His word, others, and nature....