Heart Turning Grace

I doubt that I'll ever fully understand or comprehend the magnitude of God's grace in my life. But, as I contemplate it I'm discovering that anything, anything, that turns my heart to the Father is grace. The simple, ordinary pleasures that inspire happy thanksgiving, the wonders of His mighty hand that command praise, and, yes, even the trials that drive me to my knees in desperation... all is grace... because without it my heart would never seek the Father on its own.

Enriched in Him

I am always thankful to God for what the gift of His grace in Jesus Christ has meant to you —how, as the Christian message has become established among you, He has enriched your whole lives, from the words on your lips to the understanding in your hearts. And you have been eager to receive His gifts during this time of waiting for His final appearance. He will keep you steadfast in the faith to the end, so that when His day comes you need fear no condemnation. God is utterly dependable, and it is He who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (J. B. Phillips translation)

8:40 a.m. Morning Mischief

Chocolate Cake

Happy Valentine's Day, my friends!xoxo

Grace When Dreams Fade

Last week we watched part of a dream slip away.
And while it was just an earthly dream, losing it was a keen disappointment.

Sometimes God's goodness stings.

In the fading of something that we held dear, hope was born...

Because God's sovereignty is far greater and more loving than we can imagine.
Because He knows our dearest dreams, and if they should be fulfilled.
Because His plans are bigger and better than our biggest dreams.
Because we have a chance to see God work in mightier ways when our own dreams die.
Because His glory and our sanctification are what is most important.
Because He loves us too much to give us what isn't His very best.

To find comfort and rest in these truths... this is grace.

Dwell in Him

Let me dwell in Your tent forever!

Let me take refuge under the shelter of Your wings!

Psalm 61:4

Baby Daisy Makes Three

2:04 p.m. Blocks

And then it was time to put the blocks away...And pick-up Big Brother from school...And she threw a royal fit.
The fits... they're happening more often these days.

Chopped and Ready

A Place of Grace

Even Moses... this man who spoke intimately with the Lord, this man who was chosen to lead... became discouraged and tired and ready to quit. And, he questioned God's favor, begged for His presence, and asked that he might know His ways.
The Lord answered, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock." And He caused all of His goodness and glory to pass in front of a weak and broken man while proclaiming His own name.See Exodus 33:12-21.
Because of Jesus I too have a place near Him where I may stand on a rock. And this is grace.

Guidance in Him

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;

I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

Psalm 32:8

For such is God,

Our God forever and ever;

He will guide us until death.

Psalm 48:14

And the Lord will continually guide you,

And satisfy your desire in scorched places,

And give strength to your bones;

And you will be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

Isaiah 58:11

Winter-Spring

Well, no wonder I've been thinking about how much I'm enjoying winter this year...

Just Ducky

I was poking around in the thrift store one morning, while still pregnant with Sister, when I came across the most delightful appliqued vintage crib sheet. I took it home for the mere cost of 49 cents, smiling and knowing that eventually it would find a place in her room. It's taken me nearly two years to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with it, but a pillowcase for her little baby pillow has turned about to be just ducky. Sister says, "Quack!"

Everyday Grace

We've recently added an extra measure of unpredictability to our days. Thankfully, it's only for a season. I'm finding comfort and rest in knowing that God perfectly orders each moment of each day according to His will. And that is where I find grace in the unpredictable, complicated moments.

Fruit in Him

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. John 15:4-8

Six