Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Gift of Grace...

Only 2 more shopping days.  I have a list next to me that I will go over later to make sure I have bought every gift I need. 

But this morning, as I did my quiet time, I was reminded of how grateful I am for the Gift of Grace.  

You see, when I get tired or busy or stressed, my best side does not always (ok almost never) show up.  I become grumpy, short tempered, impatient, sharp tongued.  God gently exposed all that this morning and more.  

I started out this season with my focus in place and little by little got sucked into the rat race we call the Holidays.  

I am so thankful for Grace.  So thankful that God loves me so much and is willing to redirect me.....again.  Thankful that Grace is available to me even though I don't deserve it.  

It is the gift I needed this morning, every morning!

Those who find me find life, and the LORD will be pleased with them.  Proverbs 8:35

Grace is created by God and given to man... On the basis of this point alone, Christianity, is set apart from any other religion in the world..Every other approach to God is a bartering system; if I do this, God will do that.  I'm either saved by works (what I do), emotions (what I experience), or knowledge (what I know).  

By contrast, Christianity has not whiff of negotiation at all.  man is not the negotiator; indeed, man has no grounds from which to negotiate.

from In The Grip of Grace, Max Lucado

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7 comments:

SmilingSally said...

I love, love, love Max Lucado! Thanks for sharing.

Mocha with Linda said...

Amen, my friend. So well said. Thank God for the gift that keeps on giving!

SmilingSally said...

PLEASE respond to my email requesting name and address.

smilingsal55 AT yahoo DOT com

Pinkshoelady said...

I needed this today.
My nine year old has been saving money like mad to spend on gifts for Christmas. She purposefully waited until last Friday to count her money because we match what ever she earns (we can do that right now while she's only nine)
But sad to say she also got sick last Friday. She has a bad ear and respiratory infection. We had planned to go today to let her pick out gifts for her dad...but she still has a fever and can't go.

We have both been upset and disapointed knowing that she may have to get her gifts after Christmas.

This post has helped to put things back in perspective.
I think I'll stop blogging now and see what she and I can do instead of shop!

Thanks my sweet new friend!
Love Pamela

Jules from "The Roost" said...

I would be no where without Grace!

Cathy said...

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. That's what it's all about isn't it. Thanks for sharing.

Ohilda said...

I, too, am so very thankful for the gift of grace. I hide sometimes and pray in the midst of the rat race so that God will take over. Thank you for the reminder.

Wishing you and your beautiful family a very merry Christmas my sweet friend.

Hugs,

Ohilda