God’s Perfect Timing

February 4, 2025 Gracie

Surrendering Control: God’s Perfect Timing

Meet Tris.

Our little girl Tris

She’s our gorgeous 3-year-old Siberian Husky who has completely stolen our hearts.

Actually, we have two sweet Sibes.

The other beauty is Tris’ mom, Shimmer.

Our silly girl Shimmer

These two are hilarious together, and keep us laughing at their daily antics.

Did you know that dogs can tell time?

Especially these two.

They absolutely know when it’s dinner time.

It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, they will jump up in our laps on the couch – all 40 pounds each of them.

I can just imagine their thoughts as they try to get us to move towards the kitchen with their dog bowls in our hands.

Hurry up, you two

Why are you taking so long?

Hey, it’s time!

If we don’t get up fast enough, they start talking with their woebegone characteristic Siberian “wooing” like they’ve never had a meal in their lives.

And just like us, when they want something, they want it NOW.

I can relate. 😊

Patience is not my strong suit.

I try to be patient during a “waiting period” for God’s timing, but it’s hard, right?

God, I’d prefer to get an answer now

Ok, how about tomorrow then?

Learning to wait on God’s perfect timing can take practice.

We would do well to remember that everything will unfold at just the right moment.

The path ahead of us may seem unclear, but God knows every outcome.

Any divine delays are for a reason.

God’s Perfect Timing and Divine Delays

When experiencing a divine delay, it takes more than just patience. It also takes trust and faith.

Consider it an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the One who created us.

By trusting in Him, no matter how long it takes, a blessing may come in a very unexpected way.

You don’t want to miss it by forging on ahead without God and without prayer.

Trust God’s Plan
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

In the illusion of control, you place your trust,
Thinking your destiny, in your hands, you must adjust.
But God’s plan surpasses what your mind can conceive,
In Jesus, true purpose and fulfillment you’ll receive.

You may chart your course, with precision and care,
But God’s sovereign hand, is always there.
For He alone knows the path you should take,
Without Jesus’ guidance, your plans will break.

Your choices matter, of this, there’s no doubt,
But God’s will prevails, casting shadows of doubt.
In Jesus, find solace, in His guiding light,
Trust in His wisdom, through the darkest night.

So release your grip, on the reins of fate,
And trust in God’s timing, it’s never too late.
For in His hands, your destiny lies,
In Jesus, find peace, under His skies.

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Our Exceptional God

No i In Grace

January 28, 2025 Gracie

There’s No “i“ in Grace

A favorite preacher of mine once said, “There’s no ‘i’ in grace.’”

The beauty of that assurance has stayed with me.

In fact, grace is one of my favorite words in the entire English language.

The Apostle Paul described God’s wonderful gift of grace to the Ephesians in earlier biblical times.

Likewise, God’s grace and mercy extend to us today.

⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. – Ephesians 2:8-10, (NASB).¹

As so eloquently stated above, “We are His workmanship . . . “

There’s no “i” in grace.

To God alone be the glory for all He has done.

In our sins, we are unlovable and undeserving and yet, it is by God’s grace alone that we are the blessed recipients of His unfailing love.

When you hear these words, your hearts should sing!

No i in grace

Christian theologian, Augustine, once wrote:

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.²

You are loved, dear Christians.

Transformed by His grace, we should live out our faith through our humble actions giving all glory to God – a natural outcome of our new identity in Christ.

Get ready to shine

Worth pondering . . .

Our every humble act of kindness and compassion is our living testament to His glory.

It is through our humble endeavors, that His greatness is magnified.

His light shines through us.

We are His beacons of hope and compassion.

Get ready to shine!

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²Quotation by Augustine, early influential church leader, courtesy of Christian quotes.info.

Our Exceptional God

Hope So to Hope Sure

January 21, 2025 Gracie

Moving From “Hope So” to “Hope Sure“

Have you noticed all of the TV shows about capturing the elusive Bigfoot?

The elusive Bigfoot

Admittedly, I’ve watched a few just for fun.

Is Bigfoot real?

Or, consider this, is this mysterious creature just a demonic distraction to sway the public’s attention from focusing on what is REAL?

Sounds more like what the Evil One wants to do – distract us.

The Bigfoot legend is a “hope so” for people.

Frankly, I’d much rather talk about a “Hope Sure”

“Hope So” to “Hope Sure”: Certainty in Christ

When I was a TV reporter back in the day, sometimes we would conduct man-on-the-street interviews.

I bet if I were to ask random people today if they believe in Bigfoot (or even UFO’s) a surprising number of people would say yes.

And yet, when it comes to a real historical recorded event like the crucifixion and glorious resurrection of our Lord and Savior – skeptics are ready to mock believers and make us look like a bunch of fanatics.

Here is just a portion of Paul’s post-resurrection account in God’s written Word.

⁶After that He appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; ⁷then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; ⁸and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. – 1 Corinthians 15:6-8, (NASB).¹

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest historical event of all time!

More than five hundred people (eyewitnesses) saw Jesus after His resurrection.

In a word, that is a large crowd of people! If you’ve ever attended a big concert or convention, then you get the idea.

Ancient, nonchristian, historical writers (i.e. Tacitus) also help to verify the Biblical account.

The “Prince of Preachers”, Charles Spurgeon, once wrote:

I suppose, brethren, that we may have persons arise, who will doubt whether there was ever such a man as Julius Caesar, or Napoleon Bonaparte; and when they do, – when all reliable history is flung to the winds, – then, but not till then, may they begin to question whether Jesus Christ rose from the dead, for this historical fact is attested by more witnesses than almost any other fact that stands on record in history, whether sacred or profane. – The late Charles Haddon Spurgeon, pastor and author.²

Can we trust in God’s Word?

Absolutely!

Anyone who teaches that the Bible is just a “dusty old book” is doing a disservice.

Now in case your sitting there thinking, yea but can I trust Scripture? Yes Christian Scripture has withstood 2000 yrs of critique, a true, reliable, and historical account of the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, who is no ordinary Man, a Man whose death and resurrection changed the course of history for the entire world, a Man whose moral teachings echo into almost every known part of the world, a Man Who claimed divine origin and status, doing things reserved only for the divine. Billions of people throughout history have testified that their lives were dramatically changed for the better by believing in Him. Jesus is the Reason for the Easter season. He is the reason we are here today. He is the reason some of you were invited. He is the Blessed Hope of the believer. Our hope is not a “hope so”, but a Hope sure! – Precept Austin commentary.³

Hope so to hope sure

No, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we don’t have to “hope so”.

By the grace of our Sovereign God, we have “hope sure”!

# # #

²Quotation by Charles Spurgeon, influential Christian pastor and author, (1834-1892) courtesy of the Matthew 28 Commentary, [2024] Courtesy of Precept Austin, Web. Accessed 18 January, 2025.

³Quotation courtesy of the Sermon on the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, [2023] Courtesy of Precept Austin, Web. Accessed 15 January, 2025.

Our Exceptional God

Heavenly Comfort

January 14, 2025 Gracie

Feeling God’s Heavenly Comfort

comfort in a blanket

If I had to pick one, I would have to say that my absolute favorite Christmas gift this past year was a Minky.

What’s a Minky?

I’m glad you asked.

It’s the most wonderful blanket ever created – in my humble opinion.

Think of a comforting, plush, weighted blanket that’s easy to cuddle up in and get lost in its warm embrace.

The material is the most luxurious I’ve ever felt – kind of like . . . well, mink.

By the way, it’s not real mink (not even close).

Just like Linus – the beloved character in the Charlie Brown Christmas specials, I would walk around with this blanket all the time if I could, except that it’s too heavy and that would be kinda weird. Lol.

This gift couldn’t have come at a better time.

Having gone through two different medical procedures several days ago, I still remember my thoughts as I was just starting to go under the anesthesia.

I would rather be any place but here

I can’t wait to go home and get under my favorite blanket

Most importantly, the following verse kept running over and over in my mind, as I slipped into a sleep-like state . . .

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9, (NASB).

“My grace is sufficient . . . “

God's heavenly comfort

God’s Heavenly Comfort is There When You ask

Not once did I feel alone in that procedure room.

I felt the presence of Jesus watching over me.

In fact, I felt comforted enough that I was able to joke around with the nurses.

You know what I’m looking forward to?

That glorious day when we will experience God’s heavenly comfort (the best of all) and divine love face-to-face.

Nothing will ever come close to the unimaginable joy we will feel when we are reunited with our Savior.

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Our Exceptional God

Cyber-Savvy Grandma

January 7, 2025 Gracie

God Bless This Cyber-Savvy Grandma

cyber-savvy grandma

One afternoon not that long ago, my husband and I were in a crowded waiting room at a doctor’s office.

There weren’t many seats left.

A young boy ended up next to me with his grandparents sitting in a couple of seats nearby.

He looked to be about 10 years old.

I couldn’t help but peek over his shoulder.

He was totally engaged with the cartoon-like games on his iPad.

After several minutes I watched him walk up to the reception desk and ask the assistant for the office Wi-Fi password.

It was at that moment that his cyber-savvy grandma immediately got up and walked over to him as he went back to his seat.

There was one more empty chair in our row and she sat down right next to him.

Grandma saw his surprised expression.

She was firm but loving as she told him she was going to monitor his screen time to make sure that he stays safe.

I was beyond impressed.

God bless this cyber-savvy grandma.

How many other family members would take the time to see what their kids might be looking at online?

In our high-tech world, inappropriate images are freely shared every day, all day.

Young children who can operate a cellphone, computer, or iPad can be at risk.

We must protect innocent young eyes

In a disturbing stat listed on the National Center For Missing And Exploited Children website, over 195 million reports of evil online content have been filed since 1998.

In today’s digital world, it is crucial for parents and/or guardians to take an active role.

We must protect innocent young eyes and teach them how to make safe and positive choices online.

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Our Exceptional God

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