Category: Our Exceptional God

Covered By Grace

Welcoming Grace And Overcoming Fears

Have you ever felt covered by grace?

In my opinion, experiencing God’s grace is unparalleled.

You feel

Loved

Supported

Hopeful

Reassured

And prayed for 

covered in His grace

Whether it’s a request to pray for my husband and me, or something else, nothing beats the love and support you receive when you reach out to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

There’s no other reason for these blessings, other than a gift from God.

Covered By Grace

Recently, my husband underwent two cardio-versions and a heart ablation.

The preparations for each were pretty stressful. Before the procedure dates, there were several doctor appointments, medical tests, changes in medications, and other arrangements necessary before Hospital day.

thank You for Your grace

As you can imagine, it’s difficult to see the person you love going through this.

There’s a feeling of helplessness. You can’t do anything for your loved one except be with them, make sure they follow the doctor’s instructions, and pray.

Calling On The Lord

A heart procedure? Whoaaa.

That’s a pretty significant thing.

Wait, aren’t we too young for this kind of stuff?

I needed peace and God granted my prayers.

There’s a peace that comes when you call upon the Lord.

And Grace. I can’t forget about His grace.

Grace is the gift that sustains us through every trial and challenge.

Ablation Day

We know God is in control, but doggone it, fears can quickly take over when you know a doctor is working on your husband’s heart.

How is the doctor this morning?

Did he get enough sleep last night?

I have to stop my mind from going to scary places.

What warmed my heart was knowing that many dear people were praying for us.

“How Can I Help?”

Don’t you love it when people say that? It’s like music to my ears.

We received many texts, Facebook messages, phone calls, and offers to help in every conceivable way. I know it was God’s grace.

Two of the worship pastors from our church showed up at the hospital to pray with us beforehand.

When the hospital chaplain stopped by, he saw that we were already covered. 🙂

And that’s not all.

Two other friends waited with me for hours while my husband’s procedure was going on. I was grateful to the point of tears, and I know it was God’s grace.

I know these friends have busy lives, but they were there with us anyway. My gal pals and I had lunch together in the hospital cafeteria, laughed a lot, and enjoyed some old-fashioned girl talk. I know it was God’s grace.

After several hours, the doctor came out and told me the ablation was over, and that my husband was in recovery. I was so relieved I must have shaken the doctor’s hand a million times. As soon as he left the lobby, I started to cry, and there were two friends by my side to hug me and get me laughing again.

A Little Humor

Speaking of laughing, my husband’s “call button” got stuck in the “on” position overnight. We didn’t get much sleep as nurses popped in several times and asked him, “Are you alright?”

A sense of humor helps, even with all the alarms and monitors going off!

The Future Is Uncertain

I know there will be more challenges ahead in our lives, but we will meet every single one of them head-on, knowing that God has got us in the palm of His hands.

Through every storm, there’s a lighthouse up ahead, shining its bright light to guide us through the turbulent waters.

gift of grace

Thank You, God for Your Son, Jesus Christ.

You sent Him to an undeserving world, and I know it was Your grace.

There is nothing greater.

# # #

 

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How About A Christian Vacation?

Help!

I need a vacation!!

Like, right now.

What a day, what a DAY.

(I said that twice on purpose.)

Here’s the thing:

This gal is ready to eat an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Chocolate chip cookies heaven sent

(Please don’t judge me. I have feelings.)

Have you ever had a “Calgon Take Me Away” moment?

C’mon, you know you have.

Perhaps your kids are screaming for attention.

Or, your formerly cute dog is getting comfy on your bed after a romp outside in the mud.

I need a vacation

Maybe it’s your husband asking you sweetly “What’s for dinner?” when you’re bringing in sacks and sacks of groceries.

The thought of getting in your car, driving for hours, and not telling anyone where you’re going isn’t out of the question.

Just Breathe

Take a deep breath.

Take a deep breath

B r e a t h e.

Now, think about what would calm you.

Is it walking on a sandy beach in the Caribbean?

Is it getting cozy by the fire, while the snow falls gently outside?

How about a Christian vacation this time?

Ahhhhhhhhhh, I’m picturing it now.

On everyone’s list of favorite words: VACATION.

Where to Go for Fun and Inspiration

My husband and I are always interested in meeting up with other Christians somewhere fun. Seriously, somewhere FUN!

How does cruising to Alaska sound?

Alaskan cruise

Or setting sail to the Grand Cayman Islands?

Christian Travel Vacations? They’re That Good

Here are some of the highlights of taking a Christian-themed vacation:

    • Just as in your marriage, God is the foundation of every one of these vacations. You will be blessed.
    • The destinations often include performances by well-known Christian bands. You get to sing along with these artists and meet them personally. The “very cool” factor of this experience is off the charts.
    • You also get to hear topical sermons from well-respected pastors along for the trip. For example, you can hear great preaching and personal testimonies from the likes of Chuck Swindoll, Dr. Robert Jeffress, and Skip Heitzig.
    • The whole adventure “feels” like heaven on earth. Fun people from all over the country are getting together to enjoy beautiful scenery, great music, and hear the Word.
    • Depending on where you go, your free time may include snorkeling to your heart’s content. Snorkeling is one of my favorite things to do. Think of a pristine ocean, waves lapping at your ankles, and water every shade of blue. Or, if you head up north, you could catch a glimpse of a mighty whale as you aim your camera lens towards a magnificent glacier in Alaska.
    • Some of the nicest people from all over the country are joining you, and you have the opportunity to form lifelong friendships. Christian travels and tours are unforgettable.
    • You can enjoy all of the beauty and adventures of a popular tourist spot, and yet you don’t feel like a stranger. There’s always someone to talk with and make plans for dinner that evening.

Fun Times With Dear People

The next time you have a “Calgon” moment, I highly recommend that you start planning a trip with fellow Christians.

How about a Christian vacation?Every time our Christian getaway is over and my husband and I head back towards home, my thoughts are when we can go again?

Here’s where you can get information on some future destinations:

http://www.inspirationcruises.com/ifla

Important tip: Please don’t wait too long to book your trip. They can sell out fast.

God bless!

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Have I Told You Lately

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?

What a beautiful thing to say!

A Rod Stewart song comes to mind.

Who wouldn’t want to hear those words?

Like music to your ears.

Words that sweet are validation that you’re doing something right, you are loved, appreciated, and special.

Valentine's Day for loved ones

Sharing The Love

There was a lot of love going around for Valentine’s Day this year. Romantic sentiments were shared in person and all over Facebook on a very special day.

But, why is appreciation of loved ones just an occasional thing for some people?

Think of all the people you care about.

The people you cherish, like your spouse, your kids, your friends – I truly believe that you will never regret letting them know more often just how much they mean to you.

Look for opportunities to bless the ones you love.

Surprise them even. That’s when it gets fun.

But They’re Driving Me Nuts

What if your husband left his socks on the floor for the umpteenth time?

(And husbands, I haven’t forgotten about you.)

What if your wife asks for the millionth time, “whatcha thinkin’ about?”

In those cases, you could say, “I really love you, but sometimes you drive me nuts!”

No, don’t say that.

There’s that forgiveness thing that God wants us to remember 😉

We All Matter

I heard a priceless piece of wisdom once.

I can’t remember the exact wording, but here’s the gist of it.

When you see your loved one walk into the room after being gone all day, look at them with the kind of expression that reflects that they are THE most important person in the world to you. That includes the way you greet your kids too.

Have I told you lately

I’ve seen families in restaurants and every one sitting at the table was on their phones. That makes me sad.

Give your loved ones your complete attention.

Talk to each other, for goodness sake.

Your eyes, your smile, the hug and kiss you give them – make those gestures really count. Squeeze them a little tighter or longer.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married 50 years or if your kids are eighteen and they look at you like you’ve grown three heads.

Make your greeting count!

Making it count can start with a look of appreciation and the words, “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

No Relationship Is Perfect All The Time

In some cases, expressing love can be difficult. I know that many relationships in families aren’t perfect. They take time to build and to grow, especially after a painful hurt in the past. But, the precious gift of forgiveness is the healing and grace that come afterwards.

Love and grace go hand in hand

The Most Important Relationship Of All

What does our Redeemer hear when we pray?

Does God only hear our prayer requests, wants, and needs?

Or, does He hear gratitude and “I love You’s” as well?

There’s so much and so many people to pray for that I have to remind myself to stop and thank God and tell Him that I love Him.

I’m taking this opportunity to say it now.

Father God, I love You!

I am humbled that You thought enough of me

to bring me into this world.

Thank You for looking beyond my sins,

forgiving me,

and for leading me

step-by-step into an eternity with You.

♥♥♥

For anyone reading this, thank you for stopping by and reading my blog. It means a lot to me and I appreciate you.

God bless.

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When Your Remarkable Happens

Hey, good lookin’!

I’m talking about you.

Are you feeling out of sorts?

It’s okay.

We all feel that way sometimes.

My go-to when it happens to me is listening to Christian music.

Whether you prefer contemporary praise songs, Christian rap, or country gospel, it doesn’t matter.

God doesn’t care how well you sing or whether your singing is good enough to end up on “The Voice.”

Singing Praises To God Is Worship

Praising God through song is worship.

He is listening to you, no matter how off pitch you are.   😉

I’ve sung in choirs since 1997, and it is an absolute joy.

Here’s one song that I love, and I wanted to share it with you now.

The song reflects Psalm 139 which talks about God knowing you before the beginning of time.

Before you were even created, He already had you in mind.

Don’t you love children’s choirs?

Go to a quiet place, close your eyes, turn your sound up, and feel the Father’s love.

I hope you enjoy.


When life gets you down, it’s only human to feel overwhelmed and sideways.

But, don’t stay in that place for long.

God knows your every step before you even get out of bed.

When you’ve had a night of worrying about tomorrows, please remember you can find peace in reading God’s Word.

Trust Him through your circumstances.

*Learn to trust God in everything, to turn from sin and walk in obedience, to endure His reproving and chastening and refining, do what is good, walk in the Spirit, let your commitment to the Lord come from the inside out, not the outside alone.  Live by the Word of God in a righteous way.  And pray and seek peace.  This will restore your peace. – Pastor John MacArthur, from Grace To You.

Wake Up, Sleepyhead!

Get ready to approach each day with confidence knowing that, as one of His beloved children, God’s plan of salvation is remarkable.

When your remarkable happens

When God blesses you, shine His light to the world and show your gratitude.

If you know of anyone who needs this encouragement today, please feel free to share this post.

Blessings!

###

*John MacArthur quote is from an article originally appearing here at Grace to You.

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Turning Down the Noise of the News

Turning Down the Noise of the News

What’s that loud sound when I turn on network news?

It’s awful noise.

Turning down the news

As a former journalist, when I see news anchors broadcast opinion pieces and call them news, it’s nothing short of cringe-worthy. I’m talking about news reports that don’t present both sides of an issue. I’m also talking about those in the media tearing up when their preferred candidate didn’t win.

There’s so much deception going on in the media and entertainment worlds that my TV remote is starting to become my favorite thing.

Has everyone lost their minds?

Many in the mainstream news media seem hell-bent on widening the river of divisiveness. They’re flooding our great nation with doubt and hysteria.

Don’t fall for it.

America is a great nation, founded on Judeo-Christian values.

our great nation

Side By Side

The folks I know, and count as my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, are loving, intelligent, hard-working Christians. We care about people, and praying for the lost. We believe in compassion and kindness towards everyone while remaining courageous in our faith.

The secular world doesn’t get it, and we’re seeing the result of that now.

There’s such a clear divide between darkness and light in this world that it confounds me how people “on the fence” can’t see it or refuse to see it.

What Christians Know

Only one perspective that matters

What Christians know is that political parties aren’t the answer.

God is.

Would God condone the murder of babies in the womb?

We know the answer to that already.

Those people marching for abortion don’t speak for me.

There is One, only One, who stood up for me many, many years ago on the way to Calvary.

Manners? What Manners?

Is civil debate about issues a thing of the past?

It certainly seems so.

Welcome to a fallen world.

Awful, sickening, comments on Facebook.

Watching all of this is hard.

Self-described “nasty” women were spewing hateful words.

The media loves it and, those sneaking into our country who want to harm us, love it too.

My husband and I pray for the safety of our nation and Israel every single night. Our Christianity doesn’t make us popular on social media all the time, but it’s one of the battle scars that are a part of life in this fallen world.

Where’s That Doggone Remote?

turning off noise

Keep your remote handy too.

In our house, it’s a race to hit the change-the-channel button when the “noise” starts up again.

Award Me, Applaud Me

The Grammys, the Golden Globes, the latest award show du jour.

How many “award a celebrity” shows are there now?

These shows have morphed from fashion displays and classy thank-you’s to hypocritical political rants. Some celebs use the dais to accuse conservatives of promoting hate and yet, the ferocious bullying and threats from Leftists remain overlooked.

Blech.

Bye.

Will pray for you.

God wants us to pray for them. Our prayers may be mocked, but we do it anyway. Unlike most of Hollywood, our audience as Christians is an audience of One.

theologian J. Sidlow Baxter

From a Christian Perspective

Is there another option to the mainstream news media?

I know about one I can offer.

It’s a website called OneNewsNow.com. I found the site one day when I was researching another article. You’ll find coverage of the big news stories there, but there’s a significant difference. The articles and commentaries are from a Christian perspective.

OneNewsNow.com is the brainchild of the American Family Association. I have a lot of confidence in AFA and their positive impact on the world.

If you prefer to read news headlines on your phone, the site also offers a downloadable App. For those who prefer email alerts, you can receive the news briefs via your email provider.

Turning Down the Noise of the News

There’s one perspective that really matters.

Through belief in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, restoration and redemption can be yours.

The Author of all life is still on His throne, and He isn’t going anywhere.

No person or group and no political party can ever usurp God’s reign and authority over all the earth. God is orchestrating a divine plan and, in His perfect timing, it will unfold for all to see in an astonishing way.

Every knee will bow.

Not “some” knees will bow, but “every” knee will bow, even the wicked.

Friends who are reading this, I am honored to stand with you. Don’t let all the loud noise stirred up make you feel alone.

I appreciate you so much.

I know it’s not just me praying for America and the world to turn back to God. There are millions of us, Christian voices all over the world, lifting up prayers and worship to God.

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