Glory to God

What does it mean to give Him glory? I think this is a religious term used in churches, but to give Him glory means to praise Him by giving Him the credit for all the good. Of course we'd never give HIM GLORY by the negative!

What good is going on in your life? God is so good and gracious that we can praise Him with the good in our lives!

Giving HIM the glory~today and always,
Lady Graceful

Truth

Truth is virtually unknown these days...unfortunately the times prove that absolutes are unheard of by what we can see in the everyday. When I was in college about 15 yrs ago, my professor asked a room of 20 somethings and ME~an older returning student in my thirties IF we believed in a definite RIGHT and WRONG... .... .... ... ....

I was the only person to raise my hand. The other OLD DUDE student even, did not believe in absolute truths, only me. I honestly was surprised, but I shouldn't have been. Our society has carved away at truth for years and now we are reaping the benefits of our sowing!

Truth is fundamental and based on something. Without a solid foundation, TRUTH will not stand at all. When discussing marriage as the union of one man and one woman, I discussed the basis for this moral stand as well. What do we base truth and morality upon? Is it the ever changing desires and conscience of society? Remember that some current hymns were banned and considered bad when placed to popular alcohol drinking songs, but today are considered great religious standards reaching to touch many with their value. I well remember when fashion was an issue in the church~by God, you best not be caught DEAD in certain apparel, but today it's an OK thing..so what do base TRUTH upon?

The only thing that hasn't changed in 2K years is the Word of God. Since its penning and subsequent copying, God's Word has stood strong and the test of time! Listen, ALL law is based on some moral code. Where did we get ours? Folks all over can deny the Christian heritage of our nation, but just remember what law was established was founded upon the principals found in the Word of God. This is a well documented fact. All US Presidents have acknowledged God and the Bible. ALL except...

Let's remember our heritage of TRUTH and from where it comes. Truth's foundation is the Word. Let's pass It on...

Lady Graceful

The God Who Comforts

God is the God of all comfort who comforts us so that we can comfort those who are experiencing similar things in life. I have found Him to be faithful and true to me, and hope you will know His love and care today.

Sometime ago I placed a picture on my homeschooling blog *blush* without securing permission, but honestly was so taken with it, as well as thought I had adequately given credit. To my horror, but eventual delight, I was contacted by the gracious owner, T. Alan Kirk who has given me permission along with his wonderful words concerning our Lord. (My advise is to NOT do this again, but ask~WHAT a blessing when things are done in proper order!)

Please go http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SisterTipster/688913/ to see this inspiring piece and read his words and mine. I pray you will be blessed by our God who cares.

Lady Graceful
Blessed be the God of all comfort...

Will the REAL Christmas Please Stand Up?

Distractions are everywhere. Like the Grinch, "Noise! Noise! Noise!" was his cry; I feel his pain! There's tons of noise surrounding this season where we declare that "Christ the Savior is born!" You know, we might be saying it in our churches, but our everyday existences during the holidays it's not said very loudly or well. Lights, and did I mention sounds, smells and all the scenes of the season really don't share Christ. They are certain to share commercialism, greed and excess! Sorry, but it's true. With some introspect we all can recognize that a little simpler, a little less of what's wrong and a GREATER focus of what's right will bring the REAL Christmas to our lives. How consumed are we over our decor, food, gifts...(you put what you will here!)?? But it's also about family~this is the secularist view~the tradition, the spirit of good will....we can see it all over the TV and the idea of family and friends gathering to partake of WHAT???? Food and what? While a focus on family isn't bad~it's not the one we need to have at heart~in our minds and souls~

Forgive me, but anybody notice the attitudes in the stores this time of year? I know this is negative, but to decry all the glories of something that really isn't all that good~bad attitudes and bad behavior isn't right, but while the shopper may be looking for something GOOD like a gift for another, why does the behavior and attitude have to be so rude?

Sugar and rich foods cause all sorts of problems as well. Weight gain and health issues get more complicated. But "our ideas," what's marketed to us is that big huge candy cane or cookies or something else yummy...Oh my mouth is watering..but what is this excess doing to us in the end and the GREATER question~what does this have to do with Jesus and His birth?

We give...Oh yes we do~but don't we "like to receive" too? Let's be real. How far will we get if we only gave? If we only...another idea too is how smug some of us feel when we give. I get sick over the idea of "the less fortunate gift giving deal." Anyone give to someone out of pity? Is THIS love? Uh....

But LOVE was born on that very time of year, when shepherds were in the fields, and people were required to register in their home towns to pay their taxes. Caesar Augustus was Emperor of Rome and wise men were star gazers. Love, real and lasting Love was born~humbly, simply, and without fan fare. But it's not how we remember it with our Christmas celebrations. We get all torn up~even children's padgets can be stressful and harming when children are pressured. PRESSURE that is unnecessary~where did the humility and simplicity go? Why are we in such a tizzy?

The REAL Christmas is LOVE! For God so loved...LOVED the world that He sent His only begotten Son...Love ~greater love hath no man than that He should lay down His life~for HIS FRIENDS...LOVE~Love thy neighbor as thyself....LOVE, love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul and mind...LOVE...that the world may know if we have love one for the other...LOVE~
The embodiment of God's love is His Son, Jesus who in all humility came~and He died just 33 years later, crucified unjustly on a Roman cross. The cross has come to symbolize so much for so many~perhaps it's the REAL CHRISTMAS tree, and LOVE is the REAL CHRISTMAS focus...all this holiday hustle, hurry and bustle isn't about Jesus~it's about man or man's ideas...but LOVE is distinctly FOR mankind, not about mankind.

The REAL Christmas is Jesus~and in each of our lives we must find a way~during ANY holiday to make it all about Him. John said, HE must increase and I must decrease. True of everyone~true of me. We must focus and worship the Savior, the Love of God~Jesus the Christ in all our actions and beliefs. Then truly our Christmas will be as the word actually means ~ a Worship of Christ. Christ-Mass ~True and devoted in us as well look to the Savior!

Merry Christ Mass and may your holidays be real HOLY days!
Lady Graceful
Luke 2

To the Summit!

Ever been in a mess, a real pickle where it seemed nearly impossible to get out? Ever found yourself in a struggle or with a real challenge that you wondered how on earth you were going to make it through?

Everyday we are all faced with things, situations and problems that seem unsolvable, unable to fix or just tough! How do we get beyond the struggle to the place of victory, joy and peace?

Perseverance is a huge key to being successful at anything. Remember the children's story of The Little Engine That Could who pressed up the steep mountain with the words, "I think I can! I think I can!" as he pushed right up that obstacle to find himself at the summit with full victory? He never gives up nor in...he continues as hard and as steady as he can go..up, up, up until he reaches the top in victory, sweet victory!

For us, the bigger the problem, the greater the demand to overcome, the sweeter the victory! The more we invest, the better the payout! Even in our problems, something of refinement is occurring. Refinement, a purification of ourselves and we reach deeper, harder, in more earnest to find the solution, the way, the ability.

Reaching deeply into ourselves is only one point of finding the solution. While important, and it must not be overlooked that we have to have ourselves "on board" to gain what is needed to do the task, we do have to look beyond ourselves as well. Looking at that little train with all his will and desire, NEVER could have reached the summit without the fuel for his engine~the coal for his furnace that was stoked so that his energy was sustained in the struggle. Where can we find such power giving energy for ourselves?

Only in God can we find this kind of energy. He is the total source of all we have and all we will ever become! Perseverance is key, but having the energy source is essential...even more important than our own will to win! God's abilities far exceed our own, and it's in His power and might that we have the umph to press on up that hill to our summit~our personal victory!

Are you struggling with a need in your life? Do you have a goal that you desire or a problem that needs solving? God is the answer! He enables each of us to push forward until we reach our summit.
Lady Graceful
Phil 1:6

Peace

In the 1960's the peace symbol became popular as a way of protesting a war and promoting the idea of pacifism. Even the American President, Richard Nixon was photographed with his arms held high and his hands making the gesture. Peace is just a important today in our world as it has ever been. I am not protesting or even commenting on the military efforts today, but about the internal war that rages in our beings, our hearts, souls and minds.

Peace is something we all want. We desire peace. Peace is desirable. It brings satisfaction and security. But with inner conflict, peace isn't achieved while our inner self rages. Peace is only achieved as issues are laid to rest, problems dealt with and progress made. But how can we achieve peace?

Are we capable of peace without seeking God to help us?

God is a God of all comfort who comforts us. . . Isaiah said that God would keep the person in "perfect peace" who continually thinks upon Him. The Bible promises a "peace that passes all understanding."

How can we reconcile what God says to help ourselves to have His peace.

It's His peace that is authentic and purest in nature.

1. Prayer. We need to look to God as our source, shield, and salvation.

2. Confession. Is there something standing between us and God. Confess or tell it to God. Ask Him to remove the obstacles to knowing Him which is knowing peace!

3. Walking with God. When we keep our minds on God and His benefits, methods and Person, we can have confidence to know that our Creator who cares is right there with us~even when it's not fun!

4. Singing to Him. Praising God may seem silly, but what we listen to does affect our thinking. Is our music lifting the soul closer towards the Savior or sinking us down towards the pit? Music can help to heal, and the kinds of music is important.

5. Scripture. How well do we know His Words? Do we realize that He wrote them just for us? THINK: WHAT IF the Bible were to disappear from the earth today? In many countries it's illegal to own a Bible and Christians die to preserve their ability to have access to God's Word. How much more we should treasure the Word of God to give us His thoughts for and to us!

Peace that exceeds ALL understanding is possible only with God, our Lord and Savior!

In Peace,
Lady Graceful

Pain

Our bodies ache; our hearts ache. Sometimes the pain is unbearable. Other times we are just fine and doing well, but it's the reality that in our lives the rain will come, the storm clouds of hurt that should turn our hearts wholly to God!

God is our refuge and strength. A help in the times of turmoil, trouble, distress and pain.

But what does this look like?

Is it a kind of stoicism where no flinch is noticed and no darkness known in the life of the believer? Some have said that the Christian life is only full of God's wonderful riches in Christ Jesus, and these don't include troubles . . . but don't they?

Is it strongly standing on the facts of God's promises when darkness hides the light of day? This is a closer reality to dealing in the pain of circumstances where we are not able to change our situations or someone has hurt us.

Our pain can be self induced or it can come from another source, but whichever, it's pain none the less.

God is present and knows our troubles, our distress.

I have found great comfort in knowing two things: He cares for me, and there's a reason for my suffering. He has said in I Peter 5:7 that I can give Him my burdens because He cares about me. I can depend on this~for Him to support me in my trial. My reason for troubles while seem self or other inflicted is actually to give God praise for His support in testimony to those who may be experiencing the same that I have gone through. My witness or what I've gone through can actually give God glory to one who may come after me in the same or similar circumstance. This is so deep really, and simple all at the same time!

When I am hurt, sad, lonely, distressed, lost, in pain~I can know He cares and there is purpose.

I can trust the ever TRUSTABLE GOD in my pain.

I am trusting now.
Lady Graceful

It's WHAT We Do on Sunday . . .

We live in such a busy world and the holidays will hold us captive from now until they arrive busling about trying to create for ourselves some kind of perfect "image" of happiness. Whew! This is profound, I think...but for someone who feels a bit overwhelmed, busyness can be a killer! Running here and there~this place~that activity, we go and go and go go go! No wonder stress is killing our bodies, minds, AND our spiritual life!

I wish I had a "plug nickle" for every time~EVERY TIME the church plans an activity or event or something that I have seen the "faithful few" trickle in . . . Of course you have the "dead-ringers: the pastor and his family and those who come, faithfully! Praise God for those who support their house of worship!!!!!

But more often than not, I get to hear all the reasons and busyness in people's lives~lives that have been taken over~Yeah, you've got Lady G right~TAKEN OVER with other things than a concern for His church, His body of believers, His mission . . .

"I have ___________, so we won't be there," is so common that it's no wonder that state of the church is in perile in America. Christians have found their way into this world to the neglect of God's business for activities and things of this world. Is it ALL wrong? Is busyness sin?

I consider these questions as one who is present and accounted for~leading the pack, if you will to "charge the gates of hell" with my Lord's arsenal, but find that some of my brothers and sisters do not realize just HOW important the church really is to the Christian walk. There are even some who have forsaken the body for a life of Christ-following beyond the doors of the "traditional" church . . . house churching which isn't bad, I don't believe as it's a New Testament model, but house churching isn't an issue that I'm discussing, but the neglect of God's house!

Neglect for the church and embracing the cares of this world are trends everywhere! We are admonished not to lay up our treasures in this world, not to become conformed to the image of this world, to be peculiar people. WHERE does this fit into the lifestyle that we have chosen as the American Christian church? I don't care what your denomination is or if you are nondemoninational~lifestyle cannont override our desire to please the Lord Jesus Christ! We must support what He finds pleasing.

When my daughter was younger, she wanted to do gymnastics and cheer. I am going to stomp some toes here, I am sure . . . perhaps I can do this tenderly by sharing our story and you can take from it what you will. When we found out that our child would be required to travel for Sunday and Wednesday meets, that was the end of that. As talented and athletic as she is, this was NOT the path for her . . . besides, when we could see that cheer in so many ways was "suggestive dance" we put a halt to this quick! Another example comes from our own family~yes, we are narrow in our lifestyle~ Praise God-YES!! FOR STRAIGHT IS THE GATE AND NARROW the WAY!!! Our daughter attends AWANA and has put her heart and mind into learning the Scripture. She actually has such a knowledge of the Bible that it's rather intimidating for me, her mother to teacher her sometimes . . . and she is old enough NOW to be a leader in training within the program. She is purely qualified. But! For her own spiritual development, we have with her desire, encouraged her to stay in her class~learning! LEARNING verses the fun, not that learning isn't fun, but learning instead of being out there~
I will say that her time for leading is here in other ways, but her desire to know the Word is preeminent! I am thankful for this, but it didn't all start when she was 14~oh no! It came in the years as a young child, and we dressed her modestly and taught her and led her in the way. I am amazed at Christian parents who allow their child to assimilate the world's values because "oh it's soooo cute!" Yeah, all puppies and kittens, babies are cute~even when they are biting and without training, but when these grow up~what a challenge to train and show the way!

Folks have taken the "it's what we do on Sunday" attitude with their church lives . . . "I'll be there as long as . . .(you name the activity or function) doesn't interfere as if church is a sideline prospect or proposition!!!!!!!!! Is it any wonder folks, that the church numbers are diminishing in our nation? WE ARE IN TROUBLE as a Christian people, and few seem to care! There's no repentence, no sorrow, no fear of God! WE MUST get back to the CALL of GOD to worship HIM in power and in truth!

I encourage you to consider your ways before the Lord. Don't listen to me, but consider your own relationship with God. Is your church life just something you do on Sunday? Is your relationship with the Lord one that will take a back seat for other things?

First it is paramount to confess our sins to God who is our judge, not me. The Lord knows your heart and mind. He is able to forgive.

One favorite passage of Scripture that holds such a promise,

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I Jn 1:9

We can count on His promises to restore us to God and His plan for our lives~and once we have moved in this direction, we should follow the Lord in concern for His people.

In His Grace,
Lady Graceful
John 17~Jesus' prayer in the Garden before His arrest. He was concerned for His followers-this is you and me!

Thankfulness

It's almost that time of year when we are SUPPOSED to be thankful...but I have preempted the holiday with a little thankfulness before it because of all of God's wonderful blessings. Don't get Lady G wrong, I have problems and struggles just like you do...I may even have one or two more...but sometimes when I need to refocus and adjust my 'eyesight' a little, OK..a lot! I need to focus on my blessings!

What about you? What are you thankful for in your everyday? Can you name a thing or person or two? Start up a Thankful Log to chronicle all the goodness of God whether it's from Him through the beauty of nature or someone who cared enough to... God's goodness is amazing, and it's all around us!

Yeah, I have some problems, and I know you do too, but we can both be thankful BEFORE we buy the turkey, cranberries and yams (if you don't know what these are...leave me the question...) and we can THANK GOD for everything He has, is and will do in our lives!

Happy Thanks GIVING~a head of the season!
Lady Graceful

Forgiveness

Ever been wronged? Had your dander kicked up to realize that the person really didn't mean it OR that they did?

Forgiveness is the only action that can bring real reconciliation in a situation like this, and because forgiveness isn't easy, we must depend upon God to help us and to issue grace to the offender(s) in our lives.

I have someone who is on my "fifth nerve." Yes, Lady Graceful has issues at times with this~so you are not alone with the problem of interpersonal relationships that can be painful...I really have to deal with this thing too; as it can get out of hand! REAL resentments can build, and then broken relationships will occur~or maybe they already have occurred!

Forgiveness~genuine putting down the AX and giving the person the benefit of the doubt is the only way that something like this can be healed in a relationship. A healing so sound and strong that the offender is treated as if the offense had never occurred~and not just treated in some superficial way either, but genuinely forgiven, forgotten and restored to fellowship.

OK~I KNOW this is near utterly impossible! In fact, it is impossible without the grace of our Lord and Savior empowering us to forgive and restore.

If we consider that often people are not "out to get us" but are just rubbing us the wrong way innocently~and ignorantly, then forgiving may come easier, but will forgetting be something within our human-ness?

Probably not. But with God all things are possible. I John tells us that if we hate our brother who we have seen, how can we love God Who we have not? We are called to be reconciled to each other in grace.

Easy~nope!

Power from above~yup!

God alone is the source for such powerful forgiveness! The walk of faith in Christ is what brings us to the place to be able to forgive EVEN when I'm not asked to forgive, EVEN when the person continues to hit that nerve!

Forgiveness~STRAIGHT FROM our Heavenly Father~

Grace,
Lady Graceful

English Speakers and the Bible~

The Bible is the inerrant Word of God. Period~without error and God breathed communication from God to mankind. There are many translations of the Bible, from the Catholic Bible to the Bibles of the Reformation era such as Wycliffe's to the 1611 King James Version. Today many new translations have been added as well as many paraphrased versions. Paraphrases are not translated works from the oldest known documents, but are off shoots from other translation works into common speech. Preferring a solid translation will be most helpful in the most accurate forms. Unfortunately there's not been a English translation or any other translation from the original languages found without some sort of error. . .so what is the serious student of God's Word to do? It has been suggested that since so many of today's Bible students are not actual Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic readers, using a comparative method of using several translations is best to study out all the nuances of meaning a verse or word may have. The who, what, where, when and why must be answered for each verse and passage. Scripture will interpret Scripture. Remember that the Bible while a wholly holy inspired text is also a wonderful piece of literature that will inspire and instruct. Using a comparative study method (and there are Bible compilations for this that can be purchased and here's a website:http://www.auburn.edu/~allenkc/bible.html) will give the most information and insight into the intended meaning of the verses studied.

II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. KJV

We must put all diligence into understanding just what God intends for us to know from His Word, the Bible~

Truly God's Word is a lamp for our feet and a shining light upon our paths!

In His Grace,
Lady Graceful

Differences

Differences in people are so vast that there really isn't a description to account for them all. Today we use the words 'special needs.' but again this term is so very broad. So broad that it is nearly impossible to describe everyone who "fit" this particular term as if some are and are not in this frame...I like the fact that we are all different creations, made by God in His image...True, no human is identical including identical twins as the twin studies have shown, but differences are many in the human condition. As we look around there are tall and every variation of tall from the very to the just a little bit. Shortness has its terms too as does weight, looks, intellect, abilities and more...we have descriptive terms and ideas about who and what is a proper way of seeing the differences around us including cultures and races as well.

"I am human!" screamed the tormented, frightened John Merrick as he is literally chased by a mob of men in his day who are shocked and drawn to him~his life of being different or with special needs was of inordinate condition. So disfigured he lived and dealt with life with its circumstances as best he could as he could. While I am not an authority on his life, I have been moved by the film concerning his life, The Elephant Man (1980) truly to tears. What torment for a soul who found so little grace and mercy in his life! I found in what reading I've been able to do on his life a call to reach within to find a way, deep and honest to look at how we deal with differences in people. All people, all differences. I have no idea if the quote is accurate from his mind or if such a circumstance he found himself as portrayed in this film, but I do know that people, all people do deserve dignity and respect and honor from all of us for whatever human condition we may find each other.

It's true that there is so much hype over the death of yet another famous person in our society who has died at the hands of drug addiction. But I am considering more than this person's life and end, but what had to have been a huge challenge in living with the disfigurement of vitiligo. Vitiligo as so much is discussed since this celebrity's passing, affects persons with a condition that destroys pigment in the skin leaving it with "spots" or albino looking patches. I have known persons with such, and it's very disfiguring. These folks were some of the best you'd ever want to know...now I am not generalizing, but being very specific about the people I knew personally. But in thinking about differences, it has led me to consider someone who somewhat like Merrick, but certainly the similarities may end here in that this 20th century famous person had money and prestige, Merrick while also in the public eye had none. No fortune to remedy his condition or to alter it...but what courage to do so and step forward as best one could...as best anyone can...and people everyday step forward with their differences to face society with altered or unalterd differences~not saying they should be alterd, just observing that some do alter...

I'd like to see more compassion and acceptance for differences among humanity. I know that this is a place that is virtually unreachable in the human condition alone because we all have preferences and ideas about who and what we can accept. But I believe that as we recognize each human being as created in the image of God~God who breathed the breath of Life into man so that man became a living soul makes acceptance of differences a much greater possibility in our world. Do I seek to become one who says there is no standard? Do I say there should be no differences? I don't think we can deny either standard or difference, but we must recognize the Creator and His righteous position to create whomever He choses. . .and treat those with such differences as unique from ourselves with the respect the Creator expects for His creation.

Throughout time and in a not too distant past those who were seen as unique were persecuted, and really in some ways this is still true today..can't we offer the olive brance of peace and the grace of our Lord to those who are unlike us? Oh, don't assume I am exclusively talking race relations either, while this issue is included here, it's NOT my sole purpose...I seek to call out to all about every difference from each of us in our own differences to offer that peace and grace to our fellow man letting God be judge and exactor of all justice in His righteousness not ours...it's walking by faith~seeing humanity as God does...

"Let me see this world dear Lord, as though I were looking through Your eyes!"
A world of men who don't want You, Lord..
A world for which You bled and died..."

God's concern with humanity is not so shallow as we make it for ourselves, and we must look to Him to help us overcome whatever prevents us from fully embracing those with differences~whatever they are~In His Name!

blessings
Lady Graceful

How Great Thou Art

This has got to be one of the most beautiful hymns of the 20th century. For me, it holds special meaning as it was one of my brother's favorites as he felt it was a gorgeous praise song to God.

Then sings my soul...

What a thought that my soul can be so happy that it will sing~to God, HOW GREAT Thou art! How great Thou art!

Originally the song was a Swedish poem by Carl Gustav Boberg (1859-1940). Two additional verses were added by the translator, Stewart Hine which were his own.

Today as we go about our everday mundane tasks, may we find the tune in our soul to sing His praises like the sentament of How Great Thou Art!

Lady Graceful

Standing on the Promises!

God's Word holds many promises for the believer. Promises of protection, love, care, benefits and more. What a joy to know that God is a loving a compassionate Father, one who is concerned with us, just where we are...how we are...in every circumstance of life.

In having suffered grief and loss some years ago now, I am aware of the pain of loss and feelings of sadness surrounding illness and losses. It took God's graciousness and peace to help me get through it, but also time for healing. In the early days, months, years even, I could be found weeping at some memory that would come. . .often of despair, but sometimes of joy too...in knowing that God is good! Emotions can run high when we are vulnerable.

We must saturate ourselves in God's Word to get through the toughest challenges of our lives. And surely we should be soaking up His Word on good days too~but when we are weakest, loneliest, saddest, sickest, hurting and afraid, we MUST reach out to Him as the smallest baby cries in pity and helplessness for the mother and father to help!

God can be our refuge and strength, our ever present help in times of danger and distress! The idea of a refuge is one of safety. He makes a place safe and secure for His child. I like to think we are nestled snuggly down inside His huge loving, Creator hands~where nothing harmful or hurtful cannot get to us unless He allows it~AND IF He allows it, then and He will sustain me through it...

A new buzz phrase, "If He puts you in it, He will get you through it!" WOW! I can count on Him, can't I? If His Word is true, then I can have confidence that whatever I may face, I can trust Him and take Him at His Word...

God's promises are a huge source of comfort for the believer. I just don't know how those who chose to reject God make it without the promises from His Word. This world is too hard to resist belief in the God of all comfort who comforts...so that we may be able to comfort those with the same comfort we have been comforted...

Standing on the Promises! Strong and Sure!
Lady Graceful

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (King James Version)

3Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Godliness With Contentment...

Do we even know that word any more? Contentment, peacefulness, quiet spirit, being ok. . . and godliness~being like our God. What a tall order for our lives. Are these possible? Is it truly possible to know contentment in godliness? God says they are "great gain" which implies they are worthwhile and to be desired. But how? How can I be content with the world raging around me, calling out to me to distract me in so many directions that I find it difficult to focus on the Lord's still quiet voice, His Word, His ways, His plan? Truths lie in the Scriptures to a life of great gain. The first step is knowing the Scriptures. I must decide and then dedicate myself to studying the Word. This is a purposeful decision, because I must pursue the study of the Bible or it just won't happen. I am too busy, too tired, too this or too that~ but without knowing the Word, I won't know Its Author, the Inspiration behind and literally within each Word~God. And the contentment, the peace which I seek will elude me; I will find myself empty without it. The things of this world such as riches and fame will not satisfy my longing for God. Only He can take care of the inner call or cry for Him, so why do I find myself looking in places other than His Word? His Word contains His message to my hungry soul. Today, I pledge to read each day His Word and to contemplate God in my life~to seek godliness with contentment so that I will be in a place of great gain!

Won't you join me in reading the Bible each day? As David, King of Israel said, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." God says, "Call unto Me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not." I am guessing His contentment and godliness are among the things He will show~
Grace and Peace,
Lady Graceful

The Lord is MY Shepherd...

I shall not want.
He maketh me to lay down in green pastures.
He leadeth me beside the still waters,
He restoreth my soul.

Yeah, though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death
I shall fear no evil
For Thou art with me~
Thy rod and Thy staff
they comfort me...

God's plan through all adversity in life is to bring us closer to Him. As a Shepherd, He cares for His little lambs with utmost care with His tools of protection and correction: His rod and staff. These are a comfort as I walk into valleys, particularly the one of the "shadow of death." Could there be a worse one for me to enter that He is not present? Just the name of this valley is frightening...but His strength and presence brings the response that in all the evil intended for me in that valley, I will not fear~He is with me...comforting with His tools and presence! Only God can do such great and mighty works like these!

He is the Great Shepherd and a loving loving Lord. Peace, hope, joy, contentment and more are benefits of His presence and tools in any valley. Comfort is His way of loving His lamb!

I praise Him for ALL He is as Shepherd in my life!

Praising Him all the day long!Even in the valley!
Lady Graceful
Phil. 1:6

Praying for Josiah...URGENT!

The precious child of my former youth pastor's son (4 y.o.)is diagnosed with a grade four gliobastoma, which is the worst form of brain cancer.

Today, Saturday April 25th 2:00PM EVERYONE is asked to lift this child before the Lord for healing~a miracle is needed here!

Praying for a MIRACLE!
Lady Graceful
Jer. 33:3

Just Have to Praise Him!

This might seem very trivial to some. I have some difficulty sharing this really. Sometimes our blessings are found in some stuff that in reality shouldn't matter much~but it does...

Well...it does...no matter how hard I try to tell myself it doesn't matter!

I want to praise God for the new counter top my husband installed in our home today! It's not granite, corian or marble or even tile...it's just plain ole laminate! But it's such a blessing to have it!

Over the past several months, supplies and items have been collected, a faucet, a hose, a tube of caulk, this and that...until today and after about four more trips to the hardware IT WAS FINISHED!!

As these things found their way IN MY WAY into my life, WHEN became the question I did not ask...nagging never helps ;-)

But little by little, item by item, as the supplies were gathered and the builder became prepared for the job...beauty emerged from the ashes!

YOU DON'T KNOW nor can you imagine just HOW ugly my kitchen was!!
But it's just like our Heavenly Father to work quietly in much the same way gathering and preparing for a day when beauty will emerge~how long O Lord will you wait? We long for You God to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves!

Yes! It's just a simple countertop...but to it's owner it's a thing so grand...
We are just humanity, but to our Owner/Designer, we are grand as well...
I was thinking up an acronym for G.O.D.
G Gracious
O Omnipotent
D Designer

That's HIM~I praise Him for my countertop and what He is doing with ME...hey...wonder what He's gathering in my life for the finished effect?

In Him with Praise!
Lady Graceful
Phil 1:6

When ALL Seems Lost...

I had a very unusual experience yesterday. I went to my doctor...actually to the nurse for some medical advice concerning healthy eating and ended up in the Emergency room...hooked to O2, IV inserted, 12-lead EKG...Let me explain...

I have an irregular heart rhythm...I take meds to control and care for me heart. I have no heart disease; they tell me...OK...So ALL seemed lost yesterday...in the blink of a moment HOW did I end up in the ER?

About three mos ago I hurt my left shoulder. It STILL hurts, and now since it hurts ALOT when I move it I mentioned it to the nurse...who took me into the doctor...who b/c of my potential risk and history sent me to the ER...

I really got upset. So upset that I cried and cried...it's not a fear of dying...it was that yesterday was the seventh anniversary of my brother's death, my only sibling...so I DID NOT want to put my parents and family through this on THAT day...dying isn't a choice I suppose...or even ER visits when your doctor is worried...OK...
So let me say that after the evaluation...the 5ALARM Fire Drill~Thank the Lord...It is 'just' my shoulder...as I suspected...and now my doctor is relieved..I will get an appointment to see an orthopod...but hey...as I lay there...O2 up my nose...

I was scared. I was anxious...THEY were giving me heart palpitations and a fast rate..the more the nurse and doctor came in...WHEW!...

I am praising GOD for His control when I cannot be...my experience reminds me of the TV show when the man who had faked illness was in the ER to get his heart shocked by the zealous ER team... but what if...AGAIN it's in His control...

Yeah..I'm glad it was my shoulder and not my heart...broken hearts are hard to fix~shoulders while painful...I can get by...

God is in control WHEN I am not! All might have seemed lost, but He was there with me...I can praise Him even when I am not in control...because HE ALWAYS IS!

In trust and faith
Lady Graceful
Phil 1:6

Hope in God~

When circumstances are not the best, it is God who I can lean upon most.

Psalm 42

1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

3My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

4When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

6O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

7Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

8Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

9I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Truly God is Someone I can count upon. You can too...He is ever faithful and trustable with all of our needs.

Trusting so that I have HOPE in GOD...
Lady Graceful
Phil 1:6