"Takin' Time Out"

 

Definition:  an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.

 

The last few months have been extremely busy, exhausting, exciting and overwhelming at times.  Looking back I wonder how I was able to accomplish so much, survive the back to back short travel adventures and enjoy each and every moment squeezing in work and play.  I hate to admit this but I even packed dirty clothes as I didn’t have time to get them washed before leaving on another trip.  Thank goodness there was a washer/dryer at the condo…LOL!  I also, had to really put forth effort and not feel guilty for the things I had to let go or not get done.  One of which was my weekly blogging…oh how I have missed you!  As I sit here sipping on a scrumptious cup of warm orange spiced tea, I feel refreshed and ready to commit to sharing my heart felt thoughts and “Takin Time Out!”  This blog has been really good therapy for me personally and my hope is I have made you laugh a little, think a little but also make sure we all are “Takin Time Out” in the fast paced world we live in.

 

Sooooo I am sittin here, listening to a little thunder and the wind has picked up.  I am thinking about what to share this week and an unusual word popped into my head – “SERENDIPITY”.   It’s a little difficult to say out loud but sorta fun…it makes me smile just reading the letters and warms my heart especially when I have a SERENDIPITY moment.  How about you have you had a time recently that was simply amazing and wasn’t planned?  Or perhaps you made an awesome discovery by chance?  Then yes you have shared that SERENDIPITY moment too…

 

Some people may prefer to use the word happenstance, fluke, luck, chance, lucky break or I really like blessings.  Whatever you prefer it is a good fortune and one I hope you each have encountered.  If you like to journal like I do, then perhaps you should start to keep a SERENDIPITY  log or notebook sharing your most ongoing list of wonders, discoveries, pleasures, joy, treat, happy moments or positive coincidences.  Maybe start by creating a note page on your cell phone and each time you have an encounter…jot it down. Then once a week or once a month go back and review…you quickly realize how often we overlook the simple but amazing SERENDIPITY moments and how often they really do happen, we just have to be aware and take notice.

 

For example this week alone I was in a hurry to run into the store and grab a couple items to get home and cook something for my hubby, change clothes and take my grand-daughter to soccer practice.  I pull in the parking lot full of cars and then suddenly there is a car closest to the door pulls out and I was next in line to whip in and take that spot.  I run in grab my items and the self-checkout lane was open and I was able to get home make some scrumptious blackened fish tacos, changed my clothes and had her to practice 10 minutes early.  Whew!  Looking back I would call that SERENDIPITY.

 

How many of you have traveled maybe on vacation and are many miles from home and run into someone you know.  You are both are completely awe struck something like that could happen, the perfect time, place and so unexpected…”SERENDIPITY!”

 

How many relationships many times the best actually happen by chance?  I know we make a joke in our family that my precious mother-in-law picked out the bride, the ring, the dress, and went on our honeymoon.  So yes it truly was a SERENDIPITY moment when my husband and I met…I was not looking for another relationship let alone a husband but 29 years ago last week were are still together.  Got to love it!

 

There are many flukes throughout history we could talk about.  For example Alexander Fleming working in a lab in a London hospital and noticed mold had formed on a bacteria culture, most may have thrown it out but through a SERENDIPITY moment he discovers mold destroyed masses of germs and penicillin was discovered and multitudes of lives have been saved.  One other discovery that I actually use almost every day is post it notes…I know you are laughing from penicillin to post it notes how does your mind think?  Well anyway I thought you should know a little history as well. In 1968 Dr. Spencer Silver, a scientist at 3M was attempting to develop a super strong adhesive and instead he accidentally created a “low-tack”, reusable, pressure-sensitive glue he looked around and all he could find were scraps of yellow paper and bam a multi-million dollar discovery you can now find in many shapes, sizes and colors.

 

“In The Road Less Traveled” written by M. Scott Peck he writes of many SERENDIPITIES.  If you haven’t read it I encourage you to pick up a copy.  Even during one of the chapters he had writer’s block and a friend walked in and gave him another book she wanted to share and that book gave him the exact insight he needed to move on in his writing.  Yes, it was a SERENDIPITY that best describes that experience.

 

The past few weeks my life really has had me on a roller coaster ride.  Unfortunately, my quiet time was hit or miss but learning scripture I can carry it with me at all times so no matter how busy I get I can remind myself throughout the day here are a few examples:

 

As you are sipping on that first cup of coffee in the morning (for me it would be my scrumptious heartwarming “TEA”) remember John 4:14 “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.  The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Thank the Lord each and every morning and ask he be with you throughout the day.

 

Maybe you are stepping into the shower, brushing your teeth, scrubbing your face or shaving first thing in the morning let these words wash over you 1 John 1:7 “It is his blood that cleanses us from all sin.”

 

Maybe you are caught in rush hour traffic or a facing some challenges, I say this almost daily Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Thank you Lord!

 

As we do our work throughout the day whether in the workplace or home, consider Colossian 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

 

While preparing your meals especially at dinner (a few of my wine lovin friends and family should be happy with this one) – Psalm 104:15 “And wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen a man’s heart”

 

As we lay our head down at night Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Complete sound and deep sleep thank you again precious lord…I can’t do this without you!

 

To me the bible is full of SERENDIPITY moments, times where people were healed from illness, raised from the dead or given direction. We now have the Holy Spirit to help guide us. We just need to make sure our hearts and minds are prepared to be aware and acknowledge the opportunities we are given.

 

As I wrap up this week’s post, how is YOUR “Takin Time Out” going?  Are you making time for YOU and listening to your heart and soul?  Maybe reflect on some recent or long ago SERENDIPITY moments and you will quickly realize what miracles do happen and the blessings we each have to share in this journey of life, remember to write down those SERENDIPITIES that grace your life every day…until next time my dear friends breathe deeply, love generously, praise loudly, and live fully…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definition:  a piece of thick textile fabric with pictures or designs formed by weaving colored threads or by embroidering on canvas, used as a wall hanging or furniture covering.  It is also used in reference to an intricate or complex combination of things or sequence of events.

 

Sitting here “Takin Time Out” and glaring at my computer screen while sipping on a fresh cup of nicely brewed cup English hot tea.  I am also, enjoying listening to the soothing drops of rain falling on our rooftop and ever so often the roll of thunder and a flash of lightening bursts from the heavens above.  What a nice way to spend this beautiful June evening.  I love rain and I thought about blogging rain this week but decided on TAPESTRY.  Yes I said TAPESTRY and I know for some it might sound a bit odd but please agree to continue reading as I will try to explain why.

 

How many of you have had the chance to view some very old beautiful, ornate pieces of TAPESTRY?  Perhaps they hung in a museum, a historical home or old castle.  I think of the long hours someone spent and the vision they had in their head as they threaded the needle and began with each stitch creating their masterpiece on that piece of canvas.  Many pieces I have seen are quite large and it is truly fascinating to me.  As I have grown older, I truly appreciate art, talent and the patience that person had to finish the piece for others to enjoy for generations to come.  The intricate detail is so amazing.

 

However, have you ever flipped it over and seen the back side of a beautiful piece of TAPESTRY?  The underside is not so pretty.  It usually has loose threads hanging, some are dark, some are interwoven and clumped together. It is simply a hodgepodge and there is truly no rime or reason to any form of art and clearly does not look at all like the front.  Why is that?

 

As I envision this beautiful piece of TAPESTRY it reminds me so clearly of life in general.  How we have friends, family, loved ones or perhaps it is oneself.  They appear to have it all together?  From the outside peering in they live the perfect life, drive the latest car, have the ideal family, work at their favorite job, very successful and the general public thinks they are truly happy, free spirited and oh so beautiful.   Yes they may have circumstances that interfere from time to time yet they keep it together.  However, if you would flip to the backside and look deep inside their inner soul, they are faced with a raging battle.  For some it may be an addiction, guilt, over indulgence, low self-esteem, acceptance, needing unconditional love, they encounter a major failure and are fighting depression.  For most people who know them they keep this under wrap and portray the beauty of the TAPESTRY from the outside. Yet on the inside they are dealing with desperate turmoil. 

 

Many times this person could be a very good friend or loved one and yes you don’t even know the pain this person is feeling.  Then one day it happens, the mask is removed and tragedy happens.  They take their own life.  Shock sets in and no one truly understands.  How could this be?  Why?  Oh how selfish one must think…it is so painful yet so real.  The tears and turmoil is then left to those who loved that person so dearly.  And you keep asking yourselves why. The dark strands from the underside, the knots and clumps of thread and hodgepodge have finally won their battle.  One friend recite’s a clip from her favorite movie, “They just had a bad day!”

 

Friends and family are left to pick up the pieces slowly…Precious memories are imbedded in each one’s heart and mind.  Carole King’s album,”TAPESTRY” has so many great hits from ‘70s that relate to life and circumstances.  Music can be so soothing to the soul.

 

For me personally, my faith and reading of scripture help fill the void.  Colossians 2:2-3 seems so fitting, “I want you woven into a TAPESTRY of love, in touch with everything there is to know of God.  Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery.  All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else.  And we’ve been shown the mystery.”

 

I also love the poem written by an amazing women Corrie Ten Boom, I feel it must too be shared:

Life is but a Weaving” (the TAPESTRY Poem)

 

“My life is but a weaving

Between my God and me.

I cannot choose the colors

He weaveth steadily.

 

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

And I the underside.

 

Not ’til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas

And reveal the reason why.

 

The dark threads are as needful

In the weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned

 

He knows, He loves, He cares;

Nothing this truth can dim.

He gives the very best to those

Who leave the choice to Him.”

 

I usually try to write about uplifting words, events and circumstances.  However, reality has set in this week and I felt it is important to share we never know what tomorrow holds and perhaps we must stop a minute, evaluate our priorities while “Takin Time Out”. Ask yourself have you passed by an opportunity in our busy schedules to tell those we love the most how much we care, how much we love them and how much we enjoy spending time?  I know I am guilty of not truly embracing the NOW, my mind is always racing towards the next project or letting guilt set in and not truly enjoying the moment I am in.  Today I begin again to breathe ever so deeply, count my blessings and pray for those who are struggling.  May we look at life from the front side of the TAPESTRY and remember the radiant beauty, the gift of life, friends, family and loved ones…we are all interwoven in this world to be there for one another…Until next time my dear friends please let those who are near and dear know how you feel as you may not have a next time! Blessings abound even in the most unfortunate circumstances…

Definition:  To advance or travel on foot at a moderate speed or pace; proceed by steps; move by advancing the feet alternately so that there is always one foot on the ground.  To move about or travel on foot for exercise or pleasure.

 

Whew, I just got back from my daily WALK and my feet are sweaty and ache but I feel so good.  It’s kinda crazy thing to say that something hurts yet feels so good.  Maybe it is the heart-rate pumping and my blood is flowing that clears my head as I take deeper breaths in to fill my lung with oxygen while WALKING.  I am “Takin Time Out” to reflect on the gift of my feet and ability to WALK.  Thank you Lord I know some people do not have the capability, are handicapped or may have lost their limb in an accident or at birth.  Little things we take for granted.  My word of the year is “Awareness” so each day I try to tune into something small and be thankful and share through my prayer time.  This week it is the precious gift of my feet and WALKING.

 

Last year through work we implemented and encourage our employees to take part in a wellness program and the foundation was counting our Steps and how far we WALKED daily.  We were given a pedometer and reported our daily Steps on a weekly basis.  We had a map of the United States and each team was encouraged to WALK to each capitol throughout the United States by the end of the year.  The goal was for each team member to take at least 10,000 steps daily.  This was fun, motivating and great way to track how much we really move.  Just a few weeks ago I changed from the clip on pedometer to the new Jawbone UP 24 bracelet, it tracks my steps, my sleeping patterns, I can track my meals, water intake and it offers a support system through an app on my phone.  There are other products like the Nike Band or Fit Bit but the Jawbone is thinner and fit my personal needs the best.  It is amazing and being a goal oriented person it has been a perfect fit for me.  I have increased my goal of 10,000 steps from last year to 20,000 just a few weeks ago.  I try and get at least half my steps done first thing in the morning with the dawning of a new day.  I love to stick my Bluetooth in and listen to my favorite podcasts and head out, birds are chirping, fresh dew or dodging the sprinklers running on the lawns, squirrels and rabbits scampering.  I even saw a hawk and owl sitting in the trees the other morning.  Nature is so beautiful if we just take time to notice.  While listening to the podcasts it fills my mind with motivational thoughts, some are spiritual and the feeding of God’s word which adds to my daily quiet time.  I know it definitely feeds my soul while making the time fly by and sets my pace for the 3 to 5 mile morning WALK and depending on my results by the end of the day, I may take the same route in the evening unless the weather is too hot or cold, I will then hop on the treadmill.  To me it is a bit more boring WALKING on a treadmill, I definitely have to be listening to something otherwise time seems to stand still and it becomes a challenge to finish my WALK.

I also ask myself, why is it while we are on vacation or visiting some place new we don’t mind WALKING we really don’t think a thing about it but if we WALK for exercise it sometimes becomes cumbersome and challenging to keep our motivation going. 

 

For those of you who have been thinking about it but haven’t quite started a new workout regime, I strongly encourage you to set your mind, write it down, and then “Just Do It”.  If you are a goal oriented person like me then invest in some type of tracking device as it will make you more accountable.  I don’t care what age you are, we all need to get up and move a bit more.  Start small and work your way up, find a buddy to WALK with. I have a dear friend I love to WALK with in the evening when our schedules coincide, it is a great time to catch up on our lives and encourage one another. It is usually nonstop talking while WALKING which makes it more fun, deepens our friendship and improves our health. The other nice thing about WALKING is it doesn’t cost anything, it doesn’t require expensive or fancy workout equipment or gym membership.  It only requires a good set of supportive WALKING shoes, your time, dedication and a commitment.  Even if you aren’t in great health or have a form of disability most people can still WALK and improve their current state.  It might take a little longer and you may not go as far as others but YOU CAN DO IT, even if you have to use a WALKER or cane.  Let’s get moving…

 

Here are my top six advantages you personally can gain from WALKING:

1)    It reduces body fat can firm your buttocks (yes)

2)   It can help cure certain health issues & might help you live longer

3)   It is great for your brain

4)   It reduces Stress

5)   It gives you a chance to THINK (Takin Time Out)

6)   It can be a form of meditation and prayer time

 

While sipping on my freshly brewed cup of Tropical Passion hot tea, this brings me to another thought about WALKING.  We can WALK for our physical health but what about our spiritual health.  WALKING with God is defiantly a Divine Journey. The Bible encourages throughout scripture to “WALK in the Spirit”.  Just a few of my favorite verses on this topic are as follows:

 

2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we WALK by faith, not by sight”

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

 

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

 

Psalm 119:133 “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”

 

God’s true desire is for each of his children to WALK closer in a daily WALK with him and through this ritual we become more like him.  My motto in life is to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus.  To let God use me, make me, break me and fashion me to be all he has created me to be.  From the very beginning of time, God had a relationship with Adam & Eve that found them “WALKING in the garden in the cool of the day” Genesis 3:8.  God created us for the enjoyment of a WALKING relationship that involves companionship, dialogue, intimacy, joint decision-making, mutual delight, and shared sovereignty.  God truly longs to WALK with us, that is why his arms of grace are always wide open if we would just come to him.  Where is your relationship with him now…do you need to take the first step and rebuild a closer daily WALK with him?  Start today you will be so blessed.

 

I guess it’s time to wrap it up for this week.  As you are “Takin Time Out” maybe reflect where you are and if you need to make some changes or improvements in your life.  I encourage YOU to take that first step towards a WALKING program, find a friend, buy a tool to help you get motivated…whatever works for you…Take a deep breath, count your blessings and enjoy your new perception on WALKING until next time my dear friends…  

Definition:  Intense and eager enjoyment, interest or approval.  A strong excitement about something and an active interest you enjoy.

 

I absolutely love starting a new month.  It brings a fresh new perspective, a new set of goals or dreams to accomplish and I have so much ENTHUSIASM and excitement with an attitude of “Let’s GitRDone”.  It has been about a year ago, I was sitting on the porch at my favorite Bed and Breakfast “Inn on The Creek” in Saledo, TX where I just googled the words “Make Things Happen” and it brought me to a fantastic website, entrepreneur, writer, blogger Lara Casey. www.laracasey.com  she has designed six months of worksheets that really resonated with me.  I encourage those who like to make lists or dreams to check it out.  She is really big on “Takin Time Out” to reflect on what truly is important in life.  Setting goals for 6 month and breaking it down monthly to accomplish them.  Other time management tools encourage this but she just has a style that speaks to me and makes it fun.  I like to be ENTHUSIASTIC and have fun in all I do!

 

June is the beginning of summer to me, school is out and even though I haven’t been in school for over 35 years, the fact that I was once in school programmed me with the idea that June is a happy time, dedicated to having fun and having lots of adventures.  Yes, even my kids are grown and no longer in school but now that I have grandchildren I enjoy watching how they discover and enjoy life so much more.  Is it their innocents, lack of worry and stress, being carefree, I just love it.   It is like our lives get a little simpler, days are longer, we are relaxed and we are more alive.  Does anyone else feel that way?  My ENTHUSIASM is on an all-time high…I have so much I want to accomplish and enjoy by being in the warm weather, fresh air and festive activities that summer offers.  Even though we live in Texas and use our BBQ Grill year round, the flavor through the summer months is so much more distinct than others to me.  Maybe it is all the fresh locally grown veggies, herbs and family time.  The food we eat to me is even lighter, brighter and has that robust ENTHUSIASTIC flavor.  Does this resonate with you too?

 

I encourage you to take note, let your mind expand be a little more ENTHUSIASTIC and enjoy the simple pleasures life has to offer as you to begin this new month and season of summer.  Find ways to improve your health take a few more walks or increase the length of time you may be already walking.  My goal is at least 10,000 steps daily.  As you walk especially if you are outside, look around and notice the simple things, the beauty in all that God has created, the different colors even green has different shades throughout the landscapes and textures.  What about the birds and squirrels or perhaps you live in the country and there are rabbits, roadrunners or field mice.  Also, listen what noises truly come to life rather than just being a background noise, truly listen and capture the singing of a bird.  As I am sipping on my cup of Hot Green Zen Tea this morning I hear a mockingbird, a whippoorwill and another one I am not quite sure what it is.  Later this evening around twilight I will enjoy watering my potted plants and flowers.  I have even seen a few lightening bugs flittering around and of course it wouldn’t be June without the June bugs.  My dog gets a big kick and a little more ENTHUSIASTIC as she tries to play with them.

 

As I look at my busy schedule I know June will fly by just like this whole year seems to be doing. I am embracing each day as I face challenges and little interruptions I wasn’t expecting.  But I am also very ENTHUSIASTIC as I have new beginnings, new opportunities, and new adventures in this life.  It is all in my attitude and gratitude as my smile seems to deepen, my laughter increases and my heart is more open each day.  I am here to discover the riches that life has to offer and find what brings true contentment and enrich my purpose here on earth.  My passion, inspiration, creativity and drive are on its all-time high.  If you are having a little trouble with this I encourage you to maybe do the following to improve your ENTHUSIASM towards life or a special project you are dreading to do:

 

1)    “Takin Time Out” is key to stop and breathe…focus and get centered.  Truly find yourself it is really hard to go through life trying to be someone else or trying to live their life.  If that is truly not YOU or how God has truly wired you then STOP right now and quit it.  To channel that internal gusto, you gotta be YOU first and foremost no one else.

2)  Figure out why you are lacking ENTHUSIASM.  Is it truly lack of energy, have you had a physical lately? Are you drinking plenty of water? Are you sleeping well at night?  Are your health causing issues… please check it out if you physically do not feel well?  Maybe it is mental, you may need to talk to a professional in this area or hire a coach to figure out why you lack ENTHUSIASM.  It could be the weight of guilt, remorse, loss of loved ones or past failures.  Again this is where a support group or licensed professional counselor can help you have a new perspective towards life.  Look around and are you surrounded by negative people?  This can also drag you down, start building boundaries and finding new friends or a job that brings energy and ENTHUSIASM back into your life! Maybe it is as simple as volunteering at your favorite place, nursing home, pet rescue, childcare or church. It does make a difference when you focus on others rather than just yourself.  No more pity parties reach out to someone less fortunate than you.

3)  Start feeding you mind and soul each and every day with positive affirmations.  As I have stated in previous blogs, I have to start each morning in the Word of God and prayer.  The Bible is my tool in feeding my mind, my heart and soul…it truly helps me face the curve balls in life and prepares me to listen when the Holy Spirit is speaking so I can be the hands and feet of Jesus when someone is in need whether a helping hand or a kind word or gentle touch.  It is part of a strong commitment being in constant communication with the one who designed and created me to be ME!    Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things and by your will they exit and were created.”

4)  Define and truly believe your goals in life.  Create your bucket list no matter how old you are.  I firmly believe we all have purpose and should live it day in and day out until the day we die. It’s great to be carefree and fun and enjoy each day but when you add a little ENTHUSIASM to the mix it becomes contagious to those who you come in contact with.  It brings a higher or more vibrant level of energy.  Do you not agree?

5)  Don’t let the past define your future.  Learn from past failures or disappointments but do not let them paralyze you from moving forward…take the initial steps in healing and know each day is a new beginning.  I love Joel Osteen’s vision, “The car you drive has a large windshield, but only a relatively small rearview mirror.  The implication is obvious:  What happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future. Where you are going is much more important than where you’ve been.”  God will help you overcome all difficulties, all tragedies, all sorrows all heartaches, all addictions and he will give you victory if you will just ask, have faith and believe with ENTHUSIASM.

 

I could go on and on but it’s time to get ready for work and finish up my goals and tasks for the week.  Wahoo we then have the weekend.  What’ in store for you?  As you are “Takin Time Out” stop and think of how you can approach life a little bit more ENTHUSIASTIC, especially if you have a job or task you are not looking forward to maybe be a bit more creativity in making it a game, ask for help, add some fun to the mix and before you know it Poof it’s complete!  I love the quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “ENTHUSIASM  is one of the most powerful engines of success.  When you do a thing do it with all your might.  Put your whole soul into it.  Stamp it with your own personality.  Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object.  Nothing great was ever achieved without ENTHUSIASM.”  Until next time my dear friends…please remember ENTHUSIASM makes life exciting, creative and can be soooo contagious to others…Go out and make a difference TODAY with zeal and ENTHUSIASM!

Definition:  Simple elegance or refinement of movement.  Poise, finesse or elegance and honor or credit to someone or something by one’s presence.  In the Christian belief the free and unmerited favor of God as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.

 

When you read the definition of GRACE what came to your mind first?  Maybe a ballerina who is full of GRACE…especially as they dance on their tippy toes…or it is a beauty queen or professional model as she struts down the runway?  GRACE is a bride walking down the aisle and the groom watching her every move.  Even an ice skater is GRACEFUL as they skate on that thin blade of metal all around the ice rink.  Did you ask yourself if you were GRACEFUL, if you are poised or refined?  Or did you laugh out loud saying nope that’s not me…that is what my mother wished I would be but I didn’t get those genes in my DNA.  I am so uncoordinated and very UNGRACEFUL…I have two left feet…even if you aren’t very GRACEFUL that doesn’t mean you can’t be full of GRACE.  I truly feel GRACE comes from the inside and it will reflect on the outside through your expression, twinkle in your eyes and the radiant smile.  GRACE is something one discovers through being grateful. 

 

As I sit here sipping on some hot peach tea and staring into my computer screen, “Takin Time Out” from a very busy and hectic week, I feel so blessed with God’s perfect timing and abundant GRACE.  It is there in our everyday life if we just take time to notice…sometimes it can show up in very BIG ways or other times it is in the simple, subtle and sometimes mundane way.  GRACE is God’s unmerited favor and kindness we don’t really deserve.   How about you have you thought about how he has shown GRACE to you today?  If not why not take a seat, put your feet up for a while, take one or two deep breaths and slowly let it out…then start thinking about the past 24 to 48 hours.  I call it “Takin Time Out”.  What signs of GRACE have you encountered?  Maybe it was a friend unexpectedly stopping by for a brief chat, a simple wave as you are headed off to work or in the carpool line, maybe it was the checker in the store had an extra coupon they shared with you or a front row parking spot when you were running really late for your appointment.  How often do we not even notice by trying to take things into our own hands, we are really stressed instead of giving it up and asking him to help?  Bam right then and there he appears!

 

Max Lucado is one of my favorite pastors and authors.  I love in one of his books he states, “To discover GRACE is to discover God’s utter devotion to you, His stubborn resolve to give you a cleansing, healing, purging love that lifts the wounded back to their feet.  Graciousness of God empowers us to love boldly and live robustly. Start loving others and start grasping the heart of God.”  Max lists 10 ways to receive God’s GRACE:

·        Remember It’s Gods idea

·        Just Ask

·        Remember the cross

·        Through forgiveness

·        Forget and Press Ahead

·        Praise and Worship

·        Say Thank You

·        Love Others

·        Receive New Mercies Everyday

·        Give GRACE Away

 

I have actually had quite a few encounters this past week of God’s unfailing and undeserved GRACE and through this process and as I am typing this blog it has reminded me not to let worry and stress rob me of these precious gifts.  “God is good all the time and all the time God is good!” (This motto was taken from the recent movie we saw over Easter weekend, God is not Dead, one I would encourage you to see even if you are an atheist or non-believer!)   

 

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption, through his blood the forgiveness of sins in accordance to his riches of God’s GRACE. 

GRACE can also be a name of a person.  My first born grand-daughter’s middle name is GRACE and it is so fitting.  She is a little spitfire and knows exactly what she wants out of life.  She has to be busy and involved but she brings a sense of leadership and GRACE even at age 6.  A highly popular film actress in the 1950s, GRACE Kelly starred in movies such as Dial M for Murder and To Catch a Thief. She married Prince Rainier III of Monaco.  She moved from GRACE and royalty in Hollywood films to actual GRACE and royalty in Monaco.  Despite many attempts by filmmakers to lure Princess GRACE back into the film industry, she resisted, embracing her role as a ceremonial leader of Monaco. She became very involved in many cultural and charitable organizations over the course of her life.  She had to give up her American citizenship, they had three children.  Unfortunately her life ended way too soon at the age of 52 in an automobile accident.    GRACE Kelly remained in the public eye for most of her life. Her on-screen beauty, self-confidence and mystery still enchants the world, and her serenity and poise as Princess Consort piqued the media’s attention. Of this attention, she remarked with typical humor and GRACE.  Her name was definitely fitting to her style!

When I hear or say the word GRACE I also think of the dinner table, we have a ritual before we eat to say GRACE.  I love when my husband takes the lead, you never know what he is going to say as he is typically a man of few words but when he says GRACE, you can tell it came from his heart.  I also love to hear little children recite or sing GRACE as well.  God loves to hear from us…make it a habit to give him GRACE daily.

As I wrap up I hope you will become a little more aware of the blessings that abound especially in the simple things of life.  Those people who make a direct impact in your life, who show GRACE, love, patience…have you thanked them for it?  Maybe it is a teacher, co-worker, mentor, parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent or loved one!  Drop a little note in the mail, or send an email or post something on facebook about how that person has touched your life.  Count your blessings and hold yourself to a standard of GRACE not perfection.  I love the quote…”One day she finally grasped that unexpected things were always going to happen in life.  And with that she realized the only control she had was how she chose to handle them.  So, she made the decision to survive using courage, humor, and GRACE.  She was the Queen of her own life and the choice was hers”.  SO IS YOURS my friend.  Until next time enjoy the gift of GRACE…