by GRACE

1 Corinthians 15:9-10
For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Didya see it??  It is so exciting to me when I read the words "But by the grace of God I am what I am"!  We are all new, changed, removed from, brought out, you fill in the blank BY THE GRACE OF GOD!  Not because of anything we have done, will do, can do.....

I am praying that not only would we be excited about the grace we have, do and will receive but also about the grace we can give.  I'm not the best at giving grace.  I pray God will continue to soften my heart about this!  

I would love for you to leave a comment with a scripture that excites your heart.  Encourage one another.

Thankful, Sheryl

Word

Prov 16:24

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Fatherly Love

A few days ago I posted about my husband and son and the love of the father.  A special friend commented that sometimes she thinks more of the fear of the Lord and was glad to be reminded of His tenderness.  Her comment and this scripture got me to thinking.....

For those of us who have strained or non-existent relationships with our earthly fathers, considering a relationship with the Heavenly father can be confusing, scary even.  I struggled with this until I had children of my own.  I just couldn't understand God's love.  I grew up with thoughts of a condemning God with lots of rules and I better not step out of line or "God's Gonna Cut You Down."  This scripture from Proverbs (below) is one of many that is comfort to my heart.  While our God is just, He is full of mercy, grace and love.

Proverbs 16:
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.

Thankful, Sheryl

the GIRL in the dress

a yard of fabric, less than a foot of elastic, some ribbon, 20 minutes and a prayer......

my new passion.  will it become yours?  maybe?  i hope so....

not because sewing is a favorite hobby of mine -- its the who that matters.  who am i sewing for i don't know yet, but i will meet her in june. 

i am part of PROJECT PILLOWCASE because of

the GIRL in the dress 

the GIRL whose mother gives her as payment for gambling debts

the GIRL who prostitutes herself just so she can go another day to high school

the GIRL whose mother left her at birth and has never returned to see how beautiful her voice is as she sings praises to JESUS

the GIRL who has never owned a dress of her own

do it for the GIRL in the dress.  after all without the GIRL it's just a dress.

Word

I am praying that God will remove the heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:24-28

I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

A Father's Love

My son has fallen head over heels in love with his father lately.  More than ever!  They are thick as thieves these days.  Its so sweet and tender to witness.  So last night because my husband worked late, my son nearly made be batty asking, "Mama when's Papa coming home?"

As I tucked my baby in I told him that if he could be quiet and stay in his bed I would send Papa down for kisses when he arrived.  I didn't hear a peep from his room.  So as I promised, I asked my husband to tell our baby goodnight. 

Our son was still, with eyes closed while Papa kissed his forehead.  Without a sound, a little arm wrapped around Papa's neck and held him a minute.  My husband whispered, "Sweet dreams", and my son turned and was ready for sleep.  Completely at peace.  He knew Papa was home.

Our Father wants to have this same tender and loving relationship with each of us, it is us who get busy or distracted and stray from that relationship.  He is there reaching out His hand for us to grasp.  Just as my son needs to know "Papa's home", when we know God is with us we have a quiet peace, a comfort to our heart.  I hope today you will revive your relationship with your Heavenly Father and fall in love with Him more and more.

Nice Weather We're Havin....

How's your weather?  In our area of the US we have broken records for snowfall during this winter season...and its still early January!  I bet most of us have had our heaters running non-stop.  With this recent cold spell I have really been thinking about the homeless population.  Truthfully I can't even really imagine what it would be like to be so cold, hungry and wet.

Although it is constantly hot in the Philippines, the homeless population there is unimaginable!  No cool air, no clean water....can you help us get more children off the streets?  The goal for The Rescue Ministries in 2011 is to construct a building for Good News Church (started at Wesley Home for Youth), to hire a full-time pastor and, most importantly, to rescue 25+ children from the streets and dumpsite.

Can you help?  ANY donation, $20, $5, $500.....let God guide you as you make a difference in the lives of these children!

Thankful, Sheryl