New Years Eve Update!

As we say goodbye to 2015, I thought I would like to take time to review my year. As most of you know, I struggle with Chronic Lymes and Bartonella. Health has played a really big part in my year. Due to my health I feel like I have missed out on lots of things a normal 20 year old would be doing. When the year started I was just getting my health issues under control.

Now as the year is coming to an end I am feeling a little better. There's no doubt that I am a different person now then I was then. Some may think that's good and some may think that's bad, but I think it is for the best.

I've learned many things and one of them is that no matter what I am going through God has been with me. Now that doesn't mean I never got mad, felt resentment, anger, asking why is this happening to me. There were times this year that I felt I was going to break, I couldn't handle anymore, the stress was to much to bear.

One of the major changes in my life this past year was dealing with my grandma who has dementia. Now, I know what it's like to loose a loved one as many of you do as well. Most can't relate to loosing someone who is still alive that you see everyday. There were times I felt overwhelmed. It's all I can do to want my grandma back to the way it use to be. Unfortunately that will never happen.

But as the year is coming to a close, I realized that I have stayed strong, didn't fall apart all because I have God. My faith and relationship with Him has grown and I am still learning to let go and let God.

As for this blog I have goals and ideas that I think you all will like for next year. Continue to pray for guidance for me as I am trying to figure out what God is teaching me and what I am suppose to do with my life.

I will be back next year with some of my goals for this blog as well as some goals for my personal life. I am hoping to share my ideas and goals for spending more time in His word.

See you all next year! May God Bless You all! <3 <3 <3 <3

Blessings and Shalom!
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I know it's been a little while since I last posted but life has been crazy as we traveled for the holidays. I wanted to take some time and post a little about my Christmas season.

One thing that I love about this time of the year is that we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It was the greatest gift of all. When I think about how a baby boy was born into this world to save me I am so amazed.

I pray you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with love, family, friends and joy. I know I did.

Christmas Eve we went to a candlelight service. We got to see my sweet sisters and it was really amazing. I'm so glad we got to celebrate Jesus' birthday with such amazing people. I love my family and friends.

Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae

My Sweet Sisters <3 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 2015

My Family Christmas Eve 2015 at Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

 

 

 

 

 

Guest Post: Elyse Lauryn

Hi Everyone! Today I would like to share with you a guest post by a sweet friend of mine. She also blogs so you can go check her blog out if you'd like. www.elyselauryn.blogspot.com

Hope you enjoy! Blessings, Grace Mae 

Christmas is such a special time of year to me!  Most importantly, it is special because it is a time to reflect on Christ's birth.  Jesus is the best gift of all!  The Christmas traditions that our family has made over the years are also special to me, and yummy, easy recipes like this one really help to make the season bright!  :)

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 15 min

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate

1 1/2 cups water

1/3 cup sugar

Dash of salt (I use about an 1/8 of a tsp.)

4 1/2 cups milk

Directions:

1. Heat the chocolate and water in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.  

2. Stir in the sugar and the salt and heat to boiling.  Reduce heat.  Simmer uncovered for four minutes, continue to stir constantly.  Stir in milk, and heat just until hot (do not boil because skin will form on top).

3. Stir until smooth.  Serve immediately.  Optional:  Serve with whipped topping or marshmallows.

Enjoy! 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

--Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Elyse

Meditation Mondays - A Godly Life~

So I know this is late but I still wanted to share with you all. Today I am copying and pasting from my devotional app. I couldn't have said It any better. Hope you don't mind that this weeks post isn't my own written piece. I was working all week and didn't have time to prepare. 

Hope you all enjoy and I will see you all again on Wednesday. 

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (NLT) ( 2 Timothy 3:12 ) 

As hard as it may be, this truth is something we will encounter in our lives. We will suffer persecution because we believe in justice and standing up for our belief in Jesus.  This means we will be criticized for our faith.  What can we do to strengthen our faith now so that later when we encounter persecution we are ready? Staying connected in the Bible daily and constantly talking to God.

Worship Wednesdays - Fun by: Desperation Band

Isn't it wonderful that we can have fun because we are living in God's light. We have a reason to sing, dance and praise God for we are unstoppable. He is our everything. We are alive in His grace because we have seen the light and chose it. His love frees us! We are having fun!!! 

We've stepped from darkness to light
In Your grace we are alive
Your fire is burning inside
We've living in Your light
We've living in Your light

So we're dancing with every reason to dance now
We're singing with every reason to sing out
Your love unfailing, never fails to free us
And now we’ve only just begun

Jesus, you pull back the night
you have, opened our eyes
we rise up, and face every lie
we’re fearless in your sight

We’re having Fun
We’re having Fun

Meditation Mondays - Your Grace is Enough

So for the past three weeks our pastor has been talking about God's Grace. It's gotten me to think more about it and look at it in a different way. 

God's Grace is underserved and unearned! 

You are not free to sin; you are free not too sin. 

God is Gracious! God is Compassionate! God is Slow to Anger! God is Rich in Love! 

Isn't it wonderful that His Grace is enough for us? That we are covered in His love? We don't deserve it but God loved us so much He gave us grace. 

Grace comes from God! God is full of Grace! 

Remember that He is faithful in all He does! You are God's masterpiece! You are a child of the King! Remember you are never a mistake. 

If you want check out the song Your Grace is enough by Chris Tomlin. Its one of my favorite songs. 

Have a blessed day! 

Blessings and Shalom,

Grace Mae 

Worship Wednesdays - Forever (Give Thanks)

So as we all are preparing for Thanksgiving tomorrow, I thought it would be good to reflect on one of my favorite songs for Thanksgiving. Forever by Chris Tomlin. We has so much to be thankful for. God is so good and His love endures forever. He sent His Son to die for us because He loved us so much. Forever God is faithful, strong, and is always with us. What are you thankful for?

"Forever"

Give thanks to the Lord our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise [2x]
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
And by the grace of God we will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise [2x]
[2x]
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Sing praise, sing praise [4x]
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever You are faithful
Forever You are strong
Forever You are with us
Forever

Meditation Modays - Let Us Be Thankful!

Welcome back to Meditation Mondays! This post is getting out later then I wanted but to share with you my thoughts on being thankful as we are preparing for Thanksgiving this week. 

Sunday I was working in with the 5 year olds/kindergartners at our church. We took them down to the other classroom to meet with the 4 year olds for songs and a mini lesson. Since it was the Sunday before Thanksgiving the lesson was on being thankful. When the teacher asked the kids what they were thankful for their answers just blew my mind. 

Usually you think at that age they would say toys, food, family, etc....but instead they said that they were thankful for Jesus, God, The Bible, their Church, prayer and family. 

I'm so glad that at such a young age our church is teaching them the truth and that they know how important these things are. 

So my question to you is what are you thankful for this year? 

I'm thankful for a number of things. First off, I'm thankful for God and my relationship with Jesus Christ because without Him I would be lost. Second, I am thankful for my family. My parents, Nanna, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, and people I choose to be my family. 

I'm thankful for Amber and Summer. They are Godly young women who always know how to encourage me and pray for me. They make me laugh, smile, and I can be completely real with them. I know if I have a problem I can always count on them. One thing for sure is that we all love God and continue to grow in our faith together. They have surpassed being my best friends. They are my unbiological sisters. They are my family and I couldn't live my life without them. I can't wait to see what is ahead of us and how God will use us to bring more people to know Him.

I'm thankful for my best friend Jordyn. She's a pretty awesome friend. She's the only one that understands my craziness for knitting and crocheting and anything that has to do with fiber.  I always enjoy our late night chats and that she makes me laugh. I'm thankful that she and I can totally be honest and say things even though sometimes it doesn't make sense. I love that she is my friend. I can't wait to see what other crazy projects lay ahead of us. Where life takes us? I thank God that we are friends and I don't know what I would do without her. 

Remember Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever. 

Worship Wednesdays - The Same God

Welcome to a brand new series. I'm calling it Worship Wednesdays. Why that name? Well as most of you know, one passion I have is music. There's nothing better then music to help me get through the day and when the music pleases and worships God it makes it even better. So I am hoping to bring you a new worship song that I have been listening to each week. My prayer is that it will encourage and inspire you to spend more time praising God. 

So are you ready? Let's get to this weeks song. 



Today I decided to choose the song The Same God by: Newsong. It's one I have been listening to a lot lately. One thing about this song is I can relate to it. I have been having a lot of family stress going on lately and it's gotten to the point that I feel like I can't take much more. I keep praying but sometimes it feels like God doesn't hear me. After listening to this song I am reminded that God was with me before all this happened and He is still with me now. I just keep holding on to Him. He will get me through this. He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. 

Hope this song encourages you. Here are the lyrics below. Let's worship God together in song. 

Back to the wall, scared you'll fall
What you going to do
Day and night,
Don't know why its like the worlds' against you
You're praying for a break through
There was a day
When your faith couldn't be held down
God was near enough to hear every word
But somehow you wish He heard you right now
Don't you know
The same God who was with you then is with you now
The same God who led you in will lead you out
So take all the fear and doubt
Go on and lay them down
The same God, the same God is with you now
Can't you see
Everything happens for a reason
There's a time, there's a place
For every season
He knows what's best for you
So don't be afraid
The same God who was with you then is with you now
The same God who led you in will lead you out
So take all the fear and doubt
Go on and lay them down
The same God, the same God is with you now
Just keep holding on
Oh keep holding on
The same God who was with you then is with you now
The same God who led you in will lead you out
So take all the fear and doubt
Go on and lay them down
The same God, the same God is with you now 

The Value of Having a True Christian Best Friend

The Value of Having a True Christian Best Friend
 
In life you will experience friends that come and friends that go and very few that will stick by you forever no matter what. It's easier for some people to just be your friend when it is convenient for them or when nothing is wrong. But when a trial or struggle comes up and things get rough they just walk away because it is easier then to try and understand. Unfortunately, I have experienced this in my short life of 20 years more then twice.     

Let me first start off by saying that I'm not pointing a finger at these people or that I am judging you. I hope by writing this and getting it off my chest I will help others that may be going through this very same thing. I think everyone at least once has had a friend that walked away when things got rough. 

Just because they say they are a Christian doesn't meant they act like it. I met a girl through a Christian kids magazine pen pal program when I was 10. We would write letters and eventually started instant messaging (yes I'm that old to remember) almost everyday. This girl was my whole world. Then one day she started telling me things that were concerning and how her family no longer went to church because her dad was hurt real bad by the church. Of course I was worried abut her and was praying for her family but I knew that I had to end our relationship. What she was telling me were things that were concerning my parents. To this day I do think about her and still pray for her. 

What I learned from that experience is you should be careful in how much you give of yourself and trust them. Getting over our relationship was hard. She was my world at that time and was really the first time I ever experienced a broken relationship. 

Next was someone I met at a Christian Mother and Daughter Purity weekend conference. By this time I was 14 years old. She was similar to me and was totally living a Godly life.  She was all about waiting for true love and we had a similar situation like me about my pen pal. She spent the weekend talking, laughing and taking pictures. I even saw her perform in the orchestra after the conference because we were staying in the area for a few more days. We exchanged numbers and started talking on the phone, emailing, writing letters, instant messaging, and google buzz (yes I'm old). She would give me advice. One day she posted something that disturbed me. I was worried and afraid our friendship was heading down the same path as before. Next thing I knew she totally changed and was listening to hard music and posting lyrics to songs she liked. We grew apart but maybe I should've guessed. She even told me one time we talked that I have to be okay with God bringing people in and out of my life including her. Again I was devastated, would I ever have a true christian friend that  would stay by my side forever? God what are you trying to teach me? These were the questions going through my head. I still pray for her that she would go back to her roots and faith.
 
Next came along my third Christian friend, we met and connected or so I thought when I was 15. We were a lot alike and she would just tell me that I was more like a sister to her then her real sister. We would talk on the phone, video chat, Facebook, ravelry, and Instagram each other everyday. She came and stayed at our house a few times. Again I was completely open and trusted her. Boy was I wrong, that didn't last. I had a storm in my life due to health issues and she completely shut me out. She would tell me she understood what I was going through but never once proved it to me. It was all about her and how I didn't care about her. It was so bad that we had a fight on the phone and haven't spoken since. Next thing I knew she posted something to Facebook that I knew was directed at me without mentioning names so I would see it. I saw it and then the next day she unfriended me. Was I hurt? Was I devastated? Was I broken? Did I cry? YES!!! It's only normal to have these feelings. 

So now that I've completely opened up all these emotions and past relationships, the hurt and pain you are probably thinking what this has to do with the title of this piece of writing. Well let me tell you I have moved on, forgiven all these girls that have hurt me and decided to live my life as God intended. Yes it is great to have someone to talk to and interact with but it all boils down to God. One thing I learned through these situations is that God wanted me to put my trust and be completely open with Him. I'm still learning how to trust and be completely honest with Him. 

Now don't get me wrong. I have friends, and they are wonderful. God has blessed me with a wonderful support circle of people. I will go into the meaning behind the title. The value of a True Christian Best Friend.
 
Because of what happened to me I built up walls around me. When I meet someone new for the first time. I'm more reserved and careful about what I tell them. That doesn't mean I don't like meeting new people and become friends. We take the word being a Christian way too lightly. There is a difference in being a Christian and a True Christian. A couple things I want to point out and explain is what to look for  and what to value when choosing your friends. 

One thing is to know the other persons faith and beliefs. I'm still to this day very careful what I say to certain people because we may believe something different. I always try to find people that believe like me but as you have read it doesn't always work out like you think it will. 

Second, another thing to look for is how they act around you. Do they want to really get to know you? Do they truly care about you and want to try and understand what you are going through? For me personally, I try to listen to others and try to understand what they are saying or what they are going through.
 
Now you may think why is she writing on this. She has had nothing but broken friendships and never had a true Christian best friend. Let me tell you I actually do have one. I will end this by telling you the story of my True Christian Best Friend. 

My true Christian Best Friend, loves me for who I am and not what I've done or where I've been. She doesn't judge me but encourages me. When I need to talk I know she is willing to listen even if it's late at night or early in the morning. These are the things I value the most is she prays for me, gives me advice, wants to learn about my health issues and truly cares. But most of all she is completely sold out for Christ and living w true Christian life not just saying she is a Christian and that's what I value the most. I'm not mentioning names but she knows who she is. She is someone that i don't have to have my walls and barriers up with. I can be completely honest and trust without being afraid to get hurt. I believe God knew what He was doing when He placed her into my life. It was no accident! It was His plan for me. I mean this as a compliment someday I pray that I can be a true Christian friend to someone and they say the same things about me that I am saying about her right now.   

So I am going to end this here because I have probably taken way too much of your time reading this but if I help just one person with this piece of my life and story it will be worth this. So choose your friends wisely and most of all trust God to know who, when and where He places them in and out of your life. I promise you it will be worth it in the end.    

 

Meditation Mondays - We are United in Purpose!

We are united in purpose!!!! Rally around God's purpose! Yesterday church was amazing. The students took over and lead worship, prayer, and then the high school pastor did the sermon. One thing that stuck out in my mind is how God gave his life for us who don't deserve it. He wants us to lay down our life for each other like He did for us. Think about that. Are we willing to put aside our want and needs and be willing to lay down our life for our friends? I am sharing a couple scriptures that were read in church. 

John 17-20-23

²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— ²³ I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

John 15:9-17

⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other.
Another thing that really hit me hard today was part of a song that was sung. 

Nails couldn't keep you down
The grave couldn't keep you in
Hell couldn't keep you out
You reign, You reign!!! 

How awesome it is to know that you are God of all and reign forever? 

So I leave you with this. Are you willing to go and live your life for Christ? 

Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae

Meditation Mondays - Dealing with Disappointments

So one thing that we all face and deal with is disappointment. Church yesterday was about dealing with disappointments and so I thought it would be a good idea to write about this for my blog. 

God wants us to trust Him with our disappointments. Now I know that is a little harder then it sounds. I struggle everyday with disappointments as living with a chronic health issue I can't do everything I may want to because I don't physically or emotionally feel up to it. 

Some people don't understand that a change of plans or when I'm looking forward to doing something and then things change I get disappointed more then maybe I should. To them it might not be a big deal but to me it's a big deal because I'm never sure when I will have a good day or a bad day. That's part of living with a chronic illness.

I have a hard time being honest with my feelings. I've been hurt and been disappointed by more friends or who I thought were my friends. Really, I should be able to tell God my feelings and be completely honest with Him because He already knows what I am feeling. The main thing about dealing with these disappointments are not setting your expectations to high. 

So whatever you may be dealing with, or struggle with I encourage you to be honest with God. 

Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae

Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels Concert

On August 2nd I was able to go with my mom to see Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels live in concert. Let me just start by saying WOW!!! It was amazing! Honestly it felt more like a big praise and worship time then an actual concert. God was definitely moving and you could sense His presence there.

With everything that has been going on lately it was just what I needed. Praising God and lifting my voice with others was so wonderful.

Some of the songs that they played were, Waterfall, How Great is Our God, Our God, At the Cross (Where your love ran red), Waiting Here for You, and God's Great Dance Floor.

You know how everything happens for a reason and nothing surprises God. Well we were blessed to run into some friends that we hadn't seen since around 2011. I thank God because He must've known that I needed to have these two wonderful Christian girls back in my life right now. Even though we hadn't talked much or hung out for a long time we were able to just pick up where we left off. Love you girls so much! <3 <3 <3

So I will leave you with this......Continue to worship God and love Him with your whole heart.

Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae

Meditation Monday - The Struggle is Real

So as I was trying to figure out what to write about for my first post since I came back to the blogging world I thought I would write about something that I think we all go through at one time or another.

The Struggle is Real! What do you think that means? Everyone is struggling with one thing or another. Whether it is a relationship, health issue, finances, lost of a loved one, or just wondering what you are suppose to do.

It's so easy to pretend and act like everything is fine on the outside when truth be told you're falling apart on the inside. You may tell yourself, no one will understand, or do they really care? I have been like that and I'm working on it. Some of the struggles I am facing right now are really hard for me. Not only physically but emotionally as well. At times I feel like everything is happening to me. When I'm out and about in the world it's easy to act happy but when alone the struggle is real.

I saw a quote the other day and it is so relevant.

"sometimes I keep my feelings to myself because it's hard to find someone who understands."

But one thing is that God wants us to bring our struggles to Him. I've been learning that a lot lately. I thought that I could handle everything on my own. I didn't think anyone would understand, I built walls around me and didn't want to let anyone in because of the fear of getting hurt again or what others would think. When I finally realized that I can tell Jesus my Father what I'm going through He is there for me and knows exactly what I'm going through and truly understands.

So now I'm not saying that a friend wouldn't understand or cares as I have several great friends that are like sisters to me, and I talk to them which is awesome, but what it all comes down to is God is the only one that can get me and you through whatever it is we are struggling with.

My prayer is that whatever it may be you are going through right now that God will help you.

Blessings and Shalom,.
Grace Mae  

Long Break....Welcome Back!!!!!!

Hey Everyone,

Long time since I last posted anything on this blog. Truth is life has been crazy and I have been suffering from a lot of health issues.

Let me just start by saying, I have Lymes, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Bartonella. All these have affected my life. I have joint pain, headaches, brain fog, affected my hormones, and more. I am getting better but because it took over 10 years to figure this out it's going to be a long road to recovery.

I'm so glad I am back to posting as I have missed blogging. I have prayed about returning and what the future holds for my blog. I would like to continue with Meditation Mondays. As far as when I will post other things it all depends on how I feel.

One thing by starting this blog back in September 2013 I wanted it to encourage other young women in faith. I'm really praying that through this blog Jesus will shine through me.

Thanks for reading and I hope you will come back.

Blessings,
Grace Mae