Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3
Monday, February 29, 2016
Meditation Mondays - God Sees in You What You Can't See in Yourself
Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Worship Wednesday - Christ Is Enough
I know that today's post is late but things have been crazy busy here today and I wanted to make sure that when I wrote this post it would have my full attention. With that being said let's get back to our regular scheduled program (post I guess I should say).
Christ is Enough has to be one of my favorite songs. As the next several weeks lead up to Easter you will see that I will post about songs that have to do with Easter.
One thing about this song is that for me nothing will satisfy me or give me the hope then Christ. He is enough for me and because of him I am free. Hope this song encourages you.
Christ is Enough has to be one of my favorite songs. As the next several weeks lead up to Easter you will see that I will post about songs that have to do with Easter.
One thing about this song is that for me nothing will satisfy me or give me the hope then Christ. He is enough for me and because of him I am free. Hope this song encourages you.
[VERSE]
Christ is my reward
And all of my devotion
Now there's nothing in this world
That could ever satisfy
[PRE-CHORUS]
Through every trial
My soul will sing
No turning back
I've been set free
[CHORUS]
Christ is enough for me
Christ is enough for me
Everything I need is in You
Everything I need
[VERSE]
Christ my all in all
The joy of my salvation
And this hope will never fail
Heaven is our home
[PRE-CHORUS]
Through every storm
My soul will sing
Jesus is here
To God be the glory
[BRIDGE]
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back
No turning back
The cross before me
The world behind me
No turning back
No turning back
Christ is my reward
And all of my devotion
Now there's nothing in this world
That could ever satisfy
[PRE-CHORUS]
Through every trial
My soul will sing
No turning back
I've been set free
[CHORUS]
Christ is enough for me
Christ is enough for me
Everything I need is in You
Everything I need
[VERSE]
Christ my all in all
The joy of my salvation
And this hope will never fail
Heaven is our home
[PRE-CHORUS]
Through every storm
My soul will sing
Jesus is here
To God be the glory
[BRIDGE]
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back
No turning back
The cross before me
The world behind me
No turning back
No turning back
Monday, February 22, 2016
Meditation Mondays - The Power of Influences
Influences have a big impact on our lives at least on mine. Everyone has had one person or maybe more than one person that has helped shape them into who they are today. For me it has been my parents, my grandma, and a few close friends.
When you think of the word influence what comes to mind? For me an influence means something or someone that had an impact on my life. Everyday people that don't know Jesus or that are lost souls are watching you. We need to be an example and let the light of Jesus shine through us.
I would just like to share that it is important who you hang out with. People can influence you and if you aren't careful they can lead you astray or influence you the wrong way. You need to be careful. Thankfully as I get older and more mature it has come to my attention that really I only have a few close friends that I want to have influence my life. I need positive people that point me to Jesus and keep me grounded and focused.
This reminds me of a song. Yes I know it isn't Wednesday but I feel compelled to share it with you. It is called Let Them See You by JJ Weeks Band. One of my favorite lines is "let them see you in me. Let them hear you when I speak." I want everyone I meet to see Jesus in me.
My challenge to you today is how do you plan to influence people? Are you living a life that will influence people to follow Jesus?
Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3
When you think of the word influence what comes to mind? For me an influence means something or someone that had an impact on my life. Everyday people that don't know Jesus or that are lost souls are watching you. We need to be an example and let the light of Jesus shine through us.
I would just like to share that it is important who you hang out with. People can influence you and if you aren't careful they can lead you astray or influence you the wrong way. You need to be careful. Thankfully as I get older and more mature it has come to my attention that really I only have a few close friends that I want to have influence my life. I need positive people that point me to Jesus and keep me grounded and focused.
This reminds me of a song. Yes I know it isn't Wednesday but I feel compelled to share it with you. It is called Let Them See You by JJ Weeks Band. One of my favorite lines is "let them see you in me. Let them hear you when I speak." I want everyone I meet to see Jesus in me.
My challenge to you today is how do you plan to influence people? Are you living a life that will influence people to follow Jesus?
Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Worship Wednesdays - Flawless
So I know this is late but I didn't want to forget to post today. The song I am going to share today is one of my favorites. It's called Flawless by MercyMe. I love that no matter what the cross made us flawless. It doesn't matter that we have hurt, scars, or bruises. God's love is unconditional! Just wanted to share this song with you. Enjoy!
There’s got to be more
Than going back and forth
From doing right to doing wrong
‘Cause we were taught that’s who we are
Come on get in line right behind me
You along with everybody
Thinking there’s worth in what you do
Then Like a hero who takes the stage when
We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late
Well let me introduce you to amazing grace
No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter the hurt
Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
Could it possibly be
That we simply can’t believe
That this unconditional
Kind of love would be enough
To take a filthy wretch like this
And wrap him up in righteousness
But that’s exactly what He did
No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter the hurt
Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
Take a breath smile and say
Right here right now I’m ok
Because the cross was enough
Then Like a hero who takes the stage when
We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late
Well let me introduce you to grace grace
God’s grace
No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter the hurt
Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter what they say
Or what you think you are
The day you called His name
He made you flawless
He made you flawless
No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
Than going back and forth
From doing right to doing wrong
‘Cause we were taught that’s who we are
Come on get in line right behind me
You along with everybody
Thinking there’s worth in what you do
Then Like a hero who takes the stage when
We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late
Well let me introduce you to amazing grace
No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter the hurt
Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
Could it possibly be
That we simply can’t believe
That this unconditional
Kind of love would be enough
To take a filthy wretch like this
And wrap him up in righteousness
But that’s exactly what He did
No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter the hurt
Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
Take a breath smile and say
Right here right now I’m ok
Because the cross was enough
Then Like a hero who takes the stage when
We’re on the edge of our seats saying it’s too late
Well let me introduce you to grace grace
God’s grace
No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter the hurt
Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter what they say
Or what you think you are
The day you called His name
He made you flawless
He made you flawless
No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
Monday, February 15, 2016
Meditation Mondays - God's Love
Welcome back to Meditation Mondays! Since yesterday was Valentine's Day I wanted to write today's post on love. Now not the love of a boyfriend but the love of God.
Most of you know that my relationship with Jesus is the most important to me. God's love never fails and never gives up. He loved us so much that He sent his son to died for us and then raised him from the dead three days later. I love John 3:16 verse that talks about the true love of God.
Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day.
Remember for all that are single that God has the perfect guy for you all you have to do is trust and wait for his timing. I know I am and as hard as it is at times I know that God's timing is so much better then my own. I pray everyday for the person that God has planned for me. I pray that He is following God and waiting for me as I am waiting for him.
One of my favorite songs that always think of during Valentine's Day is My Paper Heart by Francesca Battistelli. It talks about how my paper heart belongs to God. Part of the song says "never knew that I could feel the way I feel, never knew that there could be a love so real." The love she is talking about in the song is the love of God. I encourage you to go check out the song.
Blessings and Shalom!
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Most of you know that my relationship with Jesus is the most important to me. God's love never fails and never gives up. He loved us so much that He sent his son to died for us and then raised him from the dead three days later. I love John 3:16 verse that talks about the true love of God.
Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day.Remember for all that are single that God has the perfect guy for you all you have to do is trust and wait for his timing. I know I am and as hard as it is at times I know that God's timing is so much better then my own. I pray everyday for the person that God has planned for me. I pray that He is following God and waiting for me as I am waiting for him.
One of my favorite songs that always think of during Valentine's Day is My Paper Heart by Francesca Battistelli. It talks about how my paper heart belongs to God. Part of the song says "never knew that I could feel the way I feel, never knew that there could be a love so real." The love she is talking about in the song is the love of God. I encourage you to go check out the song.
Blessings and Shalom!
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Worship Wednesdays - I'll Be Alright
This song is such a great reminder that no matter what life throws our way as long as we have God we will be alright and make it through. Over the past summer life was hard and I felt like nothing was going right. I realized that if I kept my eyes fixed on God that I will get through this and be alright. No one can compare to Him and I am so thankful that He has me and is for me.
Verse 1 ~
Your eyes spinning all around like they
See it all
A thousand years just like a day
Your eyes never close
And there's not a moment you grow tired
I've often wondered how it would be to
Lose everything and need
Nothing more than all you are
and all that you exist to be
Oh
Pre Chorus ~
Even when the world gets crazy
instead of watching it
I keep my eyes glued to you
and wait for what your gonna do
Cause I'll be holding on to your promises yeah I remember what you said
If I fight the good fight
I’ma I’ma be alright
Chorus ~
Even if I lost my sight, I'll be alright
Even with my last goodbye, I'll be alright
Cause I'm yours and you are mine
and as long as I have you, I'll be alright
Even when the pressure's tight, I'll be alright
Even when the darkness bites, I'll be alright
Cause I'm yours and you are mine
and as long as I have you, I'll be alright
Verse 2 ~
Your love is stronger than even death's sting
Your heart is the only perfect beat
Your truth is life,
And everything that really matters to me
I've often wondered how it would be
To gain everything and lose my soul
Oh, but what a tragedy
If I lose you, I lose it all
Bridge ~
No matter what the people say
Long as you got me I'll be ok
Nobody can compare to ya
Nobody's like you, you're mightier
Better, bigger, stronger,
You are higher, greater, wiser,
I know if you’re on my side,
Monday, February 8, 2016
Meditation Mondays - Quiet Time with Jesus: SOAP Method
Spending quiet time with Jesus should be the most important part of your day as well as your life. If you aren't making time for Him then you probably aren't doing things that please Him. Now I know what some of you are thinking. I am so busy. I don't have time. I'm always on the go. Well I know how hectic days can be but it's important to keep that relationship with Jesus.
I just wanted to take some time today to introduce you to my favorite way to have my quiet time. I have been using a method called SOAP. It takes about 15 minutes to do and I usually do it before bed. I have found that having my quiet time before bed is perfect for me. I am not distracted by what I have to get done and focus on Him. Now I also start my day in the morning when I get up with prayer as well. I just don't take the time to do my devotions because I get distracted and can't focus because my mind is always going in a million directions with what I have to get done that day.
SOAP was introduced to me as I was browsing Pinterest a few months back. It's a great way to get myself into God's Word and keeps me focused.
S - stands for Scripture. You take a scripture verse and write it out. I usually use the one from the Bible app or just one of my favorite verses.
O - stands for Observation. Write down how you would explain this verse to someone in your own words. What is God saying in the verse?
A - stands for Application. How does this verse apply to your life right now? What does this verse mean to you? Just write down in your own words how you can apply what you read to your own life.
P - stands for Prayer. It's important to pray. Pray to God and ask Him to help you understand and hear His Word. Write out your prayer for the day.
I hope this helps you with your quiet time with Jesus. If you have a favorite way to dig deeper into God's Word or another journaling method I'd love to hear about it.
Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3 <3
I just wanted to take some time today to introduce you to my favorite way to have my quiet time. I have been using a method called SOAP. It takes about 15 minutes to do and I usually do it before bed. I have found that having my quiet time before bed is perfect for me. I am not distracted by what I have to get done and focus on Him. Now I also start my day in the morning when I get up with prayer as well. I just don't take the time to do my devotions because I get distracted and can't focus because my mind is always going in a million directions with what I have to get done that day.
SOAP was introduced to me as I was browsing Pinterest a few months back. It's a great way to get myself into God's Word and keeps me focused.
S - stands for Scripture. You take a scripture verse and write it out. I usually use the one from the Bible app or just one of my favorite verses.
O - stands for Observation. Write down how you would explain this verse to someone in your own words. What is God saying in the verse?
A - stands for Application. How does this verse apply to your life right now? What does this verse mean to you? Just write down in your own words how you can apply what you read to your own life.
P - stands for Prayer. It's important to pray. Pray to God and ask Him to help you understand and hear His Word. Write out your prayer for the day.
I hope this helps you with your quiet time with Jesus. If you have a favorite way to dig deeper into God's Word or another journaling method I'd love to hear about it.
Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3 <3
Thursday, February 4, 2016
3 Apps Every Christian Needs
In today's age that we live in most people have a smart phone, tablet, or some sort of device that has internet on it. I have found in my journey 3 apps that I find very useful and beneficial to my spiritual growth. It is hard to find time to spend in prayer and in God's word when you are busy with everyday life. I know for me I tend to spend more time on my phone then I should. These apps have helped me to stay focused on God.
1. Devotional - This app is awesome. Everyday it gives you a quick devotional and scripture verse in the morning and in the evening as well as some Bible trivia and some humor. It is a quick way that only takes about 5 minutes to read. I use this app every single day. In fact I look forward to it.
2. Bible - I love the Bible app. It's a great way to have God's Word ready when I need it. You can read the Bible in different versions and can highlight favorite verses. There are also hundreds of Bible reading plans you can use as well as connect with your friends who have the same app. It's my go to when I need to look up a verse and also I can easily create an image and post to Facebook or Instagram.
3. Prayer List - It is always important to pray for others as well as just talk to God. This app allows you write prayer requests and put them in different categories. I have 4 categories right now which are, church, family, friends, and myself. It's just a nice convenient way to write down my prayer requests. I use this a lot when I am out and about. If I meet someone and they need prayer I can write it down so I don't forget.
I hope these are helpful to you as they are to me. Praying that you grow closer to Him. If you have a favorite app share it in the comments. I'm always looking for new interesting apps that help me stay focused on God.
Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae
1. Devotional - This app is awesome. Everyday it gives you a quick devotional and scripture verse in the morning and in the evening as well as some Bible trivia and some humor. It is a quick way that only takes about 5 minutes to read. I use this app every single day. In fact I look forward to it.
2. Bible - I love the Bible app. It's a great way to have God's Word ready when I need it. You can read the Bible in different versions and can highlight favorite verses. There are also hundreds of Bible reading plans you can use as well as connect with your friends who have the same app. It's my go to when I need to look up a verse and also I can easily create an image and post to Facebook or Instagram.
3. Prayer List - It is always important to pray for others as well as just talk to God. This app allows you write prayer requests and put them in different categories. I have 4 categories right now which are, church, family, friends, and myself. It's just a nice convenient way to write down my prayer requests. I use this a lot when I am out and about. If I meet someone and they need prayer I can write it down so I don't forget.
I hope these are helpful to you as they are to me. Praying that you grow closer to Him. If you have a favorite app share it in the comments. I'm always looking for new interesting apps that help me stay focused on God.
Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Worship Wednesdays - When I'm With You
Today I wanted to share with you a new song that just came out on the radio. It is called When I'm with You by Citizens Way. This is by far my new favorite song. Even though you aren't fine or you might not be okay, it's an awesome feeling to know that you can come to Jesus just as you are. You can be hurt, broken or bruised and just be yourself because Jesus loves you for who you are. You are safe when you are with Him. God Bless you all and I hope this song encourages you as it has been encouraging me. Click on the link below to hear the song.
These are the things that I need to pray
Because I can't find peace any other way
I'm a mess underneath and I'm just too scared to show it
Everything's not fine
And I'm not okay
But it's nice to know
I can come this way
When I'm with You
I feel the real me finally breaking through
It's all because of You, Jesus
Anytime, anywhere, any heartache
I'm never too much for You to take
There's only love
There's only grace
When I'm with You
Nobody knows me like You do
No need for walls, You see right through
Every hurt, every scar, every secret… You just love me
I'm breathing in
I'm innocent
It's like my heart's on fire again
I'm not afraid
I'm not ashamed
I'm safe when I am with You
So I'm here just as I am
Bruised or broken
I don't have to pretend
Because I can't find peace any other way
I'm a mess underneath and I'm just too scared to show it
Everything's not fine
And I'm not okay
But it's nice to know
I can come this way
When I'm with You
I feel the real me finally breaking through
It's all because of You, Jesus
Anytime, anywhere, any heartache
I'm never too much for You to take
There's only love
There's only grace
When I'm with You
Nobody knows me like You do
No need for walls, You see right through
Every hurt, every scar, every secret… You just love me
I'm breathing in
I'm innocent
It's like my heart's on fire again
I'm not afraid
I'm not ashamed
I'm safe when I am with You
So I'm here just as I am
Bruised or broken
I don't have to pretend
Monday, February 1, 2016
Honesty and Truth
Hello to all my blog readers. Thanks for stopping by. I have been having a hard time jumping back into blogging again after I unexpectedly took two weeks off. Today's post isn't going to be your usual devotional. I honestly haven't felt up to writing but didn't want to disappoint my readers.
Warning: This is a very honest and open emotional post.
To be honest, I have been struggling with jumping back into normal life again. My heart is broken and I have been feeling guilty, and wishing I would've done more with Nanna. Lately, I feel like I have been faking being happy and faking that everything is okay. It's hard for people to understand that I am feeling broken, hurt, upset and can't seem to bring myself to come back to reality. I mean life goes on and I know, but right now I just want people to understand that it's hard for me. My heart feels like its been shattered in a million pieces. Will I ever feel like I use to? Kinda reminds me of the song I shared the other day.
Yesterday at church I felt so guilty. I felt like a total fake. I felt like I was faking being a Christian. Everyone was asking how I was, and instead of telling them, I just said I'm hanging in there or doing okay. I smiled and acted like everything was fine because lots of people wouldn't understand. Truth is I'm far from being okay. In fact I am a mess inside. Now people mean well I know, but every once in a while it would be nice to have someone tell me I know this is hard. I know you are suffering. I'm here for you if you need something. Here's a hug for you.
Right now, I am needing understanding. I'm spending a lot of time with Jesus in prayer and through music. I'm starting to heal but it's going to take some time. God is with me I know and I know that I'm not alone through all of this. This doesn't mean that I don't want to do normal things again. I know that life has to go on but if I take it a little bit slower it's just because I have a lot to work through.
I want to leave this with you. Whatever you are going through it is better to be honest and tell the truth then to fake it. Even if people don't understand or get upset it is so much better to be yourself. I for one am going to try from now on to be myself all the time not just when it's convenient. If I can't be open and share how hurt or broken I am with the same people I share being happy with and they can't accept that then I'm okay with it. This is who I am and I want to be myself.
One quote that always sticks out to me is difficult times will always reveal your true friends. As sad as it sounds it is totally true. I'm so thankful for the friends and family that have stood by my side through the good times and the difficult ones as well.
Blessings,
Grace Mae
Warning: This is a very honest and open emotional post.
To be honest, I have been struggling with jumping back into normal life again. My heart is broken and I have been feeling guilty, and wishing I would've done more with Nanna. Lately, I feel like I have been faking being happy and faking that everything is okay. It's hard for people to understand that I am feeling broken, hurt, upset and can't seem to bring myself to come back to reality. I mean life goes on and I know, but right now I just want people to understand that it's hard for me. My heart feels like its been shattered in a million pieces. Will I ever feel like I use to? Kinda reminds me of the song I shared the other day.
Yesterday at church I felt so guilty. I felt like a total fake. I felt like I was faking being a Christian. Everyone was asking how I was, and instead of telling them, I just said I'm hanging in there or doing okay. I smiled and acted like everything was fine because lots of people wouldn't understand. Truth is I'm far from being okay. In fact I am a mess inside. Now people mean well I know, but every once in a while it would be nice to have someone tell me I know this is hard. I know you are suffering. I'm here for you if you need something. Here's a hug for you.
Right now, I am needing understanding. I'm spending a lot of time with Jesus in prayer and through music. I'm starting to heal but it's going to take some time. God is with me I know and I know that I'm not alone through all of this. This doesn't mean that I don't want to do normal things again. I know that life has to go on but if I take it a little bit slower it's just because I have a lot to work through.
I want to leave this with you. Whatever you are going through it is better to be honest and tell the truth then to fake it. Even if people don't understand or get upset it is so much better to be yourself. I for one am going to try from now on to be myself all the time not just when it's convenient. If I can't be open and share how hurt or broken I am with the same people I share being happy with and they can't accept that then I'm okay with it. This is who I am and I want to be myself.
One quote that always sticks out to me is difficult times will always reveal your true friends. As sad as it sounds it is totally true. I'm so thankful for the friends and family that have stood by my side through the good times and the difficult ones as well.
Blessings,
Grace Mae
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