Worship Wednesdays - Shoulders

Shoulders has been a very personal song that God has used in my life the last couple months. I got to hear this song sung live at Winter Jam and its amazing. I hope that it is an encouragement to you as it is to me. No matter what happens or what you are going through remember that God is where your help comes from. He will pull you through. 

When confusion's my companion
And despair holds me for ransom
I will feel no fear
I know that You are near

When I'm caught deep in the valley
With chaos for my company
I'll find my comfort here
‘Cause I know that You are near

[Chorus:]
My help comes from You
You're right here, pulling me through
You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders
Your shoulders
My help comes from You
You are my rest, my rescue
I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders
Your shoulders

You mend what once was shattered
And You turn my tears to laughter
Your forgiveness is my fortress
Oh Your mercy is relentless

[Chorus]

My help is from You
Don't have to see it to believe it
My help is from you
Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true

[Chorus]

My help is from You
Don't have to see it to believe it
My help is from you
Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true

Meditation Mondays - Best Day Ever

I am still very excited about yesterday's church service. It was amazing! We celebrated Easter! We celebrated The Resurrection! Jesus is alive, death has been defeated, the grave no longer holds the King.

So today I wanted to share BEST DAY EVER Easter Service 3-27-16 CLA video of church. 

I know its pretty long but honestly it is worth watching. God was moving today and I hope you are encouraged by it.

Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3

He is Risen! He is Alive! Happy Easter!

He is Risen! He is Alive! What wonderful news that is? Happy Easter! Jesus said in three days He would raise up from the dead. He is no longer in the tomb. Death has been defeated! The grave no longer holds the King. He is to be glorified. He is alive and is coming back again. 

One of my all time favorite songs for Easter is Arise My Love by Newsong. Hope you all have a wonderfully blessed Easter and remember that Jesus is Alive!

Not a word was heard
at the tomb that day.
Just shuffling of soldiers feet
as they guarded the grave.
One day, two days,
three days had past.
Could it be that Jesus
breathed His last?

Could it be that His Father
had forsaken him?
Turned his back on his son
dispising our sin.
All hell seemed to whisper
"Just forget Him, He's dead."
Then the Father looked down
to his son and he said..

Arise, My love.
Arise, My love.
The grave no longer
has a hold on you
No more death's sting
No more suffering
Arise...Arise...my love.

The Earth trembled
and the tomb began to shake,
and like lightening
from Heaven the stone was rolled away.
And as dead man
the guards they all stood there in fright
As the power of love
displayed its might
 

Then suddenly a melody
filled the air
Riding wings of wind,
it was everywhere
The words all creation
had been longing to hear
The sweet sound of victory,
so loud and clear.

Arise, my love.
Arise, my love.
The grave no longer has a hold on you.
No more death's sting
no more suffering
Arise...arise....

Sin, where are your shackles?
Death, where is your sting?
Hell; has been defeated.
The grave could not hold the king.

Arise, My love.
Arise, My love.
The grave no longer
has a hold on you
No more death's sting
No more suffering
Arise....Arise....Arise

Good Friday

As we have been preparing for Easter on Sunday, we don't want to forget about Good Friday. Jesus went to the cross to die for us. Isn't it amazing that Jesus loved us so much that even while we were sinners He chose to die for our sins? 

I was privileged to be able to attend two communion services this week. It really reminded me of the ultimate sacrifice that was made. I mean who am I that I would be worthy enough for Jesus to die for me. I am not perfect. Yes, I made mistakes but He was willing to forgive me of my sins and imperfections so I may have eternal life with Him. His body was broken and bruised for me. His blood was shed for me. When I think about this I am amazed and overwhelmed.

I mean Jesus came down from Heaven, the perfect place and took on all my sins and sorrows as His own. He suffered for my freedom. He took my place because He loved me so much. There is no greater love than this.

As we go into this weekend let us remember the sacrifice that was made. I encourage you to examine your hearts this weekend. If you don't know Jesus as your personal Savior and would like to know more please take time and look at my The Gift of Salvation page. I promise you that your life will never be the same once you know Him personally and ask Him into your heart and life. 

I leave you with this song! Lamb of God by Vertical Church Band. Remember the Lamb of God took my place so that my sins could be erased. 

Worship Wednesdays - At The Cross (Love Ran Red)

We are just a few days away from Easter and what is more appropriate then this song. I know I say this almost every week but this is really one of my favorite songs. I am in awe of what Jesus did for me. It all started at the cross where He died to forgive me from my sins. As we prepare for Easter let's remember the greatest gift of all. Jesus loved us so much that He died for our sins.

There's a place where mercy reigns and never dies
There's a place where streams of grace flow deep and wide

Where all the love I've ever found
Comes like a flood
Comes flowing down

At the cross
At the cross
I surrender my life
I'm in awe of You, I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
And my sin washed white
I owe all to You, I owe all to You
Jesus

There's a place where sin and shame are powerless
Where my heart has peace with God
And forgiveness

Where all the love I've ever found
Comes like a flood
Comes flowing down

At the cross
At the cross
I surrender my life
I'm in awe of You, I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
And my sin washed white
I owe all to You, I owe all to You

Here my hope is found
Here on holy ground
Here I bow down
Here I bow down
Here arms open wide
Here You saved my life
Here I bow down
Here I bow

At the cross
At the cross
I surrender my life
I'm in awe of You, I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
And my sin washed white
I owe all to You, I owe all to You
I owe all to You, I owe all to You
Jesus

Winter Jam Concert

On March 10th I was blessed to be able to go to Winter Jam. Let me just start by saying it was just what I needed after everything that has been going on in my life the last couple months.

Many of you know I have lost my grandma back in January but what you don't know is I have struggled more then I let on. There were times in my life over the last couple months where I just wanted to give up. I didn't want to be social. I didn't want to do anything but stay home and cry. What I learned was that God will never leave me and is with me always. 

We turned Winter Jam into an early birthday party for me because we wouldn't get to see my friends on my actual birthday due to working for my Dad's business. It was super fun. We went to a tea room for lunch. We brought two of my best friends Tymbur and Elyse with us and then met my sisters Amber and Summer. Lunch was great and spending time with these girls and my mom was so much fun.  

After lunch we went to stand in line for the concert. We got to get in early with Jam Nation tickets.

Winter Jam was amazing! God really used all the artists there to minister to me in ways I did think were possible. All the bands were awesome and amazing. We got to see We Are the Messengers, Stars Go Dim, Tedashii, KB, Trip Lee, Matthew West, Newsong, Crowder, For King and Country, and Sidewalk Prophets. I so enjoyed getting to worship God with other Christians. The venue where the concert was held was packed and sold out. God was moving in mighty ways that night and I was so happy to be a part of it. 

Music is my life as most of you know by now. I can relate to songs and some that really spoke to me were Shoulders by For King and Country, Don't it Make You Want to Go Home by Newsong, Come as You are by Crowder, Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets, and Strong Enough by Matthew West.  

 
I also got to meet and get my picture taken with We are the Messengers, Stars Go Dim and Matthew West. They were all so nice and I was pretty much speechless. God is using these guys in mighty ways for His glory.

Best Friends! Waiting in Line for the doors to open!

I can't leave out pictures with my best friends. Elyse and Tymbur are two of the sweetest girls I know. They love the Lord with all their hearts and I am so thankful and blessed to have them in my life. They are amazing friends. It was awesome having these two come with me. I had a blast and so much fun. I hope they did too.  Thanks for making my life great! You two are so much fun to be around.

Summer, Grace, and Amber waiting for the concert to start!

        I was so happy and blessed to spend time with my sisters as well. They mean the world to me and I couldn't imagine my life without them. They have been there for me through the good times as well as the bad and I am so glad I got to go to Winter Jam with them. Really God knew what He was doing when He brought them into my life. I could go on and on about these two but I won't. I will say that no matter how far away in distance or how busy we may be, we always will make time and be there for each other. Nothing will keep us from being sisters. They are amazing! They love Jesus and not ashamed of letting the world know. I am blessed to have these two in my life and I will never take for granted our friendship.  

Amber and Grace

Summer and Grace

 
Thank you Amber and Summer for making my life better! Love you girls so much and can't wait to see what the future holds.





Overall, Winter Jam was just what I needed.  I had been really depressed but God reminded me that night He is in control and He is with me wherever I go. His ways and plans are so much more greater then anything I could ever imagine and I am trusting Him with my life. 

Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3  

Meditation Mondays - Palm Sunday

^{Welcome back to Meditation Mondays! I can't believe that yesterday was Palm Sunday. Where is the year going? As I was thinking about what I wanted to post today I figured it would be appropriate to post the Bible passage about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Easter is a week away and we need to prepare ourselves. Hope you check back this week as I have several things planned for Holy Week.} 

^{Blessings and Shalom,}

^{Grace Mae <3 <3 <3}

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry - Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)

21 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. ² “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. ³ If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

⁴ This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,

⁵ “Tell the people of Jerusalem,^[a]
    ‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey—
    riding on a donkey’s colt.’”^[b]

⁶ The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. ⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it.^[c]

⁸ Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God^[d] for the Son of David!
    Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
    Praise God in highest heaven!”^[e]

¹⁰ The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.

¹¹ And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Worship Wednesdays - O the Blood of Jesus

We are one and a half weeks away from Easter. This song reminds me of the greatest sacrifice of all. Jesus died and rose again for me. Because of His sacrifice my life is saved. I am so thankful and totally unworthy that Jesus shed his blood for me. Thank you Jesus! 

O the blood
Crimson love
Price of life's demand
Shameful sin
Placed on Him
The Hope of every man

O the blood of Jesus washes me
O the blood of Jesus shed for me
What a sacrifice that saved my life
Yes, the blood, it is my victory

Savior Son
Holy One
Slain so I can live
See the Lamb
The great I Am
Who takes away my sin

O the blood of Jesus washes me
O the blood of Jesus shed for me
What a sacrifice that saved my life
Yes, the blood, it is my victory

O the blood of the Lamb
O the blood of the Lamb
O the blood of the Lamb
The precious blood of the Lamb
What a sacrifice
That saved my life
Yes, the blood, it is my victory

O what love
No greater love
Grace, how can it be
That in my sin
Yes, even then
He shed His blood for me

O the blood of Jesus washes me
O the blood of Jesus shed for me
What a sacrifice that saved my life
Yes, the blood, it is my victory
It was a sacrifice that saved my life
Yes, the blood, it is my victory

Thank You for Your blood
Come on thank Him
Ooh thank Him
Thank You for Your blood
Thank You for Your love
Thank You Lord
Thank You
Thank You
Thank You

Meditation Mondays - Comparing Yourself to Others

Have you ever felt like everyone else has their life together and you don't? Have you ever felt like you aren't important? Like you don't fit in? Like you aren't worth it? Do you compare yourself with your friends?

Let me tell you that those are lies. Nobody is perfect. Nobody has their life all together. Nobody isn't worth it. Truth is you are worth it. You are more then you think you are. God made you to be you and that's what makes you special.

Sometimes it's easier to look at others especially your friends and it's easy to get discouraged and to bring yourself down. Have you ever heard the saying "you are your worst critic."? It is so true. I know for me I have a hard time seeing the best in myself. It takes my friends to tell me that I am special.

There are times that I feel like I'm not good enough. Times that I feel like I could be a better Christian. But the truth and reality of it is that I am just who God intended me to be. I am good enough. I am special. Times that I wish I was more like my sisters but honestly if I were like them the world would miss out on me.

When we stop comparing ourselves to others, we can focus on growing as the person God intended us to be. I still struggle sometimes wishing I was like my friends but really I want to be more like Jesus. I want to love more, forgive more, and just let the world know who Jesus is.

So I leave this with you as I finish writing this. You are special. You are unique. You are who God intended.

Surprise Saturday - 7 Quick Hairstyles

Today I wanted to surprise everyone by posting today. I have been a huge fan of Kayley Melissa for several years now. She always come up with some of the best hairstyles. As women we struggle sometimes with how we want to do our hair. Sometime we are running late and need something quick and easy. I think some of these are really cute. Let me know in the comments what your favorite one was.

Worship Wednesdays - Guilty

I am not ashamed of Jesus! I will always proclaim His name. No matter what I want to be Guilty! This is an awesome song and I just wanted to share it with you today. As we are getting closer to Easter and remember what Christ did for us I thought this song would be appropriate for today. Even if it gets me convicted I will be on my knees with my hands lifted. That is a line from this song. Once again the Newsboys did an awesome job writing this. Enjoy!

When did it become breaking a rule
To say your name out loud in school
When your names the only one that sets us free
When did it become incorrect
To speak the truth about life and death
When your life gave us all eternity

Even if it gets me convicted
I'll be on my knees with my hands lifted

If serving you's against the law of man
If living out my faith in you is banned
Then I'll stand right before the jury

If saying I believe is out of line
If I'm judged cause I'm gonna give my life
To show the world the love that fills me
Then I want to be Guilty

I'll rise up and honor you
I'll testify to all the good you do
Cause your Grace and your Mercy have overtaken me

So even if it gets me convicted
I'll be on my knees with my hands lifted

If serving you's against the law of man
If living out my faith in you is banned
Then I'll stand right before the jury

If saying I believe is out of line
If I'm judged cause I'm gonna give my life
To show the world the love that fills me

Then I want to be Guilty by association
Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways
Your truth
Your life
I'll pay the price to be your light

If serving you's against the law of man
If living out my faith in you is banned
Then I'll stand right before the jury

If saying I believe is out of line
If I'm judged cause I'm gonna give my life
To show the world the love that fills me

Then I want to be Guilty by association
Guilty of being a voice proclaiming Your ways
Your truth
Your life
I'll pay the price to be your light

Oh I want to be Guilty

Meditation Mondays - We are God's Representatives

 
 "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." Colossians 3:16-17 (NLT)

I give Christ my life because he gave his life for me. These two verses have been a favorite of mine for several years now. One thing that sticks out to me from these verses is the one about letting the message of Christ fill our lives. We would be no where if it wasn't for Jesus. We need to be examples to others for Him. We are God's representatives. Whatever we do or say we are doing it for Him and giving thanks to God. 

I hope this encourages you. So think about this. Whatever you are doing today remember that people are watching. Go about your day as if you are representing the love of Christ. 

Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3  

Risen Movie Reveiw

 Risen is one of the best movies I've seen yet. It follows the story of Jesus's death and Resurrection through the eyes of a non-believer.

When I first watched the trailer for this movie I was really excited to see this. After I saw the movie it was better then the trailer was.

I can't begin to tell you how much this movie impacted me. The actors and actresses were wonderful and I would go see this movie again.

Even if you are not a believer I would still recommend going to see Risen. It might change your mind.

I didn't make this review long as I don't want to spoil it for anyone.

All I say is if you want to find out what happens go and see this movie. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Accept Nothing Less than Jesus

Jesus came, died, and rose again so that we can have eternal life.

Nothing in this world can satisfy us like Jesus!

He is everything and without him we would all be a mess.

I am so thankful that I have Jesus in my life and that I can talk to him anytime, anywhere, and about anything.

So my challenge for you today is DO NOT ACCEPT ANYTHING LESS THAN JESUS!

Blessings and Shalom,
Grace Mae <3 <3 <3

Fuller House TV Show Review

WARNING: There are spoilers in this review!

At last the wait is over! Fuller House was released on Netflix Friday February 26th. I can't tell you how excited I was for this show to come back. Even though I wasn't born until after the original show ended I have grown up watching reruns and have all 8 seasons on DVDs. Now 20 years later I was really looking forward to seeing all my favorite characters come back and watch them as adults just like I am.

Well let me tell you that I watched the first episode and thought it was really good. All the memories came back and I cried, laughed, and was so happy.

As the season went on I must say I was very disappointed in how much they changed this show. It is definitely not a family friendly show. Now don't get me wrong, I figured that they would take on some of today's topics but never figured that it would be taken so far.

First off the low cut clothing that Stephanie wears is way to revealing. There are sexual innuendos, a whole lot of drinking and scenes that promote homosexuality. Episode 3, was the worst episode of all. It had a scene in where DJ and Kimmy were performing a dance routine that they referred to it as dirty dancing. They win the competition and called the Luscious Lesbian couple. Other episodes include two guys kissing and two women kissing.

As a Christian, I am really sad and disappointed in this show but also disappointed in Candace Cameron Bure. She lives a Godly life and outspoken about her faith but yet she approved of this and chose to be a part of it. What I have always been taught is that modesty is important and that we need to remember that we are representing Jesus with how we act, what we say, how we dress, and what we do. Also the Bible tells us that marriage and relationships should be between one man and one woman. Homosexuality is a sin.

My heart is broken over this show. It could've been a great family show but instead of that it is more for adults and even then I had a hard time watching it. Even though I know what is right and what is wrong I'm really sad. No one should watch inappropriate shows and this is pretty much trash.

There are some funny parts in the show like the kids of DJ and Kimmy which I loved. It could've been a great show instead it focused more on sex, drinking, and boy crazy.

All I leave you with is please use caution when you watch this show and do not let your children watch this alone. The show is rated G but in my review I would rate it PG-13 at least.

Worship Wednesdays - Through it All

I am really excited about this song today. It has been one of my favorite and go to listen to a lot lately. I have found that sometime life can knock you down. You loose someone you love. You get hurt by people. You feel like the world is falling apart. Just know that no matter what God has been with you through it all. Life isn't easy and sometime I feel like I have had enough. One promise I hold on to is that God will always be with me. I hope this song encourages you today. 

There are days I've taken more than I can give
And there are choices that I made
That I wouldn't make again
I've had my share of laughter
Of tears and troubled times
This is has been the story of my life

I have won and I have lost
I got it right sometimes
But sometimes I did not
Life's been a journey
I've seen joy, I've seen regret
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it

You were there when it all came down on me
And I was blinded by my fear
And I struggled to believe
But in those unclear moments
You were the one keeping me strong
This is how my story's always gone

I have won and I have lost
I got it right sometimes
But sometimes I did not
Life's been a journey
I've seen joy, I've seen regret
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it
Through all of it

And this is who You are
More constant than the stars up in the sky
All these years of our lives
I, I look back and I see You
Right now I still do
And I'm always going to

I have won and I have lost
I got it right sometimes
But sometimes I did not
Life's been a journey
I've seen joy
I've seen regret
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it
Oh and You have been my God
Through all of it