Texting vs. Talking on the Phone

Today's topic has been on my heart for a while now and I thought it was time to share it with you all. We get so wrapped up in social media and our phones. Most people now a days have some form of smart phone and are usually on it constantly. I am just as guilty as the next person. We depend on our phones as a way of communication with our friends.

Texting has become the trend. Most people use texting more then actual phone calls because its convenient or easy. I actually miss talking on the phone to my friends. Texting to me is so impersonal. I really like having that connection of voices. I know it takes more time then texting does but really to me it's worth the time just to hear their voice.

Why did I want to write about this? What started the conversation in my head? Well let me tell you. Most of you know I lost my grandma back in January. Life is short and no one knows how long they have. In a moment life could change. I know for me it has.

We need to make time for the people we care about the most. Take time today to call someone you care about whether it's a parent, spouse, sister, or friend. Tomorrow is never promised. Even if it's only 15 minutes once a week I say it's totally worth it. 

Cherish the moments! Don't have regrets! I would give anything to have one more conversation with my grandma on the phone. Just to hear her voice. I regret not calling her more often. I promise to be better with my friends and sisters and the ones I love. I don't want to have anymore regrets. 

I hope this encourages you all today. Tomorrow is never promised so cherish the moments and memories you have before its too late.

Meditation Mondays - Learning to Love

Today is the last of our learning to series. Today we are learning to love. We all have enemies whether we like it or not. Here are a few verses on love.

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

1. Admit we have enemies.

2. Love your enemies.

3. Pray for your enemies. 

4. Demonstrate grace to your enemies. 

I hope the last several weeks have been an encouragement to you as they have to me. Next week we will start something new. I have been blessed to have joined an online group that was studying the book of James. I would like to share it with you all. I hope that's alright. See ya all next week.  

Blessings and Shalom, 

 Grace Mae <3 <3 <3 

 

Happy Memorial Day

Since tomorrow is Memorial Day I thought I'd post tonight because I have my Meditation Monday post already fro tomorrow. I think about Memorial Day and remember all those that have fought and gave it all and those that continue to fight for my freedom. I always go and play the song God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood. It is a great reminder to thank all who served and continue to serve our country. Not just the soldiers but the families as well. God Bless you all. 

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife
I'd thank my lucky stars to be livin' here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA
Well, there's pride in every American heart
And it's time we stand and say that

[2x]
I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA 

Worship Wednesdays - At Your Name (Yahweh, Yahweh)

Love! Love! Love this song. God I will shout your name for you are worthy of endless praise! 

At Your name
The mountains shake and crumble
At Your name
The oceans roar and tumble
At Your name
Angels will bow
The earth will rejoice
Your people cry out

[Chorus:]
Lord of all the earth
We shout Your name, shout Your name
Filling up the skies
With endless praise, endless praise
Yahweh, Yahweh
We love to shout Your name, oh Lord

At Your name
The morning breaks in Glory
At Your name
Creation sings Your story
At Your name
Angels will bow
The earth will rejoice
Your people cry out

[Chorus]

There is no one like our God
We will praise you, praise you
There is no one like our God
We will sing, we will sing [x3]

[Chorus x2]

Meditation Mondays - Learning to Influence

This week we are talking about learning to influence. I'm really excited about this one. It really got me thinking about how people have an influence on my life. I pray that I can have positive influence on others around me and show them that it is Christ who lives in  me.


1. You are a change agent for God.
2. You are a guide to God.
3. You are an example of God.

Lost people all around us are watching everyday. Do we have our light on for Jesus? We are the light of the world. A town built on a hill that can't be hidden.

I'm sure you have people in your life that have influence on you. You just have to be aware of the good influence and the bad. We want to live for Christ and in everything we say and do be pleasing to Him. I pray that you can be an influence for Jesus with those around you.

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

Weakness and Strength

Last week I was feeling depressed and so naturally I was praying to God but also texted my sisters for some encouragement. I felt like I just couldn't work the booth at the home school convention like I had planned. I really wanted to just stay home which wasn't an option. Within minutes of each other I was reminded by both of my sisters of a verse in the Bible. It was Philippians 4:13 which says "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." What a great reminder? If I give my weakness to Him in return He will give me strength. So I did end up going and working the convention. I want to encourage you that no matter how weak you feel that through His strength you can make it through. 

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

 

Worship Wednesdays - Eye of the Storm

Even though we have hard times we must remember that Jesus remains in control. He is our anchor and His love surrounds us. When I first heard this song I felt it speak to me. Having gone through some dark times it was a great reminder that God remains in control when we go through the storm.

When the solid ground is falling out, from underneath my feet,
Between the black skies and my red eyes, I can barely see
And when I’m feeling like I’ve let down by my friends and my family, 

I can hear the rain reminding me

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm

When my hopes and dreams are far from me, and I’m running out of faith
I see the future I pictured slowly fade away
And when the tears of pain and heartache are pouring down my face
I find my peace in Jesus' name

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm

When they let me go and I just don’t know how I’m gonna make ends meet
I did my best now I’d scared to death that we might lose everything
And when a sickness takes my child away, and there’s nothing I can do
My only hope is to trust You, I trust you Lord

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm

You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm

Meditation Mondays - Discover Learning to Heal

Discover the extraordinary life when you ask Jesus to heal. Trust in Jesus' power to heal. His grace is all I need.

^"That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases." Matthew 8:16-17

Bring people to Jesus for healing. Ask Jesus to heal. 

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24 

I believe that we need to keep praying and ask Jesus to heal. It tells us in the Bible that by His wounds we are healed.

"Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted. 
 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, 
 and with his wounds we are healed." 
                   Isaiah 53:4-5 

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

Worship Wednesdays - Desert Song

Today's song is one that I recently have found and been listening to everyday. My favorite part of this song is the bridge. Even though we go through hard times or struggles God is still God and with us. We have a reason to sing and praise because God is always there and He is our victory. So let's go give Him praise. He is faithful! He is God! 

[Verse 1:]
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

[Verse 2:]
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me, Lord, through the flame

[Chorus:]
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

[Verse 3:]
And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

[Chorus:]
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

[Bridge 4x:]
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

[Chorus 2x:]
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

[Verse 4:]
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

Meditation Mondays - Learning to Listen

So here we are back at week two of what I learned at small group. 
This week I want to talk about learning to listen. 

You can learn to listen in large groups. Commit to be a part of Sunday morning fellowship. It is a great place to start. "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25

Another great place to learn to listen is in a small group. Study the Word and pray together while experiencing fellowship. 

Lastly, learning to listen in relationships. Speak life into you!!! One on one relationships provide spiritual coaching and mentorship. He wants to speak through you. 

Learn to listen during your quiet time. Determine a time and place to spend with Jesus. Be still and focus on God. Focus on His Word and listen to what God is saying to you. Journal what God is speaking to you. Most of all pray and worship Him. 

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

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! I just wanted to wish all the moms out there today a very Happy Mother's Day. There are some that today is the first time their mother isn't here to celebrate with and my Mom is one of them. Today was really a hard day for her since we just lost my grandma in January. I just wanted to take time to encourage my mom and tell her how much she means to me. She is an amazing women of God and I am completely blessed to have her as my Mom. She always supports me and has taught me to reach for my dreams. She gives great advice and knows me better then I know myself. Mom you have taught me and reminded me to always stay close to God and that He will never leave me and always love me. Even though sometimes we don't agree in the end I know that you will always have my back and will always love me. Thank you mom for everything. You are the best mom a girl could ask for. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!! <3 <3

National Day of Prayer - Wake Up America

Today is National Day of Prayer! I have learned over the past year just how important prayer can be. Don't get me wrong, I always have prayed and know that it is important but this last year my eyes were really opened. One thing that changed for me was when we went to see the movie War Room. Prayer is powerful. Isn't it wonderful that we can pray anytime? I love the fact that God is never too busy to listen. Prayer is one of the things that have gotten me through some really rough times and still gets me through every day.

Every year we observe National Day of Prayer and this year the theme is "Wake Up America". That couldn't be more fitting for today with what's going on in our nation. In my last post I mentioned a little bit about the election news. Today I would like to write a little bit more on the subject because I feel that it ties in with the theme this year. 

First off I don't want to start an argument. I do want to say that we as a nation is in trouble. The news is all about Abortion, same sex marriage, and transgenders. My heart is broken thinking of how far our nation has come away from God. It's really sad. We need to stand up and fight to bring our nation back to God. I will be going into more about politics as we get closer to election time but let me just tell you that the most important thing we can do now is PRAY! PRAY! and PRAY some more. God is in control and He is the answer.  So I encourage you today to take time and just pray. Ask God for guidance and cry out to Him on behalf of our nation. 

I found this song on YouTube and thought it was very fitting for today. Hope you enjoy and remember to take time to pray today and everyday. 

Worship Wednesdays - God is in Control

After reading the news on the election I thought this song was perfect for today. I will not go into the election news for this post but I will be writing my feelings on the subject soon. One thing I will say right now is to please PRAY for our nation and country. Now back to our regular scheduled program. Remember that no matter what is happening around us today God is in control. As hard as it can be at times we need to remember that. He will never forsake us and if we choose to remember that we won't be shaken. I hope you enjoy this song and really think about the words.

This is no time for fear
This is a time for faith and determination
Don't lose the vision here carried away by emotion

Hold on to all that you hide in your heart
For there is one thing that has always been true
It holds the world together

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
Oh, God is in control, oh, God is in control

History marches on
There is a bottom line drawn across the ages
Culture can make its plan, oh but the line never changes

No matter how the deception may fly
There is one thing that has always been true
And it will be true forever

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
Oh, God is in control, oh, God is in control

Oh, He has never let you down
Why start to worry now? Why start to worry now?
He is still the Lord of all we see
He is still the loving Father watching over you and me

Watching over you, watching over me
Watching over everything
Watching over you, watching over me
Every little sparrow, every little key, every little key

God is in control
We believe that His children will not be forsaken
God is in control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him, we know
Oh, God is in control, oh, God is in control, oh, God is in control

Meditation Mondays - Learning to be with Jesus

A few months ago I was involved in a small group called Discover. I was really blessed by it and just wanted to share what I learned with you. So for the next few Mondays I will be writing about small group.

For this week I want to talk about Learning to be with Jesus. We need to grow deeper in our relationship with Him. We need to focus on discovering and developing our spiritual gifts. We need to reach friends, family and the world around us for Christ.

1. CHOOSE to be with Jesus. 

2. OBEY Jesus.

3. REACH others for Jesus.

4. FIND REST in Jesus.

A couple ways we can spend time with Jesus is by praying, reading the Bible, and listening to music. At least these are the ways I spend time with Him. Some might think how do you spend time with Jesus by listening to music. Well let me tell you that through music I find that I am connecting with Him and that He is speaking to me through the music.

So I am going to leave you all with a question to think about. How are you going to spend time with Jesus this week? I'd love to hear about the ways you do. Leave me comment and let me know. I will be praying for each and every one of you this week as we all learn to spend more time with Him.

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

Christ In Me

The words to this song really spoke to me. This should be our theme or anthem everyday. Everyday I hope that people see Christ in me. I want to fix my eyes on Him and empty myself so He can fill me. As you enjoyed your weekend and get ready to start another week I challenge you to think about the words of this song. Let's let Christ shine through us this week. Blessings to you my friends!

In this obsession with the things this world says make us happy
Can't see the slaves we are in all the searching all the grasping
Like we deserve much more than all these blessing we're holding
So now I'm running free into an ocean of mercy unending

So come and empty me
So that it's you I breathe
I want my life to be
Only Christ in me
So I will fix my eyes
'Cause you're my source of life
I need the world to see
That it's Christ in me
That it's Christ in me

Done with what holds me down the things I once was chasing after
Throw off these heavy chains that I have let become my master
So now I'm running free into an ocean of mercy unending

So come and empty me
So that it's you I breathe
I want my life to be
Only Christ in me
So I will fix my eyes
'Cause you're my source of life
I need the world to see
That it's Christ in me
That it's Christ in me

In this obsession with the things this world says make us happy
Can't see the slaves we are in all the searching all the grasping

So come and empty me
So that it's you I breathe
I want my life to be
Only Christ in me
So I will fix my eyes
'Cause you're my source of life
I need the world to see
Only Christ in me
Only Christ in me
Only Christ in me
Christ in me