Category: Christian Living

Renewing Focus

Published on by arecordofgraces4 Comments

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Psalm 123:1-2

I have never focused on Lent or its meaning until I came across this study topic two years ago entitled, A Sabbath Journey for Lent. This study comes to mind again as I saw people in town recently with ash marks on their foreheads. This time frame is leading up to the remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion and the celebration of His resurrection which we will specifically observe during Easter next month. Permitting the world to take this time frame and twist it into focusing on ashes and self-guilt instead of the amazing redemptive work of Grace and freedom through Christ is heartbreaking. Letting God work and making this time that the world deems one thing into something of eternal value for me personally is part of my March “grace goals” theme on “Renewal”. Giving up ‘stuff’ for Lent tends to be temporary, but focusing on giving my life to the One Who gave His for me means something and has an eternal effect. It is taking the attention off religion and placing it on the relationship with Christ. In Luke 10, Christ tells Martha who was “cumbered about with much serving” (vs 40) and “careful and troubled about many things” (vs 41) that all that wasn’t needful. What was needful and good was what Mary was doing- sitting at the feet of Jesus, body at rest, ears listening, and eyes on Him. By the end of the book of Luke, Christ was being crucified. I live in a predominately Catholic society and with Easter around the corner and signs of ashes and sacrifice lately, it has me pondering on renewing focus.  

How much do I let media, religion, or busyness distract my heart? When I watch the news more, I become frustrated. A lot of the world is an angry place right now staring us down -daring us to defy their wants and ungodly wishes, no matter now illogical they are. God is not surprised by any of this. He is not afraid or anxious. It is easy to notice the spiritual unrest because it is everywhere. Paying attention to religion (instead of a personal relationship with Christ) and man-made rules can hinder the ability to let God be the One to lead. Too much busyness leaves little room for meditating on God’s heart and hand in my life as well and can drown out His still small voice. How much do I focus on what other people are doing, how they are thinking, and where they are going? I should be sitting at the feet of Jesus, body at rest, ears listening with my eyes on Him. 

Renewing focus is to rest the eyes. It is turning my attention to God’s heart and not the world’s unrest. It is occupying my time with God’s view of me because He sees me, He knows my shortcomings, and even still, He has a purpose in mind for me. 

Father, We Seek Thee (a prayer found in the back of an old hymnal)

Father,
We seek Thy truth lest we be deceived and misled.

We seek Thy love lest we go unloving and uncaring through the day.

We seek Thy peace lest we waste our time in anxieties that eat up our energies and profit neither ourselves nor others.

We seek Thyself lest, living to ourselves, we remain lonely and alien and frustrated.

May we know today what it means to live in Christ’s life, to be open to His mind, to be governed by His love, to be ruled by His purpose. -Amen

Renewing Rest

Published on by arecordofgraces

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Psalm 103:1-4

If the Lord redeemed us through salvation from utter destruction, He meant from all destruction, not just from eternity in darkness and hell. Why then, do I often inflict on myself the mental and emotional wrecking ball of doubt, guilt, and insecurity? All throughout Psalm 103, David was renewing and resting his trust in God.

  • He gives good things.
  • His is merciful and gracious.
  • He does not always chide.
  • He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west.
  • He remembers we are dust.

In thinking over the topic of “Renewal” (March’s #gracegoals2019 theme), verse 5 in Psalm 103 stands out, “Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s”. I am reminded of eagles when they molt, or shed their feathers. They get rid of old, weighty feathers to make way for newer ones which renews their strength and ability to soar.

Renewing our ability to rest in God and the work He has done for our righteousness takes a ‘molting’ or shedding of old behaviors which limit our growth in Christ. Rejecting feelings of guilt over sin or of things not done right in the past which God has forgiven us for is part of that. Moving away from comparing our lives to someone else’s and parting with the ‘I’m not good enough’ self-talk is freeing a heavy weight that keeps us from moving forward. There is no renewal, there is no rest when we listen to a voice contrary to what God says in the Bible.

To renew: to resume after an interruption; to re-establish; to give fresh life to

Whatever interrupted the ability to rest in God, whatever needs to be re-established for a firmer faith, whatever needs a new perspective and fresh life, God already has that covered under the blood. Remembering God’s example of favor, of grace, of forgiveness, and of sympathy will help regain strength and faith through God who delights to give good things, and who chooses to crown us with lovingkindness and mercy (Psalm 103:4). From the beginning of Psalm 103, with his soul and everything in him, David gave honor to God. A good place to start ‘molting’ is to begin at the beginning by glorifying God, by recognizing all His benefits on our behalf, and by accepting His renewing rest.

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me. bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Psalm 103:1,2

Grace Goals for March

Published on by arecordofgraces

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:15-16

This month’s study theme is “Renewal”. I have been thinking about the verses shared above in that things which happen in our lives through thanksgiving cause the grace of God to redound (contribute greatly, echo, advance) to the glory of God. And in remembering that, we are not to collapse under life’s pressures but be renewed day by day. Our family has had a lot of pressure lately – my husband’s physical struggles and an uncertain financial future due to his recent battles. We have so many questions. Does God see? Does He have a plan? How long do we wait before my husband can be seen by a doctor who can help him with pain management? And how do we live grateful for all in the process to resound God’s glory?

With spring in the air (for now) in our part of the world, the word “renewal” came to mind as I was working in the yard last week. It was refreshing to be outside in the beautiful weather, hands in the dirt, trimming off dead leaves and branches, and cleaning up winter’s mess. The work of cleaning up the yard and plants makes way for the sun to get to the roots. As tired as I was by the end of the day, I felt renewed because I knew all that work would add to our enjoyment outside later. After a ‘spiritual winter’, there is some cleaning up to do as well. We need to trim off thoughts, preoccupations, and behaviors that hinder growth which makes way for the Son to reach our faith roots. We need to be honest about our goals and do the hard work necessary so there is room for renewal.

Throughout the month, I will be sharing Bible verses and thoughts on this topic as well as looking for ‘stray gifts’ charming, fragrant, growing, and sunlit.

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.

H. Borland

Every Step Counts

Published on by arecordofgraces2 Comments

I have been a Fitbit wearer for four years off and on. I like keeping track of my steps in a day and feel good about myself when I have done a lot of walking. I remember a phase when I had not been wearing it and mentioned to a fellow-Fitbit-wearing-friend that I felt regretful for not keeping track of my steps during that time. “That’s ok”, she said. “Every step still counts towards your fitness goals whether you know it or not.”

In a recent blog post, Strength of Heart, I shared Bible verses and thoughts on a spiritually strong heart as it has been a topic of study for February. The Fitbit conversation came to mind as I was thinking about a strong heart and the steps it takes to be physically and spiritually strong. Every step of exercise taken works for our benefit whether or not we are tracking our steps. Likewise, each step we take nearer to God counts towards a strong heart spiritually. If growth is not shared on social media, did it really happen? If progress is not spoken aloud in a testimony at church in front of other people, does it count? It sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? Of course, every movement made towards walking in paths of righteousness is beneficial. Every offering of forgiveness, every kindness shown, every light we rekindle through encouragement is fruitful for spiritual growth. Every Scripture verse we read, take to heart, and let change us more into Christ’s image helps us thrive. Many times, we are not the ones to even notice it. When I walk more, my family notices it. My husband will comment that he senses more strength in me and will remind me of how far I have come in my health goals in the last few years. When spiritual growth happens within, others may notice it first. We seem stronger spiritually, less judgmental, more at peace.

So take heart. If you feel as if you have been working so hard on ‘spiritual progress’ and do not feel as if you have striven, know that every step you take towards wisdom, towards kindness, towards forgiveness, towards godliness counts. When I am walking more, I am sore. My muscles hurt and I wonder if I should keep going. However, when my family notices and compliments on the progress, I keep striving for my goal. Spiritual growth hurts, too, sometimes. And when others notice that I have been kinder, more patient, more forgiving, I know that every little move I make draws me nearer to the heart of God. It makes my heart stronger and the life I have in Christ more fruitful.

Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

2 Peter 1:5-9

The Gift of 86,400 Seconds

Published on by arecordofgraces

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say “thank you”?

William Ward

It is quite challenging to have a theme each month – for study, for photo opportunities/stray gifts – and it’s only February! I have followed other challenges in the past, but felt God was leading me to create my own based on where He was guiding my studies and blog writing. For this month’s stray gifts theme, the words which came to mind were: admirable, kind, lovely, and sweet. For anyone who may be reading the term ‘stray gifts’ in my writing for the first time, it is based on a quote by William Wadsworth who wrote, “Pleasure is spread through the earth in stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find”. I have been taking notes, snapping photos, and writing about noticing these ‘stray gifts’, but with the take on that God has His hand in everything. These gifts really are not strays, but handfuls of purpose in my path that He put there to bring my attention to Him. Here is what I have so far for February: (photos first this time, explanations below)

#1) “Lovely” – From our kitchen window this week, we watched this bird (I think a finch) eating away at the feeder. He had beautiful red and brown feathers.

#2) “Admirable” – Jonathan (my son) is a junior at UTEP and it is his first semester attending. In between classes or while waiting for my husband to be done with work, he has been walking all over campus to see what’s what. The theater, science buildings, the basketball stadium that was used in the 60’s. Track and field, football stadium, Geology building, Fine Arts building where he found himself beneath the stage…I say “admirable” because he was curious about something and went to explore. He could have looked at photos online and it would have been much easier. But he has been walking all around the campus lately because he was interested. He walked in cowboy boots, by the way. Because ..well…we’re in Texas. That’s what we do.

#3) “Sweet” – TWO lovely cards last week. What a fun surprise! The handmade card and envelope from my 11 yr old niece. I love it! The other card from a long time friend which made it all the more special.

#4) “Lovely” – Don Juan climbing red rose bush with baby leaves. I read that climbing roses need not be pruned right away, to wait until after the first bloom. I only planted this last year so I am looking forward to seeing how they do this year. #straygifts in lovely red roses wanting to wake up already.

#5) “Sweet” – My husband brought home these cookies for me knowing I love a chocolate and mint combination. Coincidentally, I was drinking mint tea that day because I was in the mood for it. (He didn’t know that.)

#6) “Kind” – My husband isn’t really known for being a “kid person”, yet somehow he has managed to have a collection of buddies in our church in Mexico. We are not sure when this game started of him getting their shoes and putting them just out of reach, but they are highly entertained by it. They pretty much hand him a shoe for him to toss. Sometimes, my tall son comes to the rescue with a ladder to get shoes off the roof. Stray gifts in surprising entertainment, kind adults who play with kids, and sweet play, too.

Strength of Heart

Published on by arecordofgraces

“Follow your heart”, the world advises. “If it feels good, do it.” Yet in the Bible, God guides us to trust HIS heart and HIS path because our hearts lead us astray all too easily. The heart is deceitful, wicked, swayed and distracted. But there is H O P E. There is a Redeemer who longs to cleanse, heal, renew, and guide.

Over on Facebook this month, I have been posting Scripture verses pertaining to my February “Grace Goals”. Along with these verses, I have been sharing prayers and thoughts. Here are last week’s reflections:

_______________________________________

Within me, Lord, let no seed of resentment take root and grow.

Within me, I want to know joy, wisdom, and grace.

Within me, deep down, I know that strength of heart comes from not comparing my life to others or in jumping to conclusions. It comes from trusting You and Your plan for my life and the way I should go.

Within me, plant a will to forgive and the ability to extend mercy for I have received above and beyond what I deserve from You.

________________________________________

I want to see You, Lord, in the every day.

Shadows fall, I turn to disbelief instead of the Divine.

Keep my heart pure from doubting that You are good. Keep me safe from the shouting of the world and from those against You, so that I may notice Your hand working in ways I may not see and hear Your still small voice.

In order to truly see You, free my heart from distrust, from complaining, from comparing and dissatisfaction. You have given me more than I deserve and more than I will ever need. When my heart and thoughts are focused in the right direction, I will see all that You have given me and all that You are.

_______________________________________

My flesh and my heart ignores, neglects, deserts, disappoints, and forgets.

But…However…Nevertheless…Still

God is my courage, my stability, my anchor, my might.

______________________________________

Wait on the Lord…continue, persevere, endure, persist, remain

and He will…

bolster, establish, restore, sustain, fortify.

Your Very Own Self

Published on by arecordofgraces

Somewhere along the way through time, the notion has been planted in young minds that being the same is the way to go. This pressure of uniformity stays with many of us as an adult. It can lead to a life of feeling lonely when we are not comfortable in our own skin. Unsure of who to follow, we change the way we look, the way we act, and the way we think just to (hopefully) be accepted. If you are ‘different’, you are labeled an outsider and you do not belong. The media or whoever spread this thought is dead wrong. We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)→ each and every individual. And with our individual differences, we can serve God and make the body of Christ a beautiful thing to behold and a wonderful place to belong.

I am sharing a quote written by author Jan Karon who wrote this on her Facebook page a few years ago. ‘Comparison issues’ and feelings of self-consciousnesses can plague us for years. It is exhausting mentally and spiritually for that is not the way God would have us see ourselves. I am encouraged by the following quote to be more God-conscious, not self-conscious. I am motivated to keep complimenting (part of January’s Grace Goals) others because I never know just how much that person might have needed reassurance and support on a particular day.

From Jan Karon- January 4, 2016:

“For our readers who did not grow up in the South: a generous portion of okra or beans or collards or salad greens, etc, is called a “mess”.

I was always different. I never felt that I fit in anywhere. Some of you know that feeling. Usually, I felt too dumb or too smart, too thin or too fat, too short or (at a mere 5’3” I never felt too tall). I just couldn’t find a way to identify whatever myself might really be.

When I was seven or eight years old, my grandmother, Miss Fannie, gave me a bemused look and said, “Janice, you’re different.” There was a long pause; my very life seemed to hang suspended. “And,” she said, “that’s a good thing.”

It took decades for me to understand and believe that. And here’s an experience that helped.

I was getting ready to fry okra, and while washing it, came across a green bean that had somehow landed in that mess of okra. I cut the green bean in three or four pieces and coated them with batter, and every now and then, in that melange of fried okra, I’d come across a delicious bit of green bean.

What a difference.

I believe it takes a whole mess of okra to make one green bean so full of surprise.

God didn’t make you like everybody else, of course. He made you like your very own self. Something special. Something different.

If you’re still trying to figure out what that wonderful difference is, here’s the best way, in my opinion, to find out.

Say, “God, you made me and you know what you made me to be. What is it? Show me. I want to know. Because whatever you made me to be, that’s exactly what I want to be. I’m excited! Thank you.”

The Compliment

Published on by arecordofgraces

“I want to suggest a new Beatitude: ‘Blessed are the sincere who pay compliments.’

For I have just had a compliment, and it has changed my day.

I was irritated. Tired. Discouraged. Nothing seemed much use. Now suddenly all this is changed.

I feel a spurt of enthusiasm, of energy and joy. I am filled with hope. I like the whole world better, and myself, and even you.

Lord, bless the person who did this for me.

He probably hasn’t the faintest idea how his few words affected me. But wherever he is, whatever he’s doing, bless him. Let him too feel this sense of fulfillment, this recharge of fire and faith and joy.

Thank you, God, for this simple miracle so available to all of us. And that we don’t have to be saints to employ its power.

Remind me to use it more often to heal and lift and fortify others’ lives:
a compliment!

Poem by Marjorie Holmes

The Day’s Resolutions

Published on by arecordofgraces

I think in terms of the day’s resolutions, not the year’s.

H. Moore

For me, it is difficult to resolve to do something for a whole year. I make plans to lose weight, but life gets busy and rough and sometimes, eating out is the simplest. I do not always make the wisest choices when eating out and on busy days, I tend to forget making time to exercise. My husband and I make plans to save money, but the truck breaks down, prescriptions need to be filled, shoes wear out, a loved one needs help, and the list could go on. A few months pass by in the new year and discouragement sets in.

What if I think in terms of the day’s resolutions instead? Thinking about maintaining a new habit for a whole year tends to feel overwhelming, but I believe I can manage one day at a time.

Today I will resolve to:

  • Summon the courage to face a problem so I won’t have to deal with it tomorrow.
  • Dedicate my thoughts to making one right decision at a time.
  • Live in grace when ‘productivity’ may be resting and not accomplishing tasks on a to-do list.
  • Look for the gifts in life and not focus on the grief.

Last year, I started looking more for the gifts in life. This treasure hunt every day helps me remember God’s involvement in even the smallest of details. I am continuing this search for the gifts because I believe it has helped me to notice His hand in my life more than ever. For January, I have a had a focus to look for four types of gifts: white, inspirational, heartfelt, and brand new.

Here are the latest photos in stray gifts.

Top Row: (Left) White alyssums still alive during the cold weather. (Right) Beautiful pine cones noticed on one of our walks. I love the contrast of white and brown.

Middle Row: (Left) I am not sure where this inspirational book of prayers came from, but I love a lot of the poems in here and share them on social media often. (Right) While out watering and checking on my plants, I was struck by the new growth of mum leaves.

Bottom Row: (Left) On a walk last week, we saw bare trees, palm trees, and birds in trees. Art in nature is always inspirational. (Right) A brand new scent to the earth and all that is in it after a good rain.

Not pictured: Stray gifts “heartfelt” showed up in thanks around the table last week from my husband, my son, and my dad over mashed potatoes -which I don’t make too often. I think my dad had potatoes with a side of rotisserie chicken and broccoli! (Maybe I need to make mashed potatoes more often?) ‘Grateful for thankful hearts and food on the table. And for the aforementioned men who help clear the table and wash the dishes!


Pleasure is spread through the earth in stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.
-William Wordsworth, 1806

Words Unspoken

Published on by arecordofgraces

“She is confident in her abilities and how she manages life.”

“He knows he looks great in that shirt.”

“She realizes how important she is to everyone around her.”

“He is aware of how brave I think he is for following his dreams while struggling with chronic pain.”

“She feels no fear and always does things with confidence.”

“He believes in himself and the choices he makes for his family.”

All things I think about particular people but never tell them.

Surely, they know.

They must.

But, not necessarily.

Words go unsaid. “They know how I feel”, I think. But what they see in the mirror and what I see may be two different things.

What if I shared the words I think? Words of encouragement and hope. A compliment. What if I gave something meaningful for them to hold on to? Something true, lovely, of good report (Philippians 4:8) from me to them about them. Because deep down, I don’t know what a difficult day they may have had- the health struggles, the worries. Nagging questions, fear, and crippling doubt could very well be hidden behind the closed doors of a brave front.

Words unspoken help no one.

Words unspoken spark no joy, offer no hope, and give no warmth.

Say the words. Give the compliment. Share a warm, ‘Hello’.

It might make all the difference in the world.

#gracegoals2019

Other “Grace Goals 2019” for January Posts: