Category: Grace

Even the Valleys Are Higher Ground

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Trials are brutal. Faith is tested. Life grinds hard some days and I live as if I have been amputated from grace. The labor is strenuous when I fail to trust in what God allows in my life – illness, heartache, loss. It is the “ugly-beautiful” where suffering births transfiguration. When I let go of pride and self-reliance, I become humbled and dependent.

When I was on Facebook awhile back, I had posted something similar about valleys and my Aunt Carol had responded, “Even the valleys are higher ground”. That has stuck with me ever since.

The song I share with you today is one that has been on my mind. We used to sing it as a family while on deputation and it was one of our favorites. I hope it will be an encouragement to you as well.

Without A Valley – Gospel Song by Rodney Griffin

“I’ve been walking through a valley
It was dark, and it was drear.
Yet in the middle of my sorrow
I heard Jesus say, “Child, I’m still here”.

But without a valley
How would I ever know
That His strong and gentle hand
Would never let me go?
How would I know for sure
That I’m secure and safe where’er I go?
Without a valley
How would I know?

So I thank you, Lord, for each trial-
How You’re teaching me Your perfect love.
For You have shown that I can still have joy inside
Even though the road seems long and rough.

But without a valley
How would I ever know
That His strong and gentle hand
Would never let me go?
How would I know for sure
That I’m secure and safe where’er I go?
Without a valley
How would I know?”

Listen to the song sung by Florida Boys:


The Best Light

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Treat your friends as you do your pictures and place them in the best light.

Jennie J. Churchill

Looking for the best in those around us -whether in the home, out in town, or on social media – can turn someone’s day around. We never know what others are dealing with behind closed doors. The family member, the co-worker, the neighbor, the waitress, the cashier, the teacher, the pastor – they have needs and strengths, too. Compliment, love, be generous in encouragement.

Romans 15:5-6, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Tell Me Something Good – Sheilia’s Story

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“Is your follow up appointment for the CT scan results still today?”, I texted Sheilia.

“Yes. It’s at 9:30 my time.”

“I know the results are already in. I’m sure it’s been difficult to wait. I’m praying for a clean slate but also for peace…either way.” Peace, either way. His will be done, either way, I was thinking, but also holding my breath for the answer. Please please, let there be good news.

A few hours later, she wrote me back. “Everything is good! I don’t need to go back for another two years.”

Sheilia and I have been friends for nearly as long as I have been married (25 years!). John was in the Navy at the time of our wedding which was in New Mexico. He was stationed in Bremerton, Washington and I moved there with him to begin the rest of our life together. He took me to the church where he was a member and I was a stranger. Sheilia and her family were one of the first to welcome me into the church and we hit it off right away. It wasn’t long before we were singing together in the choir and in a ladies’ singing group. We spent hours at each other’s homes playing games ’til way past midnight. We went shopping often and even taught elementary school together. When I was in the hospital in labor getting ready for Jonathan’s birth, she (and her kids!) were in the hospital room with me – during contractions and all. Well – not for everything. They did stay back in the waiting room for the rest of the time. They took to Jonathan like family and I almost had to relinquish custody of him when we were with them. They loved him as one of their own. Sheilia even went with me to pick Jonathan up from the hospital after he was released. Due to his premature birth, he had to stay in the NICU for three weeks. We were close. Her family has a very special place in our hearts.

She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma the end of June 2010. It was Stage 3 – in the spleen, lymph nodes in her neck, and lymph nodes in her back area. She had surgery in August of that year to remove her spleen. Chemo lasted between six to eight hours and was every four to five weeks through February 2011 before becoming cancer free. For the next year and a half, she had to keep the port that was put in her chest just in case she needed more chemo treatments. Every five weeks, the port had to be flushed out with saline. Life was exhausting for her. For the first five years after chemotherapy, she went to the doctor once a year for a CT scan, for blood work, and for a checkup. Then it was every two years. Unless she feels any symptoms coming on, she does not need to see the doctor but once a year for just blood work and a general checkup. Her white blood cells were up a few weeks ago which caused the doctor to schedule the CT scan. She said it could have been just an infection. She has been considered CANCER FREE for nine years now. “Praise the Lord”, she declares.

“People ask me about my cancer every once in awhile and I don’t mind at all, telling them about it. I don’t get any of those feelings of anxiety when I do, but when it gets close to the checkup time, that anxiety rushes in, even though I know the Lord’s in complete control. Then after the checkup, I’m fine again. But I praise the Lord every day for His grace.”

When Sheilia shared with me that her CT scan was clear, I was so relieved to hear the news. There is so much bad news in the world right now that it can be depressing. Do you feel that way as well? As I was reflecting on Sheilia’s news, I wondered what other good news was out there. I started asking friends to “tell me something good” and explained about my friend Shielia’s cancer free update. I can’t help but share it with you because maybe you need to hear some good news, too. Positive things are happening, God is still working, and He is still with us no matter what.

If you liked this post and would like to share your story, comment below and “Tell Me Something Good”! I have a few more stories to share in the coming weeks.

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145:2

Stop Apologizing, Start Thanking

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I am fluent in the language of apologizing, especially in seasons of hardship or illness. I am usually the one taking care of everyone in the house, yet when I need them to take care of me, I apologize and feel guilty that the guys are doing “too much”. They assure me it is no problem and feel no need for apologies because we take care of each other. And I am reminded that others do take joy in being a help when given the opportunity.

My husband John has been going through a rough time as he has been waiting for the VA to set up an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. He has been in constant pain for over a year now. His doctor would not listen to John’s request for help until this April when more X-rays were taken and it was confirmed that John needs both hips replaced. As the weeks go by, my husband is barely walking, sleeping little, and needs help putting on socks, getting something to eat or drink, walking up and down stairs, and walking anywhere, really. He apologizes often that we are doing so much when he can do so little right now. Good news, though- an appointment with a surgeon is set for this Wednesday (June 5).

Often we apologize for needing help with something. I apologize for needing help with dinner sometimes. My son who has an “absent minded professor” mentality, apologizes for needing help with organization. My dad apologizes for needing me to drive him to doctor appointments or on errands when he does not feel well.

I saw this visual on Facebook awhile back and I loved it. It is a timely reminder. I showed it to my family and we are trying to change from offering apologies to offering thanks. Are you like me who feels the need to apologize when you need help, for when you are running late, for when you are feeling more sensitive? No more guilt, but instead, gratefulness for those who stand along side and who are patiently supportive.

Comfort Medicine

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“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.”

2 Thessalonians 3:16

The other day, I went with my dad to his doctor’s appointment at the Veterans Administration. Through different things we were talking about, the doctor mentioned that when he came to work there, medicine regulations were not what they should have been. The VA was prescribing pain medication left and right and just kept renewing the prescriptions. “We’ve created addicts”, he said. They used to prescribe pain medication for six months after a surgery. Since around 2015, they have tried to correct this. Now they only give 2 weeks worth. This doctor is originally from India. He said that we are the only country who prescribes “comfort medicine”. Some medication is necessary, yes, but we have it for just about any ailment, and so easily available. And now that the VA is scaling back on re-prescribing certain medications, there are a lot of upset veterans trying to cope with the change.

But medicine is not the only way in which to seek comfort. We look for it in food, in television, in work, in social media, in the approval of strangers and acquaintances, in unhealthy ways, and in our personal relationships. The world is full of distractions and “remedies” to ease the pain of loneliness, boredom, rejection, discontentment, emotional stress, and more. And we have become addicted to our own ‘comfort medicine’ of choice that is within reach twenty-four hours a day. But the only place to find everlasting peace, the kind that goes way down deep, is through “the Lord of peace himself.”

Today, no matter what we are going through, may we look to the Source of Peace while we wait for medical results and upcoming doctor appointments. May we seek Him while we pray for our children who are struggling to find their footing–the younger and the older alike. May we know His peace when responsibilities weigh heavy. May we pursue the true Peace Maker in difficult relationships, in trying times, and remember Him always by all means. May the Lord be with you all.

Every Step Counts

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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

Minister Grace

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This month, a focus has been on encouraging through three ways: praying for a caregiver you know, writing a note or card to someone, and through complementing. While looking for Bible verses to share on Facebook on the topic of encouragement, I found this:

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Ephesians 4:29

I began to think of being an encouragement in a different way than I had been writing about. More than praying, more than writing a note, and more than complementing someone, encouraging others can be done simply through our behavior – how we speak in our every day lives. Based on how I communicate, am I an encouragement to others who might be around listening? Do I complain often? Do I speak well of others? Are my words useful? Does my behavior help improve others or impair? Ouch. The answers to those questions sting a bit. My words are not always useful for good nor do they at all times minister grace, to be honest. Looks like I have some work to do.

In the meantime, I will keep counting the stray gifts, keep looking for the good and pray that in some way, sharing them uplifts and inspires others to look for the gifts in their lives as well. Here are this week’s stray gifts photos: (January’s theme: inspirational, white, heartfelt, new growth)

Top Left: A little bit of color is left on the rose bush from last year. The rose was ready to bloom but had frozen overnight. Soon it will be time to prune the rose bushes to make way for another year of new growth.

Top Middle: The book, “Patches of Godlight” by Jan Karon. It is full of inspirational quotes, poems, and Bible verses. I have shared many parts of this book on social media. It is well-loved and used often.

Top Right: This is a daylily I had just about given up for dead. I bought it for $3.00 last year on clearance. Looks like it might be ok.

Bottom Left: This pink oleander plant was transplanted from the front yard to the back when we first moved in. Over the last 5 years, it showed a little life after the transplant, so we kept cutting the dead branches down to make way for the new. Last year, this bush exploded in height and in blooms. It seems it might make it another year. Healthy looking growth reaching for the sun.

Bottom Right: Stray gifts “white” -the top of our dog’s head when she nuzzles in for some love. We adopted her a few years ago and she is an entertaining playmate, a fun walking companion, a good listener, and an excellent encourager.

Not pictured: Heartfelt hope in x-ray results for my husband who has been struggling with pain in his hips and legs for a long time. The VA has not wanted to do much with this issue because he was told he was ‘too young’ to have a hip replacement when they first detected a problem. Now both his hips are bad and are basically bone on bone. “Severe degenerative change” is how the findings were written. Good news: He doesn’t have an auto immune disease as we originally thought. This issue is fixable and he is hopeful for a better quality of life in the future.


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

Your Very Own Self

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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.”

Praying for the Caregiver

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PART TWO of January’s #gracegoals2019 encouragement is to pray for caregivers. Being a caregiver myself for my dad, a Vietnam Veteran, others who care for their aging parents are on my heart often.

The verse which comes to mind for this goal is Philippians 2:4, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others”. As I was contemplating this, one word spoke to me; the word, also. If we are to look ALSO on the needs of others, wouldn’t that mean to care for ourselves AND for others? Does that make sense? Something I have been considering. If a caregiver feels run down, senses depression, or suffers physically, emotionally, or spiritually, of what benefit can they be to anyone else? We cannot take care of others if we neglect our own needs. This not only pertains to caretakers of parents, but for those in any ministry of caring- parents raising children, parents raising special needs children, a husband or wife caring for an ill spouse, a pastor and his wife, a janitor, a teacher. I would imagine we all know someone who could use some prayer support!

I researched quite a few web links on the topic of caregivers caring for themselves, and most of them share these tips:

  • Eat healthy
  • Take time to rest during the day
  • Exercise to keep your body strong, even if only for 10 minutes a day
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Do things you enjoy (read, create, listen to music, garden…)
  • Ask for help when needed
  • Seek support (whether through reading material on the topic, by talking to someone (spouse, family, friend, pastor, counselor) who can be an encourager, and by seeking God’s guidance even for the smallest of decisions.

If you are a caregiver, I understand it is hard work. Sometimes we become so focused on the needs of others and the needs of the home, we forget to take care of ourselves in the process. To find a balance can be a challenge. I know there are days when what you have planned gets put aside. I am familiar with days filled with doctor appointments and waiting at the pharmacy for medication. I identify with days when all that is needed is companionship and quietness when your loved-one is resting or struggling with pain. For these reasons and more, I pray for you today.

If you are praying for a caretaker:

  • Pray that they will make wise choices in caring for their nourishment.
  • Pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual strength.
  • Pray they will be able to sleep well, feeling rejuvenated for the next day.
  • Pray for opportunities to rest and/or to do things they enjoy.
  • Pray they will ask for help when needed and not try to do it all on their own.

Lord, bless those who care for others. I pray for compassion because compassion makes a world of difference. There are always adjustments to the day and I pray change and re-shifting be accepted with grace. May we be flexible, be moved by another’s needs, and be willing to be a blessing. And may we live for You in every decision, in every action, and in every thought of the heart. Amen.

Other January “Grace Goals” Blog Entries:

Grace Goals for January

Just A Note

Grace Goals for January

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I have had this idea rolling around in my head for quite awhile now, and I think it’s time to let it out of my brain and see how it goes. A “mood board” of sorts to set the tone for the month, a theme for #straygifts, a specific prayer plan/topic along with helpful blog posts, a corresponding Scripture verse to implement, and a possible ‘ministry goal’. It seems like a lot, I know, which is why I created a collage guide to explain.

TOP LEFT CORNER is a photo of cardmaking supplies, a ministry of sorts for me. I like to send cards and to hopefully be an encouragement to someone. I especially like to include a note about family happenings, flowers which may be blooming, the weather, ministry updates – more than just my signature at the bottom of a card. I strive to make each card personal. This month’s card theme will be winter-related for me. Is there someone who would love a handwritten note? Would you consider sending a card to at least one person this month?

TOP RIGHT CORNER is a prayer plan suggestion to pray for caretakers in January with a corresponding Scripture verse for meditation. Being a “caretaker” myself for a parent who needs care from time to time, I am more aware of friends and family who are doing the same. It is a big ministry for anyone in a caretaker position. When the idea originally came to me, I was thinking of caretakers for aging parents. While doing research for what caretakers do, I came across so many more descriptions for the word. A caretaker could be a stay-at-home-mom, a working mom juggling home and an outside job, a janitor at work, the waitress who always remembers what you order to drink, those who clean your church. All job descriptions which thrive with a humble spirit. There are so many! I would imagine, though, someone came to mind when you read this and maybe this month, you could pray for them and offer an encouraging word through a written note or by spoken word.

BOTTOM LEFT is a “Grace Goals” section. I have a beautiful poem I share on an upcoming blog post that inspired this. Theme: Compliment someone this month – or many people!- you never know how much a person might have needed it that day. Spread some light!

BOTTOM RIGHT are “Stray Gifts” suggestions to look out for throughout January.

Of course, I would love your participation – to build a community where we pray for each other, share stray gifts we see in the day, share ministry ideas for friends and family. I realize a lot of people read posts and do not comment or acknowledge that they read entries on Facebook or here on the blog. I do hope you follow along – whether by likes, shares, and comments, or quietly in your own way. Either way, thank you for stopping by A Record of Graces. I believe together, we can make a difference. #gracegoals2019

I hope your first week of 2019 is going well!