Author: Laura Grace

I was that "unpopular" weird kid, that didn't fit in anywhere, in High School. I guess I never knew my place in life, until Jesus took me in. I've been rejected, misunderstood, left out, bullied, abused, scandalized, and labeled. In 2002 I got on a bus and left a marraige of sixteen years, that was fraught with abuse and heartache. In school, I used to be so afraid to stand in front of the class and speak, my hands would visibly shake, and I could not look at my audience without being terrified. Years later, I find myself leading a school music production, speaking in front of churches, and walking around with confidence, because I know the King of Kings is at my side. My ministry, prayers and blogs are directed toward those who feel like they were never enough. You never fit in. If I can help you in any way, if you need a special speaker to speak hope to the hurting, or if you would like a copy of my Testimony book (Grace to the Rescue) let me know. I am here for you. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Laura-Grace/author/B00DLYKCOQ?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=2ee12b01-8592-43a4-b4b8-daec0a37d906 With Love, Laura I can be reached at sisterzeal@yahoo.com
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Love hurts….but it’s the only way to live…..by Laura Grace

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hurt and pain         How do you handle hurt and pain? Lash back? Teach them a lesson? Give them a “what for?” 

There are times (not often) in my life it just all adds up. The person you spent hours of time helping Listening, taking them somewhere, anywhere so they could feel better. You layed aside your plans for them, then they write you off and forget you because of the 101th time you didn’t show up, or say what they wanted you to say. 

There’s the people who take and take and skip away to the next blessing, or those who ask you to turn yourself inside out to be there for them, but won’t bend an inch to be there for you because hey, they have standards! Yes I’ve seen many blessings in my life but let’s face it, in some areas, we may never seem to reap what we sowed. We sow blessing, they sow hate. We sow love, they see it as weakness, and walk all over the place and stomp on our hearts. Sometimes the love we sow feels like it’s running through a seive, and we watch it go down the drain never to be seen ……again……..

Some people we love and pray for are just obvlious, for years and years and years, that the only outlet they have left us is praying to our heavenly Father on their behalf. They scorn us, make fun of us, have a good time taking out on US their anger and frustration at God (whom they have never known, nor tried to know). and that’s okay because hey we christians are SUPPOSED TO LOVE It’s our Job! Right? 

How well I remember the times I was reminded (if I dared to step out of line) that I was a christian (supposed to love) and they well they……were just unaccountable, ignorant, hurting more than me supposedly. There are those who assume if we are kind to them in the face of their rage or anger, that we just must LIKE being the way we are. 

No. We go home and cry, salty tears that run to our lips like the bitter vinegar Jesus drank on the cross. We cry until it feels like our guts will explode. And we do it because we are in a battle not to hate them back. We are going to win because Jesus is on our side. but let me tell you something: I UNDERSTAND The battle to love. I truly do…

I don’t know why sometimes we are compelled to keep loving people who hurt us all the time. Maybe their heart cry is “Father please don’t give up on me’ so we show up and we don’t give up. I don’t know…..Maybe they are praying for God’s love……

and you were just the vessel to show up and do it. Maybe they weren’t grateful or kind. That’s up to God to deal with, not you.  Only don’t let them destroy you ….beat you ? yes maybe. Take your soul? NO WAY No how! ….Do not let it happen. 

I trust God to show me when to give up on someone, and when not to. when to try and again, and when to stop. it’s not based on my feelings or my personal comfort…….I can tell you that. It’s not based on some doctrine that says I have to take abuse or punishment. BUT THERE ARE TIMES We hurt because someone doesn’t have the sense to see they are hurting us. They have not yet come to their senses. they are captive to the evil one…..

Therefore, It’s a personal Journey. 

I”ve never seen anger heal anyone. I’ve never seen a butt chewing change a person. What changes people is love (if they can RECEIVE IT!!!) …….

IF THEY CAN RECEIVE IT…..

So see maybe if they can’t ……stop trying so hard….and let it go….let them go…..

Until they can receive it…..

and yes your heart will break, as you watch them go…..

and pray when it’s all over, you are still able to love…..it’s the only way 

-Laura Grace-

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Disciple, or Follower? and Arguing with God …………

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Jesus and me

I remember when I went from Follower To Disciple. How about you? A disciple learns from Jesus (Directly) and then Prophets, teachers, pastors and others enhance or solidify this experience. This is how it should be. 

Nobody can “make” a christian like you make a mud pie or a clay animal. You can try, but without the Holy Spirit Breathing the life of God into a person, they’ll still be just as dead. (inside). And worse yet, when the bible is used to create a monster called a pharisee, well, that’s another story too. I tend to avoid the monsters of pharisee-ism, and I dodge them (Just as my Jesus did!). 

Back to my story: I didn’t start learning FROM Jesus until I stopped arguing with him! Listen, how can God talk to you when you are busy arguing? I’ve read books that say “How to hear from God’ and even well, unconfessed sin seperates you (so they say) but listen, if He is my righteousness and paid it all, HOW CAN THAT BE? 

This double-talk has got to stop (law vs grace!) I came to the place where I said Father Jesus either redeemed or he didn’t! If He did then I’m Free (to hear from you) because you don’t see “SIN” when you look at me you see Jesus! Because he paid it all! (at the cross) and BROKE EVERY CURSE! I don’t need to go to some seminar to get free. Now maybe some do, and they get free, but only because their faith limited them to- “I have to get to that seminar, then I will be or get free.” 

I am talking to the people who can’t afford that big seminar (somewhere in Texas, or wherever it may be). To become a disciple, your heart just needs to shift from FOLLOWER to LEARNER. Now you are following AND learning (take my yoke upon you, Jesus said). “LEARN OF ME” (He said) “the holy Spirit will teach you” (he said!) 

So, I took him at his word. (Crazy me!) Disciples Eventually become Apostles, Prophets, teachers (and the rest) if they keep on going (IN HIM!). I may go to a seminary or not but who Makes me (what I am) Is HIM (Plain and simple). 

Just laugh with me as I say this: “GOD cannot get through to you when you are busy arguing! Sometimes I get that feeling he is saying “are you done?” 🙂 

Followers follow so long as the blessing is flowing…….

Disciples understand that someday they are going to do great things, like he did. Followers are more likely to fall away……

As your friend I am here to tell you, God is not going to just “finish the work in you” all by himself. He needs your cooperation! I have lost track of how many times he has said…..”are you done now?” …..”ready for me to speak?” ……..

 

HMM …..With love and somber blessings, 

 

Laura Grace 

 

 

 

becoming a leader · being a minister · Bread of life · going to minister · grace to Grow in grace · Make a difference · Uncategorized

I used to fall in the cracks……but now I fill them!

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What do I mean by this? Well honestly, I did used to think people were hurting me on purpose! Excluding me! Sorry, but I did. Whether they did or they didn’t, the Lord knows my heart. I know now most of them didn’t (do it on purpose) because I have a more mature view of things. Therefore, “get mature” ……

I have always said to him: “SHOW ME” IF I am wrong and then I tell him all my feelings, woes, hardships, or sorrows. He did say cast our cares on him! (SO I do!) 

God does not always show us we are wrong immediately. Sometimes we make the same mistakes for years and it’s HORRIBLE when we finally find out about it. I can testify, it doesn’t matter if you “prayed about it” You may STILL be wrong about a few things. It’s hard to realize, and even harder to imagine how God could just “let that happen.” 

Years ago God started saying “Bloom where you are planted” And “If you think something should be done, you go do it.”

Later after I’d done that awhile He said, “You do make a difference,” And here lately he’s been telling me clearly what I do who I am, and what he has in store for me.  Oh and there is the infamous “THE RIVER FINDS A WAY.” 

Too often, I’ve been stuck in “the proper way to do things,” Or “How stuff happens” according to someone else. You don’t need to go to Seminary to be a minster, you already are, or should be (becoming one) as we are all priests according to the bible. The thing is, will we step INTO What God has already said we are? 

I was not approached nor picked to sing in the church I am currently in. I asked to sing, because I didn’t see specials being done, so I offered to do a special.

The pastor said yes, the congregation liked it, so I did it again. Then I got a vocal partner to harmonize with and it went from there. This all led to a job filling in the cracks at the school, when they had no music teacher and I had a Fatnastic experience there! I have filled in cracks as a sub, and became a dog watcher for someone …….Many ‘cracks’ I have just gone and filled, as it needed to be done. 

IN EVERY AREA (so far as I know) That I’ve been hurt, or went through a terrible trial, God has made me strong in that area to fill in the cracks, and minister.

Just today- I was explaining when a person is abused, going through terrible trials at home (beyond the comprehension of many) they do not need to be scolded for not going to church all the time, or have someone quote a bunch of scripture on not fearing (and stuff like that) WE HAVE GOT TO stop and pray about these things! They may need healing emotionally and it may take years. Maybe they just need a friend to listen right now……

Whatever I was NOT GIVEN I freely give! that’s how I learned to fill the cracks and not fall through them.. “Give what you hope to receive!” Think someone should do this or that? YOU DO IT! You pray with someone, or listen, or give them the daily bread God gave to you! It’s the same with Jobs, I just fill in the cracks, where I see a lack. If you hear a story that is terrible just stop and think (and pray) What would I have wanted to have said to me in this situation? Don’t do what was DONE TO YOU Do what you WISH had been done to you! It’s not that complicated! If you Pray and God does not speak, then do what you think is best (TO HELP not hurt, to HEAL NOT DEAL! We all must remember that God didnt send us out to be sin sniffers with a big stick trying to straighten people out! 

So I saw my friend may need pictures of her wedding, I just did it. They needed a guitar player, so I played. I gave up on MY WAY or the Highway mentality! It’s God’s way or bust, for me now! 

now think about this (God showed me this, this morning) when the Disciples wanted them to go away and eat Jesus said “You give them something to eat.” They are standing there like WHAT? Well it’s not just loaves and fishes, take what you HAVE IN YOUR HAND and hold it up and bless it. Start doing stuff for Jesus! You don’t have to fall through the cracks. Just …what do you have right now? A song? A desire to go encourage people? A word of encouragement? You have and are bread– if you have been with Jesus very long. Pray over what you have, ask God to bless it, and just start going, and doing, and filling in the cracks, every time you see one! 

Maybe it’s a tidbit of understanding God has a testimony of what GOD DID FOR YOU In that same situation. shown you. Or maybe an encouragment, or a psalm or just whatever…..I filled in the cracks helping with music and Donna jumped in and became a ‘crack filler” too! Just do it! and if they won’t let you do it in church go do it elsewhere! What are you waiting for? A Green light from God is a green light from God! Guess what else God showed me? FIRE BAKES BREAD! 

if Jesus is “the bread of life” so then, are you! Astounding, isn’t it? Yes, it is! 

Father help us to let to of our petty little selves and just DO What needs to be done! Help us not to worry about rewards or getting paid or any of that stuff so much as we just concern ourselves with Following you Father! And if our job happens to be filling in cracks, so be it! IN Jesus’ name! amen 

-Laura Grace 

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Adding insult to Injury: Job’s Friends

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In the book of Job we find these words:

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil”

I just love old Testament stories! There is so much to be gleaned from there, especially when one does not use it as a gathering place for more correction. Just look at the story, see the man, see the woman of God (as they are) and let God paint the picture for you.

An overview of the story, is that satan went before God- and said that if Job were to lose everything, he would curse God and not worship him. He said “If you take away your protection” (paraphrased), your righteous man will be righteous no more.

 My take on it is:

God was protecting Job from satan, and this was pre-Jesus, as he had not yet come to earth to die for our sins. Satan accused him, and there was no one there yet to defend Job. He had no advocate. No one to intercede for him. So while he was in his trial, he basically interceded for himself, and God answered him. 

So satan didn’t waste any time, once he had “permission” and notice nobody was praying for Job (I say again) and Jesus had not yet come to earth, to save and redeem us.

Job lost everything, including his health, for a while.

His friends came to comfort him, and started out pretty good (sitting with him for 7 days) but then their true colors came out. Whew! The things they said (oh boy!) Reminds me of church people sometimes. 🙂 Read it sometime! 

Job got accused of self-righteousness, folly, a need to repent, that he had brought this on himself, or that God was chastizing him. Worse  yet at one point, it was suggested he just curse God and die. 

Not a good thing.

His friends went on and on, until he finally called them “miserable comforters” and in Chapter 16 said his friends had “withered him up.” In other words, what satan could not do, his friends were almost able to do. (DO him in completely).

In the end, the only way the friends could be okay, is if Job prayed for them. God’s rules. God’s Justice, In action “If you pray for them,” (God said)………….they’ll be ok. 

     Sounds like Jesus! 

See, we see what we think we see, but God sees all (the truth) from heaven. Job’s friends had a bad case of “tunnel vision.” and looking through their naturalThey did not see things from God’s perspective, they were just speculating, and looking through their natural eyes.

So often, even in our zeal to “forgive and forget” (which is a great thing) We fail to understand the Holy Spirit MAY want to use us, to bring some conviction. 

Poor Job did not need help feeling miserable, and yet his friends just added to it. So my question is, if Job can say “You are miserable comforters” (and he was such an upright man) why is it considered so terrible to say the same thing, when someone adds insult to our injury? What is so terible about saying “YOU HURT ME?”

How else will they know? this is what I mean by “taking the mask off” (tell the truth!) stop being a Zombie christian! In some cases you must just “say” what is on your mind. Amen? There was a time I did not. I was intimidated by those “religious ones” who knew the word of God better than I did- so they beat me up! 

FINALLY- I learned the word of God myself and learned to stand

(against the bullies) 

Yes, bless them! (Job did, he prayed for them) but maybe they ought to know what you are praying for, and get just a bit of conviction out of the deal. Yes, forgive them. But in some cases don’t miss the chance to be real (and honest) with people-especially your friends! It just may be they need your mercy, along with some truth. (so they can know what not to do in the future!) Amen! 

Laura Grace 

Author, writer, speaker http://www.gracetotherescue.com

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Anouncement: Speaking! I have a word for God’s Church (People)

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BROCHURE PIC

LISTEN! I have a lot of words for God’s people. Get God out of that box! Side step the Sacred cows! Growing VS Knowing (I know we all THINK we know how to grow) 

But you have not heard it like this (before) it’s fresh bread! It’s Testimony Time! 

What could I say that has not been said already ? Ask me to visit your group, church, and have me speak (you’ll find out!) It’s more of a pleasant surprise than anything, unless you are religious, in which case you better pray first! 

First off, YOUR congregation is not the whole answer. WE have branches of the military in the Army of the Lord! (Navy, Marines, and so on) we even have some civilian support! My new book “Relationship is Everything” with God and others 

will be coming out soon. Are you stagnating? Praying to return to your first love or praying things like “REVIVE ME?” …..

Have me speak! God has things to say through me! I have testimonies to share, things to say that will actually help you (unless you don’t need help in which case, PRAISE GOD!) ……My love to you all-        Laura Grace “Send me Father, send me!) 

sisterzeal@yahoo.com gracetotherescueministries.com http://www.gracetogrowdaily.com

Gods healing power · Gods love · Gods Mercy · growing in GOD · growing up in Christ · healing · Uncategorized

One out of 10 came back to Thank Him

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In Luke 17 there is an interesting story: It is the story of how Jesus healed 9 Lepers. Now Leprosy was a very harsh thing (no cure for it). So Many times people cry out for miracles and get them but they never return to Glorify God with their lives. Jesus already knew why they didn’t come back to praise Him.

He wanted US to notice this happens otherwise, this passage of scripture would not be here! and Guess what? His dismay over this did not stop him! What an Example! 

What a Mentor he was! What a great High Priest! Father your Mercy endures forever. Let this story be an example and reminder to us, not to stop doing good things , even when only one out of 10 come back to praise you! We do it for that one! Amen! Praise Jesus! See the story below: a HEALING scripture

11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.

17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (NKJV) 

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Church should be, Psalm 23

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grow sheep.png

At the beginning of this year the Lord spoke to me and “I’ve put my love in you for the church.” See for a long time I was like that jaded teenager that gets mad at the parent who made mistakes.

I have come to see a lot of the anger I had was from very deep hurt. Yes I’ve forgiven them, and let me tell you something, God has put powerful things in my heart to share with his people both IN And out of church. How do I know?

Some of the very same things have happened again, and I didn’t even flinch LOL Ok I flinched a little…..but didn’t run!

The truths of God are timeless, but we need to go with the times and not wear this outdated religious “clothing” so to speak. We all need to be spiritual pioneers, venture out into new territory, let God expand our horizons, get out of that tunnel vision and walk out of the stuck in the mud ways!

Platitudes are not going to work we live in a world that wants REAL answers, a REAL testimony of God’s power and the church can’t be just a club house anymore.

It needs to be filled to the top with testimonies of God’s love and power From EVERYONE in the church! We need ALL Of the Body parts to function and share!

CHURCH SHOULD BE Psalm 23! this is what the Lord has said to me. and not just for some for EVERYONE THERE …..
Green Pastures, Still waters, Restoring your SOUL!

THEN Go out! Don’t send wounded soldiers back to the battlefield! Get them Healed up! LOVE YOUR Brethren!

People come in hurting they don’t need to get scolded, or hear how they are not measuring up or not attending enough or whatever. THEY NEED SOUL HEALING! Let’s learn to be spiritual doctors! bandage em up! Pray for their healing!

Well that’s just the beginning. ………there is more!

LOVE YOU CHURCH (and People of God) I LOVE YOU! Laura Grace 

Grace to the Rescue Ministries http://www.gracetotherescue.com

communication · growing in GOD · marital solutions · my spouse makes me so mad sometimes · no more fighting · peaceful solutions in God · solving emotional fights · Uncategorized

How God solved a fight with a solar garden! by Laura Grace

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105_1072.JPG

Being real here; ‘The solar light garden” and how it came to be Well, I hope this helps or encourages someone out there.

I’m not just showing off my tiny landscaping project, as there are much better ones out there. But what is significant about this one is, it was born in the midst of a quarrel about “Lights.” I love lights! Christmas lights, all kinds of lights! so when Solar lights came out I was like wow those are COOL!

I got some, lined them along the sidwalk. Tim has a riding mower now (exciting for him) he has to pull them all up for the mower to go over the sidewalk AND pick up sticks and branches and rocks. So he was not too keen on the lights along the sidwalk last year.

I thought well he’s right and put three by my deck this year and he decided to mow close to he pulled those up too (my lights) breaking one! OH LORD I was so upset about this!

He isn’t into my lights I’m not into his mower woes! HA All kinds of things went through my head. “UNFAIR” My mind screamed I do all kinds of inconvenient things for YOU! (Love me love my lights!)

ha ha ha

Oh My What a big battle can arise in our minds from tiny things!

So I prayed “Lord please help me not be so upset how do I solve this?” I came in the house “let’s make a solar garden!” With Bricks around it! So we did. Tim dug up all the grass and did the actual landscaping. See, he does love me!

🙂 aint’ it grand? Every day stuff God helps us with! Love it! -Laura Grace Speaker, Author, Writer……..every day person like you!

having faith isn't so hard when · Uncategorized

WHAT DO I DO? Different Kinds of Faith

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owfaith in GOdSo We know the scripture! “THE just shall live by Faith” and all the stuff we’ve heard. sounds pretty lofty doesn’t it? I’m sorry but we can’t possibly cover all the examples of faith in one little meme’ or passage or even a blog! The various ways a person can HAVE FAITH (Just Have Faith) Is as endless as the types of jobs in the world or even dare I say (brands of cereal?). 

One put mud in his eye (In the Bible) by the way that’s where the saying came from “Here’s mud in your eye!” (a Reference to a bible story!) One did this another did that and one lady touched Jesus and another cut a hole in a guy’s roof! IN NONE OF THESE CASES did Jesus run around saying “who can I heal today or who do I WANT TO HEAL?” Tell me where he just randomly chose okay “You, you and you” I will heal and “you you and you” I will not heal. Didn’t happen. 

WE have something to do with the outcome. IF you are seeking him and he says go to the doc go..if he says put mud in your eye well, I would do it! would you? I am NOT afraid to do what the world considers crazy to get a miracle. I Am NOT Missing out! 

How about you? 

Think about that for a minute. READ your bible you’ll be amazed (and forever changed) and read it like a person who Expects to understand it BY FAITH!!!! that’s the biggest thing I’ve done by Faith in my life time. I read my bible expecting the HOLY SPIRIT To help me understand it. No I don’t care what the pope said, or what he said or she said or they said. NOPE sure don’t! The Holy Spirit is my teacher (John 14, 15, 16) there are severeal references to this I AM accountable to HIM. I have FAITH he will correct me! I have FAITH he will guide me! and guess what? HE DOES!!! This lonely ol’ girl from MT of whom if you don’t accept my testimony that’s fine. God Made it! HE WILL DEFEND IT! 

amen Laura Grace Author, speaker, minister in training and in internship with Jesus.  Love ya! MWAA! 🙂 now grow grow grow!