being chopped liver – gracetogrowdaily

paper dolls 2

I was thinking about God not staying in his box this morning, and trying to think how to describe my Christian Life! Instantly I thought about Paper Dolls. If you remember them you are probably a little bit “Over the hill” (Like I am!).

I had some paper dolls as a kid. The clothes were cut out and put onto the paper doll, which was usually made of cardboard. They were cool, but if you would have ever had a paper doll smaller or larger than the clothing, none of it would have fit.

Thankfully, God doesn’t design clothes like the ones made for paper dolls, and expect us to fit even though we do not fit! Sometimes we feel like we need to be trimmed to fit the clothing man has designed for us, because it doesn’t quite fit, and we look funny! What fits YOU may not fit ME! But that doesn’t mean I’m defective.

I”m sure when someone (like me) stands and quotes a scripture like the one below, it seems to cause rebellious rabble rousers to say YEAH! And bible teachers to cringe. Do we get what God is saying here?

“And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ (Matthew 15:9 NKJV)

There are actually several scriptures where Jesus warned about doctrines of men, or even our lips honoring him, and our hearts being far from him. Was he getting on our cases? Does he not love us anymore? Sure he does! He is not MAD at you. He’s trying to help.

When we thought “Dad” was mad at us as kids, we tended to want to hide, or run in terror. When we are scared (of God) we cannot even hear what he wants to say. Such is the case with many who read this scripture.

No God’s not on our cases. He just wants us to see that if we have a one-size-fits-all teaching and Sunday sermon, and ways of doing things, and bible studies that are formatted in a way that does not FIT everyone and we try to say; “Make it fit!” We are acually harming the very people we hope to love. God will adjust the teachings and methods (To fit the doll) not cut down the doll to fit the clothing. See? Because his word is written in such a way that his clothes will fit everyone (who desires him)

God has Grace on upon us. Peter did not do what James did. Paul did not do what John did. They didn’t go to meetings and get in one accord by saying amen to the pastor and that was all there was to it! They all grew in Grace (And into their spiritual clothes- which God designed for them!). WE don’t have to feel like wretched weirdo’s because we are not the right size For the one-size-fits-all teachings of men.

God wants to speak to YOU Today. Not JUST through your pastor.

Teachers? Be willing to adjust the teaching (if need be) as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Don’t be so rigid. This is not “Military School” it’s the living growing entity called…

“The Body Of Christ”

thanks for pondering with me;

With Love, Laura Grace

guitar string

I had a good cry ……I really did (this morning). So Tim had this prostrate exam and had to be punched with a needle 12 times inside of his body which was very painful. He was traumatized by it. Then there is the fact that doctor made it sound like He must already have cancer, because his PSA level was so high. Nobody wants to hear the C word.

He’s just believing every day for a good report, prays every night saying,”Thank you Father there is nothing there”, I just went to “show myself’ to the medical priest.” Laura (miss Faith woman) is saying well, What if they find something? what then? but I am praying against it of course (I am) Because I DO believe God is our healer …..and I do.

On top of that, I’ve been having insecurity issues over whether I was ever supposed to write books or send out brochures or any of it…

Because Honestly, I can remember any time I’ve “heard from the Lord” there was always a barage of voices right after that, telling me I didn’t, or that I’m just crazy, or I just heard what I wanted to hear, or “those voices in your head” Girl, “Maybeyou should get your head examined.” But it doesn’t come from my head, it comes from my heart. The Very place where the Holy Spirit dwells (within me) and HE has said a lot of things to me he hasn’t SEEMED to have told anyone else.

Years ago, he talked to me about Jezebel in the early 90’s. the people I told thought I was nuts, because there were no books about it then. 15 years ago he was telling me some marraiges are not Joined together by HIM and again, no books about it, up until now (15 years later). He tells me to speak blessing in the face of evil, so I do!

Then I get accused of sticking my head in the sand. I’ve lost friends because my stance with God seems to be so threatening somehow, AS iF I am judging what they believe! I”M not! But let’s face it folks, when we make a strong stand for something we are GOING TO BE ACCUSED of being Judgemental.

Even if all we are doing is standing up for what GOD told us! Speaking of strings, they don’t all sound the same! but they all together sound very good! And if one string is missing (on my guitar?) It sounds pretty bad!

IF you can bear with me a moment, on top of this I’m feeling so “NOT NEEDED” Here lately. I sat out on the prairie looking at the fields of barley and wheat and said “you know I feel so un-needed” and I spilled out and poured people who used to need me or who used to care and I cried and wept profusely. I thought about when I was in school and nobody ever picked me for the team, and I was second string in Basketball.

“I Don’t feel like 2nd string” I said, I feel like 5th string” (crying some more) …..And my heart is saying just take away this desire to minister Father it’s killing me!” And you knowwhat he said? “Well, what would happen if the 5th string on your guitar broke?” “It would play bad Father” ….”Yes, it would.’

Now I can’t get past what He said to me. I can’t get around the truth that truly, without the 5th string on my guitar, it would sound pretty bad. so much for excuses! so much for pain and emotional misery! I am 5th String! And I will rejoice in it!

-Laura Grace, Author, Grace

to the Rescue, Grace to Grow, and more upcoming books. stay tuned!

Category: being chopped liver

Feeling like the 5th string…..and God’s word about this (to me) (Listen up!) :)