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When your give a dang gets broken….. Jesus sticks up for you! And the sin of unjust criticism………..

KODAK Digital Still Camera

I’m going to be transparent with you today. Sometimes if I have given (and given) all that I have, and someone gets critical about how I did it, There is a point where I just want to give up on giving at all. There is a song about it and it basically says “My give a dang is broken.”  In the world of biblically-correct Christians, it’s not okay to say that. Leaders go through it (at times) pastors of all kinds, even Mom’s who love their children dearly, experience this phenomina. Pastors and Moms have something in comnon too: They don’t dare say so “in front of the children.” 

I won’t go into the reasons, We’ll just say some days “it all adds up” on us until we reach the tilting point or boiling point, as we may call it. I took it out on someone who did not deserve my wrath (and it’s happened before) All because criticism when I have given it all I’ve got, tends to send me through the roof at times. 

The passage “God loves a Cheerful Giver” was going through my mind. I decided I was not cheerful, so maybe I should not have given at all. Maybe I should not minister at all! I was about to give up, when Jesus came on the scene with his rivers of Living Water and Mighty flood of revelation! 

He said to me “It’s what it cost you” that is getting to you.” And then “Criticism under that cirumstance, is a sin.” 

The story of the widow’s mite came to mind. “She gave all she had to live on” Jesus said and not from her abundance, but she gave all she had.” (Mark 12). 

I know what Jesus is talking about here. I had a friend who typed me letters of encouagement with braces on his hands, because the pain in his hands was so bad he had to wear braces to do it. I just had someone tell me of a gift they are sending that cost them “all they have.” If you’ve ever given your last minute, your only day off, your only 5.00, or given up your only vacation to do something nice for someone else, you know exactly what I am talking about. Smug little sinners with no clue say things like, “Well You should not Martyr yourself!” or they might use a different passage of scripture (God loves a cheerful giver!). 

I have a friend that works full time, and even on weekends at times, but she uses what little free time she has to post helpful scripture on the internet. She Loves Jesus and she gives ALL she has to live on (her wee bit of rest time sometimes) to bless others. When I see someone going on her FB wall having to “correct her” with their “Opinion” I wish I could go and say, “What is your problem?” 

My aghast response to their treachery, is not so far from How Jesus sees it. (He told me so!) However, he also lets me know that he sees every thing we give, and why. 

When someone gives all they have, their last day, minute, breath, or even dollar, (in his Name for his purpose) he sees it, and he commends them for it. Why did Jesus commend that woman? Because, he wanted to get a point across about giving it all (and what it means to him!). Anyone who unjustly criticises those who are giving it all, are sinning against Jesus himself, not just that person. 

Now I ask you? How many people are supposedly “anti-bullying” and yet unjustly criticise the Lord’s servants, who are giving it all they’ve got? So now, what to do about it? GIVE AS UNTO JESUS and let the geese that bite you on the nose after you have helped them, go find their own bread. We need to be about the Father’s business, and doing what he has said to do! 

Later Jesus told his disciples “When you enter a house, speak peace to it and if they do not receive it, your peace will return to you.” Whatever you have done for others will be returned to you………No labor of love is in vain. (Jesus’ promised us this). 

41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 

So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:41-44

 

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Grow

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Relationship #2 No Drama “YOU” are you who you want to be?

Relationship 9

Relationships #2 YOU (Is at the core of every relationship.) Are you who you want to be?

“Being Real” is something we hear all the time. You should “be real” (They say). But it’s not defined. What does being real mean to you? Your anger (about social injustice) outrage (over the issues of life) or even grief, pain, sorrow…..(over untold Losses)

That’s not WHO you really are. is it? No. At the core or heart of relationship-is who WE are. If we don’t like ourselves how do we expect others to like us? If we are not at peace with ourselves, how can anyone else be at peace with us?

Can anyone MAKE us happy? (including God?). I am reminded of the story of Jesus and the man at the pool of Bathesda, (in John, chapter 5) where he said “do you want to be made well?”

Mental health is every bit as important (if not more important) than physical health. Many of us were “messed up” in our minds over things that happened throughout our lives. Abuse. Bullying. Social Injustices. And you don’t have to be a minority to experience discrimination, favoritism, and being left out by those ‘Elitists.”

It all hurts, and it all affects us (deeply) in our hearts.

A whole (Healed) Person has a Healed Soul and Mind. Did you notice Jesus dealt with this man’s heart? (and mind?) “Do you want to be well?”

Do you want to be made well? God asked me one time if I wanted Restoration or Compensation! (Wow!) I chose Restoration. Compensation is what you get when you sue someone over what was done to you. Or get “payment” for your loss.

I don’t want compensation. I want restoration! I choose life!

Even in relationships we have to ask this question: “do we want to get along?” (or do we just want to argue?). Do we want to do the work it takes to have a great relationship?

What’s important to us? What matters most? And truly “WHO” do we wish to be? A fighter? Scrapper? Conquerer? Leader of the band? Or do we wish to have our identity forever be “continual victim” because we believe this is our lot in life?

1.Who do you want to be? And why? God really wants to know! Let him know who you would like to be! Then ask “what he wants you to be!” This is relationship at it’s finest. TWO WAY (not one way).

2. Make peace with yourself (However long it takes)

3. Be a friend (to yourself) And receive all God has for you. This will make you a better friend to others…in the long run (and a better spouse, better employeee, and so on and so forth). This means “Being willing to take correction”.

You’d be amazed at the things I’ve said to Jesus. I came to the conclusion years ago…”He already knows” so.I may as well tell him the truth! Trust me, he can handle it. I’ve said things to God that are so shocking I waited for lightning to hit me! But it didn’t! His love enveloped me instead…….(I testify!)

You can’t “offend him” by telling him the truth! I feel like Giving up Father! I have had about enough Father! I need you to show me Father (And let him know what you truly believe you need from him). I will give you a clue however……that when we ask him for what he already wants to give us, it’s likely to happen a lot quicker.

1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (NKJV) Peace! Until Next time, -Laura Grace

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Lofty Lucy’s….Who are they fooling I wonder? Not even themselves!

She’s so right isn’t she? So confident in her own (Picture) Of herself she has in her mind! “Lofty Lucy” she is everywhere. 

I’ve had more people give me advice (their two cents worth) than I can shake a stick at, in my life time. What do you do with people like that? (Mostly, I ignore them!). 

Sometimes, I endure them. Mostly, people who act like they know everything, wind up being examples of who “we don’t want to be,” and sadly, most of the time they are pretty clueless about what is going on.

Why Do people love Peanuts cartoons? Well, because they tell the truth, they tell a story, one the most of us have lived (to some degree) and can relate to. 

I just brushed off another “Lofty Lucy” comment, just a few minutes ago. She was clueless about how childish she sounded. I think to myself “How sad,” For I really would have liked to have a meaningful conversation with you…..even a deeper relationship. But, it’s not going to happen, because lofty Lucy (For today anyway) refuses to grow up.

What about you? Moving forward in the personal Growth department?” I hope so! You will like yourself better if you do this, and God will be so happy! 

Laura Grace, author speaker, blogger, prayer warrior, and friend of God. 

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Agreement? Is it necessary?

Agreement! When I was talking about relationships, in Grace to Grow, I mentioned what a struggle relationships can be, at times. I wasn’t kidding. If we stop and think about it, the main problem in marriages, friendships, and relationships of any kind is not “money problems’ as the claim, but agreeing or disagreeing how to spend it. It’s not so much “stress from a job” but agreement (or disagreement) on how to handle it. 

I remember when I first got with Tim, there were so many things we did not agree on, it simply amazed me! But, we did agree on the main thing. The main thing is, What are our core beliefs, what are our goals, and where are we going? What do we both want? 

So many churches have split and split again over issues (that they could not agree on!).  You know, we can agree with our spouse we are going to a destination. We may not eat the same foods, but we can discuss and hopefully agree on the same restaurant. Amos 3:3 says “How can two walk together, unless they agree?” Good question!

We don’t have to agree about everything. What we wear, our taste in music, certainly many things to not require agreement, UNLESS we are doing those things as a team. if we have one cup of flour and can’t agree what to make with it (pancakes, biscuits, or?)

We might have a problem. We can defer to the other (out of love) but after a time, the injustice will be in our faces. We may feel “it’s our turn to pick” and by golly, I want pancakes today! Agreement is important.

Really, how can we walk together, unless we agree? We need to remember, even in the early church world, they did not always agree on what needed to happen (or what needed to be done.) There were times The Lord said, “Don’t worry about them” You, follow me! Walk on! Your anointing carries you into your destiny…………….

And there will come a time you will walk to that place alone, with God. Just remember with him, you are never alone. Remember to make peace with the situation, forgiving those who did not seem to agree with you or maybe refused to agree with you! There are times we take the narrow path, don’t let it shake you (Good words, hard to do) when you find yourself on this narrow path (with God) and trust in His re-assuring Spirit that tells you “yes, you are on the right path right now.” Have Courage! Take Heart! Where God guides you, he will provide for you all you need to full fill your mission and calling, in Him. 

Peace love and blessings, Laura Grace 
anointing-will

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FAITH IS………..a fish or….

This is my Journal FAITH IS .JPGThe one I am using now. I have several. In 1991 God spoke to me I would be writing books.

I had a type writer, but was so broke I could not afford to keep myself in ribbon, or paper. I was raising children, and had very little time.

I started to Journal. A friend used to send me journals for my birthday, or even Christmas.

I filled them with the prayers I prayed, and what God showed me in his word. I remember one study was about fat sheep and skinny sheep, and another passage about shepherds who do not take care of the flock. “WOE TO THEM” It said. I remember asking God why do you say this? I thought you were so full of love? Many Questions I asked the Lord back then, and certainly now! “Give me understanding” The psalmist says “that I may learn”

How can we understand God if we do not ask Him what he means? And why do we rely on others to tell us, when he sent his Spirit to teach us? (I wonder!!).

Back then I didn’t have a way to write a book, so I started to Journal. I was one of the last people I knew to ever own a computer, because I could not have one until God provided a way. I did not let any of this stop me, from moving forward.

Listen if I waited for the perfect circumstances, I never would have accomplished a thing. I would never have learned to write, and I wouldn’t have the now 25 years of experience in studying with the Holy Spirit, hearing from God, and learning what he wants to tell me.

HINDRANCES? I’ve had plenty! I always think of those loaves and fishes that Jesus blessed, and fed 5000 people. (What an example!!) What do you have in your hand right now? Maybe just a pen, and a journal? Maybe just some small thing, that you need to be faithful with, hold it up high, bless God and start moving!

AS JESUS took what was not enough, blessed it, and began to pass out the bread, (and fish) everyone got fed, and there was some left over. Do you see the lesson of faith, in this story? Or do you just see loaves and fishes? -I have several books now, a result of Faith and believing, perseverance and not backing down, all those years ago.

And hey, even Jesus needed some who would hang around, and believe with him! amen?

love and prayers….Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Soar, Grace to the Rescue…….and others

available on Amazon, and Barnes and Noble’s Nook.

 

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HOW do we Escape Corruption? and falling away?

RAINBOW FLOWERS

Good Morning! you know, God spoke to me, Back in March 2016

About Corruption. If We are constantly exposed to the elements of

This world, WITHOUT The continual preserving power of God’s Spirit,

WE can become corrupt. Revelation 2 talks about a corrupt church.

Many know, (down deep) they should not be holding a grudge, or

hating anyone, but they do it anyway. God doesn’t hate anyone, but

Corrupt Christians are bad examples………

Let those who have become corrupt, bear the weight of their own shame!

They know better. (They really do). Hebrews 10 and Hebrews 16 talks about

This very thing: You know better!

God writes his laws on our hearts…….

Corruption happens when Christians refuse to let God change them,

or let the Kingdom of God be built within them……

and like Judas, THEY KNOW BETTER!

I counsel you, God counsels you, Jesus counsels you (and us)

Go for the Gold! Ask for refining! escape corruption!

Laura Grace

 

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I don’t believe in weak prayers……

throneI don’t believe in weak prayers……….

What I believe (and will always believe) is that the Holy Spirit SHOWS US how to pray. This, like everything else, has to be activated, and applied, in order for it to work.

When I am hit with a big problem I pray like this “Father, You said in your word, the Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray” and I ask God what he would like me to pray! This is based on the passage “If we ask according to his Will, he gives us what we ask.”

Many people take “the easy way” out on this and just pray for God’s will all the time. There are others who wear themselves out, beating on the doors of heaven for what they would like to see happen. Neither of these extremes is good.

The Holy Spirit will never give you a weak, apathetic, lifeless prayer.

HE will direct you pray things GOD IS going to answer! Then you can stand firmly in Faith and not waver (like Father Abraham) because you are believing for something the Lord promised to YOU Personally Via the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is your teacher, coach and counsellor, given to you by the Grace (undeserved favor) of God!

If you want to see more answered prayer….ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to pray!

I love you. I am called and chosen to write this. I write it to help and encourage you.

be blessed! Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (and after the wordless groans, He shows us how to pray, giving US the interpretation!).

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Soar

 

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Let Go, and Let God….change you

TWO PICTURE GROWING

Letting Go

A poem by Laura Grace   based on James 1:22-25

Let go of what you cannot change

Your life will never be the same

Cast your cares upon the Lord

Hold your ground, wield your sword

The sword of truth, the shield of faith

Keeps you alive, to run your race

Enjoy the ride, as much as you can

Pray to become a brand new man

It’s really simple, and talk is cheap

You’ll be transformed, if you just stay meek

The Meek inherit, all good things

And stay out of trouble, whatever life brings

Do you know why, this saying is true?

Because, Revival

Begins with you

Laura Grace, Author, Minister

Get my new book, Grace to Soar!

 

 

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a quiet accomplisher, behind the scenes….By Laura Grace

ME In 2011 boys and girls clubHi! I’m Laura! Good Morning to you! You know, I come from a long line of “accomplishers” behind the scenes. One of My Grandma’s made thousands of cookies, thousands of meals, and made people laugh thousands of times, with her contagious laughter. She, along with my other grandma, did not have face book to share pics of their grandkids, meals, or Joyful times.

I remember scraping up change, to afford the developing of film, and sending my best pics to my grandma’s (and Mom) desperately trying to share (the moments of our lives) so I truly do appreciate social media, it keeps us in the loop!

I was thinking today, about the thousands of times my mom made meals for us, and even after I grew up, how I couldn’t wait to go have some of her home cooking. OH the excitement of sitting down, being handed a plateful of love, and then the BIG question, would you like cake? “I made oatmeal cookies, want one?”

Oh, the every day love, of remarkable women, who do every day tasks, just because someone loves for them to do it!

I’ve got my own list of accomplishments, Great spaghetti maker, Lasagna, and other certain things I consider to be “my specialty.” I know over 120 songs on guitar, self taught, plus the songs I’ve written! I spent 20 years writing in Journals, trying to keep a record of life, what God was saying to my heart, how I felt about it, all kinds of things…….

And now, this year, marks my 4th year of authoring books, a new area, I ventured into, as the Spirit of God urges me on……..

Hey, I know there are many who appreciate me, they tell me so, every day! I’m not famous and I’m GLAD! Today, on memorial day, I am remembering the people who matter to me right now, (who are still alive!) along with those who have gone before me. I am remembering every day people, who simply cherish life, their loved ones, and do those thousands of tasks, every day, without fail, getting no recognition for it, and the simple reward of knowing “THEY LOVED” Enough to do it!

God sees you doing that ………..you know? He really does! And he writes it all down!

Happy Memorial day! with love, Laura Grace

 

 

 

 

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His Friends Seek him ……..

JESUS FEET WASHING

The Disciples Knew what was coming, others did not. His Friends knew,

because they took the time to ask him, to seek him, and they really did

want to know. Whosoever wants to know, will truly know…….

 

-Laura Grace