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blogging · broken dreams · frustration · squirrels and banana bread · Uncategorized

Squirrels and Banana bread, should I just toss it to the squirrels?

Laura Grace1 Comment
I’m not bitter, but sometimes I am just irritated by “life on planet earth, in General. 
It all adds up, you know?
Like, I want to use my I pod. I remember when I wanted one so bad. I have a brand new one now, but the fuss of trying to use it is just too much to bear! I long for the days of the Walk man, when my biggest fuss was just getting the cassette out, and turning it over. Those were the days!
Now, it’s update this, and do that, and this, (on computer) and sign in and pay for this (and that) and oh I’m sorry, that song is 2.99! WOW. So I just gave up! (on that and other things) along with the blue tooth head set I have no idea how to use with my stereo!
Oh I don’t mean to gripe, just, your favorite cereal disappears from the shelf, is replaced by a bunch of cereal I never heard of. I try to be brave, try a new kind, YUK!
Now do I eat it (and resent every bite?) Or toss it? Getting my creamer out of the package and any other food (it seems) requires surgery, scissors, and a big knife! Everything is packaged like we are going to space! (Tomorrow!).
Whatever I do on computer, meant to enhance my life, becomes more complicated by the minute. No you can’t use that password, you must have a symbol, a number and a capital letter! Now I have to have a book just to keep track of all the passwords! We have junk mail in our regular mail, and junk in our email inboxes as well. 
On top of that, we post a blog, something we feel is helpful, like this, “WOW that helped me maybe it will help someone else too!” so like my grandma, who used to make banana bread for company (and then, nobody came) I sit there thinking, why did I even put this banana bread out there to share?
She used to say “I tossed it to the squirrels!!” I guess in her very big frustration she thought; “Well at least the squirrels might as well eat it!” Well, she was not about to stop making banana bread! Baking was her talent! She had to use it, (Just had to) In order to have Joy! I can understand her frustration. I feel that way sometimes, too.
Sometimes I feellike I made this delicious banana bread and nobody wants to eat it!
So, I just throw it to the squirrels! If I keep on baking, someday someone will come and say “wow that banana bread was very good! can I have some more?” To which I will say; “Yes by all means yes’ (and walk Joyfully into the kitchen!).
For you see I was born to serve, it does give me Great Joy……..
 
Laura Grace, Author, mother, minister, and your friend
bread
alwayshope · condemnation · convictionvsguilt · Godsgloryandthelifterofourheads · Romans 8 · shame · Uncategorized

Shame! Whose to blame? How to break free of condemning thoughts…..#always hope.

Laura GraceLeave a comment

shame 1.jpgShame 2.jpg

I don’t like shame based teachings and, I do not believe in them. Here’s the thing. Should someone be convicted when they do something wrong? Sure!

But shame, that’s another story. Shame has it’s roots in condemnation, and condemnation has it’s roots in evil (and the lies of the evil one.) 

I know there are those who say “you ought to be ashamed of yourself.”

But, the truth is, people know instinctively if what they are doing is right or, if it is wrong. When the bible talks about those whose “condemnation is just’ It is referring to people who, time and time again, fight off their conscience, resist the Lord who is trying to tell them what they are doing is wrong, and plunge headlong into rebellion and anarchy against the one who made them. (God!) 

If you make a mistake, you should not feel ashamed. If you misinterpreted a situation, got it wrong, assumed falsely, imagined something that wasn’t there, or whatever the case, I want you to remember something. WE ARE HUMAN! We make mistakes. 

Most of what I have learned in my life, I learned by first making a mistake. I tried to walk, I fell down. I tried to ride my bike, I tipped over. Sometimes more than once! 

When I was learning to talk, I mispronounced my words sometimes….(Ps-getti!) and I remember many years ago, I was just a child, I accidentally pushed someone too hard on the swing, and they fell out. I felt terrible (ashamed) but I had not done it on purpose. I had a car accident from being foolish, many years ago as well. 

I have (when I was younger) bounced checks, miscalculated the finances (still do sometimes) yelled at my kids and wished I hadn’t, waited to long to go to the bathroom because I was having fun and wet my pants a little! Got upset got in a hurry, dropped the mayonnaise all over the floor, crunched my finger in a garage door (also, in a hurry) and the list goes on and on. I have burned bridges, told off friends, and I have to tell you, probably made more mistakes more often than I did things right (for years!)

But there is still nothing to be “ashamed of” so long as we are willing to learn, and grow. Satan is our mortal enemy, not God. He accuses continually and he always says there is no hope. One of the most fundamental teachings of God is….

There is always hope! Today is a new day, with no mistakes in it. Don’t like your results! Change how you do things! Ask God for help! He will help you, and he never thinks you are too far gone ……..His Arms are not too short to grab you, hold you restore you help you, yes even SAVE YOU from yourself! This is the basic gospel message. What I have lived for almost 30 years now. A simple message. With God, there is always hope. 

Oh here is your scripture; Romans 8 there is therefore now no condemnation to those who

are IN ….So if you got out get back in! And if you were never in, Ask God to take you in. It’s never too late.

 

with love for you all

Laura grace Author, Grace to the Rescue available on Amazon

 

agreement · anger management · arguing with fools · be humble · biblical divorce · discernment · disciples · disciplesofchrist · disciplesofjesus · divorced christians · eagles · eagleswings · friendsofGod · Uncategorized

Agreement? Is it necessary?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

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

blackandwhite · Godsgrace · Godskingdom · Holy Spirit · holyfire · outsidearedogs · people's rights · righteousness · sexual immorality · sin · sininchurch · spousal abuse christians · standingupforchrist · storms · thedevil · Uncategorized

Standards VS Law. We get what we allow………….and the enemy ……..

Laura GraceLeave a comment

submarine-portal

Greetings, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 🙂 

I want to talk to you today about standards, vs law. We all know the passage, don’t we? “When the enemy” comes in like a flood………(Then what happens?) The Spirit of the Lord it says, lifts up a standard against it.

What is a standard? Well, this man is looking through a submarine portal. Maybe he wants in! If the person on the other side were to open the portal, the entire submarine would be flooded, and everyone in the sub, would probably drown.

We have a world today of people shouting about how unfair it is to keep this poor guy out (outside of the submarine) and how we should just “let him inside” (Figuratively speaking). I am going to talk plain here. Ready?

Its one thing to realize everyone has sin, and to realize we are all saved by Grace, if we should allow the Lord entrance, into our lives.

Here’s the thing, church. I am speaking to the people of God, at this moment in time. First of all, if you let a pack of wolves into your house, they will tear you apart. If you make a wild bear your pet, he will most likely scratch, gouge, and devour you!

We cant get rid of “the devil” just by praying. If we let him in, he’s now in the house with us. He’s a liar, a prosecuting attorney, and he is NOT YOUR FRIEND! Those who choose not to be renewed in the Spirit of their mind, who choose not to become Christ like in their thinking, will, by default, think like the other guy.

So, there are groups of people out there, large groups I might add, who not only seek to get you off the path of thinking Christ-like, but they are very vehement and crafty about it as well. Too many people are appointed, but not anointed. To many are hired to be clergy, but are not called or chosen by God. Look at the scripture, and how people were chosen, in times past (and in the early church.). They were not chosen by man, and certainly were not chosen because of their “work credentials’ either!

Yes, I am sorry to tell you, people really do have a right to believe what they want to! God gave us freedom, even to sin, even to go so far as to lie, cheat, murder, start fires, get drunk and ram some person head -on…….It doesn’t mean he approves of it, we just have the freedom to do so (sad to say.) But here’s the thing. You also have Authority over your own house, your own self, and even your own children, so long as they are living with you. 

If you open a portal to the devil, that is to say, his belief system, instead of God’s, you will have a flood come into your home. It could drown you, it could potentially destroy you, and your children as well. This is why yes, I was very strict with my children, growing up.

No, I did not let them “drink at my house’ so they would not drink and drive. No, I did not let them listen to music that promoted sex, violence, crime, and rabble rousing. And no, I did not ever let them watch rated R or violence on TV, as much as I could possibly avoid it.

No, they did not watch shows that promoted sorcery, witchcraft, or demonic spells. Why? Because yes, I did understand they would either be filled with the Spirit of God, or they would be filled with other things. My heart belongs to Jesus, and so does my mind. Nobody but me, has authority over what goes INTO My mind and heart. And Yes, I believe in Grace however, I do not believe in compromising with anti christ spirits of hell!

You do need to realize, that in compromising the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is different from making mistakes or just “being human” There will be a consequence.

You will have to agree with the standard (Of the Holy Spirit) to get the devil back OUT of your house where he belongs! You will have to make a stand. You will have to say no, your lies are not allowed to enter my mind (or my heart) and while I realize people sin, I will not endorse, support or join the rally of rabble rousing folks, who are screaming “Let sin be endorsed.” Sexually immorality is a sin. So is lying. So is Murder, hatred, (and the list goes on). That will never change, and if we agree to compromise, we will open that door and well, In comes the flood…………

And not even God can save you, so long as you refuse to close the door to it’s influence. Amen With love for God’s people…..

 

Laura Grace

 

 

 

 

burnout · busy · every day people · faithfulness · giving · goodthings · grace to the rescue · gracetogrow · gracetotherescueseries · growing · serving · servingothers · stress · toobusy · Uncategorized · working

Savoring the Moments, VS Running at breakneck speed! Which are you doing, right now?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

food

For those who don’t know me yes, I am a Christian.

However,  I do not believe in ramming my beliefs down the throats of others. If you ask me, I will tell you, and I do share and testify of the Goodness of God, toward me! 

I don’t have much time today, (pretty busy,) but I just had my family visit for a week, started a new job, have all the other jobs and chores to take care of (which previously took most of my time,) and I just wondered, do you ever have this experience of feeling you cannot “savor” the moments of your life? I do, and have! 

But you know, for those of us who serve, who are like this Proverbs 31 woman (She gets up while it’s night, and prepares food for her house) or even the virtuous man (He gets up while it’s still night, and goes to work!) Sometimes it gets a little hard for us. Does it not? This past week, I was a bit in distress, because I didn’t feel like I got to savor every moment in time (with my family) that I wanted to savor. 

It reminds me of eating on the run. (Did I even taste that food?) It occurred to me this morning, We can savor our time with the Lord, even if we don’t seem to be savoring the moments of our lives, at all times. We can deliberately sit down, even if it’s for 15 minutes and say “Right now” I am having quality time, with the King of the Universe! 

Psalm 23 “He prepares a table before me” One of the promises of God, many forget to believe for! Father “Prepare me a table, Feed me!” Thank you Father!

We SHOULD BE motivated by love to serve, amen? We have experienced the wonder of having someone serve us, feed us, take care of us, so therefore, we want to pass on the blessing, do the same for someone else! I know I have sat at the table many times, when I was a child, looking at the wonder of the meal my own mom prepared. 

In the story of Martha (in the bible) When God said Mary had chosen the better thing, he was not insulting Martha at all, nor was he unappreciative of her efforts. Jesus had eaten with Martha and Mary, many times. He also prepared food for his own disciples after his death and resurrection! Did you know that? 

So when it says in our bible, “when I became a man” I put away childish things, part of the meaning of this is: You Serve, and decide it’s time to be a grown up! “It’s my time” You say to do for others, what has been done unto me! And for those of you growing weary, I want to remind you of this: Psalm 23 “He prepares a table before me” (God himself!) and he never asks you to do for others, what He is not willing to do FOR YOU! I Love you! SO does God! Please remember this ………..and when you have finished running, he will give you water, food, and spiritual refreshing! He knows you are tired. He understands this! 

 

with love and appreciation for all those servants out there……and don’t forget, even if you feel harried THEY are appreciating what you do! (and enjoying your blessing, very much!)

 

Laura Grace

 

 

 

 

chickensoup foryoursoul · christians and politics · christians growing · christlike · church · common sense christian · disciples · follow Jesus · fruits · grace · gracetogrow · growing · healthy christian living · healthy minds · know it alls · knowing God · lifeinjesus · light · love · love is kind · ministering · ministry · soar · sowing · the word of God · Uncategorized

Know it alls & One-uppers! Do we know how to listen? (Grace to Grow)

Laura GraceLeave a comment

know-it-allBoy I tell ya……….OH Good morning by the way! 

Know it alls…..one uppers…….Or People who just have to be the center of attention, or who always have to be “right.” Ever met anyone like this? You just get the feeling they are not listening, but chomping at the bit, waiting for their turn to talk. 

I’ve had some experience with being a talk -a-holic. I can remember some comments my husband has made to me such as “You’ve been talking for an hour straight, without taking a breath” (this was a few years ago) Or sometimes I would stop on my own and say, “I’ve been hogging the conversation,” To which he would reply “Help! I”m talking and I can’t shut up!” (making fun of me!). When we first got together, 14 years ago now, I was just in desperate need to be “in control” Of the conversation at all times. 

My goal? Well, sometimes it was to get him to understand me (which is about me) or to get him to see it my way (also about me) to get him to agree with me (about me again!) OR sometimes to straighten him out! How easily our desire to help, can easily turn into an ego trip. I have, in the past found myself saying “WELL, if they aren’t going to listen to me then………They can just go their own way!” (Crossing my arms, thinking I won’t put them out unless they are on fire!) All signs of immaturity by the way. 

But, there is the art of listening, too. You know, years ago, When I first found out I’d been taught some things wrong (even about what it says in my bible) I kind of decided to not listen, and I shut people out in an effort to guard my heart. It does say in the bible to guard our hearts, but it is also possible to get to a point where, we can retain what we believe, and still listen to what others have to say about a matter. 

Being hyper-vigilant can be extreme. We can calmly say; “I don’t agree.” however there is a problem when, the other person chooses not to respect what we believe. I have noticed, especially in politics, many who believe in freedom to believe as they wish (so they say) are very hypocritical, attacking and slamming others for THEIR beliefs, while at the same time maintaining that “others’ shall not shout them down or “ram’ their beliefs down their throats. WE are seeing those who say “I don’t want to hear that christian stuff” while they attempt to force others to believe (how they believe) and even try to make laws to enforce it. So, before I can remove a speck out of someone’s eye, first I have to get the log out of my own eye. Many believe it’s a compromise to listen to the views of others……….

But that is not so. I dare say, Jesus actually listened to some input from others. One was the day he said to a woman wanting healing “It’s not good to give the children’s bread to dogs” (Gentiles were compared to dogs you see) and SHE said “even the dogs get the crumbs from the master’s table! “How great is your faith” He said, and healed her!

You know I can’t think of a case, where someone in the bible marched up to Jesus and said “how dare you preach that” Or correcting him in front of others. Unless of course it was the Pharisees, who used scripture to tell him how “wrong he was” to heal on the Sabbath, or tried to trick him, bait him, or goad him into giving up. He finally told them off, in no uncertain terms……”BROOD OF VIPERS” He said. Why? I think it’s because he needed to drive off the crows, who were trying to steal the precious seeds of truth and wisdom he was planting. We have some truth seekers, truth lovers, and wise Spirit filled people in this world, but friends? What do we do about the crows? Especially crows who think they have the right to run up and snatch the seed before it’s even sown? 

HMMM ……..are you helping the cause of Christ? Or coming against it? Something to think about. And is it love to let the crows gobble up the seed? “Father help me to listen more, learn more, and be quiet before you. “teach me to listen” Open the eyes of my heart I pray. Heal me of all insecurities that make me act up. Help me grow! Father please help me be a lover of truth! I ask you sincerely, in any areas where I think I know the truth if I am wrong? Please uproot those lies, Grant me thy truth I pray! Grant me wisdom! In Jesus’ holy awesome and mighty name. Amen 

 

Laura Grace, Author, minister, and your friend Laura Grace

 

 

 

 

 

anger · anger management · common sense christian · frustrated · gracetotherescueseries · healthy christian living · healthy minds · how to calm down · stean · Uncategorized · venting

Steam pressure! Very important to let it out! Somehow- Someway…….& it’s OK!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

steam.jpgGood afternoon! 

Once upon a time I helped with a boiler………so I learned all about them. My husband does that now. If the steam was not Released (DAILY) The thing would start blowing up pipes, and stuff would start breaking! Steam. It had to go somewhere, so there was no permanent damage to the pipes……

Holding things in………(not good for you) ……..

I”ve had a busy week. Very busy. Full blast running busy! But I am not too busy to share this little insight with you.  Listen, we all have to blow off steam sometimes. Vent. Say what is truly bugging us …….

We all need great friends we can confide in. Not to gossip, not to attack or hurt anyone but, sometimes we just need to vent. You know many times when I am frustrated about a situation, if I can just say it out loud it helps me “sort out” what the real problem is! 

There is a scripture it says “RID YOURSELF OF ANGER” I used to cry out to God years ago so Where does it go and how do I rid myself of it Father?  Unless you are going to go crazy or have to get drunk, stoned, or kill someone, sooner or later, we all have days we need to say WHY? Why does it go this way? How come? what for? Why did they DO THAT ????????? (we cry) …..

We don’t need to have a public flogging on FB toward our enemies no, but we don’t just fold our hands and act like everything is groovy when it isn’t! Biggest piece of advice I can give you you can rant and rave (and cry and moan) and have your little fit but when it’s all over remember this “ACCEPT WHAT”  You can’t change COURAGE TO DO what you can PRAY FOR WISDOM to know the difference! Great Advice! 

Pray for people yes but at times? I go to God I do…and say LORD WHY? WHY Do they have to do this? .”OH LORD I am frustrated” Well maybe he is too! And agrees with you! But remember this too, we all have days we like to not feel so alone, to just know someone cares about our plight ……and says yeah man that was hard ……

Good for you for getting through it! And I will pray it gets better! There is a big difference between VENTING and Letting off steam (so the pipes don’t break) and living a life of complaining. So Don’t get mixed up about it. I know I once did…...

I so value those I can talk to. who just stay quiet, pray or have some empathy …..

but sometimes….it’s a very hard thing to find……

So where does anger go (into the air, just like steam) and then you keep on moving! 

CHOO CHOO CHOO (even trains let off steam) 

 

Love you lots! Laura Grace 

 

 

be humble · christlike · common sense · consumingfire · disciples · disobedience toward God · FireofGod · gettingprepared · gracerescuedme · gracewalk · growbeforeyousoar · growing · Holy Spirit · holyfire · Uncategorized

Taking God for granted…….?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

In The book of Hebrews Chapter 10, we find that we can ‘insult’ the Spirit of Grace. 

Hebrews 10 NKJV –

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”[e] says the Lord.[f] And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”[g] 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

How I receive the passage in Hebrews is, I said, “Father forgive me for taking you for granted. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I rush off and start my day and while I do pray, I forget what a treasure you are to me Father and I need to REMEMBER!!”

God is talking to his people in this passage, not “the rest of the world.” He is talking to those who have received his truth, and now treat it as if it were common, not a sacred keep. 

I need to remember what a treasure you are, Father, and how great it is. that you are even with me. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of what others are doing or the victories of others, at times we scarcely can find the grace to be happy for them, because we are so focused on the suffering of, or in, our own souls. 

It’s hard to remember when we are outraged- over what others do, that we ourselves could be cast out, fall from grace, or even become guilty of the same things we think are so tragic, if we do not remember, and I mean truly remember, that we are saved by Grace alone. Help us remember Father, the last thing you said to us.

Sometimes Judgment, is simply this;  God stops talking, until you listen to and treasure what he said to you the first time, or the last time, that he spoke to you. If you were not listening, and have insulted him, how can you hear on how to be saved from upcoming trouble? Staying close to God, treasuring his words……..

This is where peace, life, health, and all good things are found. 

Help us Father, to treasure your words (to us) Help us to cherish you & love you and appreciate you always ….and help us, never to take you for granted- Father God.  As we aquire truth Father, help us Humbly receive it with thanksgiving, and not get a big hot shot attitude as if we ourselves are the real source of Truth, for you are! And we do thank you, that you love us enough, to share with us, your holy truths. 

this we pray, In Jesus’ name amen 

Heb 10: 26-29 by Laura Grace, author Grace to Grow (and others) Found on Amazon. 

Moses

art · gifts · giftsandtalents · inspire · music · passion · talents · Uncategorized

You become good at what you are passionate about……..

Laura GraceLeave a comment

There is just no getting around it. We become good at what we are passionate about! Whether it’s to be a cheerleader for someone else’s team, an art project (seen below) and I can promise you, this guys knees got sore! What we are passionate about is where our talents lay, and will be developed! Discipline, boundaries, determination, getting rid of old mindsets, FAITH, Determination, Wisdom…….

All of this (and more) will help us succeed, but we need passion first. A sincere desire! A hunger (and thirst) to accomplish a certain thing. Nobody can give us “the passion” To do great things! And whether you are passionate about gardening, ironing, speaking, teaching, preaching, singing, learning, growing, (or whatever it is) We won’t get there by just sitting around dreaming about it! Get Going! Start today! Prepare for what is ahead for you! Long ago I picked up a guitar and made up my mind to learn it……

Many blisters later, I did learn to play. Oh the frustration! but there was determination! hard work! keeping at it! Be your own cheer leader! Tell YOURSELF you can do this! Look in the mirror and say “TODAY IS YOUR DAY” “You can do this!” “YOU ROCK” 

with love and blessings, Laura Grace

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