co dependent no more · drug addiction · dysfunction and overcoming it · my website · out of darkness · out of the ashes · overcomers · Uncategorized

New Beginnings, in 2017

Laura GraceLeave a comment

GOOD MORNING! Here I am, just last week, when the temps were below zero (without the wind chill factor). I think it got down to 17 below here. Certainly 2017 is off to a cold start. If you have been reading my blog, I want to say thank you, for allowing me to share with you, the treasures of my heart. That sounds silly doesn’t it? Thank you for allowing me to share? 

It’s like saying “thank you” for trying my banana bread! (It’s very good by the way). I have a new life, new home, lots of wonderful things I could be doing right now. Life is good! I was recently chosen to teach music at the local school for a time, and it was a hit! I just marvel at the things God has done in my life, and I truly do…..

It’s truly my heart’s desire that no GOD child be left behind……and I am on a mission to share all the fabulous testimonies, encouragements, and words of wisdom God has placed in my heart. So, I built a new web page. Last summer I lost it, and now it’s been restored. There will be videos added soon! SO Keep an eye on it k? Or if you hear of anyone struggling, falling through the cracks, telling you “church” didn’t work for them or things are just too hard …… please tell them about my site. 

Thanks! With love! . -Laura Grace

Here’s the site: http://www.gracetotherescue.com

KODAK Digital Still Camera

Acts 5 · bible studies · book of Acts · destined for greatness · God's Plan · grace to grow · grace to the rescue · greatness · Mordecai · Uncategorized

Destined for Greatness! He and We!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Hi! Good Morning! (or afternoon!) This morning I was reading some passages on Greatness, and the Greatness of God. In My Study, I noted that Mordecai (Who helped Esther achieve greatness in the book of Esther) was also Honored and called “GREAT.” 

If you don’t know the story, Mordecai counseled her, and gave her wise words of wisdom (From the Lord) and although another sought to exalt himself, Mordecai was exalted instead. So, when Jesus said “He who humbles himself” Will be exalted, he wasn’t kidding around. I also noted the following passage of scripture: 

Isaiah 9:7
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
He Is speaking Of Jesus, ahead of time. (the Prophet Isaiah) 
“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.”
Isaiah 9:6
Jesus was (and is) destined for Greatness. 
Because of Him, so are we! See? 
No plan can succeed against God’s Plan: EVER! 
Here is the best one: 
Acts 5:38
 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.
and so it was that a Pharisee named Gamaliel defended the early Apostles, speaking words that prevented them from being killed. This man, was destined for greatness as well.  So you see? Sometimes God even uses “a Pharisee” 🙂 Peace! 
“THANK YOU FATHER” That because of You (and Jesus) we are destined for Greatness. Whatever that means to you, We know that you will surely achieve this, and that no plan can ever succeed against your Plan, Father God! In Jesus’ name! amen 
Laura Grace, Author, Grace to the Rescue 
discipline · gettingthere · Uncategorized

What is Discipline? Do we like it? No!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

That picture is me! Hard to believe, that was so many years ago.  This morning I was thinking about how most people really hate (and don’t even like) the word, Discipline. 

There are exceptions of course, but if you take a good hard look at society (as a whole) and even your own heart, chances are you hear the word, DISCIPLINE and probably shrink back, just a little. The bible says discipline is not fun, but painful, at the time.

Do you find discipline to be: Fun? 

I sure don’t! On top of that, we have a whole lot of people out there that think God uses sickness, broken legs, car crashes, and all kinds of horrible things, to do his job of “disciplining us.” Not true.

When I was in the military, discipline (training in Military ways), came through marching, learning, constant reminders of what we were to be doing. Repetition and doing the same thing over and over again, until it became a part of us. See, military people may have to be in life or death situations, and need to know how to follow orders, do things the Air Force way, and so on, and so forth.

So really, what is discipline? 

Relentlessly keeping you on the same topic, doing the same thing, over and over again, until you get it right, and not only that; THIS TRAINING becomes a part of you, and you don’t forget when you are under pressure. So, if you find yourself doing some of the same things over and over again, Think of this: “IF you are not disciplined, you will never be the very best you can be! Thank you God, Thank you Father…..for your discipline …..I love you! so Thank you! Thank you so much for training me! 

Amen -Laura Grace 

me-1981-air-force
Me, USAF 1981
bigkidsofgod · born again · churchgrowth · churchpeople · churchproblems · disciplesofchrist · grace to the rescue · gracetogrow · Gracetogrowrealstories · gracetogrowstudy · gracetosoar · gracetotherescueseries · growing · growingingrace · growingraceandtheknowldgeofJesus · immaturechristians · judgingothers · letters to my children · lifeinjesus · light · maturityinchrist · sin · Uncategorized

Little Kids in Big Kid’s Clothing……What is a mature Christian? Do we even know?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Good Morning! dress up 2.jpg

A lot of stuff we call “sin” is just simple immaturity. I’ve watched Christians for years now, and I’ve been one myself! Still am! But here’s the thing, k? We go to church, we get saved, we are told that God doesn’t see sin when he looks at us anymore, He sees us In Christ (because of what Jesus did for us, amen?).

Then we start to worry about sin. I feel fear, I must be sinning, I looked at someone and thought bad thoughts …..oh dear I am sinning again! When will this ever stop? We feel good when we overcome what we deem to be sin, such as overeating, not caring about church, honoring or not honoring our parents, and so on, and so forth, and so on.

This type of thinking also leads to hyper-vigilance about other people’s sins. “DID YOU SEE THAT?”(We say), “The way she was dressed, in church?” DID YOU SEE (that she is not married, and lives with a guy?) Did you KNOW “I heard” he’s a thief, and a liar! 

Sin sniffers! They remind me of children. “Mom, Jeffrey is touching the grapes, that you told him not to touch, MOM MOM MOM!” People go to church, they hear a great sermon, and go out into the world. The sermon was about how drinking and carrying on is the “way of the wicked,” so when they see someone doing those things, they go up and say, “You know, I pray for you, Jesus loves you, he doesn’t want you doing that stuff.” That is not Evangelism. And, It’s not what we are called to do. 

One who considers themselves to be MORE Mature might just pray, and when the party animal tells them how much they drank yesterday, they might say “I see, well, I don’t do that stuff anymore, since I met Jesus!” (and consider this to be witnessing for Christ.). As children, while we may be “cute’ to our parents……WE really don’t have a clue (for quite awhile!) Do we? Furthermore, if we don’t listen to the life lessons (that our parents are trying to teach us) we remain clueless! 

God doesn’t mind if we are immature, he probably even thinks we are cute! The problem (that we fail to see at times) is that the rest of the world can see it, also. 

Most Christians want to learn how to be a better witness, but deep down, they really don’t know how. That’s why I share what I share (and I hope to get better at it) And why I will continue the mission of sharing (for the sake of God’s people) WE NEED TO GROW CHURCH! When I have had the honor of leading someone to Christ, they were ready (God drew them, seeds had been planted, and were watered) so I am nothing but a harvester (by his Grace). I am not a policeman for Jesus! (Selah, think on this) 

Then they got “BORN AGAIN” Not just talked into going to church…….(and maybe stopped going, because they weren’t born again, not hungry, it did nothing for them.) 

I have not come this far (In Christ) to go back and play “Little Kid Games’ when the world so desperately needs to see Jesus. Look, I’m not trying to be mean here, but really? REALLY Church? THE MANDATE we see in our bible IS Grace to Grow! This is for the believers. GROW……GROW it says……(Ephesians 1) GROW IN Grace…..

What non believers are doing is not really our business…….Come on church! I heard a preacher say once “When I was on my way to hell, I was going in style, with a bottle in one hand and a girl on each arm.” …….to run up to someone and point out how sinful they are is childish, trespassing, and it’s wrong. GOD doesn’t even do that! 

How did you come to Christ? Were you drawn by his love and Grace, or were you told what a big hairy sinner you are? (And beaten into submission?). If you went to church to be moral, straighten up your act, and become a self-righteous Pharisee, you are in worse shape than those who are drinking, drugging and living it up! A rampant sinner that cries for mercy has “MORE HOPE” Than you have!!! ……….

So let’s get our eyes off what “everyone else is doing” and how wicked they are, and get back to growing up ourselves! Amen! -Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Grow, Grace to Grow the Study Guide, Grace to soar…….and others. Peace! dress up.jpg

doing things Gods way · gods will · growingupinchrist · HOLY SPIRIT DOVES · Holy Spirit notification · Holy Spirit teaching · maturechristiansonly · mercyandgrace · searchingforgodswill · testify · testimoniesofgod · Uncategorized · what would jesus do · wiseasserperpents

Harmless as Doves…… what does it mean?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

holy-spirit-power

It Means ……..None of that eye for an eye stuff! None of this, get them before they get you! No tit for tat. No retaliating. There is a passage that says: 

Matthew 10:16
 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Words of Jesus. I have left a trail of blessing my enemies and people who hurt me. I had one he tried to take everything, I gave him the rest! 
Now Here is the balance of things: 
 
WE have to walk that balance of resisting the devil and learning to bless our enemies at the same time. This isn’t either or. Not pacifist or warrior for the sake of self. 
 
JESUS Is so smart! you know? Wise as a Serpent. Not being duped. Not believing every con artist that comes along. Checking things out and Watching over the family, the goods and the blessings God has bestowed on you. (Being a good steward!).
Many think this stuff is either or….either you bless OR you resist the devil and he flees. Nope! You pray about each case, and you ask the Lord what to do. I am assuming you believe in being filled with the Spirit daily? Jesus wasn’t kidding when he said “MY SPIRIT” will teach you (to his disciples) No he wasn’t joking around.
He did not say, “Here is my new 220 commandments,” Now, write it all down and post it on the church wall. How do we teach people to walk by the Spirit? 
We really don’t. We can’t! We can only exhort, encourage and TESTIFY! 
We can try to teach and by the way giving knowledge is teaching (breaking things down so we understand it) but we add to our faith Knowledge, Self Control, we do the next thing God asks …………So I’m testifying……
 
God has never led me to retaliate or “Pay someone back” …..He always leads me to bless whether it’s praying for them, giving more somehow or maybe leaving them alone because that’s what they wanted from me.
Gentleness is not for wimps! It takes guts! Courage! Help from GOD to do it! I have great respect for the Holy Spirit. He does what God tells him to do. God said Let there be light, His Spirit went and THERE IT WAS! LIGHT! 
that’s enough for now. Love peace and blessings! Father give us the GUTS to do things your way! Give us the FAITH (even though you already have) Help us find within ourselves the courage to make decisions that glorify you Father! IN Jesus’ name! amen.
Laura Grace, minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. Peace!
Uncategorized

God Our Preserver, Provider, and Friend…….by Laura Grace

Laura GraceLeave a comment
protect-me
In Spite of the fact I KNOW God knows better …..Well I must not trust him
as much as I should, because so often, I do try to demand my own way. I
never win of course. God heard me when I said my life is yours. He did. He
really really did.  I don’t always like what he seems to allow. I am convinced
God is our Provider, Protector, Preserver and Friend. he adds the fourth P
(Prosperity) at will, when he thinks we are ready for using it for his glory.
The Four P’s he showed me a long time ago. He is PROVIDER Of all we need.
Protector from soul attacks and physical attacks and keeping those things
from destroying us. Hence my FAVORITE song “Trading my sorrows” cast
down at times but not destroyed. Dying but not dead. Dying to self for many
Christians, often feels like depression. Yes we are pressed down. but we will
always rise again in Him. Over and over. Resurrection Power! It always comes.
I love it when the word of God has taken root so deeply that his ways make
more sense than our own! that’s a good day don’t you think? It means we are
accomplishing what he meant for us to accomplish. “THE WORD” Has become
flesh to the point well we’re preserved. Like salted meat! we aren’t rotting or
spoiled………WE are Preserved by The salt of his word! I love it!!
-Growing in Grace and the Knowledge of Him, today and always, Laura Grace
abidinginthevine · be humble · getridofpride · gettinghumble · growingraceandtheknowldgeofJesus · humble · revivalstartshere · Uncategorized

HOW do I get Humble? (The burning question on someone’s mind & heart)

Laura GraceLeave a comment

John 15:5“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Abide is where you live. 
This should read, “Apart from me, you can do nothing significant for my Kingdom.” Not because the bible is not good by itself, but this is what the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about many, who are doing something, (not nothing) but nothing that impacts the world for Christ, and His Kingdom. 
The Lord has challenged me, that there are people out there who don’t know how to get humble, know they need to do more (or something different) but are not sure what to do, really. First, you have to stop being afraid of not following the masses. This “fear” Of being deceived is not from God. 
Try saying this out loud “I will not be deceived, lost or killed spiritually Father, for you are the way the truth and the light.” Jesus said he’s your bread, your Shepherd, He’s your Vine keeper. He’s the Gate, He’s the way and HE IS the light! 
Stop worrying about being deceived all the time, by me, or anyone else. Worry is not from God, remember? Don’t know where to start? Start with Reading Matthew (the whole chapter.) Start with sitting down for 5 minutes and saying “FATHER IN Jesus’ name, Make me right with you, tell me what I need to do Father, if I need to do anything to be right with you.” I Have one shot on this earth Father “Help me get it right” (With YOU!!). I don’t care what I have to give up Father to be right with you. church, family, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers…….
Why Did I say Church? Because some are messed up. Some will mess you up and you should not go there. PRAY about where to go! I mean it! (The Lord is your Shepherd)
GIVE HIM ALL (with all you heart mind and strength) HERE Father “take it all” I trust you not to destroy me. I know you aren’t the destroyer of lives, satan is!” Stop fearing God in an unhealthy way. HE LOVES You more than anyone ever can, ever will, or ever ever would. Throw yourself into the consuming Fire of God with Abandon. There is nothing to be afraid of. What you should be afraid of, is not doing this. He who gives up his life for the sake of Jesus will find it! He who holds on to it, will suffer loss, and harm. Here’s the gospel Jesus gives you ALL and He will take ALL OF YOU and renew you, in the Spirit of your mind, in your soul and your heart. Yes, he will heal you all the way, yes he will finish the good work he started in you. STAY SURRENDERED TO HIM! 
TO HIM TO HIM TO HIM TO HIM ……TO HIM I said! Don’t fall for the counterfeit of mindless activities, and mindlessly going in circles on a bunch of spiritual merry-go-rounds. HUMBLE YOURSELF! HOW? (read John 15, above). Admit “I can do nothing good without Jesus, He is the Vine I’m just a branch, apart from him, I can do nothing substantial. NOTHING……I admit it. Father remove this pride that says otherwise, I pray…………In Jesus’ name…………….
Amen Laura Grace 
Lofty Lucy’s….Who are they fooling I wonder? Not even themselves!
arguing with fools · be humble · beingspiritual · believingformiracles · charlesshultz · christians growing · disciplesofchrist · freechristianbooks · friendsofGod · fruits · fruits of the spirit · gracetogrow · gracetosoar · gracewalk · humility · lofty · pride · stunted · Uncategorized · words of wisdom

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

Laura GraceLeave a comment

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. 

becoming Christ-like · gifts of the spirit · transformation by the renewing of the mind · Uncategorized

What does God want to develop, in you?Maybe ask him? A challenging Question!

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Recently…..I was leading music, in a school, for several different grades.  I lived something during this 18 weeks, that I already knew, deep down. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink. You can run the horse pretty hard, he may take a drink after that, or, you can maybe do some trick to convince them to drink, or you can take a big eyedropper, prop open its mouth, and make them drink (at least a little bit!) So after praying awhile (and being frustrated) Here’s what came to me:

“You have to inspire the choir.” Some of the kids said they didn’t want to sing, I went to God with it. “They don’t want to sing Father, what should I do? I can’t make them sing?” 

One of the things they had told me is, “We can’t, we tried, and we can’t.” I thought well, maybe they really believe they can’t. So I came into class the next day, with the Armour Hot dog song, all printed out, and passed out the pages. “Hot dogs, Armour Hot dogs” I began to sing (loudly) until eventually, they all chimed in. 

“See?” I said, “you can sing, and I bet you remember a lot of commercial jingles too!” I was thinking about Barry Manilow, how on one of his albums, there was a compiling of many songs from TV Commercials, and how people loved it (and sang along!). 

Well, in a matter of time, we were singing (every day!). They wrote their own drill march, we kept things simple, while stretching out and growing some, in the process. 

Nobody tried to become “Miley Cyrus” overnight. We just sang. And we sang. And we sang some more.“Practice makes perfect” I said, over and over again. 

I also told them “some of you don’t like music, I didn’t like sports.” See, I believe that school is exposure to many things, and someday, we decide what we are going to be (or become). Some of those kids will never sing, (much) except in the shower, or Happy Birthday to their children (when they grow up.) But there may be someone in that class, who achieves great things (in the field of Music!). 

With the people of God, it’s a lot the same way. We need exposure to things, but what we will become is ultimately, up to God. We tend to have a lot of classes on reaching out to the lost but, not a lot about how to fix the sink in the church, or anywhere else for that matter. My Husband? Well If they wanted him to teach them plumbing so they could go home, fix their sink and save a few dollars, he would do it in a heartbeat! 

But he is not real interested in being taught how to stand up, sit down, do liturgies, or how to pass the offering plate the right way. I’m sorry if that sounds bad but, I can’t say that I blame him. Why do we not nurture the gifts God put inside of people?????????

So often (in church) people are made to feel bad for what they are, rather than being nurtured in the areas God wants to develop. Can you imagine how much success people would have, if someone would just find out what they are good at, and allow them to Develop those gifts? (versus this cookie cutter christian stuff we do?) …….

Listen, we need some Revolutionary thinkers out there! Truly, we do! People that will say, Let’s do this a different way! Let’s try something, we never tried before. Because God just led me to and hey, I am going to do what he said! Can you imagine what might happen? REVIVAL! Results! 

Renewal! Praying for you! Maybe the answer lies, in getting out of the Rut and get going in a new direction. HAPPY 2017! Now let’s find out who we are, and develop our gifts! 

Laura Grace, Author, Grace to Soar