bully · cluelesspeople · mobilehomepark · nottrailertrash · overcoming · overcominglabels · trailer trash · Uncategorized

Trailer Trash? Think again! To me, it’s a palace! (overcoming labels, part 1)

Laura GraceLeave a comment

mobile-home

This is not the home I live in, but I do live in a modular (Mobile) Home. 

You know, years ago when I was a kid (many years ago now) We lived in a mobile home park. I was invited to a fancy party (down the street) and one of these kids said, “I know you, you live in that TRAILOR HOUSE“ He had a real sneer in his voice too. I asked why he said that, and he said “My Mom says it lowers the value of our land.” 

I went home crying. I felt like a leper or worse yet, like “Trailer Trash”. Many years later, I lived in one again. I never liked it, much. 

When my husband and I got married, he was really adverse to living in a “TRAILER.’ I remember telling him that may be the only way we can get a bigger home. 

We had looked at bigger houses, 148,000, $150,000, you know……(the prices) which would mean 900.00 a month on a 1300.00 a month take home pay. Not feasible. We suffered in a 943 square foot “stick house’ For 9 years to avoid a “Trailer!”. Finally, sick of being cramped, and having to go outside to change his mind, he relented …….

“Okay find us one,” he said………(in 2014). Well first we looked at a real scary one, that one probably does lower the value of their neighbors. Man that place was scary! A mobile home with parts added, like a big Frankenstein model! We passed that one up.

OUR HOUSE we paid on for 9 years (11 now, it’s not sold yet) had lost value, which was not what is supposed to happen. Mobiles depreciate, not houses, everyone knows THAT right? So, in 2014 we bought a mobile home. We bought this one, and we love it! our-new-house-great-pic

We were down at the Cafe, (in town) the other day, and someone told someone where we live and he said “Oh you mean that TRAILER?” (in the very same town as that kid way back when.) I thought wow. You are so clueless Mister!

You have no idea, how blessed we are by this Home, which God provided the way for us to have. Now my husband doesn’t have to scoot sideways to get into bed. Now my Family can visit without two of them sitting on the coffee table and our knees bumping together in the living room! 

I am so blessed by my (Ahem) TRAILER! And I know for a fact I am not Trash! God says so! I”m going to talk more about overcoming labels. Stay tuned! Laura Grace, Author. 

 

 

Some Christmas Memories……on what I love about Christmas……by Laura Grace
christandhislove · christmas · Christmas time · christmasislove · christslove · harktothebells · ohcomeallyefaithful · Uncategorized · whatischristmas

Some Christmas Memories……on what I love about Christmas……by Laura Grace

Laura GraceLeave a comment

I’m just sitting here thinking about Christmas this Morning. What do I like about it? What don’t I like about it? And why? 

SO many say things like “Jesus is the reason” For the Season. Sounding Terrified that everyone might forget. Well the truth is, Jesus wasn’t born in December but that’s okay, He’s so loving, and so Kind, He’s just glad we remember him at all. Really! 

I love Christmas because it brings out the best in people! I used to read those guidepost stories, you know? The ones with all the stories (Testimonies) of people who got Christmas Miracles, and just had to share them ……

I love the Lights, I love Christmas music. I love the bright colored packages, I love to hear the words “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” 

I Love the goodies, and how everyone is (usually) thinking how to bless someone else, during this holiday time. I love Christmas Cards, and the smell of pine, and the Happy child faces……and Christmas MOVIES! 

I know everyone does not love Christmas. It’s okay if they don’t, but, I do! Favorite memories through the years……

  1. The time my brother got the little people airport, and I played with it too! 
  2. The time I got my mom a red vest from the Mercantile and, she loved it! 
  3. The time I sang in the Choir at the Lutheran church, and all the other Choir times. 
  4. walking through the mall, looking at the Christmas trees and lights 
  5. That time in Washington when we went to the big “tour of lights’ 
  6. Watching my kid’s faces, opening presents! And stockings! 
  7. The time they came to ND ………..(Kids, Grand-kids) 
  8. The times we were together……..
  9. Family showing up, eating goodies …….singing songs, Laughing!

Decorating, baking and shopping are just preparations for the main event; GETTING TOGETHER To Celebrate Life! To Remind each other yes …..Life is good! Just like that Grinch Movie “Welcome Christmas Christmas day” Welcome Jesus, and your Love” 

Without Jesus, there really is no (reason) For Christmas, that I can see. I’ts not X mas. (X marks the spot?) ..…Christ mas …..It has a life of it’s own, doesn’t it? Christmas is just another chance for God to say “I LOVE YOU” and believe me, He loves to say it And, those of us know this “Spread the word” I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU! This is what Christmas is all about “I LOVE YOU!!!” ………….I love you I made you a cookie, I love you I sent you a card, I love you I sang you a song……..I LOVE YOU!!! 

 

That’s what Christmas is all about (to me anyway) LOVE ……signing off (Merry Christmas) Laura Grace 

encouragement · envy · prideful · Uncategorized

Pride and Envy ..the story of Joseph and a little more insight on Him……

Laura GraceLeave a comment

Genesis 37 (the story of Joseph) You know, there is more to this story too (other than Just Jealousy, or envy). They were afraid of him ruling over them……..

“Let’s throw him in a pit” they said, and see what becomes of his dreams……” 

Wow. Talk about a great family! Very loving, and Kind, eh? So Joseph had a vision (and dream) from the Lord, he spoke about it, and his brothers threw him in a pit. Left him to die, didn’t even care if they ever saw him again. Wow. 

And did God punish them for this behavior? Joseph WAS God’s chosen, you know? One would think God would have went after the with a vengeance……

But instead, he shaped Joseph more, watched over Him, Protected him, helped him stay sane. Then his day came ….

Turns out the calling was to serve not to rule over them with an iron fist (as they feared) ……and believe Me Joseph did not mince words when they had to come to him for help either….He said “What you meant for evil” .………..God turned out for Good (Paraphrased) and thus we have, the comparison to Romans Chapter 8 (New Testament). So what I learned from Joseph is #1 Stay Merciful #2 Stay Kind #4 Forgive them #5 Grow anyway and develop in God ……

AND forgive does not mean “you have to forget” ………

And sometimes God’s “vengeance” is not what we think it will be……….

The brothers had to come to him, acknowledge he was chosen…In order to be FED. 

Laura Grace Author, minister, and your companion in the Preaching of the Gospel of Christ 

body of christ · edification · encouragement · seasons · the power of encouragement · Uncategorized

A season of “What I see” By Laura grace

Laura GraceLeave a comment

This is going to be a season of “What I see” and God is going to cause me to speak into people’s lives “what I see” that God is developing, or what He has placed there or what he is doing or about to do ….in someone’s life. So I am praying today. This will be a season of him strengthening what is weak, edifying and building up that which seems to be hanging down ……He is going to encourage many, through me, and use me in this manner. You may consider this a proclamation! For it will come to pass….

 

amen. Laura Grace

book of Genesis · cain and abel · genesis · jealousy · prideful · twisted

Pride was behind it: A new Twist on the Story of Cain and Abel……here’s how it goes.

Laura GraceLeave a comment

twisted.jpgSo often, Well, Pretty much every time, we hear the story of Cain and Abel, we hear it’s about Jealousy…..

Although, to a degree it is, that’s not the whole story. 

In Genesis chapter 4, we see that Cain was a tiller of the ground, his Brother, Abel, was a sheep keeper. Both were asked by the Lord to bring an offering, and both did. The difference was, Abel brought his best, and Cain did not. 

I don’t know if Cain “reasoned” that God could not eat the goods, or what his reason was for not bringing the exact offering God asked for. All we know is, Abel obeyed, and Cain did not, for whatever reason. 

I think Pride was already at work, long before Cain killed his brother. He thought he was so smart, such a great tiller of the ground, and he must have thought he knew God pretty well, or he could outsmart God (not sure) but why in the world would he give “less” than God said, other than pride in his own flesh? (Thinking he knew better!). 

So many people got in trouble in the bible stories, due to their own human reasoning. See, when I read my bible, I read between the lines.  I meditate, think about the people, why did they do what they did? What was going on in their mind(s), AND I look for myself in them, and pray to get the trouble OUT of myself! (Anything that would cause me trouble, you know?). 

THEN Cain got all upset when God did not bless his offering (which was less than God said) and decided to get rid of Abel! Did he think God would not see him? Did he think he could get away with it? (Or, didn’t he care?) 

So, here we have a guy, He was the child of Adam and Eve so, he had to know their story (How they got kicked out of the garden and all!) Yet he STILL did not listen to God! And when God gave a consequence, he got all bent out of shape and committed murder over it! See it’s not about “Jealousy” alone……

It’s about having a bad attitude (toward God) and thinking “He is unjust” and not being Humble, (and all kinds of things). Cain is one big display of how far things can go, without the counsel of God in your life. Still, Cain understood God has mercy, for he begged for his life! (And God granted it, too!) So really, PRIDE went before Cain’s fall, Into sin. Not Jealousy, Pride! What else can we glean out of this story? 

What I see is, we have not finished learning, there is still so much more wealth in my bible, for me to glean, for me to see, for me to share with others…..

WE have yet to explore, all the treasure there is to find there (in God’s Holy Word!) Love it! Feeling Wealthy today! Father please, keep us from Pride. Get us out of it! It’s dangerous! We love you Father! thank you for saving us from ourselves. Amen! 

 

Your servant, and his, 

Laura Grace

 

time for everything · Uncategorized

Times and Seasons

Laura GraceLeave a comment

 

Book of Ecclesiastes

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

2 A time to be born,
    And a time to die;
A time to plant,
    And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill,
    And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
    And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep,
    And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
    And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones,
    And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
    And a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to gain,
    And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
    And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear,
    And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
    And a time to speak;
8 A time to love,
    And a time to hate;
A time of war,
    And a time of peace.

Stay tuned for thoughts on this passage…….in the meantime, Meditate on it! 

Laura Grace

christmas · Christmas time · letters to my children · Uncategorized

Letters to my children #1 A book in Progress… “It’s Christmas time”

Laura GraceLeave a comment

letters-to-my-childrenMy Dear Children,

I love you so much! How well I remember Christmas’s gone by.

That first time, when you didn’t know what a present was really, and just smiled and cooed at me over the pretty bows. Then later, the disappointment over not seeing the exact toy that was broadcast over the television set, over and over again.

We had traditions, which were passed down from my family, such as reading the story of Mary and Joseph on Christmas eve, and about baby Jesus, and how he was born in a manger. Ever year we sat and looked at the lights, prayed, read the story, and opened our gifts one by one.

There were so many years, I wondered if you would have a present at all, under the tree, from myself. Oh yes, grandma’s sent things, but I wanted to get you something, from me.

We made Christmas cookies, frosted them, and sang Christmas songs. We loved the Christmas lights, and sometimes yes, we stood in a very long line to get “free gifts’ because we were broke, and I wanted you to have more presents, like your friends did.

I remember that year I was asked the question “how come” (the nameless boy) doesn’t believe in God, and he got a 100.00 present? We prayed all the time, went to church constantly, and sang songs about prospering! It was a valid question, from a 10 year old boy. Well Father (I prayed) good question? Why can’t he have something cool?

I tried to make Christmas fun, like my mom always did. I wanted my tree as perfect as could be, as she did also. Christmas to me, was always a magical time. I didn’t care if I got a present, not really. I wanted to see your smiling faces, opening something grand!

Numerous years, I worked extra, to make sure we had Christmas food, gifts for others, and gifts for you as well. I know you didn’t get everything you wanted, but, I remember having fun. I remember Lego’s and care bears, hot wheels and the doll that had it’s own toilet!

Most of all, I remember I didn’t mind it was Christmas vacation, as we got to have fun, watch movies, eat popcorn, and play family games! Christmas was such a magical time of gifts and wonder and wondering what was under the tree. Baking of “our favorite goodies,” Turkey’s, feasts, and so many good things.

I don’t know how you remember it, but I remember Christmas being a time of wonder, almost magical, and full of love and Joy. I prayed over Christmas, every year! And even when we didn’t get everything we wanted, it was always good. Wasn’t it?

I love you. Mom

5 easy steps to solve everything · believingformiracles · everyday miracles · God's knowledge · godly wisdom · how to get miracles · knowing God better · miracles · miracles happen · pat answers · peculiar people · Uncategorized · worldy knowledge

How to solve everything in 10 easy steps? Jesus was a peculiar person….who did not give pat answers……

Laura GraceLeave a comment

jesus-dancing

I was getting ready for work, saw a blog post that said “how to get rid of______in 5 easy steps.” It had to do with anxiety or mental health in general. I knew a lot of people were going to read it (and they did,) but I also knew it probably wouldn’t help much. 

Most of us, when we look for answers, tend to take the well beaten path, and search out some “instant cure” that supposedly has worked for many. We want fast answers, and we want them now! But the truth is, we can learn as much from what Jesus did NOT do as we can from what he did do! He did not get out books and pass them out, “How to deal with Pharisees in 5 easy steps.” or how about “How to die for me without crying?” 

When People were hungry, he fed them, but only when they were following him. The disciples, and the people sitting and listening to him. As far as I can remember, that’s the only people He fed. He Healed people, but he did it in so many (various) ways, it’s hard to even keep track of it all. He spoke a word, or he touched them, or they touched him, and on and on it goes. No Pat answers! 

Jesus was peculiar (strange, Different, not what is normal, or the norm!) 

He did not say “I help those who help themselves.” He had his disciples go demand a donkey from a guy, just so he could ride it through town. He told them to fill up Giant pots with water, and go to the master and say,”It’s wine, here taste it!” (When they knew it was only water inside!). Now that’s strange! Peculiar even! But guess what? By the time they got to the Guy, the water had TURNED To Wine! 

Think the disciples were scared to obey him at times? You bet they were! 

So Here’s the point God wants me to share with you Today: IF YOU WANT God answers you can’t walk in man’s answers. You cannot have both. God’s ways = God’s results. Man’s ways =Man’s results.  You are going to have to get a little bit weird (Peculiar) if you want some Miracles (or even testimonies of God) In your life! 

It’s a different road, not a well beaten path, but a narrow door. The whole world is not going to agree with you (when You do what God wants you to do!). When you have tried everything else and nothing works…….Go ahead, ask God …

And he will probably have you do something very few or maybe NOBODY agrees with…..(may be good if you don’t even ask them!) (smiles) 

and then. You will get your Miracle. 🙂 Love and prayers! Laura Grace, Author, minister, child of God. (and your servant). Peace! 

grace to restore · grace to the rescue · graceofgod · gracerescuedme · gracetogrow · gracetogrowstudy · gracetosoar · gracetotherescueseries · gracewalk · grief · growbeforeyousoar · growing · Holy Spirit · inspire · Uncategorized

“Restore Me” …..What has been stolen? Why? And how can God restore me?

Laura GraceLeave a comment

restore-me-lord

RESTORATION. We who have lost anything, want this. Don’t we? When I hear that song “You have restored me” It makes me think: “Have I been restored?” When you think of this word, what do you think of? Things that were stolen from you, right? 

For many, the first thought is of physical goods, health, relationships, maybe even sanity, or peace of mind! What do you want God to restore in your life? 

One of the first restoration stories in the bible is the book of Job. He lost everything, kept his good attitude toward God, and God restored him double for his trouble. 

I just want to share this concept: Galatians 6:1 says to “restore” our Brethren. It’s talking about someone slipping away, stumbling, having difficulty in their faith walk. 

This sheds some light On what God meant by restoration, other than crops, fields, land, health, relationships, jobs, and all those other things we think about, when we hear that word into our lives. First we are restored back to him, then the rest happens! 

This ties in with “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness” and all these things (that you care or worry about) will be added unto you…………

The devil steals, God gives it back (to us). Not in our timing, in His! #1 priority with God is: Restore you back to health (spiritually) and healing (your soul) First, then the rest of your body. Seek ye first (his kingdom) Love, peace, Joy, and righteousness……

He was wooing us into covenant with him all along, wasn’t He? Please don’t go around telling people God will restore them, unless they have done their part. Entering into covenant with God is hugely (HUGELY) Important! It’s Crucial. 

and that my dear friends was what “the Lord’s Supper” was really all about….

Covenant! (to be continued) we prosper as our soul prospers) we follow him, He takes care of us! We give all to Him, He gives All to us! Covenant! Like Marriage! Amen 

Laura Grace, Author Grace to the Rescue, Grace to Grow Grace to Grow study guide, Grace to soar……..More to come!