Lovely Lauren

Seventeen years ago today, our daughter was born. What an incredible, life-changing event in which I am so thankful for. My little girl, sweet and shy, has grown into a lovely, pure-hearted young lady. She has become a young woman, thoughtful and responsible, who desires to please the Lord. I cannot wait to see the plans the Lord, Almighty has for her. I can not believe how quickly time has passed. The days of bath times and bubbles, toys and timeouts, dolls and daddy's girl, stuffed animals and sibling rivalry have passed. Oh, God I pray, help us to mentor this daughter you've given us. Give us wisdom and discernment, help us to build good memories and training in Your Word. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Grace is Amazing

Grace, the unmerited favor given by God, the Almighty. A powerful statement. Grace, you can not earn it. Romans 11:6~~ And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

It is sometimes too easy to blindly slip into earning salvation; that's religion, man's way. Galatians 5:4~~ You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

'Earning salvation' is a fruitless endeavor. We can never be 'good' enough, we will always fail. And then comes the condemnation, discouragement and hopelessness. Ephesians 2:8~~ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- not by works, so that no one can boast.

So make a decision today to receive His grace. Throw off the constricting bonds of 'earning salvation', it simply can not be done and it will make you miserable. Galatians 2:21~~ I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

Good News!! 1 Tim 1:14~~ The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Paul says that he was the worst of sinners and look what God did for him. How much grace will God pour out on us!!!

Hallelujah!! God has abounding grace!!! Romans 5:17~~...how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

Take off the shackles, it is a GIFT!!!!! Received by faith! Praise Him who is worthy. He did it. He GAVE it. You simply RECEIVE it!! Ephesians 2:4-5~~ But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--- it is by grace you have been saved.

We should be shouting and dancing in the streets! This is truly amazing....GRACE <><

Independence Day

We had a most blessed July 4th celebration. Spending time and eating supper with extended family and then rushing off to see our first night of fireworks. The next day, spending it leisurely with family. Enjoying the company of a delightful neighbor who came over for a dinner of delicious brisket and potato salad, now isn't that American! Watching fireworks with friends that night and munching on watermelon and then cooling off with homemade yogurt pops in red, white and blue. Thank you Lord for good memories!