grace...

i've thought a lot about that word lately...grace...and how absolutely thankful i am that it is a reality in my life. there is no way to adequately to describe the overwhelming knowledge that God has provided grace so that i can walk in a right relationship with Him through Jesus; i mean, come on now, there is nothing, absolutely nothing more amazing than that. (perhaps that is why there is a song called, "amazing grace." just a thought there. ;)

not only am i overwhelmed and flat out amazed by the grace God has extended to me but i am also thankful that my close friends and family who walk with Jesus also extend grace at times when i'm sure i don't deserve it. can i just be honest with all you faceless people out there in the world wide web? this has been one of those weeks in my life (and it's only wednesday...what does THAT say about my week?) where i have been in serious need of grace and thank the Lord, the people in my life who walk with Jesus have been more than willing to extend grace to me even in moments when i flat out didn't deserve it. nothing huge or majorly traumatic has happened but i've just had one of those weeks where i've been constantly aware of the battle with my flesh and to be honest, there have been a few times the flesh won (hence, the need for grace).

so, for those of you who have walked with me this week...thank you for the grace you've extended. it was desperately needed but even more desperately appreciated. the Lord has worked in my life this week because of you.

"…God is not moody or capricious; He knows no seasons of change. He has a single relentless stance toward us: He loves us. He is the only god man has ever heard of who loves sinners. false gods—the gods of human manufacturing—despise sinners, but the Father of Jesus loves all, no matter what they do. through no merit of ours, but by His mercy, we have been restored to a right relationship with God through the life, death, and resurrection of His beloved Son. This is the Good News...the gospel of grace." ~brennan manning

"the grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. but for that very reason i was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." ~1 timothy 1:14-17