June 7, 2010

• {Grace Upon Grace}
  
  
  some things that helped my focus last week.
  encouraged my heart.
  and just made me plain happy.
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  I read this::
  
  
  “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed’ we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2Cor. 4:7-9
  
  Life comes at us like an overpowering military tank, ready to flatten us. There is no natural hope, because clay pots can’t handle tanks. Yet, as the dust clears, the flower pots of our lives can remain intact {if we are trusting in the able and faithful one who lives in our hearts}. There is no attacking tank that can overcome the Lord Jesus Christ.”

  
  
  … especially like that last part – “there is no attacking tank that can overcome the Lord Jesus Christ.”

   attacking tank?? yeah.. life can sure feel that way at times. through people. through circumstances. grateful no matter, God is bigger still.
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  watched this::
  
  
  
  
  
  … I had seen this video recently and was stung by it’s poignant message. A friend suggested it to me last week, I went to watch not knowing what it was.When it started playing though I’d already seen it, it registered in my heart a new way.
  
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  was messaged this::
  
  
  “I hate pity and there are reasons for me feeling and saying it soooo strongly.
  No. I don’t pity you. I feel great empathy…and understanding…and really think, no—believe! an important part of moving away from yucky feelings is to be honest about them. I don’t know how it all works yet…ha! still in the middle of so much…but He can’t help me with what I refuse to admit is there.
  
  And usually my refusal is based on how scared and helpless I feel…so I do that little denial bandaid thingy.
  
  Pity puts people on different levels. Someone way up there…and the other, way down here. Pity seems to come from those who communicate that I’m a little project. Yuck. And… no thanks!
  
  Pity is not from a walk beside you friend.”

  
  
  … so grateful for the “walk beside you” kind of friends that though rare, are not extinct.
  
  = = ~ = = 
  
  thought this one of the best comments ever::
  
  
  “What a comfort that God’s love isn’t swayed or moved by how frequently we’re in the Word, or how surrendered we are, or whether our responses are OK. He sees us in Christ….a HUMAN heart beats for us in Heaven.”
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  but was also thinking this::
  
  
  … that all the comments on my last post were some of the best ever! I was blessed by each of you who take the time to share . thank you.
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  loved this::
  
  
  In every station new trials and troubles
  Call for more grace than I can afford
  And where can I go but to my dear Savior
  For mercy that pours from boundless stores
  
  Grace upon grace every sin repaired
  Every void restored you will find Him there
  In every turning He will prepare you
  With grace upon grace
  
  He made a way for the fallen to rise
  Perfect in glory and sacrifice
  In sweet communion my need He supplies
  He saves and keeps and guards my life
  
  To Thee I run now with great expectation
  To honor You with trust like a child
  My hopes and desires seek a new destination
  And all that You ask Your grace will provide
  
  With grace upon grace
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  some projects finally completed::

  
  
  

  
   
  … one of my favorite places to be in the summer. outside! picking and digging around in the flowers.

  
   
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  some junk made useful::

  
  
  
  … there was a big hole in the wall and I was stumped as to how to cover it. found a pile of old shutters in the barn and Ben and I dug some out. I used one on the patio too. It’s my new favorite thing and I’m kinda on a shutter obsession at the moment.
  
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  got to see this face::

  

  
  … which was a surprise. didn’t look like he was going to get to come home. worked like a dog Thursday, from 5 in the morning till 10 at night to cut the day in half Friday and make it home!

  
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  and of course.. faces that make/ and kept me happy last week::

  
  
  = = ~ = =

  did I mention this face::

  

  and did I mention he’s an exceptionally hard worker!

  cute too.
  
  
  = = ~ = =
  
  
  don’t know what you’re up against right now as you start off this new week…
  but I hope some of these things that helped me will help you.
  no matter what the circumstance there is a God that’s big enough.
  and because of that – there is always something good to be found.

  always.
  
  
  

  “misery is easy…it’s happiness that’s hard work…”

  
  
  
  
  
  ¸.·´¸.·¨) ¸.·¨)
  (¸.·´ (¸.·´ (¸.·¨¯`♥ amber.
  
  
  

  • 1:54 pm
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