There All The Time

Who knew?

When most people think of my home town of Detroit, Michigan, the first thing they think about is crime.  I have to admit, the city does have a reputation.  Last summer, however, I was able to see the city through another pair of eyes.  My daughter, normally away at school, was home for the summer.  She urged me to attend free outdoor events with her at the New Center Park.  To put this into context, you have to know that I worked in the New Center Area, less than half a block away from the park, and had not yet attended any of the events.  Sad, I know.  It took the adventurous spirit of my 20 year old-hey, it's free-let's go before I leave the country-daughter to convince me to give it a try.

We attended a latin music concert, and discovered a fun, multi-cultural gem right there in the heart of Detroit.  We watched people of various ethnicities and all ages singing, clapping and dancing under the stars.  We ate food, sang along, and marveled at this cosmopolitan offering in our own back yard.

Who knew?

Grace and Peace

Grace and Peace

Throughout the New Testament, grace and peace are extended to fellow believers as a greeting.  “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” (2 Peter 1:2); “Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:7).  There are numerous other examples.

How often do we take this phrase to heart?  Grace.  Peace.  Neither concept should be taken lightly.  When I look at the state of our world today, it seems that both grace and peace are needed.  How much would grace change the rush hour commute if it replaced the “me first” behavior of many drivers?  Surely, one car trying to exit a business parking lot might be given the ‘grace’ to do so.  Yes, this is an extremely simple interpretation of grace, but imagine the implications of a gracious mindset rolling up to larger and larger issues.  How might grace change a parent-child relationship that is paralyzed by lack of communication?  Or two nations whose leaders are struggling with thoughts of using nuclear weapons?  How might grace change my own thoughts, shifting my focus from negative self-talk, to encouraging myself, as David did?

As grace is increasingly given, peace cannot help but follow.

Touching the Hem

Life is often a bit of an emotional roller coaster.  Job challenges for me, a job loss for my husband, financial battles, and too much clutter all add up to a need for stress relief!  Today, I saw a reference to the story in Matthew chapter 9 about the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment.  He felt her desperation, and he felt healing virtue being released.   He turned around and saw her, and told her that her faith had made her whole.

I had an 'Aha!' moment when I realized that she touched the hem of his garment.  That means she was bowed down, or maybe even prostrate.  She was down at ground level, and couldn't go any lower than that. 

Having done all....stand (Eph. 6:13).  Or touch the hem.

Great Read!

Well, I just finished reading Illusion, by Frank Peretti.  His writing style remains engaging and exciting!  I won't post any plot spoilers or details.  I'll just say go ahead and read it!  It is quality Christian fiction that does not compromise Biblical principles (even though you may be concerned about that, just judging by the the plot).

Speaking of Christian Fiction....

If you've never read Ted Dekker's Circle Trilogy, definitely do!  I have never seen a more clear analogy of our relationship with God, and His with us.  I admit that I did not care for the 4th book, Green, but the original trilogy of Black, Red, and White are amazing!

Christian Fiction

I am a serious fan of quality Christian fiction!

Right now, I am reading Frank Peretti's newest book, Illusion.  As always, Peretti's writing is so easy to read.  His style brings a reader right into the setting, and I feel like I'm there with the characters.  I'm not sure where this one is going yet, but Peretti has NEVER disappointed me yet!  I have read several of his titles:  This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, Monster, House, Nightmare Academy, Hangman's Curse, and The Oath.  Can we say, "I'm a fan?"  I think my favorite will always be This Present Darkness, but Monster is a close second.

Missing It

So, life has kept me amazingly busy, and my intention to start blogging TWO YEARS AGO ended with just one post!

I am finding right now that the same thing happens with my prayer life. Work, family, church, etc., keep me going and going and going. Before I know how it happens, another day has passed (another week...another month...another year), and I have missed incredible moments with my Savior and Best Friend.

I am unceasingly grateful for the love and patience of my Lord. Have mercy upon me, thou son of David! When I find Him....I won't let go.