Bouquets of God’s Grace December 1, 2008

“For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing…”  1 Corinthians 2:15

Isn’t this bouquet of God’s Grace beautiful?  Thank you for taking the time to share with us observations you’ve made in the lives of friends and family members in your life.   It has been a wonderfully refreshing three weeks.

Tomorrow we begin our series offering ideas for creative crafts your children can make this Christmas season.  You won’t want to miss a single day!

Posted by Debi

Final Two Testimonies November 26, 2008

Today we end our wonderfully encouraging series on Evidences of God’s grace in the lives of those we love.  We have two to share with you today!

Morning Glory

It is a joy to be able to honor my daughter, Lindsay Jones.  From birth she has been full of life and has brought so much joy to our family.  I have watched her grow into a beautiful young woman who has a passion for the Savior, loves her family and is devoted to the local church.

An evidence of grace in her life that I’d like to highlight is her responsiveness to correction.  She has always been one to come back and repent for attitudes, actions or speech, but God has done such a wonderful work in her in the last year.   Not only is she learning to receive correction, but she is going to others to invite their observations.   This is a true work of humility in her life that she is embracing like never before.

Lindsay, you are gift to me, and I cherish every moment you are still at home.  I am so grateful that God placed you in our family and look forward to what the future holds for you.  I love you!

Posted by Melodye

Lavendar

I have a friend who absolutely loves to shop.  I remember the day though, when she realized she really wasn’t serving her husband by the way she shopped.  That was when I saw my friend, Mandy Reel, begin to seek to grow in not only honoring and submitting to her husband’s leadership in their finances, but also in being a good steward with what the Lord has blessed her.  She has applied herself and worked hard to save her family money, while helping her friends along the way.  It does take some time and planning on her part, but what an example of a woman seeking to grow as a manager of her home!

Posted by Taraleigh

A True Friend November 25, 2008

Bougainvillea

I would like to thank the Lord for my friend, Mia Nash.  I have known Mia for almost three years now, and she is very dear to my heart. I love her joy for life, and her love for people.  She is very passionate about everything, especially worshiping God.  She is a wonderful example of patience as a young mom and has faith in God for her circumstances.

But the thing I most appreciate about Mia is how she is a wonderful friend who joyfully serves.  Mia has blessed me with gifts, making dinner for me, and letting me stop in last minute to have dinner with them.  She serves with great joy in everything she does.

Mia, I love how you brighten my day, encourage me to have time with the Lord, and how God used you to help me to overcome homesickness when we moved here.  Thank you so much for your friendship. I could write pages about how you have touched my life.

Te Amo Mucho mi amiga!

Posted by Rachel Phillips

Hospitality November 24, 2008

I feel honored to have the opportunity to share the evidences of God’s grace in the life of my best friend, my Mom, Debi Walter. She has always demonstrated to me the heart of a servant in her home.  I never realized how much she gave her life away until I moved out and started my own family.  She is constantly looking for ways to serve her family, friends and church.

More recently I have seen heroic servant hood in her opening her home to her Mom and another close friend of the family to live.  To me, this is the ultimate form of hospitality.  She is daily doing things for her Mom to make her feel more comfortable and at home.  She serves without ceasing.    Her house is full and at times feels stuffed!  However, she still finds ways to serve me and my brother by caring for our daughters whenever we need it.  Even if she has a busy day and priorities she needs to accomplish she will drop it all just for the opportunity to serve my family.  This is a small glimpse of her servant hood, I could share so many more ways ways my Mom serves our family, friends and the church.  I am sure you all have benefited from her warm hospitality and servant hood.

I am deeply grateful for her Godly example to me.  She has not only taught me what it means to serve with a cheerful heart, she daily demonstrates it.

She is a gift to me, and I want to thank you, Mom, for all you have done for our family.  You have helped me see my areas of selfishness in my life, and I hope to be able to open my heart and home to others as you have.  I pray you sense God’s pleasure on your life as you daily seek to lay down your life for others.  I love you.

Posted by Tracy

God’s Timing November 21, 2008

Daisy

What a privilege it has been to know Eva McConnell for the past three years.  I met Eva during a time where she was going through a major trial.  As she lived with our family for a couple months, I got to see first hand the evidences of God’s grace in her life.  Even though Eva was challenged at times, her desire to be obedient to God’s word and direction was apparent.  Eva waited patiently on God’s timing and not her own.

Eva, what a blessing you are!   Thank you for the way you have demonstrated a life rich in Christ. 

Posted by Tammy

Glad To Do It November 20, 2008

Baby’s Breath

I would love to testify about my sweet daughter Hannah Mendez.  For the last several years Hannah has cultivated a love for little ones and has enjoyed being a mom’s helper to several ladies with small children.  She just recently had her first real babysitting job!  Yesterday, Rachel Phillips asked about having her babysit so she and Josh could attend The Bash.  There is no age limit this year, so many of the girls who would babysit for those with younger children have been excitedly planning to attend The Bash for the first time.  When I asked Hannah about babysitting, without a moments’ hesitation, she replied, “I would be glad to do it.” Now I know how much she wants to go to The Bash, and I am so proud of my daughter for being willing to sacrifice in order to serve.  What a beautiful evidence of God’s grace in her 12 year old heart!  She is an inspiration to me to be willing to lay down my life and what I “would rather do” in order to love and serve others.

Posted by Angie

Treasure In Heaven November 19, 2008

Bleeding Heart

It gives me great joy to honor my dear friend for over 12 years, Elyse Rawlson.    The one of many evidences of  God’s grace I’ve seen in Elyse is how she responds selflessly to challenging medical situations with her children.  From birth, her children have faced many obstacles with their health.  Elyse has spent countless hours at the doctors office and many days in the hospital with her children.  Just recently, her youngest daughter spent several days in the hospital with pneumonia. Elyse was there every moment caring for her daughter. In addition, at least one of her children has been sick for the past six months. And though these times have been difficult and tiring, Elyse’  response has always been to put her children needs above hers.  Elyse’ love and selfless heart is really a direct reflection of her love for the Savior.

Elyse, what a privilege it is to be your friend!   The way you have lived your life for the sake of others spurs me on.  Your treasure is in heaven my dear friend.

Posted by Tammy

Perseverence November 18, 2008

Dahlia

What a delight it is to know Angie Mendez.  One evidence of God’s grace I see in Angie is the way she has persevered through a very long and challenging season of not being able to sleep.  You wouldn’t know it though as Angie continues to serve the Lord with her whole heart.  The way she considers her husband, children, homegroup and her friends inspires me.   And, Angie does all of this with excellence while lacking adequate sleep each and every day.  You see, Angie has fixed her eyes upon the Lord rather than her circumstances. She just doesn’t want to just get through it,  she wants to honor and glorify God during this challenging season.

Thank you Angie for being a godly example to me during your challenging circumstances.  May God be glorified by the way you have persevered.

Posted by Tammy

Press On November 17, 2008

     Sunflower

In our culture today, many people give an audible groan or a visible “rolling of their eyes” when the term “mother-in-law” is used.  This is far from the truth in my life.  My mother-in-law, Cissy VanLue, has been a means of support and encouragement since our lives began intertwining almost 5 years ago.  She is quick to offer help when needed and has opened up her heart and life to me as transparently as she has with her other children.

More recently, I have watched her go through a season of difficult circumstances and seen her press on and persevere, even when her burdens were heavy to bear.  She is quick to admit her own weaknesses, but through it all I have heard the grace of God in our conversations and have seen her faith and trust in the Savior grow.

Through marriage I now have a dear friend I might never have had, someone who has welcomed me into her home and family, and who gladly listens and comes alongside me as I am in the “beginning” season of my own family.  I am so grateful for you, Cissy, for your friendship, care, and love!

Posted by Melanie

A Gift! November 14, 2008

With today’s post we close out our first week of wonderful testimonies of God’s grace in the lives of those we love.  May we remind you to take advantage of this opportunity to bless someone in your life with your own perspective as to how they have encouraged you in recent days?  Not a writer? Don’t let this stop you – we’ll be happy to edit your entries for you.  Our desire is to share testimonies up until Thanksgiving as a means of glorifying God in how we live our lives for Him – day in and day out.  

Asparagus Fern

I would like to celebrate an evidence of God’s grace that I see in my husband Jeff Taulbee.  Jeff and I have been married for 3 years and by Gods grace I am able to stay at home with our 2 children.  This puts the responsibility to provide financially for our family solely on Jeff. 

In this past year of a particularly challenging real estate market, I’ve seen Jeff grow in trust and faith in God for our finances.  I can think of a time last year when there was much uncertainly in our financial future and how Jeff struggled with resting in God’s timing and provision.  He confessed his struggle to me and to others.  He asked for prayer and cried out to God for help. 

As always, God was faithful.  I can testify that this year, as we have faced much of the same uncertainty, the peace that I see in Jeff is evident.  As he speaks to others about how we are doing financially, his words are full of faith and trust.  It’s a beautiful thing to see God at work in the lives of those we hold so dear.  I love you Jeff, you are a gift to me!

Posted by Vicki