The Grace Narrative
info_outlineThe Grace Narrative
info_outlineThe Grace Narrative
The turning of a new year begs for reflection. As we reflect, it informs what we can expect as we look to the future. It’s actually in the reflection that the learning happens. It’s not enough to just go through stuff. We have to process it - whether it’s good or bad or just normal. Looking at our experiences of the past year through the lens of God’s grace is the best place to start as we set our expectations and cast our vision for the new year. Join me today as we do just that.
info_outlineThe Grace Narrative
We've entered the last month of summer! I'm always amazed at how fast those weeks seem to fly by. As a wrap up to summer, I wanted to do one or two episodes inspired by some songs from my summer playlist. I’m really excited about this actually! One of the ways truth gets really embedded in me is when I make connections between God’s Word, music, and how I see that theme playing out in my real life. Today I’m going to tell you about what has encouraged me in my present season, and I truly hope it encourages you as well!
info_outlineThe Grace Narrative
It’s been about a year since the first time I did a grace notes episode, so I’m really excited to share a new edition for this summer. In case you’ve forgotten or you’re new around here, a grace notes episode is my version of answering the question, “What’s saving your life right now?” It’s just naming some blessings whether serious or silly that enrich my life, like grace notes embellish music. So I’ve just picked out a few simple things I’m enjoying in the present, that might give you ideas for a refreshing experience or even just remind you to pause and reflect with joy...
info_outlineThe Grace Narrative
Happy Independence Day! What a privilege to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, aka the USA. As much of a blessing as that is, greater still is the one knowing that our freedom in Christ is secure. This episode seemed like the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for the reality of both of these freedoms in our lives. Scripture references for today's episode are as follows: John 8:36, Galatians 5:13, Psalm 68:6, Philippians 4:19, 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Psalm 95:1.
info_outlineThe Grace Narrative
A lesser known but powerful account in scripture has been such an encouragement to me lately to pursue wisdom and to take courage and find boldness in the Lord and obey as He gives me vision in my calling. I love this story! The implication I find is that by the grace of God, He uses the circumstances, history, talents, abilities and suffering in our lives to gift us with wisdom. He wants us to ask him for it and has promised to grant it. There is great hope to be found as we pursue wisdom.
info_outlineThe Grace Narrative
We think that we are only influenced by what we noticeably decide, but we also give permission to be influenced by what we default to. It’s amazing how subtle influences take over. It’s very easy to do in today’s culture with unlimited access to so many people and ideas. While I’d like to think that most of my influences come from sources that are aligned with my values, I’m discovering that there is a deeper level of intention I need if that’s going to be the case. It needs to be a process of conscious curation.
info_outlineThe Grace Narrative
Despite our best efforts to avoid stress, it shows up anyway. I’m learning that as important as it is to be able to walk through it and deal with it without going under, it is equally as important to pause and process during and after - to recover and learn from it. I think one of the best questions we can ask at a time like this is, "What do we learn about God and his desire to form Christ in us?" In this episode, we'll talk about the truths we learn in a stressful season and the gift they bring when we take the time to reflect on the evidence of God's grace.
info_outlineThe Grace Narrative
In this episode we are going to talk about following through to release damaging practices/habits/or thought patterns in order to see a positive growth in our lives. If you listened to Ep.128 you know that we discussed the first 2 steps of the Keep and Release strategy as a way to focus our new year energy into sustainable change. Today we are talking about step 3 in this process, so let’s dive right in!
info_outlineI pray this Thanksgiving is a time for you to join in with purpose to the things Ps. 145 encourages us to do:
- Meditate on the wonders of God
- To declare His greatness in trust
- Remember His goodness and righteousness and share it with others
May the discipline of remembering help you embrace God’s way in the everyday.