Choosing A Word~

Is NOT as easy as it sounds.

It's a word you feel called to focus on or work on.

It takes lots of thinking and praying and soul searching.

I went through quite the process choosing my word.

I started with 'intentional' then to 'love' then to 'peace'

and decided on Grace.

Why Grace? and what is it anyway?

Getting something you don't deserve...

giving second chances or maybe not being quick to judge.

God's Riches At Christ's Expense. 

When I first starting thinking and praying about Grace,

I had my focus on myself and my sin of judgement.

I was thinking I could focus 

on giving people the benefit of the doubt,

not be so quick to size them up or guess their intentions.

I guess I was thinking of how this might make me a 'better' person.

That was yesterday...

Today I began a new routine I pray I can continue.

I got up and went straight to my Bible and quiet time.

(Usually I am up with my children, making breakfast, watching The Today Show, reading my phone)

I wish I could say I have always done this.

To be honest, I often start it and stay strong for a short while 

and burn out... going back to a quick hit and miss quiet time.

You know, the devotionals I get via email

and choose something that speaks to me

then use as my status on FB... good but not great.

Don't get me wrong, they speak but I don't always HEAR.

This morning I started a wonderful study in James.

What does all this have to do with Grace???

I also began a prayer calendar 

that focuses on my husband and children... 

Guess what one of the scriptures said?

2 Tim 2:1 "You then my son, be strong in the GRACE

that is in Christ Jesus."

The study notes below shared~

Grace- undeserved favor. 

"We must not live by grace alone" Col 2:6 

means trusting completely in Christ and His power and not trying to live for Christ in our strength alone. Receive and utilize Christ's power. He will give you the strength to do His work."

Today I have gathered I have a lot to learn this year.

I must accept Christ's grace and allow it to be evident in my life

before I start giving it to others.

If I truly believe I have been saved by grace (Eph2:4),

it will pour onto others without me even being aware.

I am confident I will be challenged with this new word...

sometimes when we pray for something,

we are usually blessed with opportunities to practice. :)

I guess that's why God had given me a couple of books to read:

Giving Them Grace: 

Dazzling Your Children with the Love of Jesus

and 

The Grace of God. (thanks Amy and Jason)

I am choosing this scripture as my prayer this year~

2 Cor 9:8 (NIV) 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.