This time I stood in an actual chocolate paradise. This was not some average, American chocolate shop. I had the joy of salivating in a European chocolate establishment. (And yes, Hershey, they do it better.) The chocolate aroma overwhelmed me and I had to squash the thought of Eve eyeing the forbidden fruit.

Everything I could have hoped for was here – plus many I could have never imagined. The tantalizing smorgasbord of tastes and textures excited me. Chocolate with coconut for my husband? Three choices! Sugar-free chocolate for my diabetic father-in-law? Oh yes, more than he could ever eat! The experience far surpassed my greatest chocolate fantasy. I left with gifts in one hand and my own personal stash in the other.

This morning I fondly thought about this chocolate shop visit when I read through the Bible book of Ephesians. Here’s a couple of passages that thrilled me:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3, NIV

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20, NIV

I know my chocolate experience is a weak analogy for these glorious promises, but no physical comparison can measure up to the spiritual blessing God desires to pour into our lives. (So everything considered, being set loose with an unlimited chocolate selection was a good choice.)

Are you experiencing “every spiritual blessing in Christ?” Have you witnessed God do “immeasurable more than all you can ask or imagine?” I honestly can’t say I have, but I’m growing that direction. Want to come along?

You’re invited to join me in a study of the book of Ephesians. “Growing Up Together – a study of Ephesians,” begins Wednesday, January 18th on my blogsite. You can visit my blog now for a bit more information.

Do you long to experience God’s blessing in your life? In what areas do you feel your faith needs to grow?

Kathy Howard calls herself a “confused southerner.” Raised in Louisiana, she and her husband have lived all over North America. She doesn’t know whether to say “coke” and “ya’ll” or “pop” and “you guys.” But this Southern girl loves to encourage women through teaching and writing about God’s Word. Find out more about Kathy’s Bible studies and speaking ministry and get lots of free resources at www.kathyhoward.org

Photo & Content Copyright © – Kathy Howard

Current Mood: Blessed †

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(Luke 2:10-11 ESV)

I watched the video yesterday; I wanted to share it with my readers. Yes, it is 10 minutes long, but it is so worth it. I started to tear-up a couple of times as Pastor Greg Laurie explained the reason why the color red for Christmas. He digs into Scripture to explain it; some of the connections I knew, others not:

Thank you for stopping by today; remember: don’t forget the real reason of the season.

Love and peace,
Iris

Current Mood: Blessed †

This month I have chosen Psalm 51:10 as your inspiration. I hope you like it!

Thank you for stopping by and your continued support of Laced with Grace.

Love & peace,
Iris

Current Mood: Playful

Its a long story and hopefully I will have the time soon to share with you all. In the meantime, check out the book available at Blurb.com

Thanks for stopping by. Remember: God works in His timing, not ours.

Current Mood: Blessed † & Happy

In the month of January we are meeting over at my friend Lynn’s blog “Spiritually Unequal Marriage“. Please stop by her blog in order to leave your link for this week’s post.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ~ John 14:6 (ESV)

My friend Lori posted a video from Carlos Whittaker on her blog. I noticed that the message was 54 minutes long, so I had planned on viewing it later last night and some today, breaking it up in two sessions. Low and behold, I could not stop listening (so I went to bed a little later than usual). If you have time, I highly recommend you listen/watch the video. I was blown away; I laughed, I cried and I cheered (hubby thought I was nuts ).

Carlos spoke so much truth about how we want to draw non-believers into our churches, but sometimes we forget the why. There were so many things I took away from that message, but one in particular: Our own story draws people so we as believers need to “see Jesus’ face with fresh eyes”. Amen, brother!!!!

Really, think about why you want non-believers attending church (your church in particular). Is it because you have the coolest music, the best sound-system? No, not really; it is because of Jesus, His life and resurrection. We want others to hear about His love, mercy, grace and redemption.

So, this week I am thankful for Lori (posting the video) and Carlos Whittaker’s message. I hope you will find time to listen/see it.

What are you thankful for this week? Please hop on over to Lynn’s blog to read other TT bloggers and link to your own post.

Thanks for stopping by today. Remember: Jesus is the WHY!

Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

Have a super blessed Monday,

Current Mood: Happy

First – as you have noticed I changed my blog-face again. As you remember I had three designs in mind before I make the final change from “Outdoorsy”. This new theme is called ‘Letter Frame’; still a clean look, but with a little more personalization: the photo on top is my personal favorite I took last year. The only thing I do not like about this theme is that I don’t have a twitter button. But then again, I don’t post too much on twitter .

Second – starting Monday, Laced with Grace is giving away two CD’s from a wonderful Texas group called “Church Chix“. I had the opportunity to get an interview with a long time blogging friend of mine and the bass player of the group. I hope you will stop by to check out the group and enter your name to win one of two CD’s.

Third – my friend Marsha from Marsha’s Musings is starting a new series: “Pursuing Love“. The study is based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. I hope you will be able to join in every Monday. I am looking forward to the 14 week study of a very important passage penned by Paul.

Fourth – I will have a guest blogger on Monday, February 1st. I will team up with Karon Phillips Goodman to bring you a blog-tour of a different kind. Guess what the title of the book is…”Unafraid” – hm, I guess that God really wants me to be fearless this year — stepping out of my comfort zone; pressing forward to become the woman I can be with His help…

Last but not least – I am blessed hosting you for Thankful Thursdays in the month of February.

Thank you for stopping by today…Remember: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

Current Mood: Blessed †

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. ~ Psalm 18:6 (ESV ~ emphasis mine)

This month we are meeting up at my friend Lynn’s place, Spiritually Unequal Marriage for Thankful Thursday’s. Head on over to link up, sharing your grateful heart.

Oh my — how often have I been speechless only uttering the words “help”! When my days go south, I stop what I am doing (and even if it is for just a second), praying for help. Even though it might not change the situation I am in, it keeps me calm. It also refocuses my mind so that I don’t get totally flustered. I am so thankful that He gives me help when I call on His name…

This week I had to work on a huge project to get completed. I wasn’t sure how to go about it (although I had instruction — they confused me though ). I asked one of my co-workers to show me how she works this particular part of the job. She was very helpful and I have the project almost finished. Sometimes we just need to ask for help — forgetting about pride.

So this week I am thankful for HELP!!!

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: Forget about pride and ask for help if you find yourself in an impossible situation.

Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

First I like to thank you joining me in the journey of living fearlessly in 2010 (and beyond). Second I want to announce the winner of the books “Fearless” and “Fear Not Promise Book” written by Max Lucado. Drum-roll…the winner is: Kim (comment # 5 on the original post from 01.01.2010) – Congrats Kim — I will contact you to get your snail-mail address

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28 (ESV)

How can you tell a father who is facing lay-offs; a wife who’s husband left her for another woman; parents facing the death of a child, families loosing their home, chemotherapy …that everything is working out for the good? I often have a hard time comprehending what is happening. Do I question God because not everything is working out the way I think things should work out?

We all have our fears. I my personal opinion, fear in itself is not a sin, but how we handle it can send us in the wrong direction. Fear can consume us to the point that we are afraid of stepping out into life; or even worse…gambling, lying, stealing…But we don’t have to have fear consume us.

I think that we sometimes loose focus because of fear. We only see our current circumstance and don’t look at the bigger picture — the eternal picture. Take my past as an example. I feared coming to the US, leaving family and friends behind with an uncertain future (would I find work? what support would I have). Looking back though — leaving Germany was the best that could have happened to me. Removed from family and friends, God had my attention. He was waiting for me with arms wide open to put my trust in Him, not myself.

Over the next week, I would like you to look back at your past. What was the biggest step you have taken? What was your greatest fear about taken this particular step? Failure, insecurity, rejection? I would love to hear about your past fear(s) and how you have overcome it. What brought you through?

If you have a blog, please share your past with us (link below). If you don’t blog — journal and share part of your thoughts in the comment section. You can journal/blog at your own leisure; there is no deadline to answer the above questions.

Today I leave you with a quote by Max Lucado you may want to ponder:

“When fear shapes our live, safety becomes our god. When safety becomes our god, we worship the risk-free life. Can the safety-lover do anything great?…For God? For others?” ~ Source: Fearless

Living fearlessly — trusting Him with my future…

Current Mood: Blessed †

Many passages I know, but I really want to reflect on them over the next 31 days. Care to join?

Thank you for stopping by today. Be blessed today and always…

Current Mood: Happy