Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

In the month of January we meet up at my friend Laurie’s blog, “Women Taking a Stand“. Please visit her blog to link up for Thankful Thursday.

Last week, I read an interview with Lisa Shaw on my friend Debbie’s blog, “Heart Choices“. I haven’t met Lisa in person, but I know Lisa through the internet. Lisa is such an encouragement to many of us who have been around for a little while.

At any rate, I ordered Lisa’s book last week and it arrived today just in time for me to post about it for Thankful Thursday. I can’t wait to read her book “You are beautiful in God’s Eyes”.

Lisa also included a sweet personal note, that blessed my socks off …That is just so like Lisa.

If you haven’t come across Lisa via her blog or FB, I suggest you check out her ministry. I know her words will bless you.

I am thankful for women like Lisa that share the love of Christ with others; women who are beautiful inside and out.

Thank you for stopping by today.

Love and peace,
Iris

Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

Check our this month’s Exemplify issue here. The theme is ‘Simplicity’…Don’t I need it ever to simplify my life. Sometimes my job gets in the way …

Have a blessed day in the Lord,

Current Mood: Blessed †

“Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!
Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!”
~ Psalm 144:15 (ESV)

One of the most peaceful things is the time I spend in the morning and evening with the Lord. What a blessing to sit down in the morning with a cup of coffee, reading devotions and Bible passages. I think I had mentioned last year that I ordered a German devotional and Bible. Oh, it has been so nice to read the Bible again in my mother-tongue. Believe it or not, but sometimes I have to consult my English Bible to make sure I read it correctly – funny how that changed.

One of the daily things I have also added is praying for others. Although I have always prayed for others (family, friends, strangers), but I make it now a daily intentional activity. That is one of the many little daily blessings I am thankful for.

I really enjoy being back on a almost daily blogging schedule. I didn’t realize how much I have missed being blessed by women around the globe. There is so much love, wisdom, laughter, and sometimes sadness other women share. It is such a blessing to be connected to my sisters in Christ. We all have our challenges so the encouragement we give each other is amazing. Thank you for allowing me part of this beautiful community.

What are you thankful for this week? I would love for you to share with a link below. Hopefully you have time to visit a few others this upcoming week.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: blessings come in large and small sizes, be thankful for either size

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Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

“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)

2009 marked a year of reflection for me personally. It was a little quiet around this blog. I felt like that I didn’t belong in any of the ‘groups’ that formed around the Christian blogging community. What did I have to add? Who would read what I had to say? Yes, a lot of fear sat in; fear that my thoughts did not matter…

Oh, but there is so much to share. Yes, I am much older than most of the bloggers out there, but I can attest to His faithfulness. I can encourage lonely hearts, overwhelmed moms, discouraged married women. God has giving me a new purpose — living fearlessly!!!!

“Fear creates a form of spiritual amnesia. It dulls our miracle memory. It makes us forget what Jesus has done and how good God is” ~ Max Lucado (Fearless)

On January 11th I would like you to join me on a journey of fearless living. How will it work? I will post a couple of Scripture passages and a question or two. You can join in on this bi-weekly series by writing your thoughts on the question(s) on your personal blog and then link up here on Grace Alone. If you don’t blog, but would like to participate in the journey, journal your thoughts. This series is here to encourage you; to step out in faith without fear.

Since this new blogging series was inspired by Max Lucado’s book “Fearless“, I would like to give away a copy of the book along with a copy of the “Promise Book” (which is packed full of encouraging Scripture passages — thank you Lori for the gift). How can you win the books? Share with your friends about the fearless journey. Blog (you can pick up a button in my sidebar), twitter, or Facebook about this series. Each mentioning of this series will enter your name in the drawing (please leave separate comments)…

I am looking forward you joining me in this journey of fearless living…

Current Mood: Blessed †

”We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
~ Romans 15:5-7 (emphasis mine)

As I was getting ready the other morning the idea of having a guest writer once a month popped into my head. Let me tell – this did not come from me …

The devotional team has been so blessed by its readers that I think it is time that you have a chance to share your own thoughts on faith.

What are we looking for? You don’t have to be an eloquent or published writer (I am not either ). Just share your heart with us…Show others how the Lord is working in your life so they may be encouraged and look to the One who gives us hope. The only request I have – you should be part of the Laced with Grace blogroll .

If you are interested publishing a devotional at Laced with Grace, leave me a comment. Please make sure that your email address (which is hidden from the public) is valid so I will be able to contact you. As mentioned above, we will publish one guest post each month, starting in July.

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

Current Mood: Happy