January 8th

There is that word again that keeps popping up in my life, Grace. Years ago I was taught to think of grace as

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense

Especially in light of many things going on I feel so blessed to have God's GRACE. This past week seeing Izzy, Josh and his wife Tiffany and hearing some of their story you realize we are blessed with so much and the greatest of all being the grace of God.
The reading today reminded me of what Keith had said last week about sharing his faith with people in Boise. He said that because of the Morman influence people were not inclined to listen but that he found they would listen if you offered them a beer first. That way they knew they were not once again being approached by a Morman.
As the reading said many people won't listen if they see us as "too religious" but they may if they see just a regular person who is a sinner saved by GRACE.

Everyone sins and it's a shame there are some people out there who'll point the first finger (aka throw the first stone) at any Christian who does so, or use it as an excuse not to go church themselves, saying "Christians are all hypocrites."

“No,” my friend responded. “They (sinners) go to church.”

One person under a microscope along these lines is Tim Tebow. Think of the thousands of people waiting in the shadows for him to slip up. The first chance they get, the media will be all over him. If he gets caught in a precarious situation, it'll make national headlines and people will scream from the rooftops: "See, I told you he was full of it." But that would be missing the point.

I read it. No comment.

What happened to Bible Stories?

Grace has been the "lesson of week" for me. Last week we went to listen to Pops teach his Sunday School class and the topic was grace. Throughout the past two weeks I've experienced God's grace manifested as peace. While things were crazy I felt the peace that only the Holy Spirit can provide. It is my undeserved gift from God and I am very thankful. .

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!

2. Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
(Refrain)

3. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
brighter than snow you may be today.
(Refrain)

4. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive?
(Refrain)

This is one of my favorites. When Haley was a baby and I would rock her I would sing this song to her.

I love that song!

Grace can be a challenging concept to explain to Haley and Eric.

Ok, to clarify because Anthony was even confused.
My kids and I did the reading earlier today and I posted now.
The second day back really wiped them out and they went to school an extra hour today for Green Team. So they were tired.
It is also funny because when we discuss these topics they say " well of course God inspired the Bible. Who else would?" They have no reason to question or doubt what they are learning. Their little world is so innocent and pure.
Also, Eric brought up a good point about the Bible Stories. He is so use to the stories that this is a new higher level of thinking. It is good for them. However, we will continue with the Bible Stories too.

Bible stories are great because they teach you a different lesson each time you read them. I think they are the best way to teach at any age. That is why Jesus taught in parables.