Grace

Grace is a often used as a theological term that refers to a divine influence that helps to inspire virtuous impulses and impart strength to endure trials and temptation. Grace is love and mercy given to us by God. It is not earned. It is given. Grace is unmerited. Grace is unconditional. Grace is inexhaustible. Grace is a gift that can be shared because it was extended to us freely. God’s grace is a gift we open daily.

Doors

When I was younger, I watched soap operas and game shows with my grandmother. One of my favorites was The Price is Right. My grandmother and I would debate on which door the contestant should choose. It was very rare that a contestant chose the right door. They often gave up the better option for a chance at something behind another door. We have doors in our lives. We have choices. We have options. We make decisions daily. Sometimes, we choose the right door. Sometimes, we are like those contestants that risk what we have for something better. Sometimes, it works out. Sometimes, it doesn’t. We can’t make impulse decisions. We need to evaluate every move and decision. We need to count the cost. We need to be prayerful about which doors we choose to walk through and even which doors we close. Every option isn’t necessarily a better one. Choose wisely.

Delivery

Its not always what you say, but how you say it. I have gotten in more trouble behind my mouth than a little bit. Tact was something I did not major in, and my words often fell on deaf, misunderstood ears. I think anything can be said when its tempered with love. I always tell the kids, I would prefer a hard truth over an easy lie any day. If you find yourself misunderstood, maybe you should ask yourself, “how was my delivery?” I’m not saying its an easy change, but it might be a necessary one. Perception is reality, and delivery is all about presentation.

Delight

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

When was the last time you stopped and smelled the flowers? When was the last time you laughed until you cried? When was the last time you danced in the rain? When was the last time you just had fun? Delight by definition means great pleasure. Pleasure comes in many forms. Life is meant to be lived. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Delight yourself in the Lord. Delight yourself in the Lord’s creation. Delight yourself in life’s simple pleasures.

Fearless

Fearless by definition means to lack fear. Fear can not exist in a place that is full of faith. Faith is the opposite of fear. Fear is defined by anxiety. Fear is synonymous with worry, dread, and trepidation. To truly be fearless, one must embrace hope and a positive outlook no matter the circumstance. The true journey to being fearless is simply to fear…..less.

Joy

James 1:2-4 Consider it nothing but joy, my [a]brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials.  Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

Sometimes, its hard to see the good in everything. It’s hard to see the forest for the trees. Our challenges overshadow our faith. We have more frustrations than joy. I’ve learned that joy is a choice. Peace is a choice. We have to choose joy. We have to actively seek environments that feed our faith. We have to be mindful of who we are around. We have to guard our hearts and spirits. Today, my prayer is that you choose joy above all else.

Too Late

We talk ourselves out of blessings. We declare that we've missed the mark. Despite the fact, we serve a God of second chances. We get discouraged by disappointment. We tell ourselves it's too late, when God whispers never. It's never too late to try again. It's never too late to start over. It's never too late to get it right.