Saving Grace

Saving Grace

^{9-11-01 Have We Forgotten} 

¹⁴ and My people ^[a]who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ¹⁵ Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the ^[b]prayer offered in this place. ¹⁶ For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. ¹⁷ As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, even to do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep My statutes and My ordinances, ¹⁸ then I will establish your royal throne as I covenanted with your father David, saying, ‘^[c]You shall not lack a man to be ruler in Israel.’ @ Chronicles 7:14-18

This verse was referenced in the days and weeks after 9-11-01; people were reaching out to one another and it did not matter who you were during those days we were all AMERICANS.  I sat in a church that was holding a service for the victims, I held hand with strangers as we prayed and after hugged one another.  We post never forget pictures and messages; I do not believe any of us will ever forget that awful day and the many life’s lost and the first responders that lost their lives while trying to save the lives of others. 

What we have forgotten is the verses I referenced above; in the days and weeks after those that believed in God drew closer to Him and many that did not have a personal relationship with Him came to know Him.  Now 11 years later so many have gone back to their old ways or have drifted away from God they have forgotten or ignored what it means to be a Christian and live life accordingly. Some have even decided being an American and living in this great country does not mean anything.

As you remember and honor the heroes remember the verses above, remember why so many came to this country in the first place and the lives lost then so that we could have freedom to worship a God any way we see fit.  We were founded on Christian principles; it saddens me that those in public office do not acknowledge that today.  Even some Christians do not; we cannot take God out of the Government; however we do not want our Government to control how we worship our God. 

Let’s not forget WE ARE AMERICANS take heart the above verses seek to live a life of Love and not hate.  We are stronger together than we are apart.  Let’s not discount what “The Greatest Generation” did for us they fought for our freedoms and the many Soldiers, Sailors and Marines and their families continue to make sacrifices so that we can keep our freedoms.  My niece and her husband are both currently deployed one to Kuwait one to Afghanistan.  You may not agree that American soldiers should be over there but you have to agree that life is precious regardless of what that life may be doing for their job and the sacrifices that are made so that we can continue to live in a free country; should not be discounted. 

Thank you for reading my words; they come from my heart; I want to live out my faith and glorify God with my life and I want my country to continue to be free.  Those that call themselves a child of God take to heart the above verses ….show love and not hate.  I want the world to know we are once again a Christian nation…we can be AMERICANS AND CHRISTIANS…….something to think about….do what you want with what I have said just remember who will be the judge of how you lived your life here on earth.  There are always consequences for the way we live or lives…..

Numbers 6:24-26-New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁴ ‘May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
²⁵ May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
²⁶ May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’

Be an Open Book

However Be Wise as To When and Where You Open That Book 

Blessed be the God of all our comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

Many years ago I suffered in silence in an abusive marriage I would go to church with my husband and pretend everything was fine.  I would wonder how did so many couples have such wonderful marriages in the church and mine was miserable?  Was it me, was I not doing enough to keep my husband happy, what did I need to do to make things better?  I suffered in silence because in our small Bible study group no one ever shared openly about personal things only lots of talk about scripture.  I was attending two different churches during this time, the one where my husband wanted to go and the one I would attend a Thursday morning ladies Bible study.  It was in the Thursday morning bible study I learned I was not alone in my struggles.  I was a young mom of two boys with a third child on the way, barely able to endure each day.  One day during my Thursday morning bible study a lady named Missy, shared her story about the struggles she had had in her own marriage. After we were done for the day I saw Missy in the bathroom and thanked her for being so open and willing to share about her struggles.  That day was a turning point for me in my spiritual journey.  I thanked God for using Missy to help me to see the light at the end of the tunnel and vowed to God that if by sharing my story if I was able to help just one person by sharing what I have been through in life and the comfort I experienced from God, the healing the growth, the good the bad and the ugly.  I would do it without hesitation.    

I want to encourage everyone who happens to read this to not be afraid of sharing your story, shout it form the mountain tops or the hills, the ocean and flat land.  There is someone that needs to hear it and God will let you know when that time is.  He will give you the discernment and wisdom to know when it’s time to be bold and share and when you need to simply be a friend. 

In this world when so many are hurting and so many are quick to pass judgment and be critical and have a “they know best attitude”, there are so many that have chosen to keep their pain to themselves it is up to us a Christians to be bold and meet everyone where they are; this is what Jesus did.

Who knows we might be just the person that God uses to change someone to decide not to cause harm to themselves or others…..Something to think about……

Blessing our adult children with the love of God

"The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace,” Numbers 6:24-26 NASB


This verse was referenced on a graduation card my daughter got this past week; I was blessed to have read it and to know her cousins cared enough to include this verse.    

As I reflected on this verse and the events of the past week; some of which were not pleasant, I began to think how God truly wants us to treat others.  The following is a post I put on facebook. “The fastest way to turn someone away from God; is to force God on them. The fastest way to bring someone to know the love of Jesus and to salvation is to love them the same way Jesus would love them. Jesus met people where they were in life He did not try and make them change before He would love them. “   God wants us to love one another as He loves us, He does not want us to try and control how another adult lives their life; that is not our place it is Gods. 

I wonder what would happen if more Christians used the above verse to exalt one another instead of tearing one another down?  I wonder what would happen if more of us got out of the way and allowed God to work in the lives of our adult children.  So often out of our love for our adult children we get in the way of what God wants to do in their life.  I am not perfect in this area but I do firmly believe it is best to encourage and lend a listening ear rather than tell another how they should live their lives.  Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 13: 10 “I need not use severity in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not tearing down.”   I challenge anyone that may read this to build up and not tear down others; to reflect the love of God and not our love.  Bless one another and step out of the way and allow God to work in the lives of others.  Use God’s word and not our own words when giving advice on how we want our adult children to live their lives. 


2 Corinthians 13:11-14 tells us to “Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.  Great one another with a holy kiss.  All the saints greet you.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. (NASB)


Next time you find yourself trying to control how your adult children live their life or are not happy with a choice or mistakes they have made; remember to step out of the way and allow God to do His work. 



(What if we have children that are living destructive lives?) I am hoping to have a blog about this too based on my own personal experience. (With the way I take so long to post this could turn into months before you see that post.)  J

When Our Children Disappoint Us

When our children disappoint us

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.  1Peter 4:12-13 (NASB)

God’s timing is amazing…..I was searching for comfort this morning as news that no parents wants to hear was heard yesterday…there are many,  different kinds of news that a parent hears from or about their children that can bring a blow right to the heart.  The news I received yesterday was just that.  The above verse is what God lead me to this morning as I was searching the internet for some answers for the dilemma my son will face along with those that love him.  I was not searching for Biblical answers more on the legal side……however God lead me to a website of comfort and encouragement along with the verse above.  The site is called Speak Up For Hope…..it was created by the parents of Jason Kent, a military officer charged with murder in 1999. The book his mother wrote is called “When I Lay My Isaac Down.”  I have not read it but have heard it’s a story every parent can find comfort and encouragement by reading this one.  (I will be buying my copy, one I should have purchased years ago)

 No my disappointment has nothing to do with murder, nor will he face prison time however it does not matter what we are facing as parents when our children make wrong choices it affects us all.  We often feel alone and some of us find ourselves facing the heartache and pain without the support of others.  I have found God’s comfort to be all there is at times.  I do not believe well meaning family members and friends intend to cause more heartache and pain for us……they simple do not have the ability to relate to what we are going through.  God has comforted me through many trials and when I have cried out for help and became angry because no one seems to care.  He gently guides me to His word and I find comfort there.  One way I find comfort is in the helping and encouraging of others.  So I will end with another verse that is dear to my heart.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God of all our comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. for just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

I want to encourage everyone to open their hearts to anyone going through trials in their life…..sometimes that person just needs a listening ear and you may just be the person God has placed in their lives to listen…..not to fix or provide answers……to simply just listen.

"Our Boys"

This was written by my Grandma Jones when my dad went off to World War II. It could have just as easily been written about our boys today, my son, my niece and others.  Hope you enjoy and May God Bless you with only the peace and strength He can provide.

"Our Boys"

It seems such a short time they were with us,
these boys who have gone away.
They have gone to fight for our freedom,
these boys whom we honor today.

Only yesterday we held them to our breast
and thought of the years ahead.
How we planned each day for their future
as we tucked them asleep in their beds.

We taught them their first faltering footsteps
holding on to their wee little toys,
And with thoughts that were too deep for utterance
we thanked the dear Lord for our boys.

School days were then full upon us
as we bid them good-bye at the door
It was then they felt so grown up
and we must not hold the hands anymore.

But their school days were then scarcely over
when our hearts seemed to burst in two.
For along with many thousands who had answered
Uncle Sam called for our boys too.

Our first thought was "No, you can't have them
they are ours and we love them so much."
But they said, "It's to fight for freedom,
home and love and democracy and such."

And today as we meet here we love them
and we are so proud of our boys
Who never shirked when duty called,
as they left home and loved ones and joys.

And now we pray, God to bless them,
with courage as they face every day.
Stand beside them to comfort and guard them
from all harm our boys who have just gone away.

(This was written while Edward and numerous other boys from the church were in the service during World War II).

- Calista Jones-

Who needs a map when you have the mountains?

Sometimes I like to get out and drive and see where it takes me.  Today was one of those days, I have been cooped up way too long and I needed to get out and away from the city.  So I headed East to check out some of the small towns I always wanted to stop in and check out but never have.  If my kids had known I did this without a map they would have been concerned as I can be directionaly challenged.  It is always a joke that anytime we go somewhere we have to take at least one scenic route off the beaten path but not by choice.  Today was one of those days that it was by choice, I do like getting off the beaten path and making my own way.  It is in taking the road less traveled one can see God’s beauty and perhaps find a new perspective on life. I knew as long as it was daylight I need not be concerned about getting lost, as in Colorado where I live and head East the mountains are always to the West.  As long as I can see them I can’t get lost.  When it was time to head home I just pointed my car towards the mountains.  As I was driving home looking at my guide I began to think of God and how He guides us. We may get off the path in life and seek our own direction.  It is God that guides us back again.  Sometimes we find ourselves so lost and weary we do not know how we will survive and find our way.  That is when we need to look toward our Guide and He will get us back on the right path. God will allow us to wonder for a time but He never leaves us there and always guides us home, we just have to let Him.  As it is when we are home in His arms we are safe and no longer weary.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8)

“The Lord will guide you continually …” (Isaiah 58:11)

Thus says the Lord, Your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)