Tag Archives: freedom

Grace

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Rather than thinking, “My sin, my shame, my failure,” she remembered, “His forgiveness, His grace, His life.” -excerpt from “The Grace Awakening” by Charles Swindoll

I have been re-reading the book that God used to show me how much Jesus loves me, to help me break free, and be saved. I heartily recommend reading it, even if, or especially if you have been a Christian for a long time. Grace and grace alone. Jesus and what He did. Him, not me, thank goodness. Praise God for His indescribable gift of freedom and mercy.

Blessings for your day, Lisa

https://www.christianbook.com/the-grace-awakening-charles-swindoll/9780849911880/pd/911885?event=ESRCN

The Secret of Flight

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The little bird learned to fly early. She loved the wind, the air, the sun on her wings.

As she grew, scales and packages and weights were added to her back. She realized that she did not enjoy flying as much as she once did.

Her father saw the packages and weights, and started to remove them, one by one. Each day she flew a bit higher, a bit lighter.

Until the day all the burdens were gone, and she flew as she once did. High, soaring, free.

The wind carried her, and she sang a sweet song.

If your wings are sagging or heavy today, lay down your packages and weights at the feet of Jesus. He will carry them.

Love, Lisa

Freedom, Surrender, Forgiveness

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Freedom
Surrender
Forgiveness

May God bless you with the freedom to dare, to explore, to live.

May God bless you with the surrender to accept things bigger than you, to willingly trust.

May God bless you with His forgiveness, which covers all and lets you lie down in peace, even on the edge of a cliff.

Blessings, Lisa

Photographs all taken in County Donegal, Ireland, Ed Lyons

It Is

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There are many ways to get where you’re going…..down the road or through the hedge.

One of the best things about blogging is getting the chance to put the things that are flying around in your mind into a concrete form. Writing something makes it seem more lasting.

As someone who deals with a permanently dodgy ankle, there are times when I am confronted with things I have trouble doing. I have found that focusing on the things I can do, rather than what I can’t do, is an infinitely better way to live. But sometimes circumstances or needs come up and force my attention onto the can’ts.

My sister said a very wise thing to me as she saw my struggle and guilt over my can’ts. She said, “It’s an it is. You can’t worry over something you cannot change.”

Read that again: “It’s an it is.“

Instead of ruminating endlessly of how to change my ankle and its oddities, I have been accepting it better since she said this. My completely fused ankle is a fact. Unable to be changed. Not my fault. I have been looking for accommodations, for other solutions, for ways around the problems. And not beating myself up with guilt for things I cannot change.

Yes, I realize that this is a variation of “It is what it is.” But for some reason, just hearing the words in a different way helped me to accept it.

So, little sister, thank you. This has helped more than you know.

Also, note to self…..you never know how little things you say to people can make a difference in encouraging them along their journeys. Keep encouraging, keep loving.

It is…..well with my soul.

Love, Lisa

Swimming for the Surface

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The sea was relatively calm. Once she got past the small breaking waves, it was easy to swim. But the thoughts kept coming. She decided to swim down, into the deep of the water for a moment. She saw dark murky sand in the water through her slightly opened eyelids. The pressure of the water pushed hard against her head, her body. She could feel the pulse of the tide also. Random pieces of seaweed and a possible jellyfish brushed against her skin.

Finally, the need for air arose. She stopped the motion of her arms, her legs, and released. Her body rushed towards the air. Simultaneously, a gulp of fresh salty air, sun on her face, seawater on her hair. She felt young again with no responsibilities or expectations. Relief and joy flooded her soul. Simple joys, water and air and sky and sun. Good things. God things.

The thoughts were clearer now, not so murky and cluttered. New her, new dream, new day.

Whatever it is that you are dreaming about, maybe that is God nudging you to go for it. You have permission to dream and to go after your dreams, no matter how old you are, no matter if COVID is in the world, no matter if politics are a mess. God is on His Throne. He made you and gave you this day, today. Since God is in control, there is a bright and glorious future. Grab on to Him and your dreams, let go, and swim for the surface. Love, Lisa

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” -Isaiah 43:18-19a

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” -John 8:36