Grace Upon Grace

grace /greIs/ (n) Undeserved acceptance and love received from another. Although the biblical words for “grace” are used in a variety of ways, the most characteristic use is to refer to an undeserved favor granted by a superior to an inferior. [Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary]

Me and My Dad

My birthday was two days ago. I turned 54 years old. Compared to some relatives and friends in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, I’m still considered a “young”.  But at 54, I have to admit, I am more reflective. A lot more thankful. Taking less for granted.  And am more aware of God’s grace in my life. Let’s face it, the odds of me living another 54 years are pretty much. . . zero. And so, the fact that God decided to give me his breath again and allowed me to wake up on Sunday (yesterday and today, too) was huge!

The first chapter of John (v.14) reads, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. It goes on to say (v. 16), “And from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” This passage of scripture refers to the ultimate act of grace shown toward us in the person of Jesus Christ, The Word of God made Flesh, by Whom (through faith) we receive remission of our sins-the amazing gift of salvation. This grace upon grace indicates that this was not just a one-time event.  It is on-going!

My Dad, Brothers, Sister-in--Law, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

We continue to experience his grace-unmerited favor. Just because he loves us. And his grace shows up in all kinds of ways-from really “big” things like healing from diseases, deliverance from addictions. His grace can also show up in the (supernatural) ability to forgive another who has really hurt us or having joy in the midst of a difficult situation. Or, His unmerited favor can manifest in the form of really cool gifts. I am a recipient of such favor.

My Cousins

The Apostle Paul describes us all this way in Ephesians 2 (v. 1-3), “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now in the work in the sons of disobedience-among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Folks, it was not lookin’ good for the home team. The next sentence in that passage begins with, “But God…” If it were not for God sending Jesus, we would still be in that state. But God sent Jesus for us and through Jesus, we have received grace upon grace. For me this past month, grace upon grace has looked like me having the opportunity to travel to Florida to visit my dad who, like all of us, is getting older. We spent some quality time together (I can’t remember the last time that happened)-just me and him-walking on the beach on the Atlantic Ocean at sunrise, looking from the pier at the bioluminescent fish (at night) in the Banana River and making my first Buc-ee’s visit while driving to Tennessee to see my brothers, their

My Longtime Friend

families, and extended family from North Carolina. I had

not seen my brothers, sister-in-law, my nieces and nephews in a year. It was such a gift! From there, I rode back to Indiana with my oldest younger brother and his family. My youngest brother welcomed me into his home to stay a couple of nights and then, he, my nephew, and nieces spent the day driving me around the state to see a family friend and some of my cousins. What a blessing! I arrived back home in California the next day to help see my middle daughter off to Cambridge, England. A day later, my youngest daughter and oldest son headed to Christian camp.  What amazing opportunities for the three of them! God provided the funds to make that all happen. Then, a few days later, I was off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Turks and Caicos with my

Me and My Hubby

longtime friend and her family during which my husband “held down the fort”. When I arrived home safely, my son and daughter had returned from camp. Two weeks later, which brings us to my birthday (July 27), I woke up, worshipped with my church family, received flowers and the most beautiful card from my husband who also cooked on the grill (my favorite), picked up my daughter who returned after 3 weeks in Europe, and hung out with most of my favorite people (my oldest daughter now lives out of state). Several people reached out to me by phone, via text, and by posting messages on my Facebook wall. I tell ya, my village certainly knows how to make a girl feel loved and celebrated!

My Daughters

Thinking about the fact that I deserve Hell and yet, God has so graciously blessed me with not only salvation/eternal life with Him, but so many amazing people in my life and wonderful opportunities to travel and to visit, well, it brings me to tears. Tears of joy. Tears of thankfulness. Tears of praise for His grace upon grace.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you… -Numbers 6:24, 25