Welcome to Tracy's Grace Space. I named this blog my "grace space" because I wanted to somehow record all the beautiful acts of God's grace that I was experiencing at the time. When I started the blog, I had just been diagnosed with MS, and through the loving acts of friends, family and God himself, God reminded me over and over again that his grace is sufficient for me.
That is why I just have to tell you about what happened today. I've been feeling all out of sorts due to our kitchen renovation, and today I found myself just meandering around Wal-Mart of all places. I really can't stand Wal-Mart, but there were a couple of things I needed to pick up and I really didn't want to hang around the house with all the construction noise and dust from hardwood floor sanding. It was lunchtime, and our Wal-Mart has a Subway sandwich shop inside, so I decided on a whim to eat while I was there.
As I walked up to the counter, I was greeted by a woman I've known for some time, though not very well. We said hello and bemoaned the rainy weather, and after paying for her sub she turned for a quick wave goodbye. I said goodbye and continued to wait for my order. Once my sub was prepared and wrapped, I took out my wallet to pay. Imagine my surprise when the cashier said it wasn't necessary!
"The lady before you paid for your sub," he said. "She told me to add it on to her bill."
Grace. There I was, all grumpy and feeling pitiful over not being able to be at home on a nasty rainy day, forced to spend time in Wal-Mart and eat out once again all because I'm getting a beautiful new kitchen. What a terrible life I lead! And God chooses to show me grace anyway.
Isn't that just like him? The God of the universe reached down and crashed my little pity party on a chilly rainy day, penetrating it like a warm ray of sunshine. I've been smiling ever since!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
No Pain, No Gain
Greetings, my bloggy friends!
Once again, I'm back after an absence that is longer than I would have liked. This time I'm blaming it on the kitchen. No, not because I'm exercising my gourmet culinary skills, anyone who knows me knows that I don't have any of those! :O) It's actually due to the renovation of the kitchen that is now two weeks under way. Once it started, it didn't take me long to figure out that it was in my best interests to stay away from the house as much as possible. Sensory overload sets in quickly, what with all the banging, drilling, hammering, etc. Today they are sanding the hardwood floor. I left as soon as they started for a couple of hours, thinking it would be finished when I returned. Wrong! They are taking a lunch break, however, so I thought I would jump on here quickly before I have to leave again.
If you've ever suffered through a kitchen renovation, you will understand completely when I say that I am operating under the "no pain, no gain" rule. I know that my kitchen will be lovely and so much more efficient once it is all done. But getting to that point is no picnic! At least not a fun picnic anyway, as we may be eating a lot of picnic meals in the backyard for the next few days! My refrigerator is currently in my dining room, the dishwasher is in the middle of the kitchen floor, and the sink is completely gone. There is a microwave and stove, I just don't know if I can get to them, or if I even want to try! The whole process is making me feel terribly out of sorts. The rest of our lives are going on as usual and our schedules are still the same, but our home is a disaster!
A little while ago as I watched them sand through the layers of old, worn out finish and grime, I could totally identify with the floor (I know, I'm wierd, but stay with me.) The refinishing process is messy and unpleasant, but I know that when it is sanded clean and the new finish is applied, it will bring out the rich tones of the wood and the floor will shine more beautifully than before. Likewise, I know I can shine more brightly for the Lord when I submit to his discipline and his work of rooting out some sin in my life. It might be messy and unpleasant, but I know it will be worth it.
The sanders are starting back up, so I'm outta here. No pain, no gain, right?
Once again, I'm back after an absence that is longer than I would have liked. This time I'm blaming it on the kitchen. No, not because I'm exercising my gourmet culinary skills, anyone who knows me knows that I don't have any of those! :O) It's actually due to the renovation of the kitchen that is now two weeks under way. Once it started, it didn't take me long to figure out that it was in my best interests to stay away from the house as much as possible. Sensory overload sets in quickly, what with all the banging, drilling, hammering, etc. Today they are sanding the hardwood floor. I left as soon as they started for a couple of hours, thinking it would be finished when I returned. Wrong! They are taking a lunch break, however, so I thought I would jump on here quickly before I have to leave again.
If you've ever suffered through a kitchen renovation, you will understand completely when I say that I am operating under the "no pain, no gain" rule. I know that my kitchen will be lovely and so much more efficient once it is all done. But getting to that point is no picnic! At least not a fun picnic anyway, as we may be eating a lot of picnic meals in the backyard for the next few days! My refrigerator is currently in my dining room, the dishwasher is in the middle of the kitchen floor, and the sink is completely gone. There is a microwave and stove, I just don't know if I can get to them, or if I even want to try! The whole process is making me feel terribly out of sorts. The rest of our lives are going on as usual and our schedules are still the same, but our home is a disaster!
A little while ago as I watched them sand through the layers of old, worn out finish and grime, I could totally identify with the floor (I know, I'm wierd, but stay with me.) The refinishing process is messy and unpleasant, but I know that when it is sanded clean and the new finish is applied, it will bring out the rich tones of the wood and the floor will shine more beautifully than before. Likewise, I know I can shine more brightly for the Lord when I submit to his discipline and his work of rooting out some sin in my life. It might be messy and unpleasant, but I know it will be worth it.
The sanders are starting back up, so I'm outta here. No pain, no gain, right?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Birthday Reflections
I just have to say it publicly, I really love my husband. We celebrated his 45th birthday last Thursday, and that morning I spent time in prayer just thanking God for him. I'm grateful for his generous spirit, his compassionate and loving nature, his work ethic, his sense of humor, his wonderful way with children of all ages (he's a big kid himself, really), and so much more, not the least of which is the fact that he is an accountant and able to balance a checkbook (it's a really good thing for our family that one of us can). I thank God every day for blessing my life by putting Joey and me together!
One thing I'm especially grateful for is Joey's dedication to being the spiritual head of our family. Tonight as he was traveling home from a Promisekeepers conference, I couldn't help reflecting that it has not been that many years ago since I was praying earnestly for that very thing. After he basically told me to back off at one point, I realized that all I could do was pray and the rest was up to God. Boy did God deliver! I won't go into all the circumstances and events leading up to Joey's change of heart, that is his story to tell. But I will say that God's timing is always perfect, and he began growing our marriage in amazing ways when we decided to put God at the center of it and seek him first together.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Since my MS diagnosis last January, Joey has been such a rock for me. Having him to love me, comfort me and take care of me when I need it has given me more strength than I ever could have found on my own. And when he holds my hand and offers up prayers on my behalf, I know that I will not be overpowered.
So happy birthday to you, Joey. I love you and I thank God for you.
One thing I'm especially grateful for is Joey's dedication to being the spiritual head of our family. Tonight as he was traveling home from a Promisekeepers conference, I couldn't help reflecting that it has not been that many years ago since I was praying earnestly for that very thing. After he basically told me to back off at one point, I realized that all I could do was pray and the rest was up to God. Boy did God deliver! I won't go into all the circumstances and events leading up to Joey's change of heart, that is his story to tell. But I will say that God's timing is always perfect, and he began growing our marriage in amazing ways when we decided to put God at the center of it and seek him first together.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 says "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Since my MS diagnosis last January, Joey has been such a rock for me. Having him to love me, comfort me and take care of me when I need it has given me more strength than I ever could have found on my own. And when he holds my hand and offers up prayers on my behalf, I know that I will not be overpowered.
So happy birthday to you, Joey. I love you and I thank God for you.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Shelter in the Storm
Greetings! To those of you who have become regular readers of my blog, let me start this post with an apology! I have been such a slacker about blogging lately. Not because I've lost interest or haven't wanted to, it's just that other things have been demanding my attention. Anyway, please forgive me. It's good to be back!
Today there was a story I just had to share. As I knelt down to pray this morning, thunder began to rumble off in the distance, and soon the rain that had been falling lightly began coming down harder and harder. As it did, our golden retriever, Ginger, who is terrified of thunderstorms, ran to her usual hiding place behind the couch.
As I continued my conversation with God (out loud), the thunder got louder, and even with my eyes closed I could see the flashes of lightening. Next thing I knew, Ginger came scurrying out from behind the couch. She tucked her head against my leg and then laid down as close to me as she could get. I held her close and stroked her, and she seemed to calm down, even as the storm rumbled on outside.
I couldn't help but wonder whether Ginger sensed the nearness of our God, her Creator? I have never known her to come out from behind the couch in a thunderstorm, even when the whole family is in the room trying to console her! I call her Ginger the chicken-dog. Psalm 61:4 says "I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings." When I started my prayers, I had asked God to come and sit with me. Do you suppose Ginger came out because she felt the safety of his presence? Feel free to post a comment, I'd love to know what you think!
Today there was a story I just had to share. As I knelt down to pray this morning, thunder began to rumble off in the distance, and soon the rain that had been falling lightly began coming down harder and harder. As it did, our golden retriever, Ginger, who is terrified of thunderstorms, ran to her usual hiding place behind the couch.
As I continued my conversation with God (out loud), the thunder got louder, and even with my eyes closed I could see the flashes of lightening. Next thing I knew, Ginger came scurrying out from behind the couch. She tucked her head against my leg and then laid down as close to me as she could get. I held her close and stroked her, and she seemed to calm down, even as the storm rumbled on outside.
I couldn't help but wonder whether Ginger sensed the nearness of our God, her Creator? I have never known her to come out from behind the couch in a thunderstorm, even when the whole family is in the room trying to console her! I call her Ginger the chicken-dog. Psalm 61:4 says "I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings." When I started my prayers, I had asked God to come and sit with me. Do you suppose Ginger came out because she felt the safety of his presence? Feel free to post a comment, I'd love to know what you think!
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