By the Grace of God

  Are you one of those people who is constantly learning the same lessons over and over and over again?  No?  Well, I am, and let me tell you... it is *grits teeth* so fun!  I find myself taking one step forward and two steps back much of the time.  Will I ever learn?

  You would think that as much as I journal and blog and what have you, that I'd  work through my hang-ups and be so on top of my life, but SURPRISE!  I'm not.  lol  I have people message me, under the assumption that I've got my stuff together, and it's quite the shocker to know that I struggle just as much as the next guy.  The bits of wisdom I have gained are from years of falling and getting back up, only to fall again.  Much of the time, I don't listen to my own advice.

  How do you get through life when you keep screwing it up for yourself?  Five words: By the Grace of God!  That's it.  One lesson I've learned and know well is that it is nothing I do that brings success... it is everything God does.  This realization has helped me by leaps and bounds.

  I've been struggling in a couple areas a LOT lately, and thank the Lord I haven't been pounded to the ground by these issues.  One struggle is my need to keep everyone happy.  I've touched on this on my personal page quite a bit, and have received many notes of encouragement and tidbits of wisdom on how to bust through this hurdle.  I want to be that listening ear, that friendly hug, and that bit of encouragement to everyone I come across, and sometimes I struggle to see when it's time to hand over the torch and let someone else (ahem, God) take the lead.  Other people's problems often weigh heavy on me and I become no good to anyone.  This isn't healthy at all.  I need to be in a good place for my husband and children, and for myself.  I'm still searching for that balance, and thankfully, by the Grace of God, I'm making progress, one step at a time.

  Another example of one of my struggles is that I tend to shut down when I notice my failures.  I am a pro at beating myself up when I am a less than perfect mother, wife, daughter, sister, or friend.  I start to notice every little mistake I make and I all but give up.  These incidents are few and far between, but when it happens, I am once again no good to anybody.  I've had that moment recently, and while most would chalk it up to all the extra hormones flowing through me, I know better than to use my pregnancy as a scapegoat.

  When I come up against these challenges, roadblocks, or mistakes, it is a big clue that I haven't been in the Word enough.  It's a good sign that God has more work to do in me and I need to open up my heart to Him and hear what He has to share.  I'm not saying life is perfect when I'm reading the Bible and spending time with Him every day, but it is most definitely clear when I'm not giving enough of my time to the One who loves me most.

  So I'm challenging myself this month to strive at a deeper relationship with my Savior.  I am going to set aside time every day to be still and just listen.  I'm going to dig into the Word, worship more, praise Him more and allow Him to do a good work in me.  If you'd like to do the same, I'd love to chat with you and find a way to keep each other accountable to our commitments.

  I'm not usually so preachy sounding here on my blog... I try to make my posts relatable to everyone, even those who haven't had much exposure to Christ, but this is necessary for me, and I feel it is necessary for some of my friends. Don't worry, I don't have anyone specific in mind, so if this is speaking to you, you are safe... I haven't a clue! ;)

  I want everyone I know to be blessed by Christ as I have been.  The imperfections in my relationship with Him are all on me.  He is never-changing.  He is always there.  He is absolutely perfect in every way, so any flaws that squeeze their way into our fellowship are my own doing.  When I return to Him, He is always there with open arms.  Have you felt a warmth in your core that has brought you to tears?  I want that for you.  Those good, cleansing tears... the ones you cry when you feel at home, when you finally feel at peace.  That is what He gives me and so much more.

  It is by God's grace that I am not only surviving this live here on earth, but thriving in this life.  It is the Grace of God that holds my family together like glue.  It is by the Grace of God that I can get up every morning, face the day, no matter what comes, and go to bed at night knowing I am loved and loved well.

  If you want to know more about what God can do for you, and how a relationship with Him can change your life, crack open a Bible and start reading.  You can always message me.  I am an imperfect friend, but I will do my best to share what God has done for me, so that you in turn can have hope and encouragement to pursue a real, everlasting relationship with Him.

  Be blessed and let God's love and grace wash over you as you walk through this imperfect life.  Love you all!

~Em