FRIENDS EDITION - RELEASED

Hey peopleeeeeeee,

Merrrryyyyyyyyyy Christmas to you all!!!

I'm super excited to announce that the Friends edition of my book has been released. This is just sample copy to distribute among friends and family.

As I mentioned earlier that this book contains short stories from my life and my friends, so here is a big shout to my girls:

"Thank you for your honesty, vulnerability and openness in sharing your stories. Each of your stories are remarkable. You truly made this book shine!"

PS: Send me your address please:)

If you need a copy, just put your name in  the comment section below and I will send it to you.

This friends edition of my book is absolutely free for all the contributors of the book and the first 5 who puts your name below will get a free copy of the book as a Christmas gift! :)

My family with the copy of my book!

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ANNOUNCING… MY FIRST BOOK!

Where do I begin? As you may have guessed by the lack of posts, it has been a busy, busy month. I have some big news to announce today… And here it is.

Last month I submitted my manuscript for my first book! Yes, it’s really happening! (yaaay…loud screaming)!

Stories of Faith Hope Love, a book where I have shared my life stories and have asked few of my friends to also share their stories. I’ve been asked when I will come up with a book  for years, but it never felt like the right time. Well, now is the time, this is the hour, this is the moment I have waited forever!

Sneak-peek of the cover of my book - Stories of FAITH HOPE LOVE 

I’ve been whittling, refining, improving, and polishing for months, and with the help of my dad, who waved his magical wand and edited the whole thing into a totally new book. It has been mixed and matched, shaken and stirred, and it’s now the perfect introduction to Stories of Faith Hope Love.

To say I’m beside myself with excitement and anticipation is an understatement of the century! Now that the grueling edits have been done, we’re moving onto the intoxicating task of making it look really pretty. I want to give you something gorgeous to hold, so of course I have been designing it. All glory to God!

This is a thrilling process, and I’ll be sharing sneak peeks right here on my blog while Stories of Faith Hope Love becomes a real, live book.

And of course, if you will be the first to know when the book is released, just follow me on my blog!

I am so amped, and can’t wait to share this very special project with you!

Tons of love,
Grace!

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CHRISTIAN ONE LINERS

Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil, it has no point

What really counts in life is the dash between date born - date died on the tombstone!

Many Christians have stopped being fishers of men and are now only keepers of the aquarium.

You don't stop laughing when you get old, you get old when you stop laughing!

"Dusty Bibles lead to Dirty Lives"

"In the dark? Follow the Son."

A smile is curved line which sets a lot of things straight.

If you are born once, you shall die twice, but if you are born twice, you die only once.

Some preachers should put more fire in their sermons, and some sermons in the fire.

Prevent 'Sin burn' by using 'Son Screen'.

The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails= 4 given.

We don't change the message, the message changes us.

We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

Man's way leads to a hopeless end - God's way leads to an endless hope

Every Christian occupies some kind of a pulpit and preaches some kind of a sermon every day.

No person is so poor that he can not give a compliment.

"This is a ch_ _ ch. What is missing?"

Humility is so shy, that if you begin talking about it, it disappears.

Delayed obedience is brother to disobedience.

Dear God, I have a problem, it's Me.

When we get tangled up in our problems, be still, so God can untangle the knot.

Either the Bible will keep you away from sin, or sin will keep you away from the Bible!

Do you wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord," or "Good Lord, it's morning."?

God gave us two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak.

If you talk the talk, then walk the walk.

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WHEN I AM WEAK, YOU ARE STRONG

I'm so glad to introduced my guest blogger today who is none other than the love of my life, my husband. He sent me this on an email this morning. I am so blessed and I can't help but share it with you.

This is something that I understood this week, and wanted to share it with you.

For the past 27years, I have always considered myself very strong and resistant to sickness. I rarely fell sick and even if i do I would carry out my activities as usual and people would be surprised, looking at how could someone who is sick be so normal and the answer I used to give people was "I AM STRONG" and no where did i include God in there.

I suffered from Typhoid a couple of months back and even that could not be keep me down for long, i got back up in 3 days and started working, where as I have seen people with typhoid including my friends be down for over 10 days, and when people used to ask me how come you are back and the answer i gave was "I AM STRONG"

I fell sick on November 8th, yet still rode the bike for 350 Kms the next day and returned back to bangalore on 11th, and when my friends asked me how are you able to do it, the answer i gave was "I AM STRONG".

Through all this, Grace used to always remind me that you are not strong on your own, but by Gods Grace you are strong. I did accept it always but when people asked me i somehow forget that and I kept boasting that " I AM STRONG".

Today as I am writing this i have been sick for one week now with viral fever, where others would be cured in 3 days. My strength and resistivity towards sickness is of no use, I never put God first when i was cured and i believe that this sickness is to teach me that a lesson that "ONLY THROUGH GOD CAN I BE STRONG AND NOW THAT I DECREASE HE MAY INCREASE".

I am still sick, but I do believe that I will be fine through Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ for "WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG".

AMEN and please pray for me.

- M Solomon Xavier

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MOVE NOW

This video can give you goosebumps. This is so powerful, I have been listening to this like a million times.

The phrase that stuck with me was:

We’re moving. We’re moving. We’re moving. We’re moving from death to life. We’re moving from darkness to light. We’re moving from defeat to victory tonight. Somebody’s crossing over from shame to grace tonight. Somebody’s moving from fear to faith tonight. Jump up on your feet. Somebody’s moving from sorrow to joy tonight. 

Move! Now! Move! Now! Move! Now! From dread to expectation. From bondage to freedom. From mourning to dancing. Now! Now! Now! Now lift your hands He’s here! Lift your hands He’s here! We can’t stay here! We gotta go! We gotta go! We gotta church to keep! We gotta God to serve! We gotta gospel to preach! We got broken hearts to find! We got hurting people to heal. Come on move church. Move! We’re not waiting on a move of God! We are a move of God! Come on and shout! Now! Now! Now!

How many believe mountains still move? How many believe God still reigns? Our father who art in heaven hallow it be thy name! Your kingdom come! Your will be done! HERE AND NOW!

Watch below:

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ON THE MOUNTAIN, IT SHALL BE PROVIDED

For those of you who know me have been hearing about our house renovation like forever. Yup, finaaaaaallllly our house is completed and we have moved in. Btw ALL ARE WELCOME to drop in whenever you can. Our doors are open! Like literally open all the time (Coz we usually don’t lock our house). J

And guess what we named our house “MT MORIAH”! Sounds familiar isn’t it. Yes, it’s a Biblical name which I’m super fond off.  Mainly coz it’s taken from one of my most favorite stories of the Bible which is the story of Abraham and Isaac.

Picture captured at the entrance of our house

We all know that when Abraham obeyed God and was ready to sacrifice His son, God stopped him. It was on Mt Moriah that Abraham named the place, “God provides”.  Literally God provided us this house hence the name. And it was the on the same mountain where King Solomon built a temple in the Bible. Btw Solomon and I also wish to make our house a place of worship.

Going back to Abraham’s story, it’s the same place where we get the saying, “ON THE MOUNTAIN, IT SHALL BE PROVIDED”. The word “Mountain” in talking terms usually refers to some stumbling block in life or a difficult situation. So when Abraham obeyed God, He provided for him.  I believe God can provide whatever you are wanting today if we obey Him and if it is aligned to His will. Whatever mountain that you are facing today, God will be your provider, on the mountain!

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DIY - BOTTLE DECOR

Bottle makes excellent home decors. The best part is you can get any color you need to match with your interiors. Bottle painting is a fun idea to recycle trash. Because I had too much of turquoise paint, I decided to paint the glass bottles. Otherwise seeing dry bottles of paint always makes me sad. So here is what I have done!

Things you will need:

- Empty glass bottles
- Paint colors (Turquoise and white)
- Cello tapes (Golden)
- Paint brush
- Newspapers

Step 1: Take few bottles and paint them fully and let them dry.

Step 2: Secure these bottles with cello tap to make a striped design.

Step 3: Make sure you have them all it the same striped design to match your bottles.

Your bottle decor is now ready. Place it on a shelf or a TV unit.

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DIY - FAITH HOPE LOVE WALL DECOR

For a very long time I longed for "FAITH HOPE LOVE" art frames for my walls but couldn't get them anywhere in India. So I decided to make one. I love DIY's and decoration my house with it. So this time I decided to make a wall decor with the lowest budget possible.

Things you will require:

- cardboard sheets (from carton boxes)
- 2 color cello tape (I chose blue and gold)
- 2 color paints (I chose blue and gold)
- Pain brush
- Faith hope love stickers
- Wrapping sheets (white)
- Scissors
- Glue stick

Step 1: Cut the carton box into 3 identical squares cardboard's

Step 2: Wrap these cardboard sheets white white wrapper or a chart and secure them with cello tapes.

Step 3: Paint the 2 sheets with blue and gold and let it dry.

Step 4: For faith make a cross, hope make an anchor and for love make a heart shape with a cello-tape or paint.

Step 5: Use cello-tape to make a border around the frames and stick the words in the middle of the frame.

Your FAITH HOPE LOVE frames are now ready. Place it either in on a TV stand or a shelf to display.

Click here for more DIY's

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DIY - SHOEBOX UPCYCLE

I hate clutter. I don't like to keep anything in my house that doesn't serve a purpose or isn't extremely sentimental. That being said it's kind of a shock to me that I kept these shoeboxes lying around. The crafter in me refrained from tossing them and I'm so glad I did!

Also since we got few new fans I had kept the empty cartons handy. So while my under garments and socks where a bit unorganized I decided to up-cycle these shoes boxes into organised storage boxes.

Things you would need:

1. Shoes boxes/ Carton boxes
2. Scissors
3. Duct tape/ Cello tape
4. Gift wrappers

Take the shoes box and measure it along the gift wrapper and cut accordingly and secure it will a duct tape. Make some small sections if needed.

Now I have pretty boxes for my wardrobe that cost me almost nothing! LOVE. IT!

Also I can use these boxes to put in stationery items or just cover it up and place randomly:

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THOUGH

It’s been more than more than 10 days I went to work. This was one of the longest I have been sick. First it was dengue and then wheezing. More than anything, I’m beyond blessed for my family and in-laws who took care of me.

Through the storms of sickness God has been with me. At one point of my sickness I literally cried out to God saying, “Into Your hands I commit my spirit, Lord”. Such was the intensity of uneasiness I went through. But God was gracious to me and walked me through this storm. I would like to share with you few scriptures that encouraged me.

3 Declarations that can be done when you walk through storms of difficulty:

1. I will trust Him
Job 13:15 THOUGH He slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.Job went through one of the worst illness, but he declares THOUGH God slays me, yet will I trust in him.

2. I will fear no evil
Psalm 23:4 Yea, THOUGH I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. David too went through difficult times and he said even THOUGH I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.

3. I will rise
Micah 7:8 THOUGH I have fallen, I will rise. THOUGH I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Here also we read that the Micah says, THOUGH I have fallen, I will rise. THOUGH I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.

If you notice all of these scripture portions have the word, THOUGH. Which means even THOUGH something happens, the author says he will trust God.  The meaning of the word THOUGH is despite the fact that; So despite the fact that something bad happens we need to put our faith in God and trust Him. And also fear no evil cause God will walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. And even if we fall, we should rise and give glory to God.

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ENCOUNTER WITH STEVEN FURTICK

Ever since I was a child, I have been blessed to have encountered so many preachers in my life.  I couldn't agree more to the fact that the main reason I have had this opportunity was since my dad himself is a preacher. Most of his friends are also more or less in the same kind of field.

And me too like everyone have my favorites. I haven't met all of them but I cherish their teachings.

My top 10 Preacher Heroes have been (in random order):

- Billy Graham
- Joyce Meyer
- Joel Osteen
- John Gray
- Steven Furtick
- Zac Poonen
- Robert D'roza
- Johnson Varghese
- R Stanley
- ED Chelladura( Not coz he is my dad but I enjoy His creativity)

So off late I have been crazily listening to Steven Furtick's new series called "Bars and Battles". I have been immensely blessed. I literally wait for the Sunday sermon to be uploaded on the site.

And guess what I had an encounter with THE Steven Furtick last night!

I heard that he was in this hotel guest house where I waited for him. He and his wife were about to leave the place when I walked up to him and...

Me: Pastor, can you please pray for me? (in a small voice)

Pastor Steven: What?(he couldn't hear me)

Me: Pastor, can you please pray for me? (still in a small voice)

Pastor Steven: kajgfuiehflkcnsalvosdjvclsdk. Amen

Me: (trying to understand what he meant - confused)

Pastor Steven: You didn't understand, did u? (smirky smile)

Me: (Nodding my head with a no - still confused)

Pastor Steven: I said "Lord Jesus, give her a boy and a girl!"

With excitement I woke from sleep! Oh what a dream!

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IT’S BEEN TAKEN CARE OF

Have you experienced great despair in your life? The very thing that I have been praying for as long as I can remember isn't coming to pass. Waiting for prayers to be answered in this season has been the hardest. And to top it all, don’t see the silver lining in this cloud, which means I don’t see any signs or symptoms of my prayers even being close to answered. Have you felt that way?

Past two weeks have been one of the toughest phase of my life. I have been experiencing pain both physically and emotionally. Physically due to my failing health, bad doctor’s report, surgeries, tests, injections, allergies, medication may be. Emotionally coz of stress, anxiety, work pressure, uncertainties, worries, mood swings, irritated, frustrated, break downs, sleepless nights, best friend at work being laid off and what not. Plus a sick husband whose is diagnosed with typhoid. Not to forget the financial pressure of house renovation bills and huge medical bills piling up.

With all this going on I know I can only find comfort in one place - His word. Today’s meditation was from Psalm 142 where King David is in despair too and I felt this passage was a bit apt to my situation. I learnt 3 things that David did in his despair which encouraged me.

3 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU ARE IN DESPAIR:

1. CRY OUT TO HIM

Psalm 142:1- 3 (MSG) 
I cry out loudly to God, loudly I plead with God for mercy. I spill out all my complaints before him, and spell out my troubles in detail. As I sink in despair, my spirit ebbing away, you know how I’m feeling.

It’s okay to cry to God and pour out your heart. I can cry out to Him and tell Him I need Him. I can tell him all my troubles in detail. I can tell him how I feel. Coz He listens.

2. CONFESS YOUR HOPE

Psalm 142:5 
I cry to you, LORD; I say, “You are my refuge,   my portion in the land of the living”. (NIV)
I cry out, GOD, call out:  ‘You’re my last chance, my only hope for life!’ Oh listen, please listen; I’ve never been this low.” (MSG)

Confess to Him that He is your only hope. He is my strength in times of weakness. He is your refugee. He is your comforter. Without Him you can do nothing.

3. CLAIM YOUR BLESSING

Psalm 142:7
Get me out of this dungeon so I can thank you in public. Your people will form a circle around me and you’ll bring me showers of blessing!” (MSG)
Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. (NIV)

Acknowledge the goodness of God no matter what circumstance you face. Praise Him even before the breakthrough. Ultimately He will bring glory to His name through the pain.

While meditating on these lines my heart came to peace. A small still voice within myself prompted, "Whatever you are battling right now - It’s been taken care of” - God

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IT GETS BETTER

Its very easy to lose hope when in pain. You may be facing a problem today. Whatever it is, IT GETS BETTER!

Romans 8:18 says “The pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.” This verse, to me, is one of the most encouraging verses I know.

It basically says that all of the pain that you have been going through, all of the heartache, hurt, disappointment or sadness, cannot compare to all of the joy that is ahead in your life! God tells us that there will be hard times as well as good times in this life, but those hard times are nothing compared to all of the joy that is in store for you!

When we think about all of the pain and sadness that comes into our lives or that may be happening to us right now, it can make us depressed and doubt God’s goodness. But we should never doubt God’s plan for us and never turn our back on Him, because He has big plans for your life, and they are better than you can think or imagine!

No matter what you are facing today,  your "Joy is coming". After all, life gets better with God!

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HE LOVED ME

I'm so glad that I have a Guest blogger post today for all of you from my beautiful sister. Here's a poem she wrote. It's titled, "He loved me". Hope you relish your souls as you read it!

He loved me while I was in my mothers womb

He loved me while He was locked away in a tomb

He loved me when he was hanging on a cross

He loved me when my life was on a toss

He loved me while I was still a sinner

He loved me way beyond all measure

He loved me that He shed His blood and died

He loved me when I was not by His side

He loved me even when I fell

He loved me more than I can tell

He loved me when I was tossed and torn

He loved me when He was pierced by a thorn

He loved me first so I could love Him back

He loved me so that I would face no lack

He loved me, my Savior that on eagles wings I soar

He loved me for sure, He loves me still and He'l love me forever more

- Glory Namratha

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NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR GOD

Verse:

“O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” - Jeremiah 32:17

Daily dose:

“She held the doctors reports in her hands. Her eyes swelled with tears.  She said, not again God! Please help me.  I’m so done emotionally! My strength is almost gone, how can I carry on?”

After all, life isn’t that easy. We all face dark times. Through this difficult journey I have learnt that only God help us. Just knowing that God is powerful enough to make heavens and the earth then how can it be hard for him to solve our teeny-weeny problem. GOD IS BIG! So BIG that one touch of His favor can get solve infinite number of problems. That miracle that you have been praying for is on your way. Are you willing to acknowledge that nothing is too hard for HIM?

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GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

If there is anyone who still follows my blog and actually reads my posts, please don't get bugged! I’m actually posting here for the first time in over a month. Okay, I plan to bit more customary in my obligations to blog. 

Well, last week I got surprise from my better half with air tickets to celebrate my birthday in Goa. We had a lovely time on the private beach resort that he had booked (pictures on my Instagram). As I was pondering and relaxing, I asked God for a word for my birthday. When I returned back home mom handed over to me a birthday card from my church which had a scripture verse from Lamentations 3:22-24 which reads:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.”

I kept thinking how God has been faithful all these years. Later that day we had a small get together at home where we sang the hymn, “Great is Thy faithfulness”. The lyrics meant so much to me. Especially the line where it says, “All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me!” This is so true in my life; God has provided me everything I need and more than that. I’m truly blessed beyond words. 

After we had sang that song, Dad presented 3 point sermon on “FAITHFULNESS”. Faithfulness is full of faith. When Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentation in the midst of sorrow he writes about the faithfulness of God.

3 THINGS TO BE FAITHFUL FROM LUKE 16:10-12

1. FAITHFUL IN LITTLE THINGS

Verse 10 says, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”

Example: Little things like food should not be wasted because it is God who provides it.

2. FAITHFUL IN WORLDLY THINGS

Verse 11 says, And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?

Example: Worldly thing like money should not be wasted because it is God who provides it.

3. FAITHFUL IN OTHERS THINGS

Verse 12 says, And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

Example: Others things which we borrow should always be returned as soon as possible. Even payment to a maid/laborer should be settled before dawn.

My prayer is that as you read this blog, and you listen to the wonderful version of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Jordan Smith, you will be reminded, as I have been, of the faithfulness of God to you and your family through the years. Of how He has never let you down, and no matter how dark the circumstances you face, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Indeed, Great is His Faithfulness!

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BARREN TO BLESSED

Barren women they muttered her name

Depressed and hurt she lived in shame

Her rival provoked her till she cried

Pain and disgrace she could not hide

Her neighbors asked her, "What was wrong?

To have a baby, does it take that long?"

Who is this living God you talk about?

Her faith in Him they made her doubt

She woke up each night and bitterly wept
Her husband consoled her as she slept

In deep anguish she couldn't eat or drink

Her misery was all that she could think

In despair she cried out and prayed,

"God, to your work this child I trade"

She poured out her heart in tears

There on the alter she laid her fears

God stooped down from heaven and heard her cry

He said, "My promise to you I will not defy"

"She's Hannah", the blessed women they say

"She's you! cause your Samuel is on the way"

- Grace Xavier

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WHEN MY EYES LOOKS AT YOURS

The strongest relationships are thick with arguments. When I say “fighting,” I'm not talking about full-blown physical encounters. I'm not talking about throwing plates and breaking skulls. I simply mean “arguing”: two intelligent people finding themselves in the midst of healthy debate.

Like all couples sometimes my husband and I argue about things. We have our fair share of reasons why we stand by our opinion. Normally when the argument gets heated, we don’t look at each other. We are so upset that we can barely look into each other’s eyes. But after a considerable amount of time, if at all we happen see each other in the eyes we start smiling at each other. And trust me, this happens all the time. This is how our argument ends because we can’t stop smiling at each other.

There’s something about looking into each other’s eyes.You can look into someone eyes only if you are comfortable with them or if you really like them. Even Bryan Adams song lyrics say "Look into my eyes, you will see what you mean to me..."(this song just came to my mind...out of context...ignore...lol) Sometimes you look into someone’s eyes because you have compassion on them.

Yesterday while I was travelling to work, I was reading Psalm 123. Verse 2 made me stop and ponder on it. It says, “As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till He shows us His mercy”. I have read Psalm 123 before but had never noticed that there is a verse like this.

Sometimes when I need something so bad from my dad, I keep looking at him till I get it. I will make sure I make that sad face like that of a little child wanting something from daddy. The same way the Psalmist must have felt while writing this verse. “So our eyes look to the LORD our God, till He shows us His mercy”. I want to be like that. I want my eyes to look to the Lord till He shows His mercy on me. I do not want to look at my situation, look at the mountains or look at the facts but look to Him. I can so relate to the lyrics of this song by Miley Cyrus:

When the waves are flooding the shore

And I can't find my way home anymore

That's when I, I

I look at you

When I look at you

I see forgiveness

I see the truth

You love me for who I am

Like the stars hold the moon

Right there where they belong

And I know I'm not alone

Yeah when my world is falling apart

When there's no light

To break up the dark

That's when I, I

I look at you

“God’s mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of its light, or make space too narrow, than diminish the great mercy of God.” - Charles Spurgeon

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THY WILL BE DONE

As I was thinking about few families who have been going through a tough situation during this pandemic, I felt like updating this post and encouraging someone who may have either lost a loved one, or a job or just depressed. These few days have been draining me emotionally. It's challenging to stay cheerful when there is so much happened around the word. The only thing that keeps us going is our faith and hope in Christ. Good music can also bring comfort and healing. This song has personally touched me when I was going through a personal struggle. I have heard it over hundred times. I wish it could comfort you like it did to me. 

This is the most personal song by Hillary Scott who is popularly knows as Lady Antebellum. She penned to God after a devastating experience. She had a miscarriage which really broke her. "Thy will be done" from Mathew 6:11 in the Message Version says "Do what’s best". God is best in what He does. Even when I can't see the end of the tunnel, I'm holding on to this truth - Thy will be done! Hope this song encourages you.

I'm so confused

I know I heard you loud and clear

So, I followed through

Somehow I ended up here

I don't wanna think

I may never understand

That my broken heart is a part of your plan

When I try to pray

All I've got is hurt and these four words

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

I know you're good

But this don't feel good right now

And I know you think

Of things I could never think about

It's hard to count it all joy

Distracted by the noise

Just trying to make sense

Of all your promises

Sometimes I gotta stop

Remember that you're God

And I am not

So

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will

I know you see me

I know you hear me, Lord

Your plans are for me

Goodness you have in store

I know you hear me

I know you see me, Lord

Your plans are for me

Good news you have in store

So, thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

I know you see me

I know you hear me, Lord

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DO IT AGAIN

I remember very well – I was about 10, when I had my first asthma attack. This illness made a big impact in my life. Some days I was not able to breathe because I felt so ill. I have had many sleepless nights that my parents were by my side. Sometimes my asthma would reduce, sometimes it was high. I hated  myself because I was so ill and even wished I had never been born.

When this illness was very bad, I became powerless, not able to breathe. I could not participate in any sport cause I could not even run. It hurt me to even climb stairs. I could not sing since I couldn't hold my breadth. I remember meeting numerous doctors. The doctors did all they could for me, but they did not find a way to make me better. One doctor said, "Don't think she can get well cause it hereditary". Another said I cannot give you any more inhaler, since you have already taken over dose of that medicine, it wont affect you anymore.

I remember thinking I would die so many times due to breathlessness. I remember I cried many times. I asked God to help me. Someone told my dad to take me to this particular doctor. He gave me very expensive medicines. Those steroids made me put on weight. I sometimes even had my hand tremor due to these medicines. My dad spend so much money on me every month. I was sad to see what was happening to my family because of me. I cried out to God again.

Just when I thought I am over asthma, a new disease arrived. Time and time again I am being diagnosed with different health issues. I told God I give up. I cant take sickness over and over again. All my life I have been ill, ill and ill. I am literally sick of being sick. Many night I have cried to God to heal me. Many times I have cried on my husbands shoulder when the emotional pain was too much to bear.

All my life I have been meditating on God being a healer in the Bible. I also remember some time back Dad fasted 40 days and prayed for my healing. I believe God is the doctor of doctors. I have been mediating of specific passages where God has healed his people. Many preachers have prayed for me.

But what do I do when God doesn't heal in-spite of praying and crying out to him? why am I not healed yet?

I have had this question for a long time until recently I came to know the answer. I was listening to a random Steven Furtick sermon in the middle of the night as I couldn't sleep and this line hit me like tons of bricks.He said something like this:

MAY BE THE THING THAT HURTS YOU THE MOST MIGHT BE THE THING THAT WOULD BRING THE HIGHEST GLORY TO GOD IN YOUR LIFE!

I cried! I cried all night. Lord I have been so foolish in not understanding your plans and purpose for my life. While I'm in the valley, Jesus is still on the throne. He knows what He is doing. I simply need to trust His timings. I believe He who healed my dad from cancer would heal me of all my sickness. He would do it again! For me and for you. I BELIEVE HE WOULD DO IT AGAIN!

Leaving you with a song called, DO IT AGAIN:

Walking around these walls

I thought by now they'd fall

But You have never failed me yet

Waiting for change to come

Knowing the battle's won

For You have never failed me yet

Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I'm still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet

I know the night won't last

Your Word will come to pass

My heart will sing Your praise again

Jesus, You're still enough

Keep me within Your love

My heart will sing Your praise again

Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I'm still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You never failed

Your promise still stands

Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness

I'm still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You never failed me yet

I've seen You move, come move the mountains

And I believe, I'll see You do it again

You made a way, where there was no way

And I believe, I'll see You do it again 

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THE HAND OF GOD

It's been a really busy start to the first quarter of this year. I feel so guilty that I haven't been able to blog as much as I should. A lot has been going on. God has been showing himself more evident than ever this year. How I wish I could tell you everything that He does everyday. All I can say is that He is real and He is alive. Over the past few weeks I have seen the hand of God so clearly in the 3 major things that happened.

1. Trip to Sweden

My manager called me and said, "Grace you will have to travel to Sweden for our Project". I was like thinking how is it that out of all the experienced people in my team, I had been chosen. I can boldly say It was purely the favor of God. He took me places I haven't dreamt off. His hand lead me. To add to it, God surprised me with snowfall. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life.

2. Healing my brother

It was a shocking to hear that my cousin was suffering from a brain hemorrhage two weeks ago. It was in a life or death experience in the ICU. While the Doctors gave up hope, God had not given up hope. With His great love and mercy he restored back life to my brother. I believe the hand of God touched Him. Although it was critical, I knew God was in control. He is sovereign. He indeed is a healer.

3. Favor at work

For more than 8 years I have been working, I have never ever been recognized or appreciated for any work I do. This year I have been working harder than ever, while everyone does 8 hours of work I have worked for more than 12 hours. Last weekend I worked straight for 18 hours and was super exhausted emotionally and physically. But God's hand upheld me. The next day I got an email from the Head of the Department appreciating my work. That was all I needed. It was like God saying well done my child.

An apt verse for this post, from Ecclesiastes 2:24 where King Solomon says, "So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God."

Indeed it's THE HAND OF GOD!

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I'M SORRY

"I'M SORRY" is a magic word. It does wonders but it's quite sad that we don't realize it. At the end of each day, it's good to ask yourself if your conscious is clear.

Few questions I can ask myself is:

Is there something that is bothering me?
Did I do something wrong?
Did I hurt anyone?
Did I SIN in anyway?
Did I not do something that I was supposed to?
What if today is my last day?

Last night I was asking few of these questions and I did realize that I had to forgive people. Those that hurt me and those that spoke ill of me, I forgive you.

 If you are reading this blog and feel that I have hurt you. I'M SORRY.

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YEAR OF FAITH

I just realize that 2016 was gone! Gosh! It was super fast. When did it begin and when did it end?
I looked at the calendar this morning and I couldn't believe that it was February already! I have been incredibly busy with work and travel. 2017 has been a cold start ( I mean the weather is extremely cold). I have been enjoying the Swedish winter coz it's has been my first snow experience although I have been to Europe few times.

As I have done in the past, I have chosen a word/phrase/verse to focus on for the year. Or, rather, I should say that God chose one for me. Last year I had pondered on "Hope - the anchor" and the year before it was, "Love is patient" then it was "Let go" and so on.

It was on the 31st of December when I remember asking God to give me a verse/ word for the year. That night we read the daily devotion from 2 Corinthians 5:7 which says,"For we walk by FAITH, not by sight!". The word FAITH stood out to me. While praying I said "Lord thank you that, this year is going to be a Year of Faith". Sunday at Church the preacher was speaking from Romans 10:17 which says "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." FAITH again!

I constantly keep hearing something about FAITH. I knew deep in my heart that this year will be my year of FAITH. Even today I was listening to a sermon and the Preacher quoted that "FAITH is the confidence that God's timing is perfect!". God was re-assuring me that I need to live by FAITH this year!

And it brings me to the purpose for this post in the first place. Sorry it took me so long to get here! The journey of life can't be walked by sight. That is my temptation...daily...to look with my eyes and not see my dreams being fulfilled or even close to it. I feel anxious. I don't see the big picture. And as God always does in His Word, He tells us to walk by faith. To walk trusting in Him not what our finite eyes can see. I need this verse before me everyday, as a reminder that God knows everything and all I need to do is trust Him, believe Him and walk with Him. Simply and obediently!

Would you join me in this faith walk?

PS: If tattoos were allowed, I would want to get this one:)

Few FAITH points to ponder:

When you speak faith, you’re in agreement with God

If we’re not saying anything, we’re not releasing our faith

Make a declaration of faith by saying, “This is going to be a great day. I have God’s favor."

Faith is what pleases God. 

Faith moves mountains.

Our faith gives God something to work with.

You’ll grow strong in faith as you give glory to God

If you’ll stay in faith, you will see God begin to open up a new route

If you stay in faith, then God will turn what was meant to be a stumbling block into a stepping stone

Rise up in faith and receive the good things He has in store for you!

Let your faith say, “Thank You.” 

Feed your faith by meditating on His Word and fill your heart and mind with God’s promises

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