A Crash Course in the Grace of God
Hello, ladies.
My name is Valerie Lowe and welcome to my first-ever blog. As the new editor for spiritledwoman.com, I'm excited about the possibility of expanding our community to thousands of women. Please continue to visit and share your thoughts and testimonies about the goodness of God. Together we can proclaim Jesus to the world!
Do you know what a crash course is? It’s when you get quick intensive training in a particular subject area. The course usually expedites the learning process, and in little time you are free to apply what you’ve learned.
Last week I received a crash course in the grace of God when my daughter invited eight of her college friends to spend spring break at our home—without my knowledge or permission!
Of course I responded to her like any other sane parent: Have you lost your mind!
All I could think was that eight 20-somethings were going to invade my home and leave it a wreck.
The timing couldn't have been worse. I had a million other things to do, and no time to play dorm mother to a bunch of young adults. But as soon as I began to rehearse all the things I had to do, God gave me a plan to accomplish all of my tasks and be a good hostess. My nephew played chaperone/chef/bouncer while I was away at a work and later at a women's meeting. My sisters and mother had stopped by earlier to help me clean the house and make it sparkle.
When I arrived home from work on the first day of their visit, I had to stalk the kids to find them because they were so quiet and respectful. They piled into the den and watched television while sending out what seemed like a million text messages.
The next morning we talked over bowls of Cheerios about their career aspirations and the challenges they face as young adults. I started to feel guilty for judging these kids but God gave me another crash course, in forgiveness, and told me not to go on a guilt trip. Before long I was speaking into the lives of eight young women and men!
Have you ever taken a crash course in the grace of God? I have, and when those kids left my home I was assured He had sent them. God sometimes interrupts our schedules with divine appointments, but we must be willing to answer them.
Valerie Lowe is editor of spiritledwoman.com
My name is Valerie Lowe and welcome to my first-ever blog. As the new editor for spiritledwoman.com, I'm excited about the possibility of expanding our community to thousands of women. Please continue to visit and share your thoughts and testimonies about the goodness of God. Together we can proclaim Jesus to the world!
Do you know what a crash course is? It’s when you get quick intensive training in a particular subject area. The course usually expedites the learning process, and in little time you are free to apply what you’ve learned.
Last week I received a crash course in the grace of God when my daughter invited eight of her college friends to spend spring break at our home—without my knowledge or permission!
Of course I responded to her like any other sane parent: Have you lost your mind!
All I could think was that eight 20-somethings were going to invade my home and leave it a wreck.
The timing couldn't have been worse. I had a million other things to do, and no time to play dorm mother to a bunch of young adults. But as soon as I began to rehearse all the things I had to do, God gave me a plan to accomplish all of my tasks and be a good hostess. My nephew played chaperone/chef/bouncer while I was away at a work and later at a women's meeting. My sisters and mother had stopped by earlier to help me clean the house and make it sparkle.
When I arrived home from work on the first day of their visit, I had to stalk the kids to find them because they were so quiet and respectful. They piled into the den and watched television while sending out what seemed like a million text messages.
The next morning we talked over bowls of Cheerios about their career aspirations and the challenges they face as young adults. I started to feel guilty for judging these kids but God gave me another crash course, in forgiveness, and told me not to go on a guilt trip. Before long I was speaking into the lives of eight young women and men!
Have you ever taken a crash course in the grace of God? I have, and when those kids left my home I was assured He had sent them. God sometimes interrupts our schedules with divine appointments, but we must be willing to answer them.
Valerie Lowe is editor of spiritledwoman.com
posted by Felicia Mann at
10:21 AM
10 Comments:
Greetings Ms./Mrs.Lowe. Welcome to the land of the "bloggers". Hey what ever happend to the message boards? LOL. I too am new to this whole blogging thing. Actually this site was one of the first blogs that I had ever done. I enjoy reading the weekly messages that I receive from this publication and I look intensively even further to the additional messages that are provided from Brenda, and now you.
After reading your post, I instantly knew where you were coming from. I also knew before reading all the way down how the Lord was going to intervene. HE DOES ME THE SAME WAY! Allbeit my daughters are only 17 months and 5 years of age, I invisioned myself in your spot. I have had many "intrusions" from my husband and his friends, you know the ones you only see when they need a quick hair cut? I do get flustered because I am comfortable in my routine of life, not to mention, how I freely roam about in my house. That's another story! But then I begin to think of the service that my husband provides, he doesn't charge for the haircuts and I know that is his time to minister and listen to his friends and my time to be a gracious God-fearing and loving host. When it's all said and done, I know that God's heart is warmed by the unselfish acts of kindness, and yes, that too brings me to a guilt/repentive prayer. It goes something like this: "Lord please forgive me for being haughty and uncompromising. I was being selfish, who knows, only but you, why this young man came over here to get his haircut. He may not have had any money or he just may have needed to hear a Word from you. Thank you for understanding and for your forgiveness. In Jesus' name. Amen."
That's it no more guilt or condemnation. I see I have to get out of my comfort zones at times, even when I don't want to. Thanks for sharing. And I look foward to many more of your blogs. God Bless.
Welcome to your new level in God! New level, new experiences. Be Blessed!
Welcome! I've enjoyed your many articles over the years and now God has given you another platform to showcase your excellent research and writings. Blessings, Nikki
What a blessing to wake up to! Thank you, welcome and be encouraged, you are a blessing Nikki.
Valerie i have been a regular reader of spiritledwoman online for so many years. To actually read your blog, is equally inspiring, pls, keep up the good work.
Another step towards the mark! I was just having a conversation earlier about being available for His works building His kingdom. Having a schedule and somehow way or another, something has come up where not only your time but your whole being is required. We are are equipped and we just never know when we will be called upon. So we pray continuously, praise Him continuously and receive all that life has to offer and comes our way. If it comes to you, you will go through it, you will get what was for God, what was for you and will be able to share in passing it on to someone else. Thank God for the instrusion and Thank God for "IT."
Thank you for sharing your lessons. I too have had crash courses in God's Grace- and I look forward to more from your blog!
Hello
Your comments are refreshing they remind me of how the very things that get us upset and frustrated are the things that end up providing the most blessings from God. No matter how hair pulling the situation God shows us a glow of light that can only be seen by him. I love him with all my heart
Carla
This is what I realy need to hear. Due to a court situation just the other day. God bless you for your comments.
Awesome, awesome, awesome! Reading this article has inspired me beyond belief. I am thanking God for elevating you to another level, so that you may continue to bless others through your words. You are truly amazing.
Lavon ~Orlando
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