EMBRACING BEING TRANSFORMED (?) 4-2

Perhaps you read my title and wonder why there's a question mark, as part of this last part of Lysa's book "Embraced ..." (which is the reason for the 4-2, 4th part and 2nd post)... but if you were able to read or understand my 4-1 rambling, you'd better understand the reason for the (?) ... I'm just not sure that one readily "embraces" being transformed or "embraces" transformation, even when it's realized that there's a definite need for transformation in all of us. However, I put the (?) because I was not sure if Lysa's Part 4 is about "Embracing His Calling" or "Embracing His Calling to be transformed" (which is how it's written). I'm hoping as I read more of these devotions in this final part of her book, I will know ...

EMBRACED

... Knowing God is Holding Me (You) Close

2019

Part 4: 

EMBRACING

His Calling

to be Transformed

Devotions #76-100

this week

#81-85

... no matter which way I look at this last part, as calling or transforming, I'm thankful that I know God is holding us close and that Lysa's devotions, draw me closer to being "embraced" as I read and learn more about "embracing" His Calling, and my need to be transformed. 

Last weekend, as I prepared that blog post, my mind was kinda in a fog a week ago, since November 2nd is a day, I remember and grieve the loss of our youngest brother, many years ago now, yet still thought of often, so I had and have been listening to some of his favorite music. As I mentioned last week's blog post, I am finishing up Laura Story's "I Give Up: The Secret Joy of a Surrendered Life" and that week was on "Being Transformed", so when this song played from a random playlist, it was not only  timely, but a moving reminder of "Surrender to Jesus"and I'd like to share it this week, to honor my brother before moving ahead with this next week's devotions. 

Here's another "Surrender" with an intro filled with so much meaning by the artist, my brother, Gary enjoyed, John Michael Talbot along with Michael Card

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Devotions #81 - 85

81. "Receiving Grace " Psalm 34:1 KJV

{could not find to link, see list below #83} ... but I, too have a problem giving and receiving grace with humans

... "In the midst of my mess, God is there."...

82. "The Treasure of Thrown-Away Food" Phil. 4:7

..."The truly thankful is a truly peaceful person."

83. "Giving Grace" Ephesians 6:12

{could not find that one but here's a few others by her on "grace"} "A Space for Grace" "Pinches and Grace" "Grace in the Middle" or "When Giving Grace Feels Hard"

... "The secret to healthy conflict resolution isn't taking a you-against-me-stance, but realizing it's all of us against Satan - he's the real Enemy."

84. "Something to Consider with Criticism" Luke 21: 13-15 HCSB

... "Remember, behind every harsh critic is usually a brokenhearted person desperate for love."

85. "I Had the Perfect Comeback" Philippians 3:16

{not me, ever}

... "Why would I want to trade the peace of partnering with God for a few cheap moments of putting someone else in their place."

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I shared a Gratitude Challenge last week by Maree Dee but actually it's the name of her blog & one of her categories that really intrigued me EMBRACING the UNEXPECTED (category) on Embracing Life in the Midst of the Unexpected (blog) neither of which I do very well so I won't even attempt to add this to all I need to EMBRACE in 2019 because this year is almost over and I've just tipped the top of this 'iceberg' {I think that's the expression}
anyways I'm still searching for what God meant when He whispered EMBRACE as my One Word in 2019 learning to EMBRACE as much as I can before 2020
sounds almost as vast as EMBRACING 1000 GIFTS which I hope to at least start with Ann Voskamp & FaithGateway
{I've got (actually had) the book & just got the study guide, so we'll see}
Thankful for Ann Voskamp & her books FaithGateway & the many studies they make available Lysa TerKeurst & her books, ministries & team at P31 & First 5 {that's a good start on "gifts" and gifted blessings}