True Meaning ...

This past week
I have really been focusing on 
THE CROSS
and 
leaning into JESUS!
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I've looked at the true meaning of the CROSS, the message of the CROSS, the history of the CROSS, and the purpose of the CROSS, especially how all of this personally is for me, as I reflect & read all that's in The Blue Book (by Jim Branch)

and all that a *precious sister in Christ 💚shares in scripture verses & songs

{I even ventured into Sacred Texts archives momentarily}-best to scroll quickly & catch what might appeal to your view-
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{there were a few Substacks that caught my eye this week, also on The CROSS}
I read the one by Pastor Rich, which made me explore furtherNot sure if you can read them without a Substack

Substack Articles:
"The CROSS, the Crook and the Crown"Tony, Christianity Now
"Christianity without a CROSS"Stephen R Briar, The Abbey
"The Garden Beneath the Cross"Pastor Rich Bitterman, Old Paths & New Roads
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My conclusion is that I cannot summarize or frame in my own words, 
the powerful place of the
CROSSofJESUS CHRIST
for me, to me
better than one of the choruses of the famous hymn*shared by my sis

"... So I’ll cherish the old rugged CROSS, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown."

there are others and more than these listed:

"Beneath the CROSS of Jesus""In the CROSS of Christ I Glory""The CROSS we all were There""Fore'er Victorious CROSS"(Forever)"Take Up the CROSS""Lift High the CROSS"
{I'm sure that you can think of many more}

[even Spotify ] [image credit: Lifeway Worship]
Some Newer Ones:
"Lead Me to the CROSS" (2007)"At the CROSS" (2008)(2014)"Mighty CROSS" (2017)"To the CROSS I Come""Thank You for the CROSS""The CROSS of Christ" (2015)"The Power of the CROSS" (2022)

"The CROSS" (2024)

"... Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16

Anyways, the reason I came to share today was not to share on "The CROSS" but if you need a summary "10 Things You Should Know about The Cross" (Crossway) will cover it. I choose to linger in listening to the various "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" as I look forward to an upcoming summer study with Love God Greatly (LGG) on one of my 2025 One Words, and it will start June 9th ... there's a teaser sample of 2 weeks at You Version. And of course, there are others on this at You Version (bible.com) like this 31 day one. This was my reason in coming to Blog today ... but because The CROSS is so predominant in my mind & heart this week, I spent my time there "At The CROSS" with Jesus! {not sure which one I like better - by Hillsong, or Chris Tomlin?} However, I really should have shared more on the personal meaning yet I know that each of us have our own "story" of the true meaning, purpose and message of the CROSS of Jesus Christ in our lives. And it's unique to our inner beliefs and living. There was one person I heard of long ago, now gone on to be with Jesus, who personally carried the Cross around the world. His name: Arthur Blessitt! You'll be blessed if you read about his journey, or refresh your memory of him. I know that each of us bear a different kind of CROSS - maybe not a physical one like Arthur's, but another kind of physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual cross, leaving scars or wounds that need His healing, and still (sorry to say) hardly compares to The CROSS of Christ & the suffering He endured for us, to no fault of HIS! HE became an Innocent sacrifice exchanged for our redemption & our eternal life with God! Oh, for the CROSS! Christ's victory over sin & death completed in His Resurrection.

What a Savior!

ABIDE and TRUST (2025)

As I begin with my 3471st post, I was not sure if I had disclosed my 2025 One Word(s) officially: so I have decided at least to mention these as I continue into 2025, even though I have not yet pinpointed which one is THE One Word, I have decided that they co-exist and relate to one another.

[image credit: dayspring (in)courage] after quiz

ABIDE was the One Word that was given to me when I took the quiz that (in)Courage offered & I'm not sure how that actually works (like "are there only certain One Words encompassed in this quiz?") but I took the quiz, then prayed about this One Word as I started 2025 and leaned into listening. I also focused on one verse (or at least the chapter in John, which contains much on ABIDING) John, chapter 15 in different versions and then I tucked ABIDE away in my heart & mind & waited to see or hear. I read and reread the couple of emails that I received from (in)courage about One Word at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 when I took the quiz. Not knowing for sure, I kept that One Word, as I quietly continued into 2025 and began to hear my other One Word: TRUST. I'm strongly considering re-doing the Quiz just to see. Yeah, definitely need more TRUST, from the smallest to the biggest parts of my life!

Now TRUST, kept showing up everywhere and to me that spells "confirmation"; so I asked God over & over again, if TRUST is the One Word or is it ABIDE? Or maybe, just maybe, God - are TRUST and ABIDE related? and do I need to understand how they relate? Clearly, God reinforced that I should TRUST Him and so I continued with thinking that TRUST was the 2025 One Word that God & I could agree on. I, for one, know that I need lots of work when it comes to TRUST, however, I thought it was only an issue with people in my life, surely not in my relationship with Jesus/God/Holy Spirit. As this year presses on, I began certain resource books & prayers on TRUST, but have yet to finish any. I focused on Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 26:3 as my TRUST verses and then waited, watching for TRUST verses to show up here & there & storing them. Also, I have a 365 day devotional book, not even on TRUST, but related to another consideration for my One Word, and it keeps showing up there in the prayers & devotions.

Is it possible that God intends for me to have these two One Words in 2025? and notice the connection between ABIDING and TRUSTING or TRUSTING as I ABIDE. I have begun to consider this as God leads me for 2025, so I have left my other considerations behind and holding on to both of these One Words together, knowing God is not limited by our One Words as HE will use any WORD in HIS WORD to draw us closer. I am rereading the articles from (in)courage: "How One Word Can Help You Receive God's Best?" by Becky Kiefe (Dec, 2024) and "One Word to Help You Hear the Good Shepherd in 2025" by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young (Jan, 2025) I do know that the Good Shepherd hears me, cares about me as I care for another, and He leads me as I TRUST & ABIDE, so I am confident that He is leading me into 2025 with both One Words, emphasizing that He is with me, as I am with Him & stay close every.single.day! Starting & ending my day with God, have not always been enough this year as I am finding that I definitely need Him every moment so I take time to pause & spend time in between or whenever I can get a chance throughout the day & night. After all, HE'S my God 24/7! 

[image credit: Knowing-Jesus]

Based on this (similar to my other books begun but not finished yet), I am starting a Study Guide (streaming course) called "The ABIDE Bible Course" by Phil Collins (no, not the one that comes to your mind & mine) and Randy Frazee (yes, the pastor). There are 6 sessions (or videos) and starting now will allow me extra months, in case I start but don't finish to return and hopefully complete. Since I do consider myself a follower of Jesus throughout 7 decades, as I read the description of *Abide Bible Course, I am quite familiar with this:

"Followers of Christ abide with Him the way a branch dwells on a vine—in a life-sustaining connection. The Abide Bible Course features Phil Collins, the director of the Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement, and Randy Frazee, the architect of The Story and Believe Bible engagement programs. They introduce us to their favorite methods of interacting with God, including contemplation, journaling, imagination, praying Scripture, and works of art. Discover your own preferred method and make it a part of your daily practice of engaging with God and abiding in His Word." Study Gateway

Session One

Since there are 5 methods mentioned of interacting with God (in italics), I am sure this is an Introduction or Overall view for this course. It begins with the verses in Chapter 15 in the Book (Gospel) of John (NIV is used in the course, but under that, I've included The Voice as well)

"5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." NIV The Voice 5 I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear great fruit. Without Me, you will accomplish nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is like a branch that is tossed out and shrivels up and is later gathered to be tossed into the fire to burn. 7 If you abide in Me and My voice abides in you, anything you ask will come to pass for you. 8 Your abundant growth and your faithfulness as My followers will bring glory to the Father.

Instead of "Bible reading" or "Bible Study"this course uses the phrase"Scripture engagement"(where we engage with the text rather than just read it)
ABIDE[translated by scholars as - ]
to remain
to dwell
{to stay}
or
to make your home in

"... Just as you would get to know someone relationally by listening, interacting, and sharing experiences to-gether, the same is true of Scripture Engagement. As Jesus told His disciples, "Abide in Me"(John 15:4 ESV) ... This is the essence of Scripture Engagement."

There are 6 basic ingredients in the process of Scripture Engagement "1: Prepare your heart to be open to the Holy Spirit.  2: Read the Bible.  3: Meditate on the Bible.  4: Talk to God about His Word.  5: Talk about Scriptures with others.  6: Commit to obey what the Word says. "

After watching the Session 1 video, it mentioned these 5 practices forSCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT:(which are the content of the remaining Sessions 2-6)1. Praying Scripture2. Engage through Art3. Journaling4. Picture it5. Contemplate

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Now to begin to understand this and apply, right?
{I think I do most of this already, but I guess it's the degree that I do it}
yet I'm open to learn again and more as I continue in this course.
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I don't know why this happens but often now when I think I'm closing a blog post (because I've certainly shared enough to pique your interest & be accountable for mine), shortly after closing I end up discovering another book, or resource (and hope it's available on author's blog somehow, so I don't purchase yet another - but too late, I got me a used copy, coming in June). I receive emails from Jodie Berndt so for some reason, she interested me before (perhaps back when she featured this on her blog as a prayer challenge or when it was published). Anyways, she has a wonderful book (not yet read but ordered) "Praying the Scriptures for Your Life: 31 Days of Abiding in the Presence, Provision, and Power of God" (now this definitely is more my style) so when I read this blog post (besides wondering where I was in 2021 & 2022, because I don't usually miss extra special opportunities with authors I know & follow; AND FaithGateway events like this - maybe it's when I started receiving her emails). Anyways, my cousin loves Italy & after reading Jodie's blog post, I can see why. {Then add my new interest with the new Pope (lol)}, I needed to check this out better. I know that I have one of her other books on "Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children..." {Excellent!} but I just noticed the subtitle, or the part that follows that in her title, which jumped off the cover at me "... TRUSTing God with the Ones You Love" {oh my (sigh)} that's such a BIG ONE, Lord! I better pay better attention to my FaithGateway's Devotionals Daily. Already preparing myself to do those 31 days this July 2025, a few years later (I love her calendar linked to 31 days) and I couldn't believe what I read was her plan for August (back in 2022) and the book on Abiding was released in 2021. I think she did much of the Prayer Challenge on Facebook or Instagram (which I don't do) thus, the reason I fell into my temptations yet again of buying it.

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*Because this ABIDE Bible Course is 3 years old, I found this You Tube available to give you a taste & saw some others, like Session 2  (which is a little longer than the 1st link) and is on "Praying Scripture".This is a valuable lesson and one that I put into practice more & more for years.

MAY 18th will be a SIGNIFICANT DAY! (& my being UNDONE)

This is my CHOICE for the 3470th blog post, many of which are not shown in my Blog Archive

Right as this went to publish, I noticed that The Week (magazine subscription we receive) today had "Leo XIV: What an American pope can teach America" with this on their front cover {hoping it's more than a "White Sox" trail gating type cook-out" in your backyard}

[image credit: The Week]

Have been raised as a Catholic: grade school and my college education; & for a few years afterwards, my interest in the "new" Pope - Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV - has been piqued, so I have been following much from the Vatican News (rather than other places, which may or may not be true nowadays; with AI, etc). An example of this, I found on You Tube videos of supposed sermons in his English speaking voice (& parts are very good) but not actually him or by him. [being called "Altered or Synthetic Content" - "sound or visuals were significantly edited or digitally generated] {We need to check these things often and beware (aware) of this; besides "fact checking" instead of just readily accepting as is or as truth}. I have to remind myself of this often in this digital tech world we live in.  

Perhaps my interest and curiosity is because I am moved to see that the Conclave selected someone born in the United States of America (Chicago area) but lived much of his life in Peru as the 267th Bishop of Rome. The Papal Conclave is comprised from Cardinals (only those under the age of 80 are allowed to vote) - there are levels of ranks in the Catholic Church: deacons, priests, bishops & archbishops; then Cardinals from which a Pope is chosen. Cardinals are leading bishops and members of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals are chosen by the Pope, and typically holds the title for life, but they were originally ordained as a priest for at least 5 years before the appointment as a Cardinal. 

So just as in the Protestant, or other Christian denominations, there are certain terms, expressions, jargon, or Christian 'lingo' that is not really understood by others outside the Church, the Catholic Church also has many words and concepts not understood by others not raised in the Catholic Church, even by some in the Catholic Church. I noticed this as I was reading about some of the jargon being used to explain the rite, or the upcoming Inauguration being celebrated in a Mass (service) or (central act of worship, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion, sharing the Lord's Supper) or sharing of (Liturgy). The word Mass comes from the Latin word 'missa' which was for a time of the people being sent out or dismissed with the Latin expression "Ite missa est" meaning "go, it (the Church people) is sent". Because all of us are sent to go out & reach others with the LOVE of Jesus Christ. 

ANYWAYS
TODAY, May 18th
is 
the day that makes this 
OFFICIAL

"The Mass for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate will be celebrated on Sunday, May 18, at *10 a.m. Rome time in St. Peter’s Square. The liturgy will mark the official beginning of his ministry as successor of Peter and bishop of Rome. On May 25, he will take canonical possession of St. John Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the bishop of Rome." ~ Vatican City, May 17, 2025 / 07:00 am

{that's *3am CT or 4am ET}
Part of the celebration marking the official start of 
POPE LEO XIV

begins his 
Petrine Ministry
(this word comes from Peter)
the apostle/disciple of Jesus

Jesus continues, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18)

This means very much to the Roman Catholic's belief of Peter, as the 1st Pope.
[here's an interesting explanation so you can decide for yourself]
And I found this explanation of 
"The Rite of the Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry of Leo XIV"
to be intriguing, but too many Catholic terms are used
(or Latin)
[Spanish "Pescador" = Fisherman & el anillo = ring]

however
the part on the "Ring of the Fisherman" (Peter) is quite interesting.
{perhaps only to me, as a former Catholic}
Yet very important to me 
(and it might be significant or interesting to you also)
is the reason that Robert (Bob) Prevost chose 
Leo, the XIV

"... I chose to take the name Leo XIV. There are different reasons for this, but mainly because Pope Leo XIII in his historic Encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution. In our own day, the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice and labor." Facebook video

He delivered a message of
PEACE
for his first address to the world!
This and his commitment to social issues
speak volumes to me
and
keeps me interested in following the
Vatican News
The most inclusive and easiest to understand article I've read comes from BBC
Pope Leo XIV
is almost my age and our past interests seem almost the same so far.
He's American and a Peruvian missionary.
He's already restored or given me
more HOPE for the
CHURCH
Let us PRAY for Pope Leo XIV (and the Church)!
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"God of All people, 

Habemus papam! We have a new pope! 

In trust and gratitude, we turn to Your Holy Spirit. We know Your Spirit has been active during this time of conclave, guiding the prayerful discernment that has brought Your Church to this important moment. Now, as Pope Leo XIV assumes the Petrine Ministry, we pray that Your Spirit draw ever closer to our new Holy Father, illuminating his path so that he may faithfully see and respond to the needs of Your people. 

We pray that Pope Leo XIV be strengthened in his ministry. May he continue building bridges that connect us to one another. May he be an example of faith, hope and love. We pray that You give him joy in his work and a renewed fervor for Your Gospel message. May he never lose sight of Christ who walks before us and among us — particularly in the most vulnerable, the forgotten and the outcast.  

Christ Jesus, bless Pope Leo XIV — and bless us, Your holy people, as together we strive to be Your Body in our wounded world.

Amen." from the Jesuits (a Catholic religious order; the Society of Jesus)   

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This week in The Blue Book on Monday
the focus is on "UNDONE"
and Psalm 51
Not sure of this word but somehow I felt it fits me
and my spiritual place of feeling
UNDONE
with some restoration of HOPE because of Pope Leo XIV
but we shall see
{the reason I made this connection before starting the
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As I looked up the meaning for being
UNDONE
I found a dictionary that said:
"to be without hope for the future"
(and honestly, I can relate to this, until ...)
its actual meaning of course, is "not tied, fastened; not done or finished"
well, that certainly describes me 'cuz
HE'S STILL WORKING ON ME

[May 19-25] 17. UNDONE Psalm 51 Daily Scripture Readings: Monday: Isaiah 6:1-8 Tuesday: Luke 5:1-11 Wednesday: 2 Samuel 12;1-25 Thursday: Job 42:1-6 Friday: Hosea 6:1-6 Saturday: Revelation 1:9-18 Sunday: Lamentations 3:1-29

My NIV yearly devotional plan actually had UNDONE for today😲
Day 139 with a comment by R.C. Sproul for Isaiah'sencounter with the Holiness of God (6:1-7)"to be UNDONE means to come apart at the seams;to be unraveled" (personal disintegration (psychologically){too complicated for me to try to explain}Isaiah 6:5 contains UNDONE"Woe ... for I am UNDONE!"
But of course, it's taken from Sproul's "Holy Passion"and he goes much deeper & very beautifully explains this well:
"In the face of God's perfect integration,Isaiah (or possibly us) saw his deepneed for personal reconstruction."["...framing a life of integrity with God's help]
-just a small tidbit-🙏How quickly God replies through His Word for me!
[over 10 months of daily caregiving can make anyone feel UNDONE]
Believe it or not,I can actually see a connection between all that I've writtenfrom my admiration of a new American/Peruvian Popeto my being UNDONE like dear the prophet Isaiah &"Holy Passion"a real necessity for the time thatwe are now living & facing daily

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SIDENOTE:
P.S. I have not returned to the Roman Catholic Church, nor is my sharing this for or against those who are - Catholics.I received a good foundation of my beliefs from being Catholic then moved forward (imho)with those beliefs and further involvement in other Churches that deepened that growth.I am thankful for every single Church that has touched my life & that I have been part of & involved in.Each and every spiritual experience has built upon my walk as a follower of Jesus Christ;enriching and teaching me how to be more like Jesus & trying to apply all I read in God's Wordinto practice of living it out better & encouraging others towards Jesus. My relationship with Jesus/God, the Father/Holy Spirit is the reason I live & the most important part!

GRACE ... More Than We Deserve; & LOVED by God

Update added at the End & reposted

When I came back online (after Lent, besides the time offline at the beginning of the year), I really did not think that I'd be writing that many blog posts this year, not even the weekly 6 pm SONday ones, but here I am again. The biggest reason has been because of "The Blue Book" and its weekly One Word choices, Scripture & Reflection Readings really have been speaking to me personally that are inspiring me to share. As I look ahead to the upcoming themes for May, in particular, I am sure that this will continue ... especially the next one. How could I not?

The GRACE of God

{after all, it's my CHOSEN Blog title}

Actually I felt it was given to me 

by God

way back when I started .

aMazing GRACE

which was added to 
Mazes, Messes & Miracles
which I decided summed up my life journey
a recurring series of events
that fit or transitioned
throughout
my walk
whether it was through a Maze,
or a Mess, that ended in
a Miracle by God
reminding
me
constantly of His
aMazing GRACE!
"GRACE is God's best idea"~Max Lucado~
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So even before I begin Monday's new chapter in "The Blue Book" by Jim Branch, I thought I'd share the next few weeks of May with these upcoming themes:

15. The GRACE of God 16. LOVED by God 17. UNDONE 18. The CROSS

Once again, we are being led back to The CROSS
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Of course, it's at The CROSS that
The GRACE of GOD
is poured out
on us
GRACE
is defined as
"unmerited favor"

"The Hebrew word for “grace” is cḥēn, pronounced like “hen.” This word is commonly translated as “favor,” which means acceptance and goodwill regardless of whether we've earned it. In other words, grace is undeserved favor. Grace can't be earned; it is something freely given to us by God." from Compassion International

The Greek word
"charis"

One of the most well-known acronym for GRACE that I learned quite awhile ago is
God's  RichesAt  Christ's    Expense
so once again, we come to The CROSS
One can never express
just how really
aMazing
God's GRACE truly is
{at least I can't}
I found another acronym quote by Stephanie Cacioppo that says GRACE stands for:

GratitudeReciprocityActionCompassionEnergy
I understand the first 4 but not too sure of the last one. I like it, but I think I prefer the original well-known (or used by pastors & authors most) and then there's the following one of the 5 elements of GRACE from a book by John Baldoni (having more GRACE in a crisis) with almost the same words for each letter:
GenerosityRespectActionCompassionEnergy
Whichever acronym choice, we know that GRACE is/was greatly shown by Jesus Christ - all the way to the Cross. I also found an 8 page document on "The Principles of GRACE" but just saved it rather than read it now. I will trust that by the time I (we) read in "The Blue Book" this week that we will be saturated by the goodness of God's GRACE. Meanwhile, I believe that Jesus Christ's GRACE encompassed all God's Riches and definitely had sufficient portions of Generosity (and we should have much Gratitude for the GRACE of God); that there's much Respect & Reciprocity received & given in moments of GRACE; and that GRACE takes our ACTION and our COMPASSION just as Jesus showed us; certainly maintaining & reflecting Jesus' GRACE will take alot of Energy for us humans, but since we are made in God's image, it's available in us so let's be aware that we all need more GRACE and we all need to offer more GRACE in our daily interactions. I have always been aMazed by God's GRACE and after a week focusing on the GRACE of God, I know that I will be refreshed by His GRACE once again. It is not through anything that I have done, and as I already have written, it is not earned or deserved by any one of us. So much can be written about the GRACE of God, in fact most of us are aware of one of my favorite author, who has written many books already on GRACE - our dear Pastor & Author Max Lucado. One quote by Pastor Max is shared in the Readings for Reflection and it's one that we can immerse ourselves in, over & over:

"The more we immerse ourselves in GRACE, the more likely we are to give GRACE." -- In the Grip of Grace (1996)

I have quite a few of Max's books, but not on GRACE(more are on being CALM, not anxious)
Perhaps if I had a few more on"GRACEfor the Moment"or"In the Grip of GRACE"
I would be more focused on God's GRACE and have much less fret and worry in me, with my firm grip on  GRACE 
I'd know much more on how trulyaMazingthe GRACE of God isso my blog would not have therest of my subtitle ofMazes, Messesbutwrapped in all theMiracles found in HisGRACE
{but still I really do realize just how aMazing GRACE is & has been in my entire life}
I recall being immersed frequently in
the GRACE of God
According to Pastor Max

"Grace is simply another word for God's tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constant -ly and aggressively, wave upon wave. We've barely regained our balance from one breaker, and then bam, here comes another."

Here's a page with quotes just from 
"GRACE
More than We Deserve
Greater than We Imagined"
by Max Lucado
{I guess I would choose this book from all of Max's GRACE books}
but I'm sure I've surpassed my quota of books & ebooks for this year
BUT
it was that very first quote 
shared from that book by Max Lucado
that really got to me!
[so the 3.99 Kindle Limited deal got me his Award winning GRACE book - my 1st]
{I knew I was too weak to resist}
More
GRACE
please
so now let's turn 
In the Word of God, the Bible
where there are more than 400 verses that contain GRACE - which is more than enough for one a day the whole year!(this is really all we need)
Max is good, but God is greater!(plus He inspires Max too)
I just couldn't believe that with all the books I havethat I did not have one onGRACEhoweverevery time I read any books by Max LucadoI am filled with more from Godincluding His GRACE(if that's even possible)
I do have quite a few books on GRACE just not by Max.One of my recent sample ones: "Aging with GRACE" not gotten yet
GRACE
"I Can't Get Enough!"

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We'll start by looking at Psalm 32 for this upcoming week and here are the other Scripture Readings for each day of this week: 

Monday: John 1:14-18 Tuesday: Ephesians 2:1-10 Wednesday: Titus 3:1-7 Thursday: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Friday: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Saturday: Romans 3:21-26 Sunday: Luke 7:36-50

There are more than 400 verses that contain GRACE - more than enough for one a day!

The background history of the hymn 
"Amazing Grace"
by 
John Newton
shines a light on just how
aMazing
GRACE
is!!!
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Although this song is not this hymn
and it's titled "Amazing Love..."
it also has "Redeemed by GRACE"

from Timeless Hebrew Tunes
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A
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO
for Monday
May 5th
[celebration of Mexico's victory over the 2nd French Empire at their Battle of Puebla (1862)]
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and adding a 
Blessed & Happy Mother's Day!
[because at the end of this week's reading will be Mother's Day]
remembering our mothers fondly
🌹🌹🌹
Such the right time 
to beginning that next week on Monday with
LOVED
by God
&
our mothers "loved by God" and
vessels of His Love
&
our love for them!
{the good and not so good}
but nonetheless they are our moms
we're all human yet still
LOVED by GOD
💓


ADDING THIS HERE later in the week from an important email from Women of Welcome:

Towards the beginning:

"Immigration headlines can feel overwhelming, and the conversations are often complex. But Scripture calls us to love our neighbors and speak up for the vulnerable—and that includes our immigrant and refugee neighbors. That’s why we’ve partnered with our friends at Be the Bridge to create an updated guide to help you speak up with both confidence and compassion. Using Your Voice: For Our Immigrant Neighbors answers the most common questions Christians have about immigration and equips you to engage conversations with biblical clarity, truth, and grace." 

[You're invited to download a free copy @ https://womenofwelcome.com/use-your-voice/ ]

" —and take the next faithful step toward LOVE in action!"

If you know me at all through this blog or in person or somehow, you know that this

issue touches my heart & life deeply. I appreciate your prayers and "LOVE in action" as the Women of Welcome & Be the Bridge encourage us

... and the final part:

"... As we celebrated Mother's Day this past week, we reflected on how often love looks like sacrifice. Like a mother’s brave steps toward an unfamiliar border. Like holding tight to faith when everything else feels uncertain. To the migrant mothers making unimaginable choices out of deep love—we see you. To the moms sacrificing their time to welcome and to teach their children the way of biblical hospitality, your faithful efforts are seen by God. Thank you for loving in small, Christlike ways every day, ladies! {and men}

More in the Comments [Let's Pray Together] What a wonderful way to show others that we ALL are LOVED by God! There are no borders in being LOVED by GOD.