Blog : Give Me Grace - Page 85 of 101

Something New

Posted on August 15, 2013August 15, 2013 by lisha epperson

This blog has become a retreat, my sweet little alcove away from the grind and I’m working hard to make it inviting, functional and pretty. For you – my friends. My goal is to keep it fresh and offer a little something new every once in a while – sort of like new sheets or an appliance that wouldn’t just sit on top of the kitchen counter. I want the something new to be useful, while making your visit, more enjoyable. No trends, no gimmicks, just useful.

On the technical side, I’m using a new widget called MailChimp Form by Contact Us. It creates a “you can’t miss it” option for readers to sign up for the newsletter. Did you notice it? Did you click it? I’ll know in the coming weeks if its doing it’s job.

Speaking of the newsletter…did I tell you how much I enjoy putting it together? I can’t explain it but something about generating ideas throughout the month and bringing them all together in this type of format satisfies so many of my creative urges. There’s still a major learning curve in action but I’m encouraged to keep trying. I hope you enjoy receiving it. Make sure to shoot me a message letting me know if it’s serving your needs and meeting your expectations. And…if you aren’t receiving it use the newsletter link. It should be on the left.

Probably the biggest change has been the monetization of my blog. If you receive the newsletter you already know about that, but yes, I have officially stepped into the affiliate arena. I’ve prayed carefully about this and look forward to offering you high quality services and beautifully crafted items that I use and enjoy.

I received really nice feedback from the “You’re Beautiful GIVEAWAY” and thought “The Dress” would be the perfect item to offer on the blog. So… I created an Etsy shop that would feature a few of my husbands designs. I’ve even added a coupon code for blog subscribers to receive $25 off.

"The Dress" - w/out belt — “The Dress” – w/out belt

"the dress" - black floral print — “the dress” – black floral print w/belt

“The Dress” is my go to piece during the week. I’m all about being a pretty mama. On dress down days I wear stylish yoga pants with a 3/4 length tunic or really nice dark denim with a layered top or sweater. But I’m a dress girl at heart and most days that’s how you’ll find me. The longer the better. So “The Dress” has become a staple. Don’t be fooled by the little beauty in the picture, this dress works …for everyone. It has even served me well as I work through my ballerina breakdown. (Still working on that by the way) It’s forgiving without looking like a sack. Trust me.

So there you have it…at the core of my hopes for inspiring others is my deep love for women. I want you to feel beautiful…because you are. I want to minister His love and grace upon you through His word and in deed, by opening up my virtual home where we can chat and cover each other in prayer. You might even leave with something that makes you feel pretty.

Thanks so much for walking with me, for your support and encouragement. You guys are a bright and shining spot in my day. Love you all!

P.S. – I’ve listened to the music of Ashmont Hill for a few years now. I even choreographed a piece to their song “Praise His Name”. Their new album comes out on August 20th. This is the first single. It’s called “The Maze”. I think you’ll like it. Enjoy.

Living the Word

Posted on August 11, 2013August 13, 2013 by lisha epperson

Every picture has a back story, a behind the scenes, if only you knew component that adds layers of significance to its meaning. Even what is unseen plays an integral part in revealing the whole story.

This was my view yesterday. I was one of maybe 100 people gathered around the happy couple…all in attendance and on duty to celebrate.

This is a picture of an ordinary family celebrating under extraordinary circumstances. They are in this moment …living the word. Let me explain.

I’ve been connected to this family for 10 years. We met, when the youngest of 4 siblings entrusted my family with the adoption of her daughter. I’ve always known they were special. The way they gathered , supported and loved their “baby girl” through an untimely pregnancy and subsequent adoption spoke volumes about their commitment to each other, the way they lived. I felt fortunate to be embraced by a family that loved so big.

Only a few days before the wedding, this family lost their a son and brother. Suddenly. Instantly the joy of planning a celebration turned into a maze of unanswered questions and bleeding broken hearts. Days later the hearts have begun the painful walk towards healing – acceptance quickens its pace and can be felt…just around the bend. At the ceremony, the family patriarch rose to declare “this is the day that The Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” and I remembered how we are commanded as Christians to live the word. His voice was strong and true with no hesitation. His faith in God, in every situation, on display for all to see.

This story isn’t so much about the loss of a son as it is about a families graceful response to unexpected, unexplained tragedy. This family gracefully answered the call to live the word…even through grief. Putting aside the past, they pressed forward to a hopeful future and took us all along for the ride.

On Friday, they lay to rest, Cedric Lockett – son, brother, husband, father and uncle. Friend. They prayerfully said goodbye and released his spirit to its maker. On Saturday the family took advantage of grace made available through faith, and celebrated the joyful union of their first-born daughter.

How did they do it? How could they do it? Well I was there and I witnessed the answer firsthand. They lived the scripture. Simply,beautifully, remarkably… they lived the scripture. May we all be recipients of such grace…living wisdom and obedience to His word.

This picture is a testimony. The journey to the kiss, the exaltation of the crowd and a powerful lesson for all. May we all be found living the word.

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:24 KJV)

this is my offering to The Sunday Community. Also sharing with the Behind the Scenes family. Be blessed.

Dreams of the Lonely

Posted on August 9, 2013August 9, 2013 by lisha epperson

Lonely Dreamer in car selfie Summer 2012 — Lonely Dreamer
in car selfie
Summer 2012

Last summer I was lonely.

A new baby, when all my friends were sauntering alongside tween-agers, left me as the last girl on the hill and still on the playground at 46.
I’d drop off the older set for classes and sit for hours waiting…in the car…with the youngest two….waiting. I was filled to the brim with my dream of motherhood but that summer, I was lonely.

At the lowest moments I felt useless. Brain cells awash in a sea of incessant chatter. I felt bored and desperate for stimulation. I needed conversation…community. But who would complain? Certainly not the formerly infertile girl…now by the grace of God a mother of 4 children. I dare not let a word of ingratitude escape my breath, let alone cross my lips.

But lonely wasn’t all bad.

Between books, games, and long-awaited naps I began to dream
I imagined myself as part of the blogging world. I imagined using my voice and experience to encourage and inspire. I prayed He’d use me. He whispered He would and I began.
What started out as lonely allowed me to hear and bear witness to my hearts cry for this – my own God-sized dream.
So I jumped. And women were there to catch me. Meet me in this perfect place for a virtual cup of tea and I was welcomed. Embraced. Encouraged.

You. You know who you are…He used you to help me see through the lonely. I was never alone. Divine appointment? Destiny? In the stillness of that painfully lonely time I prayed and heard from God. Last girl on the hill? Maybe, but I had an appointment with God.

Has lonely been a point of contact for you and the One who loves you most? Tell me about your season of lonely and the dreams that followed.

I’m hanging with the gorgeous gaggle of women at Five Minute Friday and Fellowship Fridays this week. Join us with a submission or simply read and enjoy.

An Unexpected Encounter and a Lesson on Courage

Posted on August 4, 2013August 4, 2013 by lisha epperson

Each day at nap time I gather my littlest lovelies on the “big bed”. With a stack of books at my feet, I read, until the squirming, tickling and chatter end and sleep takes over. Today my 5-year-old chose her children’s devotional bible. Page 32. Go!Go! Gideon. The chapter told of Gideon’s wrestle with God to prove Himself and His instruction for Gideon to go forth with courage. I read the accompanying scripture 1 Chronicles 28:20 and wept softly.

Be strong and of good courage, and do it, do not fear nor be dismayed, for The Lord God – my God – will be with you.

These words were a sweet whisper of love…a much needed shot of encouragement as I continue to work through a difficult season. I’ve been pushing myself to do more. Pushing while afraid. Pushing while unsure. Pushing through my doubt. I’ve wondered if I am hearing from God. When things go wrong, I do that. Many things in my life seem to be coming together but I have one area of continual struggle. In spite of it and maybe even because of it, I know I’m on the verge of something good. I know the breakthrough is coming.

So I read these words while holding back tears because like Gideon I am inadequate. Like him my resources are just not enough. These words, written simply, broken down for a child to understand, ministered to me.

Just before nodding off Chailah asked what courage meant. Choosing a more familiar word to define it, I said it means to be brave. I don’t always see myself as brave but with a seed of scripture planted deep within – I know I can be. And with that they were both asleep and I realized, because of this unexpected encounter with God, I…could rest too.

God is with me. I just have to be brave.

Don’t you just love a good children’s bible? Don’t you just love how He is speaking to us ALL the time? Tell me about your unexpected encounter with God.

I’m hanging out with Deidra Riggs and friends for The Sunday Community. Swing by for personal musings on His word or just a great time among friends. Such good stuff.