Posted on

Sunday Worship ~ Shout to the Lord

There are many worship songs that I love to sing, but there is only one (contemporary) song that gets me every time we sing it in church. I really, really have to contain myself not to raise my hands. Don’t get me wrong, our congregation loves Jesus and is very passionate about sharing God’s Word with the world. We just don’t raise our hands often during worship music. That is just who we are and I truly believe that there is nothing wrong with that. However, ‘Shout to the Lord’, brings always tears of joy to me. There is nothing more powerful to know that God loves me so much, that He sent His son to die for me. And that song reminds me of it.

Do you have some songs that you absolutely love and remind you how wonderful our God is? Please do share with me in the comment section which one it is. For me, besides God’s Word, music is a powerful way to connect to God. How about you?

Love & peace,
Iris

Posted on

Thankful Thursday ~ Random Thoughts

There are so many things in my life that I am thankful for, so today I will share some random thoughts that come to mind as I am typing out my Thankful Thursday post. We too often get bogged down by the negative things that happen to us, we forget that there are more positive things happening.

Tonight, as I was scanning through my FB feed, I noticed a story one of my friends had shared. The story was about a young girl (17 to be exact), that is fighting stage 4 cancer for the second time. This young lady is all about sharing Christ as she is fighting cancer. Katie Wagner has very dark days behind her, and more to come, but she gives glory to God. She is thankful for being used by Him. Her story is so inspiring to me. Please take a moment to pray for her and her family. I also encourage you to check out her story on her website: We Love Katie.

Last week I had shared that I have several Bible translations in my home. Well, on Monday I received a review copy of a new Women’s Study Bible. Sadly, I have not yet had the chance to dig into it, but the first impression in positive. I will share a more in-depth review on Friday here on my blog. I am thankful that God continues to give me new insights of His Word.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
(Philippians 4:4 ESV)

I am thankful for the strong community of Christian women around the world-wide-web. It is so amazing to me that women pray for each other from around the globe. We may not ever meet each other this side of heaven, but I know that there will be an awesome party in heaven when we come together. Some days I hardly can wait to meet the sisters in Christ…makes me giddy :).

I am also thankful for three new writers at Laced with Grace. God continues to strengthen the team and sends us women that are not afraid to share their heart. God is good…All the time.

These are just a few items I am thankful for this week. What are you thankful for? Please do share with us by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Please remember that in the month of July, my friend Laurie at “Women Taking A Stand” is hosting Thankful Thursday.

Thank you for stopping by today and allowing me host you all in the month of June. Remember: God will see you through the tough times; you are never alone!!!

Until next time…live, laugh and love!!!

Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. Firewoods, Pots, and Parenting
2. Heather @ Living In the Moment		 3. It Feels Like Chaos
4. Sarah — Freedom in The Journey of Hope		 5. Speak Life!

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

Posted on

Monday Morning Minute ~ Trust

Monday Morning Minute

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
(Proverbs 3:5 ESV)

Do we trust God only when life is good? Or can we trust Him every day, even when life is not so sunny? I go for the later! God never promised us that life, as a Believer of the Way, would be easy (see John 16:33 ).

This past week I encountered more challenges at work. I had to make a decision: either getting frustrated and giving up, or I could put my trust in the Lord. I made my choice to trust in the Lord. And I pray and hope that I, with the help of the Lord, will make a difference in other people’s lives.

You see, it is easy to just give up; throw in the towel so do speak. But then, how can we show others what we are made off and WHO we trust. My sweet friend, I hope that you will not give up and do good as the Lord commended us in Galatians 6:9 (ESV).

Lord, I am trusting You that You will work everything for the good who love You. Lord, I love and trust You with all my heart. I some times do not understand Your ways, but I know that You have my best interest in mind. May I let Your light shine in my life. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Photo Copyright © Iris Nelson

Posted on

Thankful Thursday ~ Gentleness

“You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed. ~ Psalm 18:35-37 (emphasis mine)

Have you ever realized how gentle our Lord is with us? Over the last couple of weeks He has reminded me gently that He is in control of the universe (and my life). Sometimes I just see only the things right before me; I don’t see the big picture. David always found the right words to praise our Lord. If you have not read Psalm 18 in its entirety, I encourage you to put it on your reading schedule…

So this week, I am thankful for gentleness; not only the gentleness of my Lord and Savior, but also the gentleness from the people around me…

  • Thank You Lord for Your incredible gentleness. Although I sometimes see only the issues in front of me, You always find a way to remind me that there is a bigger picture. I might not understand it now, but I know that I can trust You…

  • Thank You Lord for sending Your Son to redeem us. He showed us what gentleness means. How to react to even rude people…

  • Thank You Lord for placing a husband by my side who is so gentle. Not only in his actions toward me, but also his words calm my spirit…

  • Thank You Lord for the gentle reminder to digg deep into Psalms – my comfort ‘food’. I am so thrilled about Beth Moore’s study on the Psalms…

  • Thank You Lord for the friends in my life, who are loving, but also gently point me back in the right direction…

  • Thank You Lord for the gentle breezes in the afternoon, which helps cool down the air at night…

  • And Lord, this week I am especially thankful for Lynn, who has a gentle spirit and is a great prayer warrior. Lord, thank You for crossing our paths two years ago. I am blessed by her presence in my life…

What are you thankful for this week? Would you like to share with us? Just leave your link below (make sure it goes to your blog or Thankful Thursday post)…

Thank you for stopping by today and remember: Praise the Lord in your current storm (no matter how hard it might be) – David did – and I choose to do the same…

Sig Tag

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. mama meji
2. Denise
3. Lynn (Spiritually Unequal Marriage)
4. lori@allyouhavetogive
5. Tanja
6. Twinkle Mom
7. Melanie
8. Elizabeth Sue @ Wife Happens
9. Nise’
10. Angie
11. Ann/mom2HandH
12. Susan @ Forever His
13. Gina’s Public Diary
14. Nancie
15. It’s All About Him!
16. Liza’s Eyeview
17. BP @ Raindrops & Rainbows
18. Laurie @ womentakingastand
19. vikki
20. Joyfully Living
21. ari_1965
22. gina@chats with an old lady
23. brianna
24. Cheryl@Hope
25. Marsha
26. Lori ~ Simple Life at Home
27. Zoe
28. Stacy		 29. Beverly
30. Kim @Scattered Stones
31. Chris
32. Robyn @ Overflowing Grace
33. Linda aka Yellowroseli
34. Mary
35. Irene *The GreenGreek*
36. Cheryl
37. Steven and Aisha
38. Jenn @ Full of Boys
39. Tammy
40. Mama Bear
41. Beth@The Accidental Pharisee
42. Phyl
43. Tracy @ my cup runneth over
44. Michelle
45. Carrie@A New Heart
46. Erica
47. Beth/Mom2TwoVikings
48. Laurie Ann
49. In Light of the Truth
50. Cindy@My Corner of the World
51. SharonB
52. April (getting on track)
53. April @Discovering His Plan
54. Heather – Not a DIY Life
55. Tea with Tiffany
56. Lea		 57. Darlene
58. Ang4him
59. Prairie Chick
60. Nancy @ Homemade Blessings
61. Peggy@Mazes,Messes,Miracles…aMazing Grace
62. CLouVisualArts
63. Rosheeda
64. Storm at All Things Cherished
65. genny
66. Leanne from Canada!
67. Sharon’s Reservoir
68. pam
69. Mamasmurf (Chrissy)
70. Tessa @ Jesus-Filled Hope
71. Dawn’s Daily Life
72. Our Adventurous Life
73. David
74. Lisa-BlessedwithGrace
75. MyThreeDaughters
76. By faith…Angbaylis
77. Blessedw5mom (Heather)
78. Texastanya
79. Terri Sue
80. Janet @ Daily Provision
81. Cathy | thankful on FRIDAY
82. Jen–Scraps & Snippets

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.