The Gifts of His Grace

Sometimes, especially around this time of year, I just like to step back and review the workings of God in my life. As we approach Thanksgiving, I begin to think about the many ways in which He has been gracious to me. Somedays, the realization hits me so strongly: I am blessed.

Unfortunately, my focus isn’t always on the blessings. Life has hard things, too—and this year has been no exception. Repeatedly, God has brought to my attention the need to accept His grace in walking through it all. The grace is there—freely offered and always sufficient. But the choice is mine whether I will accept it.

When I surrender my expectations of a “perfect life” to Him and open my eyes to see the Lord in every situation, I find that there is an overflow of grace for each day. What a privilege it is to walk with the King of Kings, the Son of God. In all His majesty, He yet longs for a relationship with me and died so that I could have the fellowship with Him that my sin had destroyed. Salvation is the greatest gift of His grace, and it is entirely of His grace. There is no way I could have earned it. He made it possible because of His finished work on Calvary. That’s grace—big time!

However, He didn’t stop there, and that’s what is so beautiful about walking with Jesus. His grace is for now, and He constantly showers His gifts on His children. I have hope—because He lives, I can face tomorrow. I have peace—because I can cast my care on Him (Phil. 4:6). I have joy—because He is faithful no matter what. I have security—because He will never leave me nor forsake me.

He’s given me an amazing family and a wonderful church. He’s blessed me with working limbs and eyes that can see and ears that can hear. I have the cutest nieces and nephews in the world! I have a comfortable home and food to eat…and you get the idea!

But what I’ve really been focusing on this year is the “little” things that showcase just how gracious He really is–it is so incredible that He cares about the small things of my life. Things like the hymns and Christian music He’s used to minister to my heart—when I can’t put my feelings into words, these songs give voice to the burdens and longings of my soul. Or the perfect timing in bringing three sweet new piano students into my life, or the kind, pleasant instructor on my second road test, or the sermons that were “just what I needed” after calling out to the Lord for help earlier!

Don’t we serve a wonderful God? How tender and loving He is! I see His love in the blue sky and the golden trees this beautiful fall time. A smile from a friend, a piece of juicy apple strudel to eat by the crackling fire, an inspiring devotional, a new poem, cuddles from my baby niece—all are gifts of His amazing grace!

We have a choice as we live our lives. We can whine and complain and focus on the bad. Or, even as we wipe away the tears and give our aching hearts into His hands, we can choose to accept the grace He offers. We will find His promise to be true: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).”

I want to choose, today, to focus on the Lover of my soul and the abundant gifts of His grace! Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful (Psalm 116:5).

Easy Homemade Rolls

And…because it’s almost Thanksgiving when one of the blessings we enjoy that day is delicious food, I have a recipe to share with you all: our light, fluffy, bread machine rolls. Enjoy!

1 ½ c. water, warmed (I do one minute in the microwave)

1 stick of butter, sliced (can be right out of the refrigerator)

½ c. granulated sugar (I do raw, sucanut)

1 whole egg

4 cups all-purpose flour (you can also use whole wheat, but the rolls will be much denser)

Herbs and seasonings (my favorites are onion powder, garlic powder, and sometimes dried dill)

1 Tbsp yeast (don’t leave this out, whatever you do! 😊)

Add ingredients to the bread machine in the order they are listed. Depending on the machine, you may need to add a bit more flour to keep it from being too sticky. Select Dough setting. When finished, form into rolls (makes 20 large rolls or 25 small rolls) on lightly greased baking sheet. Or you can form into two loaves and place in lightly greased loaf pans. Cover with a towel and allow to rise until desired height. If making rolls, bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms are light brown and the tops are slightly golden. If making bread, bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown.