Lost & Found

If you have ever lost someone or something that you care about you will understand the following.
Lost has many faces; many names.Lost... as in misplaced?
Lost... as in gone? Lost... as in searching? And so on...

We have lost loved ones, friendships, occupations, &
'things' - like our keys, our car in a parking lot, our cell phones, our kids, our minds...Ok so maybe not the kids or our minds but now you get the idea. We no longer claim to have lost our train of thought. Yet, it is when we are lost emotionally that we find ourselves seeking advice, solace, confirmation & general assurance.  We have a tendency to wander about looking inward as we categorize, analyze, & rationalize the areas of ourselves that we believe need to be readjusted in order to be found acceptable. But ask yourself this: by whose standard of measure are you comparing yourself? Have your guidelines become blurred on the pages of society's status quo? 

 
May I introduce Grace. As I go about my day, Grace & I communicate. I like to share things with her; areas of life that have me perplexed & times of celebration that have me celebrating the understanding my purpose. Grace always listens. She is my heart's guide. She always assures me of my Father's love. Grace is my companion on the path I travel.

Who is Grace?
When we spoke of losing things, you naturally presumed
that we had eventually found them. How would you feel
if the lost were never found?

When we spoke of decisions that face us daily how many of us realize we are responsible for the choices we make. There is a better way.  For it is by Grace that we are able to see clearly that which is given to us - when we walk through life by Faith. While it is true that all have been lost & fall short of the glory of God, it is just as true that all can be found. No exceptions. It is your gift to accept...or not.
Once you know & accept the gift...by the 'Grace' of God, you are on the road to your Divine Destiny.

 
American Standard Bible (Ephesians 2:8)'For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God...'
When you find yourself lost for answers, questioning yourself, your reason for being & what comes next, simply ask the Guide of your Heart for help.
God will give you Grace. And Grace will lead you home....

The hymn Amazing Grace was penned by John Newton.

To learn more about Amazing Grace...

http://www.wimp.com/wintleyphipps/

Definition of GRACE

1

a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b: a virtue coming from God

c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

2

a: approval, favor <stayed in his good graces>

barchaic: mercy, pardon

c: a special favor : privilege <each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling>

d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

e: a temporary exemption : reprieve

3

a: a charming or attractive trait or characteristic

b: a pleasing appearance or effect : charm <all the grace of youth — John Buchan>

c: ease and suppleness of movement or bearing

4

—used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

5

: a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

6

pluralcapitalized: three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty

7

: a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura

8

a: sense of propriety or right <had the grace not to run for elective office — Calvin Trillin>

b: the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful

 

... Serving Seconds ....

Seconds are the small segments of a life-time that link minutes to one another to create an hour that joins hands to become a day. These days then mosey on to form calendar months, years, and time. We seldom notice them as they move swiftly past us and rarely, do we give them a second thought. They just are. However, when 'seconds' are more apparent, we take time to pay attention. Stay with me for just a second, maybe even two....

~Ok so you did and now you wonder for what you waited. Well, it could be anything. On second thought it may be nothing at all. But let's take a second look at this small but powerful word, action, status, & position that wears the name that is really second to none.

Everyone wants to be first. What is so great about first? No one really remembers who came in second. However, the runner up to a contest eyes the trophy with desire even though they found themselves with the red ribbon this time. Run past first to second and you are halfway home. Stop at first and you are further from the goal. Get to third, and well, you get the idea.

The birth order designs placement opportunity as the second born is also the youngest child or merely the second to the oldest. That would mean that the first born is simply second to none.


Remember the second helping you ate last holiday meal; it was either because you were still hungry or wanted the repeat sensation of the tastes that satisfied you the first time around.
Seconds can be fun, fattening, frustrating, family related, and frivolous for favor in competition. You have only so many seconds in a lifetime. Make the most of the first and second moment of your day.

Give second chances.
Accept second chances.

Take that second look at life and remember you are only seconds away from becoming your best…