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Monday, January 10, 2011

Graceful Living

I need more of this...

For myself and for others. My very patient husband will tell you I can be a perfectionist. When I do mess up (often), I usually allow it haunt me again and again.

Conscious living, intentional living is what we're called to, not a breathless, people-pleasing way of life. We're imperfect beings who need grace.

I crave grace. After a mess-up, I find myself internally cowering, curled up in the corner of my mind, waiting for the brow beating that never comes. The wonderful, God-loving community I'm immersed in has taught me so much about grace.

I spent the week working on this project in our church's youth room. You can imagine how much perfectionism was coursing through my veins during this little gem.

Every word required 3-6 coats with the tiniest of paintbrushes. Stroke after stroke for each word.

Pray...Pray...Pray...
Faithfulness...Faithfulness...Faithfulness...
Jesus...Jesus...Jesus...Jesus...Jesus...Jesus...

The words are meant to be an encouragement to our teens. As the adult leaders, we hope and pray that the words will speak into their lives and draw them closer to their Creator. But writing each of those words on the wall, over and over (and over) again, was a blessing to me. I need grace, Jesus, faithfulness, worship, righteousness written on the wall of my heart over and over (and over) again.

Perfection is my enemy. Graceful living is my goal. I want to live today intentionally, offering heaping handfuls of grace to everyone around me.

Will you join me?

3 comments:

  1. WOW! I have tears in my eyes and chills running down my arms! I am the same way about being a perfectionist and I replay all my failures on repeat in my head. I too need grace.
    I imagine that painting those beautiful words over and over has really imprinted them onto your heart.

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  2. I love it! You did a marvelous job on it. I was going to tell you one of the words was not straight just to see if you'd freak out but then I thought that would be mean. =) Anyway, I think it is amazing how God teaches us in such simple ways as you using your talents to teach others and then getting a lesson yourself.
    It's wonderful to have found your blog. I found you through your guest post on Thrifty Decor Chick.
    hugs,
    Tammy

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  3. Hi, I randomly came across your page through a google search. We're working on coming up with some plans for our youth room & I really like this idea. Did you use stencils? If you happen to see this and could e-mail me back at tiffanyjansen613@gmail.com I'd really appreciate it. Thanks so much!! :)

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