GRACE

MareBearHitstheRoad Blogger - March 30th - Well today is my first day officially blogging and maybe no one will be reading and watching but that's ok...it isn't so much about an audience as it is the message. It's a scary thing at the ripe old age of 49 to say adios to all that is familiar and important to us and head back in time to a place that carries both extremely bad and extremely fond memories. The Big Apple is not Oregon and Oregon is not the Big Apple. Time moves a little slower here; people while at times can be guarded for the most part are not; friendliness is usually genuine and more often than not you don't have to lock your door or look over your shoulder. So u could say that this decision or crossroads will not be without it's adjustments and strife; but thankfully I have friends and family in both places and few in between that will guide and advise, encourage and lighten, and simply be available as needed...and I KNOW they will be praying which is a fabulous gift to receive.

As I look back on 22 years in Oregon, the friends I have made and lost; family that has come and gone; employment opportunities that have taught me much and improved me greatly; and the personal challenges along the way I amazed that I am still standing much less making this trek. I have been blessed more times than I should have and been forgiven for things I dare not speak of but am grateful for the grace. So today's message is about just that - GRACE.

How often in your life has a friend, a loved one, or someone who barely knew you extended the gift of grace to you unfettered with ulterior motives or selfishness; but rather simply given you Grace. It takes special people to share so freely of this very precious and rarely appreciated or recognized gift of grace. Not all have it and not all can give it. As human beings we are stubborn and prideful and filled with so much anger and resentment (at times) that we take things for granted but grace, ie forgiveness, That comes from a special place...a place that says I will love unconditionally and I will give of myself even when taken advantage of or hurt. I will not hold a grudge and I will not be poisoned by it. I have many many things to be thankful for over my lifetime but the one thing I am most grateful for is the GRACE! Jesus gave it to us on the cross. People give it to us because of what he did. Some give it because it is part of their make up. And sometimes, it just happens and you don't know why but it is given from a place so divine it defies human understanding.

Many of my family and friends have extended grace to me over and over and over...no need for me to beat myself up now over it...trust me, a lot of grace has been given. Today I may stand before you a good and kind, caring and generous person I wasn't always like that. Oh there were peaks and valley's (lots of valley's) but it took time to become who I am today and who I will be tomorrow, and it is truly because of the grace given to me that I am no longer that person. Grace in Salvation; and Grace out of Love. Those that have known me for a long time, know my heart is good - it always ways. But life has a way of standing in your way sometimes and beating you up or you let it beat you up and you become lost in it. And through all the valleys all the fires and avalanches of life, there always seemed to be someone there to catch me. Like someone was watching over me. God wasn't done with me yet I guess.

Those friends, those family members and you KNOW WHO YOU ARE - you have been used in such a mighty way for the kingdom of heaven. I know that what I will share here may not always be popular and may even frighten away some of those friends I am reacquainting with but it's ok, because my family and friends have taught me to be better, to be me, to be fearless. To have Faith. My life is not perfect, my friends are not perfect, I am not perfect and thank goodness I am not a twin - one of me is way too many...LOL - but the point is that in my 22 years in Oregon, beautiful nature of Oregon, I have grown up with my family and shed the bonds of hurt and pain and anger and loss, and replaced them with Faith, Hope and Love. And in those words lies Grace....share your grace today and watch it pay it forward....

marebear - countdown to departure T minus 50 days and counting.