"God resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble."
James 4:6
The lovely flower pictured above is a "Pink Perfection" Camellia...the first blossom of the year on the bush in my yard. This flower truly lives up to its name...perfectly pink, and perfect in its form and shape and beauty. As I posted this picture on my Facebook page yesterday, there were several comments written about its beauty and what a wonderful picture this was. One dear friend even complimented me on my photography skills. I was extremely humbled by this comment because that particular friend is truly a gifted and professional photographer, and her photos bless me every day. This was my first lesson of the new year to experience grace and humility. The photograph is beautiful, but I do not take any credit for that. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...and God knows how to use even this amateur photographer to bring glory to His name in sharing pictures of His marvelous creation. That is my purpose and goal with every picture that is posted here or anywhere else.
Meaning of the word according to the Merriam Webster dictionary:
"Full Definition of grace
1a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctificationb : a virtue coming from Godc : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2a : approval, favor <stayed in his good graces>b archaic : mercy, pardonc : 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 clemencye : a temporary exemption : reprieve
3a : a charming or attractive trait or characteristicb : 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
6plural capitalized : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty
7: a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura
8a : 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"
- "Grace." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 5 Jan. 2016. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grace>.
Okay, now that we have that settled...I've got my work cut out for me for 2016.
Oh, and guess what fell out of my BIBLE this morning as I opened it for devotions?
Yes, another bookmark about GRACE! Serving with Grace...hmmm, another thing to think about. This new word is going to provide a lot of food for thought this year. I hope it will be a blessing to you as well as to me.
Pam, Nothing like those constant affirmations/reminders, huh? God is so good to do that. The flower is so beautiful, a reminder to praise God for His creative abilities.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Kim
Thank you Kim. Yes, God is so good to give us little words and signs of encouragement along our pathway, to show us how to draw closer to Him. His matchless grace...a gift to His precious children...even though we do not deserve it...how marvelous!
DeleteYou have a beautiful blog! Your message about beauty is really touching..beauty certainly is in the eye of the beholder. And, God gave us so much beauty to enjoy, your camellia being one! hmmm, just wonder, could that have been the Holy Spirit pushing that bookmark out of you Bible, a way to say, "Atta girl, good word." I've really enjoyed my first visit and looking forward to many more.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary! What a joy to have you come by for a visit! I will look forward to getting to know you better as the days go by. Yes, I do believe God's Holy Spirit is always working behind the scenes, sometime "pushing" things into our pathway to show us He's right there all the time, guiding our footsteps every step of the way. It's all a part of His amazing GRACE! God bless you dear new friend! Have a wonderful day.
DeleteThanks for sharing the meaning of "Grace", Pamela. Wonderful to know and to have 'Grace' God is merciful and His is grace is sufficient for all our needs.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed weekend.
Amen to that, Sylvia! Yes, it is so wonderful to know that God's amazing GRACE is available to all of His children...and that it continues to be sufficient for ALL our needs...even those we aren't even aware of. Thank you for your thoughts and comments today. Be blessed my friend.
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