Grace Notes

Max on Life By:  Max Lucado Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers Copyright 2010 I have always enjoyed reading Mr. Lucado's books. He sees things from a different perspective, and is able to convey that "Oh, now I understand!" or "Why didn't I think of that?" thought to his readers.  When I read a book by Mr. Lucado, I feel as if I am sitting across the kitchen table from him, having a nice chat.  It's the same way in Max on Life .  "Hey, Mr. Lucado, I have a question!" In this new book, Mr. Lucado answers questions on life, why we exist, relationships (home, work, etc.), what we have or don't have, and even about what comes after death.  All questions are answered openly and honestly, and all are biblical answers for modern situations.  As a bonus, the end of the book includes thoughts from Mr. Lucado for writers.  How to write, what to write, when to write, how to LIVE before you right. This is a very good book, one I will recomm

Normally I try to include a photo with my essay, but I think when you hear about this one, you'll agree that it was best I not take that photo!  A couple of weeks ago I was on my way to work.  As I was driving along our four lane road (with a left turn lane, which I was in) I looked to the left and saw growing out of the concrete median, right up at the drain culvert, a very small patch of clover (I told you I couldn't take that picture!!).  I happen to like clover.  Especially the kind that grows in my area here in the south.  The flower on this clover is a wonderful shade of reddish pink, and is oblong in shape, not the small round kind that grows where I used to live up north.  I thought, "thank you Lord, for this bit of color!"  Out of the ugly pavement was a beautiful blessing.  The ugliness of the pavement made the simple beauty of the clover more appealing to me. Have you thought about the beauty that's to be seen when we go through rough, ugly, seemingl

Do you ever find yourself in need of a quiet place?  Where do you go?  What do you do when you get there?  How do you feel when you leave?  This past Sunday afternoon I found a quiet place in my own backyard.  I came home from church, and then in the middle of the afternoon I decided I wanted to go sit on the swing in the backyard and do some knitting.  The swing is in the back corner, where I can see my patio and all the flower beds I had worked hard in the day before.  A rose bush was in bloom beside the swing.  Birds were singing in the popcorn and sycamore trees surrounding me.  The quiet sounds of a lazy Sunday afternoon in the neighborhood soothed me.  The breeze blowing felt wonderful on my face.  I gently pushed the swing back and forth, enjoying the rocking motion, as I worked on my knitting.  The sun warmed my skin, until I had to move because it was directly in my eyes.  The peace and quiet were so wonderful!  I was relaxed and content... Do quiet places and quiet times