2. Is it easier for you to receive grace offered or extend grace to another? Explain. The church I grew up in seemed to focus on judgement more than grace. I also grew up thinking that I had to be perfect and of course I wasn't. So grace was hard to receive and give. It took awhile for me to accept the grace that God offered me. I felt like I did not deserve it or had not earned it. But God gives it freely because He loves us. It was freeing to finally accept that.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:8-10).
"Grace may be defined as the unmerited or undeserving favor of God to those who are under condemnation." – Enns2
I looked up the word grace and this is the one that I thought explained it. "a disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency." So saying something nice instead of putting someone down when they make a mistake. To offer forgiveness instead of punishing someone for their behavior.
3. Do you say grace before meals? If so do you have a standard dinnertime grace or is it more 'off the cuff' ? Do you say grace when dining out? Do you have a favorite grace? Any special memory associated with 'saying grace'? Yes we say grace before meals and yes when we go out. We take turns saying the prayer and it is said from the heart. All my grandkids know how to pray and will do so when asked, even when we go out. I remember my dad leading a prayer one year and he asked us to hold hands. It was so special.
4. What are some challenges you think the next generation will face? (Generation Alpha-born between 2011 and 2025) I think that the next generation will do okay for the most part. Sometimes I think that the younger generations rely to much on electronics. What would happen if something happened and we lost electricity or internet capabilities? I think that we are surviving this season because we are connected with others through electronics. I pray that they will see the value of having other options and then adapting to it. I think they are seeing some of that now. I am hoping that these younger generations will appreciate what they have.
5. Share a favorite quote or lyric featuring the word faith. If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.” Corrie Ten Boom Corrie was a great example of a woman of faith. Here is a picture of me by her grave in Orange County. My parents and grand parents are there and I will be there also someday.
Hebrews 11:1 Good News Translation
To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.
My faith means I trust in the Lord. I can't see Him, but I still believe in Him and that He will take care of me.
