Offering ourselves grace

You know the drill.

You line the kids up before they sit down at the table, and ask to check their hands to see if they are actually clean.

A reasonable request, don’t you think?

What if God lined us up at the end of the day, and asked to inspect our hearts, especially in relationship to how we treat ourselves?

How would we fare?

{Sounds of crickets chirping and the pitter patter of mommy feet running away from the question}

I have gathered up a few posts for your consideration today, so have a seat, get comfy and enjoy a glass of sweet encouragement from some ladies who open their hearts to us and hopefully open our eyes and hearts as well.

My first offering is from Dr. Ann of The Marriage Checklist, where she writes about doable ways to build and maintain a healthy marriage, and in this post asks how we measure our self worth.

How to know if you are a success or failure (A Jeremy Lin anecdote)

Who among us struggles with anger? Honestly, I never thought I had a temper until I had children. And yes, I did discover it then, much to my dismay. Melissa Runcie at the MOD Squad Blog (Mothers of Daughters) shares about her trials with anger and learning to accept grace.

Learning the Language of Grace

Sarah Koci Scheilz guest posts at Finding Heaven about learning to be content and finding joy in our accomplishments. Not that women ever berate themselves over what they didn’t do or could have done instead or better. . .

Cultivate Contentment

I have written before about the powerful devotional I received as a gift, Jesus Calling: Seeking Peace in His Presence, by Sarah Young. My reading today:

Do not hesitate to receive joy from me, for I bestow it on you abundantly. The more you rest in My Presence, the more freely My blessings flow into you. In the Light of My Love, you are gradually transformed from glory to glory. It is through spending time with Me that you realize how wide and high and deep is My Love for you.

Sometimes the relationship I offer you seems too good to be true. I pour My very Life into you, and all you have to do is receive Me. In a world characterized by working and taking, the admonition to rest and receive seems too easy. There is an intricate connection between receiving and believing: As you trust Me more and more, you are able to receive Me and My blessings abundantly. Be still and know that I am God.

As you move forward from these moments of restful encouragement, I ask that you take a moment to let go of those harsh words you use on yourself, those condemnations that so automatically come to mind, and be a better friend to yourself today, for you are dearly loved.

Sharing at No Ordinary Blog Hop

Image credit-Per Ola Wiberg