Grace

I asked my 85 years young friend, Lila,

"How is it that you came to be born again?"

She said simply,

"Grace".
  

"Years ago," she said, "I went to the pastor in my misery

and he sent me to Grace"

For by grace you have been saved through faith;
and not of yourselves,
it is the gift of God.
(Ephesians 2:8 NASB)

"And Grace prayed with me.

That started years of praying and studying the Bible together."

Lila drove me out to the homestead 
for a visit with Grace, who will be 90 on her next birthday.

 She lives alone, mows her grass, rakes the clippings,
plants and tends her garden.
She takes no medication, not even a vitamin.
She says she cooks one good meal a day
 - meat, potatoes, gravy, and a vegetable.
Every morning she has her devotions,
a doughnut and the first of
 10-15 cups of coffee during the day.
Then she knits a little.


Over doughnuts and
  delicious cinnamon yeast rolls -
both homemade, butter,
 and a cup of her strong coffee,
 I asked:
"If you could tell the world anything, what would it be?"

She replied without hesitation,
"Tell the young women, to get involved in church,
 and Bible Studies, and women's groups.
It will help them."

Then scripture began flying between the two 
like easy conversation.

"Oh, and tell them:"

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding, 
will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

"How about:"

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct thy paths.
(Proverbs 3:4-5 KJV)

"And:"

 You will keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
(Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)

It was a perfect day here in North Dakota,
with temperatures in the seventies,
 a gentle breeze,

and grace and peace between friends-
just the way it should be.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with you all.
Amen.
(Romans 16:24)