Gracious

Ephesians is a powerful book of hope and purpose. What captures my heart today is grace.

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins." Every human being falls short of God's perfect plan. "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions..." God's mercy is, by definition, not something we can earn. It is the unmerited favor of God, and brings new life. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast..." We do not earn God's favor; we accept it as a gift.

Lonna told her story this evening to a room with around two hundred Argentine women at the Esperanza Argentina women's conference. It is a story of grace and mercy through very difficult circumstances, and was a reminder of God's presence with us even when we don't realize it.

Dr. Borger and Carol (he's currently DS of the District we're part of) arrived today after the long journey here. You know how we as human beings sometimes get cranky when we're really tired? We're not just spiritual beings; we're clearly physical beings as well. Dr. B and Carol were clearly weary, as is to be expected as a result of perhaps twenty hours straight in planes and airports. But they didn't allow how they felt to keep them from being friendly and loving toward others. It was an encouragement, and an example for us, particularly here as we "hit the wall" of weariness and need to be careful in how we move forward.

Tomorrow is another early morning -- we'll be having breakfast at 7:00am here, 2:00am Utah time -- so I'm heading for bed. G'night!