"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

The New Face of God's Grace Notes

Spring Cleaning.. 2009

If you have been here before, you will recognize the fact that HQ has a brand new look.

It's time for spring cleaning, and I'm sweeping through every room in my house, including my virtual rooms at Squidoo.

I created this group a little over two years ago, so it's high time for a clean sweep!

I've spent the past two and one half years building groups and lenses, websites, blogs, and have joined about a gazillion social networks. I've spent time as a Squid Angel, and have also been accepted into the Giant Squid program.

Much like life, I've been going with the flow, and maintaining the day to day activities that are common to the human experience.

Much like life; I have learned more than can be contained within the confines of a social network headquarters, so I'll just share the highlights of some of the changes that have taken place during the past couple of years!

October 24, 2006

If you follow me at Squidoo, you know that my lenses and groups reflect that fact that I love to write, and that the Bible is my favorite topic.

The task of refining and fine tuning my lenses and groups at Squidoo has helped to even further define myself, as well as being able to further articulate the purpose of God's Grace Notes Headquarters at Squidoo.

The entire process has been a part of the good things that God has had in mind for my life, and I believe that He has good things in mind for your life too!

The events behind God's Grace Notes have provided me with tangible PROOF that the hope found in God's word is more than just a four letter word!

www.godsgracenotes.com

www.godsgracenotes.com

What's The Matter?

God's Grace Notes is founded in my experiences of overcoming the darker matters of life.

"What's the matter?" was a question I heard often as I was making my way through the process. I couldn't answer that question then, but now I know that I was under the influence of a force bigger than myself.

Now I know that God's Grace was at work in my life, and the intention was to turn my dark skies to blue, so I could answer that question...

For myself; and maybe for you!
Let's see if we have a common thread:

Have you ever experienced a day when the dark storm clouds of your life circumstances are written all over your face?

You know the ones I'm talking about. I'm thinking of the days when your growl is more ferocious than your dog, and everyone who gets in your path is soon running for cover!

I'm talking about days when your tear stained eyes and red puffy nose tells a tale that is too complicated for a simple answer to the question:

"What's the matter?"

So... What IS The Matter?

How do you handle dark days that assail your peace of mind, and someone questions the reason for your pain...

The "economic downturn" that is currently prevailing upon American society makes it a bit easier to understand the emotional distress of the person who is coping with darker matters of life.

People are worried, pressure is rising and hope seems to have lost it's float.

(Sorry, I couldn't help myself, I just LOVE that movie!)

So, what do you do when your hope has been deflated by circumstances bigger than you are? What do you do when dark matters prevail upon YOUR heart, making it difficult to embrace the joy of each new day?

Church folk are notorious for thumping our Bibles, and declaring that there is hope in Jesus, and there is, BUT...

That may seem a little vague for the soul whose world has just been rocked by unforeseen calamity. Trite platitudes are obnoxious and insulting to someone whose world has just been turned upside down.

What's the "Matter" at Your House?

When matters of life get dark, as they often do; you can find the light you need in God's Word...there IS a solution for your dark matter!

When the storms of my life got to be completely overwhelming, I found real life answers in the Bible. Since there's nothing new under the sun; you may find some of your own dark matters in the corridors of my history. Read between the lines and you may find some insight on the issues you may be facing. Remember, God's got a really good plan for our lives. His Word is what you need to find the specifics about his plan for you!

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Facing the Challenges of Bi-Polar Disorder Has Been Part of My Dark Struggle

How Do You Find Real Hope For Real Life Issues

Church is the most common place to begin when the need for spiritual guidance arises.

But, if you weren't born and raised in a church home; where do you begin to find the church that is right for you?

Are they a Bible believing church? How do you know, if you don't know anything about the Bible, or have never read it for yourself?

There are millions of Americans who haved sworn off church due to sad events of yesteryear. You may be one of those who is counted in the unchurched or once churched demographics, and you may also be one of those who vow NEVER to go back to church.

Many people have become jaded by the hypocrisy or insensitivity that is often found in the halls of a local church. Yet, at the same time; your heart aches to become part of a healthy church family who can help you navigate the waters of stormy life circumstances.

Have you ever wanted to spend time with someone who can answer your questions about God?

Have you ever needed someone to just listen, and not spout off a bunch of religious rhetoric about what they THINK you just said?

God's Word is alive and powerful! It's more than just words printed on paper.

The apostle John says it like this...

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." St. John 1:14

The Word became FLESH, just like us. That's Jesus; he is the Word, so He knows his way around the book! He knows just what you need to address the matters of your heart.

He also has the power to do something about those dark matters. Because he became flesh, he understands our pain, but because He is also the divine Son of God so he also has the power to change things.

Like water into wine...
Like death into life...
Like mourning into dancing...
LIke weeping into singing...

Jesus is really good at transforming and healing things. I received the healing I needed, and it's changed my life forever! I am a witness of the transforming power of love, and to the fact that his intention is to transform our thoughts about what HIS love really means.

My life is changed forever because of the healing his Word has brought to my mind. Forever changed for the good, and in my case; desperately needed change!

Life is continually changing and growing. God's Word will teach you how to nurture and grow your SELF into one of those trees of righteousness the Bible talks about...

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." Isaiah 61:3

If you need help, Jesus is as close as a whispered prayer... or a good hefty shout!



Prayer is simply talking to Jesus like you would talk to anyone else, you just can't see him! Tell him what's the matter at your house, and tell him how you feel about it.

You may need a box of tissue if you are facing some really dark matters, but that's okay. Those are exactly the types of dark issues that Jesus is searching for.

Did you ever stop to wonder if "those people" you see talking to themselves are really having a more productive conversation than those who don't address the unseen?

But, not to fear... either way, Jesus is really good at helping you with the kind of pain that brings tears to your eyes. He's not afraid of tears, nor will he chastise you for crying. His love is pure and completely unconditional!

I can tell you these things without hesitation, because I have experienced a personal rescue for myself. My prayer is that you will also discover holy comfort for your emotional injuries and tangible healing for your spiritual wounds.

How Do You Cope With a Dark Night That Spirals Into a Whirlwind of Destruction?

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www.godsgracenotes.com

God's Grace Notes Blog

Join the Journey Here!

I spent many of my dark nights journaling. It's like talking to God; on paper. In the fall of '06, I discovered virtual blogging and became part of an online community. I love the journal itself, icons and the ability to be creative in an electronic format! I think you will find jouranaling to be very helpful as you strive to discover God's Good Plan for YOU!

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Although Wisdom Has Many Female Attributes... Wisdom Is Not a Woman

"Wisest.Woman.Ever.com" is the lens I created for The Ever Project. It includes some of my favorite resources that involve the wisdom of God.

You never know, there may a bit of wisdom waiting there; just for YOU!

It's not just for women... it's for anyone who is searching for the wisdom of God.

Wisest.Woman.Ever.com

Favorite Verses

By now, I'm sure you know that my favorite is from the book of Jeremiah, but that's only the beginning! There are 66 books filled with verses to choose from. God has a way of speaking to us in ways that we KNOW it is Him.

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World Prayer Team

The World Prayer Center is a powerful place of prayer. You can set up your own personal prayer journal, submit prayer requests and praise reports, and send encouraging words to your fellow prayer warriors.

worldprayerteam.org

What Is a Swicki?

The swicki is a virtual tool that allows you to link to others who share your passion. It's more commonly known as a tag cloud.

A swicki makes our internet communications more focused, relevant and easier to navigate.

For instance, I have the words: depression, trauma, trauma recovery and God's Grace Notes included in the swicki. When anyone types any of those words into a search box, they not only get info about depression, they are also directed to God's Grace Notes.

It's another way for me to share my story with others who are coping with depression, and are looking for hope that is targeted and faith-based.

Sharing faith and hope is the primary purpose of God's Grace Notes, and the use of a swicki is just one more tool in my virtual Bible belt!

~ RESERVED ~

There's a place reserved for YOU at God's Grace Notes.

You are cordially invited to submit your faith-based lenses to God's Grace Notes For the Times of Our Lives Headquarters.

Devotionals, personal testimonies, questions to God, for God and about God. Share your thoughts about the presence of God in your life.

(Or if you feel like he's NOT there, you can vent about that too!)

I believe we all have the right, and advocate for that right to speak our piece...or peace, as the case may be! I encourage you to use Squidoo as your own personal soap box. It'a a powerful platform that we can use to build our own unique corners of the world.

A different perspective on life is good for everyone!

Your view may be different from mine, and while I may not agree with the content of every lens that is part of this group, the right to disagree is the beauty of an environment that encourages us to think, reason and communicate with one other.

www.animationstation.com

God's Grace Notes is about a good plan that offers hope for the weary.
It's my neck of the woods, and I hope you will enjoy the view.

Thanks for visiting, and welcome to my world!
~Connie~

Who Cares What The Bible Says?

Do you wonder why I am so passionate about talking about the good plans of God?

There are two issues that are overwhelming our nation, and they touch me to the very core of my being.

I understand both, and I've reached the peak of transcendence that no longer allows me to withhold my thoughts from those who may benefit from my own painful experiences.

What better vindication than for me to live well; and help someone else do the same. Simple, really.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

I intend to do just that.

Why Speak About The Need For Grace?

A Penny For YOUR Thoughts

Lensmaster

rlmodranski wrote...

I'm glad I found your page! I'm going to check out a few of the links, I've already opened one "in a new tab" - As a Jeremiah fan, I invite you to visit my blog http://blog.lynnemodranski.com I've been journaling through the major prophets for quite some time now. I haven't put all of my thoughts there, but I have several. Feel free to let me know what you think!

ReplyPosted May 09, 2009

Lensmaster

seedplanter wrote...

Thanks for sharing good, sound advice about depression. I have a friend who has struggled greatly with it, and will pass this on to her.
Thanks, too, for sharing your faith. It's a blessing to bump into others whose relationship with God is the center of their life. *Galatians 2:20

ReplyPosted September 30, 2008

Lensmaster

aande wrote...

Thank you for sharing the Good News!

ReplyPosted August 19, 2008

Lensmaster

StephenC wrote...

Yeah this is good stuff! Wish you all the best!
Squidoo Gas Saving Tips
StephenC

ReplyPosted March 17, 2008

Lensmaster

flowergardener wrote...

This page is so wonderful. I am so glad I decided to surf around tonight and find you. I believe I'll be spending much more time now concentrating on what is important, rather than what is only temporary. Thank You.

ReplyPosted February 16, 2008

Lensmaster

DeliverTheWord wrote...

ReplyPosted September 12, 2007

sonoranbloom
Lensmaster

sonoranbloom wrote

The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure,
A loop called Confusion,
Speed bumps called Friends,
Red lights called Enemies,
Caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called jobs.
But if you have a spare called Determination,
An engine called Perseverance,
Insurance called Faith,
A driver called JESUS,
You will make it to a place called SUCCESS

ReplyPosted June 05, 2009

Lensmaster

joerich wrote...

God Bless You:-) Romans 8:28 All things work for our good even depression!

ReplyPosted March 27, 2008

Lensmaster

inquirersg wrote...

since there's nothing new under the sun

how true, love 800 years ago still feels the same as love now....that means we can actually feel the same emotions as people did 800 years ago !

ReplyPosted March 27, 2008

Lensmaster

You've created a marveleous lens; very comprehensive and informative. --Joe Breunig, author
Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

ReplyPosted November 20, 2007

Heather
Lensmaster

Heather wrote

You are so creative! God has really blessed you with a gift of writing! And I am so glad that you passed it along to me! I love you...my momma the Squid Angel!!!!

ReplyPosted August 22, 2007

Lensmaster

ivorgba wrote...

Wao!
This is such a wonderful group. Your thoughts and ideas reverberate and resonate with mine. I am here right away.

ReplyPosted July 01, 2007

Lensmaster

TheresaMarkham wrote...

Connie - Thanks for putting "quilting" together - and keeping together - a great Squidoo Group! All the Best, Theresa Champ House

ReplyPosted May 18, 2007

Lensmaster

ILoveObento wrote...

Cool Stuff! Thanks!

ReplyPosted May 10, 2007

Lensmaster

rksmythe wrote...

Thanks for the invite. This is a great group. I would be happy to join. Thanks Again.

ReplyPosted May 08, 2007

Lensmaster

Susan52 wrote...

Awesome group! Great resources!
Numbers 7:24-26,
Susan

ReplyPosted May 05, 2007

Lensmaster

CJPate wrote...

This is great! You have an extension list of resources - and your love for Christ shines through. Keep shining your light in the darkness!

ReplyPosted April 13, 2007

Lensmaster

Waterwalker_Publishing wrote...

Thanks Connie,

We are overwhelmed by your kindness in featuring and promoting our lenses and books in this way.

Blessings :-)

ReplyPosted April 05, 2007

Lensmaster

You have a very informative and inspirational lens I so enjoyed this Palm Sunday Visit.

Josie

ReplyPosted April 01, 2007

Lensmaster

d-artist wrote...

wonderful lense! promoting our Lord is our destiny, and our Love for Him is to be shared...Thank You for sharing.

ReplyPosted March 31, 2007

Lensmaster

Senora_M wrote...

This is a great lens! Super encouraging and definitely what the world needs! Thanks for getting the word out! God bless.

ReplyPosted March 26, 2007

 
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Help Really Is On The Way... and WE Are It!

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