"Living by grace inspires a growing consciousness that I am what I am in the sight of Jesus and nothing more. It is His approval that counts. Making our home in Jesus, as He makes His in us, leads to creative listening: Has it crossed your mind that I am proud you accepted the gift of faith I offered you? Proud that you freely chose Me, after I had chosen you, as your friend and Lord? Proud that, with all your warts and wrinkles, you haven't given up? Proud that you believe in Me enough to try again and again? Are you aware how I appreciate you for wanting Me? I want you to know how grateful I am when you pause to smile and comfort a child who has lost her way. I am grateful for the hours you devote to learning more about Me; for the word of encouragement you passed on to your burnt-out pastor; for your visit to the shut-in; for your tears for the retarded. What you did to them, you did to Me. Alas, I am sad when you do not believe that I have totally forgiven you or you feel uncomfortable approaching me." --The Ragamuffin Gospel Just thought I'd share what God poured out over me this morning through the beautiful vessel Brennan Manning. This past week Satan has taken every crack in my personality and busted them wide open; he has exploited every vulnerability I have and thrown fallacious garbage in my face. He perverted the fact that I am accepted by someone much higher than myself just the way I am. My friend Jesus has come and bound up my wounds. I am refreshed and renewed. Thank you, Lord, that your strength shines through my weakness. Maegon Mayes, thank you for taking my book and having Brennan sign it for me...and for late night checkers matches and Jones soda chugging at the Tiger Mart. To borrow a page from you, "you are the aroma of Christ". Every one of the friends that God has blessed me with are like Vicks Vapo-Rub to my soul. Thank you for being a vessel from which God pours out sweet, abundant grace. I love you all. Grazie, Signore. | 
