Ordinary Mornings, Extraordinary Grace |
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From His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace — John 1:16 |
Today, take note of what brings you gladness. That which gives you pause or causes you to take a deep breath. These are glimpses of God’s goodness in our lives, brought to life through moments and things, memories and sounds. Realizations and hope. In its biggest forms: a moment you wish you could freeze in time, and in its smallest: a sliver of grace, otherwise overlooked. I wake up to the smell of fresh laundry, sheets cool against my skin. One eye open, I peek down at the floor next to me, and there you are in your pink sleeping bag, wearing your cheerleading camp T-shirt.
I stare at you a while, smiling at who you once were, all bright pink lips and big, bold, spunky laugh. And who you are now: deeply loving, a servant’s heart, a laugh still the color of sunshine.
You wake, voice full of sleep, and say, “Hi, Mama. I’ll make you some coffee, okay?” and you’re off, wide awake in just a few seconds flat. And now here I am, cup of coffee in my favorite Ted Lasso mug, brought to me by my favorite six-year-old barista who just learned how to work the Keurig. Splash of cream, made with love. Ordinary morning, extraordinary grace. Name your delights today. What’s your ordinary moment full of extraordinary grace? * |
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"Live today with eyes wide open." – Emily Ley |
"Live today with eyes wide open." – Emily Ley |
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You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. — Song of Solomon 4:7 NIV
There’s something about writing that makes you live life with your eyes wide open. I’ve learned, though, that this is a lovely thing to practice. Moments of mercy and delight are all around us, but like our fleeting moments of in-between bliss, they will evaporate like snowflakes landing on warm palms if we don’t pause long enough to notice them. A butterfly flying in an open window. Fluttering in, then right back out. Little butterflies don’t belong in houses; what could he be doing here? This is what hope feels like.
A genuine moment with a child, eyes locked. “Mommy, you’re the very best.” Please stay this age forever, my darling. This is what love feels like.
Rainy Saturday mornings, the kids watching cartoons outside our door, me curled up with you. You always said that spot was mine. I think I’ll stay here a while, the rain reminding us of the warmth and safety of home, everything we love inside these walls. This is what trust feels like.
A North Carolina waterfall, hundreds of miles from home, the three of us totally outside of our comfort zones, relishing the mountain air, the adventure of the day, God’s glorious creations on grand display, nature beaming at us from every direction. This is what growth feels like.
Consider your moments of mercy and delight God reveals Himself to us in these tiny moments, those fluttering lashes, the sound of the rain on our windows. As you move about your day, take note. Live today with eyes wide open.
Excerpted with permission from Sure as the Sunrise by Emily Ley, copyright Emily Ley. * |
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Notice the beauty all around you today. In the middle of the ordinariness of every day there are extraordinary graces. What tiny moments are gifts from God to you? |
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There is magic in the ordinary if we dare to see it |
Sure as the Sunrise: 100 Morning Meditations on God’s Mercy and Delight | |
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Do your days sometimes feel uncertain and chaotic? Do you wonder if what you're doing each day matters in the grand scheme of life? Are you seeking calm and peace amid turmoil? In Sure as the Sunrise, bestselling author Emily Ley offers inspiration and reassurance that God's mercy, delight, and provision are as sure as the sunrise--and ready to greet you each morning with hope and joy.
Reading Sure as the Sunrise is like having coffee with your best friend each morning. With vulnerability and relatability, Emily shares her own stories and struggles, while also giving you permission to stop and check in with yourself--how are you doing, really?
Every five days of devotions are separated with additional inspiration or space for personal reflection. If you are the type of person who loves starting your day with a planner or Bible in hand, this is a wonderful tool to add God's delight to your days. Or, if you need help creating a morning routine to put more calm and joy in your day, this book can help you do it. |
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This devotional is perfect for those: - Looking for a fresh start
- Struggling through hard times and needing reminders that God has not forgotten you
- Trying to transform your morning routine
- Searching for God in the sacred, ordinary moments of life
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Wanting to start your day with God
- Seeking reminders of God's perfect consistency, faithfulness, and mercy when the world is uncertain and unpredictable
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When everything else in the world feels unsure, ever-changing, Sure as the Sunrise reminds us that God is almighty, forever, and dependable. God shows us that sometimes a fresh start isn't found in a magnificent transformation, but in focusing our hearts on the signs, the slivers, the surprises and delights right in front of us.
There is magic in the ordinary if we dare to see it and create it.
The Lord's unfailing love and mercy still continue. Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. Lamentations 3:22-23 GNT |
More from bestselling author Emily Ley |
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| You're Always Enough: And More Than I Hoped For |
Kids often learn to fear messing up and worry about not being good enough. Combat perfectionism and build your children's self-confidence with this sweet, inspirational picture book from Emily Ley. |
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| Are you standing in the middle of opportunity and being overwhelmed when you really need calm? Not sure where to start to simplify and bring grace and peace to your home? Emily Ley has created a joy-inspiring guided journal designed to help you nurture your dreams, discover your hopes, and pay attention to those things you hold dearest to your heart. |
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Women today are more fatigued, burned out, and overwhelmed than ever. You may feel like your life is frantic––that you're running on empty. In When Less Becomes More, you'll learn how to live a life of more in a world that often overwhelms to the point of burnout. |
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Are you ready for a new way of seeing your time? Have you been told you can have it all, only to end up exhausted and occasionally out of sorts with the people you love? Hold yourself and those you love to a more life-giving standard in Grace, Not Perfection, and allow that grace to seep into your days, your family, and your heart. |
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| Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers |
Today's fast-paced, technology-driven society affects all ages, but it's taking its biggest toll on our kids. Does your middle grader feel compelled to participate in a ton of activities, be an excellent student, take a perfect photo for every occasion, and be friends with as many people as possible--only to end up exhausted and anxious? Help her adopt a new, life-giving perspective in Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers. |
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| Emily Ley draws on her own story of creating a highly successful business--and loving the process--as she teaches us how to move forward in our own vocations and serve others at the same time. This is the start of something good. Get ready to build a life you love. |
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| Do you want to simplify the demands on your time, energy, and resources? Do you have complicated responsibilities, overwhelming to-do lists, and endless clutter leaving you feeling overwhelmed? What if you could clear the clutter once and for all? Emily Ley can help you make space for what matters most. |
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“Whether you are currently on a sunny mountaintop or trudging through a harrowing valley, God is weaving your story into His greater plan." - Shannon Bream
Friends, the same God who worked mightily in the lives of the women of the Bible is at work in yours, too! Sign up now and join us for our Advent Online Bible Study - The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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