Epic Grace ~ Adjusting Expectations

I am a bit of a perfectionist. As such, I tend to hold high expectations of myself (and others around me, most times). I also tend to beat myself up when I fail. (I try not to do this to others when they fail. I like to encourage them instead.)

He doesn't know it, but my step-son taught this perfectionist a life lesson in Epic Grace.

Zachary was four when I met his father, eight when we married, and twelve when he came to live with us so he could attend the Christian academy across the street.

Coming from a home where education was heralded - both of my parents went to college, my mother was a teacher, and we kids were expected to keep our grades up - my expectations were quite high for Zachary's grades. Although, I did have a small amount of grace. If there was a subject that was simply difficult to grasp, I understood that well enough. I'd passed high school math with 67s on my regents exams, even after pursuing extra help from three different teachers.

My requirement was that Zachary and our children worked hard, did the best they could, and completed their work.

Here's the thing about some kids (two of mine included): They only do what they absolutely have to do to get by. They never push to do more or do better.

I always saw that as a lazy attitude.

To some extent it is.

To another extent, maybe that's how God has wired them.

As a straight-A student (despite my math and science test scores), it bothered me that Zach wouldn't reach for a "B," at least. I knew he was smart enough and capable of obtaining higher grades.

It wasn't until my oldest son imitated Zachary that I realized that maybe a "C" average was Zach's best. His best may be different from my best. Which caused me to reconsider my expectations.

Epic Grace looks like lowering our expectations of one another and allowing an overwhelming love to preside in their place. Math may be a challenge for me, but God has graced me with a few more talents in English. A "C" may be all my sons can achieve on paper, but God has graced them with amazing abilities when the work is hands-on.

What's more important than the grade we receive on our papers is the attitude with which we do what we do.

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).

When we serve the Lord as we do the dishes, take our math tests, and run our churches, there's Epic Grace for those of us who do these things heartily unto the Lord.

As for my children? As long as I witness their best efforts, I'm okay with "C" averages and the occasional stray sock. ;) Are you?

To read more about Epic Grace: Chronicles of a Recovering Idiot, you can find Pastor Kurt Bubna's book here:
amazon
Barnes and Noble
CBD
Parable

Join Pastor Bubna (pronounced Boob-nuh) at his blog. You'll find his posts very encouraging and down to earth but heaven sent.

Epic Grace ~ Destiny Matters

If you'd told me ten years ago that I would be rewriting a novel, encouraging other writers in their gifts, rubbing shoulders with some of the best authors in Christian literature, and teaching at writers conferences across the country, I'd have looked at you dumbfounded.

As a young child, I had a dream of being a writer or a magazine editor. I loved immersing myself in story worlds as an escape from real life and all its teenaged drama. I loved running my hand over the glossy faces of the cute guys who lit up my movie screens, dreaming of having the opportunity to interview them. And in 1992, I left home in pursuit of a degree in Mass Communications and Journalism with a minor in English that I never completed.

Instead, in 1994 I fell in love with Jesus and walked away from the college life that kept trying to call me back into my sinful ways.

And for four years or so I quit reading books of any sort with the exception of the Bible. For ten years I didn't pick up a single fiction novel. That desire to read and write had died.

Rather than focus on the dream of a career, I switched gears to focus on the dream of getting married and having babies. And I focused on growing deeper in my relationship with my First Love, Jesus. Which lead to a life of service in ministry.

In late 2009, I wrestled inside of myself. I'd been serving my husband and my children for ten years. I'd laid down my life for them, and I really wanted something for myself. I wanted to use my gifts and talents for God's kingdom, and I wanted something to do that I enjoyed.

That's when God spoke a very clear calling: "I want you to write for Me."

Flash forward nearly four years: I am rewriting my first novel and find myself very encouraged as others who've been able to read glimpses of it keep asking for more. I am currently working with six different authors, encouraging them in their craft and talent. I'm friends with some of my favorite authors. And I'll be teaching for the first time at a writers conference this October. (And I've resumed reading. A wide variety of books, including fiction novels, which I love.)

Because God's grace is EPIC. Kurt Bubna recently released his book Epic Grace:  Chronicles of a Recovering Idiot. In the back of the book, Kurt provides a discussion guide. One of the questions he asks is what Epic Grace means to you. Here's my answer: I really don't deserve any of this. God must REALLY love me.

Because only God could send a lowly little writer like me to her first writers conference in 2010 and have her teaching at one in 2013. Because only God could give a servant of His like me the favor of award-winning authors in the industry. Because only God...

This week, as I read John 6, a very familiar verse took on a new meaning. I pray it does for you, too.

"Lazarus, come forth!"

We all know the call of resurrection Jesus gave his good friend, Lazarus. Lazarus had been dead for so long he'd been bound in grave cloths.

What has died in your life? What dreams, desires, hopes, talents, and gifts have you laid to rest because of the negative words of others, the circumstances of life, or your own self-doubt? Is there something you really want to do for God but feel you are unworthy or incapable of doing?

What in your life does Jesus need to call forth, to resurrect?

Consider this verse that follows Jesus' call to Lazarus:
And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth (John 11:44).

Maybe Jesus has already called you forth, but your hands and feet are bound, immobilizing you. Maybe your face is still wrapped in that cloth, rendering you blind, deaf, and mute. What then?

"Loose him, and let him go." Jesus commanded the graveclothes to free Lazarus of their grip. He can do the same for you.

Because He loves you, and even when you think you don't deserve it, He knows you do.

And this is His Epic Grace for you. Chase that dream. Pursue that career you've always wanted. Get on your face and beg God to loose your barrenness. Don't let death bind you and keep you from God's promises over your life. Come forth and reach for your inheritance of abundant life and the saving grace of our Lord.

To read more about Epic Grace, you can find the book here:
amazon
Barnes and Noble
CBD
Parable

Join Pastor Bubna (pronounced Boob-nuh) at his blog. You'll find his posts very encouraging and down to earth but heaven sent.