Encountering Grace Archives - Page 2 of 3

When It Comes to Healing, Your Pace is Your Pace

I caught myself reliving my past. Trying to rush back to “normal.”

Just as I had suppressed the magnitude of my initial tumor diagnosis four years prior in favor of continuing on with life as usual, I noticed myself trapped by similar coping mechanisms when chemo treatments came to a happy, abrupt end.

It was time to “move on” and “get back to life” as I once knew it. At least, that is what the world seemed to have to say about it. But life as I knew it had forever changed. Slowly, I recognized that while my body had healed, there were other parts of my story where healing had just begun. Over the last year, as I’ve walked toward healing, I’ve discovered that when it comes to healing, your pace is your pace.

Encountering Grace, Hope in the Unexpected, Intentional + Simplified Living, The Practice of Reflection

by MaryBeth Eiler

Know Better, Do Better: Making the Abundant Life Accessible for All

Last week, I paused to listen and learn from a wide range of voices—specifically, Black voices. Some voices I listened to I know and trust; others were new to me.

It was a good, necessary pause that led me to this truth: when we know better, we must do better.

The abundant life Jesus came so that we may live is not for some, but all. When I believe there are systems in place that prevent certain people from achieving an abundant life, it is my responsibility to take action to make it right.

In this post, I am sharing how I feel stirred to move forward; to walk as Jesus walked and live as Jesus lived.

Encountering Grace, Intentional + Simplified Living, The Practice of Reflection

by MaryBeth Eiler

Remaining Faithful Through Our What Ifs

What if one of my loved ones contracts COVID?
What if I lose my job?
What if life never returns to normal?

Life seems to present us with an extra dose of “what-ifs” whenever it takes a turn for the unexpected.

Have you felt the weight of “what-ifs” lately? With God, we can replace the what-ifs with even ifs.

Encountering Grace, Finding God's Provision, Hope in the Unexpected, Intentional + Simplified Living

by MaryBeth Eiler

Accepting the Grace of New Mercies Every Morning

Have the burdens of late been difficult to shake? Is the heaviness of the world weighing on you?

May this story offer you encouragement as you are reminded of the difference a day can make.

Encountering Grace, Finding God's Provision, Intentional + Simplified Living

by MaryBeth Eiler

Experiencing Wholeness by Trusting God in Our Pain

Am I being punished? Is God trying to teach me a lesson? Is my faith being tested?

For a long time, I believed my pain was meant to serve a higher purpose; that God had a reason for it.

Has your mind wandered to this place? As if by instinct, when unexpected circumstances cause pain and suffering to arise, our human nature leads us to grasp for purpose.

Instead of purpose, I’ve learned to seek wholeness.

Encountering Grace, Finding God's Provision, Hope in the Unexpected, Trusting in God

by MaryBeth Eiler

Grant Yourself Some Grace

Grace. I’ve needed a lot of it lately. Grace for myself and grace to extend toward others.

Living in a culture that values achievement and believes more is better, I’ve noticed this show up amid quarantine—being encouraged to “make the most of this time” or use it as an opportunity to check off all the tasks on the to-do list.

While not necessarily bad, finding myself caught in the mentality to make the most of my quarantine, I realized I was lacking some much-needed grace—and that you might be too.

Encountering Grace

by MaryBeth Eiler