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Motivation Mondays: GRACE

27/07/2015
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“Whatever we are waiting for – peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance – it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.” Sarah Ban Breathnach

Motivation Mondays: GRACE - We can see it in everything around us

Motivation Mondays: GRACE – We can see it in everything around us

Receiving with grace is beautiful. It allows an opportunity to someone who wants to give, and it blesses both the giver and receiver, and in some small way it beautifies the world. Alan Lewis
Love is the crowning grace of humanity, the holiest right of the soul, the golden link which binds us to duty and truth, the redeeming principle that chiefly reconciles the heart to life, and is prophetic of eternal good. Petrarch

What does GRACE mean to you? In Greek mythology, the three graces (charities) were known as Aglaea (“Splendor”), Euphrosyne (“Mirth”), and Thalia (“Good Cheer”) and some scholars argued that there were others that spoke to the qualities of festivity and joy: Antheia (“Blossoms”), Eudaimonia (“Happiness”), Paidia (“Play”), Pandaisia (“Banquet”), Pannychis (“Night Festivities”). What we do know of GRACE – and its many definitions of giving/receiving blessings, beauty, and good cheer is that we all need it in our lives. Grace, like gratitude, multiplies as we spread goodwill to others. When we are motivated to perform actions with the intention to help others, the grace that comes with it spreads like a sweet, fragrant flower showering all in its path with good fortune.

A great master teacher I studied with, years back,  once said that we should always seek grace in all we do; God’s grace and people’s grace. Every day we get up and go to work, take care of loved ones, and perform our tasks, there is grace that comes with our actions. It is like the wheel of life that spins daily, spreading everything we add to it; good and bad. We must make sure that our actions are beneficial to others and not just for our gratification because grace lives in our actions. Every moment or exchange we have with others can include a measure of grace; the generosity we show strangers, the goodwill that comes from people we know and those we don’t, the food we share and eat and, even, every life affirming breath we take … all come from grace. Be mindful of your daily actions.

A Story: The Village Weaver
Eons ago, in a small village there lived a weaver who was a pious man. Everyone trusted and loved him because he sold his goods in the marketplace at a fair price. When a customer inquired about the price of a piece of cloth, the weaver would give them an honest answer: “By the will of the Creator, the price is $1, the labor is 25 cents and my profit is 25 cents.” The villagers had great faith in his honesty and were happy to pay him whatever he asked. In the evenings, when he returned to his hut in the quiet of the banyan trees, he sat for long hour singing, weaving and in deep contemplation. He was a simple decent man who gave to others with a cheerful spirit.
One night, a band of robbers passed by his home, and seeing him sitting and singing away on his porch, they caught hold of him and made him carry their stolen goods. Suddenly, the police arrived and the robbers ran off abandoning their stolen goods and the poor weaver. The police seized the weaver and the goods and threw him in jail.
The next day, the weaver was hauled into court and put on trial for theft. When the villagers walked in to sign up as jurors, they recognized the hard-working, honest weaver and were alarmed. Several of them went up to the judge and said: “Your Honor, this man could never have committed the robbery. He is an innocent man caught in terrible mistake.” With so many villagers coming forward in his defense, the Judge decided to ask the weaver what happened and why he ended up in jail. He repeated the story we all now know… that he was seized by the thieves and forced to carry their stolen goods. The Judge soon realized that the weaver was innocent and let him go… As we give, so we receive. We need People’s grace in our lives too. Story adapted from Matruvani

“Rain is grace; rain is the sky descending to the earth; without rain, there would be no life.” John Updike

Motivation Mondays: GRACE - Three Graces, Saying Grace, Grace flower and graceful bloom.

Motivation Mondays: GRACE – Three Graces, Saying Grace, Grace flower and graceful bloom.

Sometimes we may ask for success, and He gives us physical and mental stamina. We might plead for prosperity, and we receive enlarged perspective and increased patience, or we petition for growth and are blessed with the gift of grace. He may bestow upon us conviction and confidence as we strive to achieve worthy goals. David A. Bednar

Why is GRACE vital to each of us? Just like the rain falls on earth and nourishes all forms of life; watering our farms, filling our streams and providing us with sustenance, we need to recognize that grace falls on everything around us. We must be receptive to receive it and eager to share it.  When we become cognizant of the presence of grace in all forms of life, we are more mindful of how we treat each other and how we use our natural resources. When grace visits the landscape of our hearts, we experience a sense of gratitude. We might not always be conscious of the things that bring grace into our lives, but, as we become attentive to our surroundings and grateful for all in it, we will be more apt to share our gratitude by comforting and helping others.

In the poem below, Forrest  reminisces about the grace-filled times he spent with his mother when she was alive and expresses gratitude for her life. I believe that as we become more grateful for all that happens in our lives, we become open to receiving and enjoying more abundant grace. The Water Bearer story is a classic lesson in learning to see the grace in things that might seem of little use. If we see every encounter with others as an opportunity for grace, we will see the flowers of good fortune blooming around us … even in the littlest things. Try it!

Grace by Forrest Hamer via Famouspoetsandpoems
This air is flooded with her. I am a boy again, and my mother
and I lie on wet grass, laughing. She startles, turns to
marigolds at my side, saying beautiful, and I can see the red
there is in them.
When she would fall into her thoughts, we’d look for what
distracted her from us.
My mother’s gone again as suddenly as ever and, seven months
after the funeral, I go dancing. I am becoming grateful.
Breathing, thinking, marigolds.

A Story: Grace and The Water Bearer
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” “Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.
The water bearer’s heart went out to the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt sad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The water bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.” This & Stories below via: GoodWeb

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for July and August are:
07/06 – FREEDOM
07/13 – WORRY
07/20 – WEALTH
07/27 – GRACE

08/03 – TIME
08/10 – CONTROL
08/17 – PURPOSE
08/24 – FAILURE
08/31 – HOPE

More Below!

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” Denis Waitley

Motivation Mondays: GRACE - We can see it in everything around us

Motivation Mondays: GRACE – We can see it in everything around us

Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen… yourself, right now, right down here on Earth. Bradley Whitford

How can we infuse our lives with GRACE?  I love Bradley’s suggestions above. Why wait? Do your work with joy and a spirit of service. Do your work with gratitude and a desire to improve the lot of your fellow-man. Do your work with grace and see it fill everything you touch. I think sometimes we believe we have to make our lives complicated by over-reaching in our effort to prove a point… but grace resides in the practical efforts we make to fill our surroundings with positive vibes and good will. The Water Bearer planted seeds and watched them grow. In all of the stories shared, there are lessons on being open to the grace around us.

In We are All Channels of Grace below, the Rabbi  reminded his students that each of us can make the effort to “see your brother or sister in the face of a stranger.” We have the capacity to be kinder to one another. The Zen students, with laughter, reminded their teacher that Grace has less to do with attitude and more to do with gratitude. We can learn from these stories and from each other… Grace lives in us. I would love to walk in a state of constant gratitude so grace can meet me daily at my door… and I wish same for each of you: Remember to embrace your grace, be grateful and share your delight with others. How does grace motivate your actions? What does grace look like to you?

A Story: We are All Channels of Grace
Rabbi Isadore was a wise teacher. A student asked, “How is one to know the precise time when night
ends and day begins?” One student volunteered, “It is when one can distinguish between a dog and a sheep in the far distance,
that is when day begins.” Another said, “It is when you can tell the difference between a fig tree and a date tree, then night is fully gone.”
“No, it is neither of those things,” said the Rabbi. “It is when you can see your brother or sister in the face of a stranger. Until then, night is still with us.”
A Story: Grace In Action
One day there was an earthquake that shook the entire Zen temple. Parts of it even collapsed! Many of the monks were terrified.
When the earthquake stopped the teacher said, “Now you have had the opportunity to see how a Zen man behaves in a crisis situation. You may have noticed that I did not panic. I was quite aware of what was happening and what to do. I led you all to the kitchen, the strongest part of the temple. It was a good decision, because you see we have all survived without any injuries. However, despite my self-control and composure, I did feel a little bit tense – which you may have deduced from the fact that I drank a large glass of water, something I never do under ordinary circumstances.” One of the monks smiled, but didn’t say anything. “What are you laughing at? asked the teacher. “That wasn’t water,” the monk replied, “it was a large glass of soy sauce.”

Positive Motivation Tip:  View each moment of life as filled with grace, and use every opportunity to be a ray of sunshine in someone’s life.

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM

Related Posts

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Zen Stories via Read.Goodweb,  All Photos: Rainbow, Passiflora Grace,  Saying Grace, via Wikipedia and Others from my Personal Collection

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

from → Global Events, Grace & Gratitude, Positive Advice, Posts & Photos 2015
200 Comments leave one →
  1. Dawn McAlexander permalink
    27/07/2015 2:57 pm

    I work at a FM radio station where Sundays are entirely gospel. I hear a lot about grace when I work there on Sundays. Grace is one of the foundations of the Baptist denomination that is so popular where I live. It is talked about a lot.

    Reply
  2. LifeAsAConvert permalink
    27/07/2015 4:42 pm

    Grace is an important character trait to have. I think giving and receiving grace is important. I like that story you shared.

    Reply
  3. Karissa permalink
    27/07/2015 5:26 pm

    I love these Motivational Mondays! Heaven knows I need it on Mondays! Lovely insight!

    Reply
  4. vegetarianmammac permalink
    27/07/2015 5:30 pm

    Grace is such and important part of life and something I strive to have more of in my life. My role models that mean so much to me live with such grace!

    Reply
  5. Lexie Lane permalink
    27/07/2015 5:45 pm

    I love all your weekly motivational posts. This is extremely detailed information about grace. Thank you for this. It definitely makes me rethink about how I think of life.

    Reply
  6. Rebecca Swenor permalink
    27/07/2015 6:13 pm

    This is a great post and it truly is inspirational for sure. I do tend to over reach to prove a point and it usually doesn’t turn out the way It should. It is so important to have grace in everything we do and to share it with others. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  7. Debbie Denny permalink
    27/07/2015 6:29 pm

    Fantastic post. Love the weaver story.

    Reply
  8. M from The Stay-at-Home Life permalink
    27/07/2015 7:48 pm

    Beautiful photos and great words to think about for sure.

    Reply
  9. jacquelineobyikocha permalink
    27/07/2015 7:53 pm

    Lovely post

    Reply
  10. Claudette Esterine permalink
    27/07/2015 8:30 pm

    Always great posts!

    Reply
  11. I Love Paars by: Lee permalink
    27/07/2015 8:47 pm

    being graceful and compose during a time of tragedy or panic situation is what I do. I experiened almost being robbed but because I did not panick we’re able to get out of the situation before it actually happen

    Reply
  12. Shannon P permalink
    27/07/2015 9:00 pm

    Sometimes its hard to have grace when I’m covered in spit up and have dark circles under my eyes, but its finding the grace in those moments that has become important!

    Reply
  13. Carly Brydon Anderson permalink
    27/07/2015 9:14 pm

    I didn’t know those were the three graces in Greek mythology. Grace is definitely something I welcome in my life!

    Reply
  14. Christina Bhattacharya permalink
    27/07/2015 9:16 pm

    You always have such great Motivation Monday topics. Grace is one thing that a lot of people aspire to have. No everyone has it.

    Reply
  15. Carolyn permalink
    27/07/2015 10:10 pm

    What does Grace mean to me? Grace is an expression of gratefulness, like Grace said before a meal.

    Reply
  16. shandryss permalink
    27/07/2015 10:13 pm

    WOW! What a great reading…and series. I will try FOR sure to write something in August from your prompts.
    Regards,
    Sinziana

    Reply
  17. LizZ H permalink
    27/07/2015 10:27 pm

    What a great inspirational post.

    Reply
  18. Claire Algarme permalink
    27/07/2015 11:49 pm

    I always like the story of the water bearer. Grace is truly needed in our lives. It nourishes our soul and when we bear fruit, we are able to bless others.

    Reply
  19. auntyuta permalink
    27/07/2015 11:53 pm

    You say that every moment or exchange we have with others can include a measure of grace. Thank you so much for pointing this out to us. It reminds me how important it is that we have some kind of exchange with others. To be surrounded by people. we can have some exchange with. is total bliss. This to me is the meaning of peace as opposed to living under warlike conditions. I feel very unhappy when I see people fighting each other. We should always strive to live in peace with other people, other nations . . .

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      29/07/2015 9:14 pm

      I;m with you Auntyuta, I don’t enjoy seeing people at war with each other or using fighting tactics over minor exchanges… Sadly, we live in a world with all sorts of people, and some haven’t learned to forgive or love themselves … yet. When we are able to do both, we are able to give it to others. <3

      Reply
  20. upliftingfam permalink
    27/07/2015 11:56 pm

    I am so thankful for grace. I have learned that when something happens at work, jn my relationship, or with a stranger to show them grace. Chances are they didn’t have I’ll intentions.

    Reply
  21. Sherryl Mae Quianzon permalink
    28/07/2015 12:01 am

    I appreciate this article. This is the same as Brahma Kumaris. It also talks about achieving inner peace. Yes peace starts within yourself. Hence, in order to give peace and happiness ti other people, you must be peaceful first in your own ways 🙂

    Reply
  22. Wood Arts Universe permalink
    28/07/2015 12:07 am

    Great article!!! love that story of Village Weaver.. we need more grace in our lifes

    Reply
  23. Lucid Gypsy permalink
    28/07/2015 3:33 am

    I so look forward to your posts!

    Reply
  24. joskibyrne permalink
    28/07/2015 4:19 am

    What a lovely idea for a regular post, I think we could all use a little more Grace in our lives, I know I could. Thank you for this. :_

    Reply
  25. Chubskulit Rose permalink
    28/07/2015 4:33 am

    Saying grace before and after meals is nice! Those blooms makes me happy!

    Reply
  26. Nova permalink
    28/07/2015 4:50 am

    I love this article, something I want to learn more. Grace we should share or showed to other people.

    Reply
  27. My Life From Home permalink
    28/07/2015 5:05 am

    Grace to me is realizing that someone made a mistake, but be willing to forgive.

    Reply
  28. Letty (@BellaVidaLetty) permalink
    28/07/2015 5:49 am

    I really enjoyed this quote: “View each moment of life as filled with grace, and use every opportunity to be a ray of sunshine in someone’s life.”

    Reply
  29. Liz Mays permalink
    28/07/2015 6:32 am

    The quotes you chose to feature this week are really, really good. I love the one by Alan Lewis especially.

    Reply
  30. toughlove100 permalink
    28/07/2015 6:57 am

    I am interested in joining in next Monday. I am pretty new to blogging so I have a couple of questions. What does the badge do and how do I add it to my page? Where is the dedicated page? Sorry if these seem like goofy questions but I love the topic for next week and would love to explore Worry.

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      29/07/2015 7:16 pm

      Honestly, all of those things are mere formalities… You can simply join in and share your post in the comments. The badge is just a symbol of recognition but it is not a forced requirement.

      Reply
  31. Shann Eva permalink
    28/07/2015 7:01 am

    Grace means different things to me. I actually love the word, and hope that I show grace often. Thanks for the post.

    Reply
  32. babyjill7...Marilyn Griffin permalink
    28/07/2015 7:44 am

    I love the word Grace…and reading your post was such a good explanation…
    What if someone doesn’t want to accept your grace …and you have tried so many times…any comments…

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      29/07/2015 7:13 pm

      Then bless them and move on. Grace cannot be forced. We can wish others well and let go of the outcome. What do you think? 🙂

      Reply
  33. ronleyba (@ronley_ph) permalink
    28/07/2015 7:47 am

    GRACE is a powerful word. Grace can come in all forms. Thanks for sharing this article of yours. Truly enlightening.

    Reply
  34. Louise ღ (@louisechelle) permalink
    28/07/2015 8:14 am

    Whenever I hear the word “grace”, I think of prayers before meal. Or at least something related to God and blessings. I know a lot of people named after that word probably because their parents looked at them as blessings. But what’s the use of the definitions or symbols of this if we cannot put it into action, right? We should make this world a better place by being kinder and helpful… sharing our blessings and lending light to those who have wandered the darkness.

    Reply
  35. Stephanie Pass permalink
    28/07/2015 9:21 am

    I think being gracious to others is an important quality. We don’t often see it much anymore.

    Reply
  36. Sicorra permalink
    28/07/2015 10:11 am

    Everyday I learn something new and important from reading your blog posts. Thank for taking the time to put together such inspiring posts. I am sure they are a lot of work, and I just wanted you to know that I really appreciate them. 🙂

    Reply
  37. kira t permalink
    28/07/2015 10:31 am

    This is awesome. I love the motivational post. I really love the stories that you shared as well.

    Reply
  38. theconservativemommy permalink
    28/07/2015 10:59 am

    Grace is certainly a presence that comes easily to others and requires effort for some. Regardless it is noticeable and valuable.

    Reply
  39. 3sonshavei permalink
    28/07/2015 11:17 am

    I had forgot about the 3 mythology graces. Love the quotes

    Reply
  40. Michele permalink
    28/07/2015 2:11 pm

    I try to take in everything and everyone gracefully-knowing the differences and the similar traits in each and accepting all in a peaceful manner.

    Reply
  41. sacha permalink
    28/07/2015 2:18 pm

    This is such a beautiful reminder to forgive ourselves.

    Reply
  42. Yvonne Bertoldo permalink
    28/07/2015 2:25 pm

    Such a very inspiring post ms. Elizabeth. My name actually means gracious gift of God 🙂

    Reply
  43. amanda permalink
    28/07/2015 3:20 pm

    I see Grace as not just the way that you carry yourself with confidence and style, but also when you give yourself Grace. It is almost similar to giving yourself wiggle room for making mistakes.

    Reply
  44. Patrice M Foster permalink
    28/07/2015 4:50 pm

    Motivational Monday theme Grace is such a good one.Helping and sharing with others love all your motivational tips.

    Reply
  45. Jenn permalink
    28/07/2015 5:27 pm

    What a beautiful blog post. Grace to me, comes from peace and happiness within. It something personal, yet it shines throughout.

    Reply
  46. beckysbestbites permalink
    28/07/2015 6:55 pm

    Grace is all around us and we need to take time each day to appreciate it!!

    Reply
  47. Jason Panuelos permalink
    28/07/2015 7:21 pm

    We always have to do everything with grace because it helps us in almost every way and gives us a clear head. Learned so much from this post! 😀

    Reply
  48. TweenselMom (@TweenselMom) permalink
    28/07/2015 7:21 pm

    You are so generous in providing these inspirational thoughts. thanks so much.

    Reply
  49. SweetMemoirs Page permalink
    28/07/2015 7:29 pm

    The word grace is very special to me because I have a sister named Grace and she has graced our lives abundantly.

    Reply
  50. Autumn @ Stay gold Autumn permalink
    28/07/2015 7:30 pm

    I love that you said we should seek grace in all we do- this would truly change the world!!

    Reply
  51. Jonathan Key permalink
    28/07/2015 8:06 pm

    Of all the wonderful attributes of God I think Grace is probably my favorite. God giving us what we don’t deserve – love, peace, joy, eternal life, adoption as co-heirs in Christ!

    Reply
  52. Ann B permalink
    28/07/2015 8:21 pm

    I really liked the poem about the marigolds and the connect to his mother. Very touching.

    Reply
  53. thequietgrove permalink
    28/07/2015 9:11 pm

    great pictures and message about grace. We all can use more in our life.

    Reply
  54. Pooja Kawatra Gupta permalink
    28/07/2015 9:41 pm

    My dad used to read this story of water bearer when we were kids and how we started appreciating every single things when we know that everyone has flaws. Grace in everything we see, we do makes a beautiful place.

    Reply
  55. Reginia Cordell permalink
    28/07/2015 10:53 pm

    Allowing grace to proceed us in our daily dealing sets the stage for great energy. Having good energy around you daily is a peaceful existence.

    Reply
  56. Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert permalink
    28/07/2015 11:51 pm

    What a wonderful idea – that we can all just go and enact change in ourselves and the world around us, we just have to get up and DO it!

    Reply
  57. Gilliannong.com permalink
    29/07/2015 12:33 am

    Interesting stories ! more insight on what “grace” is and i learned a few new things today!

    Reply
  58. Sakshi Raina permalink
    29/07/2015 12:33 am

    I look forward to your Motivation Monday posts. They are full of inspiration and wisdom <3

    Reply
  59. Maria Teresa Figuerres permalink
    29/07/2015 12:56 am

    Grace, love and gratitude are all intertwined. Let us strive to live a life filled with all three.

    Reply
  60. Maria Teresa Figuerres permalink
    29/07/2015 12:57 am

    Love, grace and gratitude are all intertwined. Let us all strive to live a life filled with all three.

    Reply
  61. Esme Sy permalink
    29/07/2015 2:12 am

    I enjoyed reading all these inspirational stories. I like to always seek grace in everything I do.

    Reply
  62. sinyees permalink
    29/07/2015 2:32 am

    When thinking of the word grace, I thought about my aunt who has a beautiful name as Grace. As well as the song “Amazing Grace”.

    Reply
  63. Papaleng Pagulong permalink
    29/07/2015 2:50 am

    What an inspiring post! Grace is the totally of our salvation . Without it, life is nothing at all.

    Reply
  64. Fred permalink
    29/07/2015 3:17 am

    In any context, grace is a very positive word. It means blessings. It means finery. It means courteous manner. We should all aim to be like Mother Mary — full of grace. – Fred

    Reply
  65. Papaleng Pagulong permalink
    29/07/2015 3:27 am

    The weaver story reminded me of a similar story in the Bible. Grace is something Christians and Gentiles alike should have.

    Reply
  66. Ria Rosaura Romero permalink
    29/07/2015 3:37 am

    such a beautiful inspiration , sometimes we all need a lot of it to keep us going and of course, giving grace is always the right thing to do, thank the good provider for giving us all the things we cherish.

    Reply
  67. Franc Ramon permalink
    29/07/2015 3:39 am

    The world is full of grace and we just don’t see how blessed we are because we are looking past it. We are far equipped for success and good blessings if we worked for it rather than just wait for it.

    Reply
  68. Holly @ Woman Tribune permalink
    29/07/2015 4:59 am

    Grace, to me, has always meant to be grounded and to present myself in a humble way. Something I learned from my great-grandmother that has always stuck with me — and that I have to remind myself of sometimes in certain situations.

    Reply
  69. foundfrolicking permalink
    29/07/2015 6:15 am

    In my mind, I consider grace as being associated with peace. Lots of lovely things to think about in this post. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  70. Tina Bowling (@tinabeana12) permalink
    29/07/2015 7:26 am

    I just adore that John Updike quote. Loved reading this uplifting post this morning!

    Reply
  71. Ling Tan permalink
    29/07/2015 7:33 am

    Personally I think grace stems from kindness in thoughts and acts. You can’t fake grace, that’s the thing that is most honest about it.

    Reply
  72. Shann Eva permalink
    29/07/2015 8:36 am

    I hope I can teach my children to live with grace too.

    Reply
  73. Krystal's Kitsch permalink
    29/07/2015 9:18 am

    I try to give myself grace especially when I am busy. It is important to take take to reflect.

    Reply
  74. alinktothematt permalink
    29/07/2015 10:34 am

    Hi there Elizabeth! Thanks for liking one my posts on Mars Gone Mad.
    I’m now following your blog and look forward to reading your posts!

    Reply
  75. Fatemah Sajwani (@FatemahSajwani) permalink
    29/07/2015 10:46 am

    What an inspirational post. Grace for me i doing everything with the best of my ability.

    Reply
  76. Rosey permalink
    29/07/2015 10:50 am

    Flaws really can contribute to beauty. I love the story about the flowers. 🙂

    Reply
  77. Erin (@herheartland) permalink
    29/07/2015 2:11 pm

    Beautiful photos! I can always use more grace in my life!

    Reply
  78. toughcookiemommy permalink
    29/07/2015 3:09 pm

    Grace is one of those things that makes life more beautiful to live in. There is a certain sense of peace to it.

    Reply
  79. clairemoments permalink
    29/07/2015 4:16 pm

    Thank u for such a graceful post. Agree that we should make use of every opportunity to be a ray of sunshine in someone’s life 🙂

    Reply
  80. Karen of MrsLookingGood permalink
    29/07/2015 6:39 pm

    Beautiful stories that should inspire everyone. I am drawn to people with inherent goodness in them, living their lives with grace and love, wanting to do good to others.

    Reply
  81. Zaffira permalink
    29/07/2015 6:44 pm

    This motivational series is very helpful. I love the stories. ” View each moment of life as filled with grace, and use every opportunity to be a ray of sunshine in someone’s life” This is brighten ups my day 🙂

    Reply
  82. Sunshine Kelly permalink
    30/07/2015 1:04 am

    To me GRACE is appreciating life. No matter its big or small we are grateful with the blessings. Always have grace in life and we be more fulfilling.

    Reply
  83. Chubskulit Rose permalink
    30/07/2015 5:15 am

    Hubby and I help my family back home by supporting some of their financial needs, and it’s witnessed by our kids who are inspired to give and share as well.

    Reply
  84. Tiffany Yong permalink
    30/07/2015 7:54 am

    Love your motivational stories. But sadly, these stories were never acted on by people…

    Reply
    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      30/07/2015 9:14 am

      That’s life Tiffany. In this world, there are those who see grace everywhere and those who don’t. There are those who hold on selfishly to pebbles when, if they would open their fists, they would see a vast, abundant shift… that is life.

      Reply
  85. Papaleng Pagulong permalink
    30/07/2015 8:06 am

    I so love this post. Reading it brings me closer to God who is the author of our Faith and the Lord of Grace.

    Reply
  86. Nova permalink
    30/07/2015 10:41 am

    We should show grace for we have given one.

    Reply
  87. Yona Williams permalink
    30/07/2015 3:31 pm

    I like the thought of using opportunities to brighten up someone else’s day. As I’ve gotten older, I try to do this more often for strangers.

    Reply
  88. Leslie permalink
    30/07/2015 4:08 pm

    These are great! I love reading them. I liked reading your shared story. I hope your having a blessed day.

    Reply
  89. Michelle Solee (@michisolee) permalink
    30/07/2015 5:10 pm

    We should be thankful for the grace. God gave us His love and mercy even we don’t deserve it.

    Reply
  90. Chin chin permalink
    30/07/2015 5:11 pm

    Love the stories you shared in this post. For me, grace is receiving something even if a person doesn’t deserve it. For that, we should truly be thankful and happy to pay it forward.

    Reply
  91. Fernando permalink
    30/07/2015 5:20 pm

    Having been blessed by our Creator, grace could be different from person to person perspective. But one thing for sure, it comes from within ourselves. Love this motivation site. Fernando Lachica

    Reply
  92. Ann B (@AnnBac9) permalink
    30/07/2015 8:01 pm

    I love this tip and I try to do it often. “View each moment of life as filled with grace, and use every opportunity to be a ray of sunshine in someone’s life.”

    Reply
  93. maggiesblog2 permalink
    01/08/2015 8:26 pm

    If someone asked me to describe Grace, I would use one word: Sunday. Sundays to me are graceful days. Church, family suppers, relaxation.

    Reply
  94. Shelly permalink
    02/08/2015 6:31 pm

    I like your story about the village weaver. So inspiring. The good deeds you do to others come back to you in grace.

    Reply
  95. Len permalink
    03/08/2015 1:49 am

    Oh how i love your blog, I like your articles and more, very inspiring!

    Reply
  96. Grace permalink
    03/08/2015 3:05 am

    I always anticipate your motivational/inspirational posts. keep up the great work 🙂

    Reply
  97. Mommy Maye permalink
    03/08/2015 8:28 pm

    The village weaver’s story is very inspiring. It is very true that what ever we give, we receive. Life is an echo and it gives back what we give. No one can ever put a good man down.

    Reply
  98. TweenselMom (@TweenselMom) permalink
    04/08/2015 3:40 am

    Infuse our lives with grace, that’s just so amazing reading that.

    Reply
  99. Lai Gamboa (@laigamboa8) permalink
    05/08/2015 2:38 pm

    Another inspirational post, may we all receive God’s grace everyday.

    Reply
  100. Melgie permalink
    07/08/2015 4:13 am

    Another very inspiring post that I truly like. Always have GRACE on everything we do. It will always bring happiness within our selves and the people surrounds us.

    Reply
  101. Mark Villar permalink
    07/08/2015 5:27 am

    People who are waiting for their grace without doing nothing are idiots. Thanks for this wonderful post!

    Reply
  102. ronleyba (@ronley_ph) permalink
    08/08/2015 7:17 pm

    I really love that poem of Forrest Hamer. Really something to ponder upon.

    Reply
  103. janzcrystalz permalink
    09/08/2015 12:21 am

    Rain is Grace. I like that! Rain is indeed grace in our part of the world. We are praying for rain these days to lessen rotational brownouts. 50% of our power source are from hydro plants thus we need rain to increase the elevation of reservoir and increase power generation. That is why when it rains, it’s like graces are pouring.

    Reply
  104. verabear permalink
    09/08/2015 2:40 am

    What does Grace mean, really? Is it displaying kindness and gratefulness in every situation?

    Reply
  105. maria permalink
    11/08/2015 5:11 pm

    Thanks you for sharing. I didn’t know grace’s origin has a lot of elements that basically bring joy to people..or at least spread positive vibes.

    Reply
  106. Marissa Bulatao (@MommyUnwired) permalink
    16/08/2015 8:07 pm

    I love your motivation mondays posts! It helps me really reflect on how I would face the rest of the week

    Reply

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