Facing Hard Times in Your Life with Grace

A Faith Journey of Growing in Grace

Are you facing hard times in your life?

When life brings you hard times, you need more grace, but getting there is a faith journey. I’d love to show you how from personal experience on my journey of grace.

Would you like to have weekly encouragement from me? I share tips that will inspire you to embrace grace! Get in touch here!

Give Yourself A Little Grace

I want to share some personal stories and insights on how grace brought me through the most challenging times of my life. I hope to inspire you to embrace grace in your unique journey.

Facing Hard Times with Grace

There are moments when life is tough, as we face insurmountable challenges.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and alone during times like these?

When facing hard times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This easily leads to anxiety and worry about the difficulties we’re going through. It’s during moments like these that God can give us grace and strengthen our faith in Him.

One of the most difficult situations for me as a young mom was when a relative (usually one who never had kids) gave me ‘advice’ on how to raise my child. I learned to do everything possible to avoid a repeating scenario at family gatherings. That never worked and I was always filled with suppressed stress. I always hoped no one noticed. To be honest, I am sure that my overwhelm and stress were obvious.

For You, O God, have tested us;
You have refined us as silver is refined. Psalm 66:10

During hard times you’ll find God is refining you into His image, His plan for you to become the best version of you! Embrace these times as special times to draw closer into the arms of Jesus.

Are you going through hard times like these?

Embracing Grace in Relationships

One of the most difficult issues to go through in life is in relationships with those we love. When two individuals rub each other the wrong way, there can be relationship problems almost daily.

It can get complicated fast as thoughts, words, and actions come into play. It can bring on a multitude of hard times as self-control can make it almost impossible to give grace.

It’s so easy to notice the faults in someone you love. If you live in the same house, it can be a real challenge.

Hard Times With Your Husband

Marriage is a beautiful covenant or promise you made with your husband (if you’re married) but like any relationship, it has its ups and downs.

We excuse our faults but have you noticed how quickly we place blame on our husband? When a couple is dating and later gets married, they are so in love that they overlook each other’s faults and imperfections.

When the honeymoon is over, it gets easier to point out each other’s imperfections. Their weaknesses might start grating on your nerves.

Extending grace to your husband might be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. Even when grace is a hard thing to give, it strengthens your marriage.

Remember that your husband is human and imperfect (just like you) and choosing grace rather than resentment leads to a deeper understanding and love for each other.

1. Show interest when your husband talks!
2. Listen and repeat back what he shares!
3. Buy his favorite ____________!
4. Choose grace over resentment!

Hard Times with Your Child

Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences and yet it can also be one of the single most challenging times of your life.

Parenting does not end at age eighteen because you need to pray for your children for the rest of their lives.

In the middle of a situation with a difficult child, it’s hard to know what to do. When I was going through a difficult day with a toddler or teen, it seemed like none of the parenting books had any advice to fit my needs.

Remember, dear mom, that even in the middle of a serious trial, a difficult child’s heart can be transformed into heart-victories. As long as your child is breathing there is hope. If there was any advice that could have been given to my younger-self, it would be that there is always hope.

Another thing to remember is that ‘Children are a heritage from the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3) and that they are a reward from Him. Sometimes that’s hard to remember in the middle of an issue and it’s nice to be reminded.

You might think that you’re alone in your parenting journey but you’re not. When your child pushes you to the edge, take a deep breath and breathe a cry for help from God. He loves you and will give you strength for each moment.

Before responding to your child, particularly in a difficult moment, pause and ask God for patience, wisdom, and the ability to see your child through the eyes of Jesus.

Give grace even when it’s hard.

This will help you hit the reset button so your approach can take on a gentler tone. Oh, how much I needed someone to come alongside me during those years.

Remember, dear mom, there’s power in perseverance, love, and prayer. YOU are the vessel to speak God’s love in your home. Stay in tune with Jesus by reading your Bible each morning before you get started with your day.

When things seem unclear, God will help you clear up the fog with His steadfast love and boundless grace. Grace when you don’t feel it at all. When you think you can’t give it at all.

When these years are behind you, continue to pray for your child to find God’s grace and steadfast love even in the hard times. Even when your child has made poor choices in life.

No matter what kind of hard times you’re facing, embrace the journey!

It would be lovely to sit together at my kitchen table chatting about the things God has laid on my heart. That’s what I would love to do with you right now.

Before scrolling to the video, pause, slow down, and grab a warm mocha (or tea). Then turn on the video and imagine we are sitting across from each other in my kitchen.

Watch the video and then leave a comment. Oh, and don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel. You’ll be glad you did because I have all sorts of things planned in the coming months!

Did you get your coffee?

Hard Times with Health

Hard times can come into our lives because of health issues of our own or someone close to us. When my husband had his first issues with kidney stones our baby was also going through an issue with her hip simultaneously. Talk about extra stress on a mom. I ended up with mastitis as I dealt with two hard times.

When you’re battling with a health issue of your own or of those you love, it can seem like you’re all alone. Somehow it seems that no one has gone through anything like this before.

Everything seems dark and hopeless. You are exhausted and clueless about how you can carry on.

When you’re going through hard times similar to these, there are two things to tap into. One is faith and the other is grace.

Faith is believing the unseen. Believing that God will lift you and carry you through each moment.

You can’t give yourself grace but you can have faith that God will give you all the grace you need for your situation.

I learned to lean on God more than ever before. I prayed, read Psalms and found peace, in the promises of God.

Here’s what I want you to know:

1. Your Faith is Powerful: Even in the middle of pain and uncertainty, hold onto your faith. It is a source of strength that can carry you through the toughest times.
2. Find a Support System: Whether it’s your family, friends, or a support group, you’re not alone. Reach out to them. You’d be surprised how much people want to help.
3. Take Care of Your Home: Your physical space plays a big role in your health. Keep it clean, calming, and filled with things that bring you joy.
4. Don’t Forget to Rest: Healing of body or soul takes time. Don’t rush it. Allow yourself to rest and recuperate.
5. Celebrate the Small Victories: Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Celebrate them!

And remember, it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to lean on others. It’s okay to admit that you’re not okay. We’re all human, and we all need help sometimes.

In the middle of these hard times, I hope you find comfort in your faith, strength in your family, and peace in your home. You are stronger than you think, and by leaning on God’s strength, you can overcome anything!