Have you ever tried to hold a little bird in your hands?

I've done it and it is not easy, especially if the bird is injured or frightened. It will fight you at first and try to escape. You can often feel its tiny heart beating. It flutters and struggles, and to keep it from wiggling away you have to cup it in both of your hands, one on the top and the other supporting it on the bottom. You have to hold it just so - just tight enough so it doesn't fly away and just loose enough not to crush it. But if you are gentle and patient it will eventually settle down, sensing it is secure and safe in your hands.

When we are injured or frightened, friends, we sometimes act like that little bird.

We want to escape. We flutter. We struggle. But when we eventually realize we cannot help ourselves, then we are free to be still and see that our Heavenly Father holds us in a warm, safe place - just tight enough so we don't fly away and just loose enough so we are not crushed. And it is a grace-filled place to be. Have you ever been there?

Some would call it surrender; I would call it the Grip of Grace. It is that place where nothing can touch us but the hands of God that surround us. It is surrendering to hands more powerful than we are, knowing that our strength is not sufficient and that in His grip alone will we find safety and rest.

There are times when there is no better place to be than in the strong, gentle hands of our loving Father. "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

What do you do when you find yourself in the Grip of Grace? You be still. You rest. You wait. For He will most assuredly deliver you back onto solid ground.

Do you hear me?

Greg

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Monday, March 5:  Beth Moore's "Daniel - Lives of Integrity" Part IV
Join us tonight at Peace Lutheran for Part four in the Daniel series. Hasn't it been great so far? This week we learn to "let God deal with your stuff or your stuff will deal with you!" Come and be challenged by this powerful teacher. Bring a notepad so you can go over your notes during the week following the video. These are truths that you will want to meditate on and make your own. Potluck salad supper begins at 6:30 PM; video starts at 7:15 PM.

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Beginning March 6: Healing From Loss: Restoring Your Life
This start date is a week later than previously advertised. That means there's still time to sign up if you or someone you know can benefit from this 12-week, intensive workshop. We meet Tuesday nights. There are a couple of spots left, so please call Greg if you'd like more information: 602-622-1488.

Monday, March 12: Women's Game Night, Pizza, and Discussion About Next Book Study
Women of Life Discovery: Interested in being a part of our next book study? Come for an evening of fun and bring a game if you wish. Bring a friend. Contribute $3 for Pizza/Salads/Drinks. In February we finished discussing Max Lucado's Fearless, so what's next? Bring your ideas. Nancy will be sharing her idea about studying women of the bible in book or video format. Call Nancy for questions at 602-570-5531 about the study group. We meet at Enid's House, 6:30-9:30 PM. Please call Enid if you need directions at 623-486-5164. Love to see you on the12th!