About This Blog
I love to journal. Over the years, I have chronicled my daily devotions with the Lord. These are personal reflections, all based on my study of God’s Word. I have been encouraged to share my journal notes, with the hope that they will encourage others to dig deeply into God’s Word.
But I needed a title for my writings. Grace-Upon-Grace is what I’ve decided on. This is taken from John 1:16 which says, For from his fullness, we have all received grace-upon-grace.
The Meaning of GRACE
GRACE is the acronym God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. Jesus Christ is the source of our grace. Because of the fullness of His grace, one blessing after another is given to us. Grace-Upon-Grace literally means, “grace in place of grace”. As Christ-followers, we are constantly receiving grace from God, which replaces another grace from God. Isn’t that an amazing thought!
The image of the stacked stones has special meaning to me. You may be familiar with the Scottish word cairn, which literally means a rock pile. A cairn was used as a navigational aid for hikers, before GPS came along. A cairn was placed at a fork in the road, to give direction, and to prevent hikers from straying. This stack of rocks signaled the right way to go.
An Altar of Remembrance
Stacked stones were used in the Old Testament to symbolize an altar of remembrance. The stones marked a defining moment of the Lord’s faithfulness that the people didn’t want to forget. A memorial was made with stones, so that current and future generations would remember what God did for them. In the same way, I never want to forget the Lord’s goodness in my life. He is my directional compass, and like one stone on top of another, has given me grace-upon-grace.
I hope as you reflect on my writings in Grace-Upon-Grace, it will cause you to pause, meditate, and grow in your relationship with your Lord and Savior. May you recognize the Grace-Upon-Grace that Jesus Christ has given you!
In Him,
Maria
Dear Maria, I am looking forward to reading your blog! We leave soon for a much anticipated trip to Bosnia and Croatia! I would like to start my own blog as we follow the Lord’s plan for us over the next months. I’m so glad to have yours for inspiration. 😘
Hi Paula. It sounds like an amazing trip! I will be excited to hear about your adventures. Thanks for reading!
Good to get your blog. Grace upon grace is good theme since it so aptly describes God’s kindness to us. I, of course, identify with you as a fellow writer. I was also born and raised in Bend, and will be interred there with many other family members. Our second daughter and family still live there today.
Hi Stan. It sounds like we have several commonalities. Thanks for your comments and for reading!
Dear Maria: I love your insight, as to the meaning of grace, and the image of stacked rocks, symbolizing grace upon grace and that they give travelers direction. In this case they point to the Lord. What an apt symbolism.
I look forward to reading your blog and gaining your insights. Thank you for your inspiration and wisdom!
Colleen, thank you for your encouraging words and for reading! If you subscribe, you’ll receive notification whenever I post anything new.
I love your Blog Maria, you hear the Lord in a unique way and share it beautifully.
Thanks Connie for your encouragement and for reading. I miss you!