blog – Grits with Grace

Family, food, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, missions, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel

Looking for Grits

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I went and searched, and we were out. You all know that food and I go way back. One of my favorite rooms in my house isn’t the biggest—not by a long shot. In fact, it is one of the smallest. It is so small, when they built that part of our house shortly after World War II, they had to custom make a little door for the little room. I find myself using that door a lot. And where does that door lead? It leads into our pantry.

Not every house even has a pantry but ours does. It is where we keep all our food stuff. Of course, the cold stuff goes into the refrigerator, the frozen stuff goes in the freezer, and just about everything else goes in the pantry. So, when you need something that has to do with food…it is the “go to” place. There are cans and boxes and bags and containers that all share one thing in common—they all contain food. When Judy is cooking, she will often go there to get what she needs. Most times she will find it sitting right there on the shelf but sometimes it is empty, sometimes we have used the last of the last and then it is time to go to the store.

Well, I think it is time for my wife (and graphic designer) and me to go the store and get some more Grits. As you know, our stories are taken from everyday life and after three and a half years, the shelf is getting just a little bare. So, we are going to take a little break and go to the store. For the next couple of weeks, we are going to be “out of pocket” on a mission trip and a week of vacation. We are certain between those two we can surely come back with a fresh supply of adventures and stories. So, what does that mean?

After today, if you want to find Grits, you will need to visit our Facebook page and scroll back and pick a story to read. Even better, you can visit our website, http://www.gritswithgrace.com and you can either scroll or search by topic or even scripture. Virtually every story we have written and used or reused over the last three years is there. I hope you will make that your Grits pantry for the next couple of weeks.

If you are into praying, you might ask our Father to help these two weeks to be profitable and peaceful—filled with service and purpose. As you look for Grits each morning, take a moment, and ask God to guide our steps. We are hoping it will be a time when we can recharge our batteries and come back with a bag full of Grits’ ideas. Jesus told His disciples that when they grew a little weary, they should come to Him and He would give them rest. As we go, we are looking forward to spending some time together and with Him. But don’t forget the big thing we have learned over these months and years that no matter what, we know for certain that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, Grace, gratitude, life, prayer, Scripture, thankful, Trials

I’m Not Believing It

Posted on March 1, 2023February 28, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

In my opinion, it said more than it knew. After my enrollment in the program to send me down the path to a medicine and diabetes free future, they sent me a box full of treasurers. I wrote briefly about my treasure box in a previous blog titled, “Bread, Potatoes, and Pecan Pie.” If you missed that one, you might want to go to www.gritswithgrace.com and check it out. Anyway, the box was filled with gadgets that would monitor me, my body, and my health. Most of them I found helpful and even engaging but there was one…there was one that I did not like.

I am an Apple guy…well, not necessarily the kind you eat but the kind you use for work and information. I own an Apple computer, an Apple iPad, and an Apple Watch. One of the things I like about owning the same brand in my work and life tools is that they talk to one another. Well, when my box of treasures arrived, it included a Garmin activity tracker. It kinda, sorta does the same thing my Apple Watch does but with a different platform. It certainly is not an Apple Watch, but I figured I might as well give it a try. Not willing to give up my Apple friend on my right wrist, I strapped the Garmin on my left wrist.

I know, I know, that sounds a little wonky and honestly it probably is but the Garmin looks and works very differently from my Apple Watch, so most people don’t think I am wearing two watches. In fact, they probably don’t think anything about what’s on my wrist. While the Garmin the device itself is not much to talk about—it is small, hard to use and blah—the app it talks to on my phone is very cool. In fact, somehow it provides much of the same information as its big cousin.

One day I was going through the App, checking out the different screens and all the information it had gathered and analyzed. I was impressed…until I wasn’t. You see, there was a screen that listed about ten different areas and measurements—all about me and my body. Most were fine, most were informative but one—one was downright offensive. It is called, “VO2 Max.” According to the app, the VO2 Max is a direct indictor of my level of fitness and apparently my “body age.” How this wimp, too big for its britches, something that doesn’t even know me (you can tell by now that I was personally offended by this useless chunk of plastic), I am out of shape and, get this, physically almost a decade older than I really am.

That’s right folks, according to the Garmin I am physically in the bottom 30% of men for my age and my body age is not 69 but 78. Ok, I’m still mad and here’s why. This out of shape, “ten years older than I am” guy, on the day after the assessment, took a brisk (as in pretty fast) two mile walk, walked 11,419 steps, burned 2,451 calories, and climbed eight flights of stairs. Now from where I sit that isn’t too bad…certainly I am no couch potato. I mean what does this thing really know about me anyway? And just for the record, my Apple Watch has another opinion about me…and so does my Dearest Daddy.

When I read those words, I knew I was faced with a choice. I could believe what it said or believe what I know to be true. I could believe what some formula, probably written by some guy in a faraway land, or believe what my reality says. I am choosing the latter. Now let’s be honest…I’ve got lots of room for improvement, but I am not some physical loser. I just don’t believe it. The Garmin caused me to take a look, a close look, at where I am physically but it also caused me to take a look spiritually. It caused me to ask, “So what do you believe about you—what others say or what God says?”

On the surface, it is a no brainer—I choose to believe my Dearest Daddy. He calls me (and you) a masterpiece…no, really, He does. In Ephesians 2:10, His Book, the Bible, says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Now, how about that? Trust me on this one. There are plenty of people and plenty of things that are just waiting to tell you what you are or are not. But you remember this—there is only one opinion that matters and that comes from the One who made you. So, I my wear the Garmin but I don’t own its opinion of me…I’ll leave that with the One who loves me more and perfectly. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, priorities, Southern born, thankful

Sharing Grits

Posted on February 9, 2023February 8, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” Hebrews 13:16

My Momma taught me to share. When there are a bunch of kids and other family members in a family you learn two contradicting lessons. First, you need to share. Often, especially when it comes to the good things on a dinner table, the demand usually exceeds supply. You know, nine people and eight pieces of pie. So, you cut the pieces smaller. That is sharing. The other lesson is you need to act fast. We all know the adage that the early bird gets the worm or the one who eats his or her pie the fastest gets a shot at the last piece. That is not sharing.

Sharing and putting others first are Jesus things. He was the only guy who could go to any event and be the star of the show. Be it a wedding, a funeral, or a banquet and bam…He was the most important person in the room. But the funny thing is you never see that. You always see Him at the back of the line. The only time He was first in line was the line for the cross. That was a very short line—in fact, it was only one deep, and He was ready and willing to go because He loved us so much.

He was willing to share His righteousness too. We didn’t have any of our own, so He gave us His. The Bible says that our righteousness was like filthy rags, so He shared, in fact, He gave. It’s pretty amazing. There are some things we shouldn’t share like something told in private and maybe a cold. But as a general rule we should be people who love to share. And that is where I need your help.

Over the last couple of years lots of folks have been reading Grits. Through our church email list, the Grits Facebook page, and through the gritswithgrace.com blog, people have been reading. I want you know just how incredible I think that is. My goal is to be an encourager and maybe even make you smile. But most importantly, I want to share a big truth that helps us as we do life…together.

So, that is where you come in. I am wondering if you would be willing to share Grits with those in your world. The guy who wrote Hebrews (great name for a coffee shop by the way) said that we should do good things and share because God is pleased with that. That might even apply to Grits. Sign up for the blog at http://www.gritswithgrace.com, share on Facebook, or share in an email, it’s all sharing a word of encouragement.

Something happened a while back that I thought was so cool. I was notified by email that someone had read one of the Grits’ stories and decided to start following the blog. That means every day they will get an email with that day’s story. Sometimes, people just stumble onto the Grits blog, who knows how that happens? But what made this so special was this someone was a cabdriver in Southampton, England. What? Yup. And I thought that was cool. So, a special thanks to our friend there.

My wife Judy checked (the blog tracks locations) and we have had Grits’ readers from several countries and from a chunk of the states here in America. And it usually happens because someone searches and finds a story, or someone shares it. So, would you be willing to make it a daily habit to share your Grits? It isn’t about just getting more readers but rather, it is about maybe encouraging someone who needs a lift on any given day. Together we can be encouragers and hey, the more the merrier.

Each year is a challenge, but I love the fact that God is bigger than any challenge we face. I try and make that a regular theme as I write. Life is pretty tough to go it alone and I believe that He is more than ready to walk with us. So, thanks again for reading and thanks for sharing. Oh, and by the way, for those of you who comment…thanks for that too. I try to read and respond, and it is always an encouragement. Well, outside night is turning to day, so it must be time to see what this day holds. One thing is sure…we can face it together with Him because as always, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, Southern born, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials

Happy Birthday Grits!

Posted on March 21, 2022March 20, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds.” Matthew 13:34

Well – what an adventure! It was a Friday morning in March of 2020 and the beginning of the COVID pandemic that caused me to sit down one morning and write a short post on Facebook. I intended it to be a one and done deal and was simply meant to be an encouragement. I wrote it and posted it…and then, something happened. For whatever reason it touched a chord with people who followed my Facebook page and many readers responded. And that is how Grits with Grace was born.

We made a permanent home for Grits in May of 2020 on WordPress with a new address, www.gritswithgrace.com . The website archives all the stories and has a great search engine if you are looking for a particular subject. It also has some valuable statistics…that remind us how the God’s Word never comes back void. As of March 20, 2022, the website has 361 followers (people who currently follow our site), 94 email subscribers (email every time blog is posted) and 1,995 followers on Facebook. Wow!

We find it very exciting that the top five countries following us in 2021 (12 months) are: USA (7,242), India (250), Ireland (160), United Arab Emirates (154) and the United Kingdom (138). For the first eleven weeks of this year the USA has (1,401), United Arab Emirates (144), United Kingdom (48), Ireland (35), and India (24). We have received some great words of encouragement especially from our friends in the United Kingdom.

I thought you might want to read the very first Grits again. If so, the next few paragraphs contain that first story. If not, I’ll just meet you at the bottom of the page.

A Word of Encouragement

The story is told of a Christian lady who had cancer. Her pastor went to see, encourage, and pray with her. Towards the end of the visit, her pastor asked if he could pray with and for her. Her response was, “yes, of course.” That wasn’t surprising. What happened next was.

When he asked how he should pray, her response was totally unexpected. He assumed it would be for healing but instead she said, “Pastor, pray that I would not waste this suffering.” Waste this suffering.

She was wise enough to know that the God she believed in was sovereign, was in control and was a kind, merciful and loving God. She also knew that He was wise and that this had been allowed into her life for a purpose–His purpose.

God’s word says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

I admit I’m baffled by a lot of what is happening around me. Just when I think I can’t be surprised…I am. But I’m not baffled about God. He is working in our circumstances to bring glory to His name and strengthen our faith.

So, God has this. He isn’t asking us to understand…He is only asking us to trust Him. And believe me…He has a track record of always getting it right. God bless you today…trust Him…He’s got this.

Well, that is where it all started. The last two years my wife Judy and I have been honored to share our lives and our stories with all of you. We honestly don’t have an accurate idea of how many people take the time to read Grits each day, but we do know that we are grateful for all of them. The stories have been as varied as life itself. We have written about everything from the “Underwear Fairy” to a mean goose in our city park we named, “Bubba.” Hopefully, many made you smile, and some might have made you cry. I know there were times when tears slid down my cheeks as I wrote.

You know, Jesus loved to tell stories and He told a lot of them. Maybe that is why I love Grits so much—it teaches the way He did. All the stories for the last 700 days have had a truth that can be applied to life and very often that truth centered around just how much Creator God loves us, His creation. Oh, and we have learned that no matter how big or how small the problem or the circumstance, we can know for certain that, “He’s got this.”

I’ve wondered exactly how long Grits will be around. Well, I suppose the answer is this. As long as there is a story to tell and a friend who enjoys reading it, I will keep pressing the keys and Judy will keep designing the graphics. So, once again, thank you so much for reading and sharing Grits with your family, friends, and neighbors. And let’s always remember that no matter how difficult the circumstance, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, wisdom

Sharing

Posted on March 24, 2021March 23, 2021 by Dewayne Taylor

Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” Hebrews 13:16

My Mama taught me to share. When there are a bunch of kids and other family members in a family you learn two contradicting lessons. First, you need to share. Often, especially when it comes to the good things on a dinner table, the demand usually exceeds supply. You know, nine people and eight pieces of pie. So, you cut the pieces smaller. That is sharing. The other lesson is you need to act fast. We all know the adage that the early bird gets the worm or the one who eats his or her pie the fastest gets a shot at the last piece. That is not sharing.

Sharing and putting others first are Jesus things. He was the only guy who could go to any event and be the star of the show. Be it a wedding, a funeral, or a banquet and bam…He was the most important person in the room. But the funny thing is you never see that. You always see Him at the back of the line. The only time He was first in line was the line for the cross. That was a very short line—in fact, it was only one deep and He was ready and willing to go because He loved us so much.

He was willing to share His righteousness too. We didn’t have any of our own, so He gave us His. The Bible says that our righteousness was like filthy rags, so He shared, in fact, He gave. Its pretty amazing. There are somethings we shouldn’t share like something told in private and maybe a cold. But, as a general rule we should be people who love to share. And that is where I need your help.

Over the last year lots of folks have been reading Grits. Through our church email list, the Grits Facebook page, and through the gritswithgrace.com blog, people have been reading. I want you know just how incredible I think that is. My goal is to be an encourager and maybe even make you smile. But most importantly, I want to share a big truth that helps us as we do life…together.

So, that is where you come in. I am wondering if you would be willing to share Grits with those in your world? The guy who wrote Hebrews (great name for a coffee shop by the way) said that we should do good things and share because God is pleased with that. That might even apply to Grits. Sign up for the blog, share on Facebook, or share in an email, it’s all sharing a word of encouragement.

Something happened last week that I thought was so cool. I was notified by email that someone had read one of the Grits’ stories and decided to start following the blog. That means every day they will get an email with that day’s story. Sometimes, people just stumble onto the Grits blog, who knows how that happens? But what made this so special was this someone was a cabdriver in Southampton, England. What? Yup. And I thought that was pretty cool. So, a special thanks to our friend there.

This last year has been a big challenge but I love the fact that God is bigger than any challenge we face. I try and make that a regular theme as I write. Life is pretty tough to go it alone and I believe that He is more than ready to walk with us. So, thanks again for reading and thanks for sharing. Oh, and by the way, for those of you who comment…thanks for that too. I try and respond, and it is always an encouragement. Well, outside night is turning to day, so it must be time to see what today holds. One thing is sure…we can face it together with Him because as always, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful, wisdom

Robbed by Mr. Urgency

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Dewayne Taylor

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

I was robbed. This is one of those stories I really don’t want to write but I believe at the same time it’s gonna help someone…besides me. I have been writing stories five days a week now since March. It has been an incredible journey. I’ve said this before, but it all started on a whim. The COVID hot mess was just gaining steam and I felt led to write a story to encourage some folks. I am not a Facebook person but that was the only avenue I had. So, I wrote it and posted it on my page. Amazingly, more than several dozen people read it and most wrote a comment. Those comments were what stirred me on to keep writing. I decided to answer every comment.

Like utility poles whisking by on a fast moving train, the days went by. I would write, many of you would write and I would read and write back. It was so encouraging. It was like a drink of spring water on a hot day. And then it happened. In the rush to write, I forgot to take the time to read. I got busier, and busier and it seemed all I had time to do was write and then write some more. I would occasionally grab a comment here or there but that was about all I could manage. I had run smack-dab into Mr. Urgent. Judy would help out and read a couple to me, but the bottom line is I let the urgency of the moment rob me of that drink of cold water. I felt like I had failed you…but just as importantly, I had failed myself. You see, I was needing what you were saying…desperately.

A week or so ago I determined to go back a week to read what you all had said. I was gonna do better. So, I did. I read, I wrote, and I was encouraged. But then, thanks to Mr. Urgent I found myself so far behind that I said, “There’s no use trying.” The good news, and boy do I need some, the good news, is that those precious jewels are safely stored on Facebook and soon I will journey back and read your notes of encouragement and I will be refreshed. I will smile and I will remember why I do what I do.

As I am writing this, I realize that for me, and perhaps many of you, this isn’t the only time this has happened. There is something else that Mr. Urgent can keep us from reading, something else that is of even greater importance—God’s Word. I don’t know your background, but even if it doesn’t include a lot of God, this Book is nothing short of incredible. Written over several millennia by about 40 authors, this Book is God’s love letter to us. It is as multifaceted as the most brilliant diamond. It is amazing.

What I find so impressive is that when you open it at the front and till you close it at the back, it has one theme—that God so loved this broken and imperfect world that He gave His only Son that anybody—let that soak in—anybody that believes in Him can have eternal life. It really is amazing and it really is true. As you journey through it you find stories of imperfect people loved and rescued by this infinitely powerful God. And honestly, the story doesn’t always end like we would want. But it always ends with one undeniable truth: God is good, God is faithful, and God can be trusted.

Thank you for reading and writing those encouraging comments. I may be slow getting there but I hope none of them will be wasted. And also, watch out for Mr. Urgent. His “tyranny of the urgent” can and will keep you from what really matters. Whether it is time with family or time in God’s Word, he will rob you and leave you beside the road of life wondering what happened. Be sure and take time, make time to read His amazing story. Been awhile since you’ve read? Start with the stories about Jesus found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. I am sure you will be impressed and intrigued. And shortly, you will discover that this God is the God you can trust—you can lean into—you can rest in. And yes, you will soon discover that no matter what…He’s got this.