“Thanks Grandma!”
We were packing up to leave from my in-laws house, and I heard the kids chirp their thanks. Later, in the car, they excitedly compared their quarters. I decided to ask them a question. “Why did Grandma give you each a quarter?”
They were stumped. It was like I had asked them the atomic weight of Cobalt (58.933u, for anyone who wants to know!). After letting them think about it a while, I turned to them and said “It’s breathing money.”
They got those quarters for no other reason than they are alive, and Grandma loves them. They didn’t earn it, they didn’t even ask for it. It’s just a pure, joyful gift.
I’m not sure if they really understood the explanation, but “breathing money” became a catch phrase around the house. It was like code. It meant they got something for nothing other than just being themselves. And they were loved.
Our Father does the same thing. As his children, we are given grace and power to do his will, every moment of our lives. It’s not earned. It’s a gift given in pure joy.
My life gives my Father so much happiness, that he is constantly gifting me with his protection, mercy, wisdom…well, every good thing. It’s “breathing grace.”
My life gives my Father so much happiness, that he is constantly gifting me with his protection, mercy, wisdom…well, every good thing. It’s “breathing grace.”
Some may think that such immense gifts require huge efforts. But it’s not that way at all. All of creation is bathed in grace, every prayer is heard. Not because we are worthy, but because we’re family. And He loves us.
I remember the first surgery I ever observed. The nurses told me to plaster myself up against the wall and NOT MOVE. It was a C-section, so there was plenty of action, all focused on the Mom-to-be, and delivering her child ASAP. As I was watching the preparations, one of the nurses came over and told me if I felt faint, I should leave the room.
What? Fainting had never even crossed my mind. I don’t faint. Or do I? Uh oh, what if I do???
Meanwhile, the surgery progressed, and the baby was delivered in a rush of fluid. As the baby cried, I wanted to cry too. It was so beautiful. There was so much joy in that place, and I got to observe the miracle of a life beginning.
Later, I realized that I’d completely forgotten about fainting, or moving away from the wall. As soon as those thoughts were planted, they were taken away, melting in the love of God’s grace.
He had some things to show me, so he gave me every strength to appreciate the experience. No fainting, no sudden moves. Not because I deserved it, but because he was pleased to give it.
He had some things to show me, so he gave me every strength to appreciate the experience. No fainting, no sudden moves. Not because I deserved it, but because he was pleased to give it.
Almost ten years later, it would be me standing in that same room. I was the Operating Room Nurse helping deliver babies. God gave me his gift of appreciation for surgery, medicine and life. All for free.
“Breathing grace.” Just because I’m alive and I am loved.
And it shines more than new quarters in a five year old’s fist.
Linking today with: The Beauty in His Grip , Playdates with God
Unite , Soli Deo Gloria , Teaching What is Good
Linking today with: The Beauty in His Grip , Playdates with God
Unite , Soli Deo Gloria , Teaching What is Good
Hi Ceil, what an awesome point to consider that God gives us breathing grace. I have no idea what I would do, and who I would be, without it! God bless
Tracy
(visiting from Beauty in His Grip)
Hi Tracy! So glad you liked the post today! Well, I think like the little fish, we are breathing in his grace always. Also, I sure don’t earn it, and am often too blind to even ask for it.
Thank you for coming on over!
Ceil
Dear Ceil
Oh, this is so true. I am experiencing a very bad Fifro flare up at the moment, but let me assure you, the more the pain, the closer I draw into Jesus and the greater joy, love and peace I experience! My late mother was also an Operating Room nurse. Thanks for a great post!
Blessings XX
Mia
Hi Mia! What a beautiful way to make your pain meaningful, Mia. I can learn a lot from you. Everything I read says that in our pain, we should join with the Lord on the cross. And that is exactly what you are doing!
What a fun thing to learn about your Mom
I am so sorry that she is gone now. I’ll bet she was a great person, and fun too.
Praying for you as always, Mia,
Ceil
What a lovely post praising God for His amazing gift of love and grace Ceil! I love “breathing grace”; I will jot this down to remind me of His gift of love throughout the day!
Blessings and hugs friend!
Denise
Hi Denise! Oh, thanks Denise, for your kind words about the post. I like that image of ‘breathing grace’ too. I should write it down too.
It is just such a gift of love, as you mentioned. So free, so beautiful, so empowering. Just because I am his!
Happy Monday
Ceil
Grace Grace and More Grace. Thank you for sharing Ceil. Blessings.
Hi JBR! Thanks for coming over today to visit.
Yes, the supply of grace is endless. And all for us!
Good to see you
Ceil
Love this!
Hi Lori! Thank you for coming by and making a comment too.
So glad that you liked what you read. I like the concept of ‘breathing grace.’ Just no effort, it comes as God gives. So amazingly generous.
Happy Monday!
Ceil
What a beautiful post, Ceil! You have such a way of expressing and illustrating God’s love for us in every day terms. I come away from here today being reminded that He loves me because I am His child, not because I’m worthy. YOU are a BLESSING, my friend!
Have a wonderful week, Ceil!
Hi Dianna! So good to see you today! I thought you were taking a little blog-break so it’s fun to see your smiling face today.
I think you have the idea exactly my friend. We don’t have to do anything for his grace, it’s all a gift. Hopefully, it moves us to love him more. And do his will in our lives.
Blessings to you, my encouraging friend
Ceil
How many of these moments in our lives go unnoticed and unappreciated? Yet He continues doing them simply because we are His! May He open our eyes to the power embedded in this kind of love so that we can show it to others likewise! There is so much about our spiritual lives (and physical) that are simply ’cause and effect’, reaping what we sow…but nothing has compared to the unmerited favor of His Hand in my life! May you have a fruitful and prosperous week, Ceil!
Hi Kelly! You are so right! Every moment is filled with the grace of God. How can I miss it? And I DO! I need to be so much more alert.
I love what you have to say, Kelly. Your comments are so thoughtful. Thank you for being such a blessing there today!
Peace,
Ceil
Beautiful thoughts for a beautiful autumn morning, friend! : )
Hi Billie Jo! Thank you so much my friend. So happy to see your face here!
Hope you had a good birthday? I just kicked back and watched Notre Dame win! Yay!
Happy Monday
Ceil
wow! this is beautiful! Your profession is a gift. A calling. hehe.
I love the idea of breathing money. haha that’s exactly what happened to me the other day. I was distressing myself deliberately and could not see any way out. I heard a message and a song and it made an impression on me. Suddenly i was refreshed. I felt peace and i realized i need not worry. That was breathing grace.
Hi Sheena! Oh my, thank you for your generous comments! I hope I can write professionally one day.
How beautiful that you got the peace you wanted! God is always there, even if we can’t see him. All those gifts of grace for free. Amazing!
Thank you for reading and commenting on two of my posts today, Sheena. you are a wonderful blog friend!
Ceil
I like that phrase, “It’s breathing money” as well as “breathing grace,” Ceil! We need those reminders to have grateful hearts for all God does for us each day and did for us so many centuries ago. I’m so glad God gave you some breathing grace when you were learning as a young nurse. I can imagine that observing such an intense experience would be amazing and moving.
Hi Beth! I love those terms too, Beth. And oh yes, God is present yesterday, today and tomorrow. So true!
Boy, I am so glad that I got that grace too! I was never a ‘fainter’, but who knows what would happen in that intense situation? It was both amazing and moving, as you wrote! And so fun that I would be there again as a nurse years later.
So good to see you today! I hope you’ll visit often, and we can get to know each other better.
Ceil
Love this girl!!
Hi Heather Leigh! Oh, you are so kind
I am so glad you liked what you read.
It was fun to come by and see the pics of you and your family today. Aren’t we blessed to be blog friends?
Happy Monday!
Ceil
Hi Celi,
Thanks for coming by my blog. I thought I would check yours out too. I really enjoyed this post your wrote. I am working on remembering to be grateful for all that I experience in life and for what God has given me, this is a great reminder of that. Hope you have a wonderful day! =)
Hi Suzanne! I am so happy that you came on over! That’s great
I hope that we will be great blog friends.
I am working on it too, Suzanne, believe me. And it takes reminders of his love and grace every day. But the fact that I’m working on it gives me hope!
Hope your day is a blessing too!
Ceil
What a sweet thought…a gift, just for breathing! Not only is it a teaching moment for the kids but for us too as we consider God’s wonderful grace to us. Great post!
Hi Angel! It was a cute little term for it…I wonder if the kids saw it as a teaching moment? Hmmm. My daughter reads this blog sometimes. Maybe she’ll let me know.
Thank you for your always kind words to me, Angel. I really value our blog friendship. So happy we know each other!
Ceil
Ceil, I’m not sure that my words can adequately express how beautiful this post was! I just loved it. I remember writing something about my grandparents, and how they loved me just because I got up in the morning and was alive! I absolutely love the phrase “breathing grace.” I will remember that. Because that is indeed what we are given by a God whose love for us knows NO BOUNDS!
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! Wow. Thank you for your kind, encouraging words, Sharon. I really admire your writing, so this really means a lot to me.
What a great memory of your grandparents! They sure do make us feel special, don’t they? They were just the earthly definition of ‘breathing grace.’
Oh yes, God’s love has no bounds. I agree 100%
So nice to see you here, Sharon. Thank you so much!
Ceil
“Breathing Grace” – I love it, sweet Ceil! Your post was very inspirational and a joy to read. I hope you are well, dear friend
Thank you for the lovely comments on my blog and you are more than welcome to join the exchange. Have a blessed Monday!
Love and hugs!
Hi Stephanie! You are doing great things over at your blog, that’s great! I always enjoy visiting you and seeing what’s new!
So glad you liked what you read today.
Blessings to you too, my friend!
Ceil
Hi, Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment for me. I am truly enjoying getting acquainted with your blog. I always love to meet and get to know other christian’s and hope to be back to visit you often. Dee
Hi Dee! I was happy to find you! Thank you for visiting, commenting and joining here. I’ll be right over when I’m done to join you too.
I really like to get to know other Christian bloggers too. It’s fun to make connections and learn new ideas
Please do come often, I’d love to see you here!
Ceil
Ceil,
Perfect! Breathing money Breathing grace! I bet you’re an amazing Grandma – and did you have to look up the atomic weight of cobalt or did you pull it out of a hat? Your examples speak right to our everydays. I’m smiling. Thanks!
Janet
Hi Janet! Thank you for your very encouraging comments today, Janet! You made me smile, and I’m so grateful
I sure did look up the atomic wt. of cobalt!! That is not something I just pulled out, believe me. Chemistry was a long time ago. Probably didn’t know it then either! LOL!
I really appreciate your comments, Janet. You made my day.
Ceil
“Breathing grace.” Oh I just loved this. He is so good! We are not worthy but I’m so grateful He loves us anyways!! Thank you for your kind comment at my place today too. I hope you are having a wonderful Monday.
Hi Beth! So nice to see your smiling face here today, thank you for coming over! It was a blessing to see you at your blog too.
So glad you liked the post! It was a fun one to write. We are so blessed by him in his love, that’s for sure.
Happy Monday!
Ceil
Yes, so beautifully said – we are bathed in grace every day! I wonder what God thinks when we don’t notice, or when we even complain. Yet He keeps lavishing His love and grace on us. What a privilege that you get to see new life entering the world so regularly AND that you are still in awe by it!
Hi Paula! Oh yes, we are bathed in grace everyday, so true! You bring up an interesting question. It must be a sad thing for God to bring us so much beauty, only to see me miss it. Good reality check there, Paula. Thank you!
The job in the OR was wonderful. I really did like it so much. I quit ‘after kids’ though. I wanted a more flexible job so I could be home with them. Good memories though!
Peace in Christ,
Ceil
“Not because we are worthy, but because we’re family.” I found this statement to be profoundly touching. The concept of God’s grace is one of those spiritual areas I believe the Lord is trying to teach me about. Not only being grateful for His gift of grace, but trying to learn to extend it to others – not a natural thought process for me at all.
Hi Elizabeth! I am so happy that this post touched you in some way. I think I am also learning every day about sharing the grace I have been given, or being a mercy to others as he is to me.
You are not alone in that at all! I pray that we all become more like him, and give away our forgiveness and grace freely.
Good to see you!
Ceil
I loved ” breathing grace”! Such a beautiful thought. My grandmother used to give us new coins, too. Thanks for reminding me of precious memories.
Hi Donna! Oh, thanks Donna! I think it does sound beautiful, doesn’t it? But not as beautiful as his presence and grace.
I seem to remember my Grandpa giving us money back a LONG time ago. Your Grandma did it too? How fun to remember those things, and to know how much you love and remember her.
Love your photo with your husband!
Ceil
What a wonderful post, tying in our Father’s grace and the “breathing money” moments of childhood.
How blessed you are to be a delivery room nurse. I know there are sad moments at times, I’ve been there on the mommy end of that…but to be gifted with the opportunity to be the first person to welcome so many someones to this life is beyond awesome.
Have a blessed week.
Hi Suzanne! Well, I just think the kids and me too, get so much love ‘for free’. And not because we have earned it at all. Just because we are loved.
I did really enjoy my time in surgery. It was probably one of my most favorite places in my work history. I am so sorry about your sad moments. Yes, there were those too. And I have seen how heartbreaking they are. My heart goes out to you, Suzanne. That must have been very hard.
Thank you for sharing today. It’s always so good to see you.
Ceil
I love that idea of ‘breathing money’ and it’s a great illustration of God’s unconditional love for us. Oh, that we would always treat others with such love. Great post!
Hi Aneta! Thanks for coming on over today! I am so glad that you liked what you read here. I don’t know where that term came from, it just jumped out of my mouth. It’s a good one though!
I agree. We need to practice that unconditional love and generosity with everyone. What a great place to live the world would be then!
Peace,
Ceil
“just because I am alive and I am loved”…knowing that makes all the difference. What a beautiful post and reminder of His grace toward us.
Hi Peggy! Absolutely. If we know we are loved and worthy of his grace, how happy we would all be, don’t you think?
I am so glad you liked the post today, Peggy. It’s so nice to see your smiling face here!
Ceil
Ceil –
Thank you for this! “Breathing money” – – – what a beautiful analogy of God’s grace! I visited from Unite this morning & am so glad I stopped here. I needed it
Have a great Tues.!
Joanne
Hi Joanne! Thank you for coming over today from the bloghop.
So glad you liked the analogy today! It was fun to write too. All of it a gift, all of it unearned. Like Christmas every day
Happy Tuesday!
Ceil
enjoyed reading this today
Hi Faith! Thank you for coming over and taking the time to read and comment. I am so glad that you liked the post today!
Peace to you,
Ceil
Beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing.We too have grandparents & parents & family who often do little things for no reason..which often leaves us with open mouths. And like I tell my son, time to pay it back. (which luckly, he “gets”. It is not about monetary..not at all.) Blessings
Hi Linda! Our Grandparents and family are such beautiful reflections of God’s unconditional love for us, aren’t they? And you are helping your son understand by teaching: ‘paying it forward.’ I’m not sure I did that…what a great thing to do!
Your son sounds like a wonderful person. It’s not easy to ‘get’ being generous. I’m sure your example is what’s helping him!
Thanks for coming by today
Ceil
Amazing post.
Hi Denise! Oh, thank you so much! I am so glad you liked it
Ceil
Your words are truly beautiful, inspiring and thought provoking.
God Bless!
Sue
Hi Sue! Wow, thanks. I am so glad that you liked the post. It was fun to write, and to remember those times when Grandma could give a quarter and send the kids over the moon
Good to see you lilies here today!
Ceil
A timely reminder for me today =) Thanks!
Hi Natalie! So glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for coming by today
Ceil
Wow…that is powerful. Breathing Money…I remember my uncle would give me a quarter every time I shook his hand- and I would leave with a bunch of quarters each visit, Then as I grew older it changed to half dollars and then cash…just because…he loved me. Precious memory and a great post! Ceil, you are such an encourager, thanks for stopping by and leaving a few words. You bless me!
Hi Dawn! It seems like everyone remembers getting coins from family members. I better stock up for my Grandchildren!
Every time you shook his hand? That guy would go broke in my family. Or maybe his hand would break!
It is my pleasure to be over at your blog, Dawn. And thank you for being here to encourage me too. We make good blog-friends
Ceil
Beautifully written. Love the quarter idea. Every day is a blessing from God and should never be taken for granted.
Hi MM! Thank you so much! And what a pleasure to find your blog. Now we can get to know each other better…great!
You are so right. Every day is a gift, no question. May I always treasure the gift of time.
Blessings to you, my new friend!
Ceil
I will most likely think of this story every time I look at a quarter. What a wonderful reminder, thanks so much!
Hi Karen! Thank you so much for coming on over today! You know, I never thought to have that quarter be a reminder of blessings. Of Breathing Grace. I think I’ll do that too. (Yes, I am a shameless copy-cat!)
Thank you for your thoughtful comment!
Ceil
Ceil, Thanks for dropping by today. I found Honey Crisp apple at just 95 cents a pound couple of weekends ago in St. Louis. If I see more deals like that I will pick you up some. Noriko
Hi Noriko! That is so cheap! Yes, please get them if they look good.
I wonder if it was a tough year for apples? I hardly see them around at all.
Thanks for coming over here today!
Ceil
I love the phrase “breathing grace” and I love the reality of it. I’ve been given breathing grace more times than I can count or ever know. Thanks for this post, Ceil!
Hi Lisa! Oh, thank you! It does sound a little lyrical, I have to agree. God was very good to me to give me that idea.
I have also been a grateful receiver of his grace. Aren’t we so blessed?
Happy Tuesday!
Ceil
Oh Ceil! What a beautiful post
Reminds me of my last c section 19 months ago, yet feels like yesterday. I like to think that’s God’s sustaining gift of grace.
Hi Patty! So happy to see you today! I bet your surgery does seem like yesterday! And yet your child is the proof. What an experience. I wonder if that was your first one? (the nurse in me, sorry!)
It certainly is a grace! What did people do before surgery for children who had trouble being born? My daughter had a c-section too, and I was so grateful that she and her daughter could be safe. And I am glad for your health, and the health of your child. God is good!
Peace to you
Ceil
Beautiful!! So glad I met you!!!
Hi Jennifer! It was so great to visit you on your blog too
Thank you for visiting today, and making a comment too. I look forward to getting to know you better. I hope you’ll come around often, and I’ll be over to visit you too. Aren’t we blessed??
Happy Tuesday!
Ceil
Found your blog while visiting Lily Valley and I am so glad I did! I love the insights God gives you to share with others!
Blessings!
Pam
2 Encourage
In need of encouragement as a writer?
A to Z Devotions for Writers
Hi Pam! Thank you so much for reaching out and finding me! I also visited your blog, and you are a really inspiring writer. I hope we can get to know each other better! (I see you are a Nana too
)
Thank you for your kind comments, this was a fun post to write!
Peace,
Ceil
Great post on His freely given, amazing grace. Blessed to have your blog friendship!
Hi Mindy! So nice to see you! I have missed your smiling face.
Oh my yes, what grace he gives, so we have the power to respond to him. And all for free!
I am blessed by your blog-friendship too Mindy. Didn’t we have grace the day we met??
Ceil
I love your explanation of breathing grace and your appreciation of life around you. Bet you are an awesome nurse.
HI SL! Thank you for your kind comment! I did love nursing, but I quit working at that about two years ago. My legs couldn’t take it anymore. All those years of standing and walking the corridors took it’s toll.
I did enjoy it while I could though
Thank you for being a miracle for me today, SL. I love seeing your smiling face!
Ceil
What a remarkable posting. You enlighten me every time. Breathing grace… how beautiful.
Right now some women in our church are doing the Wonderstruck bible study. Your description of the miracle of birth reminded me of that. The wonder and delight God wants us to experience daily… hourly… in His presence.
Blessings to you.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for your generous comments! I am so glad that you can relate to what I write about. Isn’t that a miracle of grace?
I just took at peek at the Harvest Moon, and it just made me spontaneously pray my thanks. Another free view into his glory. So amazing.
Thank you for being my miracle today!
Ceil
Such a beautiful post! Don’t we all get these wonderful breathing gifts from God–and sometimes we miss the fact that they’re even there! Thanks for reminding me of them!
Hi Sr. Ann Marie! Thank you so much, I’m so glad you liked it. I miss his gifts all the time, they are as plentiful as the number of breaths I take every day. We all need to remind each other, don’t you think?
Thank you so much for coming over, and making a comment too. Have a happy Monday
Ceil