Bay Shore NY
6-04-2024 8:57am

Divine Grace - Gracia Divina

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - DIVINE GRACE

I've been thinking a lot about grace lately. As I move about my life and experience the world around us, I find myself pondering how divine grace plays a significant role in our lives and helps us navigate the difficult times that we all endure.

Divine Grace has been defined as the divine influence which operates in humans to regenerate and sanctify, to inspire virtuous impulses, and to impart strength to endure trial and resist temptation; and as an individual virtue or excellence of divine origin. The Greek word for grace is also translated as “divine favor.” It is God's power at work in our lives, empowering us to become better human beings.

Grace also looks like conviction, growth, obedience, and repentance. By grace we are transformed daily to be people who love better and sin less, and this can be a painful process. Grace requires sacrifice. It is a call to resist certain temptations that can lead us astray. When we pause to receive grace, we are transformed in that moment. We may arch our head higher, stand taller, and even walk differently. Grace works in all aspects of our lives.

As many of you know, I am a Christian. I practice my faith by attending weekly mass. I have received the grace of Christ, and it has worked wonders in my life. I ask that all people receive this grace. If you believe, as I do, divine grace was made possible because God sent Jesus Christ to earth to save humanity. Through Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, forgiveness of sins was achieved so that all of us could have the opportunity for salvation and grace. 

Other religions acknowledge Jesus Christ for a variety of reasons, including his global influence, his life, and his role as a prophet or messenger of God:

Islam - The Quran mentions Jesus by name 25 times, more than Muhammad, and describes him as a mortal human and prophet chosen by God to spread his message. Muslims believe Jesus lived a life of piety and generosity, and received a Gospel from God called the Injil. However, Muslims do not worship Jesus or consider him divine, and they do not describe him as the son of God.

Buddhism - Some high-level Buddhists have drawn analogies between Jesus and Buddhism, such as the Dalai Lama's 2001 statement that Jesus may have lived previous lives as a Bodhisattva or enlightened person.

Other religions - Religions that followed Jesus in history may have modified themselves in response to him, or merged him into their worldview. For example, Judaism views Jesus as a reformer of Jewish beliefs, and Mormons believe Jesus is the Redeemer, God, and Savior.

    If you ever doubt that there is a force greater than yourself, just look around. God's grace is everywhere. It's in the sunrise and the sunset. It's in a child's face. It's in the flowers and trees and the air we breathe. It's there for all of us to receive. Just ask for it.

    Peace and Love - Pace e Amore,

    Skylark

    At 60 and Beyond, we can all benefit by the divine grace of God.

    SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - THATCH MEADOW FARM

    Thatch Meadow Farm is a very unique place. Parts of it are frozen in time as this is the last remnants of an estate on the north shore of Long Island. The buildings still stand and none higher than the clock tower that looks over the land. This place is very much alive with artists and musicians. Spectacular events take place here bringing together friends and family to share in their craft of song, dance, painting, instrumentation, and the pleasure of being in each other's company. 

    As you enter the rugged driveway of Thatch Meadow Farm, you are transported to a magical place away from surrounding suburbs. There is a sense of comfort and escape in the 18 acres that await you. Come join us. Visit www.thatchmeadowfarm.com.

    SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

    Dear God,

    Please shine your grace upon all people of the world. Amen.

    SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

    SKYLARK'S QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

    How does Divine Grace show up in your life? 

    Please put your answer in the Reply bubble at the bottom of this newsletter near the Heart. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

    SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - AMAZING GRACE by CECE WINANS

    <!-- EMBEDDED YOUTUBE URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIUW2oKb8kY -->

    LYRICS

    Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
    That saved a wretch like me
    I once was lost, but now I'm found
    Was blind, but now I see

    'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
    And grace, my fears relieved
    How precious did that grace appear
    The hour I first believed

    Through many dangers, toils and snares
    We have already come
    'Twas grace that brought us safe thus far
    And grace will lead us home

    When we've been there ten thousand years
    Bright shining as the sun
    We've no less days to sing God's praise
    Than when we first begun
    Than when we first begun

    ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

    My brand, Skylark Live, was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I’m in the process of formulating in-person presentations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be conducted in someone’s home, local library, or senior center.

    Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

    Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

    WHERE TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT ME ON PATREON AND SOCIAL MEDIA

    Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and to expand my brand. Just click the link below: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

    Social Media - You can follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

    Thank you for your love and support. Andiamo! Let's Go!
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