Each December, for many years, the Lord gave me a “word” for the new year. The last couple of years, I sought words, but they never came. This year, I hadn’t been seeking, but last week, one word kept appearing (and is still appearing) to me in so many different ways, even though I hadn’t mentioned it to anyone. And already, He is using the word to teach me, guide me, challenge me to become more like Him. The word is GRACE. Before I had my boys, I knew if I ever had a little girl, I would name her Grace. My grandmother’s best friend was a beautiful woman named Grace, whose face – and life – shone Jesus every moment I knew her. When I was a teen, I said to my grandmother that Grace must have had a pretty special life to be so lovely and loving, but she said that Grace’s life had actually been quite difficult, painful, and harsh. Years later, I finally understood it was those trials she encountered and conquered that drew her closer to the Lord. Just thinking of her today brings tears to...