let's hear it for a comeback?

This blog may or may not be coming back to life. Thanks to Lacey and Sarah who encouraged me to write today . . . let's see how long this run goes :) 
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I was reading a devotional this morning before spin class (don't ask how early it was) and this passage really spoke to me:

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
 - Titus 3:4-7

Because it's not by my efforts, my works, anything of my own doing or merit that can get me close to God. 

Because I mess up daily, and my soul needs to rest in the promise that Christ has taken my place and lived perfectly in my place . . . that it's His righteousness and His grace that cover me.

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” 

- Tim Keller