The Value of FREE Things

The weather is NOT cooperating... for mowing lawns... for the farmers needing to bring in the harvest... for those of us who want to exercise outside! This was the second morning this week that we've tried to get back in from our morning walks before being caught by the rain. Yesterday I was pretty soaked by the time I returned to my house. This morning I was running extremely late to meet up with my friend. It would seem that someone just piled all the WET walking clothes, gloves, etc. in a heap on the laundry room floor. And, 53 degrees with a chance of rain is NOT a time to go on a walkabout without the proper attire.

7 Days... 7 Years...

Photo taken and post written 20 October 2009

I'm overwhelmed with a sense of God's presence today. The past 7 days have held much for me. I was able to get away with my husband for 3 days without kids and away from the house that needs a serious cleaning. 

Seven years ago today, October 20, 2002, I was at the side of my father for his heavenly homecoming. I'm thanking God for my dad's wholeness today & knowing that I will be with BOTH of my FATHERS for eternity. 

Today, I drove through Mounds State Park for the first time since my foot was broken in early August of this year. Last night I enjoyed a homemade meal with our entire family of four - which fills me with joy! God is so good to us. He's continually finding ways to bless us. Sometimes we don't notice all that is put in our paths by our loving Father. 

As James 1:17 says, "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike man, He never changes or casts shifting shadows. " Every good & perfect things come from our Heavenly Father! WOW! So today, from God's Word, "May the Lord continually bless you with heaven’s blessings as well as with human joys." Psalm 128:5 (TLB paraphrase).

Bonus video: God is Here 

Lyrics by Lara Martin:
In your presence, there is fullness of life
And healing flowing, for body soul and mind
God of miracles, God of the impossible is here
God is here

CHORUS:
God is here - Let the broken hearted rejoice (lift up your head)
God is here - Let the sick say I am well (all sufficient One)
God is here - Let the weak say I am strong (let the weak say I am strong!)
God is here - His wonders to perform In your presence, there is perfect peace

In the stillness, I behold your deity God of wonders,
God of power is here
God is here 
O His wonders, yes His wonders
His wonders to perform (Repeat)

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old - 3 No Strings Attached

About 10-15 years ago, a few things began to really "get under my skin" about a dear, cherished, beloved relative. I pondered those things & came to the abrupt conclusion that I too could easily slip into similar and perhaps the exact (gasp) behaviors. It was at that time that I began a new file entitled, "Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old". About 2-3 times each year, I send the file to a few "sister friends" in the hopes that they will NOT let me edit the entries as I get older to suit my fancy. I'm beginning with the first entry & will add others throughout the coming months, years, whatever :)

I began the file with a note to read each time I open it...

Dear "Old" Caitlyn,
As you continue to get "older", please DON’T FORGET the following these guidelines from...
"Young" Caitlyn

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old -- Entry #3

Solomon sitting on the Christmas bags so I couldn't put them away!

3. No strings attached please!  What does it mean to give a gift to someone? Does your gift come with conditions -- is there a cost? Are you giving to get a thank you or to make a big impression? Are you giving your gift with a hidden agenda? The same thoughts go with the intent of a compliment or an invitation to join you in an activity, etc. When growing up, 99% of the time, I felt like there were conditions to the approval & affection that I received. As, I grew up, that perception didn't seem to change much from that one person. Currently, I see that same thing happening in the lives of my children.

Why do we have to attach strings to so many things in our lives. When we give without the expectation of receiving something in return, the joy is immediate with our gift. We aren't sitting in a holding pattern waiting for recognition or accolades! Isn't this they way it was intended? None of us enjoy going on a guilt trip.

Old Caitlyn: DON'T send your loved ones on a guilt trip. Give freely!

Scriptures of the Day: A few scriptures that come to my mind. Acts 20:35: "You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Luke 6:38: "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving--large or small--it will be used to measure what is given back to you."

SO TODAY... as Deuteronomy 15:10 says, "Give freely without begrudging it, and the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do."

FORMER POSTS IN THIS "SERIES"

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #1 - Sleep Around

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #2 - The World Doesn't Owe Me