Let's Be Fair or Should We Be? #write31days 10-15-16

The thought came to me the other day (as I was, most likely, thinking about what other people should do):

If we EVER have a chance to help someone in need,

we SHOULD DO IT...

not based upon their merit,

but based upon our personal commitment

to living a life full of grace!

There are times when I can honestly say that I feel exactly that way. Lately I've had more times when I've been willing to sacrifice my wants to offer grace to someone who doesn't seem to deserve it. Yet, I would have to admit that most of my life I've lived a lifestyle of "fairness for others" instead of grace, forgiveness and mercy. I've wanted to give people what they fairly deserved. But, I don't want to be FAIR anymore. Because I don't want to accept FAIR for myself! I want to live a life of GRACE -- just as I have received! 

Did I get what I deserved? Absolutely NOT! I have the promise of eternal life, without sorrow or pain. I have the promise of abundant life in this world. Do I deserve that based upon my "track record"? Not really. But, I am forgiven - because I sincerely asked God for forgiveness. I asked Him to walk with me daily & to convict me of what I needed to change -- fix -- improve.  

God's love is never based upon what's fair. It's given lavishly to everyone whether they have earned it or not by their actions, words, choices, etc. He gives me the promise of heaven -- and glimpses of it here on earth (Eccl 3:11) & a world of it to come!

Should we be fair or extend grace? Let's be one of the unlikely people to speak wisdom & extend grace.

"May we be open to hearing wisdom from UNLIKELY PEOPLE and receiving grace in an UNEXPECTED PLACE." ~ Emily P. Freeman

5 Minute Free-For-All – Let's Be Fair or Should We Be? #write31days 10-15-16

I Wish They'd Get What They Deserve!

I am a Christian.  Yet, there's this sense within me that people should get what they deserve. How often we, as Christians, take for granted the grace & mercy which God bestowed upon us as His children, while secretly wanting others to NOT receive that same grace & mercy. We seem to think we know the perfect punishment for other people's sins. But, God's promises are for everyone...

His mercies are NEW every morning.
Great is His faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:23

When Jonah complained about God's sentence upon Nineveh, God told him, "... Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn't I feel sorry for such a great city?" Jonah 4:11. This didn't really sit well with Jonah.

It often doesn't sit right with us when others don't get the punishment we think they deserve. A verse that has taken on a very special meaning for me in the past year or so is... 

"The Lord isn't really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." 

2 Peter 3:9

God's grace is greater than all our sin... all of everyone's sin! His grace & mercy is great enough for the little sins... and the big sins -- as we often see them! God gives every single one of us "second chances".

Perhaps we (I) should be less concerned about what others deserve and more concerned about expressing thankfulness to God for the mercy & grace which He has extended to... each of us.

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today... 

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old - 1 It's Okay to Sleep Around

NOTE: This is Caitlyn YOUNG!

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 the "Young" Caitlyn:

1. It’s okay to sleep around as you get older! As a matter of fact, it’s probably a good practice :) What do I mean, you ask :) Well, not everyone’s room is as dark as your room, not everyone’s room is as quiet as your room, not everyone’s bed or pillow is the perfect firmness, etc. If it’s difficult to be alone at home all the time and you get lonely, then you’ll have to "visit" other families & places. Don’t set yourself up to not be able to sleep well other places. And, certainly don’t complain about it when you have a less than perfect night. If at all possible, take a rest in the afternoon when you don’t sleep well during the night. Ponder upon the promises of the Lord... and rest! 



Scripture of the Day: "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8