Yeah, that's what I read about in my devotional today. In fact, I think I will include part of what it says. Here goes:
"Sin deserves punishment. You pray for mercy for yourself and judgement upon others, but My love doesn't work that way. I need you to open your heart to My love and be a reflection of My mercy. I know that it is not easy to show mercy when you're going through unthinkable pain and suffering. I know that you want to walk in My love, but it just doesn't seem that simple. Your broken heart overwhelms you as you try to understand the why questions of life. Understand that there are just some things that you will never understand. My plans go far beyond your comprehension. I don't want you to understand everything, I want you to trust me in and through it all - the good and the bad. Remember that I've given you grace, favor that you don't deserve, but that is readily poured out on you. Recall how you've been mercifully forgiven and that it is necessary for you to show the same compassion that I've shown you to others who don't deserve it either. In your bitterness and resentment, do not retaliate, but make the choice to be merciful, always forgiving and reflecting My love by offering mercy.
Romans 6:23 (NIV): The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Yeah, since I will be around someone who constantly causes the hair to stand up on the back of the neck, the tension in the body, the rubbing of the material the wrong way, the fingernails on the chalkboard, the rubbing of Styrofoam together.... I had to read that one today. But - do any of us deserve mercy? There are many sayings that I know we have all heard. Do it once, shame on you, do it twice, shame on me. Yeah, what do you call it when it is more than once or twice? I think the 'last straw' has been reached.... and although I will be kind, and I will talk to them, I know I cannot be 'friends' with them, regardless of who they are or how they are related. And that's all I'm going to say about that.
The milk-less, egg-less, butter-less cake was made yesterday - and to my surprise it is actually fairly good! I had to slice off the top to make the cakes (8") fit together so nibbled on that to get a taste of it. The chocolate frosting is decent too. I was really surprised - the frosting is made up of coconut oil (so it gives it a slight coconut flavor-yum), vanilla extract, maple syrup, cocoa.... I think that is it. It is real runny when putting it on, but seemed to solidify the longer it set. I put it in the refrigerator after I put it together so will see how it is today. I was thrilled to make it for the great-grandson - and can't wait to see all the chocolate on his face, in his hair, on the highchair, on the floor.... and I don't have to clean it up. LOL I could, of course, help. Maybe. I may not stay that long. I made tea as well and am hoping I don't forget to take it with me. Just a pitcher full.
I awoke at my usual 4AM this morning and reminded myself it is Saturday, and I do not have to get up so early. I laid there for about another 15 minutes or so - but could not go back to sleep so came in here and talked with God for a while before I decided to turn on my light and start my reading. I love these mornings when I have no agenda for the morning but just being with Jesus. There is something so peaceful about sitting in His presence and being still. Saying what I want to say, and then being quiet and listening for His voice. Sometimes I hear Him, sometimes I don't. But I always want to have open ears and an open heart and be available to Him.
We went to dinner last night with some friends and they had us meet them at a place we didn't even know was there! It's a small restaurant, clean, and the Mexican food is excellent and authentic. It's called MasterTaco. It's a lot closer to us than Top Shelf north of us where we have been going - and cheaper too. I had two enchiladas, and it came with refried beans and rice and the patch of lettuce/tomatoes on a large plage. I couldn't eat it all. I think the price was $11.99 and well worth it. We will probably start going there as it is good and the people are friendly. Anyway, our friends bought as a 'thank you' for my preaching at the facility. He is the one who coordinates it and had asked me to fill in and I was able to. He asked me last night when my RV park preaching started - and I told him November 10th and then goes to the middle of April. Which reminds me I need to start putting messages together - I have ten times I'm speaking this season! He said that some people at the facility really liked me - and the chaplain who spoke last week even mentioned a message on faith that I gave there, how it redefined his thoughts on faith. It wasn't me, it was God.
I hear our neighbors out and about this morning. We haven't seen them since we went there for dinner about 3 weeks ago. I know we need to have them over, but haven't yet. I need to figure out something easy and good to fix. I never worry about food until I plan a meal for others. I could do soup and salad, which I love, but I don't know if they do. She had fixed a chicken pot pie, which was good, but I'm not wanting to be that creative. I could be, but don't want to be. But we do need to reciprocate soon. I also need to call Ms. Diane... sigh.... I haven't talked to her since she said she'd rather go to hell than vote for Trump. I was so shocked at her hatred I had to leave. I do need to call her and see how she is doing. She probably doesn't even remember the incident. I need to check on Ms. Vicki too. I haven't been over there probably in two months - surprised she hasn't called me. Maybe I can do that after the party this afternoon. I enjoy the visit, but I also enjoy being a hermit. Shut the world out and be alone.
Do you ever feel that way? That you just don't want to be around anyone? You just want to be left alone and do your own thing? I do. Probably more frequently than I should. This morning is one of them. I enjoy sitting and talking to God and waiting on Him. That is the start of my day and is what keeps me going. I need that more than I need a cup of coffee. But I also like the TV off, book in hand, or a project to work on, and quiet. Total silence. Only in the silence can you often hear His voice in the stillness .... and know that it is God. The maker of heaven and earth. The One who loves you more than you can ever be loved by anyone. Those are the moments I crave. I do not fear being alone; I cherish it. Yes, I do love my family being around me. They keep me young and active. (cough cough) But the early mornings are the times that make life liveable.
Not having to jump up and get ont he computer to work leaves me time to do some extra reading. I sure do love the weekends. Enjoy yours.
Blessings!
