I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the value of a life, the influence of a life, the consequence of a life, the purpose of a life, and the final testimony of a life.  As I have been studying for a Titus2 meeting I’ve been mulling over this month’s topic (from 2 Peter and the list of character qualities) and this month’s topic is charity.  We know from 1 Corinthians 13 that without this — without [...]]]> At its very best.

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the value of a life, the influence of a life, the consequence of a life, the purpose of a life, and the final testimony of a life.  As I have been studying for a Titus2 meeting I’ve been mulling over this month’s topic (from 2 Peter and the list of character qualities) and this month’s topic is charity.  We know from 1 Corinthians 13 that without this — without charity, we are nothing.

So one of the questions that continues to be before me is this:  what is my motivation for ________?  (filling that space with whatever’s before me. I ask myself this question — and want to be more and more mindful of this question when I do this or that thing, think this or that thought, say this or that word — share this or that story.   What is the motivation for doing this activity?  Am I motivated by love or is it some other motivation?  Is my action, word, thought, etc., motivated by love or selfish ambition?  Love or personal gain?  Love or retaliation?  Love or fear?  Love or manipulation?  Love or deceit?

When I stop and ask myself this question or these questions, I am challenged to do what’s right… challenged to be honourable.  When love is the motivation for doing, saying or thinking a particular thing, then I/we desire to do it, say it, think it as the Lord Jesus would have us to do it, say it, think it.  This sort of bearing, believing, hoping all things sort of love is a strong motivator to be — and seek to become more — gracious.

So then, I have come to this conclusion:
This is life at its very best:
Graciously doing, at any given moment, what needs to be done..

From Webster’s 1828 Dictionary: GRA’CIOUS, a. [L. gratiosus.]

Thou are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful.
Nehemiah 9

All bore him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded from his mouth.
Luke 4

This, from our website…

More Information here. Letters To My Sisters will be much like The Welcome Home messages I used to send to subscribers.

And as for our friend’s wedding… well, it was so beautiful… more on that later! This morning found us sort of dragging [...]]]> I’m happy to share that the list service that helped me with The Welcome Home messages in the past will also be helping me with the new: Letters To My Sisters email letter subscriptions.

This, from our website…

More Information here.
Letters To My Sisters will be much like The Welcome Home
messages I used to send to subscribers.

And as for our friend’s wedding… well, it was so beautiful… more on that later! This morning found us sort of dragging and slow. After the mountain of table linens and towels is conquered, I’ll post a note and some pictures. I’m grateful for the many who prayed us through the week, through the baking, through the storm and electrical outage… and then for all who helped us with the wedding and reception. God is so faithful and careful with us – each one.

Dear Sisters Are you feeling alone and in need of inspiration for the task the LORD has given you as a wife, mother and handmaiden of the LORD? Are you in a place that seems difficult, without mentors or encouragement for the narrow path ahead? Perhaps you are what might be called a “first generation Christian” and perhaps you’ve had few role models or godly examples of just how to be a loving [...]]]>