...but the greatest of these is love.

I am a firm believer in justice.  Doing right was instilled in me as a child, from my earliest memories. I understand that, in some cases, "doing right" can have different meanings. Not all things are black and white. But regarding the behaviors that are, I believe people should be held accountable for their wrong-doing and suffer the consequences of those decisions.

Justice is very definitely needed in our society. It’s what helps us to feel safe and live lives we love, free of fear. That principle is in the Bible. You know what else is in the Bible? Grace, Compassion, Mercy. Grace, compassion and mercy are surely just as needed and a lot more of them.  Recently, I've become more cognizant of the fact that I’m not the best when it comes to showing mercy to others who don’t do what I think they should do. And many times I don’t show compassion to people who often need it. And when I'm not compassionate, I am not being like Jesus. Being like Him is what I am called to be. It's what I want to be. It's what Christianity is all about. It is the basis for everything in my life. And that foundation comes from His Word, The Holy Bible.

I am praying for the Lord to do a mighty work in my life and my heart and give me the grace, compassion and mercy I need to show to others.  I know He can. If I am willing.

“…but the greatest of these is love.”

I Corinthians 13

saying goodbye...

It's a tough thing to say goodbye.  Most of our goodbyes are temporary. They can still be hard and bring sadness and tears, even though we're thankful we'll see our loved ones again. Here. On Earth.

Some goodbyes feel worse and are longer. Those goodbyes are the ones when we lose someone to death.  Those are tougher and more challenging.  But they can also bring inspiration to our lives. They give us opportunity to grow and make changes or, at the very least, evaluate to be sure we are making the right choices in our lives.

I'm especially sad today for a little family who is losing their 2-year-old angel baby to cancer.  They have fought valiantly and faithfully to save this little doll. They are coming to the end. They weren't able to experience the joy that her healing would have brought. So, they have the horrible path of losing her. They know they will see her again and she will no longer be in pain. We have prayed for healing for dear little Bailey. Now we pray for comfort for her family: dad, mom and brother.

While death is sad and difficult, it can bring relief. Sweet Bailey won't be in pain any longer. She will be brand new in her glorified body. We say goodbye, knowing we will see them again.

I want to thank God for opportunities and for these things that inspire us to keep on and keep loving. I hope that because of the lives of ones I've known of or loved I can be better. I pray that I will be thankful for my life and all who are in it and that I can love with the love of God.

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus

and believe in your heart that God has raised Him

from the dead, you will be saved.

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness,

and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:9-10