Dodgy Pens

The older I get, the harder it is to undo a bad habit (or initiate a good one). 

The more ballpoint pens I accumulate, the harder it is to find one that works. 

The more I’m sure one of the jigsaw puzzle pieces is missing, the more certainly it is there.
***

This was the 26th set of "triplets" that I've been posting on my Facebook page each morning.

The second of these three drew many comments including THIS one from my friend, Clarice:

YES, But my suggestion...Get rid of a pen when it skips too much...

It is NOT going to get better...

(I know.....We have WAY too many of those at our house, too!)

I responded:

 I "know" that! WHY do I not DO it? 

I think it's my spiritual gift of mercy showing itself - just don't want to give UP 

on a skipping ballpoint! Especially those that have served me so well.

Friend Barb replied to Friend Clarice:

I love the line--- "it is NOT going to get better" --- (the truth hurts !)

And Rose weighed in saying,

You must be me! I am notorious for dodgy pens...

"Dodgy pens."  I like that description.
We definitely have our share at our house!

How about you?

Note to self: 
Whoever has the gift of ·encouraging [exhorting] others should ·encourage [exhort]. Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give ·freely [generously]. Anyone who has the gift of being a leader should ·try hard when he leads [lead diligently/enthusiastically]. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others should do so with joy [cheerfulness].
Romans 12:8

Mercy

Some of my small collection of hymn books

The pianist played simple tunes before the service in the small church began yesterday.

I was familiar with the songs she played.
Songs like "Only Trust Him".

Its words passed through my mind.....

Come, every soul by sin oppressed,

there's MERCY with the Lord

Gratefully, I recognized and noted the word.  MY word for 2016.  Mercy!

A few minutes later we sang two gospel songs with the congregation.

In loving-kindness Jesus came

my soul in MERCY to reclaim.... 

followed by "Redeemed".

Redeemed through His infinite MERCY,

His child and forever I am.

 "For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive;
and plenteous in mercy to all them that call on you."  Psalm 86:5

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."  Matthew 5:7
Since adopting this word, I am seeing it in one form or another almost every day!
I'm SO thankful for the Lord's mercy to me and pray to become merciful to others.

Mercy

I left off my journaling yesterday 

"Pondeirng, wondering....is 'mercy' my word for 2016???"

I woke up this morning and was greeted by Eugene Peterson's tweet.

Apparently so!

Mercy it is.

Interestingly, long ago I took a spiritual gift inventory and was surprised 

that it identified mercy as my spiritual gift.

I guess it's time to "stir up" or "fan into flame"

 that gift with vigorous intentionality.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, 

which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 

(2 Timothy 1:6-7)

I'll look forward to seeing if YOU  select a word for 2016
and what it is...
Happy New Year.