Grace in the Midst

I have often struggled with Matthew 6:15:  "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins", but I recently had an "Aha" moment and I think I've found a way of looking at it that makes a bit more since to me.  I don't know if it is doctrinally correct, but I thought I'd shoot it out as an idea anyway.   Could it be, perhaps, that if we do not truly accept Christ's forgiveness in our own lives that we will be unable to offer forgiveness to those around us?  In the often quoted John 3:16, we are reminded that "whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life".  Believing, truly believing, means accepting the fullness of His sacrifice for our sins - knowing that we in no way deserve His grace and yet He gives it.  Once we have grasped the wonderful reality of the forgiveness that God offers us, it seems like it should be impossible not to extend it to others.  So, maybe the core issue of ...

1806. The fact that there have been so many blessings poured upon my life in the last 2 months that I could never possibly remember, let alone record them all. 1807. The birth of our precious son, Teal Gregory Lecher! 1808. He was almost two weeks early (and totally healthy), praise God! 1809. God softened my heart the night he was born...I wasn't in a good place - but I couldn't sleep so I stayed up and read and prayed...and God worked miraculously within me. 1810. Praying the baby would come early, then standing up  - and the process starting immediately My mom being right around the corner, and coming at the drop of a hat 1811. A smooth and peaceful birth and recovery 1812. Our new little man is a great eater, and very content 1813. Our three older children gathered around the new baby - with big smiles and lots of enthusiasm. 1814. Starting out our new year with a fun filled visit with my sister in law and the kids' cousins 1815. Avonlea's gleeful expressi...

I think I've heard the serenity prayer a million and one times, but I just recently found out that it is never quoted in full.  The second half is wonderfully encouraging! "God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next"