Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Put a Little Love in Your Heart
Recently, our pastor preached a sermon about forgiveness. The question arose, "Is total forgiveness realistic?"
Recently, I watched the movie Amish Grace about the murders of the Amish school girls several years ago. Forgiveness was the theme woven throughout the movie.
Recently, I heard a song on Total Axxess with Wally. It was Tenth Avenue North's new song "Feels like Losing." Again, forgiveness is the point of this song.
Recently, I've felt led to write this post. I don't want to sound naive or mean or out of touch with reality. I haven't lost a loved one to someone else's hands. I don't know how that feels (I don't want to know), but like everyone, I have been hurt or let down by others along the way.
Forgiveness, for some, is such a touchy subject. I think we can think of a million reasons NOT to forgive someone. Mostly, we may say, "That person does not deserve to be forgiven."
So, I ask, "Is that for us to decide?" My answer is, "No."
There are probably people that think we should not be forgiven for things we have done, but again, that is not for them to decide.
God is the ultimate judge of us all. Regardless of the sin, He is the one to judge our actions for all eternity. God chose to send his son for us, to cover the cost of our sins, to forgive us of our sins so that we may not be apart from him.
I think, regardless of what has happened, we have to keep that fact in mind when we choose not to forgive someone.
Yes, forgiveness is a choice. For most, it is not automatic, even in the smallest instances. It is something we have to work toward.
I have seen firsthand what choosing not to forgive can do to people.
What about the child who is stuck in the middle of divorced parents who always want to "one up" the other? One of the parents has so much bitterness for whatever reason (even though that person has unconfessed sin) toward the other person that the parent lies to the child just to hurt the other parent. What is that going to do to this child? What will happen when the child finds out what this parent has been lying about?
What about the families that are angry over money they failed to inherit after a loved one dies, so they avoid other family members? They start missing out on bits and pieces of others lives because they try to avoid others.
When we choose not to forgive, we open our hearts to bitterness and hatred.
One of the Amish women from the movie I watched was upset with her husband for going to the home of the widow of the man who killed the girls. She could not understand how he could offer his forgiveness. His response, "God commands it." She vowed to never forgive and her younger daughter said she hated that man as well. The father asked how that hatred made her feel and she said terrible.
Isn't that the truth, though? When we harbor hatred, we continue to feel terrible. The hatred and bitterness do nothing but destroy us and then "oozes" (for lack of a better word), into the lives of others, eating away at their lives as well.
The lyrics of "Feels like Losing," say it simply enough. "God give me the grace to forgive because I feel like I'm the one losing."
Our first instinct is to NOT FORGIVE, but with God's grace and our choice, forgiveness can be a reality.
Now, I'm not saying you have to go and be best friends with the person. In fact, this person you need to forgive may be dead or not even know that you have been hurt by them. Bro. Copass made it clear that just because you forgive someone doesn't always mean you have to tell them. Sometimes, telling them can open up another can of worms!
What I am saying is that the act of forgiveness can be so beneficial to you and others around your.
Like one of the mothers in the movie, you may have to forgive that person every 10 minutes, but making that choice to forgive is a necessary choice.
If we put a little love in our hearts, hatred and bitterness will have no room to move in.
I ask you to search yourselves. Search for any unconfessed sin you may have and lay it at the foot of the cross and ask for the forgiveness you (and I) do not deserve. Then forgive those who have heart you.
Recently, I watched the movie Amish Grace about the murders of the Amish school girls several years ago. Forgiveness was the theme woven throughout the movie.
Recently, I heard a song on Total Axxess with Wally. It was Tenth Avenue North's new song "Feels like Losing." Again, forgiveness is the point of this song.
Recently, I've felt led to write this post. I don't want to sound naive or mean or out of touch with reality. I haven't lost a loved one to someone else's hands. I don't know how that feels (I don't want to know), but like everyone, I have been hurt or let down by others along the way.
Forgiveness, for some, is such a touchy subject. I think we can think of a million reasons NOT to forgive someone. Mostly, we may say, "That person does not deserve to be forgiven."
So, I ask, "Is that for us to decide?" My answer is, "No."
There are probably people that think we should not be forgiven for things we have done, but again, that is not for them to decide.
God is the ultimate judge of us all. Regardless of the sin, He is the one to judge our actions for all eternity. God chose to send his son for us, to cover the cost of our sins, to forgive us of our sins so that we may not be apart from him.
I think, regardless of what has happened, we have to keep that fact in mind when we choose not to forgive someone.
Yes, forgiveness is a choice. For most, it is not automatic, even in the smallest instances. It is something we have to work toward.
I have seen firsthand what choosing not to forgive can do to people.
What about the child who is stuck in the middle of divorced parents who always want to "one up" the other? One of the parents has so much bitterness for whatever reason (even though that person has unconfessed sin) toward the other person that the parent lies to the child just to hurt the other parent. What is that going to do to this child? What will happen when the child finds out what this parent has been lying about?
What about the families that are angry over money they failed to inherit after a loved one dies, so they avoid other family members? They start missing out on bits and pieces of others lives because they try to avoid others.
When we choose not to forgive, we open our hearts to bitterness and hatred.
One of the Amish women from the movie I watched was upset with her husband for going to the home of the widow of the man who killed the girls. She could not understand how he could offer his forgiveness. His response, "God commands it." She vowed to never forgive and her younger daughter said she hated that man as well. The father asked how that hatred made her feel and she said terrible.
Isn't that the truth, though? When we harbor hatred, we continue to feel terrible. The hatred and bitterness do nothing but destroy us and then "oozes" (for lack of a better word), into the lives of others, eating away at their lives as well.
The lyrics of "Feels like Losing," say it simply enough. "God give me the grace to forgive because I feel like I'm the one losing."
Our first instinct is to NOT FORGIVE, but with God's grace and our choice, forgiveness can be a reality.
Now, I'm not saying you have to go and be best friends with the person. In fact, this person you need to forgive may be dead or not even know that you have been hurt by them. Bro. Copass made it clear that just because you forgive someone doesn't always mean you have to tell them. Sometimes, telling them can open up another can of worms!
What I am saying is that the act of forgiveness can be so beneficial to you and others around your.
Like one of the mothers in the movie, you may have to forgive that person every 10 minutes, but making that choice to forgive is a necessary choice.
If we put a little love in our hearts, hatred and bitterness will have no room to move in.
I ask you to search yourselves. Search for any unconfessed sin you may have and lay it at the foot of the cross and ask for the forgiveness you (and I) do not deserve. Then forgive those who have heart you.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Look at Him Grow
Someone has figured out how to get on his hands and knees......
He was acutally up on them higher, but I couldn't click fast enough! Gotta be quick, Mama!!!Sunday, August 22, 2010
A Post With Subtitles and Pictures of Old News
"My Three Sons" are sound asleep (for now), so I've got a little time for a post. I've really missed this!
New Computer
I was SO VERY excited when the Geek Squad called and said we get a new computer for free (because the old one was still under warranty). Needless to say that after soccer on Saturday, I headed to Best Buy to get our new computer. Let's say I am LOVING IT. Basically it is the same as the other, just a little bit of an upgrade.
First Day of School
August 4 was the first day back at school (old news, I know). The boys were super excited to head back and see their old friends and make some new ones. Of course I had to get pictures of them with their new backpacks. Oh, and we just had to have a "back to school silly face" picture.
Soccer
The boys are well into soccer now (I know, I know. Old news again). Colin amazes me. He plays his tail off each and every game. He carries himself up and down that field just as fast as his little legs will carry him. He loves playing goalie, but really gets into the other positions as well.
Carson is learning to love soccer. At first, he fussed and hung on to me most of the time. Now he has figured out that it is more fun to actually play. Oh, I'm so glad. Practices have gotten a lot better, and games are starting to improve. I think he would really get into them more if we weren't playing so early. 
I hate that some of their games are at the same time, but I guess that is how it goes. I do love the days when they are at different times so I don't have to miss out.
On the Fritz
The free computer upgrade was a blessing. You see, the radiator on the family truckster seems to be leaking. It will be seeing the mechanic tomorrow. Hopefully we can get it fixed cheap and fast.
Skype
I am really getting high tech now. Before our computer crashed, I bought a Logitech Webcam so that we could video chat with Jeffrey through Skype. After it crashed, I was going to try it on the laptop, but it didn't have CD ROM to download the "stuff" for the webcam. So yesterday, I got it all set up. We spent some time visiting with Jeffrey. I was so glad he got to see the boys and they got to see him.
Church
Carter is getting big enough that I am getting comfortable leaving him in the nursery at church. This morning, Hilarie and I did nursery duty and I took a few pictures of the kids.
The big kids have been getting up with the adult choir on Sunday nights to sing. Colin loves it. Really, it cracks me it. It used to kill him to get on stage for anything at church. Now he loves it. See him on the back row beside Steve?
Bumpo
Vanessa let me borrow Clara and Carlee's Bumpo seat. I love it (honestly didn't think I would. That's why I asked to borrow it instead of buy one). Mostly we use it during meals. Carson thinks it is hilarious. Carter likes it too. He gets a new view!
Counting Down
We are SO counting down the days until we head to Ft. Jackson. Oh, I can't wait to see my Jeffrey. I know we were just there in July, but this time, we get to bring him home with us! Jackie, a dear sweet lady from church, is altering the top of my dress so it fits a little more snug. I can't wait to wear it to the banquet. Ryan, Jeffrey's cousin, is going down with us. Jeffrey may get him set up to meet with the transportation/mechanic people on post so he can see what that is like. It may be something he would be interested in (Can't believe our Ryan is graduating this year! I'll never forget holding him for the first time after he was born!) Not sure what all we will do this visit. The boys want to go back to the museum and Colin is wanting to go to the aircraft carrier. We may head to the beach, not really sure. Seeing Jeffrey is the most important thing.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
So, How's It Going?
BUSY.
That's just typical for me....and I'm fine with that.
School is in full swing here in South Central Kentucky. I'm busy learning about my new group of 4th graders and how to make them have a successful year. Colin is enjoying 3rd grade (still can't believe he will be at my school next year). He's not a big talker when it comes to, "How was your day at school?" He may let me know what happened out on the playground, but very seldom do I get the answers I'm looking for. Carson had a bit of a shaky start with preschool. Like his big brother, he needed A LOT of reassurance. He basically told Mrs. Terri she was writing the letter A wrong. We finally got him convinced that she (and me) are right. Now he can write is name with the correct capital and lowercase letters. He is starting to work a little more independently too.
Soccer is also in full swing. Colin played his tail off Monday night. I was so proud of him. He is so determined when he's out there and doesn't give up. I was worried about him because of the heat, but he did great. Carson had a great practice tonight. So, good I took him to Wal-Mart to buy ice cream cups. He has been fussy and clingy during practices and games (Richie and I would take turns going out on the field so he would play). Tonight though, he realized that playing is more fun that fussing and hanging on to me. Hopefully he will remember that on Saturday! I really hadn't planned on coaching again this year, but Carson wanted to play. I am enjoying playing (um..coaching) though. It is lots of fun and good exercise.
As for Carter....He is getting so big. He was 5 months old on the 12th. Wow! Where does time go? He is enjoying his green beans, peas, cereal, squash, and juice. His carrots tore his tummy up the first (only) time I gave them to him. We will try that again another time. Carter jabbers, scoots, and rolls. He loves to touch your face (and pull hair). He is so funny "talking" to his daddy on the phone. I have been taking him to the nursery during Sunday School and he has been doing well staying in church. He loves the music and everyone around us loves watching him (and his brothers).
We are counting down the days until we head to South Carolina. I am so ready for Jeffrey to be home. I know he is ready to get back to us too. Not much longer! I am just really proud of him. Each day I am amazed at the man God has made him. Neither of us expected our lives to be this blessed (and they wouldn't be if we didn't surrender ourselves to Jesus). It is amazing what He can do.
Jeffrey sent me a letter the other day and talked about how strong I have been. Me? I'm not strong. My strength comes from my Lord and Savior. Without Him, I couldn't do what I do. Being home with my boys is hard. The things I've gone through have been hard. It would be so easy to be all pitiful and complain, but there would be no point in that. Since Jeffrey has been gone, my grandmother passed away, I got a flat tire, our power went out, our computer crashed, Carson got sick, school started, soccer started, and my dad is having cataract surgery. Let's just hope our pets' heads don't start falling off! Life happens. It is like I told Jeffrey the other day when he said he felt bad that he couldn't be here to help me out when Carson was sick and Carter was sleeping well, "It would happen even if you were here." And it would.
There is a song on my iWorship CD in my car (can't think of the name of it), that basically says that there is no point in worrying and being discouraged because Jesus has overcome the world. Because I know God is with me, it makes being alone right now bearable. I know He will take care of me and my boys. Because of the faith I have in Him, I can continue with my busy life, my life that is SO worth living. I'll enjoy my time alone with my boys and count down the days until we are reunited with their daddy, my wonderfully amazing husband. (Then I'm going on vacation!!! HA!!!)
For those of you who have been praying for us throughout this journey and helping me along the way.....THANK YOU! God is answering those prayers.
That's just typical for me....and I'm fine with that.
School is in full swing here in South Central Kentucky. I'm busy learning about my new group of 4th graders and how to make them have a successful year. Colin is enjoying 3rd grade (still can't believe he will be at my school next year). He's not a big talker when it comes to, "How was your day at school?" He may let me know what happened out on the playground, but very seldom do I get the answers I'm looking for. Carson had a bit of a shaky start with preschool. Like his big brother, he needed A LOT of reassurance. He basically told Mrs. Terri she was writing the letter A wrong. We finally got him convinced that she (and me) are right. Now he can write is name with the correct capital and lowercase letters. He is starting to work a little more independently too.
Soccer is also in full swing. Colin played his tail off Monday night. I was so proud of him. He is so determined when he's out there and doesn't give up. I was worried about him because of the heat, but he did great. Carson had a great practice tonight. So, good I took him to Wal-Mart to buy ice cream cups. He has been fussy and clingy during practices and games (Richie and I would take turns going out on the field so he would play). Tonight though, he realized that playing is more fun that fussing and hanging on to me. Hopefully he will remember that on Saturday! I really hadn't planned on coaching again this year, but Carson wanted to play. I am enjoying playing (um..coaching) though. It is lots of fun and good exercise.
As for Carter....He is getting so big. He was 5 months old on the 12th. Wow! Where does time go? He is enjoying his green beans, peas, cereal, squash, and juice. His carrots tore his tummy up the first (only) time I gave them to him. We will try that again another time. Carter jabbers, scoots, and rolls. He loves to touch your face (and pull hair). He is so funny "talking" to his daddy on the phone. I have been taking him to the nursery during Sunday School and he has been doing well staying in church. He loves the music and everyone around us loves watching him (and his brothers).
We are counting down the days until we head to South Carolina. I am so ready for Jeffrey to be home. I know he is ready to get back to us too. Not much longer! I am just really proud of him. Each day I am amazed at the man God has made him. Neither of us expected our lives to be this blessed (and they wouldn't be if we didn't surrender ourselves to Jesus). It is amazing what He can do.
Jeffrey sent me a letter the other day and talked about how strong I have been. Me? I'm not strong. My strength comes from my Lord and Savior. Without Him, I couldn't do what I do. Being home with my boys is hard. The things I've gone through have been hard. It would be so easy to be all pitiful and complain, but there would be no point in that. Since Jeffrey has been gone, my grandmother passed away, I got a flat tire, our power went out, our computer crashed, Carson got sick, school started, soccer started, and my dad is having cataract surgery. Let's just hope our pets' heads don't start falling off! Life happens. It is like I told Jeffrey the other day when he said he felt bad that he couldn't be here to help me out when Carson was sick and Carter was sleeping well, "It would happen even if you were here." And it would.
There is a song on my iWorship CD in my car (can't think of the name of it), that basically says that there is no point in worrying and being discouraged because Jesus has overcome the world. Because I know God is with me, it makes being alone right now bearable. I know He will take care of me and my boys. Because of the faith I have in Him, I can continue with my busy life, my life that is SO worth living. I'll enjoy my time alone with my boys and count down the days until we are reunited with their daddy, my wonderfully amazing husband. (Then I'm going on vacation!!! HA!!!)
For those of you who have been praying for us throughout this journey and helping me along the way.....THANK YOU! God is answering those prayers.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Its Been A While!
So, it has been a while since I've posted. Life has gotten busy to say the least! I've finally gone back to work after 41/2 months home with the boys. Not an easy thing to do, but I guess it is good we are back in a routine.
School is back in session. I've got a neat group of kids. I really enjoyed getting to know them last week and I'm excited to spend the next school year with them. Colin has started 3rd grade and Carson started preschool. They are loving it. Carter is getting lots of love from his sitter, Nanny Carol and he is trying so hard to get more mobile. My babies are growing up.
With school starting, that brings us to soccer. Whew! Colin and Carson both had games this morning at the same time....YUCK. Carson and I joined his team on the U6 field and Colin, along with his grandparents headed down to the U10 field for his game. Fortunately, Carson and I were able to catch the last bit of Colin's game. Needless to say, I hate not being there with him. I'm hoping that their games won 't overlap much. I wished I'd had my camera out because I caught my (almost) 5 month old eating grass. It was quite hilarious to say the least.
My dress (reorder) finally came and IT FITS!!! I am so very excited and can't wait to wear it in a few weeks.
My desktop crashed the other day. It is being shipped off to be repaired. So, here I am using Colin's little laptop his daddy bought him.
School is back in session. I've got a neat group of kids. I really enjoyed getting to know them last week and I'm excited to spend the next school year with them. Colin has started 3rd grade and Carson started preschool. They are loving it. Carter is getting lots of love from his sitter, Nanny Carol and he is trying so hard to get more mobile. My babies are growing up.
With school starting, that brings us to soccer. Whew! Colin and Carson both had games this morning at the same time....YUCK. Carson and I joined his team on the U6 field and Colin, along with his grandparents headed down to the U10 field for his game. Fortunately, Carson and I were able to catch the last bit of Colin's game. Needless to say, I hate not being there with him. I'm hoping that their games won 't overlap much. I wished I'd had my camera out because I caught my (almost) 5 month old eating grass. It was quite hilarious to say the least.
My dress (reorder) finally came and IT FITS!!! I am so very excited and can't wait to wear it in a few weeks.
My desktop crashed the other day. It is being shipped off to be repaired. So, here I am using Colin's little laptop his daddy bought him.