Relearning Forgiveness

Isn't it funny how often (okay, so every time for me!) you hear a sermon and it hits so close to home, almost like it was crafted just for me? Tonight's sermon was about forgiveness and it was spoken in a very different manner than I've ever heard. I was thinking that because forgiveness needs to be done on a daily basis and used in every aspect of life, I really should blog my thoughts so I can look back and remind myself WHY I'm called to love and pray for my enemies.

Matthew: 5:43-47
"You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

I heard this again tonight and realized we all greet the people we love and we all love those who love us back. What would make me stand out further as a loving Christian? I've always kept my distance from those who, for whatever reason, do not like me or don't know me or our personalities just aren't agreeable. But really it isn't making me any different than they are. I'm CALLED to love even my enemies. I don't have to like them, but I should love them and even more pray for them. And at the very least, I'm called at act like I like them and even greet them. So if you know me, this is very hard for me to do. I have the hardest time walking up to people, even those that I know and adore, and just striking up a conversation or even giving a simple hello. I don't know why this is but I get truly anxious when I do this but am so proud when I muster up the courage do accomplish this simple task.

Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay evil with evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing so, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

I'm not reminding myself of this verse because I have a vindictive nature but because I need to let things go with the attitude of truly "forgetting". I often times remind people of why they've hurt me and why I choose to keep myself away from them. I need to just turn the other cheek and continue to do good to them. As it was said tonight: if they want your shirt, give them your shirt and your shoes; if someone wants me to do something for them, go the extra mile and do something more. And why would I do this? The answer to this is to break the cycle of evil, to turn bitterness into blessing and to be a shining light unto others. I also love to know that people will be repaid for their sins and hurtful words and actions towards other by God himself. Again, not that I want sinners (including myself) to have to pay for their sins but the truth is, we need to. How else do we overcome our sins, improve our lives and become more Christ-like? We do this by recognizing our sins, making the necessary changes in our lives and suffering the consequences for our actions.

Psalm: 4:4
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

Proverbs: 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

I totally love these verses! I'm certain I've never heard this first verse before or maybe I have and it never sunk in fully. But how true is it to walk away when you're angry and just be silent and listen? I've learned to do just this over the years but it's comforting to know that this is what is expected of us when we've reached the point of becoming angry. And, admittedly so, I do forget this at times but I have to remember to stop in the midst of anger and listen.

I walked away tonight with a completely different perspective on my attitude towards my enemies and even those I love who have offended me at one time or another. I need to love them or even pretend to like them. I need to forgive them and continue to do good to/for them. I need to raise my tolerance level and accept people for who they are no matter how crazy, how disrespectful, how rude and ignorant, or how down-right annoying people can be. In doing so, I will be more accepting and it would make it easier to love my enemies.

I learned tonight that I need to ALWAYS be the bigger person and this includes continuing on in life with a smile on my face when I've been hurt or belittled, to keep walking forward and not look back when wrong has been done to me and my family. I've learned (and will continue to learn) how to turn the other cheek and not let someones hurtful words and actions consume me. I know who I am and I know my intentions as does God. I need to stand out above the others and be someone different.

With all this said, we recited the Lord's Prayer at the end, which is so lovely to hear and speak:
"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen."

Skate Park

I admit, I'm not the most excited or into the details party planner. Cameron's birthday this year slipped up on me faster than ever so we decided to get the boys together for an impromptu get-together. We took them to the skate park where they had tons of fun! I literally heard more groans when it was time to leave than ever before, and we had been there for almost 2 hours!! And once again, Mom was out there ON THE SKATE PARK ITSELF taking pictures =) And let me tell you every boy out there wanted their picture taken on such and such ramp. They wanted their jumps and wipeouts photographed.

Colton's Playing Soccer

We've held Colton back from sports because he just never really seemed ready. He's quite the clingy child (not that I mind at all, I've held him since birth and even now you just might see him on my hip) and very hesitant with people he doesn't know (again, this is a blessing). We thought that maybe with the Fall being a slower season in our household we would give soccer a shot. Our full attention can be on him including his brother and sister who are always dragging their little brother to their events. I was nervous for him and Jason was REALLY anxious about how the night would play out. My friends.... he did so great! He asked Jason to come with him on the field and Daddy agreed to stay on the sidelines at which time I thought Colton would run back to him and grab a leg. This wasn't the case! He smiled at his beloved Daddy and walked towards the coach and other players. He talked to the coaches, talked to the kids, smiled and laughed, kicked and ran. He had the best time! At every water break he ran over their towards us and gave a round of high-fives. I do confess, I cried. I sat right there in the bleachers and cried behind my sunglasses. I even looked around to see if any other Mommy's were beaming and crying like I was. They weren't but that didn't stop me. I watched him that entire time with my cheeks hurting while grinning from ear to ear. That boy melted my heart. It is so amazing to see your children learn the world around them and come full circle from clinging to your side with the intention of never letting go to them stepping away with a smile on their face and proud of their accomplishments. I know I give Colton a hard time (but hey, he gives ME a hard time so it's well-deserved) but that kid is truly a great kid. Behind every ounce of orneriness is a piece of my heart that's so in love with him. Ok, so now that you know how PROUD I am of him, here are some pictures I just couldn't resist. And yes, I was on the field with my camera... oops. I just couldn't help myself! The last picture is of the team praying after practice.

Colton's First Day of Pre-K

Today was Colton's first day of Pre-K. It's very bitter sweet for me. He was literally born into that school - I announced my pregnancy to the staff, was there before and after hospital stays, I was there when my water broke and we were both back when he was only 5 days old. (I know I know, I'm one of those third-child moms who didn't let anything keep me confined at home.) He loves his teachers and loves learning! This is sure to be a successful and memorable year for the both of us. Here are some pictures to start the new school year:

First Day of School 09-10

It's the first dayof school - Cameron starts 6th grade and Courtnie starts 3rd grade. They were both very excited. Cameron wasn't the least bit nervous which was good for me. If he had been fearful at all, I would have been in tears myself. But he was ready and looking forward to the new school and changes. Here are some pictures of them. Colton's first day of PreK is this Wednesday so he'll have pictures too!

Colton's Riding His Bike!

Look what Colton learned to do just today. Being proud is an understatement to how Colton feels about this accomplishment. He literally has to be pulled off his bike now to come inside. I am so excited for him. Poor Daddy has taken those training wheels off and put them back on no less than a hundred times. He was patient everytime Colton wanted them off to give it one more try, patient when Colton feel off his bike and ran inside mad at Daddy, and patient when the tears were dry and he wanted the training wheels put back on. But perseverance paid off - he has mastered this skill now!

Happy 11th Birthday Cameron

Cameron celebrated his 11th birthday yesterday. Where has the time gone? I swear to you, I remember his entire life, every detail that it seems like it was just yesterday. He is definitely growing up and puberty is kicking in. I'm not really liking it so much (my blog, my truths). However, tears fill my eyes and I know I wear the biggest smile when he's happy and full of life. He is so intelligent and is always ready to embrace life (not so much the vegetables or chores, but most things). We also had dinner with family after their baptism to celebrate both occassions. His party is this weekend and we are all looking forward to that. I just love birthday parties =)

Baptism Celebration

A few weeks ago Cameron let us know he had accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and wanted to be baptized. Imagine my and Jason's response to this! We were beyond thrilled. Jason has been wanting to be baptized since 2000 and we thought it would be a perfect opportunity for the both of them to do this together. Even more amazing, the day they were baptized was Cameron's 11th birthday. Because Colton brings humor to every aspect of life - he was so excited to let Daddy and Cameron know that he saw them go swimming and that he really, REALLY wanted to get in that pool too. Cameron also received his first Bible (not just a story Bible, picture Bible or devotional). It's leather bound in navy and orange. Super, super nice!

Colton's Best-Good Friend

Colton celebrated his best friend's birthday this weekend at Incredible Pizza. These two have been joined at the hip for years now! They have one more year of PreK together then they both go off to big school. It will definitely be bitter-sweet this year.

San Antonio Vacation

We took a family vacation over this last weekend. San Antonio proved to be quite fun! On the way down, we stopped at the Natural Cavern Museum. This was very interesting and the kids had a good time (even though they had no clue it was educational) even through the steep hills of hiking and climbing stairs. That night we walked the Riverwalk and stalked the Dallas Cowboy players. Jason, Breanne and I also made a quick stop to Coyote Ugly - who can pass up a chance to have drink in that bar? Jason had a beer and Breanne and I shared a Wusskey.... yum-o! The next morning we were at Sea World bright and early. I had never been and from an adult's perspective it's amazing. The kids had such a good time and considering the amount of walking we did from sun-up to sun-down and factoring in the heat, they did exceptionally well. The next day we went back to Sea World for half the day, then went on a Riverwalk Cruise and dinner at Hard Rock Cafe. This was fun as well. The next morning we visited The Alamo and the Mexican Market, ate at Mi Tierra and headed home. Because I didn't get to blog about our trip on a daily basis (as I had planned) here are a few eventful things from our trip:

• Colton put gum in my hair. We haven't figured out why exactly. Our best guess is he was done with it?!
• I fell climbing a steep rocky hill. Did you know flip flops aren't good for hiking?
• Cameron has four photos with Dallas Cowboy players.
• We witnessed God's hands wrapped around us as we saw a car on the highway spin out of control. It had to be within 10 feet of us. Jason had some great defensive driving and somehow steered us away from hitting that car head-on.
• Cameron is allergic to hotel soap.
• We did not make one trip to any tourist attraction without getting lost. We officially had to put Delilah (Breanne's GPS) in timeout.
• Mom stood on a vent on the sidewalk and flashed the city of San Antonio.
• Several members of our family committed a felony touching those rocks at the Natural Cavern Museum. I was not one of them =)
• Cameron and Jason figured out how fun it is to prank call random hotel guests.
• Courtnie hosted a dance party for us in her room. She even made tickets for her party guests.
• And note to self: bring Spray n Wash every time you leave the house. I sure could have used a bottle (or two) while away!

Be sure to take a look at all of our pictures from our trip: http://picasaweb.google.com/bran0224