This Body

Have you ever thought about what your butt looks like upside down? Yeah...me neither.

This, my friends, is a real butt. It has not been altered to look perfect or insta worthy. It's got stretch marks and cellulite. And it's mine. I have worked hard for this butt...for this body. And it has equally worked hard for me. Why would I not love it? Why would I not speak life over it?

It grew three babies; two walking this earth and one walking with Jesus.

This body carries my spirit. The very spirit breathed into it by my Creator. It's a holy vessel that deserves to be honored and admired, not torn apart with negative self talk or abuse because it doesn't look a certain way.

This body tells me what I need and when I need it. When it's tired, I listen and rest it. When it's hungry, I eat to fuel it.

But has it always been this way? No, it hasn't. This body has endured abuse and hatred for many years. I thought my self-worth was tied to how it looked. It didn't matter if it was telling me it was tired or starving. I couldn't see past that image the world tells us our bodies should be.

My body gave me every indication something was wrong, but I didn't listen. My doctors gave me a bandaid for the illness, but never once...NOT ONCE...gave me an option to heal my body. They were more worried about treating the symptoms, than getting to the underlying issue.

This body was crying out for help. And finally I decided to listen, and do something about it. This body fought for me. How could I not fight for it? How could I not love it?

No matter where you are on your health journey, if it's day one or you're one day away from your health goal...choose to love your body every.single.day. Choose to honor it. Choose to fight for it.

And who cares if it's not what the world says is "perfect"-- It's yours. And it's freaking beautiful.

Truth & Lies

I was aimlessly scrolling through social media one day and I saw a post that made me go...What?! It was an image that said something about "Pay attention to those who don't clap for you." And immediately I thought-- NO! Why would you ever give energy and attention to those who are not rooting for you? Instead, I fully believe(d) you should focus on "your people." The ones who are in the trenches with you, encouraging you, supporting you, loving you. I couldn't fathom why anyone would ever want to pay attention to those who are not any of those things. Those are not the ones who matter. And why would you ever want to waste your energy paying attention to them?

I spent a lot of time paying attention to those people in my life. The ones who are not in the "arena" with me. Have you read this lovely quote (below) that has been circulating the past few years? It's been brought back into the spotlight because of authors and speakers, such as Brene Brown. A couple of years ago, I attended a leadership training where this quote was a central part of the study. When I read it, I felt the weight of such a realization deep in my bones. As someone who carried what others thought about her for most of her life, reading this brought emotion after emotion bubbling to the surface. A lump always forms in my throat and tears always fill my eyes.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

Lately, in my spiritual walk,  I have been more aware of false truths and/or world-y beliefs. What I am learning is that the Kingdom operates very differently. I love that the wool is being pulled off of my eyes, and I am now being exposed to the lies to better understand the Kingdom Realm. It operates in a much different way than this earthly realm. I hope and pray that I will continue to be exposed to earthly lies so I can help others know and understand the Truth. But how do we know what is Kingdom Truth and what is not?

First of all, we have to be willing to know the One who created it all. To know our Heavenly Father and his son, the One who gave his life for us, Jesus Christ. The Living Word of God is another crucial piece to the puzzle. We have to read it. It's a non-negotiable.

For years I never read my Bible. Occasionally, I would get a wild hair and decide to do a daily devotional, of sorts. But even that would be short lived. I didn't understand it. I felt like I was reading something written in a different language. And it wasn't interesting to me at all. Sure, I was familiar with your basic Bible stories. That guy who got swallowed by the whale. The creation story. Adam and Eve. What's his name with the sling shot that killed the giant. Before I would have been so ashamed to admit that I didn't enjoy reading the Word. But gosh, I bet I am not the only one. I have been given a gift of boldness. And sometimes it gets me in trouble, or so I think at the time. But usually later on, after the dust settles, I find the lessons woven ever so perfectly throughout the story. I have no choice but to be authentic and to share my truth. And the truth is...I didn't enjoy reading the Bible, so I just didn't do it. (insert judgmental gasp here.)

But how do we know the TRUTH without reading and educating ourselves about who we were created to be? And to know and understand that, we must first know our Creator. Notice I didn't say know and... understand our Creator. He operates in such a mysterious way that our human brains could never fully understand him or his ways. I don't say that to be crass. I say it with a sense of awe and astonishment at who YHVH is and how he operates. These past few months I have prayed to put logic aside and to immerse myself in relationship with him. (Logic bend the knee!) Not so I can dissect it and know more about him or his mystifying ways, but because I just want to be in relationship with him-- To just love on him, and he on me. So simple, really.

As I get to know YHVH better, I am pulled into his Word. Get this, ya'll. I literally cannot wait to read my Bible. I am so intrigued by it; like a kid on Christmas morning. And the craziest part? I understand it! I meditate on it. I digest it. And I get to share it with others. It's amazing. I mentioned in this blog post a few days ago, that I was recently reading in the word and he replied to a thought I had been having for a few days, right there in the text. I cannot tell you how comforting that was. Some might say it was mere coincidence. And that's okay. However, I know without a shadow of a doubt that there is no such thing as coincidence.

As for the Bible being "boring"...Well, there's some pretty juicy stuff in there. For example: When David was on the run from King Saul. Saul went into the cave that David was hiding in (unknowingly) and while he was relieving himself David had the opportunity to end his life. But chose not. That's right Saul went into a cave to drop a deuce and it could have been the end of him. That'll make you think twice about pooping in any caves. Or what about when David saw a beautiful woman bathing and had her brought up to his palace to sleep with her. She gets pregnant, and then he orchestrates her husband's murder. I mean, this is soap opera stuff, people!

The Bible is so much more than this, but I think you get what I am trying to say. If you'll ask the Father to reveal himself to you he most certainly will. But you (I really mean, me) have to be willing to do the work. To make spending time with him a priority. It's the MOST important thing, actually. Not a number on the list of to-do's. (Again, preaching to myself).

Sometimes I get so fired up about sharing the truth I have learned that I don't always have the best delivery. But I hope and pray that it is always done in L O V E. And this particular message that the world spreads about paying attention to those who are not clapping for you...I will say it again for those in the back...Those are NOT your people. 

Your people are those who love to see you win. 

Who come running when you fall down. 

Who speak life into you when you need it the most. 

Who always root for you and encourage you.

Who are in the "arena" with you.

Pay attention to those people. Love those people. BUT-------Yep, there it is...the dreaded but.

"And why would you ever want to waste your energy paying attention to them?" 

As for those who do not clap for you or encourage you or want to see you win...love them too. I know. You're like..."Say WHAT?" Yes, love them too. Encourage them too. Hope the best for them. Pray for them. Intercede for them. Not because that's the easy thing to do. Not because their opinion matters or they get a say over your life choices. But because it's what we are called to do. We are CALLED to be a light in this world. We are called to breath Jesus into this world. And do it, not out of "Oh, Imma pray for them." (insert side eye here) But do it out of L O V E.

As I am typing these words I am challenging myself to do this very thing...So what do you say?

Challenge Accepted?

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

P.S. Want to read more about David? Check out 1 & 2 Samuel. 

Sinking Sand

Tis summer, my friends. And my life has officially been flipped upside down. We are talking tumble dry on high level, flipping. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy having my kids home with me for summer break. I welcome this time with opened arms. However, it still means that regularly scheduled programming is delayed until mid August. As a work from home momma, this can be a stressful time. A time when I am searching for balance. I literally feel like I am in standing tree pose whilst juggling expensive crystal. And if I fall, the floor is lava. Ya feel me?

Maybe that was a tad bit melodramatic. But alas, that's how it feels. It's a bit overwhelming at times when I fall into that trap of-- I've got to get everything done on the to-do list, while simultaneously being everything to everyone. Otherwise that makes me a bad momma/wife/business owner/blogger/daughter/sister/friend, right?

The answer to that question is, of course, NO! But is it an "of course" situation? Nope. Because we are wired to do and do and do. To set ourselves on fire, to strive, and to prove our worth. If I am making time to get my work done, am I stealing from moments with my children? If I am choosing to get some house work done, am I stealing time away from my job? If I am choosing to get a workout in instead of going to the park with my kids, am I a bad mom? I could go on and on...

I say all of this not to make you feel anxious, but to speak the truth into your life as well as my own. Because maybe you're feeling this way too? Because maybe you don't have a tribe in your life like I do to set you straight and speak biblical truth over your situation. This is what I know to be TRUTH...

Emotions are fleeting and they cannot be trusted. Oh, and that running negative dialogue in your head? It can't be trusted either. But what can be trusted? The living Word of God.

Part of why I feel so off kilter during these summer months is because I am used to getting a lot of alone time with my Heavenly Father. We are talking hours some days. And what an incredible blessing that time is. I am overwhelmed how The Almighty has often cleared my schedule so he and I can be together in our secret place. It's a little different when you've got kids under your feet needing something 24/7. 

Art Camp. 
Summer Workouts. 
Horse Camp.
Play Dates.
Swimming Lessons. 
They are bored. 
They are hungry. 
They are still hungry. 
The little one is finally full, but the man-child is still hungry. 
Don't let them have too much screen time. 
Get on that summer reading.

"Tablet time is over. Go play outside. Oh, it's raining again. Awesome."

You can find yourself off balance pretty quickly. Grasping at ANYTHING to help you regain composure. And by you...I mean me. I find myself here. Here in this place where I feel like I am failing. But today, I heard my Father say..."You took your eyes off of me."

That is why I am flailing around attempting to not drop and decimate that crystal I am juggling. Or even a door swinging off of the hinge at the mercy of the wind. My eyes are not fixed where they need to be. Because if they were, not matter the circumstance or season, I would be standing on a firm foundation that is Jesus.

I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my 
salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:1-3 (NIV)

Rock is sturdy. It does not giveaway like sinking sand or mud. If you live in North East Texas you know we have some pretty untrustworthy soil around here. It may look sturdy, but it's actually not in the least. You may find yourself sinking quickly if you go into the mud. Or even worse? Try building on such a finicky foundation. It's just not going to work. The same thing happens when we try to build our lives on a deceitful foundation outside of the Word of God. He is our Rock. Our foundation on which we stand. And if our eyes ARE fixed on him we will not sink. If our eyes are fixed on him we will not fall. And now, I am humming an old hymn that Holy Spirit has planted on my heart as I am writing this...

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name."

This version by Hillsong Worship is one of my favorites. Crank it loud.

He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
Psalm 18:16 (NIV)

As I read this verse above, tears filled my eyes. Remember that negative running dialogue I mentioned earlier? Well, the thought..."I feel like I am drowning" has been on repeat for me the past few days. Immediately, when I read that verse I knew in my heart of hearts that my Heavenly Father heard my cry. He knows me. He knows my need. He hears my prayers. And in that very moment as my eyes grazed that ink he spoke directly to me. His word is alive and so is he. We just have to be willing to focus our eyes on him. Even for just a split second. Because sometimes that's all it takes to know you are sought after and beloved. And in that moment, I am reminded of who I am. I am his. And he...he is the Almighty God.

The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God my Savior!
He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues nations under me,
who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.
Therefore I will praise you among the nations,
O Lord;
I will sing praises to your name.
He gives his king great victories;
he shows unfailing kindness to his 
anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.
Psalm 18:46-50 (NIV)

So if you're feeling off balance in this season I want to encourage you to cry out to your Heavenly Father, and most importantly get in the Living Word of God. Set your feet upon the Rock and your gaze upon the one who laid his life down for yours; your savior, Jesus Christ.

And please know, You are not alone. 

Relationships Aren't Something

She said I miss you and I love you.

{R E L A T I O N S H I P S} They are not always easy. And sometimes you walk through seasons where there’s things pulling you away from certain relationships. Motherhood is one of those.

As women our priorities shift, as they should. And there are seasons in motherhood when you feel disconnected from your circle.

I am thankful for my circle. For the handful of people who know me, get me, except me, and just flat out love me for who I am and who I am becoming.

There are seasons of pruning in relationships too. People you thought would always be in your circle, kindly see themselves out. And that is {O K A Y} too. It’s only healthy to have relationships change as you grow and change. And it’s not always bad. It’s beautiful. And if you embrace it, you’ll notice the new buds of blossoming friendships and connections that are being born. It’s truly a beautiful process.

Trust. Trust that your Creator, the One who knows you better than anyone has your best interest in mind. That he’s working E V E R Y T H I N G out for your good. Yes, even when your unsure. And it hurts. Continue to trust the process.

And then there are those relationships that transcend all eternity. Those spirit to spirit connections. I do not doubt that my growing up a football field away from one of my dearest friends was a coincidence. A bond was formed all of those years ago and although there were seasons where it wasn’t at the forefront of our lives. We have been and will be always lovers. Lovers of one another. Cheerleaders for one another. Prayer warriors for one another. A shoulder to cry on. And friend to laugh with. Someone to pick up the phone on a random day and say “Hey, your on my mind and I want you to know that I miss you and I love you.”

My response thru joyful tear filled eyes was-- "I miss you and I love you too."

As you read this I have no doubt that someone popped in your heart. Pick up the phone and tell them “I just wanted you to know you’re on my mind. And I miss you and love you.”

Relationships are not something. They are everything. Connect today. It will fill your cup.

Fear Can Go To Hell

My daughter was standing at the back door paralyzed.

I saw the look in her eyes and I knew why. She was scared to go out by herself to put her school stuff in the car. This has been a reoccurring issue because our cats often bring “prizes” up for their humans. And Macy has been the lucky one to find them.

This morning, in particular, I was so “done” with her being scared to walk outside. My patience had run out. And I’m not proud to admit that. But what followed next, I am pretty dang proud of.

I said— “Macy, tell fear to go to hell.” My 8 year old looked up at me like 😵 I said it again— “Tell fear to go to hell where it belongs.” She started laughing and said “Mom, I can’t say that.” And I told her she had my full support and permission to send fear back to the fiery depths where it belongs, anytime she needed to.

How many times have you let fear dictate the decisions you make? How many times has fear stolen your joy or your freedom? I’m done with fear. And I’m breaking the chains off not only for me— but for my children and their children and their children. And for Generations to come.

"I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

Fear has taken so much from me. But it will NOT be allowed to steal anything from me ever again. And I know without a shadow of a doubt that YHVH will restore every bit of it. #becausehetoldmeso

I wanna know, how are you breaking off the chains of fear in your life TODAY?

The Business of Dying

JESUS. I know him!!!

One of our favorite Christmas movies to watch over and over again is Elf. When Buddy the Elf gets wind that Santa is coming to visit the store he is over joyed! He exclaims loudly-- Santa! I know him!

Today, in my spiritual walk with Christ that is exactly how I feel. 

JESUS. I know him!

And if you knew him the way I do-- You'd be pretty over-joyed too. Actually, you'd be overtaken with emotion. More powerful than your natural body or mind can even (begin) comprehend.

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV)

I was sitting in church listening to my pastor preach. His words were hitting a sensitive spot that morning. I could feel "that feeling" start to bubble up. It's that feeling I get when I can feel the Holy Spirit's presence. My heart races and I feel a stirring deep in my gut like nothing else I have ever felt before. It's definitely hard to describe with words. But if you've ever felt the Holy Spirit for yourself, then you know we all have different responses.

I could feel it coming, and then like a switch got flipped the tears started rolling. It's an overtaking emotion when the Holy Spirit wrecks me. I usually don't even see it coming. That day, I was totally blind sided. And I jokingly said to a friend of mine that I wish HS would give me some heads up before he wrecks me, that way I could have tissues handy. And maybe I would lay off the mascara a little. But probably not because I do love my mascara. Ha!

But then it wouldn't be near as sweet. That over sweeping feeling. If I saw it coming, I am sure it wouldn't be as powerful.

A young man was walking down to the front during the invitational (If you've never been to a Baptist church-- this is at the end when the pastor invites anyone to the front for prayer or to accept Jesus into their hearts as Lord and Savior.) and I was already sniffling up a storm. As soon as I saw him making his way down, any repose I had was lost. All of it, just flew out the window. That young man gave his life to Christ that day. And I was beyond excited for him. So pumped that I couldn't wait to hug his neck. Yes, I couldn't wait to hug a stranger! But that's the thing he wasn't a stranger at that moment. He and I are tied together by the blood of Christ. And it's beautiful. It's majestic. It's Jesus.

I got to the front of the line and of course I introduced myself before I went in for the hug. Ya'll what's really weird about this, in case you don't know, I am not a hugger. AT ALL. Let alone hugging strangers. I barely want to hug my closest friends or family.

But that's the thing about dying to yourself...you become more like Christ. 

And what would Jesus do if he saw that sweet young man giving his life over to him. He would say, "Welcome home, my precious. Welcome home." And then give him the biggest, warmest hug he's ever experienced. So without any second thought, that's what I did. When I saw his tear streaked face, I just thought "THIS. THIS is what it's all about!" I wanna do that everyday.

EVERY.SINGLE.DAY

He must become greater; I must become less.
John 3:30 (NIV)

Enter the 'Business of Dying' to ones self.

Letting go of your earthly desires. And becoming more Christ-like. I know, seems like a huge undertaking, right? But don't get overwhelmed at the thought. It's actually way more simplistic than you think! And you literally have the instruction manual at your disposal. The gospel. God's living word-- The Bible.

Philippians 2:3-4 says, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others...

Please don't stop there, but keep reading in your Bible as he outlines exactly how to be more Christ-like.

Wanna know where he gets me here? Take a look at Philippians 2:14 (NIV).

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life...

Ya'll. He said do EVERYTHING without complaint OR arguing. Yep, I am pretty sure that little bit there was specifically for me. How many times have I questioned my Father? Not sure there is a number big enough. Dying to self means I don't second guess my Father. It means I have surrendered so deeply that I TRUST-- that I trust. And here's another confession. I have trust issues. There was a time in my life where I lived fully trusting in those I loved, deeply loved. I trusted them without a second thought. When you experience a trauma, it changes you. I think that's pretty obvious. And the tragedy I experienced left me scarred and NEVER trusting anyone or anything ever again. Until, now...

My trust issues are absolutely a few different blog posts all on there own. So I'll just say this-- Dying to self for me, means trusting my Father without a shadow of a doubt.

NO.MATTER.WHAT

What does it mean for you?

While you ponder...get your praise hands ready and listen to this. 

Show Her Grace

You’re the meanest mom in the whole wide world.

My daughter was screaming and throwing a fit as we were walking out of her gymnastics class tonight. I had asked her to make herself a sandwich before we left the house because I knew she would be hungry. She chose not to. As we were walking to the car after her class she asked me to take her by a fast food place to grab some dinner. And I said "No, this is why I asked you to make a sandwich earlier. And you chose not to. Now, you are going to have to live with that choice. You can make yourself a sandwich when we get home. I am not stopping for food."

And that my friends is when she went full on melt down mode. Crying and saying some not so kind stuff to her momma. "You're the meanest mom in the whole wide world!!!"

I usually don't take this kind of stuff personally. But dang it. It's hard some days. You know, those days when you yourself are feeling emotionally fragile. 

It has been a long week. We are navigating some firsts in our family. The first death of a loved one. I’ve been through this myself, but it’s a first for me as a momma. And a first for my kids, ages 8 and 12.

Our household has been pretty somber as my husband and I navigate these feelings ourselves. But death is an interesting thing— you see, losing someone seems like it automatically unearths those feelings and emotions you’ve experienced before. Don't get me wrong, today's celebration of life was just that-- A celebration of a life lived, but even more so a celebration of a new life beginning for Mary in Heaven.

My daughter is extremely empathetic and sometimes I forget this. I too am what some might consider an empath. I am deeply affected by others feelings and emotions. Even on a spiritual level. It's one of the reasons I have a difficult time processing if in a room with too many people. Call it sensory issues or whatever. I feel deeply for people. Which gives me incredible compassion, but also drains me emotionally. And sometimes makes me want to stuff everything down until I am numb. Macy and my son, Levi are both very sensitive to this as well. And when you are a sensitive being it can be hard trying to navigate your own hurt and sorrow, let alone those who you love and care for, as well.

My daughter stood stoically as she walked up to her great aunts casket. She was taking everything in-- The absolutely gorgeous spray of flowers covering the casket. Even the color of the casket. "Mom, what kind of casket is this? It's so pretty!" Some might think this as odd. Why on earth would an 8 year old be so interested in the casket make and model? Well, friends, that's the family business. My husband's family has been manufacturing burial vaults and distributing caskets for 50 years now. She plays in casket warehouses. Helps her dad work on them and move them around. It's all she's known. So it's not a "scary" or odd thing to her at all. We both agreed that Mary looked beautiful. Although she didn't quite look like herself. We had talked before the funeral and I shared with Macy that Mary's vibrant personality lit her up from the inside out. But because her spirit was no longer in her body, she may look a little or a lot different. Mary had cerebral palsy, but she didn't let it stop her from giving the best hugs ever. When I first met Mary I wasn't quite sure how to interact with her. I had not ever been around someone with a disability. She didn't waste a second hugging my neck and warming the room with her infectious smile. I had to get over my insecurities pretty quick. When I would see her she would always ask about my husband and her nephew, Greg, first. She loved him the most. Can't say I blame her. He is pretty great.

Macy stood quietly taking everything in. She wasn't afraid in the least. She was the most brave and kind.

But I know it was a lot, emotionally, for her. So later tonight when she was starting to melt down I just sat quietly. Sure, I wanted to yell. I wanted to convince her of her wrong doing. To scold her for not listening to me and doing as I had asked. I could almost feel the smoke coming out of my ears. And then almost in an audible voice I heard "Show her grace."

Uhmm-- Excuse me? Show this little girl who just threw a nasty fit (in public, mind you) and said terribly ugly things to me, GRACE?

Yep.

So instead of taking the right that would put us on the highway home. I made a U-turn and pulled into the Subway drive-thru.

"Macy, I know you are hurting. But just because you are uncomfortable, it doesn't mean you get to hurt others with your words or actions."

"I know, mommy. I am so sorry I said those things. You are not the meanest mom. You are the best mom."

And then I ordered us both a sandwich because sometimes your hangry and need a sandwich.

And sometimes you're hurting and you need someone to just show you some grace.

There have been many, many times where I have been an ungrateful little girl. When I have thrown ugly fits and said ugly things. And yet, every.single.time my Heavenly Father shows me grace. Not just here or there or if I ask the right way. But...

EVERY.SINGLE.TIME.

And so the Living Expression
became a man and lived among us! 
And we gazed upon the splendor of his glory, 
the glory of the One and Only 
who came from the Father overflowing 
with tender mercy and truth!
John taught the truth about him
when he announced to the people,
"He's the One! Set your hearts on him!
I told you he would come after me,
for he existed before I was even born.
And now out of his fullness we are fulfilled!
And from him we receive grace heaped upon more grace!"
John 1:14-16 The Passion Translation

We live in a world where you don't get second chances. Where grace is not extended like it should be. And we wonder why our children are not compassionate. And why we all lack empathy...

There is nothing like "Grace, grace, God's grace." But what kind of world would we live in if we started extending grace to those around us who need it the most? To our children...who are so forgiving in the beginning. They love us and forgive us even when we suck it up. But somewhere along the road, nurture starts to override everything else. And we wonder why our children lack empathy and compassion. Parents we have to set the example. We have to be willing to extend grace and give second chances. And I want you all to know, that I am talking to myself more than I am talking to anyone else. I need to set the example. I need to be willing to extend grace and give second chances. Tonight I was reminded of that.

My prayer:

Father, I thank you. I bless you. I praise you. Thank you, Father for your grace. For your sovereign grace. That never changes. That never ceases. You are the same today, as you were long ago, and you will be the same tomorrow and the next day. Father God, thank you for Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate offering of grace. And I just lay my face at His feet. I am not worthy of this sacrifice. I am not worthy of this grace. Yet, you give it anyway. Unrelenting. Unwavering. Unconditional. Oh Father, teach me. Show me. Breath into me, your grace, your compassion, your love. Help me to always show grace to those that I know need it the very most. Help me to teach my children and to love them well. You are so good, Father. So so good. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.