Forgiveness

I come for a line of the easily offended and grudge holders. What a curse! Since learning about Christ’s love for me and His forgiveness it helps me be able to forgive others. I think before learning to forgive it helps if we simply learn not to be easily offended. So often there really was no reason to be offended, but it was simply what we perceived to be an offense. If we could just learn to get over ourselves and walk in love, perhaps our lives could make more of an impact for the Kingdom.

From http://Peacemakers.net

Forgiveness may be described as a decision to make four promises:

"I will not dwell on this incident."
"I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you."
"I will not talk to others about this incident."
"I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship."

By making and keeping these promises, you can tear down the walls that stand between you and your offender. You promise not to dwell on or brood over the problem or to punish by holding the person at a distance. You clear the way for your relationship to develop unhindered by memories of past wrongs. This is exactly what God does for us, and it is what he calls us to do for others.

Food for Thought

Do you sometimes find yourself breaking (or tempted to break) one or more of the Four Promises of Forgiveness sometime after you make them? That's a very normal experience--and, believe it or not, it's an invitation from God to draw closer to him. The key is remembering and applying Hebrews 9:22. That verse tells us that in the universe there is only one source of durable forgiveness: the Cross of Christ. "Without the shedding of blood," the verse says, "there is no forgiveness."

For a time, we may be able to forgive someone out of our own willpower or our human desire for reconciliation, but eventually even our best efforts will buckle (yes, even when they're buoyed up by the Four Promises). If we want our forgiveness of others to "stick", we ourselves need to "stick" continually--to the Cross. So when you sense a long-buried hatchet rising to the surface, don't dwell on those thoughts. Instead, dwell on Christ's forgiveness of your own sin. The more real that becomes for you, the less real temptations toward unforgiveness will be.

Sincere Hospitality

The front door of your house
is like the side door to the church.
from the book: Keeping House

I just love that sentence, and how true! We are told in several places in Scripture to practice hospitality. There is nothing like letting someone in your home and having them dine with you to make yourself REAL to others! It's easy to be a certain way when you are at church, meetings or work, but when you ask someone to come to your home it's a whole new ball game.

To practice sincere hospitality you have to die to self ALOT! You have to get to the point that it is OK if everything is not perfect in the house, especially if you have younger children. You have to get to the point that it is not about serving an outstanding meal. But sincere hospitality is about the GUEST, not you.

Hospitality is not just for the people you enjoy being around, but also for those that are 'sandpaper' to your life. Even if someone shows up at your door uninvited, you should try to make them feel welcome. It is the willingness to open yourself up, open your home up, using your TIME, and money to lay down a sacrifice that is pleasing to God. It is the willingness to love people, as if you are attending angels unaware, that will show them that you are different. That all you are, all your have is Christ! Always giving God the glory.

We all have seasons and situations in life. If there is alot of illness, little ones, or unusual situations, you may need to back off and tend to those more pressing matters, but our overall attitude about practicing hospitality should be one of, "Yes, you are welcome to come over!" Hospitality should not be burden, or something to check off on your list of good deeds. It is an issue of the heart. If you are doing it because you feel like you have to, or to build yourself up or to impress someone, then there is no blessing in that, it is all vanity!

Your front door can lead people right into the side door of the church building, the Door that can lead to a life in Christ.

(The flowers in the picture are from Olivia's garden. A good thing about living in Alabama is you can have flowers in February!)

The Bailey's Barn Party!

We had the privilege of attending a Barn Party at the Baileys Saturday night. They drew a HUGE crowd and even had a caller for square dancing. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many like minded Christians...over 200 of us! There were children EVERYWHERE! It was like a little slice of heaven on earth.

Life is meant to be enjoyed and THANK YOU Bailey Family for adding to our enjoyment!

Thank you
Baileys
Boyds
and
Tarvers
for the FUN bluegrass music!

I did not plan on making a video so I know it is pretty shotty camera work, and I didn't get even half of the beautiful faces that were there... but you get the idea.