WORD WEDNESDAY *Forgive*

Has the word forgive been popping up for anyone else?  Such a process and probably the best description of forgiveness that I have ever read or heard explained to me was from the book Mending the Soul, by Steven Tracey--Chapter 10. 

I woke up this morning with the lyrics from Chris August's song titled, 7X70 playing over in my head reminding me of both the wrong that I have endured and the wrong that I have also given in this life.  Have you heard them?

7 times 70 times
I’ll do what it takes to make it right
I thought the pain was here to stay
But forgiveness made a way
7 times 70 times
There’s healing in the air tonight
I’m reaching up to pull it down
Gonna wrap it all around

I lost count of the ways you let me down
But no matter how many times you weren’t around
I’m all right now

God picked up my heart and helped me through
And shined a light on the one thing left to do
And that’s forgive you
I forgive you

7 times 70 times
If that’s the cost I’ll pay the price
7 times 70 times
I’ll do what it takes to make it right
I thought the pain was here to stay
But forgiveness made a way

7 times 70 times
There’s healing in this house tonight
Also, remember a couple of weeks back when we read that Jesus calls us 'friend?' 

I'm smiling as I write and see the words in Luke 5 where some men carried a paralytic man on a mat through the roof to get to Jesus for healing.  Jesus said in verse 20 after seeing their faith, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." 

Then again Jesus talks about a friend, a woman who has been forgiven in Luke 7:47...the shimmer of hope, the legacy that I want to leave..."her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much."  A princess for sure.

Isn't it true, aren't the most loving people we know also the most forgiving people? 

What about you...I'm curious if any other words have been whispered to you these past couple of days? 

MONDAY MEETING with Jesus and forgiveness

It’s Meet with Jesus Monday let's get right down to business.

John 8:1-11 tells us that a woman stood there amidst the circle of people and the darkness in her heart was revealed.  I don’t know if I could bear to have my dark messes known to the masses.  I am ashamed at how many times I try to cover it up and as I think about Jesus and how he handled this woman—this adulterer—my heart feels lighter.

Scripture says she was caught in the very act.  I do have a hard time thinking of myself as this woman…seeing myself as a victim seems a little more comfortable.  Yet, recently while studying the book of Hosea and re-reading the words in John 8, I see freedom again in admiting my wrongs and also the wrongs of another.  Are you burdened with the realization of your own wrong?

Receive Jesus’ forgiveness and turn away from your wrong

As I lean into my friend Jesus I find peace in the middle of my circle, aware of my ugly tendencies and free from oppression.  I can picture myself being this woman standing there with Jesus and encircled by scowling men and I picture Jesus' kind, loving, accepting eyes. 

He knows my tendencies and He knows how to handle the judgment that naturally comes from others when they are hurt and bothered by my ugliness. 

Are there consequences for our ugly acts?                                        …I believe so

Will we be tempted to feel down because our ugly acts?                …I think I can count on that

Can our ugliness be forgotten, pardoned, exonerated?                   …It already has!

Hear Jesus whisper this truth…see Him pointing out that NO ONE is left encircling or condemning you—

Sometimes we cause our own circle of accusations and condemnation in our head and even imagine others pointing their fingers and scowling—all inside our own heads.  If you are condemning yourself inside your own head right now—stop it!  Just stop it!  Nothing is changed and it is not made right by you torturing yourself.  Receive this free gift.

  

Hear what Jesus says, receive the love and forgiveness: ”Then neither do I condemn you…go now and leave your life of sin.” 

A princess knows that she makes mistakes and when she does make mistakes in her life she admits them and moves on—don’t let your tiara get caught in the snags of condemnation—and don't be fooled--a good princess is a repentant sinner, not a perfect anything.

See and accept Jesus and know that no one is pointing their finger at you, no one is condemning you--leave your sin behind and walk in His forgiveness.  You are forgiven.

FUN FRIDAY

Happy Veteran's Day...11-11-11
Another Friday...another chance to have some FUN! 

Actually in the process of  FUN and don't have much time to write--will post a little later this weekend.

Go here to download podcast of yesterday's Girlfriendit Radio Show...and most importantly celebrate and have some FUN!

Word Wednesday

This has been a physical mountain before me this week with our washer out for a few days.  Thought this was kind of funny and I would much rather focus on this mountain of laundry than some of the other mountains in my life.  I definitely don't want to be a downer--but I know I am not alone in the sea of mountains from time to time.  Any of these mountains sound familiar?

*Mount Baby Sniffles
*Mount Diagnosis
*Mount Finances
*Mount Discouragement
*Mount Fear
*Mount Location
*Mount Frustration
*Mount Hurt
*Mount Desire
*Mount Struggling
*Mount Don't Know Enough
*Mount Know Too Much
*Mount Stress
*Mount Don't Know What To Do
*Mount Lost

What's the mountain before you look and feel like these days?

How do you remind  yourself that you are not alone?

How do you keep from being paralyzed at the base of the mountain?

Let's keep going-keep seeking the One who gives us strength to climb and the one with power to move the mountain!

Listen to a man named Paul's advice...He knew and loved Jesus too.

"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.  Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty.  I ahve learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength."  Phil 4:10-13

Knowing that in this life we face mountains of many kinds, how can we pray and encourage each other to flex our muscles at the base of our mountains? Princess style of course!

Meet with Jesus Monday and MORE!

I'm so excited girlfriends!  Have you ever just been so overwhelmed by a friend's love and encouragement?  I hope today's posts speaks to you about the truth that our friends really can bring life and encouragement to our lives...especially our friend Jesus!  No doubt, have I been inspired by the love and encouragement found while spending time with my sweet friend Jesus, and today's blog post speaks to these times with Him!   

I am both honored and humbled (yes these two feelings happened at the same time) to have this Monday's post published online at (In)courage. Don't you just love those friends who encourage you to keep going?!? Go here and check out my post!  Stay a while and check out their wonderful encouraging website. 

Then no matter what mountains you are facing this Monday...soak up the truth in these verses today: 

"I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:14 NAS"

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Phil 4:13 NKJV

Please share your own encouragement or if you need prayer for the current mountains that you are facing in your life--comment about that too--I will lift you up and chat with Him about it too girlfriend!

FUN FRIDAY

So today is FRIDAY…well, not just FRIDAY, but...FUN FRIDAY!!!

I have to admit that this particular Friday, well doesn’t seem so FUN!  I’ve got a sick little one at home.  I have to admit that on days like today, I am tempted to pull the covers over my head and hide-away. Do you ever waste the day away?

 I am reminded today that not every day—not every Friday can be a picnic.  Yet, we do have choices even deep in the muck of the worst of days, don't we? 

Refusing to stay couped up in the house with a runny-nosed, feverish toddler I decided to go for a walk yesterday and I invited one of my neighbors.  I am just getting to know her and I have to tell you she is FABULOUS!  I am thankful for the short walk we had and it did not take long for me to recognize the FUN attitude she has about life...and let me tell you she is facing some HUGE things in her life right now--heart-breaking stuff that honestly, rattled me to the core when she shared her heart...but she is still choosing to have FUN! 

Do you know anyone like that? 

I also remember volunteering my time at a food mission a few years back and I remember being so blessed chatting with the people.  I remember my heart and soul being impacted the most by the ones in line waiting for their food box who were smiling and encouraging those around them.  Faced with a hard day and they were still having FUN! 

We all desire to have FUN, but do we all choose FUN?

I see it every week, my young boys want to have some FUN to look forward to each week--even the biggest kid in our house makes sure there is some FUN in the week.  Doesn't God have FUN planned for us too...YOU BET HE DOES!!  So, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it...we work hard and we do the hard stuff--but we make sure to have FUN!

So, I hope you get my point and if today you are feeling a bit like it is no FUN FRIDAY at all...maybe you are tempted to sift through Facebook envying the FUN that everyone else seems to have this Friday--don't (I've done it and it's--well...NO FUN!).  Maybe choose to do for yourself what someone else shares on Facebook...but the sulking and envious part--SQUASH that! Get out and have your own FUN.  

Still not sure what to do?  One great idea to get you thinking and out of a funk and into some FUN is download this week's Girlfriendit Radio show titled, "How Do You Fight Apathy?" 

And you can read more about the great nuggets of information I got from the show here. 

Have FUN girlfriends!  And see you back here Monday...I've got some great news to share then!!!

*Oh, yes--we can have FUN on Monday too*

Word Wednesday

Did you read my post Monday?  If you did, have you been thinking about Jesus being your friend?

Word for Wednesday just has to be FRIEND!

I keep hearing the word friend and each time I am reminding myself that Jesus is my friend!  I hope you are doing the same girlfriend!

It’s weird getting to know a friend we can’t physically see or touch though isn’t it?  I was reminded of how God uses our other relationships in this world to shine His love and even though we don’t physically see God’s face, or see his ‘thumbs up,’ He allows me to see it from others.  This morning after having some time to sit and be quiet with God I was talking to Him about wanting to see Him and wanting Him to be real in my life…just wanting that nudge or “Atta girl—you know when you just need to hear ‘keep going!’” 

I then went in to wake up my boy and to encourage him out of bed; I told him what was for breakfast. His enthusiasm was quiet—this is what I got.

It was enough to make me smile…and I just know Jesus is giving me that same quiet enthusiasm.

How have you been intentional about seeing Him as a real live friend?

Just throwing out some ideas:

*He is the friend calling you to do lunch next week.
*He is the friend taking the initiative to gently wake you up in the morning wanting to talk to you.
*He is the friend texting you asking how your day is going?
*He is the friend emailing you asking how He can help you out today?
*He is the friend nudging you to do the right thing.
*He is the friend who gently tells you that you goofed up and you should say, “You are sorry.”
*He is the friend high-fiving you and encouraging you to keep going.
*He is the friend who speaks highly of you in a group of others.

All of this just compels me to embrace my friend Jesus and isn’t it funny how having a good friend moves us to be a better friend ourselves.  Even though we are not perfect, we can be good friends—I know I am far from being a perfect friend.

Sometimes I’ve gotten the thumbs down from my friends…and I’m continuing to learn and grow through those interactions and relationships.  In this season when I feel I have less to give I am just seeking Him and giving it my best. I’m thankful for the girlfriends in my life that have continually pointed me to my friend Jesus and who model the way.. 

Are you the kind of friend you want to have?  I know in my life there have definitely been seasons where I got what I gave—and boy does our friend Jesus compel us to give what we get from Him!

I read over some of these truths since hearing the word friend…hope they encourage you and inspire you to embrace your friend Jesus and be the best friend you can be too!

“Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! ”  (Proverbs 3:3 NLT)

“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV)

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interest of others.” (Phil 2:4)

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others” (Hebrews 13:16 NIV)

Friend, do you have anything to share?  What has a good friend taught you recently?