Live Generously

“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously."  Luke 6:27-30 (The Message)

Teaching my kids how to love their enemies is hard sometimes cause the "mama bear" in me feels their hurt and inner struggle, and it's our natural tendency to want to fight back, to defend, and to make right the wrong. But God's Word commands us differently.

Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. (The Message)

Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  (NIV)

My son has been struggling with a couple of teachers in school this year.  His struggle (as far as I can tell) is mostly internal and he hasn't actually acted out in rebellion, disrespect, and anger.  It's just the little things these people do that make him feel picked on and disliked.  Sure, there are two sides to the story and Kyle's perception could be skewed, but still when my son feels these things, he feels them. And this mama's heart feels them. 

The world teaches us to stand up for yourself or disrespect back, and I'm trying to encourage my son that there is a different way that God calls us to.  Because we are followers of Christ we want to be like Christ to the world around us...doing good, blessing, and praying for the one who offends.  It means going above and beyond to be better than our enemies expect, being kind, showing humility instead of pride, and becoming stronger through the trial instead of weaker.  It's hard to "let them bring out the best in you" when it goes against everything we feel. 

The Message translation concludes this passage in Luke 6 (above) on loving our enemies, by challenging us to "live generously".  Giving to others when they don't deserve it. As my kids go out in this world today, that is my prayer for them, as they face unkind and difficult people.

Live generously, sweet ones, cause God will see.  He will be your defender.  He will reward and love. 

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to love their enemies and do good to those who mistreat them.  Praying for those who cause us to struggle is the harder, but better, thing to do.  Oh to let these situations bring out the best in them, and not the worst, is my prayer.  Holy Spirit, speak tenderly to Alyssa and Kyle's broken and hurting hearts, when people don't treat them with kindness and respect.  Remind them that you are their Defender.  Instruct them on how to respond in a way that brings you glory and turns around the circumstances they are in.  In this world we will have troubles, but through them I pray that Alyssa and Kyle trust you and follow your example to live generously, especially to those who don't deserve it.  Encourage Alyssa and Kyle's hearts today and remind them that they are dearly loved by you!


 

Wordless Wednesday

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Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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Wordless Wednesday

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Relationships Hurt

“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. IAf he listens, you’ve made a friend."  Matthew 18:15

 My sweet family!

Any time we are in relationship with other people, there is bound to be conflict or hurt feelings.  Peacemaking, conflict resolution, and forgiveness are all hard lessons to learn, and practice doesn't always make it easier.

Today, in Women's Bible study, our "get to know you" question was "If you were Queen for a day, what law would you put in effect or what change would you make?"  One mom piped up and exclaimed, "No family fighting or sibling rivalry".  Amen.  Kids fight because they don't get their own way, which is not far from the reason adults fight either.

My prayer is that Alyssa and Kyle learn to deal with conflict, face hurts, and work through difficult situations.  Sometimes it will be by saying "I'm sorry".  And sometimes they will have to be brave and say "you hurt me".  Either way they will both take courage to do the right thing!

Do the hard work, babies, looking to Jesus for guidance and help!  He will be right there beside you, cheering you on!

Lord, teach Alyssa and Kyle to manage their relationships well.  When a friend hurts them, or causes strife, help them to face into the conflict and work things out, salvaging and building up their relationships.  Give Alyssa and Kyle courage to work hard on their relationships, and strength and wisdom to forgive easily.  Relationships with other will bless and enrich their lives in many ways, and are worth the effort to mend the hurt and clear the air.  Thank you, Lord, that you help us do the hard work relationships take.  Amen.

 

Wordless Wednesday

 

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Forgive People

"For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, 
your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 
 But if you don’t forgive people, 
your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing." 
 Matthew 6:14-15 (HCSB)

God's teaching on forgiveness is pretty much "black and white". 

FORGIVE , Babies!

Alyssa's Birthday Sleep-over (2008)

Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle forgive people for their wrongdoing.  Give them hearts that are don't hold onto mistakes and hurts long, but are quick to give forgiveness and understanding.  Mend their hearts where they are hurt, and give them confidence in who you've made them, and how you love them, so that they can pass that love and consideration to others.  May Alyssa and Kyle be givers of forgiveness!

 

Let Anger Straggle in the Rear

"If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; 

calmness can lay great offenses to rest." --Ecclesiastes 10:4

Sensible people control their temper;
    they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. 

 --Proverbs 19:11

"Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life."  --James 1:19-21

Lord, you are the great Teacher, and your children sometimes have many things to learn.  You are a God who is slow to anger, abounding in love, and you forgive sin and rebellion.  Help us to have the same attitude.  Teach Alyssa and Kyle patience, love, and forgiveness, I pray.  Calm responses can lay great offenses to rest.   Help them to lead with their ears, follow up with their tongues, and let their anger straggle along in the rear.  May Alyssa and Kyle reflect you, dear Jesus.

Saying Sorry

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed."  James 5:16

"An apology is the superglue of life.  It can repair about anything."  --Lynn Johnston

Saying sorry is sometimes the hardest thing to do.  It's an important lesson in life and I pray that I've taught my kids well enough. 

Sorry is more than just the words.you say.
Sorry is listening and understanding.
Sorry is vital to every healthy relationship.

My kids, it's sometimes "hard to say I'm sorry", but it's always worth saying.  When you do, you show value to the other person and reflect the God who lives in you!

Lord, I pray that you soften and mold Alyssa and Kyle's hearts so that knowing when to say"sorry" becomes first nature to them.  Make them sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, dear Jesus, and have spirits that are compassionate, merciful, and forgiving.  I pray that your Spirit is always leading, guiding, prompting and healing Alyssa and Kyle's hearts.  Lord, make it easy for my dear children to say they are sorry.

 

White as Snow

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." Isaiah 1:18-20

Kyle at Grammy & Papa's (2008)

Snow everywhere.  And the beautiful morning frost on the trees.  It looks like a winter wonderland outside. We haven't had any new snow lately, it's just been too cold around here to melt it off.  You know what my favorite part of snow is?  I love the way it looks before it's been marred by footprints or tire tracks. Pure, clean, and unblemished.

It reminded me of the verse in Isaiah about our sins, though like scarlet, will become as white as snow. God makes our lives new, and takes our sins and washes them away.  Pure, clean, and unblemished.

The snow is a beautiful reminder to ponder and behold. When it becomes white outside, I will remember to pray for the gift of God's forgiveness, cleansing and salvation in my children's life. When they believe in Him, He will make them pure, clean, and unblemished. Their sins will be forgiven and made white as snow.

Lord, thank you for how the snow reminds me of you're beautiful gifts! It's pure white beauty reminds me of your promise that you will make our sins as white as snow. Thank you for making me clean, washing my sins away, and filling me with your love and forgiveness. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle open their hearts to you, Lord, and accept your gift of forgiveness. May they trust you, and believe that you love them despite whatever they have done.  Take their sins, make them clean, and love them abundantly always. Lord, as Alyssa and Kyle grow older, I pray that they hold on to your sweet gift of salvation, as you hold on tightly to them, all the days of their lives.
 

The Hard Work of Forgiveness

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:13

It's said that practice makes perfect, but I'm not so sure if that's always true when it comes to learning about forgiveness.  I find that forgiveness is hard work most every time.  Some people are easy to forgive, and some circumstances more immediately forgivable, but often it still takes choosing to do the harder thing.

Forgiveness doesn't immediately fix the hurt, or heal relationships, but it does set us on the road God calls us to follow and healing can begin.  I've seen people hold onto unforgiveness for a very long time, and it ruins relationships for a lifetime, and fills hearts with bitterness and anger.  Our unwillingness to forgive someone who has hurt us, actually damages us worse.

I wish that my children didn't have to experience things in their lives where they needed to practice the art of forgiveness, but I know that is unrealistic.  So, I'll just pray that they won't allow bitterness and hurt to take root in their hearts, and forever mess up the important relationships in their lives.

I pray that they will always choose to do the hard work of forgiveness.

"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love.  

In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." 

--Robert Muller

Lord, you bear with your children, and forgive us over and over again.  Thank you, sweet Jesus.  May you helps us to do the same.  Help us to give forgiveness freely, and not hold onto bitterness, anger and hurt, especially in regards to our closest relationships.  Continued to teach us how to do the hard work of forgiveness.  Lord, protect my children from huge hurts in their lives, but where there is hurt (and I know that there will be), I pray they choose to forgive.  And where they hurt others, I pray forgiveness is offered to them.   May my children never let unforgiveness take root in their hearts.  In these moments Lord, I pray that they lean on you for help and guidance.  You are the greatest forgiver of all...may we be more like you! 
 

A Heavenly Bath

"Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”  2 Kings 5:10

 Lyss (1995)

Baths were always a fun time when our kids were little.  Bubbles, toys, and splashing were always a delight until it came time for the washing of the hair.  Oh the torture.  Often there would be tears, struggles, and gasps as the water fell over their heads.  

And don't you just love the smell of a freshly bathed baby.  I kind of miss those days.

 Kyle (1998)

Washing is sometimes not an easy task.  Check out the Old Testament for proof.  There were rules and tasks that had to happen for ceremonial cleansing.  Elisha told Naaman, a commander of the kings army who had leprosy, that he needed to wash himself in the Jordan river seven times.  Can you imagine telling your kid that they are going to have to bathe seven times in order to be clean?  I remember well the torture when baths needed to become a more common occurence than twice a week.  Oh my.

I'm thankful that God had a different plan for His people, and that internal cleansing comes just by asking Jesus to wash us clean!

Today, I am praying for Alyssa and Kyle to be sensitive to the sin that is present in their lives, and that their hearts tender towards asking their Heavenly Father for a good cleansing.  What joy that comes when we are "clean behind ears" and "sparkling from head to toe"... our heart included!

A heavenly bath!

"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."  Psalm 51:2

Dear Precious Savior, thank you for cleansing us from within, and making that cleansing available to each one of us.  I pray that you make Alyssa and Kyle sensitive to the sin in their lives and their true need for you.  Sin can quench your Holy Spirit from being heard and felt in their lives, but as they repent and seek you for forgiveness and cleansing, their hearts will be open and available to hear your still small voice.  Lord, wash away Alyssa and Kyle's iniquity and cleanse them from their sin.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for making us beautiful and presentable in your sight.  May Alyssa and Kyle be forever yours!

Forgiving One Another

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet 

sheds on the heel that has crushed it.  

--Mark Twain

Lord, thank you that you show us the true meaning of forgiveness.  Thank you for forgiving us of all our sins, and loving us despite our faults and failures.  Because we have been forgiven, we can in turn forgive others.  Oh how I long for my children to be good forgivers.  Bitterness and anger can so easily take root in our hearts and minds, and effect every aspect of our lives.  Friends hurt us, enemies discourage us, and our families make mistakes.  On a daily basis we have to choose to forgive.  May Alyssa and Kyle choose to develop the character that reflect you living and active presence in their lives, including forgiveness, acceptance, patience and love.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to bear with each other, and others in their lives,  and forgive whatever grievances they may have against those who hurt them. May they learn to forgive as you, Lord, forgave them.  Thank you, Sweet Father, for hearing my prayers.

Shine Bright

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."  Matthew 18:21-22

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free 

to discover that the prisoner was you."  

Lewis B. Smedes 

Our preacher gave us a really good sermon on "forgiveness" yesterday. :)  It reminded me that sometimes forgiveness can be hard work, but is so needed for our own peace of mind and the health of our heart. 

I know that our kids have had to do a little work in the area of forgiveness here and there, but I'm pretty sure that there will be harder opportunities to practice in the future as they become adults.  They'll face conflicts with friends, teachers will rub them the wrong way, and maybe their parents will fail in one way or another, each time making them face this need to forgive.

I loved a statement Ken made in his sermon:

"Every opportunity for conflict or hurt, is an opportunity to glorify God."

Forgiveness is the best thing for us, but is also a delight to the Lord!  We shine Him every time we cease to hold resentment against someone who has hurt us.

Let's shine bright!

Lord, help our children to be good forgivers to those who hurt them or do wrong to them.  I pray that forgiveness especially marks their relationships closest to them.  When their hurt is deep, I pray for your healing help, but also your encouragement to find wisdom, guidance, and a helping hand from others in their lives.  Protect them, Father, from deep hurts that could grow into a bitterness that keep them from living in sweet communion with you.  You promise that when Alyssa and Kyle forgive those who sin against them, you will also forgive them.  Their willingness to forgive will bring them a freedom from anger, hurt, and bitterness, and also glorify you to the world around them.  Lord, may Alyssa and Kyle shine bright for you!

Love Deeply

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."  Colossians 3:14

I love watching my kids have fun together.

Spring Break...2007

Oh, how I pray that they will always be friends!

Not just have fun together, but love one another deeply.

Lord, I love the children you have blessed our lives with.  They are both so fearfully and wonderfully made by your hand.  You knew that Alyssa and Kyle would be sister and brother, and you gave them each other as a gift to be cherished.  Help them to love one another deeply.  Bind them together in unity.  Always help them to give forgiveness easily, keep no record of wrong, and believe the best about the other person.  I pray that "putting on love" will be easy and the goal of their every interaction.  Oh what a mother's delight it is to watch her children laugh together and love one another.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for the gifts Alyssa and Kyle can find in their relationship together. 

Be Clean

"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."  Psalm 51:2

Yesterday we began the paint job in Alyssa's new room.  Unfortunately we had to cover up some dark navy blue paint that we put up on the walls for Kyle first.  Heavy duty primer was in order.  Two coats to be exact. 

Just to let you know, painting is not my gift.  No matter how hard I try, I always end up with paint on myself.  Ggrrr.  Well, the problem with the primer, is that it was an oil-based paint.  Let me tell you something, in case you don't know what that means...it takes more than just water to remove the paint from your person. It takes heavy duty power!

Nothing like living with the smell of gasoline, from head to toe, for awhile.  Ick.

As I was scrubbing my hands, my knees, and yes, my hair, it gave me pause to think about how it is to wipe my sins away.  God doesn't have to scrub, pull, and tug away our iniquities.  The "powerful cleanser" was His shed blood, and He did it for me! 

He forgives, cleanses, and washes away every ugly sin in my life.  Thank you, precious Savior! 

I pray that my kids know that kind of love, and believe in God, who takes away every dirty and ugly thing in their life, and makes them something amazingly beautiful!

Oh to be clean!!

Lord, thank you for washing away all my iniquity and cleansing me from my sin, and for doing that for Alyssa and Kyle too.  May they know and believe that they can come to you for healing and cleansing, and that you make them holy and acceptable to you.  There is nothing so big that they would be separated from you eternally, if they believe in you.  Lord, thank you for being a forgiving God, and for loving us so unconditionally.

Forgiving Others

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet 

sheds on the heel that has crushed it.  

--Mark Twain

Lord, thank you that you show us the true meaning of forgiveness.  Thank you for forgiving us of all our sins, and loving us despite our faults and failures.  Because we have been forgiven, we can in turn forgive others.  Oh how I long for my children to be good forgivers.  Bitterness and anger can so easily take root in our hearts and minds, and effect every aspect of our lives.  Friends hurt us, enemies discourage us, and our families make mistakes.  On a daily basis we have to choose to forgive.  May Alyssa and Kyle choose to develop the character that reflect you living and active presence in their lives, including forgiveness, acceptance, patience and love.  Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle to bear with each other, and others in their lives,  and forgive whatever grievances they may have against those who hurt them. May they learn to forgive as you, Lord, forgave them.  Thank you, Sweet Father, for hearing my prayers.

Pure, Clean, and Unblemished

"Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." Isaiah 1:18-20

Kyle at Grammy & Papa's...2008

Through the day yesterday, and continuing on through the night, we received another downpour of snow. You know what my favorite part of snow is?  I love the way it looks before it's been marred by footprints or tire tracks. Pure, clean, and unblemished.

It reminded me of the verse in Isaiah about our sins, though like scarlet, will become as white as snow. God makes our lives new, and takes our sins and washes them away.  Pure, clean, and unblemished.

The snow is a beautiful reminder to ponder and behold. When it becomes white outside, I will remember to pray for the gift of God's forgiveness, cleansing and salvation in my children's life. When they believe in Him, He will make them pure, clean, and unblemished. Their sins will be forgiven and made white as snow.

Lord, thank you for the snow today (and that I can be inside all day). It's pure white beauty reminds me of your promise that you will make our sins as white as snow. Thank you for making me clean, washing my sins away, and filling me with your love and forgiveness. I pray that my children open their hearts to you, Lord, and accept your gift of forgiveness. May they trust you, and believe that you love them despite whatever they have done, but take their sins, make them clean, and love them abundantly always. Lord, as Alyssa and Kyle grow older, I pray that they hold on to your sweet gift of salvation. as you hold on tightly to them, all the days of their lives.

Forgiveness Work

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:13

It's said that practice makes perfect, but I'm not so sure when it comes to learning about forgiveness.  I find that forgiveness is hard work most every time.  Some people are easy to forgive, and some circumstances more immediately forgivable, but often it still takes choosing to do the harder thing.

Forgiveness doesn't immediately fix the hurt, or heal relationships, but it does set us on the road God calls us to follow and healing can begin.  I've seen people hold onto unforgiveness for a very long time, and it ruins relationships for a lifetime, and fills hearts with bitterness and anger.  Our unwillingness to forgive someone who has hurt us, actually damages us worse in the end.

I wish that my children didn't have to experience things in their lives where they needed to practice the art of forgiveness, but I know that is unrealistic.  So, I'll just pray that they won't allow bitterness and hurt to take root in their hearts, and forever mess up the important relationships in their lives.

I pray that they will always choose to do the hard work of forgiveness.

"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love.  

In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." 

--Robert Muller

Lord, you bear with your children, and forgive us over and over again.  Thank you, sweet Jesus.  May you helps us to do the same.  Help us to give forgiveness freely, and not hold onto bitterness, anger and hurt, especially in regards to our closest relationships.  Continued to teach us how to do the hard work of forgiveness.  Lord, protect my children from huge hurts in their lives, but where there is hurt (and I know that there will be), I pray they choose to forgive.  And where they hurt others, I pray forgiveness is offered to them.   May my children never let unforgiveness take root in their hearts.  In these moments Lord, I pray that they lean on you for help and guidance.  You are the greatest forgiver of all...may we be more like you!  



First posted January 23, 2010