Forgive and Forget

There is something so easy about saying that you will forgive someone, isn't there. I am really struggling with this right now for several reasons.

First, I seem to be the only one that is hurting over this particular issue and the other person seems to be clueless of the harm done. Second, since there has been no acknowlegement of the wrong doing - it will just keep happening. I have made the point as clear as possible but it keeps happening over and over.

Kaleb said "Just cut the friendship because friends don't take advantage like that". I want to just do that but I can't seem to figure out how to just cut it out and act as if it is not going on.

So,here are a few quotes that I found:

Forgiving is love's toughest work, and love's biggest risk. If you twist it into something it was never meant to be, it can make you a doormat or an insufferable manipulator. Forgiving seems almost unnatural. Our sense of fairness tells us people should pay for the wrong they do. But forgiving is love's power to break nature's rule. ~Lewis B.

It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. ~William Blake, Jerusalem Smedes

Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. ~Paul Boese

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. ~Mahatma Gandhi


What does God's word say about forgiveness though. Does HE tell me to be a doormat for the situation?

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

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14).

“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 ).

Matthew gave me my answer. I guess the easist thing to go is just figure out when we get to 78 times and then that is it - I am done. HA Not seriously, I guess it is just a comfort to know that either God will change it or I can change it when enough time has passed. Sadly, if I was not so upset about it, then it would not matter and I would not be searching.

Guess we will see if I can keep it up or not....

Wait Listed....

Every year people make fun of me because I schedule my kids camps 5 or 6 months in advance. I typically start putting down deposits as soon as the camp schedule opens up.

This year, there were several circumstances that prevented me from getting on the ball and getting the kids signed up. First, they did not want to go (to scared they were going back to Pioneer camp). Second, they were wanting to go with friends. Third, I had decided if I was going to use the camp fund from church to pay for the half they are willing to donate. Forth, van schedule was locked (or so I thought).

All of this and I end up not planning my camps until really late.

NOW ---- the boys have been wait listed.

Oh well, now thankfully Kenadee got into camp while boys are gone to Big Stuf. Now just to sit and wait.

Maybe I can sign up now for next year!!!!

Monday Memories

I was talking to my mother in law today about a new book that has recently been published by an author in my husband's hometown. A member of a well-respected and highly infulential family has written a tell all book about her family's dark secrets.

I ordered promptly....

I thought the kids would love to see some of the things since they were all born in that town. A little piece of trivia from their hometown.

It did get me to thinking though. What will my family members say? What will be the memories they will tell? Even better, what memories will I share about those I love from long ago and today?

It is so easy to focus on the negative (especially if you want to sell a few books.) While these things are easily recalled it is the moments we can never get back, the days we wish could have had just one more hour in them that are the real story. The day dreams come true, the day we were uplifted.

I thought a little memory from long ago was in order for today's post.

My older brother Shane is one of the most loving men I know. I imagine him as loving with his heart and soul. A love that has no judgement and love that has no end. I have likely never shared my thoughts with him on this. My memories of him often lead to the fact that he was typically a pain :-) I say that lovingly, but he and I butted heads a lot growing up. I was a baby 8 years his junior. He was the baby for many years before me and I think that just kinda rolled into a lot of issues between us.

Yet, it my brother Shane who:
1. Sent me card with carebear stickers when I was in junior high telling me that he loved me.
2. He sent me flowers every year of my high school life.
3. When I was at tryouts one year, he showed up with roses in head to wish me luck and to give me the flowers himself.
4. When I moved to Florida, he was the first family member to come visit me.
5. When I call he NEVER forgets to ask about my husband and kids.
6. When I was in rough spot, he was the first person to show up.
7. After he married he always took and interest in me coming around as a kid.
8. He has struggled but he is the one person I know that seems content with life.
9. He has given up things I never could.
10. He fought, He cried, He loved, He lost, but he NEVER gave up.

I doubt he will ever read these words but I can't help but think of him today. A ton of memories about him are very close to my heart and I hope he knows how dear they are to me. I love you Shane!

Gonna Go Make Some New Friends

We recently moved into a new neighborhood and have really just got "settled in". When we decided to move one of the largest factors was to get the kids in a better schools. Along with the timing of the move, we decided that if the kids had the summer to maybe get to know some of the other kids around they might feel better about moving into a new school.

Leave it to Kenadee to announce out of the blue "Gonna Go Make Some New Friends". She put on her bathinig suit, brushed her hair and went off to the water fountain thing in the middle of the park where kids play beside the pool. No worries, no intimidation.

I love her confidence in herself and her willingness to put herself out there.

I wish for her true friendships. Friendships that mirror a reflection of herself in a positive and uplifting way. Frienships that support, that comfort and that last a lifetime.

As an adult, I know that some frienships are only meant for a season. I am blessed by many of them. Those that hurt or injured me are less and less important because I saw they were not a true friendship at all.

So my daughter's wisdom is far beyond her years to know for herself that she has the ability to build life long friendships or maybe it is just for day in the park. None the less,she gonna make her some new friends today and wil worry about the details later.

Simply Put

Simply Put:
I love my husband because when I see myself in his eyes, I feel better about myself.
I adore my children becasue they are well rounded, loving, well behaved, amazing and talented children.
I am a child of God, who by only asking for His grace, has been blessed abundantly. From an earlier age, His presence is my life has achored me in turbalent times and given me the wings to fly in the wind.
I love my job - the challenge of not being expected to do what I do but proving I could has given me such trust in God to show himself in my daily task.
I respect my parents for being there for me unconditionally and by always standing behind me pressing me forward to be who I am.
I am challenged by friendship - The disappointment friends of the past & present does however make me feel extremely lucky for the true friendships I have.
I am connected to my family in my heart. The miles apart does not fade the love I have for my siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins.....and on and on. They are jewels - each and everyone of them.
I am inspired by people who I will never know and people I forget to tell everyday how inspiring they are.
I love the Word of God. It answers all questions and it makes me question all answers.
I enjoy life but I want to live it with less regret - some regret for things I have done but mostly for regret of things I have not yet.
Simply put.....

My Doggies

The one joy that I often forget to mention is my sweet puppies. They are such delightful pups that are just adorable.

I think the reason I sometimes forget to "gush" over them is because that is one of the things that I absolutely adore about them. When they capture my attention during a day, they do it in such a non-selfish way. It is like even playing chase or tug-a-war is meant more for my satisfaction than their own.

Brownie, my cocker spaniel, loves to play. She is full of energy. When she gathers from my mood that she can play - she does. However, the best thing about her is when I am sad, down, moody or just tired she uses as much energy just to flop down beside me on the couch and cuddles. She doesn't demand to be petted or demand attention in any way. She just patiently and lovingly sits and waits with me. She gives me the "It's okay Mom" kinda love that just warms my heart.

Tink, our English Bulldog, is a little less energetic. She is more likely going read my mood and decide if I need a "bath" or if I need just her to lay at my feet. When she sees me move, she just looks at me with a look of "Are you okay?" or "If I could do something, I would" kinda puppy look.

I have had pets before but Tink and Brownie are just a special part of the family. Both of the are just loving, caring and sweet. Besides that - they are just fun!

Oh and I forgot to mention how much I just love to watch Kaleb play with them. He just loves them so much and they "get him" like no others.

Thanks pups for never requiring anything and giving everything to make any day a better day!