Waking Up... Reality

Tommy and I took Eli on our annual trip to Mark's Melon Patch this weekend... this was the third time! Seriously, the third year, already? How is that even possible? A lot of things have been going on in our lives over the past few months that quite honestly have distracted me from what's really important. I have a deep love for God but the past few months, the distractions have kept my eyesight focused away from Him and full of emotions that aren't good for me. His love is always good for me... eyesight refocused. I have an incredible husband who loves me for who I am and a son who thinks I rock... he loves me "in pieces" but instead of focusing on their love for me, these distractions have had me focused on the lack of love instead of the abundance of it. Not anymore, eyesight refocused. They say that when you go through times of trial and heavy distraction (I'm paraphrasing) that you find out who your friends are; I believe that's true... I have found that out and I'm thankful for those people more than they know. Eyesight refocused. I was doing Bible study this week and it kept taking me back to Romans 12. I needed Romans 12 this week... my heart and soul needed to soak in every last word of Romans 12. It was an eye exam in the Word. It hurt to see that I was walking in a way that I shouldn't be but it also lovingly reminded me, even in the conviction, that God has my back and He will deal with my enemies; that is His job, not mine.

"Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with a mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to total strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. No, if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:9-21

I am thankful for the forgiveness that God has given me because in my hurt and anger I have caused others pain. This scripture is my new motto. "if it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.". Sometimes, you just have to do what you don't want to do or feel like doing. Not because others deserve it but because the Lord requires it and He only wants the best for you... for me. He loves my enemies as much as He loves me... period! I pray that the hurt I am responsible for will be forgiven; I can honestly say that I have forgiven the hurt caused to me. And my eyesight has been refocused.

I don't want to miss another second of God, of Tommy, of Eli. Look how fast he's grown!

 Our First Trip to the Patch ~ 6 months

 Our Second Trip to the Patch ~ 1 1/2 years

 Our Third Trip to the Patch ~ 2 1/2 years

And... a blog post today (on the eve of a very special day) wouldn't be complete without wishing my brother & sister (that sounds funny but we're family... just not blood... LOL) a Happy One Year Anniversary! We love you guys!

I'm so thankful that Jesus is the friend of sinners and that His love is deep, wide, high, and long and it covers a multitude of sins. I'm thankful for the knowledge that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God but He is always waiting to pick us up, dust us off, and wrap us in love. Eye sight refocused.