What a bright light!

Yup,
I should be cleaning the house
that has been successfully avoided for two weeks...
(one, I was out of town,
one just didn't feel like it after being out of town!)
I should be sitting with my feet up
as they are swollen and hurting.
Probably because I not only mowed my lawn, but the neighbor's too.
It just didn't look right with their lawn as long as mine used to be.
It was ok when both of us hadn't mowed for two weeks :)

So, instead of doing these things,
I took some time out with the Lord.
I am still studying Max Lucado's
Experiencing the Love of Jesus.
Yesterday was about asking for forgiveness of my sins.
How important that is.
How God can only work in a field that is prepared.

But today,
today was on love!
Max, I call Mr. Lucado Max.
Seems I have known him for years!

Max, suggested a thing called the 7/47 principle.
It is based on Luke 7:47
"Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven -
for she has loved much.
But he who has been forgiven little, loves little."

This got me to thinking...my simple mind as it is.
Does that mean he has not sinned much?
He doesn't have anything to confess?
Therefore he will not love much?

As I pondered a bit more,
I began thinking of the middle school camp LSC participated in last week.
My youngest was a counselor there,
and I believe she received more than the kids did!
But, some of the children's stories broke her heart
and as she shared with me, broke mine too.
Some of these kids have lived terrible, lonely, hurtful, terrifying lives.
How are they supposed to know the love of God, when their own fathers
are not even in their lives?
When we experience great forgiveness and love ourselves,
we are able to love others all the more.
However, if we have yet to realize the weight of our own sins,
and do not feel loved or forgiven by anyone,
let alone God,
we will not be able to love others at all.
We can't give what we have never received.
I am angry at these situations.
How are these beautiful young people ever to know the joy and peace,
love and forgiveness, of such an awesome God,
if their little minds have never known love at all?
As I was stewing over this,
I continued to read.
These parents probably had hard lives themselves.
They never knew love, so how could they show love?
It first starts with letting God love us.

Then the light went on!
The key to forgiving others
is to quit focusing on what they did to me
(or their kids)
and start focusing on what God did for me!
But that's not fair!  Someone has to pay!

Well, my friends, someone already did.

That's what hit me.
I know that I am forgiven!
I know that Christ died for me.
But God has also already forgiven those who have wronged those kids.
HE ALREADY FORGAVE THEM!
Jesus paid the price for their ugliness!
He paid!
God is fair!
Someone already paid.
So if they are forgiven, why am I angry at them?
My job now is to love on the kids and also love on the parents.

Like this whole Chick Filet fiasco.
What is with the big hoopla?
Someone has an opinion.
We all have opinions.
I don't expect you to agree with my opinion,
and most of the time I don't agree with yours,
but Grace instructs me to let you have a different opinion.
And love you anyway.
I am so embarrassed by all the so called Christians
who are hurting so many by their words and actions.
I apologize for those who are acting in the name of Jesus.
They are not acting for my Jesus or for me.
My Jesus loves and forgives and accepts everyone.
EVERYONE!
So as I ramble and ramble again,
I will shuffle off to get my nails done,
since Hil is back from camp.
How have I gotten so spoiled?!
I pray that all of you know true love
and then show love to everyone around you.
I am blessed!