Sunday, March 30, 2014

Don't Ever Let Anyone Tell You You Are A Throwaway Person

 

 


Our sermon today,
in the This is My Story series was on the
Sin of the Religious Spirit

Instead of becoming more like Jesus,
you become mean.
You know so much about the Bible and the rules,
you do everything "right".
It isn't about what Jesus did for you anymore  but about
what you are doing correctly.
In your own eyes.

Pastor gave one example of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14

I am paraphrasing here:

The Pharisee goes into the temple and thanks God that he is not like other people:
the tax collector, the evil doer, the alcoholic. the fornicator, the homosexual, the person who doesn't attend church regularly, the Harry Potter movie watchers, the casino players, the four letter word droppers...etc
you get my point.

The other man could not even look up to God
"forgive me God for I am a sinner."




We are all sinners. 
Ways in which we disappoint God
Period.
We all have sins that are different from anyone else's sins.

One of the most hurtful of these was brought to my attention this afternoon.
Someone went out to dinner an had a few drinks.
Some others present made it their business to make him feel badly about himself.
Not to his face, but in statements that were in a joking manner.
In looks across the table, with eyebrows raised.
Good Christian people.

This is why we have such a bad reputation, folks.
Now, I am far from perfect,
and am learning lots about giving grace to others
because of the Grace given to me.
It is not up to me to judge anyone on how they live their lives.
I'm sure I could find as many sins in someone else's life, as they could find in mine.
They probably could find more in my life.
Why can't everyone just be more tea.

But get this:
NO MATTER WHAT PAIN AND MISTAKES ARE IN YOUR LIFE,
THEY DO NOT MAKE YOU A THROW AWAY PERSON!

YOU ARE A BELOVED CHILD OF GOD!
There is nothing that can ever change that!
EVER!

(Thank you Lysa Terkeurst)

Remember that!
Remember that we all fail.
Know that they may be lashing out because they are hurting, or just jerks.
God loves jerks too.
But you do not have to bear their mark, nor doubt yourself.
You are only responsible for your own actions.
Thank God for that.
I would hate to be responsible for anyone else.
(And it's taken me quite a long time to figure that one out!)

Do the best you can.
Leave the rest to Him.
He can handle it!
I promise you!
He promises you.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

25 years ago

 
 
25 years ago, God decided to lend me His princess.
I'm so very glad He chose our family.

My baby was born on March 27, 1989 a little after 6pm
We thought she would be an Easter baby, but no such luck.
She was born at Baylor University Hospital in Dallas Texas.
Monday's Child is fair of face!

She loved mirrors and Kermit the frog!



 

It's been the three of us for a lot of years.
Daddy has worked away for a lot of their growing up.
Good, and bad...I love my girls and the bond we share!
 
 



That SMILE!!!
 


There have been many ups and downs with Miss Hil, but none that couldn't be overcome.






YUP...Makeup from a wee age!
 


 







                        

How Halloween has changed for Hilary!




 
 Hilary doesn't know how to whisper.
Love of life just cannot be contained!.
 



She didn't really like to cook much, especially cleaning out a turkey


 But she did win a few prizes at 4H for baking!














And with the right cooking partner, she is becoming more comfortable in the kitchen!




One of Hilary's greatest gifts is her loyalty to friends
No matter what, if you are a friend to Hil, you are her family forever.
    I love that about her...and hate her sometimes for it!
    Holidays always include a plethora of "family"
    And she never refuses anyone who wants to be in her life.


 
Happy birthday to my Billy❤
I miss our drinks and talks, our pajama Sundays, our long over-thought conversations, seeing u on a moments notice..
But most of all I miss your damn face!! Can't wait to be reunited again. I hope today is as special as u are Most of all I'm so happy you're happy.
Love ya Boo!!!


 




Its so funny how she can go from this...to this in a split second!





 
 






She has a special place for Big Brother!


Laugh all you want at this....but remember that this lil dumpling,

 
turned out to be this!
One of the most loving, caring, funny, loud, blunt,
beautiful, Godlike women I have ever had the honor to know!
So looking forward to the next 25 and more!
Happy Birthday Hilary.
You are my heart!