Catch Up

I forgot to blog yesterday so please accept my apology and allow me to get you all caught up!
Our Secret Santa struck again - twice!

Yesterday, we received an awesome CD complete with our "Grinchy" song! What a great CD! Tonight, we received a 6 pack of yummy rootbeer and yummy cookies! Gary is laying in bed right now with a cup of milk dipping his cookies. He has had a rootbeer and we even shared one with Jake. So exciting every day to find a new prize!

Yesterday we got the blood transfusions and so far so good. While we were getting the transfusions I found a random magazine to read (we were there for almost 6 hours) and I had quite the read all about forgiveness. It was such a great article about this subject so we will discuss it now.

They covered many stories of people - from wives wronged by meddling mother-in-laws to more serious things like cheating spouses and physically abusive husbands. Whatever the transgression was that was committed against these people they all were holding on to the pain and hurt and anger because they could not forgive. It festered and festered.

Some people had physical problems stemming from not letting go of their anger and pain. Others suffered mentally and the mental stress was overwhelming.

I know when I have been wronged I have had a hard time letting go of things. I am justice oriented and how dare anyone get away with yucky behavior or heinous things. After all, like in The Shack, I wanted to be my own judge and jury. Am I not entitled to do that?

Well, I have been through abuse and all sorts of other horrible things in my life (not going to bore you with details) and there was a time when I couldn't let go partially because I didn't want to and because of the above mentioned reasons. It had become part of me - my non-forgiving heart.

It is so unhealthy to allow these things to infiltrate our hearts and minds. I would feel sick as I let things eat away at me. Talking about them over and over. Trying to justify my feelings and thoughts. It is ridiculous that I was like that. Learning to forgive is hard BUT this is one of the greatest gifts I have given myself in my life. It has freed me and allowed me to move forward in a healthy way and to be able to make sound and strong decisions. I am who I am now because of the lessons I have learned stemming from these things. I am stronger and better than ever and I feel really great about that.

There is no point holding a grudge. You become handicapped by that act. God wants us to forgive. Does that mean we have to forget? No. Can it still arouse emotion sometimes even when we forgive? Absolutely. But, when you learn to give it up and give it to God it really is a great thing for your soul.

We all make mistakes. Some are bigger than others. We are not here to judge others. God is going to be doing plenty of that when we die and meet Him face to face. I just want to be the best person I can possibly be - it sucks that I fall short every day and I can never achieve perfection!

We are all ready to celebrate the holidays together and spend time with family and friends as we reflect on the past year and make plans for the year to come. If someone has wronged you - whether it be your mother-in-law's criticism of the way you raise your kids OR your husband who you have built resentment towards for whatever reason I urge you to find it in your heart to pray, forgive, ask God to take it from you and move forward and past it. Forgiveness is powerful. You don't have to do it for the person who wronged you BUT rather do it for yourself. Give yourself that gift and free your body and mind from the harsh effects that unforgiveness and the stress from it can cause.

Okay. I am off the soapbox now. I just want everyone to be happy and healthy and strong and loving and forgiving and the Good Lord wants that for all of you, too.

I have to go to bed now. It is late and I am tired and my brain hurts fom trying to articulate my deep thoughts. I hope it all made sense.

Love, peace, and forgiveness,
Lisa