Grace

Grace: "freely given, unmerited favor or love"
(Read: giving someone something nice when they don't deserve it)
Mercy: "compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender"
(Read: NOT giving someone the punishment they DO deserve)

We recently had an opportunity to extend both grace and mercy to some people we regret ever allowing into our lives. It's not an easy thing to do. We fought every bit of our human nature to make it possible. We are disgusted at the type of people they turned out to be, but even more, we are saddened by their horrific behavior. It's discouraging when people display no regret after intentionally hurting others and even more disappointing when those same people refuse to take responsibility for their actions. The whole ordeal was saddening. It made us want to cry and throw up all in the same moment.
But we realized it was unfair of us to expect them to live up to our standards. We knew from the beginning they were incapable of doing it, but we took the risk with the hope they would try. We've learned our lesson about that now.
During the meeting we had, these people proved, not only to us but to the other people present, how disrespectful and dishonorable they truly are. They were rude and tactless. However, despite their unfortunate choices, we took the opportunity to practice kindness, graciousness and generosity--and extended a kind of love to them that everyone in the room knew they didn't deserve.
We are thankful that God knows the hearts of everyone, and that regardless of what those people took from us, He is a God of justice and peace.
We are thankful to be released from the burden they placed on us and will be sure to seek God's wisdom before entering into similar relationships in the future.

How We Spent Our Day

Motrin & Tylenol

Yay for childrens fever meds! Our youngest had a fever (about 102) last weekend. Yesterday our oldest came down with one at 102.9! Steady doses of motrin & tylenol eventually brought it down to a non-mommy-freaking-out temp by morning.
Also...I'm not sure I'll ever be able to go in the garage again. Last night I opened the door, turned on the light & a rat scurried past my feet! I always wondered what I'd do in a situation like that. Now I know: I scream "OH MY GOSH THAT'S A RAT!" and do a funny little dance in my (bare) feet to avoid actually touching it. I think I should get points for not swearing. I haven't figured out how to do laundry without going into the garage (where the washing machine & dryer are) yet, though...

It Never Fails.

Whatever the week's Bible study topic is, that's what I'll be struggling with.
Last week was all about not being anxious about anything. Right. Okay, so after doing the study I know it IS possible. Just challenging for control freaks with trust issues...and during an incredibly difficult business week. (taking a slow, deep breath)
This weeks study? Capturing every thought and, if it's no good, making a conscious effort to think about something better. HOW?! Well, thankfully that's in the study too. Of course, when the week starts with issues which immediately evoke negative thoughts for me, all I learned from the study went right out the window.
I've gone back to repeating Philippians 4 to myself throughout the day. Amazing how much that helps. This Bible study is definitely what I needed this year(even as convicting as it is).