Happy day after tax day! I trust all is well with you as you walk with Jesus.
This was me a few days ago~~~
All week long I have been looking at my pile of mass destruction. Tonight I am starting my taxes. So what if I have been telling everyone I come in contact with this same thing for the last three weeks? Well, this isn't entirely true, I have been saying this since February 14, 2008.
However, tonight is different. As soon as I am done with this article, which as I type, I'm still not sure is about, I'll get right on it. I promise. But first, I'll need to do some laundry so that I have clean clothes for tomorrow... and the dogs do need a bath. Why should they have to go to bed feeling dingy just because I have taxes to do?
The truth of the matter is, there is a very good reason I don't want to do them and that is because it brings back the painful memory of how February 15th unfolded.
It truly was the day I was going to start my taxes. Instead, It was one of those days when your whole world as you know it comes to a screeching halt and nothing else matters....
What do you do when someone you love hurts someone you love?
This has been life's lesson for my husband and me. Will we pass this test? Will we practice what we preach? Will we extend our hand of unconditional love and forgiveness? By the grace of God, we did. NO, it wasn't easy. The process is down right torturous, but one that brought about deeper love, patience and understanding for the one who betrayed the other. I am sure there are many who have been where we have just come from, or maybe you are in this situation now and are finding that anger and hatred are taking over.
(I share my thoughts for two reasons. One, I really do need to get this out of my system so I can do my taxes, and two, it is my hope and prayer that our experience will help others.)
Upon hearing the news, we cried in disbelief, then proceeded to get angry. Betrayal in my opinion, is an act of terror to the soul of the betrayed. Watching the one who has been hurt come to the realization that they have been manipulated and lied to while being smiled at is a pain that cannot be described. It can only be understood by one who has experienced it first hand.
As we had time to digest this new information, it became clear that the betrayer had some very real problems that needed to be addressed. As Christians, we could not turn our backs on this person; we needed to reach out with the love of God--the unconditional love that we ourselves continuously receive. Every one of us has secret hurts--things that we bury deep within our hearts which inevitably shape our behaviors. Understanding our own sin and secret hurts allowed us to embrace with a heart of love in spite of our flesh, which was screaming something different.
During this same time, we were able to be thankful that God allowed these things to be revealed at just the right time. And though it was the worst few weeks emotionally, it turned out to be the best thing that could have ever happened. Our family is stronger, our hearts are healing and we are excited about the plans that God has in store for everyone involved.
Love is a decision. I won't lie, sometimes the anger creeps in and my thoughts go places they need not be: How dare he do this to my family, what a jerk, etc. Then I remember how God had mercy on me when I was in my sinful state.
Forgive me Father. Heal his heart, make him whole, change his behavior and give him a brand new start.
Some might ask, "What of the one who was hurt, don't their feelings count?" The answer is yes, absolutely! Because we have been able to forgive the one, we have been able to minister more effectively to the other. Why? Because we are not adding insult to injury by trash talking the one they care deeply for. Instead, we are able to comfort and encourage with a sincere heart and our prayers are not hindered by unforgiveness and anger.
This is a reminder that God is faithful and the only one who will not disappoint. The lesson here is never put someone on a pedestal because of outward appearances and remember to pray for ourselves and our loved ones because temptation comes in many forms. Above all, love on purpose.
As I wrote in the beginning, I am going to do laundry and give the dogs a bath.
Sweet dreams Uncle Sam. ~~~
Be blessed as you walk with Jesus
Apr 8, 2008
Positive Thinking: A Habit Worth Developing
Finally my Brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
What was the first thought that came to your mind this morning? Was it the cares of the day or was it a thought of thanks for another opportunity to breathe?
Most of us will agree that the first thought we have in the morning can set the pace for the day ahead and will determine the attitude that we will have until we lay our heads down to rest for the night.
I readily admit there are times when thinking positive is easier said than done. I have had my share of hard times and it does take effort to think of the good things in life.
So what are some practical steps that we can take to make thinking positive an everyday occurrence?
The Apostle Paul gives us a simple solution. In keeping with the context of the passage noted above, Paul encourages the believers in Philippi not to be anxious about anything, but rather, with prayer and the honest cry of their heart, make their requests known to God. In verse seven, he goes on to explain the benefit of doing this--"And the peace (Shalom) of God, which passes all human understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
We can see that the first step in the ability to think of the good things first, is to lay our concerns out before God. Secondly, we see that the peace of God will fill our hearts and minds. After these things, Paul says, "Finally my brethren…"
It would seem that when we have peace in our heart, it is much easier to think of the good things in life. However, for someone who has made it a habit of thinking of the negative things life has brought his or her way, this could be a difficult task.
To break the cycle of negative thinking, it will take effort and practice; it would have to be done on purpose. In fact, this is a habit worth developing! We would all do well to master this way of thinking! Not only will the people around us be at ease, we will be a much healthier and happier person for it. I believe this is one of God's best intentions for us.
Could you use a starting point? Make a list of the little things; the socks that keep your feet warm; the shoes you have to walk in and the bed you have to sleep in. etc. Then move on to the bigger things, like the times when God, your family or a friend came through for you.
Father, thank you for all the great things you do for us; you take care of the smallest details and we are so thankful for that. Help us to smile more and worry less. You have never failed us and you never will. Help us to begin our day with a positive thought so that we will have joyful hearts that will pour out over those around us. And all who agree, say amen.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
What was the first thought that came to your mind this morning? Was it the cares of the day or was it a thought of thanks for another opportunity to breathe?
Most of us will agree that the first thought we have in the morning can set the pace for the day ahead and will determine the attitude that we will have until we lay our heads down to rest for the night.
I readily admit there are times when thinking positive is easier said than done. I have had my share of hard times and it does take effort to think of the good things in life.
So what are some practical steps that we can take to make thinking positive an everyday occurrence?
The Apostle Paul gives us a simple solution. In keeping with the context of the passage noted above, Paul encourages the believers in Philippi not to be anxious about anything, but rather, with prayer and the honest cry of their heart, make their requests known to God. In verse seven, he goes on to explain the benefit of doing this--"And the peace (Shalom) of God, which passes all human understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
We can see that the first step in the ability to think of the good things first, is to lay our concerns out before God. Secondly, we see that the peace of God will fill our hearts and minds. After these things, Paul says, "Finally my brethren…"
It would seem that when we have peace in our heart, it is much easier to think of the good things in life. However, for someone who has made it a habit of thinking of the negative things life has brought his or her way, this could be a difficult task.
To break the cycle of negative thinking, it will take effort and practice; it would have to be done on purpose. In fact, this is a habit worth developing! We would all do well to master this way of thinking! Not only will the people around us be at ease, we will be a much healthier and happier person for it. I believe this is one of God's best intentions for us.
Could you use a starting point? Make a list of the little things; the socks that keep your feet warm; the shoes you have to walk in and the bed you have to sleep in. etc. Then move on to the bigger things, like the times when God, your family or a friend came through for you.
Father, thank you for all the great things you do for us; you take care of the smallest details and we are so thankful for that. Help us to smile more and worry less. You have never failed us and you never will. Help us to begin our day with a positive thought so that we will have joyful hearts that will pour out over those around us. And all who agree, say amen.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
