Sunday, October 17, 2010

Cleaning House

With all the packing I've been doing you could say that I've been cleaning house.  It's certainly starting to look bare and empty in our rooms.  As I mentioned before, I think this is a good thing.


With the house cleaning, God has been doing some spiritual "house" cleaning along with me.  I mentioned awhile back in a post that there had been some friendships lost and how much it had hurt me.  The whole situation, the way it came about, the way it ended... hurt.  God has healed those wounds and more for me.  It's not that those relationships will ever be replaced, or forgotten.  It is just that I have found healing in forgiveness.  I have let all the harsh, hateful words spoken to me and over me in malice fall away.  I do not receive them because I do not believe that they ever were true.  Most importantly I forgive the person who said them. {I know you still read my blog, so I hope that this message reaches you, so you can find healing too.}


Sometimes it's hard to hold your tongue, I'll be the first to admit that.  The bible warns in so many scriptures the power your words hold over yourself and over others.  When God created the Earth he spoke it into existence. Doesn't that give you a glimpse into how powerful our words are created to be?  


Recently our decision to move has upset a lot of people because they are taking it personally... like we are choosing to move away from them, specifically.  That isn't it at all.  We are making the best decision we know how to make, based on all the information we have right now.  It is important to understand that Mike and I have thought everything through. It is time for us to get back on our own feet, and to move forward with our lives.  Our focus and passion is to serve the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, body, and soul. And we feel the calling to do that in Abilene, TX.  I again offer forgiveness to those who have misunderstood our intentions and reacted harshly.  It is very important to me that you know this.


I believe that every so often God lets us empty our hearts, or helps us shake out the skeletons in the closets, not so that we can feel guilt about our mistakes, but so that we can be filled up again with good, wholesome things instead of carrying around ugly, hurtful garbage and lies.  If you've been carrying any heavy burdens around with you lately, today I encourage you to tell God you forgive someone.  You don't necessarily have to jump in and tell that person directly, although you may want to, but forgive them in your heart and see how "clean" it makes you feel. I also encourage you to take a deep breath the next time the urge to lash out against someone sneaks up on you.  It may take some practice, but think of all the wounds you will save.  That in itself should make you smile and feel very good.  Never give up because with God's strength all things are possible!


Walking in the Light,
Momma J

2 comments:

  1. I hate that you had to go through a hurtful situation. Times like that can either harden your heart or grow & stretch you to walk in deeper grace, love and peace. Looks like you are passing the test from reading this blog! :)

    Love you and can't wait to hug you next week! :) :) :)

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  2. Wow! Thanks for this post... Was about to do my own tongue 'lashing' - but you've saved me from a wreck! I'm thrilled that you are the bigger person & able to grow & learn from a crummy situation. Forgiveness is an amazing thing & it seems to me that wonderful things always materialize out of forgiveness - when least expected... Happy housecleaning & 'Amity' - you're going to have to pass on hugs from Aunty Jo every now & then for me! xxxx

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