I Give You My Heart

Hello My Dear Friends!!

I pray you had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday and are recovered from the consumption all of the delicious food!  

In the spirit of the Christmas Season, my house is fully decorated with lights and garland, Christmas carols play in the background, and the scramble for purchasing gifts is well under way.  

However, is this all the season has to offer?

In recent years, Christmas has become such a grossly commercialized holiday; touting the magic of Santa Claus and the joy of finding that special package under the tree Christmas morning.  But, what happened to sharing the TRUE meaning of Christmas; 'it is better to GIVE than to RECEIVE.'

I am immensely blessed to have a family that has a heart for giving and ministry.  I was recently scrolling my news-feed on Facebook and came across a post written by one of my aunts.  I was SO touched by the post; I knew it would be the central theme to this week's blog.  

Here is the post verbatim     

I passed right by him. He was nestled in between a trashcan and a coke machine trying to keep warm. He had a few dozen crushed aluminum cans scattered around him....maybe just enough to sell so he could buy a cheap burger. He kept saying "Hey ma'am. Hey". I walked right by him at first. I was in a hurry to get back home. When I got to my car I couldn't resist his cry. Ashley was in the car waiting and we dug in our purses to find enough cash to help the man out. I knelt down beside him so I could get down on his level and look into his eyes."

"Sir, are you hungry?" 

"Oh, yes ma'am, I sure am."

"I'm gonna give you some money for a meal. You aren't going to spend it on those cigarettes you are smoking are you?"

"Oh, no....I just got these out of the ashtray. They were left over from someone else."

"Do you have a warm place to sleep tonight?"

"Yes ma'am. I sleep over by McDonalds."

"I'm glad. Do you know Jesus loves you? Do you know who He is?"

"Yes, ma'am. I do. I sure do."

"Well He loves you and He wants you to have a good meal tonight."

"Oh yes ma'am. I'm going over to McDonalds now and buy two fish sandwiches."

"Okay....I'm glad you will have a good meal and a place to sleep tonight."

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you."

"You're welcome sir."

When I got to my car he said,

"Hey ma'am. Will you do me a favor?"

"Whats the favor sir?"

"Buckle up!!"

"Oh yes sir I will."

I smiled and drove off. Whoahhhh..... the tears started to flow. I've driven by many a homeless person. I sometimes given and sometimes haven't. There was something about this time that was different. Maybe it was because I wasn't in a hurry. This time I didn't just throw the money and drive off. Maybe it was the holiday season. Maybe it was because I knelt down on his level and felt the depth of his hunger, loneliness, and pain for just a few minutes. I don't really know, but I am grateful for those few minutes that reminded me that I am no different than him. 

He's the "same kind of different as me."

I'm lost!! I'm hungry!! I'm thirsty!! 

I need a Savior !! 

Thank you Jesus for rescuing me from myself!! 

Your grace is enough! 

Jesus is enough!

Matt.25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink....."

I am not ashamed to admit that I was brought to tears by what was shared in this post.  I was convicted of my own blindness to the world around me.  How many times do we pass by the "hungry, thirsty, and lost" of this world.  Whether they need actual nourishment, an encouraging word, a listening ear, or the Good News.  How many of us are so consumed by our own wants and needs that we ignore the needs of our fellow neighbors? 

I found it perfectly timed that she would write this post during the greatest season of GIVING.  Christmas is not about presents under the tree, or decorations, or parties.  It is the celebration of the greatest GIFT ever given; God GAVE us His Son, Jesus, so that this world, consumed in darkness of sin, may have life and light eternal. 

John 3:16 says, "For God so LOVED the world, that He GAVE his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal LIFE."

Isaiah 9:6-7 says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."

Luke 2:9-14 says, " An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

I am not writing this post to bash the fun festivities that surround the Christmas season.  I love to take part in all of various events as well.  Who doesn't?  But!!  I am taking time to once again reflect on what Christmas is really about!  It is a time when I give thanks to God my Father for His most precious gift, and when I in turn practice the art of giving to others-others that don't include my friends and family.  

Let this also be an encouragement to practice GIVING all year round.  Let us find joy in sharing ourselves with others the remaining 364 days of the year.  Christ doesn't stop giving His love after Christmas.  He love and mercy are everlasting and unconditional.  And as I said before, what we give doesn't necessarily have to or need to be "material" related.  Most times, store bought times can't fix the real need of those with whom we come in contact.  Like my aunt, she may have provided money for the homeless man, but what she really GAVE him was her time and love.  The money was probably spent in a few hours, but the love she shared will last him a life time.  He got to see the love of Jesus through the kindness of my aunt.  That gift, my friends, is the BEST one of ALL!  

May you be blessed this Christmas Season!!  

God Bless! <3        

Thanksgiving Blessing!

Hello again to all my friends!! 

I am very late in posting; it's been quite a week prepping for Thanksgiving!  With that said, this post will be short, sweet, and to the point! 

I pray you are Blessed on this Thanksgiving Day!!  May you find joy in the company of your family and friends.  May laughter and merriment fill the room and reminiscent conversation accompany the meal!  May you remember to give thanks for the many blessings you've been given throughout the year.  Always remember, though sorrow may last for a night, JOY comes in the morning! 

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers our men and women who cannot be with their families this Thanksgiving.  Pray for their safety as they fight to uphold the freedoms we enjoy everyday. Hold your loved ones just a little bit tighter.  

For those of you who have suffered the loss of loved ones this year, my heart reaches out to you.  Cherish the many precious memories you have, and keep them alive in your hearts by sharing those memories with your family and friends!

I want to share with you the Psalm that is read, as a tradition, at my house before the breaking of bread.  

Psalm 100 

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

2 

    

Worship the Lord with gladness.

    

Come before him, singing with joy.

3 

Acknowledge that the Lord is God!

   

 He made us, and we are his.

   

 We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

    

go into his courts with praise.

    

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 

For the Lord is good.

    

His unfailing love continues forever,

    

and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

May God Bless you all!  Happy Thanksgiving.  Have a safe and happy holiday!

Much Love! <3           

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart!

Hello my dear friends!!

I pray you are all doing well! 

In the season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of how fortunate I am in the many blessings of my life.  I am ashamed to say that all too often, I am more than happy and prepared to complain rather than give thanks. More times than not, I have received blessings for which I never asked.  That is the gracious and merciful Father I serve and love!  How many times have you found yourself in the same situation?  And yet?  How many times do we complain about how God didn't work according to our plan?  

I am guilty of this more times than I care to admit! 

The Bible talks about "being thankful" and "giving thanks" a total of 40 times.  God is clearly VERY serious about us developing and practicing a spirit and an attitude of thankfulness! And as you read this you may say, "this woman has no idea what I have been through!  What do I have to be thankful for?"  

Believe me, I understand!  I don't know all of the circumstances surrounding your life.  But!  I do know how bitterness, anger, and resentment can kill a spirit faster than a blazing fire.  I know, because I was there up until only a few years ago.  And!  I have been a Believer since I was seven years old!  Even so, I let years of hurt build up inside until I couldn't even see straight.  Sure, I put on a well rehearsed smile and said all of the right things; but, inside I was dying.

It wasn't until after I talked to a friend who gave me a new perspective, that I realized how selfishly I was acting.  I had spent years blaming God for my hardships; expecting that life as a Christian would prevent me from any sorrows, while failing to see the blessings He has placed and worked in EVERY aspect of my life.  Even in the struggles, God has blessed me.  If I had simply taken the time to really look and listen,  I would have seen this truth many years ago.  Now don't get me wrong; I am not asking God for hardships and struggles-even in my new understanding. But, I can approach them with a much different attitude.  

I no longer see it as God punishing me, but rather His continuous work in my life.  It gives me comfort to know that my Father is still molding, shaping, and transforming me into His image.  For that, I am eternally Thankful!

Here are several verses that remind me to give thanks in ALL THINGS.  Please take the time to read and reflect up this truth! 

Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 136: 3 says: "Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever."  

Philippians 4: 4-7 says: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Now, I am not saying that you will ALWAYS have a thankful heart.  Life will present struggles that make it nearly impossible to think about being thankful.  But, don't look at thankfulness as an emotion, but rather a state-of-mind and a life-style choice.  And as all habits do, it will take TIME to develop.  So!  Be patient with yourself!  This change of the heart won't happen over night, and you can't do it alone!  Seek the Lord in all things! When the flesh wants so badly to be ungrateful, ask Him for the strength to be thankful in spirit, mind, and deed!

My challenge to you!  Keep a journal or a list of the things for which you are thankful.  It can be a daily list, weekly, or monthly.  Just keep it habitual.  And!  It doesn't always have to be big things. It can be seemingly small and inconsequential items that mean something personally to you!  At the end of each day, week, month, etc., reflect on those things, and present them to the Lord.

I wanted to share a YouTube link to a song by Laura Story.  I am not going to tell you anything further.  The songs lyrics explain themselves perfectly!!  Enjoy!  

        

   

May you be blessed in the coming week! <3 

       

He Walks WITH Me!!

Hello!!

It is Friday, and I couldn't be happier!  It has been one of those weeks where I wish I could go to sleep, wake up, and find that it has passed.  Do you ever have those days, or maybe a month, or even a year?

Believe me, you're not alone!  

I'll be honest; I was having difficulty thinking of what to write for this week's post.  My mind has been scattered in a million different directions trying to process issues at work, personal responsibilities, and daily life stresses.  It all became extremely overwhelming, and I even found it difficult to pray.  

I am sometimes tempted to think God cannot possibly understand what I am going through; that I am all alone in these private and sometimes public struggles, and I must battle them on my own.

As I take time to reflect on this week, one theme keeps returning to my heart.  It is a message I have heard many times in my Christian walk, but even more so this week.

God is with me always-for He has promised to NEVER leave me or forsake me. 

Several scriptural passages come to mind as I reflect on this abounding truth.  I would like to share them with you, and I pray you will take time to read them, reflect  upon them, and understand the awesomeness of their message.      

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5:21

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  John 3: 16-17

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53: 5 

These verses are extremely sobering as I fully digest the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice for me.  When our struggles threaten to consume us, it is easy to view God and Jesus as far away "deities," who have no personal connection to their creation. 

NOTHING could be farther from the truth!    

It is MY sin that beat him nearly to death; it is MY sin that nailed Him to that tree; it is MY sin that separated Him from His Father. 

Yet, it did not stop Him from obeying God's will.  That kind of LOVE still blows me away!!    

In the early hours of this morning, I wrote a poem.  I would like to share it with you!  

On The Cross

On the Cross, Lord, you became what I couldn't be,

Holy, blameless, and completely set free.

When you cried “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,”

You drew me closer, closer to you.

I should be dead; but you gave me life,

“It it finished,” ended my eternal strife.

On that Cross, Lord, you became what you never were,

Sin at its "greatest,” me at my worst.

You became my hate; you became my pain,

You became my tears, that fall down like rain.

You became my fears, you became my sorrow,

You became time, time I can’t afford to borrow.

Oh Lord, I can’t thank you, not nearly enough,

For the sacrifice you made on that “Old Rugged Cross.”

These words will always ring true to me,

 ‘Take my life and let it be, consecrated, Lord to Thee.”

So I thank you, as best as I can;

Through my obedience til' the very end.

                                                                  11/8/13

We all struggle with doubts, failures, hurts, and sins of the heart and flesh.  But!! Take heart in knowing that Christ loved us so much that He WILLINGLY took on the Father's righteous wrath, so that we may know Him personally.  Through His death and resurrection, we have been given NEW LIFE.  Don't try and do this life on your own!  Let Christ take on your burdens, and allow yourself to be SET FREE! 

I pray you are blessed and renewed this weekend!!

God Bless! <3 

      

6  

  

Christian Soldier

Hello again to all my friends out there!!  Hope you didn't fall into sugar comatose with the passing of Halloween.  I pray you are well and blessed!

There are so many different topics running through my head as I listen to beautiful Italian music.  Yeah, I sometimes sit at home on a Friday evening listening to music while simply enjoying the quiet time after a hectic week.  

Despite the flurry of thoughts and ideas for this post-one in particular struck a cord with my heart.  

I am blessed with friends who encourage me in my faith and with whom I can discuss anything! 

   

And!  As a friendship should, the encouraging goes both ways.  Last week, I was blessed with the opportunity to council a friend who was experiencing some persecution at work.  I'll be honest, I don't know all of the details regarding the confrontation (and frankly, that's not important), but my friend was very shaken, hurt, and angry about the way she had been treated.  

She said, "Tanya, before I became a Christian, I would have thought nothing of giving this woman a taste of her own medicine; even going to the lengths of cussing her out.  But, after I came to Christ, I was determined to put away that type of behavior.  Instead, I have learned to walk away-almost to the point of being completely passive.  I no longer fight for myself; instead, I walk away and try to completely avoid all confrontation.  I do my best to turn the other cheek as Christ asks us to." 

I understand where my girlfriend is coming from.  I truly do!  Christ does in fact command us to offer the other cheek, should someone strike us (Matt. 5:39).  However, this is not the only thing the Bible says regarding fighting and preparing for battle.  In fact, the subject is discussed at least 53 times and ranges from physical discord to spiritual battles faced by believers.

I responded with this after praying for God's wisdom.  

I said, "Don't use Christianity as an excuse to remain passive. Becoming a Christian does NOT keep us FROM fighting, but rather CHANGES HOW we fight.  We no longer strike out with malicious intent, but rather with the LOVE of Christ that dwells within our hearts.  Everyday is a battle for believers!  It comes in many forms!  Physical persecution, as well as, the very real spiritual warfare waged upon us by the Enemy.  In fact, we can not afford to remain passive, but we MUST BE AWARE of our all our surroundings!  Let Christ give you strength and wisdom in these situations, but DO NOT sit back and take it without standing up for yourself!"

As our conversation drew to close, I referenced one of my favorite passages in scripture, which can be found in Ephesians 6:13-18. "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at ALL times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication."

Everyday, we must prepare ourselves for battle.  Everyday, we must "suit up" in God's armor, because we are POWERLESS to do it alone! Becoming a Christian does not guarantee a life free from worry.  In fact, Christ says we will suffer much as His followers. But take heart, my dear friends!  Christ also promises eternal rewards for being obedient and faithful to His word and most importantly, accepting His work on the cross for our sins-SALVATION!    

I will leave you with this final passage.  In times of distress, I repeat these verses and find great comfort in their truth! 

"For God gave us a spirit NOT of fear BUT of power and love and self-control."  2 Timothy 1:7.

Take heart!  God knows every struggle you face and every battle waged upon you!  He hears each prayer-even those of a silent heart and holds each tear in the palm of His hand.  You are far from alone in this world.  Come alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ, your family and your friends, and join together as Christian Soldiers in the Lord's Army!  

God Bless! <3 

            

   

Thank You!!

Good Morning to all of my wonderful friends!!  I pray you are blessed in whatever and wherever God has you! 

I am SO excited about the many things God is doing in my life and in the lives of those I love and care about! I am SO thankful I serve the LIVING GOD!!!  

Can I get an AMEN?!

In particular, I am blessed with what God is choosing to do through this blog.  This is not about anything done in my own power-but rather being used by God to reach others for Him!  To Him be given ALL the GLORY! 

I pray you will be blessed by this labor of LOVE!  I welcome all comments and/or suggestions!  Please, help me make this the best it can be! 

I will be posting one to two new posts a week-depending on the level of craziness.  Working full-time and participating in different organizations every night of the week makes for a very busy me!  However, I am committed to this blog and to the message/ministry opportunity it provides.  

Thank you everyone for your love and support!!! 

<3 Tanya 

Past Controlling the Future

Hello My Dear Friends! 

Fall is officially in the air, and I LOVE IT!  The crisp air, the changing colors, and of course everything pumpkin makes this season one of my favorites!

 Hope you are all doing well! 

I haven't had much time to sit down and write, and finally, after nearly a month of craziness, I found a few blissful moments of reprieve.

I had drafted a post, tried to save it, and somehow it magically (much to my frustration), disappeared into the world of cyberspace.  So, I am now attempting to recreate my original post.

We have ALL, some to our entertainment and for others, annoyance, seen the posts, blogs, videos, and magazine articles about Miley Cyrus and her "performance" at the VMA's and the various responses she procured after it went live.  I don't typically pay any attention to Hollywood, but something about this struck a cord deep within my soul.  It absolutely kills me to see such a beautifully, talented young woman degrade herself in such a manner-and for what?  A few minutes of fame and notoriety?  I hope she has figured out by now it wasn't worth it...I sincerely hope!

I imagined on numerous occasions what I would say to her 1. if she were my daughter and 2. if she were a friend of mine.  Since I am not yet a mother, I went for the friend approach.  I imagined what I would want a truly concerned  friend to say to me if I were ever to make such a fool of myself.

Here's what I drafted.   

My Dearest Miley,

     By now, you've probably seen your face plastered on every rag cover and see the various posts and blogs written about your performance at the VMA's.  Personally, I am tired of seeing and hearing about it.  I have grown weary of seeing you with your tongue hanging out of your mouth and your backside up against another artist's groin.  I can honestly say, I hope you're tired of seeing it too.  

And!  I want to ask you one simple question.  Was it worth it?  

     I can't imagine how you must feel, and I don't even pretend to understand.  I do want you to know, however, that my heat breaks for you.  That's right, I hurt for you Miley!  I don't see a young woman who is happy with the decisions she's made in the past year.  You know what I see?  I see someone who is desperately crying out for help and is seeking attention in ALL the wrong places.  

     Sad thing about it, is that I know you know better.  Not too many years ago, you were very public about your desire to always remain a strong role model for young women, to break the mold of the typical Hollywood lifestyle, and your unbreakable faith in Jesus Christ.  What happened to that young woman who had everything going for her?  Your fans loved you back then Miley, because you stood for what you believed in...you were DIFFERENT in all the right ways!  Believe it or not, I am pretty sure Hollywood admired you for your strength and determination-even if they weren't always up front in sharing such a sentiment.

You were created perfectly and beautifully in your mother's womb by your loving Creator. 

     You know what they think of you now?  Look at Miley trying so hard to fit in with the big kids!  We all know she's still a good girl at heart, and she doesn't do the bad thing very well.  In fact, it's not so attractive on someone who has to go to such lengths to break the "good girl" mold.  

At least, that's what I am thinking, and I am certain a good number of others think it too.    

     I don't judge you Miley, unlike most the the world, but I do fear for you.  Consider this.  What will you tell a little girl who grew up watching you as Hanna Montana on the Disney Channel?  What if she wants to be just like who you are now?  Will you tell her to "go for it; express yourself."  Or will you tell her "don't make the same mistakes I have; it's not worth it."  And!  I imagine you want to marry and have kids someday in the future.  Are you be proud of how you acted if your future husband watched your performance?  When you have a daughter of your own, are you going to be proud that she can see Mommy dancing like a stripper in front of the entire world?  What will you say to her? Will you want her to be "just like Mommy?"

Somehow I imagine the answer would be a resounding NO! 

     I can imagine it is hard growing up in the world of drugs, sex, and alcohol.  I can't imagine the pressures to fit in and stay on top of your game.  I almost wish you didn't have to go through it.  But!  You were given such a gift!  That's right..a GIFT.  You are a talented actress, and you have a beautiful voice!  Don't squander that on people who couldn't care less about you.  You are simply the butt of everyone's jokes.  Hollywood doesn't care about you.  They don't really even know you.  The real "you" that dwells deep inside your soul.  The "you" created by your Heavenly Father.  He loves you Miley, even though you act like He doesn't exist.  You've been given a gift, in the ability to stand out and against the norm of the business in which you participate.  You, my dear, can make a difference for the better!  The eternal better of those with whom you come in contact.

I know it's never too late to make a change.  I know you want to fix this mess you've gotten yourself into. Seek God again Miley.  He knows your deepest fears and hurts.  He holds each tear you cry in the palm of His hand!  He hurts when you hurt, and is joyful when you're joyful.

I pray that God continues to richly bless you!  May you find joy, peace, and happiness in whatever you do.  But remember!  This world is temporary, but the Love of God is FOREVER!  

Love,

Tanya 

 

Forgiveness..more than just a Word!

Hello my Dear Friends!

I pray you are blessed and doing well!  If you are struggling, I pray for the Lord's peace upon you!  Take heart; sorrow may come in the night, but JOY comes in the morning!

If you have kept up with my blog, you will have noticed that my latest post was full of joy, love, and hope.  I am so grateful for those precious moments when God reveals himself in the beauty that is LIFE.  However, life can often bring forth pain, sorrow, confusion, and hurt right alongside the love, joy, hope, peace..and so on.  How is it that in a blink of an eye, everything can change?

Consider what I am about to say with an open mind and heart to receive not the truth I speak, but rather the truth our Loving Father has revealed to me these past few days.  My heart is heavy, and I have so many things on which I want to write, but one word sticks out in my mind...FORGIVENESS.

Sadly, I am finding that more times than not that the people closest to me and those whom I love dearest, are those that hurt me the most.  My family and friends are often the most unforgiving and judgmental people.  Furthermore, within the body of Christ, whether at a church or any assembly of fellow believers, the amount of strife, finger pointing, and grudge holding is depressing.  How is it that a people who claim to love, honor, and follow the teaching of Christ are the most frequent offenders?  Is it because we know each other so intimately?  Why then do we use that personal knowledge to hurt instead of heal?

Please!  If someone has an explanation, I would like to hear it!     

How is this lost world (that's headed to Hell in a hand-basket) to see and know Christ if his "tools" are dull and useless?  How is the salt and the light of the world supposed to "light and preserve" if it is dim and flavorless?  Matthew 5: 13, "“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

This is what has burdened my spirit for so long!     

Forgiveness....as I mull over this word, I realize how little I truly know about the powerful meaning behind forgiveness.  In today's society, it is a word rarely and loosely used as a meager attempt at a "half-hearted" apology.  When we hurt someone, whether intentionally or purposefully, we plead for "forgiveness" without really understanding the premise behind our request.

Think of it outside of the word's standards and rather, look at it from another perspective...God's!  The Bible is VERY specific on forgiveness and on how it is given and received.  Furthermore, it is more than just  loosely used vocabulary, but instead a life style and attitude.

Wow!  Let's look at a few verses.

Colossians 3:13 says, "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." 

In Matthew 18:21, Peter asks a very good question, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Lastly, perhaps one of the most popular verses regarding forgiveness is when Jesus is on the cross.  In Luke 23: 34 Jesus says, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Consider for a few moments what a monumental display of love Jesus showed with that request! 

Now, before you get all offended and start offering reasons for why some things are "unforgivable," STOP!  If Jesus could truly (and without reservation) forgive those who arrested him, beat him, mocked him, and killed him, You are NOT above extending forgiveness!  This may sound mean...but sometimes the truth hurts...

GET OVER YOURSELF! 

I recently talked with a dear friend of mine about forgiveness.  In our discussion, I relayed my hurt in having lost a friend of over ten years.  In a flash, a solid, unbreakable bond was reduced to ashes.  My lost friendship was due not only to a lack forgiveness, but a lack of honesty on the part of my "betrayed" friend.  What started out as an honest misunderstanding turned into a session of "you did this and that," often referencing events that transpired years earlier.  Never once, however, had my hurt friend mentioned her issues at the time of the supposed "offense."  When I attempted to point out that issue, she brushed it off and told me to stop making excuses for my actions.  According to her, the damage was not only done but irreversible.   

The story doesn't end there!      

I was left with a feeling of total loss as if having just suffered the worst breakup or a death.  I lost a part of myself that day when my friend stormed out of my life.  Not only did her accusations hurt, but the manner in which is was done was painful.  My character was not challenged in person but rather over EMAIL!  She couldn't even say it to me directly..a slap in the face!  

Despite my attempts to remain calm, I can say with much disappointment that I did not handle it the way Christ has shown in the Bible.  I immediately returned her "laundry list" email with a rebuttal fit for the courtroom.  In my hurt, I threw my own accusations in her face, saying things I'll forever regret.  I agreed to sever the friendship, closed out the email, and even removed her from Facebook. 

 Immature! I know..you can say it!!  

Nevertheless, God wasn't about to let it end there.  Over the next six months after the "breakup," He revealed to me the error of my ways.  As I read over the verses I shared earlier, I suddenly understood how poorly I had represented  Christ in my response.  I was immediately convicted of my sin and sought to contact my friend.  

Matthew 5: 23-24 says, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." 

I had no business making any requests of the Lord until I had humbly sought and extended forgiveness.  Whether my friend forgave me was not my concern.  Letting her know that I bore no ill towards her, acknowledged my wrongs, and truly extended forgiveness was my only mission!

Long story short..we reconciled to the point of forgiving one another and resuming some form of communication.  Our close friendship is over, but our hearts are at peace with one another.  In the end, that is all that matters!

This happens between believers and non-believers alike.  Our human nature, horrid as it can be, rears its ugly head at the worst and most inopportune times.  Our pride is our greatest enemy and the most powerful tool the Deceiver uses against us.

DO NOT believe the lies that "You have every right to strike back!  He hurt you first, so he must hurt more by the time you're done.  He doesn't deserve forgiveness!"

Lies!!!  ALL LIES!!!  None of us DESERVE forgiveness, but Christ GAVE it anyway as a GIFT! 

If you have learned ONE thing from what I have written, please hear this!!! "Pride comes before the fall."  If your pride is keeping you from being honest with those you love and even those you don't love, then be prepared to live a VERY lonely life!  Forgiveness isn't easy (it goes against our human nature)....SO WHAT!  The most precious things in life are the ones for which  you must work the hardest!!!  

What hurts the most about my lost friendship, is not perhaps the words shared, but how they were shared.  They were not shared face-to-face, and they were a culmination of years worth of resentment.  My "friend" clearly showed no respect or love towards our friendship or myself to be HONEST enough with me during the times I supposedly hurt her.  It is like punishing a child six months after he lies, or cheats, or steals.  It doesn't do any good!     

Imagine that!!!  

 Please, please, PLEASE!  Prayerfully consider this if you are experiencing something similar to what I have shared.  Forgiveness is liberating and healing for ALL parties involved.  If Christ forgave so freely..What's Stopping You? Relationships and love take EFFORT!  It means stepping outside of yourself and your personal desires and needs!  It means bearing an attitude of selflessness! Don't throw away relationships like trash, but instead regard them as precious jewels to be treasured!    

God Bless and Much Love!!! <3