Reconciliation

The Sunday after we came back from my dad's funeral in Kentucky our Sunday School message was about Reconciliation. Oh boy, I knew exactly who I need to reconcile with...this person is a member of my family. We have never been close. I just don't understand the reasons why this person does the things that are done. The message that morning gave me hope and I wanted to work it out. I mean we both should have learned something from recent events.

The verses we went over that morning were from Corinthians. The one that really hit home was 5:18-19 "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.

Well, I was counting this person's sins against them. So I reached out in a way that I thought was easiest for us both, email. I voiced my concerns and that I was praying for her. I thought we should all try to do better.

Much to my surprise I received an email in return that was so negative and hurtful. Of course I retaliated with a few jabs of my own. I'm not very good at holding my tongue. Now that I am looking back over my SS notes I see something else that is so fitting. The question was asked, "How do you handle conflict?" My answer this time would be not very well at all. I'm sorry I said a few ugly things, but sometimes we deal with pain by being angry. Not saying this is right, but it happens.

I tried to follow what I learned-I declared my concerns and seeked to strengthen, but the negativity I received was extremely hurtful. I shouldn't have said the things that I did, but this person has ALWAYS been able to get under my skin. I am sure everyone knows someone like that.

I'll just start over with step one...Approach Courageously in Prayer and follow the biblical truth-Christians can seek and develop skills to improve relationships that are lacking. I really hope it all works out. I've prayed for this person for years.

Easter at our church

Ok, so this one has nothing to do with Easter at our church, but I forgot to share them with y'all. I accidentally, yes...seriously accidentally ordered Everly two bunny shirts. I like these because she'll be able to wear them all summer. The one on the left is from Smitten & Co. on etsy. The quality of the shirt is outstanding! It is so soft, I wish she made adults! The one on the right is from ifyousaysew.com.So anyway, on to the real reason for this post. We enjoyed a weekend full of events at our church, First Baptist Andalusia. Friday night B, I am so grateful for a wonderful Christian husband, worked the computer system for The Living Lord's Supper. It was one of the more difficult shows for him to work. I prayed the whole way through. It was such a moving performance. I was just bawling at the end. How could you not? Jesus died for us all!

Saturday morning I helped hide eggs for the churchwide egg hunt. My MIL (Gimme) brought Sweet E to our church along with her "souped" up stroller. I can take no credit for this...Gimme did it all. It was the sweetest ride there in my opinion! This is one of my favorite traditions. All the kids bring their bikes, trikes, pedal cars, and wagons. Lots of them decorate for the holiday and we make a trip around the church in parade fashion.

Afterward we gather on the steps of our beautiful church and listen to the Easter story. This year the church provided a sheet of stickers and construction paper for the children to follow along as Bro. Fred shared the true meaning of the holiday.

We didn't let E participate in the egg hunt, since she can't walk yet or eat the candy. When all the precious children were finished we gathered in the fellowship hall and enjoyed a delicious lunch. I am so happy to be a member of a loving church family. We are so proud that Everly will grow up in such a wonderful environment with people that love us!

I bless your name

This is a family that is from Montgomery now living in California. Listen as they share their story. Katherine is exactly right! I feel all of the things she talks about. I snagged this from a fellow blogger, Joy Portis. We actually graduated from the same high school. She is a few years older than me and I always thought she was so pretty when she came to the middle school to sell booster badges on Fridays. Turns out she is just as beautiful on the inside. I enjoy catching up with her amazing family when I have a little free time. Isn't God Amazing? Through lifes ups and downs his love never fails us.

She was right...

Here is the other bit that I wanted to share with you from this past week's church bulletin.

Small children were putting on a Christmas program. The entertainment proceeded without a hitch until near the end of the event. Each child held a large card with a letter printed on it. The letters were turned away from the audience. One by one each child turned the card he or she was holding to reveal a letter. First was the child with the "C", then the one with the "H", and so on down the line. When it was time for a little girl to hold up the "M" it was upside down. The "M" appeared to be a "W". Quiet giggles rippled through the audience. Nevertheless, the kids continued one by one to reveal the rest of the cards. When the last card was shown, the cards were meant to spell out"
CHRISTMAS LOVE
Instead, they spelled:
CHRISTWAS LOVE
What first seemed to be a mistake wasn't one after all.

I just thought that was sweet and wanted to share. I know it's hard this time of year with all the running here and there, but take a few moments and thank Christ for his love. After all, he is the reason for the season!

Sweet E's Dedication

On Sunday, we had the most meaningful day for our little family of three. It was Sweet E's baby dedication. E got all dressed up in her pretty Castles and Crowns "Faith" smocked dress and sweet little pearl bracelet. At our church, they do a slideshow of pictures of the child. Then, we promised to raise E in a Christian home and our fellow church members vow to help us along with our journey. It was a very special day for our little family. We were so happy to have Everly's Gimme, Pop, Papaw and Mamaw in attendence. Afterward we had lunch at our house. A delicious meal of potato soup, homemade bread, and a Dean's caramel cake (I am not that talented in the baking department!). I love to have family in our home, especially on such a joyous occasion! Today is Miss E's four month appointment. I'll post stats as soon as I can. I know she has gained a ton of weight. I can't wait to see exactly how much, the shots on the other had are a totally different story!