Mothers Day 2010 Dear Kids, I was making some cards for Jill and Grammy and for

Mothers Day and was looking for a verse that reflected the sentiment of the day and really didnt find one. Mothers Day is pretty bittersweet for me since mom passed away and I get a little sentimental. Moms tend to be like that part of God we like to think about. Compassionate, loving, caring, doing stuff for our benefits and happiness. There is a bond between most children and their moms that doesnt happen (usually) with the dad. Dad is more like the part of God we want to avoid a little firmer with rules, less concerned about feelings and more about our character. Of course these are just generalizations, but the point is that when we are hurt we tend to want our mom. I know I do. There are days when I so wished mom was here to give me some good advice or whose very words bring comfort. The sermon at church today was not about Motherhood or Moms, but it was something that every Christian mother desires for her children about how we are to live as Christians. It is centered around Romans 12, with the key verses below: Romans 12:17-21 (ESV) 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. We cannot do this in our own power but only through the Spirit of God. Our natural self lashes out for vengeance when we are wronged. In our flesh, we diminish our own sins and amplify the other guys sins, and, because they are greater than our sins, they need to go firstand even if they do go first, it is rarely sufficient. But that is not the way of Christ, who died for us on the Cross. No, we are to leave vengeance up to God and be kind to those who wronged us. This is not a natural response but it is one that must be done in the Spirit. Bitterness is a difficult pill, and once swallowed it is spreads to our soul and becomes an idol that we often worship above God. I know, I have done this more than once and the results were more harm to me than to the one whom I held animus towards. There is no way to get even because our actions cause worse reactions. It is a horrible cycle of

pain and anger that eats you up and makes you say and do things that you cannot believe you did. Forgiveness is the response God asks of us. Forgiveness is not forgetting. It is much better. It is a willful act that says I will not use the evil you have done against you. It is also freeing because you no longer are buried in the anger forgiveness brings freedom and joy and peace. I hope and pray for this for you all. We have not lived the lives I had hoped and dreamed and desired for us, but I do know that all the garbage and riches of this world mean nothing compared to Christ. In Him I now identify myself and I hope you will do the same. Love, Dad