Forgiveness is a Grand Thing

So about a week ago, I had a long conversation with my ex. I know that neither of us were very happy with how things ended up, but I sure am glad we are both able to come to a point where we can see more clearly. It is nice to be able to talk things out instead of yelling them out. It is nice to share the hurt without hurting that person back. Yes, there are things I won't forget, I am not wired to forget a whole lot (unless you asked me to do it in the last 5 minutes to week, lol), but forgiveness is not only a good thing, but it is commanded by God. I am glad, for the sake of our girls especially, that we have reached a point where we can move forward instead of tripping back over events neither of us can change.
Oh and here is a prime example of things being drastically different, I got a call on my birthday (that day was normally his day) that said I could keep the kids. That was completely awesome, seeing as one of my cousins and I almost share a birthday (his is the day before) and we were having a family dinner to celebrate. The girls were able to come to that and just completely enjoy the day with me. In turn, I am letting him have them tonight. I like this. I think this can be great for everyone! I am a bit shocked by it, but in a good way. I never thought it would happen this quickly, but so glad it has!
I am just so excited that my life is in such a good place right now. I have a church home that I adore, getting along with my ex, the girls are starting back into school and work is finally slowing down. I have been dealing with some "demons" from my childhood and I can feel some release there. I just really am loving life. There is one thing that I want, but I don't have to have. I would love to be dating someone. There is someone in particular that I'm interested in, but I seriously want to build a friendship bond first. I don't want to rush anything and life is good. I don't have to be with anyone, but if things work out, I'd be ecstatic!
So, lesson learned, forgive as Christ has forgiven you! It makes life SO much better than you could ever imagine!

Quotes from friends

Again, love reading people's statuses on facebook. A couple recent ones that I really liked.
With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone.
And this from a friend I made through my cousin.
* So if I have to leave you, *
* I want you to know that in the end, *
* it wasn't because I stopped caring. *
* It was because you stopped being a friend. *

Love Song - Third Day (New)

The Ultimate Love Song! Jesus would do ANYTHING to be with YOU!

Nice day

I am really starting to learn how to enjoy life as it comes. Nothing spectacular happened today, in fact my night at work was pretty rough (I leave work at work as much as possible). I just have had a good day. I listened to my body this morning when it said I needed sleep. I slept until I felt rested, then just kind of hung out for a while. I did some laundry and even made the cover for a nap mat using some pre-cut fleece I found on clearance for $1.75.

There was nothing on TV and I'd been thinking about going to see a movie, so I said "Let's look up what is at the $1 theater." We went and watched The Karate Kid. I'm telling you what, that is FAR better than the original. Such a good movie!
I'm nearly finished with the book I've been reading by Geneen Roth and I've got a friend that is going to swap books with me, so neither one of us has to go buy the books new. LOVE IT! I am so into reading now, which I haven't done much of since the Ramona books (want to take the girls to see that while it's at the $1 theater too). Anyway, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Women, Food and God and planning on at least borrowing more of her books from the library. Some of the stuff she says just really hits the nail on the head!
Example:Real change happens bit by bit. It takes great effort to become effortless at anything. There are no quick fixes.
More quotes from my day:
Your focus needs more focus. Jackie Chan in The Karate Kid 
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. Random quote from a friend.


I must say, this is a well-rounded day!

Is Rebelling Worth It?

The following quote comes from Geneen Roth's book Women, Food and God. I tell you, this quote came at the perfect time in my life. I have realized that freedom in God is not about not following rules, but having the right to choose and making the right choice even when the wrong one is tempting.
"Rebelling against some kind of concrete guidance is just the other side of the slavish adherence to it. Either way, you are not free because the rule itself is still determining your behavior."
WOW! So, going the opposite direction of some rule you don't like is not freedom, because that rule is still guiding your choices. I am not free because I follow rules or use those rules to go the opposite direction. I am free when I live every moment as if it were my last, ignoring what other men think or what, but fully living every breath on this beautiful planet God has made.

Pepsi Refresh Everything

This is something I've been voting for daily. It is $50,000 for Conneaut Lake Park to repair and reopen the Blue Streak! I know this is something the economy in my old home area could use, so I am encouraging everyone to vote. Right now the voting is keeping it in the top 10 for the month (which means they would get the grant)! Please, if you read my blog, go vote for this cause and boost the economy in that area!

Your Hands - JJ Heller

The last few days have been rough going for the people in my life. My ex lost another cousin (the mother of the lady that died about a month ago), my friend Valarie lost her mom yesterday and a couple that was in the adoption process lost their child, the birth-mom decided (for the 2nd time) to take the child back. It is just heartbreaking to go through any of these things. I was trying to pray and this song kept coming to my mind. I felt it would be helpful to others if I posted it on my blog. No matter what we go through, even the most unimaginable things, we are in God's hands!

Healing Begins - Tenth Avenue North - w/lyrics

One of my cousins does freelance writing and she told me to check out an article she wrote. I read that one and a few more. I found this song in the 2nd or 3rd article. GREAT SONG!

Bob Carlisle - We Fall Down

OK, this was the song I was looking for earlier. Both very good songs though!

We Fall Down

I love Chris Tomlin's music! I am so glad that Jesus forgives me when I fall down. Believe me, I do it often.

Lightbulb Moment

I have decided it is most essential to live life like you are three years old. Mine came up to me and said, "Hi mommy, I'm going on a journey today." Then it hit me, every day is a chance for a new adventure. Hello world, I'm going on a journey today! Mine started with conversations with my little bit and proceeds on to church and who knows what else. I think I just got a whole new perspective on life from my 3 year old!