I met up with an old friend today, and we fixed our broken relationship. It's not completely healed, but it's well on its way down the process. Forgiveness is an interesting thing; you can only do it if you've learned it. The Bible tells us to forgive, like in Colossians 3:13-14 where it says "Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and as completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of whatever else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it." (The Message) The Bible tells us to forgive eachother over and over and over, but it's like telling a toddler that just learned to walk to swim across a pool and get out. He can't do it unless he first learns how to swim! We also have to learn how to forgive others before we'll actually be able to do it, and that takes experience. Something I realized is that by forgiving another person, I must completely forget that they did anything wrong. No dispute occurs with just one person, so chances are that you did something to spur it on, whether consciously or unconsciously. I needed to first step into this friend's shoes before I could understand WHY she reacted the way she did. Sure, I knew in my head why she was doing it, but I had to understand it in my heart in order to forgive her. We all make mistakes, and whether we like it or not, we all sin without even thinking about it.

  I was talking to my sister, Katie, on the phone the other day as we discussed how best to celebrate my father's 52nd birthday. It was complicated, because it's been only him and me at the house for 2 weeks, so we didn't get to celebrate his birthday like it should be celebrated. As Katie and I talked, she reminded me that I should be thankful for the two weeks I have alone with him, because when the 4 older kids were younger, they never had that kind of opportunity. So all of this to say, I'd like to brag about my family for a little bit, because I'm so thankful for where God has placed me in life.

MY PARENTS

My dad served as a search and rescue pilot for 29 years. And for those of you who have seen The Guardian starring Ashton Kutcher, yes, those are the kinds of situations they are put in. My father has devoted his life first to God and then to his family. When the two weeks began with just him and me, things were quiet around the house and a little bit lonely, but now that a week and a half is past, my dad and I have gotten so close! Today as we drove back from WSS he and I listened to classical music, humming to the operas and pretending to be conductors for pieces like "The Flight of the Bumble Bee" and the "Rondo Alla Turca." I listened as he ministered to his tenants, offered them grace and mercy when they struggled to keep their businesses afloat. I listened to him pray with people over the phone... it didn't matter to him that he was driving, and was tired and a little stressed. Each night he and I eat our dinner and watch a movie from Netflix, and afterwards discuss what we liked and disliked about the movie. We just laughed after one and couldn't stop for a good 5 solid minutes. I am so blessed to have him as a father, because as I reflect on what he's taught me, it's that you shouldn't be afraid of hard work, that you should do absolutely everything with full effort and and thankful heart, desiring to give glory only to God. My mom is amazing. Not only did she raise 6 children, but she homeschooled each of us at one point or another, taught herself photography, and taught me to be mature and confident. I never understood why she was so desperate for us to do the right thing, but now I realize that it's because she desires that strongly for us to reflect Christ. Without her constant support to do the right thing, I'm not so sure that I would be as strong in my faith as I am today. She constantly amazes me because she is such a strong person, and has such a heart for hospitality. I have personally witnessed (and been a cohort in) her many last-minute hostessing experiences. She has taken in over 25 midshipmen in 4 years and provided food and a bed for them on the weekends. She has offered a roof and a meal to anyone passing through town, and on top still felt like she wasn't doing enough! If I have learned anything from her, it's that hospitality is never overrated. It's a blessing to everyone who is given it.

BROTHERS

My brothers were my heros growing up. They both left for the Coast Guard Academy before I was 9 years old, so for most of my life they were absent. I remember on the holidays when they'd show up at the house in their uniforms all I could do was stare at them in awe. I was afraid to do anything to upset them because I was so eager to please these inspiring young men. I just knew that no other guys could ever measure up to my brothers' standards, and I wasn't going to settle for anything less. As the years have gone on and they have become more of my friends than anything, I appreciate them more and more. They both are so wise and discerning, and even though their personalities are complete opposites, they both value the opinions of those worth having, and they both have followed God with all of their hearts. I have no doubt in my mind that any time I talk to them they will give me solid and practical advise that will serve me well. How many girls can say that they've never fought with their brothers, but can still admire and respect them? They truly are a blessing in my life.

 

 

SISTERS

I have 3 sisters, and each one is as different from me and from each other as the moon is from the sun. Katie is the oldest, and I know that I can ask her advice on absolutely any subject and she will listen, sympathize, and offer wisdom in return. She has such a unique view of life. It's one that I don't completely understand, but one that spices up my own view of life. Somehow being with her puts all of my troubles in perspective, and I'm able to enjoy the moment. She also knows all of these really cool facts about daily things that have helped me through a lot tough times, such as what to eat when you're sick. :) But she also has an amazing singing voice, and when I first started singing I remember always running everything by her first to make sure it was just right! Betsy is my next older sister, and I have to say that she has taught me the most about loving everyone. I've seen her grow and mature, and one thing I appreciate most about her is her humble attitude. She seeks guidance from others and from God before making a decision, and is careful and thoughtful. She's also not afraid to show her love to others, which is a huge ministry in my life. She is also a very gifted artist. Tori is my younger sister, and has been one of my best friends for my entire life. We haven't always gotten along, but I will always remember when we were younger and she and I would play out in the woods using only our imaginations. Unfortunately, we grew a little distant for a couple of years, but now we're growing closer, and I'm so thankful for her! She is absolutely beautiful, inside and out. I've watched her mature and grow in every area, and needless to say I was always jealous of the attention she got because she was so stinking smart and athletic! One thing I love most about her is that she is so honest, and so passionate! She prefers a few close friends rather than many distant friends, and I think that says a lot about her character and her personality. She never ceases to amaze me in how she rises to each occasion, and how she is able to feel so much.

So this was my brag blog on my family. Each of my immediate family members is special to me, and I wouldn't replace them for anyone!