Why didn't I think of that?!

Proverbs 9:7-8

"Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don't bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. "

The verses just jump off the page. A lesson learned. Why didn't I think of that? I led myself down a path with no possible good end this week, attempting to correct a person who wouldn't stop mocking me behind my back. What did I get? The blame. It's so ludicrous right? Blame the person who is being made fun of? But it all makes sense here doesn't it? You can't force fairness into a mind that can't allow it. You can't convince a person of right and wrong that doesn't understand the difference, or loves to smudge the lines between the two. They lie so much that it becomes their truth. And I couldn't understand that. But I do now.

I've just been praying that this situation be out of my head. I want to feel sorry for her. I don't want to hate her. And hate for her consumes me. The unfairness is overwhelming. I come up with the best words and phrases in my head! I've got the best comeback this time...now all I need is the opportunity.....

No, that is not the way to freedom (although my comebacks are priceless). I will not waste my time correcting a mocker anymore, I've only been hated for it. So, it will go on....maybe. But, truth will prevail. Not as quickly as I would like. But it will. Until then, God, may my words and deeds win out over the words and opinion of this person. Let your light shine through. Forgive my anger, arrogance, and indignation towards this situation. My heart is now 5 TONS LIGHTER. Thank you Jesus. This is the beauty of our Lord.

For me!

Mother's Day swing

Rocks in my shoe!

Tree huggers

I was given a WONDERFUL mother's day yesterday! Steve and the girls got home around 3:30 from Sioux City. I pouted in the morning since I was spending mother's day ALONE, but then I snapped out of it and went to Target. I wanted a really good beach/lawn chair that could recline to accommodate my sunning. After a terrible time trying to get them to work in Target, I found one that I knew how to maneuver and bought it. I headed home to sun in my back yard. It was a bit windy, but comfortable. Anyway, the kids came home bearing gifts. Three big flowering plants! And six mother's day cards! Wow. I didn't expect that many. But they were adorable, with Sophie's little people with legs coming out of their heads and big alien eyes. Olivia wrote me a mother's day story, and Steve got me a gorgeous Stargazer plant and a card. But that wasn't all! They had also stopped at the store to get picnic stuff. Steak and salad and beans, complete with charcoal for the grill. We made lemonade and loaded up our bikes in the truck and were on our merry way. We had a great time! The girls climbed a tree and played at the park. I sat in my chair with my Mt. Dew and soaked it up, literally. The steak was amazing, and so is my family. I'm so very lucky.

One of my new plants

The cutest little things I put on the line

Tiny pants

Mom

I am blessed to have a fabulous mom in my life, someone who has ALWAYS been there since the beginning of me, someone who has ALWAYS loved me since the beginning of me, someone who is responsible for the beginning of me. Thank you, Mom.


You taught me most everything I know. Since I've become a mother myself, you've taught me even more. I've pulled from the stored banks of memories in my mind and I find myself repeating words I've grown up with, phrases from you and Dad that I swore I'd NEVER say, but I do...and I love it.


I want to give my girls the same fun that we had growing up. Steve and I take them camping now, hoping for the same awesome army adventures for them in the woods. I teach them songs because of you, I pray with them because of you. I love them because of you.


And I'm sitting here wondering (besides God) if anyone in the world has more influence on the future than a parent? You influence one generation (so greatly) who influences the next and then next. What an honor! What a responsibility! An honor and responsibility that my mom lived perfectly.

I'm so thankful! I'm so thankful that my mom is here by me still, the one I call when things go great or horribly wrong, the one I rely on still for comfort in sadness (like a scraped knee) or maybe something more grown up now, but not different really. We just want her to kiss it away. And through words and gentle leading, we find it through her, we get there.

Mom, Bam, Grandma Jan: I'm so thankful for you! And I'm sure you look ravishing carrying your new purple clutch. All my love momma~

Mel

PS. Thank you for teaching me how to sew.