You are WORTHY

    I had been spiraling downward for a while now. It could be lack of sleep... running on autopilot... the devil (you know how he likes to jump on our weaknesses)... whatever it may be... I had been losing sight of who I really am.

  Then God used random people and out of the box situations to snap me back to life.  It's funny how He works sometimes, isn't it?  He finds you no matter where you are, and uses whatever He can to teach you and show you just how much He loves you.  He is pretty darn amazing if you ask me!

  I have been struggling with comparison... and not fitting into certain boxes the "majority" want others to fit in.  I was feeling very ugly, unworthy, and unwanted by many many people.

  How my dear husband has put up with me and repeatedly reminded me how beautiful he thinks I am is beyond me.  I would have been pretty darn sick of his down in the dumps attitude if the tables were turned.  Just bein' honest here. ;) He definitely has rock solid patience, that one.  Love you, Jeff. <3

  Anyway, there have been a few people and a few situations that have really lifted my spirits and brought me out of that place of self-loathing.  I'm not completely to the place of self-love... I do still have flaws I want to change... or need to change, but I'm remembering that I AM worthy and that God loves me right where I am, He loves me for WHO I am, and that brings me such joy.

  This cycle is a constant battle in my life.  It has led to some serious depression at times.  It has led to lost friendships.  It has led to unnecessary stress in our home.  There are some bulky chains that NEED to be broken, and I am so thankful that God has carried me to a place where I can see that and start working on chipping away at my shackles.

  I want to encourage you if you're in a place of self-loathing, unworthiness, restlessness, comparison, jealousy, sadness whatever it may be...  YOU... yes YOU are worthy.  You are loved.  Even if you feel that your entire support system has vanished... YOU are LOVED by Someone who is far greater, far better than any human being could ever be. YOU are LOVED by the CREATOR... YOU are LOVED by a GOD who sacrificed EVERYTHING to SAVE you.  YOU are LOVED by the ONLY ONE who can bring you true PEACE and JOY.

  So if you feel alone, know that you're not alone.  If you feel lost, know that HE knows exactly where you are...He sees you and He is opening His arms to you.  Allow Him to embrace you and heal you.

  I'm not sharing my struggles to bring you down or to make you feel sorry for me.  I've done enough of that on my own. ;)  I share my story because you need to see that no matter how many times you lose sight of what GOD has for you... what HE sees in you.... no matter how many times you lose your way.... He is ALWAYS there to bring you back to the path He carved out for you.  He is ALWAYS there to remind you of how WORTHY and BEAUTIFUL and LOVED you are.  Turn to Him.  Always.

Lots of love and prayers for you, my friends.  We are in this thing called LIFE together... with a GOD who can move mountains... we've got this!!!! xoxo

~Em

Who are YOU?

    This is for the moms who lead lives that are less than perfect.... and who aren't afraid to admit it, because really, those who have got it "all together" wouldn't be looking for encouragement or advice anyway, right? ;)

    We often only see the good... the seemingly perfect parts of others' lives on social media.  We see the perfectly groomed children in their carefully selected outfits.  We see the moms, with their perfectly styled hair, their fresh manicures, with their makeup ~ done to a degree worthy of a red carpet walk.

    We read posts of the accomplishments, the highs, the envy-provoking aspects of others' lives.

    What we often don't see are the temper tantrums, the frizzy haired mom with black bags under her eyes, the messy kitchens and the spit-up stains.  We don't see the tears rolling down the cheek of the parent who has been stretched to their limit for the hundredth time that week (or even that day).  We don't see the heartache that comes from various circumstances in their lives.  We don't see the fears other parents experience from raising their children in a dark and scary world.

    I am blessed to know so many real parents, who aren't afraid to keep it real.  I'm so happy to see that I'm not alone in my imperfect world.   That is why I make it my mission to post not only the good moments... not only the photos of myself at that perfect angle, wearing the perfect outfit, sporting the perfect amount of mascara... I'm no longer afraid of posting the real... the messy.... the embarrassing moments.

    That's not to say I won't reserve some of the hairy ordeals for my immediate family, but really, why are we always trying to hide?  What is the motivation behind only posting what we view as perfection?  Are we secretly trying to make others jealous?  Are we trying to appear as though we've got all our stuff together, for fear of being judged?

    I challenge you to let go of your fears, and to especially let go of that deep down, secret need to one-up your friends and acquaintances.... I challenge you to be real.  Be raw.  Be vulnerable.  People can connect with you much easier when you are open and less-than-perfect.  People can respect real... people can't respect someone who is fake as all get out! {Let me just tell you now... people can sniff out a sham a mile away.  We aren't fooling anyone.}

    So be real.  Bear your heart if you want to.  Ask for help if you need it.  Share the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Reserve what you wish, but don't close your true self off to the world in order to create an image that is clearly not you.

    I love Jesus... a LOT.  I mess up... a LOT.  I've had so many fears of talking too much about Him and being judged for not living up to whomever's standards of the "Christian" lifestyle.  I've had so many fears of admitting I just don't have it all together, and that I sin in one way or another DAILY.... for fear of being called a hypocrite.  SO.... let's just get this out of the way.... YES.  I CAN be a hypocrite.  YES... I can walk a path that doesn't align with the next Christian's path.  NO... I am in no way the ultimate Christian example... but I sure as heck am going to keep working on my walk with the Lord... and I'm going to keep aiming to please HIM (not you, or a pastor, or anyone else).  It doesn't matter how often I mess up... Jesus is right there to pick me back up and brush away the dirt.
   
    When you are real, you will face judgment from others.  But I have news for you.... when you put up a front... you're still facing judgment.  Who would you rather be?  What would you rather be judged for?  Wouldn't you rather be you and ignore the haters, or are you going to continue walking through life, trying to keep everyone happy... trying to impress every person who looks your way.... needing to show the world a you that isn't really "you".... do you REALLY want to put all your efforts into such a strenuous task?  I sure don't.

    I encourage you to seek out those who are genuine, unique, the REAL DEAL, and befriend them.  Find out how they tick... grasp on to the encouragement they offer, and learn from them.  Don't become like them, unless they are much like who you are, but glean from that wisdom they extend and learn to become comfortable in your own skin.

    I can tell you, that I sleep better, I feel better, I am at peace when I am ME.  The ME that GOD created me to be.  So I encourage you to dig deep and cultivate the person you were meant to be.  Allow your true self to blossom forth and gift the world with a true and unique individual.  We will all benefit more from knowing TRUE, real, AMAZING people, rather than replicas and robots.

    The choice is yours... who are YOU going to be?

Derp! Duh! *Facepalm*

    You know those "DING! light bulb!" moments?  The ones where it ALL becomes so clear that you most definitely need to make a change in one or more areas of your life?  Well, I had one of those moments last night... a really big one.  Won't you take a little stroll with me as I share my mind happenings with you?

*Okay, I realize reading and strolling might not be a good idea... grab a coffee and a seat instead.  Or water. Or tea. Or juice.  I'm not picky.  Actually, I am at this hour ... but hey, drink whatever you want.  I'm having coffee. ;)

    So I try to be encouraging to others.... positive for them as they tackle the hard things in life.  I realized just how opposite I tend to be when it comes to my thoughts and outlook on my own life.  What a hypocrite, eh? lol  I kid, sort of.  Anyway.... I need to make a huge change in my thoughts and my attitude.  For the sake of my husband's nerves, for the sake of my children's developing brains, and for the sake of my sanity.

    You know those sayings, "don't sweat the small stuff" and "no use crying over spilled milk"?  Yeah.  I've totally been rebelling against that advice for who-knows-how-long.  It's quite ridiculous, actually.  I know I'm full of hormones, what with nursing a baby and being in my 30's (seriously... it takes so much longer to rid yourself of pregnancy brain when you're in your 30's vs. your 20's.  I know this because I've had babies in both  ?!decades?!  and I bounced back much faster with my first four kids... minus some hiccups along the way after Ella was born).  But hormones are not excuse enough for one's outlook on life and attitude toward pretty much everything known to man.

    To give you an example of what my strong, committed husband goes through, let me talk about my night time Facebook newsfeed adventures.  I scroll along merrily, come across some political or parental rights or other similar controversial post/article/rant, and I have to share every thought and feeling that comes to mind, with Jeff, who worked all day in the hot sun and just wants to watch tv and drink a cold one in peace and quiet for a few stinkin' minutes.  But Nooooooo.  That won't do.  I am full of womanly rage at all these happenings that go against every fiber of my being.  He needs to hear me out, and he must not desire for me to simmer down, because loud noises might just escape my mouth.... louder noises than the disgust that is already spewing all over the ears of the poor, innocent man who chose to spend the rest of his life with me.

    Aren't you super glad you don't live here?  You are blessed, I tell ya.  Blessed by the Good Lord above.  

    Another outstanding example for ya.... I am a disorganized perfectionist.  It is a hard burden to carry, but I suppose someone has to do it.  Now, what this means is that I need everything to be neat and orderly to function.... but when I can't function properly, things become... not-so-tidy ..... so my mind explodes!  Top that off with four mobile children who are sweet, but messy little boogers and one child who has got to be eating every last bit of my energy every 2-3 hours, and you have a recipe for disaster.

     Now, here's an example of such an instance...

Me: I think I shall relax now.  Nurse my sweet little Wesson, scroll through Facebook on my phone (RED FLAG>>>see above), maybe watch a little Storage Wars on Netflix... enjoy these few moments of rest while I can.  *looks around* (BAD IDEA!)

House: "Muwahahahahaha!" (you get that this is an evil laugh, right?)  
"See the filth with your eyes, tired mother.  See these toys over here.... they're ready for your sensitive feet to step on.  See those nasty, food-caked dishes just staring you down in the sink over there?  They want to EAT YOUR SOUL.  Look at all those tiny papers cut into nice little pieces of confetti... scattered throughout the house just enough to make your skin crawl.  Sink further into the couch now.... those worn out springs are going to swallow you whole.  You will never escape!  Your bedroom you've been meaning to organize?  Those clothes you meant to put away last week?  Not going ANYWHERE.  They are taunting you..... they enjoy poking at your last nerve.... knowing that you've got more important things to do like feed the baby and teach those children.  I'm going to steal every last bit of joy from you.  You will never win!!! Muwahahahahahahahaha! Haha! Ha! HA!"

Me: Where are the matches?  I want to burn it all and start over! (obviously I don't want to burn my husband or my precious children.  I love them.  LOVE LOVE LOVE my babes.  But all of our belongings?  Sure! Torch 'em!)  Okay, don't torch the stuff.  We'll donate it, for crying out loud.

    So much negativity bombarding my brain throughout the day... all day, every day.  I may relax physically while sitting down to nurse my little love, or when I go to sleep at night, but my mind never seems to settle.

    Well, I've had enough.  I'm sick of the negativity.  I'm sick of sweating the small stuff.  I'm sick of the messes, but I am determined to put a positive spin on everything I possibly can, so that I can be that joyful, cheerful, bubbly person I used to be.... I want to be my true self.... not the 'self' that the burdens of this world have enabled me to become.

    Do you ever struggle with any of this, my sweet mama friends?  The good news is that you're not alone in this.  The FANTASTIC news is that we're not going to enable each other anymore, kapish?  Let's lift each other up in these times of stress, weariness, and chaos.  Let's help each other see the light... the positive in everything, so that living life is a bit easier.  We want to breathe, and smile... genuine, beaming, beautiful smiles, don't we?  :)

    So let's take our negativity to God.  Hand it over in exchange for that positive outlook we so desperately need.  Embrace the new, sunshiney 'tude and kick that Debbie Downer Dumpy Doo Doo crapitude to the curb.  If you're feeling overwhelmed with life... turn to those friends you know who will bring some sparkle to your eyes and who will encourage you to think happy thoughts.  Avoid those friends who will bring you down.  Sorry gals, I love ya... so stinkin' much, but this mama has GOT to get her stuff together... and the "wah wah wahs" and "boo hoo hoos" have got to GO!

    I want to hear from YOU!  What do you do to combat negative thoughts?  How do you maintain a positive outlook on life?  Do you turn to the Lord in ALL things?  Prayer and reading of the Word?  Do you have that one friend who will always bring a smile to your face?  Is there an encouraging blog you like to read to ground your feet and lift your spirits?  I want to hear about it all!  I'm all about the JOY and HAPPINESS tips you bring to the table.  Let's encourage each other and get ourselves out of the dumps.


    Have a POSITIVELY HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY AMAZING SUPER FANTABULOUS day, friends! (How's that for some positivity? See... I'm moving in the right direction!)

~Em

 *Little side note edit: As I was typing out my thoughts, I remembered quite a few times where this revelation smacked me upside the head.  Isn't it funny how we often learn the same lessons over and over and over again?  Jesus has His work cut out for Him.... yet He loves us so much that He is willing to put His wisdom on repeat.... so we can find that true joy in Him.  LOVE the things the Lord speaks to me!  

*A Challenge for my Friends*

    There's so much happening in the world today that has people on edge.  I especially notice it in the Christian community.  It seems everyone, from all walks of life are feeling persecuted in some way.  People are offended by so many things that the verbal wars run rampant. Others are terrified for their safety - their lives - because of terrorism, natural disasters, and what many have been calling "the signs of the times."

    As I scrolled through my newsfeed, tonight, I began to weep.  I cried because my heart is heavy and broken.  I can only imagine what God is feeling.  There are so many things I see that hurt me to my core.... and some that don't, but probably should.  This world is chaos.  This world is scary.  There are no guarantees.... the horrible possiblilities are infinite.

    Children are being taken from loving, stable homes because of parents who think outside the box.  Others are being left in unsafe homes, despite obvious signs of abuse and neglect.  People are fighting over the definition of marriage.  Innocent unborn human lives are being killed and tossed in the trash daily.  Women and children are being trafficked into unimaginable forms of slavery (what type of slavery isn't?).  The right to bear arms is being debated because of criminals who commit heinous crimes.  We're fighting over flags and symbols and food while our country crumbles beneath our feet.

   I wanted to throw in the towel.  I wanted to say "to hell with it all" and hide in a cave somewhere.  But the Lord tugged on my heart..... my imperfect, often bitter, sinful, broken, yet willing heart.  He reminded me that we must cast all our cares upon HIM.  He loves us.  He loves us despite our sinfulness, brokenness, wretchedness.  He sees His creation.  He sees through the ugliness and finds the beauty in His children.  He desires that we all allow Him to cleanse us.... He desires that we all seek FREEDOM in Him.  He wants to extend His grace and mercy, if only we'll accept it.

    We all obviously have very strong convictions on many topics.  Things get heated.  Friendships get ruined.  I noticed I've lost a few friends recently, and I haven't said much about anything lately other than what life is like with my husband and kiddos.  Maybe I've said a few things here and there, but man, I try my best to say everything out of love.... yet my words, too, are offensive to some.  You know, that's okay.  While part of me has this desire to keep everyone happy and to keep the peace, maybe I'm just not the best sort of friend for all the people in the world.... and maybe all the people in the world just aren't the best sorts of friends for me.

    In the midst of all these crumbling friendships, various mini-battles, and other happenings that tend to bring us down.... I challenge you, those friends I do have left, to walk in love.  Whether you are a believer or not, whether you're gay or straight, republican, democrat, black, white, purple, fat, thin, rich, or poor.... keep your convictions, speak highly of the things you believe in, but walk in love.  LOVE.

    We don't have to agree on everything to love each other.  Right?  I mean, my husband and I don't agree on everything.  We agree on most things, but sometimes we disagree.  That doesn't mean I'm going to unfriend him on Facebook and throw a tantrum and spew words of hate at him..... well, okay, I may have messed up and done one or two of those things, one, or a few times.... but the point is ~ we still love each other.  That might not be the best example, seeing as we made vows to stick together for life.... but the same can be applied to most of my friendships.  Those that aren't worth keeping can fizzle out, peacefully.... but there's no need to shake my finger in their face, threaten to unfriend them if they don't see things my way, and act juvenile over every little issue every.single.day.

    If you must choose different paths from those you know, do so quietly.... lovingly. If you can overlook your differences.... even better!  Life is too short for me to hate on those who have different opinions.  Life is too valuable for me to waste my time arguing with people of opposite views.  I want to change lives for the better, not beat my opinions into them.  I want to encourage, uplift, and strengthen others.... I don't want to be the cause of stress, anxiety, or defeat in another person's life.

    If you have different views than me, know that I love you.... Jesus loves you (even if you don't believe in Him), and I send you hugs.... You are cherished by the One who created you.  You are loved ever so much.  You are valued.  You are amazing.

~Em
 

Ugly Green Monster

    Of all the posts I've written, this one takes the cake when it comes to the embarrassment factor.  It took a lot to admit that I dealt with depression, or that I've struggled in other various ways, but I had a huge driving force in posting those confessions: I wanted to encourage others who were struggling.  This post, while absolutely written as encouragement, just feels a bit different.  There's much more embarrassment and shame with this issue, but I believe it is an important thing to discuss.

    JEALOUSY

    I've struggled with that ugly green monster for most of my life, and at first didn't realize it.  Once I realized it, I wouldn't admit it.  But I'm done ignoring that "monster" in the room.  

    Jealousy holds us back.  It causes us to become irrational, fearful, and downright crazy. We sit in our dark little corners, hating ourselves because we can't be like someone we've put up on a pedestal.  

    Jealousy also drives us to do things out of desperation.  Things that might hurt ourselves or others along the way.  We frantically try to achieve our dreams without consulting the Author of our lives.  We try to do everything on our own, at high speed, only to crash and burn.

    I realized that my jealousy was out of control.  I became so down on myself for not being that skinny, put together mom.  I beat myself up because outside of motherhood and marriage, I didn't have any real achievements under my belt.  I would look all around me at all the accomplishments and beauty in the people I knew, and I would feel so stinking sorry for myself.

    Jealousy makes you forget.  You forget how good you actually have it.  You forget to look inward.  You forget to see your many blessings.  All you see is green.... and you see all that you don't have or haven't accomplished.  

   Yes, I would be happy for my friends when they reached new goals and dreams, dropped those 15 pounds, or got to go on fun vacations with their families.  I was happy for them, but sad for me, because, woe is me, I had to stay home and save for a weekend road trip, I hadn't reached one goal or another, or I was still stuck in that dreaded pudgy body.  Looking back, I believe jealousy was a big factor in my struggle with depression.  

    I recently saw just how jealous I was in general and I was horrified by it.  I decided I needed to do something about it.  I needed to force myself to stop the vicious cycle of kicking myself and curling up into a tiny little ball every time I saw someone achieve my dreams or dye their hair that perfect shade of plumb I just couldn't nail down.  It's horribly silly and sad.  It's incredibly embarrassing to admit, for sure! 

    Once I saw how juvenile I was behaving, and once I decided to stop looking at what everyone else had and start truly appreciating all of my many blessings, my life began to move forward.  Things began looking up.  I was able to focus and reach for my goals rather than to dwell in the fact that I hadn't grabbed hold of them yet.  

    I hate jealousy.  It tries to surface multiple times a day.  I need to put my steel-toed boots on every morning when I wake up and kick that beast back down to size.  I believe that as long as I'm living in this world, jealousy is going to be a constant struggle for me, but now I know that I can beat it over and over again.  I don't have to give in.  I don't have to let the happiness of others intimidate me or make me feel less than just because I'm not in the same place as them at the time.  

    I'll reach my dreams.  I have faith that God will help me get there.  I want my dreams to be whatever God's will is for me.  When I focus on God's will for my life, jealousy has no hold.  I can't be jealous of someone who is living out the life that is meant for them.  In the same way, I wish that no one find themselves face to face with the ugly green monster when they see the way my life unfolds.  

    Prayer.  Lots and lots of prayer have helped me to see the light and only God can continue to help me jump the hurdles in life that may cause my heart to become green with envy.  

    If you struggle with jealousy, you are not alone.  Don't hide in the shadows and deal with it by yourself.  Reach out to someone and ask them to pray with you or talk you through your issues.  Call out to Jesus and ask Him to carry you.  Do whatever it takes to get up out of that pit so that you can move on with your life and accomplish your dreams.  Jealousy should not be the driving force, nor the stumbling block for anyone. 

    It is now my absolute joy to see others live out their dreams and receive many blessings.  I love seeing others smile and enjoy life.  I am finally able to smile and really enjoy life myself. I pray that if you are struggling with jealousy, you too, will see the light.  I pray that you will be able to enjoy life to the fullest, without that ugly green monster clinging to your back.  I pray you allow God to fill you with joy, hope, and peace as you live out the rest of your days here on Earth. 

Be blessed!

~Em

Tunnel Vision

  

  If you have a Facebook account or have read comments on any controversial article on the internet, you know just how mean people can be when they're trying to further their cause.  I'm no stranger to stooping, and I am not proud of myself for doing so.

  I typically see those types of interactions and run the other way.... fast!  I don't like debate.  I'm not great at stating my case, especially with adrenaline pumping through my body.  I'm not a genius.  I'll read statistics on something and almost immediately forget the details.  I can remember the gist of things, but "the gist of things" doesn't get you anywhere if you're trying to prove a point. Anyway, debate stresses me out.  It makes me feel icky.  I don't like reading it, I don't like taking part in it.... unless it's cordial and friendly and on safe ground.

  Being the raging rebel I am, I sometimes disagree with some of the things my parents say (sorry Mom and Dad), but I usually nod my head in agreement and let them talk because, well, they're my parents.  They must have raised me right...I have a healthy respect for them...most days. *wink*  In all seriousness, I realize that maybe I should be more bold in conversations.  Not to the point of being a jerk, but I shouldn't be afraid to have a different opinion and make that known.  There is such a fine line between agreeing to disagree and stirring up bad feelings, so I am still trying to define it, 31 years into my life.  Yes, I am a slow learner.  Then again, from some of the things I've heard or read, I think many of us are a bit behind on the etiquette of respectful disagreement.

  Recently, I read through a debate that made my stomach hurt.  I saw that a loved one was being cornered and "bullied" for her opinions, even after she left the conversation.  I have tunnel vision.  I am the ultimate mother bear. I didn't look so much at what she said.  I just saw that she was alone in this and I saw red.  I caved.  I stooped.  I called people out for being mean, but I was so caught up in my emotions that I didn't notice how harshly I responded.  I was just as mean in my defense of my loved one as the people I was calling out.  Now my stomach not only hurt, but my conscience was screaming.

  It is quite humbling to go back and read something you said out of anger.  It is painful and shameful and utterly embarrassing.  BUT, I am so glad I picked up on my bad behavior.  I'm so glad God showed me those words and how hurtful I was.  I apologized to the person I snapped at, hard as that was.  I thank God he reminded me of the value of that person, who's friendship I almost jeopardized over one small argument.

  I've been so focused on how much I hate the bickering that I became the person that committed the crime.  I apologize to anyone else who has been in the path of my angry word spewing in the past.  I know it's not pretty and I am sorry.

  I think we all need to take a long, hard look at ourselves and our motives.  It is awesome to be passionate about things.  It is wonderful to take a stand for something we believe in, but when we start tearing down the spirits of others, it becomes ugly and sinful.  It is a privilege to live in a place where we have a right to our own opinions.  It is also a burden at times.  It is a burden when we allow the love of our beliefs to open us up to hate for those who disagree.  We're all a bunch of tornadoes destroying anything that stands in our way.  It's tragic.

  Parents start acting like children when disagreeing on discipline, immunizations, breastfeeding, and even diapering.  Christians start embracing sinful attitudes to fight for their biblical beliefs.  There are even unhealthy wars over the healthiest diet/lifestyle to embrace. Homeschoolers vs. public schoolers.  Democrats vs. Republicans. Religion. Race. Sexual orientation. Family size. Even choice in music becomes an issue.  Friendly people become trolls.... correcting grammar, spewing statistics, calling names, and folding their arms in smug satisfaction when they've beaten their opponent far enough into the ground.

  We need to stop this, friends! We need to get to the root of the problem and nip this in the bud.  We need to look into our hearts and remember how we feel when someone talks down to us because of our beliefs.  We need to look at our loved ones and remember why we love them.  We need to set our differences aside and and just stinking love each other already.  Is all of this worth it in the end? Really?

  How do you want to be remembered?  Do you want to be known as the person who always had to be right, or do you want to be remembered as the person who spoke in love, even when others didn't agree with your stance?  Do you want to be the villain or the hero (not the super cool villains you see in the movies... I'm talking about a real low life scumbag)?  Would you rather your children keep fighting your petty fights for you long after you're gone, or do you want them to develop a strong, impressive, noble character?

  I know that I have a long road ahead of me to become the person I'm talking about.  The person who is pleasing to God in all circumstances.  The person who radiates love and kindness.  I try, but I fall flat on my face time and time again.  But you know what?  No matter how many times I fall, I'm going to keep reaching for that noble, godly, peacekeeping person I know is deep, deep inside.  I want to be that person for my kids, for my husband.  I want to leave this earth knowing I had done everything I could to show the love of Jesus to others, even if that means keeping my mouth shut and sacrificing my "need" to be right on every little issue.

  I've talked about this before, and I'll continue coming back to it, because we are all works in progress.  We can all use a lot more love and a lot less hate.  We could all stand to be wrong every once in a while.  We could all stand to let others believe they are right (even though it takes everything in us not to tell them just how wrong they are).  We can all gain some patience, gentleness, and self-control.  We will all benefit from a little humility.  Let's rise above the pettiness this world embraces and seek unity.  We were created to build each other up, support one another, and make this life worth living.  Why don't we?

  Let's stop looking at the failures of those around us and start working on our own demons. Lord, forgive us for losing sight of who we were meant to be for the sake of a good argument. Rid us of our tunnel vision and allow us to truly see the people we're impacting with our words.  Help us through these issues, because we so desperately need You.

~Em