Who's Choking You?

I want to begin by saying that I feel so blessed to be a part of a church that is unwaivering when it comes to preaching God's never-ending, never-failing love.  I am so thankful for the ways that Elevation church has breathed fresh life into my marriage, my life as Mommy, and my teaching.

The message today was provided by TD Jakes, a very inspirational man of God, who spoke on the topic of forgiveness.  There were so many amazing points made and I don't think I'll come close to doing it justice but I wanted to share with you an overview of what he said because I really do think it can be life changing if forgiveness is something you struggle with, and really, who at some point in life hasn't struggled with it?

The message began with comparing unforgiveness to choking; literally taking the breath out of the life that God has intended for us to live. I thought that was such a strong visual of what unforgiveness can do.  Jakes pointed out that refusing to forgive someone is like drinking poison and waiting on the other person to die.......powerful right?  He also said that refusing to forgive someone is like refusing to exhale.  When you breathe, you take in what you do need and let out what you don't need.  In, out, in, out - one of God's natural systems created to sustain life.  The purpose of exhaling is to let out what isn't necessary. When you live a life spent holding on to grudges, grief, anger, and bitterness -- you are literally choking yourself and cutting off the life that has been meant for you to live. Essentially, when you let unforgiveness poison you from the inside, you and the people in your life are stuck living with what's left over of you and your potential.

More than anything else, the main point was driven home with the parable of a man who was forgiven of his debt of 10,000 talents but then showed wrath toward a man who owed him only 100 pence.  This act of power and anger was the exact opposite of the mercy and grace that had been given to him.  JUST LIKE JESUS.  Jesus has given us forgiveness....of everything .... EVERY thing, even the things nobody knows about and you aren't willing to share because they are from the depths of your mind that you don't want exposed to anyone.  If Jesus has shown you that kind of forgiveness, how can you not let forgiveness freely flow to the people around you?

So when we pray "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" do we really mean it?  Do we really want God to treat us the way we treat people who have wronged us?  Do we really want the same treatment that we offer others?
We are human, we are flawed, we are broken....we will hurt each other.  We will do/say some things purposefully and with a spiteful spirit.  We will also hurt unintentionally.  Sometimes it's ourselves that we need to forgive.  But, whatever or whoever it is that is holding you back from your destiny, your potential, because it has turned into a situation of bitterness and unforgiveness ~ Let it go!  Be freed from it and move into what you have been called to be!

Imagine what it would be like to breathe freely and deeply again when you let go of what's been choking you!  I hope you got something out of this because it touched me so much I had to share.

My Current Favorites/Goals

I'm determined to start posting more often and I've seen some cute posts lately about personal favorites/goals so I thought I'd join in too.  Enjoy!

Favorite activity ~ Well don't you know I can't choose just one!  I'd have to say that just being able to be mommy and enjoy both of my girls is my favorite activity. I love playing, rocking, laughing, reading, and snuggling with my loves. Another one is my chance to hang out for Girl's Night - it's always nice to get some quality time with friends!

Favorite show ~ Any of the Housewives, it's mindless TV that allows me to have an hour of "me time" (except on those really lucky days where there's a BRAVO marathon!)

Favorite sound ~ Another toss up....Logan's laugh is so full-bodied and contagious I'm in love with hearing it and Riley singing Logan her morning song, there is nothing sweeter that could start my day!

Favorite food ~ Chocoloate (yes, it is a food)

Favorite song ~ "Living He Loved Me" Casting Crowns

Favorite website ~ Always loved Facebook but must say I'm slightly addicted to Pinterest right now. It's so nice to see so many creative ideas that are actually possible to recreate!

Favorite smell ~ Logan or Riley after a bath, mmmmmmm! 

Favorite restaurant ~ Cheesecake Factory, haven't been in awhile but would like to!

Favorite 6 month old ~ Logan Reynolds :)

Favorite 3 year old ~ Riley Reynolds :)

Goals for the next few weeks ~ Get some professional pictures taken of the girls, what's the point of having adorable, beautiful children with matching outfits if you aren't going to capture it on film? Read books 2 and 3 of the Hunger Games trilogy.  Attempt to eat better and get back into Zumba.  Be a more focused wife, poor Jason only gets what's left of my energy and attention after I've been teacher and mommy all day.  I need to be better about that! And lastly, post again soon!

Goal for the next year ~ I'd like to be happy when I look in the mirror, see pictures, or watch videos again.  Internally, I've never been happier.  I'm blessed beyond measure and I cherish that.  However, I've gotten complacent about my exterior and it's time to focus on that too!

Now, I'll leave with a Happy Easter and I hope you and your family were able to celebrate today in the knowledge that Jesus died but that wasn't the end, He rose and now lives forever!

Slacker...

So, I have a confession to make...Apparently I'm a slacker when it comes to keeping up with this blog!! I have NO idea how people blog so often! With Jason working most nights, it's all I can do to get everyone fed, bathed, and to bed before falling asleep myself. Now that it's spring break and I've enjoyed some down time, I'll catch you up on the Reynolds family. Riley has had some adventures lately - weekend at the farm at Brattonsville last weekend where she got to pet a cow, chicken, goat, sheep, and saw a giant pig. She also got to make a candle and marble colonial style. She loved it. The best part according to her was holding hands with her friend Ansley and running through the fields. She also got up have two Easter egg hunts at school this week. But last night was the best of all - her first trip to the circus! She was amazed at everything! She got to see elephants, tigers, poodles, and the clowns. Her favorite part was the pony ride, her smile was priceless! She ate cotton candy and a snowcone and she took turns sitting with me, Poppa, Shannan, and Chad. I watched her face more than I watched the circus- pure joy! Logan has started sitting up for a little bit at a time without help and she has become very vocal and tests her volume often :) she screams, squeals, and growls and then laughs at all of the sounds she is able to create. Riley is still her favorite firm if entertainment and she is definitely a Daddy's girl! We are spending our first part of the week here in charleston with mom and dad and then head back to Rock Hill on Wednesday so we can spend time with Jason and have Easter weekend together. Im planning to get pictures made if the girls for Logan's six month birthday towards the end of the week, hopefully both girls will cooperate! After this week there are only five weeks of school left - yay!! Then I'll be able to be a full time Mommy, and thanks to Pinterest, we'll be having all kinds of fun! As for the next few days, we will be playing and relaxing and taking at least one day trip to the beach. I'm certainly thankful for this break!
And now, I will try to stop being so slack and try to blog more often! If you blog more than once a month :), how do you find time to do it?