I finally got out of the house around 10AM yesterday morning. I saw I had several messages on my work computer so skimmed through them and cleaned them up. (Later I saw I had 129 so cleaned those up when I got home!) I did not take hubby for breakfast; forgot he had his gym appointment at 8:30AM so I just went through my lists and checked messages and then left once he got back. Had some things to deliver to my youngest and to the oldest, so dropped off at my youngest first - and then he came with me to my daughter's to drop off what I needed to take there. Then we grabbed lunch, went to Kohls (got nothing), went to Sam's Club (bought some groceries that will last through the weekend (still need to go to Fry's by Friday to get for the weekend meals), and then took the youngest back home before going to Walgreens and heading back home. I just didn't want to come home yet, but wasn't in the mood to shop, really, and just didn't know what else to get. I think I'm at the stage of 'it is what it is' and if everyone gets at least one gift, then I'm done.
Two of the grandsons came over to bake cookies last night - and one wanted to make peanut butter cookies - and wouldn't you know it - I had meant to get peanut butter when I went to Sam's - and forgot it. I had half a jar. So he decided on Oh Henry bars - and I was just short of peanut butter for it - but he used it all anyway and you know what - those cookie bars were so good!! And yes, I sent all but one piece home with him and I ate the one. The other grandson made snickerdoodles and took those home with him. After we were finished - we headed to Chili's for dinner - and three of us couldn't finish our meals so those came back with us too. I think the loaded potato soup filled both of the boys up. Grandpa shared his chips and salsa. All in all, it was a great evening for me, and I think the boys enjoyed it too. And, because there wasn't a lot of giggling and screaming, hubby wasn't as grumpy.
So I'm done with the cookie baking (I think) for this season. I think I'm done with shopping too. My thoughts have turned to the meals and when do I need to make salsa so it will last longer, need to make things for my favorite boss as I'm meeting her on Friday morning. Need to do this, and need to do that. Got things to get done as far as food and food gifts. Maybe today won't be too bad and I can get some made. Still got to go to Frys and get stewed tomatoes for the salsa. Must do it today, I'm thinking. It's going to be crazy the rest of this week. But I love every minute of it, because I'm making and giving things to those I care about. And that makes it all worthwhile.
Oh yeah... just remembered I'm back at work today and glanced at the clock. Sigh. Here I have been just dilly-dallying and taking my time with my reading this morning and typing in here. Guess I need to step it up a bit.
Hubby is having breakfast with a friend this morning so that will get him out of my hair for awhile - and he is meeting another friend tonight for Bible study. I'm thinking I may stay home and work on things I need to get done, rather than girls night out - but then, I cancelled last week.... I'll have to see what I have left to do that I don't get done during the day.
Isaiah 55:7 (CSB) "Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive."
I must admit that when I first read that verse in my devotional my thoughts turned to my sister. Not that she is wicked or sinful, but the fact that she won't let go of the past and forgive things. She just cannot let them go. And some of us are like that too. I admit, sometimes I will have thoughts come to my mind that will stir me up, but then I remember that I have forgiven that person and I have given it to God. The devil likes to remind us of things of the past, things that upset up and we held on to. We 'hated' this person or that person because of something they said or did. We 'disliked' (a much nicer word than hated) a person's behavior and hold it against them. (yeah, you know I'm guilty of some of that!) But we are called to let go of the grudges we hold on to.
Why? Because they are toxic. When we hang on to grudges, hatred, dislike - whatever that emotion is - it holds us hostage to the person we think we are 'punishing'. We allow them to keep that anger, hatred, dislike stirred up in us. And then it makes us irritable, dislikeable and toxic to other people. Especially to those we love. And we wonder why some distance themselves from us. It's hard, sometimes, to let go of what we have hung on to for so long. Especially when it's directed at God. We're angry at Him for allowing things to happen. We're angry at the people who did whatever they did to us. And then we become toxic, angry people. But it is when we give it to God, ask His forgiveness, and ask Him to help us forgive that person, that we can be set free from the bondage we place on ourselves. He will always forgive us, no matter what the sin is - unless it is against the Holy Spirit. That is the only sin He will never forgive. Never speak against the Holy Spirit - who is part of the Trinity.
So take a moment and ask yourself if there is anyone you hold a grudge against. Is it a person? Is it God Himself? Take a moment and see if it is even yourself, that you have a hard time forgiving. We are often our worst enemy. Forgive yourself, and ask God to help you forgive others. Be set free from toxic behavior this year. Let the 'bygones be bygones' and start this season fresh and clean.
Father, thank You for your mercy and forgiveness shown to each of us. Search our hearts today and show us where we have harbored unforgiveness and bitterness against others. Help us to walk in Your grace and forgive those who have hurt us or angered us. Help us to extend that grace given to us, to others, that we may walk freely in true joy. Thank you Father. Amen.
Blessings!
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