7 Times 70

Grace is at the very center of every successful human relationship, whether Christian or not in nature.

Every human relationship, if it's going to last, has to extend the hand of grace and forgiveness from time to time.

Because people are not perfect.

And even non-believers know that.

But what about when a Christian, a Believer, an acceptor of Christ's eternal grace has a hard time extending that same grace to another person.

What about when the hurt runs so deep, when the offense is so divisive, when the betrayal is so big that forgiveness seems like no option.

What about when your heart digs it's heels in and says, "No way! They do not DESERVE my grace!"

That is my struggle today.

Knowing that I am in no position to deny anyone forgiveness, but feeling like I can't grant it.

I fear I may have hurt or offended those who are less close to me because of this sickness.

And I'm sorry for that.

But those who love me will walk next to me through this battle, with constant reminders of God's holiness vs. my own depravity and gentle nudges towards righteousness. They will extend me grace.

And I thank the Lord for that.

For I am chief among sinners,

desperately in need of Grace.

City Girl for a Weekend

So as many of you know who read this blog,

my hubby just returned home from almost 10 months of being away from us due to a deployment and the training before hand.

10 months of being away from your hubs takes it's toll on a gal.

So, he swept me off to NYC last weekend for some R&R.

We had SO much fun.

We really didn't do much "touristy" stuff.

We mostly walked, took pictures, ate, walked some more, took more pictures, ate some more and not necessarily in that order.

It was our kind of trip!

Places we were SURE to hit up were:

Roxy's (Amazing Cheesecake!)

Bobby Flay's Bar Americain (VERY yummy!)

Magnolia Bakery (good, but nothing compares to

my beloved Georgetown Cupcakes)

Little Italy

Ground Zero

Central Park

Top of the Rock

We stayed in Times Square so we saw all of that. We walked through SoHo, Tribeca, Canal Street, the Upper East side, the Upper West side and the Financial District.

We walked a lot.

It was so nice to get away for a little while for some much needed alone time with my best friend...

but I did realize a few things:

1) I REALLY miss my babies when I'm away.

2) My mom ROCKS. (She stayed with the girls while Paul

and I were away and was sick the whole time!)

3) The Instagram app on the iPhone is amazing and great for

when you don't want to lug around your DSLR

4) I am really NOT a city girl.

NYC was fun and I really hope to go back one day,

but I was VERY happy to come home!

I wouldn't trade my temporary, military-owned slice of Heaven for even the most posh city in the world!

Beautiful Pain

Tragedy strikes.

Suffering happens.

It's inevitable.

It can leave in it's wake bitterness, anger, hurt, resentment and so much more.

It can separate us from the Love of God if we allow it to.

Or,

it can draw us nearer.

And it can encourage and offer hope and growth.

But only if the sufferers are willing to lay themselves open,

to expose their bleeding hearts,

and walk others through their tragedy.

It can be beautiful,

if one places their trust in Jesus.

And that is what my dear sister in Christ, Meg is doing.

I encourage you to read her blog, but be forewarned,

you'll need a box of Kleenex.