When Your Mistake Costs Much

So I was watching football after church today because duh...isn't that what everyone does during the most amazing season of the year? Anyways, while waiting for my Packers game I had the Eagles vs. the Lions game on. The Eagles were undefeated and on their way to yet another win when all of a sudden the Eagles running back fumbled the ball and the Lions recovered it. The cameraman continued to flash over to the running back whose error cost the Eagles their first loss 23-24. 

The running back was sitting alone and visibly upset at the magnitude of his error. Again and again, the camera went back to focus on him. I felt so bad for the guy, he was so distraught over his fumble. Finally he put on his helmet with a dark visor attached to keep the camera off him. 

This visual reminded me how we often react to our life mistakes. We sit alone too long, mulling over again and again, mentally beating ourselves up. 

Today I'm thankful for the knowledge that while I'm not perfect and mess up often, I don't have to carry the weight on my shoulders, hiding behind a dark mask of shame and guilt. I'm thankful for a relationship with JESUS CHRIST that allows me to be forgiven, forgive myself, as well as others. 

Friends, if you've been carrying a burden for too long, it's time to let it go. Don't sit alone and hide. GOD's got big plans for you and it doesn't include moping around and looking behind. The past is past. Ask The LORD for forgiveness; lay it down and don't pick it back up. Keep your eyes on JESUS, ask HIM to take away your sins, forgive you, and come into your heart and life, making all things new. HE already paid the price, accept HIS forgiveness, the free gift HE gave to you upon the cross, rising on the 3rd day to newness of life. You've been called for more. Let the Light of CHRIST shine into the darkness. Let it go!

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."~2 Corinthians 5:17

Jump on the Thankful Train...what are you thankful for?

When You Mess Up...

•"Holding on number _____!" 

The ref announced over the microphone letting the players on the field, coaches, fans in the stands & watching by TV know who'd just messed up. 

•"Pass interference on number _____!" 
•"Offsides on number _____!" 

•"Personal foul on number _____!"

Everyone's mistakes shouted loud and clear for all to hear; teammates shook their heads at the cost of the mistake...loss of yardage/farther away from the goal for offensive fouls or closer to the goal line they're defending for defensive fouls. The guilty party pleading their case with the ref, hoping no one had really seen the mistake.

Today, I'm thankful life isn't like that! 

•Lie just told by ______!

•Worst decision ever made by______!

•Arguing/causing trouble by______!

•Gossiping/hurtful words shared by______!

You get the picture. 

As a Christian I'm thankful for the knowledge that my mistakes can be forgiven when I take them to The LORD. I'm thankful that JESUS Loved me/you/us enough to nail them to the cross, giving *newness* of life/a fresh start, found only in and through HIM. 

"having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."~Colossians 2:14

Whew! 

How amazing & awesome is that?! It's no longer by the letter of the law (trying to be good enough in our own ability), JESUS took care of that!

Let's be honest, we're all a *big* work in progress and blow it frequently, (but getting better day by day.)

So today, join me in taking those *less than perfect moments* to The LORD, asking for forgiveness/help to do better, to become more loving, kind, thoughtful, caring, forgiving, wise in actions & words. Let's shine bright today, soaring above it, lifting up and encouraging...stopping to pray before we act/speak. 

Don't Miss Your Opportunity!

Today I witnessed something pretty amazing! The two teams gathered around their coaches on opposite sides of the field for the usual after game lectures. But something different and out of the ordinary happened right in front of me. A very true picture of what it's really *always* about! 

One of the players from our team had stepped up for an injured player from the opposing team. He had taken him aside and was praying for him!!! He was doing The LORD'S Will. He put the game loss aside (his feelings/hopes/frustrations) and looked to be a Blessing in someone's life.

WOAH! 

Now you don't see that too often. 

Today I'm thankful for this amazing picture and reminder. We are given opportunities to touch people's lives, no matter where we are, what we're doing, or what we may be going through...we should always be looking to be a Light for CHRIST. 

How powerful is this picture?! He did not care what anyone thought of him. He did not care that he was supposed to be over listening to the after-game talk. This injured player needed prayer for healing. He chose to pay attention to what JESUS had placed in front of him and answered the call without hesitation. 

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men"~1 Timothy 2:1

Be looking for the opportunity to shine CHRIST'S Love today friends, it's always placed right in front of you!