"Be careful of your words... they are often difficult to take back or soften."

One of my daughters posts words of wisdom frequently.  These really hit home for me this week.  I received an e-mail from a friend that was nothing short of devastating.

I admit that I live a very "charmed" life.  I have always been surrounded by amazing and positive people.  Cruelty is a word that never enters my mind.  In fact, I can literally count on one hand the times that someone has been truly mean to me.

The e-mail pointed out many of my faults with no kindness intermixed to soften the blows.  I literally spent the next couple of days in tears.  Although many of the statements were true, they were presented in such a manner that I can't erase the words from my heart.

One of my greatest faults (and apparently I have many more I wasn't even aware of...:)  ) is judging others.  As a mom and a youth leader, I feel that I walk a tight line.  I want to instill values, but I need to encourage more.  I tend to look at others in life in a blanket form, not always looking or understanding the complete picture.

I think God used this e-mail to truly open my eyes to others' needs.  When I think of women and children (or men, of course) that are in abusive or abrasive relationships, my heart literally breaks.  Children that are bullied every day now are at the forefront of my thoughts.  When I think of the way I felt when I read that letter I know that that is something I never hope to experience again, but I was able to rush into the arms of a loving husband and be reassured by my family.  Bible passages literally popped up everywhere, comforting me with words of true love.  What about those victims that have no where to run? 

As I drove home yesterday from a great day, I felt a peace.  I am trying to apply the words of truth from this person to my life, and I am giving the rest to God to sort through.  I prayed for this person (which I must say is much easier said than done), and I hope that I use this experience to be a much kinder and encouraging person. 

So, in the words of my wise child, "Be careful of your words... they are often difficult to take back or soften."  Look out for the under dog, be kind, and let God do the judging.  Blessings.

Is the pope too Catholic?

At church this past Sunday, our pastor talked about someone criticizing the new pope.  They said something to the effect of "the new pope is too Catholic."  Our pastor said how ironic this was; shouldn't the pope be Catholic?!

It really made me think about values.  So many of us want everyone around us to think the same way we do.  If we feel something is right or wrong, everyone else should think that same way.  The person who made the statement quoted above obviously feels that way.  Why should things like abortion be wrong?  Shouldn't things change as the world changes?  Maybe those old fashioned ideas worked well at one time, but that was prior to 2013.

There is also the other extreme where we don't expect others to think as we do, but we allow any and every opinion as being correct for that person in that situation.  Phrases like "Don't be so closed minded..." and "everyone is doing it" are the justifications.

As I get older, one thing I really see is that peoples' values definitely change.  I grew up in the seventies when having casual sex was considered normal.  My children are growing up in a society that looks at living together as the norm.  Values can change during each of our life stages.  Using our value system as a basis of living our life is just so disconcerting and shaky.  I find no comfort whatsoever in making decisions solely based on what I feel at the moment.  I find that my thoughts on life's decisions change.  Can right and wrong truly change?

I personally have found fulfillment and huge relief in knowing that in my short life, I don't have to decide what is right and what is wrong.  That is clearly laid out for me.  It is such a rock and place of contentment.

So, yes, the pope may be too Catholic.  Good for him.  I hope that I can always be too dependent on God and not myself for life's answers.  Blessings...

At the hospital...

On Tuesday, I brought +Ryan Bohn to the hospital for another endoscopy.  Even though this was his fourth time having one, I was nervous.  As I waited in the family area, many memories were in my heart.

This hospital has been the site for many family events.  I remember with happiness meeting many of my nieces and nephews.  I especially smile when I think of meeting one of my nephews.  He was wearing a cute little blue hat to cover his little "cone head" after emerging from his tiny mother. 

Heartbreaking memories also flood my mind.  My father-in-law spent his last days here.  I don't think a hospital patient room has ever held so many family and extended family members.  I remember us praying over him, and I feel blessed to think of his peace that he shared about dying.  Our family patriarch led the way with dignity and humor.

I think of a wild array of things as I remember my husband being flown to this hospital.  I remember visions of water, big eyes of the policeman helping us, a dear friend waiting in our local hospital with us, watching KC get on the helicopter, being surrounded by family and friends, praying and praying and praying, seeing the scan which was dreadful, finding humor ("fity cents"), and literally, just literally, watching him miraculously heal in front of my eyes.

So, yes, this hospital carries many memories

I've always wanted to be a writer.  My cousin,@Roxanne Henke ,  is a published writer, and I've always admired her.  Last night, KC and I were out for dinner with our kids, celebrating Jenna's birthday.  @Jenna mentioned that she had been reading a mutual friend's blog.   I read our friend +Mikaila Worden 's blog and was inspired.

I may never be a famous writer, but I thought it would be fun to use my blog as a journal.  I love life, and I enjoy new experiences and finding humor in the every day.

Our weekend was so much fun.  KC and I went to many of the Parade of Homes.  We hope to sell our home of twenty years.  Needless to say, there have been many emotions around that thought.  I think women think of homes as having feelings--at least I do.  KC is much more logical about it, and he is very excited to move to the lake.  Looking at the new homes this weekend was very helpful, and I'm definitely much happier about the move.

On Sunday, KC and a friend from our small group, Eric, went skiing for a fundraising event at Wild Mountain.  KC participated in the racing part, and he just loved it.  After that, we went to more Parade of Homes and then out for a late birthday celebration with family.

My devotion this morning was another inspiration for starting to blog.  It discussed finding the good in each day.  Their suggestion was listing at least seven positive things about your day.  I'm going to try and follow that idea at night as part of my thank you prayer.  I thought I could also share some of my positives with you.

Enjoy your day, and find your seven happy things.  Blessings...