Restored to friendship

Back then in a fight I said some hurtful things to her. She cried tears from a heart broken and wounded. and I was mean spirited.

I still remember her birthday. I remember birthday presents she gave me. I remember the fun we had as roommates. I remember how I so admired her kindness, gentleness, playfulness, her sense of purpose... just all those good things in a beautiful person. And for the last few years, the regret was most accute on her birthdays, for I had lost touch with her.

Through prayers I believe, she got in touch with me. I finally had the chance to ask for forgiveness. Imagine how humbled and thankful I was, when she returns with words I have long-ago forgiven you and I'm just glad to have you back in my life.

This blessedness of the prodigal warmly and eagerly received by Father with arms long-ago outstretched, I have tasted.

Hallelujah.

I do.

Do you reject sin so as to live in the freedom of God's children?
Do you renounce the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?
Do you renounce Satan, the author and prince of sin?
Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, 
  Creator of heaven and earth?
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, 
  God's only Son, our Lord,
  who was born of the Virgin Mary, 
  was crucified, died, and was buried,
  who rose from the dead,
  and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
  the holy catholic Church,
  the communion of saints,
  the forgiveness of sins,
  the resurrection of the body,
  and life everlasting?

Like the bride who answers before the groom, the church responds

"I do."

It's part of the liturgy druing Easter, for the congregation to renew their baptismal promises together. I do.

all for love a father gave
for only love could make a way
all for love the heavens cried
for love was crucified

all for love a savior prayed
abba father have your way
though they know not what they do
let the cross draw man to you

-Mia Fieldes

The school year is back in full swing.

A gift I received this week:

At the end of a lower primary program, I ususally mouth the puppet to a song played on the DVD. I've listened to the same song a gazillion times. With a touch of God's grace, he broke the routine and made the song new for me again. The children so delighted in the puppet's singing, the entire class was chuckling over the entire length of the song. That's two minutes of non-stop laughing from 20 odd kids. It was music to my ears. absolutely heartwarming!

reality check:

"You don't love the Savior one bit more than you love the least He died for."