#lovewins

Disagreement does not equal hate. America has made a muddy mess of the two. But they are two different words.

Some people might disagree and hate. But that does not make the words synonymous. 

Disagree: verb

1. to fail to agree; differ

2. to differ in opinion; dissent:

Hate: verb

1. to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest

2. to be unwilling; dislike

I'm deeply saddened by the Supreme Court ruling this week. I disagree that it was the right choice. But it seems to me that one major thing that is misunderstood (or maybe just pushed by an agenda) is that disagreement equals hate. I disagree with the LGBT community but I do not hate them. Quite the opposite actually. I'm burdened with love for them.

Confused? Let me give an example.

I love my children. Let's say my children wanted to play with matches. Um, no that's not going to happen! Now, they might think I'm a mean mom.... Playing with matches would make them happy! Who am I to stand in the way of their happiness? But I love them too much to let them do something that will hurt them.

If I hated my children, I wouldn't care. I would let them play with matches. No sweat off my back right? "Live and let live." But I love them too much to turn my head and "let live". I would have to really hate them to let them continue in something that will cause them pain and/or death.

That's not a perfect analogy, because I'm obviously not parenting a community of people. But I'm trying to make the point that from my perspective, this is wrong and harmful. I have too much love for this world to be ok with this ruling.

No, I'm not afraid of the LGBT community and I'm not homophobic. I mean, for Pete's sake. I live in this world, not in a bubble. I have good friends who disagree with me and my views. We're friends. Our kids are friends. So let's dismiss the fear argument. 

And, I have children with special needs so trust me when I say, I understand the desire for inclusion and acceptance. Trust me. I get that. But this issue isn't a matter of disability or skin color.

God's Word is loud and clear. Homosexually is sin. Now, it's not a "worse" sin than lying or stealing or cheating. Sin is sin. And it's wrong. And it has consequences.

Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life. We must repent and accept the free gift of God: His payment for our sin. 

Yesterday our country legalized sexual sin. (I'm still not sure how they had the right to redefine marriage when they aren't the ones to define it in the first place.) And I'm deeply concerned about the ramifications of that. 

To my friends who are rejoicing over yesterday's verdict: I love you. This doesn't change my love for you. We're still friends. At least I hope we are! :) I understand why you're excited, I really do. I just want you to know why I don't share your response to this news. And it has nothing to do with hate, which is what the world is trying to shout. It has everything to do with love.

From my perspective, the LGBT lifestyle is a sin that leads to death and destruction, and I love you too much be ok with that outcome for you.

To be honest, I think there are "Christians" out there who disagree and have hate in their hearts. I think there are Christians who are afraid. I also think there are Christians who believe Gods Word but condone this sin because of their fear. Please don't project the opinions of some on all. 

I follow Jesus. And I think His message was a pretty clear and simple one: love the sinner. But hate the sin in their life because it causes them destruction. Love them in their sin, love them too much to leave them in it.

I don't expect people who don't believe in the Bible or Jesus to abide by Scripture or Jesus' teachings the way I do. But when our country as a whole accepts these sins and legalizes them.... God have mercy on us all.

I think this is a given, but so that you hear my heart clearly: I'm not perfect. I don't pretend to be perfect or have it all together. I'm certainly not the one to save people from their sins. Thankfully Jesus came for those of us who don't have it all together.  Yes, I sin. But He forgives my sin and changes me continually. He gives me a deep peace and joy that I haven't yet found in my friends who don't know Him. I pray that they too would accept His forgiveness, freedom, peace and joy.

And I pray that our country would repent of this decision and turn back to acknowledging Christ as Lord the way that our forefathers did.

The trending hashtag is #lovewins. Which is ironic to me because people posting it have no idea how true it is. God is love. The creator of this world has been the definition of love since before He created it. He loves this world and He came as a man to die for it. He rose again and will one day return for it. So yes. #lovewins

To the Christian: I know your heart aches as mine does. But may this verdict lead us to Gods Word. Seek out truth like never before. Let your concern drive you to prayer... deep fervent prayer for our nation. Humbly love love love your neighbors and boldly stand firm in your convictions. Pray for those in bondage to sin. In these last days it's only going to get harder. But we know Who wins. And while we still have some religious liberties left, may the words of our mouths never be considered hate speech, but love speech. You can disagree and love. ️

~~~

These are my thoughts and opinions. They are based on the eternal Word of God as I understand it and on my personal relationship with Jesus. You don't have to agree. Comments are welcome but please remember that it's extremely rare to change anyone's (mine or others') opinions based on blog or FB comments. So let's keep agreeing and disagreeing comments here kind and encouraging. Anything else will be deleted. Thank you for understanding. 

*Image from Pinterest .com

The Author

This summer Ashley and Emily are keeping themselves busy reading (and now writing) mystery books. Ashley's current novel is Mystery of the missing bird eggs which is "based on a true story" that is still unfolding in our very own front yard. ;)

We have a bird nest in our yard that is home to a new set of tiny blue eggs each summer. But the ones that were there this year have gone missing. No baby birds, no egg shells, no sign of mother bird, they're just gone. So Ashley's writing a book about it.

This morning after Ashley read me an excerpt, Emily said, "Don't you think you should like, have an ending first, before you write the book?"

But no, Ashley is content to write although there isn't a clear end in sight.

~~~

Yesterday I got home from my trip to Italy with my family. It was amazing. The beauty, the history, the art, the people and lets face it--the food were all incredible. I won't speak for the others there but it was definitely a much needed trip for me. Of course I missed my husband and kiddos like crazy but to have two full weeks of not being responsible for anyone or anything... it was just what the doctor ordered. A breath of fresh air and perspective. I truly feel rejuvenated and energized. Well, sort of. I can tell that I will when the jet lag is fully gone. *sips coffee*

As a mom of 6, Italy gave just enough distance to make my heart grow fonder, know what I mean? :) Some respite did this momma good.

We walked the busy streets of Rome, beheld Michelangelo's David in Florence, hiked alongside the vineyards of Cinque Terre and rode through the waters of Venice. We ate our weight in pasta and worked it off touring these beautiful cities. 

On this trip, my sister and I got to know one another for the first time (as adults) and I'm forever grateful for the opportunity. We met as practically strangers and left as friends. Sisters. We got a little taste of what we missed out on for the last 22 years. We shared a room, stayed up late talking and laughing, and I teased her about the waiter who asked her out. ;) She is beautiful inside and out, and I'm looking forward to the relationship that we'll have from now on.

But ya know, in the last two weeks... getting to know someone for the first time... and sharing my life story... I realized something.

I always thought I had a boring testimony. I asked Jesus into my heart at the age of five. And I've followed Him ever since. I don't have a lengthy prodigal son type story. I was just a kid who got saved young. And now I'm just a mom who loves Jesus. I'm not perfect and I've had my struggles. But... my testimony is pretty simple one.

But it occurred to me. None of us have a boring testimony because weren't saved by a boring God. 

I've always been loved. I've always been safe. And out of respect for people that I love and who love me, I won't share any details of my story but suffice to say-- the storms of the relationships surrounding me left battle scars on my life. Circumstances out of my control had a profound affect on my life, rather for good or for bad, and in some ways, still do.

But the more I give my life over to the Lord, the more He makes a beautiful thing out of it.

My salvation is a testimony of the love of God. But so is my marriage. So are every one of my children. So was our adoption. So is my husbands job. So is our home. So are our finances. So is my health. So are my relationships with my family now.

These blessings are not of my own doing. I could have given in to bitterness. I could be mad. I could be depressed that my parents were divorced or that one of my babies had special needs. Or upset that my milk spilled or someone stole my toy. Bump in the road or impassable mountain, life happens. But He changed my heart. He changed the eyes I view life through. He changed me. He changed me.

I may not be the prodigal son but woven through the pages of my story are traces of a loving God. Written in bold beautiful colors through the chapters where I'd opened my hands and given Him full authority. And a little more dark where I'd clenched my hands and dug in my heals. But He's there. They're my footsteps but its His choreography. His song.

And that's my testimony.

Just because I've accepted Christ and I live for Him... doesn't mean my testimony is over, either. It isn't complete until He returns. He's continuing a good work in me. (Phil 1:6) And even for those who haven't given their lives over to Him... there are traces in their stories too. Places He's gently calling them. Inviting them to let go. To let Him be the Author.

I have a story to tell. Testimonies of the love and redemption of Christ. And its not done being written. I just hope there are more pages in bold, beautiful colors. I want each chapter to have more and more beauty and excitement as I surrender each and every page to the Author.

Ya know, I don't know where those little blue eggs went. But the story isn't over. There's more than what we know now or even what we see. Its ok to tell the story even if it seems simple or we don't know the end. The Author is a master at creative writing and He isn't finished yet.

"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." Hebrews 12:1,2

WDSD 2013

My beautiful son and daughter are more than just a chromosomal count. More than a statistic. And certainly more than just a couple of kids with disabilities. 

They are amazing kids who want and deserve to be an active part of their communities. They have friends. They have personalities. They have feelings.

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. And as I "wave the flag" of awareness for my kids and others with their same diagnosis, I want to say one simple thing. My hope is that someday, our world-- our society-- won't need a day. That people would be aware. That people would always accept them and look at them no differently than any others. That Micah and Abby would be seen as special for how incredible, kind, smart, and funny they are. Nothing more, nothing less. And until then...

Happy World Down Syndrome Day <3

Tis the season?

I think all moms should get a vacation after Christmas. And I'm not talking about the kind where all your kids are home from school for two weeks.

I've talked to so many moms in the last 48 hours that are exhausted from this season. Its only the 13th. And I can totally relate. I told one of them last night that everyone should be very impressed if I haven't pulled out all of my hair by the end of December. 

I'm conducting an unintentional experiment with my phone- seeing how many reminders I can pack in without it exploding.

Ballet/Hip hop classes

Bible studies

Christmas shopping

Wrapping presents

Christmas productions (2 for one school, 1 for another, and 3 for church. Thankfully my kids aren't in the church ones, but I'm guessing Jake will have to work and I'd like to go to one of them.)

Christmas cards and all that that entails (taking pictures, ordering the cards, addressing and mailing)

$10 for 2nd grade service project by Friday

Canned goods for 2nd grade service project on Monday

Graham crackers for Kindergarten gingerbread house party by Monday

Fruit salad for 3rd grade party on Wednesday

Apple juice for 2nd grade party on Wednesday

Wrapped book for 1st grade party next Friday

Fruit tray for 1st grade party next Friday

Taking meals to friends who just had babies (because I can't imagine doing all this with a newborn)

And all this while still trying to keep up with day to day life with a half dozen kids.

4 of whom just got over strep.

Are we having fun yet?

~~~

So if you are one of those moms running around like a chicken with its head cut off... you are not alone. Go cry in your closet to the Lord for 10 minutes if you need to and dive back into the world of Christmas tree cupcakes, Tamiflu and snotty noses, wrapping teacher gifts, uploading videos of your kid singing Silent Night in the Christmas play to Facebook. Be patient as you wait in the long lines at Target with a crying baby as everyone glares at you. Try to act calm when your 3 year old pulls an ornament off the tree for the 589th time. Take a deep breath and remember the reason for the season.

The Prince of Peace.

Aaaahh, yeah remember Him? Lets let Him reign in our hearts and calm the crazy storms of the American Christmas season. Its not about all the rest of it anyway. Its about Him.

And come January, call me. We can have a girls night out. I'm sure we'll both need it.

21 Days of Gratitude: Day 6

#1) I'm grateful for a country with the freedom to vote.

#2) I'm thankful to be a stay at home mom. Today I get to stay in comfy clothes, love on my babies, play with my kids (2 of them are home from school today for election day), and sit with a hot cup of coffee and a basket of laundry while I watch election coverage.

#3) I'm thankful for internet and satellite to be able to know what's going on in our country today!