“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love.  Let’s practice real love.  This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality.  It’s also the way to shut down the debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it.  For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.”  1 John 3:18 The Message

I’ve been disgusted with my propensity for pride lately.  It can go back and forth between low self-esteem and arrogance very quickly.  Either way.  Yuck.  Self-consumed.

This verse is my marching orders right now.  Practice real love.  It’s scary for me, but I think it’s scary for all of us.  Any time we truly love we risk getting hurt.  That’s nothing new.  But He’s “greater than our worried hearts.”  Thank goodness.  Our pastor also says, “heart follows investment.”  Invest in people and you will love people.

I’m also icked out at my tendency to justify my weaknesses.  I know that’s nothing new either.  Just what I’m working on.  Do you have a hard time with that, too?

Here’s a public confession due to a public act: I would read people’s blogs and facebook pages and not leave comments.  From there I could use different phrases or ideas without acknowledging where I got those ideas.  I don’t think there’s anything wrong with sharing ideas, but there is a way to do it that is “living in the light.”  I’m going to try to acknowledge better when I’m using something I’ve heard from somewhere else. 

I’m so thankful for grace!  And that His power helps us in our weaknesses.

Okay, I’ve got a couple sweet boys to go love on.  I love my family.