Flipping channels the other night, I came across a real wonderful find in the movie "Marley and Me". I had seen it awhile back, but I think 'mood, frame of mind' have alot to do with how much you like a given movie.
I wont bore you with the story, but it is very worth renting, a thousand times better than alot of what is out there for sure. What really caught me was a scene when Jennifer Aniston's character first announces she is pregnant and Owen Wilson's character has a LESS than stellar response. She gets upset, then he, realizing his major mistake, asks if he can have a "Start Over". She says 'yes', then promptly goes back into the bathroom, comes out, and excitedly announces the news.
THIS time, he gets it right and shows the excitment he should have shown the first time!
What really struck me is that somehow Hollywood really caught what many believers never do: GRACE. If couples would simply excercise grace to one another, giving the ability to 'start over' when you say something really stupid, or with our kids, not just instantly discipling, but giving the chance to start over and do the thing right, ....or, in the life of our churches showing the grace we OURSELVES would really like when we blow it......wow.....now THAT would be revival!
I have come to realize that my Father in Heaven does this very thing. When I blow it, my natural mind is to expect harsh punishment. But in fact, though there may be consequences to my sin, my Father gives me a 'Start Over' if I simply confess my sin to Him. I dont need to brood in it. Accept forgiveness by faith and keep moving in the direction I know is right.
"Blessed are the merciful", Jesus said, "for they shall RECEIVE mercy"
Grace out,
PB
blessings bobbie and debbie. so joyful that your body is healing quickly by God's touch. give it time, you will be better than before. richard and i are praying for you both and will continue to . thank you so much for all years of ministering God's word and love into our lives. thank you for nourishing us and our children , and their spouses, and there children. God has most undeniably grown our families love and faith in Him thru you. what a privilage that must be for you. thank you for being willing. God bless and heal your body to completion and refresh you and debbie's marriage with renewed passion. lauren and richard
Posted by: lauren belfield | July 26, 2011 at 05:11 PM
Good!
Posted by: Jess | July 13, 2011 at 09:06 AM
PB,
We call that a "Do Over." Like when you were kids and playing a game that required a re-do. You shouted, "Do-Over!!"
I'm so grateful that our God is a God of Do-Overs!
Like you said, Grace, Grace, Grace...
Peace Out,
A.
Posted by: Annie G | July 10, 2011 at 06:25 PM
Hey Bobbie,
This is Stephen McHaney. I am praying for you and Debbie. Suzy and I have been through hell and back between two divorces and three marriages. God is the God of restoration and his mercies are new every morning. If God can restore my family, He can restore anyone's family. You pray for me and I will pray for you. God bless!
Posted by: Stephen McHaney | July 10, 2011 at 02:12 PM