While driving in the car with my youngest son, he was contemplating why I changed purses so much. You know that is right next to the thoughts about what he is going to eat when we arrive home.

Son: Mom why do you keep getting new purses?

Me: Well for one I did not buy this purse, Grandma gave me this purse last time we visited.

Son: Ok, but why did you change purses?

Me: It is winter time, and women like to change purses as the seasons change. It is kind of like shoes, women change shoes to match their outfit.

Son: But WHY do you change purses and shoes, what is wrong with the one that you had?

Me: We just do honey, we like to change shoes and purses about as often as you change underwear.

Son: (deep in thought) But I HAVE to change underwear….

(this is me with a big grin knowing I have instilled the Mom motto: make sure you have clean underwear on when you leave the house).

Ah, not sure how my son will do if he marries a girly girl. I am trying future daughter in laws, just know I am trying.

PS- No that is not my purse, but sure wish it was =)

I began a series on the five basic principles that should be taught in the home. These principles can only be reinforced in church or school, but the model of what they learn comes from home.

First principle was the principle of love
Second principle of justice.
Third is the principle of respect.
Fourth is the principle of honesty.
Lastly, and possibly the most important is the principal of forgiveness.

I have mentioned before that the Lord likes to teach me in object lessons. I can not teach or share in a devotion or even on this blog if I have not had a taste of the struggle. I think that is one of the more difficult things about sharing God’s word, in order for you to really believe what you are saying God makes it real by allowing you to go through that struggle a little bit. Forgiveness has been a struggle I have experience for over a year. I never knew I struggled with this or at least the Lord allowed me to see some hidden areas of my heart.

Almost a year to today I shared with you my journey to forgiveness from the pain caused by a pastor. I wish I could tell you after sharing that post all was forgiven and life goes on. As I shared at the end, “I will be the first to tell you [forgiveness] can be a difficult journey;” and I am here to say it is STILL a difficult journey. Satan took that situation and sifted my heart. This has nothing to do with what happened it had to do with me letting go of my feelings of anger, disappointment, and hurt.

Then the Lord even brought it in closer. Just yesterday I had two incidents that really hurt my feelings, left me crying. Even though I did not do any wrong in either situation, the Lord said I just need you to forgive. You know what I said, “Father there are so many other areas I struggle with, why do we need to add to the list!!” The Lord quietly reminded me, “Daughter so you realize that I am with you and only through ME can you forgive, not on your own power.”

I ask you is there ever a human relationship that a time does not come when you have to say, “I’m sorry.”

You hear the saying that you should forgive and forget, I suggest you should forgive and forgo judgment and retribution. There are just some things in life you can not forget!

How often do you forgive?

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matt 18:21-22)

How do our children learn to forgive? By watching their parents forgive. I had great examples from my parents, I hurt my parents pretty bad in college. In return all I ever felt was love and acceptance. So easily the reaction could have been “this is not how I raised you,” they had justification for their anger. But honestly I don’t even think it entered their mind. So today I am stand as the last person on this earth to withhold forgiveness from anyone and the only reason I know I can do that is because it was modeled for me.

This concludes five things to teach your kids IN THE HOME! Yes these principles overlap each other, but each one carry its own weight. Your kids can not be taught these principles in school or EVEN in church. These have to come directly from parents or caregivers. We as a society are struggling because some of these principles are not being reinforced. Parenting is the hardest job anyone will ever have; one moment it will bring you to your knees before the Lord and have you singing from the mountain tops the next.

Deuteronomy 4:9-10 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”

If you are like me and LOVE SHOES, you don’t want to miss these awesome deals. (click on the button)

Oh my goodness if you did not watch this Chonda Pierce skit head on over and watch it. This is how conversations are in my all male household!

Also, did you see this giveaway? If you are a coffee lover you might like it.

The great people at Keurig has given Blogger The Dirty Shirt an extra black Gourmet Single Cup Mini Brewing System and a 24 pack of Green Mountain Coffee Light Roast Breakfast Blend to give away. Yummm head on over there to check it out.

Warning this is a rambling post that may have no point, (ok I know what is new) but my brain for some reason has refused to function.