To be completely honest, I knew I would struggle with this series.  I’m kind of a hostage to myself.  I worry about everything… even over the silliest things that really don’t need to be worried about.

This week, God spoke right to my heart… BITTERNESS.

What really hit home was when Matt said this:

Bitter people…
… tend to justify bitterness
… tend to be overly critical
… secretly celebrate the misfortune of others
… tend to write-off groups of people
… fail to recognize the bitterness in the mirror

I am guilty of all of these things.

There have been times I thought I had gotten rid of my bitterness because I “weeded” by cutting it off at the stem.  But because I never FULLY dealt with ME, it always came back.  My bitterness is deeply rooted.  I’m not sure where my bitterness came from… but at this point, it really doesn’t matter.  All that matters is that I can NOT stay bitter anymore.  I have a husband and two sons that deserve more than just my reserves.  The only way to kill the root of bitterness is WITH forgiveness.  Forgiveness towards people who have hurt me… and forgiveness to myself for hurting myself AND others.  How dare I hold forgiveness from people and even myself when God has sacrificially forgiven me?

“… forgiveness meant that God is for giving, and that we are here for giving too, and that to withhold love or blessings is to be completely delusional.”  ~ Anne Lamott

I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus.  I’m thankful for another day.  And I’m thankful for the opportunities to change old broken relationships for the better.

Today’s Sunday Setlist was:

1. Holy Is The Lord – Chris Tomlin
2. King of Glory – Chris Tomlin
3. Nothing But The Blood – Robert Lowry
4. O The Blood – Hillsong
5. Revelation Song – Jennie Riddle
6. You Alone – David Crowder
7. You’ll Come – Brooke Fraser

Highlights: I love a fuller band sound.  I love daylight savings for that extra hour.  I love how our church pulls together for a common purpose.  I love how real Matt Payne is willing to be.  I love when the act of worshiping is made easier because you don’t have to worry about the logistics.  Today was a great day.

Lowlights: Though I’m not sick, my throat is fighting me on that.  Time to give my vocal cords some TLC, I think.

How was YOUR Sunday?  Link away.