I Can Do Without...

 Reflecting on all Jesus gave up for me, it's been hard to pick one thing that would really 'hurt'. I tried to think of something that I do about every day...facebook (sad, I know), my Kelly's Kids business, hang out with family and friends....and then it dawned on me. Starbucks. As silly as that may seem, I am a Starbucks addict and this is going to be a challenge! So, I guess I'll get my caffeine through diet sodas, but as a mom....there's nothing like a peppermint white mocha from Starbucks to give you a boost on a hard day. I can do this. This is *pale, pale, pale* in comparison to what my Lord did for me.

Goodbye! I may not even miss you!

The following scripture was read last night at my church's Lent service and I LOVE it. I also included 'The Message' translation. I used Bible Gateway to look up the passages.

Psalm 103:8-14

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
   slow to anger, abounding in love.
⁹ He will not always accuse,
   nor will he harbor his anger forever;
¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
   or repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
   so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
   so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

 ¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
   so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
   he remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103:8-14

The Message (MSG)

 ^6-18 God makes everything come out right;
      he puts victims back on their feet.
   He showed Moses how he went about his work,
      opened up his plans to all Israel.
   God is sheer mercy and grace;
      not easily angered, he's rich in love.
   He doesn't endlessly nag and scold,
      nor hold grudges forever.
   He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,
      nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
   As high as heaven is over the earth,
      so strong is his love to those who fear him.
   And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
      he has separated us from our sins.
   As parents feel for their children,
      God feels for those who fear him.
   He knows us inside and out,
      keeps in mind that we're made of mud.
   Men and women don't live very long;
      like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
   But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
      leaving nothing to show they were here.
   God's love, though, is ever and always,
      eternally present to all who fear him,
   Making everything right for them and their children
      as they follow his Covenant ways
      and remember to do whatever he said.

 

If you're giving something up....what is it? xoxo