Forgiveness

So I have been thinking lately about forgiveness. It is not always easy for me. I tend to wear my heart right out on my shoulder, and when someone hurts me - it is practically devastating. I strive to be so perfect - the perfect wife, perfect lawyer, perfect daughter, perfect friend - that when people do not respond to me in a way I see as nice or genuine, it can paralyze me.

I have been praying off and on about some relationships and general life issues in particular that are really just weighing on my heart. I have SO much to be thankful and grateful for. God has blessed us abundantly. But I can't stop thinking about those people in my life, or the situations I encounter, that are less than perfect.

However, God can't change my heart unless I am open and willing. I think that in order for these relationships to grow, I need to HONESTLY forgive the past wrongs. Even if there has been a list of wrongs. And even if the wrongs keep happening. Some of the relationships and situations are not going to change. Period. So I need to change my heart. I need to forgive, so that I can allow Jesus to help me love - irregardless of what I expect to receive in return.

I know it won't be easy. And I have been trying for a LONG time. But I need to step up my game.

"Forgiveness is the economy of the heart... forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits."

Yikes! It's been a long time.

So for the one to two people who actually MAY look at this, I apologize for being a lazy blogger. Life has been seemingly crazy here lately.

I started my first "big girl" job with an actual paycheck and benefits on October 3rd. Jumped in head first and have never looked back. Most of the time, when I have a client, I just have this overwhelming urge to say "Who in the heck thought it was smart to let ME be in charge here?!" But then I reign myself in and realize I do have SOME brains and a stack of letters behind my name. So surely I can manage.

Then, October 4th was my 26th birthday. My first birthday WORKING in a "big girl" job. It was actually a pretty great day. Although I had court all day, my second momma made me delicious champagne cupcakes and brought them to the courthouse (where she also works). J and my mom both sent me flowers. My momma and daddy cooked a wonderful southern meal for me that night. And gave me/us a new set of luggage! Woot! Along with a new Vera Bradley briefcase. And my in-laws got me a new Vera Bradley purse. All in Suzanni.

So all in all, it was a pretty great birthday, I must say.

This past weekend, J and I worked in our yard. I LOVE Fall and decorating, so of course, this being our first fall as a married couple, I just had to spruce things up a bit. We had such a good time working outside together. That is how I know I have married my best friend - even doing something as seemingly mundane as yard work, we have a ball together. Saturday evening, we invited Dust & Case over, and Adam and Danielle, for a little cook-out and firepit time. It was so fun just to sit outside and laugh over our ridiculous medical stories. Pretty sure we all learned WAY too much about everyone!!

I will say - I hated to see Monday come. On a bright note, I put some beans in the "crackpot" this morning, so dinner will be mostly done when I get home. Nothing like some good 'ole ham 'n beans and cornbread!

XOXO- C

Hello!

I've decided to start blogging - for real. I figure this will be the best way to keep up with our life as a newly married, and head over heels in love, couple. I don't want to forget any minute of our lives together, considering time just goes by SO fast.

Hopefully I can keep everyone (and by everyone, I mean probably one or two people who will actually read) updated on jobs, marriage, and daily life.

See ya'll soon. We've got a busy weekend coming up with (hopefully) a special treat to celebrate our 3 week anniversary!!

-Claire