Feeling So Much Love!

I had the honor of preaching one last chapel time at my fav school, Des Moines Christian! Oh, how I love those folks...from the parents to the students and to the whole staff! The minute you walk into the building you can feel the love and presence of God. As always, Dr. Stouffer, the superintendent, was at the front door greeting all the parents and students. He said it was sad that today was my last chapel and I told him I guess we would have to set up a satellite link! Can you say Skype? Anywho...

Our sermon topic today was forgiveness with the focus on Romans 12:18. Our "Big Idea" for the day was...are you ready for this? "Don't Pick Your Scabs!" Kinda gross but hang with me. I talked about how we have physical injuries that form scabs; it's our body's way of healing itself. But sometimes they bug us so we pick at them and cause them to burn and bleed and take longer to heal. We wash our wounds with soap and water, put some ointment on it and cover it with a bandage. Of course, we pray for it and mommy kisses it, too. :) Mom always says, "Don't pick your scabs!"

Sometimes when we have a heart injury, forgiveness is hard to give and may take some time. We need to be mindful to not "pick the scab" as in reliving the hurt, complaining about it or someone, letting others dredge it back up or clinging to something that only reminds you of the pain.

We can wash our heart wounds with the soap and water of prayer. Prayer that our own hearts are free from sin and we are prepared to let God help us forgive. We can have the ointment, the soothing comfort of the Holy Spirit. And we can cover it, not with a bandage, but with the blood of Jesus that washes away all sin. "Don't pick the scab!"

Of course, that was the mini version but you get the idea. I think there were many challenged as I talked about my greatest lesson in forgiveness and the reality the kids face everyday to make a choice to not pick the scab of unforgiveness. God had laid on my heart that today's message was for two adults in particular. I didn't tell them that God had specifically told me two females but after service two ladies came to me and said the sermon was for them! I'm so thankful that God prompted me to give that specific challenge and bless their hearts for their honesty. God didn't want them to feel bad and beat themselves up, He just wanted to heal their hurts by giving it to Him.

The DMC kids gave me a great "Big Idea"...The principal, Mr. Lambert, had them squat down and on the cue of "Hey, What's the Bid Idea?" They all jumped up and said, "We love Pastor Lori!" Oh my, my eyes were a little damp! Sniff, sniff. Always make me feel like a rock star. :)

After chapel, my buddy Amy arranged for us to go to Jason's Deli for some breakfast. (Which by the way was yummo!) It was so great to have several of my girlfriends come along with their kids to hear about Tennessee. I have the BEST friends. They were all so excited for us and know God has an awesome plan unfolding. Thanks Amy, Lisi, Sandy, Morgan, Marci, Sophie, Lillie, Sam, Jenn, Cale, Kim, Mandy, Dakota, Gavin, Skylar, Naphtali, and Shari! You all made my day...I feel so loved and blessed.