I thought I should clarify myself on my last post. I wasn't intending it to be a "To Drink or Not to Drink" post. I appreciate the comments and insight though.
I, personally, feel that drinking is an area of personal conviction. I know several people who's main testimony of Jesus touching their life was setting them free from alcoholism. So, I don't want people to misconstrue my last post into thinking I was saying, "All of you, go out and have a drink on Jesus!" I wasn't.
My intent was to convey what I've been learning on my journey out of legalism into relationship.
Jesus says in Matthew: "I desire compassion, and
not ( literal meaning -more than)sacrifice".
The first time, Matt. 9:13 he starts with
learn what this means, I desire compassion, and not sacrifice." At that time he was breaking the laws of the religious by dining with sinners and tax-gatherers.
The next time, Matt. 12:7 he starts with
had you known what this means, I desire compassion, and not sacrifice." This time, the disciples were breaking another law of the religious, by picking grain on the Sabbath.
Compassion in these verses means - mercy; special and immediate regard to the misery which is the consequence of sins.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the
merciful (definition: not merely those who express acts of
mercifulness, but who have this attribute as a result of the indwelling of God within them), for they shall receive mercy."
I think Jesus wants us to learn that it's not
all about a sacrificial life. It's especially not about making sure others are living according to your standards and/or convictions. It's about having a heart that is so changed, by relationship with Jesus, that it is moved with compassion when it sees others bogged down by the weight of sin. It's not standing back and judging based on our perception of
do's and
don'ts.
Hopefully that's enough said.
House plans, house plans, house plans!!! We have spent endless hours looking at house plans. In the past month, we've picked our top 10 or 20 (all with minor changes); designed our own dream house; met with architects; came to our senses after we found out it would cost $10-12,000 for custom plans; re-examined our budget; bemoaned the fact that there are so many fees to build in our area, ie: school impact fee - $5,000. Now, we are leaning towards one of the plans that we have available to us through John's employer. I wish I could get those hours of sleep back!
While walking through unfinished houses, trying to get ideas, our kids constantly reminded us that they are the most important thing in our world right now. "Mom, forget the cabinets, take a picture of me!"
Kitchen cabinets - dark wood or white? That is the question that I fall asleep with. Then, I'm not sure I want the back splash so dark??? Isn't this area too dark for dark interior too???? So many decisions.
"Me too, Mom! Take a picture of me!"
Upstairs bathroom 
