What does family mean to you?

So over the past week I've been thinking alot about my family and the good times we've shared over the years.  I remember as a young girl how all of my family (aunt, uncles, cousins) would gather at my Grandmom's house and camp for a weekend.  Or the weekends spent at Mom's when we would head to an Aunt's house for a family get together.  I always loved getting to see them all, and was grateful to have cousins my age.  We had wild imaginations, played endless games, or simply played keep away from the younger cousins (who we thought were pains). :)  Of course as we grow up, go off to school, move away from home, things change and we lose touch.  But never do we lose that special bond, or all the memories we share.  As with all families there are of course the bumps encountered along the way, differences of opinions, grudges, hurtful words/actions, and the worst is the alienation of a family member.  The following are some of my opinions on how family should treat each other:

Realize that nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes.  Most importantly though is what we learn from those mistakes and how we use that information to make ourselves better.  So realizing that people do change, don't continue to judge someone on past actions.  Sometimes it's just best to leave the past behind us and move forward. 

Don't hide during the tough times, there is always someone whose been in your situation.  Whether it be issues with children, marital problems, job issues, no matter what there is always someone there willing to give you advice and give a helping hand.  And when you know a family member is having a rough time don't kick them when they're down, or do something to make it worse.

In my life I have observed members of my family let differences keep them apart, you never know when that person may be gone.  Then you may live the rest of your life thinking "I wish I had spent more time, called more often, or said I love you".  Is that a guilt you want to live with for the rest of your life?

Be loyal to your family, love them in good times or bad.  Most importantly FORGIVE, god forgives and so should you.

Colossians 3:13 - Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Significance of Change

So I've decided to ramble on today about taking risks and dare I say it....making a change?  As you all know these past 8 months have all been about change for me.  A change in where I live, career, church, and overall going a little out of my comfort zone at times.  Some changes are major, some are minor, but all making me a better person each day.  So why are we society as a whole, sometimes so afraid of change?  Even if we know in the long run, the change will be positive?  Are we afraid of what our family & friends may think?  But truly if they love us, they should accept us no matter what correct?  So here is my challenge to you... think of one thing no matter if it's big or small that you would like to change, and give it a shot.

Here are the changes that my family and I have made over the last year.  The biggest change for us is moving to East Tennessee.  For those who may know this is my husband's home, he was born and raised here.  For me it's been a definite change, never have I lived somewhere so far removed...let's just say I'm way out in the country.  It's taken awhile for me to be comfortable enough to stay at home in the evenings, alone.  Never have I lived somewhere where it's deftly silent at night, and yes I know the katydids will be back soon and they drive me crazy!  And did you ever think you would hear me talking, excitedly about life on the farm?  I love helping to feed the cows, chickens, whatever his dad may need help doing.  Last week Rick and I climbed up on the hay rolls to see if the chickens we nesting up there, and on the way down let's just say I ended up sliding down the hay on my bottom.  But I laughed all the way down!  Now that's not to say I don't still walk gingerly thru the fields, careful to avoid all the cow patties. 

The second change for me is the career, I'm now a full time student!  It's been a real eye opening experience to be on campus, and in classes with 200 other students.  I've also made another change in life, and that's a new church.  We've started attending Rick's family church here, and it too has been a blessing.  For many years I had strayed away from church, but a few months ago really started feeling like something was missing in my life.  The past few weeks at church have been just what I needed, and everyone has been so welcoming, and our pastor is wonderful.  Megan has thrived in church as well, sometimes singing in the choir, and now becoming involved with the Easter program. 

Another change is the thought of a family run, we're looking at doing a 5K as a family at the end of April.  Megan is super excited, and we're getting ready to start a training program. 

The changes have been gradual, but I'm hopeful that all are for the best!  That's not to say I don't still have a few flaws. :)  Or a few things in the back of my head that still bother me....but alas, I'm taking them one at a time.