One Day with God

My friend Eli shared this video on her Facebook timeline that really struck a chord within me. It is about a Christian organization's prison ministry called 'One Day with God'.

The “One Day with God” Camps began with a vision of one day inside prison walls where parent and child could reconcile with one another and spend time together with God-anointed mentors working beside them. The day includes games, crafts, lunch, music, clowns, an illusionist, face painting, and a parent and child quiet time.  It is a divinely appointed time for both child and inmate where both can experience the love of God and find forgiveness and reconciliation.  If one child could have a Christ-centered Mom or Dad return home from prison, there would be a joyous change in that home forever, and it could change the path that child takes in life.

 

As much as these people did something that made them deserve to be behind bars, we also know that every person deserves a chance to change. Watch this video and maybe you will also be moved to forgive.

 



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What Does It Mean to Forgive Someone?

So the other day I was having one of those insightful one-on-one conversations with my 7-year old about life. He was telling me about a story he read in his children's bible on forgiveness. Then I asked him "Do you know what it means to forgive someone?".  The question sounded basic enough.  But after asking him, i started wondering how a 7-year old would explain the concept of forgiveness. I was thinking he will probably say 'washing away of our sins' or something in those lines. But Troy's answer surprised me. He said:

"Forgiveness means you are giving the person another chance" 

 

That made me think. Troy is right. Forgiveness is really about second chances. Sometimes we wonder how many chances we get with the Lord when we keep on making the same wrong decisions in life. Will i get another chance? Well, here's the good news.

Psalm 103:12 "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he [forgave] removed our transgressions from us"

 

From the east to the west. That's the largest measure we can ever fathom on earth. That's how great God's forgiveness is upon us. And following Troy's thought, we can confidently say that He is not only a God of second chances.  He gives us multiple chances to repent and do right by Him. Not to say we can abuse this allowance, and am sure people who genuinely love the Lord will never do that, but accept the grace and mercy that God has freely given to us.  And in the same way, we can also extend the same grace to others. 

Think about it. Pay it forward. Who needs another chance from you today?

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Of Dragons, Love and Forgiveness

So we were finally able to watch How to Train Your Dragon 2 last Saturday. I never thought i can cry so much watching an animated adventure movie.

After 20 long years, Stoick (the dad of Hiccup, the main character) saw his wife once again.  He thought all the while that she was already dead. It turned out that it was her decision not to return to her family anymore.  Instead, she decided to focus on her passion which was taking care of the dragons.

The first time Stoick saw his wife, she mumbled apologies and explanations - trying to control the wrath that may be awaiting her. But the only thing that her husband said was "You're as beautiful as the day I lost you"  

I was so moved by his words. Until the end, he never questioned why she left him. Only loved her unconditionally and did his best to win her back.  There was no discussion on why she did what she did.  It was instant forgiveness.  Love abounded in him and overflowed to her.  Amazing true love...and such a wonderful example to his son.

Beautiful beautiful movie. Watch the video clips below.  Better yet, watch the film. It's worth the 115 minutes of your time.

1 Peter 4:8
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."

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