Forgiveness is the key to a happy marriage.

"A happy marriage is a union between two good forgivers." - Robert Quillen

This morning I am reminded of the beauty of grace and forgiveness. The gift that with each day we start fresh. His mercies are new every morning! ...How I am so thankful for this! 

I am thankful that we have an example to follow for marriage and that when I can't seem to get it together or visa versa, we have already been forgiven by our Maker. It is a sweet moment when all you want to do is be upset/angry and then you are overcome with thoughts of the Lord's grace for you. I remember that I screw up nine million times (a day probably) and He says, I love you. You are mine & you are forgiven. Mindset changed. You see, when we look at our marriage and our spouse like the Lord looks at us, we are able to forgive more easily and overlook those silly mistakes. I know I personally need a heck of a lot of forgiveness because let's be honest, I'm rude and I speak too quickly at times. 

This morning I'm reminded of how the Lord wipes our slate clean over and over again. I am realizing more and more how undeserving I am of this love and forgiveness, yet I sit here begging for more of it. Today I am thankful that I married a sinner and that perfection is not attainable. I am thankful that I am not God, but that I can look at His example of love and strive to live that way. I am learning over and over again how to forgive and be forgiven and boy does it feel good!

Moving Tips from an Expert

A few days ago, I had the realization that this upcoming move will be my fourth in less than three years, yes, I said fourth. Gah. For a kid who NEVER moved until college, this is a big deal.

Not sure if I've gone crazy or what but alas, we are moving yet again. Since I am apparently becoming an expert at this, I thought I'd share a few tips for a stress-free (ok, thats impossible but less-stressful) move. 

Tip #1: Make a friendly visit to an ABC store and ask for boxes. You may end up looking like you drink vodka morning, noon and night but hey, they are very sturdy boxes- perfect for books! --- you can see all the vodka boxes in the picture above.

Tip #2: Label EVERYTHING. 

Tip #3: I realize this is going to sound incredibly ridiculous and over the top (...but just remember this is coming from an unorganized person, so you can do it too!), color code boxes based on the room they will go in. For example, on each box I use a different color tape to represent what room the box will land in (ie: pink for the kitchen). The tape also says what room and what items, for example: Kitchen- wine glasses.

Tip #4: Recruit some friends & provide food/drinks for them. Last time we moved, I bought a bunch of Jersey Mike's subs, chips & drinks for everyone. It keeps everyone happy & is a little "thank you" for all their hard work.

Tip #5: Don't take things too seriously. No need to get all worked up- it will all get done & in place! (I'll be reminding myself that this week!) AND, plan a relaxing night in after the move. Order some pizza with a few friends and just take a break.