Clumsy and Forgiven

Good morning!!!!  This is an email that I sent out to my favorite girls last week.  I thought I would post it here to share! 1 Corinthians 1:4-5 New International Version (NIV)  Thanksgiving 4  I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5  For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— You all know my weirdness…and I am so thankful that you love me anyways!  J   I have a book called 10,000 Gifts.  I have opened this book and have attempted to read it several times.  Last year was the last time I picked it up, and if I remember I finished the first chapter.   In the meantime, I think I have lost the book (surprise, surprise).  Anyways, I’ve been in a kind of funky mood the past few days.  And, to cheer myself up, I thought about my Sunday school class.  They always make me smile and cheer me up.  We started a thankful tree last Sunday.  We talked about giving thanks to God every day, and

1 John 1:9  "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness ." Today, I read a devotion regarding Peter's denying Jesus.  You know the story...the night before Jesus was crucified, he told Peter that before the rooster crows, Peter would deny him three times.  Peter was appalled at the idea.  He loved Jesus!  He was ready to follow Jesus anywhere, even to death.  But, hours later, Peter did just that.  He denied even knowing Jesus...three times.  And then, Peter heard the crow of the rooster.  He then went out and "wept bitterly".  Was that the end of the road for Peter?  Was that the end of his story?  He messed up pretty bad.  Did Jesus write him off at that point?  No.  Jesus said..."and when you turn back, strengthen your brothers."  (Luke 22:32)  Wow!  So Peter messed up, and still Jesus forgave him and used him.  I have messed up.  I continue to mess up.  I am clumsy.  I con