Forgiveness involves pardon. Basically, that is like erasing their offenses toward us from a marking board. We immediately wash their offenses away like a wave washing away a message in the sand. Second, forgiveness involves caring for the offending person because most people who offend us have something in their own heart that needs healing. When we forgive others, they are released from our anger and we are healed by God.

How do you show up for your relationships? Are you healthy or crippled? Are you prepared or needy? Are you ready to give or too tired to talk?

Not forgiving somebody is like drinking poison and hoping that the offender will get sick.

God specializes in impossible situations.

Affirming words from moms and dads are like light switches. Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child's life and it's like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities.

May God's richest blessings be upon you both today and throughout the year and may those blessings flow through you to touch the lives of everyone you meet.

Children desperately need to know - and to hear in ways they understand and remember - that they're loved and valued by mom and dad.