I can't believe it! What were they thinking? Why didn't they? Why didn't I? This is so stupid!

Regrets. Anger. Grudges. Should haves. Poor choices. Bad decisions. Self-reproach. Unforgiveness.

They plague us, don't they -- those seething, simmering thoughts about the past? They rob us of today; they smoke and smother out what little hope we have for tomorrow.

I had a mentor and teacher in my early years who used to say it's like the stinky ole cat that dies. We give it a funeral and bury it in the back yard. But just for good measure, we leave a little bit of its tail sticking up out of the ground. Then, every once in a while, we go outside in the back yard and grab that tail and yank up the stinky ole cat. Whew. And every time we do it, it stinks even worse! Then we bury it again and wait for the next time.

Do you do that? Do you bury petty grudges and regrets just to go back and pull them out of the ground again? For what purpose? To flog yourself or another? To try and change the past?

Does it do any good? Is it useful? Edifying? Fruitful? Does it help you live better today? Or is it robbing you of your joy, your relationships, and your future?

Jesus speaks about something entirely different: New Life. New Heart. New Creation. New Wine. New Self. New Spirit.

"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view... Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation; the old has gone, the NEW has come!"  2Corinthians 5:16-17

"This "new creation," says one writer, "is of such transcendent importance that our past lives of sin have no bearing on our current relationship with God in Christ. The expression "in Christ" expresses briefly, but profoundly, the incredible significance of our redemption."
(from Women of Faith Study Bible, NIV)

Wow. Our sins, shame and guilt are in our past and buried "in Christ." They are part of a life we no longer live. Sometimes it takes discipline of the mind and spirit to live in our new birthright in the Kingdom of God.

Learn when to leave the ole cat alone, friends...and bury the stupid tail!

Greg

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Sunday, February 12:  Fellowship of Followers - 6 PM
This week begins our new, once a month, Sunday night gathering called Fellowship of Followers. We will explore what it means to not just be a church-going Christian, but a follower of Jesus Christ. It's the transition from being a believer to being a disciple, and we will put it into practice as we learn together. Meet at Greg & Jeane's house: 623-376-9926. No food please.

Monday, February 13:  Women's Book Study - 7 PM
Meet at Enids house for discussion of the final two chapters of Max Lucado's book, Fearless. Call Enid for directions at 623-486-5164.
Note: We do not have class at Peace Lutheran Church this evening.

Tuesday, February 14: Valentines Day at Royal Palms Resort - 7 PM
If you are looking for a great way to spend Valentine's Day, come down to the Royal Palms Resort at East Camelback & 52nd Street. Seats are available around tables in the outdoor courtyard. You need to buy a drink and whatever appetizers you want and listen to great music (by Mark Hiiva and Stephanie King!) in the beautiful courtyard of this historic landmark hotel.

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Beginning February 28: Healing From Loss: Restoring Your Life
A new grief recovery workshop is beginning the end of this month. If you know of someone who can benefit from this 12-week, intensive workshop, be sure to tell them about it. The workshop meets every Tuesday night. Call Greg if you'd like more information or if you wish to sign up: 602-622-1488.