Guilty

Every once in awhile I take content from Jim's Daily Awakenings and this one caught my attention this morning. Maybe because recently I watched "Bronson" which is a true story about the most violent prisoner in England. Either way, I think this story is brilliant and I'd love to see where this prisoner is today. 

Texas once had a Governor named Pat Neff. He served the state from 1921-25. It is said that once a year he would go to one of the prisons to make a speech. Afterwards he would linger to speak with anyone who wanted to make a case for his early release. 

One by one they would file by to tell him they were innocent victims of a flawed judicial system. But on one trip to a Texas prison Mr. Neff heard a different story. 

The man said, "Governor, I don't want to take up much of your time. I just want you to know that I was guilty of what they convicted me for. But when my debt to society is paid I intend to live an honorable life." 

Governor Neff stood up, turned to the prison warden and said, "I hereby commute this man's sentence to the time served. Get this guilty man out of here before he corrupts all these other innocent prisoners!" 

Sometimes when you are guilty you are better off to admit it. 

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.  

Catch Up

I've been lazy with my blogging and the longer it goes, the less writing I want to do. Here are some cliff notes for May.

Let's start with Cinco de Mayo (of all the days my bed isn't made, of course it would be this day).

Anyone reading this already knows I don't go out of my way to celebrate my birthday. I don't like all the attention and I also don't like the obligation it gives people to make me feel special. I'm surrounded with people who make me happy every day.

My decor, roommate couch time, Bert and Lo

My birthday on May 5th started as an inside joke but I think after this year, it might have to be my new permanent birthday. It's easier to celebrate since it's not my actual birthday and the conception was hilarious.

 I've been spending a lot of time camping and with my family. The countdown to me traveling is closing in quickly so I'm really letting the important things take up my time. I've been camping just about every weekend and it's to the point where I'm pretty sure I sleep outside more than in my own bed. The most recent trips were Santa Barbara, San Clemente, and Kernville. There's something very peaceful and refreshing about being outside especially when in good company.

Family fireside, looking at a waterfall in Kernville, Sequoia National Forest, Uncle "Alice" playing for Jayme, what lead to the waterfall

The surf was pretty fun this month with an exception of a few days. Summer nearing gives me a few extra hours in the day to be able to surf in the morning and after work. I think if I come home from Australia, I'm moving to San Clemente. Between the waves, lack of wind, and Pizza Port, my heart is happy there.

Jayme just turned 2. She has such a wild personality. She loves being naked with cowboy or rain boots. She sings the "ni-night song" when I hold her even in the middle of the day. She snorts when she laughs. She'll give people dirty looks followed by a mischievous smile and an exaggerated nod. She'll get caught dancing by herself in the middle of the room singing "e-i-e-i-o." She loves taking pictures if she can see herself in the camera - for some reason, it cracks her up and makes for great photos. She knows when I'm messing with her and says "Bebbbaaaa" as if I'm being ridiculous (smart cookie that one).

The last Smith kid graduated from CSU Long Beach. All of us except Stacey (had to be different) graduated there. Now he's off to be a big time construction engineer. God saved all the good brain cells and gave them to Alex. He makes me a proud big sister and also reminds me to hold on to the good in life because that's what gets us through the bad.

What's on Your Mind?

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. Well now that's just not true. 

All day. Every day. People talk about people. They can't help it, it's innate. It's easy to talk about other people especially when that person is the only thing we have in common with someone. However, if that person were in the room with you, would you be able to say those things to them? Probably not.

My new years resolution last year was to stop gossiping. I did really good for the first few months, then I noticed I wasn't doing so great. My little brother went cold turkey this year and he's much quieter in conversations now. I have to make a conscious effort to listen more than I speak. I now count to 3 before responding to people. I'm not always good but I do my best.

Ultimately, I want my friends and family to know when they tell me something about someone else, I don't repeat it. My belief is, if someone will gossip to you, they will gossip about you. If you talk about someone, make it something positive and encouraging.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.