Life Lessons

Today as I sit to write it is very hard...for reasons I can't even begin to tell you, nor do you need to know. What I do want you to know is the lessons I have learned, in hopes you don't have to endure the pain I have in the learning process.

Lesson: We humans CANNOT change a person to believe/do/act/desire something they don't want to. Even if they say they want to--spend time with them to see if there is a true hearts desire to do as they say, or if it's merely an act to benefit themselves somehow.

Lesson: In the above getting to know a person stage...be careful to not overlook small whispered warnings because you want something so badly. It only ends in pain because a person can't live what they don't believe in their heart--it produces anger and pain, often taken out on the very one they tried to impress.

Lesson: Never judgementally approach a friend about what you see as a wrong fit for them...they are needing and wanting something badly...the best way often is to approach in love & concern for them--not damnation. Maybe just asking them to wait is all that needs to happen.

Lesson: If you are the person, ask your close friends, those who really know you, and be honest with yourself above all people!! God gives us subtle signs and even when we are very aware of them, we are human and can choose to ignore them. My advice here is to THINK & WAIT & SEEK GOD then do it all some more!

Lastly I would have to say....if we seek something or someone else more than God...He may give us exactly what we are seeking in order to gently put our broken pieces back together one day and say "My child, I created you, I know you, I love you, I have been with you all along, waiting for you to realize I do have something for you. Now allow me to heal your wounds, build you back up to the person I want you to be, and we can get on with our journey. No child, it doesn't matter what this looks like to the world...even those who think they understand me are often wrong..see child I work through those who are willing and don't try to contain me to a perfect box...I work in the poor, the destitute, the down and out as well as those rising above. I work in anyone, white black, red, yellow, poor, rich, middle class, married, widowed, single parents, divorced, you name them...I made and love them no matter the mistakes,,,cause we all make them--some are just aware they have. My child, I am here to start over again where we left off. Hang on cause I will never leave nor forsake you...don't you get that? -My Daddy, God/Jesus Christ"

May you learn.....
Starting over,
Shannon

Personalize this passage for you as I have:

The Year of the LORD's Favor
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, [a]
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for (Shannon) those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on (her) them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
(She) They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:1-3