Understanding Friends

The reality is, when a complicated trial comes, you find out who to go to for comfort. Some people try but fail. They may not be able to understand and suggest unhelpful things, so it just isn't comforting.It is taxing when stupid suggestions are made because they think without research, they understand. Some people do not try. The reasons are varied. Maybe they've also not researched, so they lack empathy. Some folks don't have the capacity to understand, but are good at being compassionate and caring. They feel your pain and sacrifice their time in order to pray and check in. Those friends are treasures. They carry you through. They buoy you when your heart is breaking and you feel desperate. It's likely when you have friends like that, you've done the same for them or others. Compassion has a beautiful way of coming back to us. God she's His loving care in that dynamic, and we can't experience it if we're never the one needing the help. We can't always be the giver, even though we might want to be!

Feeling despondent and sad cannot last long. It's too heavy. One must trust the Lord in such times. To do otherwise is terrible. Travailing in prayer and Bible study is very important. I'm reminded of the Mandisa song, You Are My Lifeline. We sure see that when we're in anguish. The friends who are with us in all the stages become such beloved people. Don't rob them of the opportunity to help you. Likewise, don't tell yourself they won't care and thus rob yourself of the opportunity to grow closer through your time of need. 

God is faithful and will not let us be tempted beyond that which we are able to withstand. Why are you downcast oh my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God! Having done all,  stand firm in your faith. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. It is God who is at work in you. Cast your burdens upon Him, for He cares for you. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Great is His faithfulness ❤️. As others have done before you,  encourage yourself in the Lord. Even with great friends. There's no substitute. 

Stay Pure

No stage of parenting is easy. Days can be easy, seasons easier, but parenting takes hard work, day in and day out, for years without end. Don't do what will give you children until you are ready to strive to parent well daily. 

A pot of water does not go from cold to boiling. Wisdom dictates not starting down a path you don't want to finish. Stick to the high road. 

No one becomes addicted who never takes a drink. Why set your feet on a path where you'll have to stand still for months on end? Or take a road that has the potential to lead to a place you'll regret going, or ruin a special moment you'd planned for your engagement or wedding day?

Loss of respect for yourself or another is not easily regained. Regret sticks in the mind sometimes for life.

Sacrificial love is to do what is best for another without thought for your own desires or needs. Starting this at the beginning of a relationship will aid the firm foundation of self-control that marks great marriages. 

When a man demonstrates self-control to his future bride, it instills confidence in her that he will remain faithful during the inevitable hard times that come with marriage. 

When a woman demonstrates self-control to her future husband, she shows a greater capacity to honor his wishes as the mother of his children. She'll be better equipped to fight her own selfish impulses, which is necessary for sacrificial mothering. 

Modesty regards behavior as well as dress. Don't play games with 'conservative sexiness' or coyness. Govern yourself. It is wise to choose to be more careful than necessary in honor of your Lord, rather than hover at the line which should not be crossed.

As with many things, we only fool ourselves when we try to skirt godly standards. Our inner man is revealed subtly to those around us and will impact our opportunities and reputation. 

Holiness concerns itself with godliness. 

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Gal 6:9

Promise to the Child of God

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.

Lam 3:22-23