DIFFICULT PERSON

The better way to treat a difficult person is to show him trust, respect and love. Easier said than done as it is the natural inclination to avoid such a person if not totally dismiss him from your life. Often an angry bitter person is in essence mad and dissatisfied with himself but rather than admits it or blames and chides himself, he finds a scapegoat to lash out his pent up emotions.

In retaliation we fight back which only worsen the situation. 
However, showing affection and empathy can help defuse the angry man's frustration. Gentle love has that calming effect.
Has it not been said that "the person most undeserving of love probably needs it the most."

Every time you want to strike back to get even with someone who has harmed you, remember that he/she has probably been hurt or slighted in some ways. And the only way he/she knows how to stay invulnerable is to hit out.  
ATTACK being his method of defence.

Guess we can't fault anyone for his claim to survival.

A BLAST

Some people are a blast from the past.  You're not obliged to bring them to the present.

AT HOME

It's exceptionally nice to be with friends with whom you can truly feel completely at home.

RESTORATION

Dear God,

You were there.

You knew...

About 30 months ago, I was a broken person - crushed in body and spirit. At that time the book of Job in the Old Testament was of special interest to me. Job had suffered tremendous loss in every area of his life and I was able to relate.
He was just about done in.  I felt his isolation.

How it must pain you, Father, to see your children in such distraught and torment. Yet you permit trials and tests in our lives because they are part of our growing process. 

Only a loving father would teach, guide, discipline, protect and SUFFER together with his child. How easy for you to remove all hardships and trouble but then of what benefit will this bring to a child?  Would he grow to be the man he was destined to be?  For You have plans for him.  Plans to prosper him and to give him hope and a bright future.  

This is Your purpose.

By your very nature it is unnatural that you withhold any good from your children. Your restraining hand longs to give and give of the best.
But for our own good, you keep your distance ... but never too far where you cannot be reached.

Your eye is always on your child.
You sent relief and comfort through your ministering 'angels' throughout the ordeal.
Morning has broken and your glory shines bright.

Today, restoration has come to me and my house and it's all because you have kept your word, Father.

Thank you. 

Amen

RISE UP

A man must do what a man must do.

Prove to the aggressors who will have you defeated both in body and spirit that you are a better person for your strength in character.  
Forget comfort.

Exhale ... endure.
Expand and look beyond temporary setbacks.  Put matters in the right perspective.  Put people in their right place.  
Never be afraid.

Be visible, be vigilant, be wise.
No one can keep a good person down for long.
Someone is bound to recognize your true worth and give you the breakthrough you so desired.

ABLE GUIDE

No one is really hopelessly lost if he is determined to stay on course to arrive at his destination.
Keep going even if the weather doesn't look good and the ride, bumpy. 

He may miss a turning or two or even mess up big time along the way but there'll be road signs to put him back on track again.
It is wise though to seek help and certainly not a sign of weakness to ask for directions. Better than going round in circles.

When I'm on the road I always like to travel with an able guide and navigator. That way I don't worry about getting lost even when the going gets rough and tough. 
I sit back, just drive and enjoy the scenery.

What comfort and assurance to have a constant companion - Someone - who obviously knows the way and more importantly how to avoid the dangerous and deadly twists, turns and pitfalls.
My Guide is there to get me safely through the 'deep valleys, high mountains, treacherous seas and dark alleys' always. 
To Him I can trust and totally surrender my life.

Giving thanks with a grateful heart ...

COMPLACENCY

Avoid complacency. 
It leads to carelessness, poor attitude and over time makes one incompetent, unreal and unreliable.
Unhappy with our lot in life? Be sure there'll be ups and downs. Quit blaming as this leads to anger, discord and bitterness. 

Comparing oneself with another doesn't help as it only breeds envy, strife and jealously. Such negativity erodes our morale.

Choose to build one's reputation and credibility on a solid foundation of integrity, humility, sensitivity and compassion. 
An individual's true worth is not on what he does but rather on what he is ...

CRUMBS OR ... CREAM

You can tell how much anybody loves you by the sacrifices he is willing to make for you.

Do you get the crumbs or the very best from him? ...

FAMILY TIES

Eating together with family is recommended and encouraged whenever possible. 
Nothing like having the brood gather round the table to share meals and good conversation. 

It's especially nice and heartwarming to see children, taught from young, spontaneously thank their parents (guardians & elders etc.) for lovingly preparing/putting food on the table for their nourishment and enjoyment. Instilling an attitude of gratitude.  Trademark of well brought up kids.
Everyone is glad for this demonstration of love and appreciation.

And then how very appropriate and meaningful for the family to give thanks together for the many daily blessings that we so often take for granted.

Thank you God for the greatest blessing of all - the gift of your Son.

PERSONALITY TYPE

My Personality Type (PT) says I'm self assured, in charge, strong and independent. 
The 'I'll Do It My Way' kind of character. 
Very protective of my loved ones. 
I can be a pain though 


My mother would confirm I'm bull-headed and self reliant; occasionally a nightmare but she loves me anyway! 
More of an initiator rather than a follower and once my mind is made up a hundred wild horses couldn't change my decision.

My PT also suggests that I fall in love easily.  True.
Not difficult, I guess. Love, after all is a decision.
From tiny tots to senior surly grumpy persons, there are many things we can love about them. 
And once we recognize and make up our mind to accept their temperaments, it's easier to love.

I take 'calculated' risks. But sometimes I miscalculate. 
Oh yes, I've goofed up on more occasions than I care to remember and made some awkward mistakes along the way but this is me.
Having lived more than half a century 'dangerously' and liking the pace, think I'll continue in the same manner. Life is so much more exciting and meaningful that way.

Giving thanks with a grateful heart ...