CLIMBING OUT OF THE DEPTHS OF SHALLOW LIVING

God see's us for what we can become, man for what we are now. So much in life is contingent upon us being people of depth. Allow others to retain possession of their dignity. Do not be a person opposed to an action or thing for the sake of argument. It is not wise to nourish the spirit of contradiction.

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I know that I am a sinner and I thank you for loving me. Thank you for forgiving the guilt of my sins. Thank you for calling me and using me for your good works. Thank you for good friends and a wonderful family. Thank you for protecting my life, those whom I love, and healing my mind and body. Thank you for teaching me loyalty and allowing it to be demonstrated in my life by others. Thank you for cleansing me of false pride and ego. Thank you for granting me wisdom and courage. Thank you for instilling in me a cheerful, obliging disposition of kindness and compassion. Thank you for transforming my life in to one that can be used for the glory of your Father. Thank you for those who may be reading this out loud right now and it becomes their prayer. Amen. 

When a great deal of our time is spent with someone, we must be careful not to take on their bad personality traits, especially those who speak highly of themselves while diminishing the accomplishments of others. The very thing that we detest, is easily emulated if too much time is spent in such an environment. When our thoughts are restrained or prevented from being expressed by an overbearing personality of another, this may cause us to begin doing the same to others because of our need of self expression while existing daily in a stifling atmosphere. Free ourselves from those who suffocate our beliefs, thoughts, and creativity, for knowledge has a purpose.

Choose your friends wisely. Do not make a mistake with regard to the character of a person. Never have an associate who tries to overshadow you in all things. Do not be made of glass in your involvement or mutual dealings with others, still less in friendships. We put up with fools and make good use of our friendships. Do not take payment in politeness, open your eyes early.

As believers in Christ, our lives are lived as an example for those we influence and our inner light passes by divine law upon our death and is something they acquire without recompense. The human embodiment of love, kindness, and compassion are the spiritual rather than physical parts of a person that produces an effect, or is responsible for events, and results which have a lasting impact.

Do good a little at a time, but often. One should never give beyond the possibility of reciprocation. He who gives much does not give but sells. Nor drain gratitude to the sediment which is found at the bottom of appreciation. For when the recipient sees all return is not possible he breaks off communication. With many people it is not necessary to do more than overburden them with favors to lose them altogether; they cannot repay you, and so they withdraw, preferring rather to be enemies than permanent debtors. The idol never wishes to see before him the sculptor who shaped him, nor does the benefited wish to see his benefactor always in front of him. There is a great skillfulness in giving what costs little yet is much desired, so that it is appreciated the more.

Be a person who pleads for the cause of those around us for which we have no individual responsibility. We are a good people who should use our resources, knowledge, and intellectual ability to advance the wellbeing of a child who is not our own, or someone not of kin who may be less fortunate, just because. Restore someone by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken by filling an area of a heart which holds nothing. Place order where there is none.