Oooh, life has eluded me for so long. My own happiness is determined by my feelings about myself and my connection to God. God is my connect, and yet, I have been disconnected for many, many years.

Taking the advice of others, when I knew the answers, and putting more emphasis and energy on the thoughts of others, rather than my own, has cost me dearly. No one knows better than you. I don't care how old they are. I don't care how smart they are. I've learned that you've got to live your life for you, whether people approve, or not--especially when you're grown. Wow, I'm just getting this.

Now, there are times when the advice of others should be taken wisely. However, when someone offers advice, usually, that's all it is. Even when it has a good dose of wisdom residing in it, the advice itself is not meant to be taken as a command. It's all in the tone. Good advice is meant to be taken as, well, advice--take it, or leave it, even though they pray that you take it--and we know wisdom when we hear it. We know the good stuff versus the stuff that just wreaks of untruth, that which comes from an uncertain, never been there before, place. I believe the best advice comes from those who have been where you are and succeeded and those who have been where you are and failed. Anyone else, for that particular topic, is an amateur, speaking on behalf of fear. I've learned that the hard way, but I'm still here--alive and kicking and will find, and fully live, the goodness that God has for me. So, if you're down and out, worried about what other people think, don't. Stop. God knows best, and if He's brought you this far, then He will lead you all the way. But, you have to seek Him, first, in all ways. After that, all it takes is the skill of listening when He directs you--a skill I'm still learning.

Thank You, God, for directing my path, no matter what people think. You do not worry about what mere mortals will say. You are awesome. You are bold. You are God, and I thank You for being You. It is my honor to serve You, Lord. Amen. :)

I Love You,
Yvette