His Family is Hurting Too

I've seen some posts today that have to do with what shooter Adam Lanza's mother should and should not have done. They say she took him target shooting and should've known better. She kept loaded weapons in the house, and (apparently) should've known better because her son was mentally ill. They say that she should have sought treatment for him, and (apparently) did not. This to me is heartbreaking because parents are human beings just like anyone else. They cannot be with their kids all the time, and must learn to trust them.

Why can't we just give this mother (who's now lost her life) the benefit of the doubt and say that she didn't know? Suppose she was just trying to to provide her son a place to live and be there to try and support him? It is quite possible that she had no idea the extent to which her son needed help, and very literally, did not know what hit her just a few days ago. In my opinion, this poor woman was only trying to protect herself and her family. Her guns (if I'm correct) were all registered and legally purchased. It seems to me that teaching her son to shoot them only proved that she was attempting to use them properly. She wanted him to know how protect himself. How could she possibly have known he'd use one on her? Goodness! Tragic. Simply tragic all the way around. It can be very difficult to tell (especially when someone is particularly reserved) whether there are certain issues going on below the surface. In the case of Lanza...there obviously were (we know now).

The anguish and anger and grief are overwhelming. Twenty six innocent people are dead, and we the public are needing to know "Why" because our hearts are bleeding for these families. For the Lanza family, they must now, in the face of their own grief, deal with the stigma and labeling by the public, because of all that could've possibly gone on in the mind of the shooter. The next question can tend to center on why his parents never got him any help when he was a child. What if they simply did not know?

For the Lanza family, not only are they grieving right along with everyone, their grief and shock are most likely severely multiplied because they are related to the shooter and to his parents. I would imagine it pretty likely that many of them are pleading with themselves, wondering whether there's anything they could've possibly done. I think that we must remember as we grieve along with the parents who've lost children, that this must be a terrible weight for the Lanza family to carry.

It grieves my heart to think that some in their anger and pain, would proclaim them guilty by association, and treat them with scorn, comparing Adam's mother to a mother who (does the RIGHT thing) and seeks help for HER son. How many individuals are simply quiet and withdrawn because of normal, human awkwardness? This is not a crime, and should not be treated as such. We cannot allow ourselves to treat everyone with cruel suspicion simply because they do not fit a mold of what we believe to be normal. Pray for the Lanza family, and all of those tragically affected by the Newtown shooting. They are human, and they are hurting too.

The Wrong People Won't Control themselves... So We Need Guns.

The tragic events of the school shooting in Connecticut now have many people expressing their views about gun control. Many seem to believe that gun control would've prevented what happened today... If only we would implement it. Everyone's thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this tremendous, tragic loss. Let's face it... This whole thing is extremely emotional for all of us. It's been a very dramatic day indeed. Twenty little lives have been lost. Twenty innocent people who had nothing to do with the wrath of the shooter have had their lives taken away. Of course, this isn't even counting the six adults also killed at the school, the gunman, and the gunman's father who was found dead in his home.

I understand why so many are fighting for gun CONTROL. We just want our children to be safe. The thing is, those who are criminals don't become criminals because they have abided by the law; criminals become criminals because they have broken the law. Criminals don't worry about obtaining guns legally because they will get them illegally. They BREAK the law, that's what makes them criminals, correct? They know how to jump through the hoops and do things that the law says they should not do, right? Now, say we do implement gun control... Does this mean that all guns will just disappear off the planet? No, of course not. Kinda like vinyl albums: nobody plays em anymore... But they are all over the place, and only those who have a knowledge and appreciation for them will bother looking for them.

Some people use their intelligence to do good, and some people use it to hurt others, right? So, what happens if gun control is implemented and the average Joe, law abiding citizen out there can no longer protect themselves because gun control no longer allows us to have guns? The criminals out there who know how to obtain guns ANYWAY are then going to have the upper hand! I mean, do we think that people who kill innocent children are suddenly going to become respectable because we implement gun control? It seems to me that DEFYING this authority would be a badge that any criminal would wear with pride!

My point is that criminals who know how to obtain guns the wrong way, will get them... No matter what. So, we need to be allowed to protect ourselves. Criminals know how to get a hold of guns in ways that the average citizen does not. Therefore, it seems to me, that if the average citizen is made to give up their guns in the name of gun control, criminals who know how to obtain guns in ways that most of us can't, will still be able to "jump through the hoops" to get their guns... and what do the rest of us do? What do we do if all we are trying to do is "abide" by a restriction placed on us, because we are trying to "control" those with the wrong intentions?

We who are responsible with our guns have no incorrect intentions with them... but those who murder don't give a rat's behind about that! In fact, gun control will make it much easier for them, because now, they STILL have their weapons, and we don't! I believe, we must be allowed to protect ourselves! We have the right to protect ourselves and no amount of restriction we try to place on anybody with wrong intentions, will ever prevent ALL bad things. This is terribly sad, but it's reality.

We CANNOT live in fear and let people with sick intentions (like what happened today) win! My deepest sympathies and prayers are extended to all who have suffered loss today. Heaven has some little angels tonight, and we will never forget them. Emotions are running high, and everyone seems to be scrambling to figure out what to do. My opinion is that, all of society should not have to suffer the consequences of one depraved individual. With respect, gun control is not the answer.

Love Letters

I always thought it would be so romantic to fall in love with somebody through their letters. Well, let's say letters and photographs to be fair. I'd want to get a look at their face, wouldn't you? Anyway, what if you could fall in love with somebody, through the things that they write about on any given day? Sorta like "In the Good Old Summertime.". Now, I'm not sure how those two came to start writing the letters to each other, but they actually knew each other in everyday situations... They just didn't know that they had met each other face to face. In real life, they annoyed each other like crazy. In the letters, though, they wrote each other poetry and talked about the whether, and all that they enjoyed. They "romanced" each other. And it wasn't fake. The two were discussing interests sincerely, being a lady and a gentleman, still guarded, but with just enough distance between them, that they could open up a bit. In actuality they worked together!

Anyway...I wouldn't have to have all that. I'm thinking more along the lines of two people who just began conversing, say, online, so that we're in the 21st century, and things just sorta picked up from there. Is it possible? Say they knew each others names and what they looked like, they just had never set eyes on each other face to face? Oh, and one last thing...I'm not talking about a social dating site either. No eHarmony, no, Christian Mingle. On that subject, I've experienced both. These experiences were not wasted ones; but what I've found is that it feels weird when you know you're on a site with all these other people "looking" for the same thing... and then it becomes like a hit or miss kinda deal where you're not really sure where this is going to lead to, you just have to wait and see. Okay, great, but if I'm going to do that, why don't I just randomly date, like most people... and get all sorts of butterflies in the stomach, thinking about what to wear, how to do my hair, where is he taking me? What if I'm not ready on time? Checking my mirror a hundred times wondering if there is something in my teeth...

With all due respect, I'd rather just curl up on my couch with a blanket and some take out, and a fire in the fireplace. I'll watch a long movie; it might even be "Titanic"... who knows? Anyway, this seems much more worth my while, since I'm guarantee'd to like myself, you know? Anyhow, in "The Good Old Summertime" when they were writing to each other, there was no "forum" that they had joined. No competition. They didn't put each other on the spot. They were not trying to "get" each other. They were just being themselves. Yes, they were behaving "better" than usual in the letters...but that was because they had not met each other before. They were being very cordial to each other...and elegant. I love it! They were respectful of each other (in the letters). I believe the word is "chivalry.". My problem is, the idea of actually "dating" makes me so nervous, I can't think straight. It isn't that I couldn't go on a date...I just have a terrible time doing anything where I feel as though I'm putting on an act for someone... however wonderfully I may pull it off. If someone dates and it works for them...then more power to them. For me, there's the issue of simply not meeting that many guys in the first place. I had a bad experience with a singles group once, so I'd rather not go there... But anyway.

It's much easier for me to meet people online...but I'm no fool. One has to guard themselves. We have to be careful...very. People can pretend to be anyone they want to because of the buffer of a computer screen. And sometimes, those who are not pretending to be someone else are just using the computer to be honestly cruel. I have a feeling that in "Good Old Summertime," Judy Garland and Van Johnson didn't need to have a set of rules to protect themselves from improper strokes of the pen :). But anyway. So, it's very indirect isn't it? On Facebook, for example, people seem to live to say a whole lot of "nothing" but the irony is that this may be the best way to get to know people in their everyday lives. But then you have people who don't guard themselves at all, and have no manners and have no tact. I mean, people on Facebook think it's a thrill just to add another friend, just because... why not? It's "fluff," you know? Sometimes it's shards of glass being thrown at people in the form of bullying and insults. The wrong kind of people begin fights... and well, who wants to waste their intelligence on that?

But many people, really do just want to be as honestly expressive as they can, while just encouraging someone else. They have what I call a "ministry," even if they aren't spiritual. Their Facebook posts, tweets, YouTube videos, blog posts, and anything else they have online serves a very definite purpose. They are considerate of others and use proper "nettiquette" as far as they are aware. Anyway, a lot of times, we are not guarded in everyday life, the way we are when we are on the information super highway. It can be easy to think that if you are talking to someone face to face, then you are getting to know the real them. Not necessarily. Then, sometimes it's the opposite. Sometimes we're very guarded face to face, but not guarded at all online ( maybe because we think no one can hurt us there.)

Who was it I heard just recently talking about the lost art of letter writing? Choosing a special pen, decorating the envelope, putting your perfume in a letter to your love, putting the kisses on the back, putting a drawing in it or a bookmark. Well, who does that anymore? Maybe, what I really need is a PO box! Gee how much does that cost? So, what if there's distance between people? Say, you're not right around the corner and you can't just see each other whenever? The online thing, it would seem, could be good, but since it's so difficult (apparently) to tell whether someone is being sincere, I suppose most people might not try that.

But then again... Some things never change, do they? I mean, there's the whole grey area of "Do they like me, do they not like me? Will they be angry if I say anything? ( Especially if a girl likes a guy). Is this appropriate? Will they be scared away if I say anything?" I mean, that happens when people know each other face to face, doesn't it? Can a person show someone their substance and character through computer keys? Well, I think so...but maybe that's just me. Anyway, there's still more to this story...

You see, it's happened to me. There's someone that I got to know of through You Tube videos. I've never met this person face to face. But if everything he says in his videos is true (and my better judgement tells me he's sincere) then he has a character I'd like to know better. We're not just around the corner... But it wouldn't be impossible. He's even said (in passing) that he'd like a hint... a clue, if and when a girl really liked him. I understand! But is that okay with you? (I'd like to ask). Is that okay? Would he mind? I don't know if I should. I was taught to be a lady, and step out of a guy's way. Would he respect me if I said so? A guy can do that himself, ya know? Good grief, I'm speaking in RHYME! I'm a little older; when he was born, I was in fourth grade. :). Anyway, he may be turned off by a Christian faith. If so then it wouldn't work anyway. I'm the same as anyone, I don't want to be rejected either. If I gave him any hint of clinging...HOW COULD I DO THAT?? I know he'd hate it, of course! Any man with conviction would! That's a good sign. So how could I do that? I can't! (I know). Step back, step back! :). But why would he do anything about me when he has no idea? How can I leave something to him he may or MAY NOT know about? Is that even fair? And I mean this with respect, so you know. :)

In the movie, Van Johnson knows, and he keeps it to himself, so Judy Garland just thinks he keeps standing her up. They keep making plans to meet and he doesn't show. The thing is... He comes! He watches her trough the window each time, and she doesn't even know. I can't make any videos, I simply don't have the camera. I'd love to get letters from this guy... But of course, I'm no fool. That crosses a line of personal information. (and, who does that anymore?) Emails would be great. To message him, would be pursuing... Would it not? Or would it? I don't know, see? But to you, who I'm so glad I could "encourage", I feel very encouraged when I watch your videos about a whole "spectrum" of things. If you need another hint that a girl is into you ... Yes! Anyway, I'd love it if he'd message me, but I don't dare ask! Would I be better off if I did (ask about these things)? What if he doesn't even have a clue he makes me smile on the inside? :). Would he ever read this? I don't know. Maybe he'd rather I just said so, and was direct. Look I don't wanna step on any toes. You chase someone, and they'll run, you know?

Anyway, I don't think Van and Judy's feelings got in the way, because they already knew. Well, they knew on paper...and when they knew each other face to face... They had their letters to remind them of affection that flowed from their pens...and all the angst was forgiven. Ahhhh, if life were only like this! :)

Still

We all need people. And we all have the opportunity to learn from others. I think it's a wonder that so much of life in our culture seems to consist of breaking away from those who can teach us the most. I think sometimes God gives us others around us in our lives so that we can learn to become secure leaning on them through the tough times and learning to be vulnerable. I don't know about anybody else, but I've always been petrified of weakness and failure. I don't want anyone to ever reject me because they have seen that I am not "with it.". There should be nothing demeaning or embarrassing about serving others. But let's face it... Our culture doesn't look on this very favorably much, right? If someone lives at home longer than expected to help their parents out, they're seen as lazy and having no life. If Someone stays home in the evening or on the weekends instead of going out, they are looked at as boring or unwilling to try new things. If someone is single, it is automatically assumed that they are unhappy because they are not in a relationship. If someone ends up in the hospital or simply needs to stay in bed because they're sick, they tend to become guilt ridden because of all the people they feel they are letting down.

I feel that it is a skill to learn to take life more slowly and let others take care of us. The truth is, this is looked down on in every way in our culture. We don't like people who don't have any social or career status. If someone does not work outside the home, they are seen as lazy and unwilling to pull their own weight. How untrue this so often is! Maybe there's someone in your home who needs your company or attention. Maybe not having a nine to five job enables you to do things you could not if you were at work, like visit someone in the hospital, or help someone with a project, wash a sink full of dishes, or do a load of laundry. Perhaps the financial help we may be receiving from someone helps them feel useful, or independent. Maybe it's an endearing thing for them to be able to do something for us. Perhaps allowing someone to help us, or do a particular task for us, allows them to show us their love.

I feel that a huge longing that is suffocating many people, is not the need to be loved by others, but the desire to show others around us the love that's already in us. I think that's the real reason. People can crave relationships so much. It's not so much because they are requiring love from others. It's because they know they have great love already in them that they want to shower on someone, without reserve; and people are so longing to receive it. But we're made to feel that for so many hours each week, we must be completely in control, and unemotional. We must have everything all together, and be moved away from our parents, paying for our own home, vehicle and bills as soon as possible. We must be in and out of college with a prestigious job that matches our degree as soon as possible, and if a woman stays home and raises her children, she also is seen as having no life.

It was John Lennon who said that life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans. Life is such a paradox, isn't it? We're told to be strong because this is the only way we can benefit others, but sometimes the strongest thing we can do is allow others to help us. Wow! Who Knew, right? There is strength in weakness! :). There can be great progress, I think, it the times when something seems to have come to a complete standstill. For instance, I have a few books that I had begun some time ago, on two different laptops. One laptop I had gotten to replace the other, because the jack on the back of the computer became stripped inside and would no longer hold the power cord. Five years, 3 viruses and 3 power cords later, the second laptop had the exact same issue. Now I have two computers, stuck in which, are pages and pages of things I've written over several years... with every intention of publishing them. Currently, it's been really difficult for me to even get the money together to have both PC's repaired. This has become a long, drawn out "disappointment, that I did not realize I'd run into. But I'm confident that at the right time, these will be fixed, and I'll be able to see my creative work again. Perhaps it just isn't time for me to publish those things yet. In any event...I'm learning to be patient... And that good things come to those who wait. Good grief... Had not even planned to post an entry tonight! But guess what? There it is. :). Yo never know... while you think nothing is going on, you can be having more of an impact then you know! Take care my friend! :)

Lovers

I think true lovers will love you for two things:

1. Who you are.
2. Who they want you to become.

Now don't misunderstand me; I DON'T mean that anyone should make themselves over to please someone else. That's not love; that's fear that says "I'm not worthy.". By the way, ladies, if he's the right kind of man, he will absolutely loathe that. But, I think, when the situation is healthy, with a solid foundation, one will follow the other. When someone takes you for who you really are, and loves you, good, bad and ugly, as the love grows, they will get to know who you can become and want to help you get there. When a person loves you for who you are, then they can have the pleasure of loving you for who you can become as well. Plain and simple... And so wonderful!

Love with everything you have.
But use your head to guard your heart <3<3

Check it Out...

By now, everyone knows that president Obama has been re-elected. A lot of speculation has been going on as to whether we can handle another four years with Obama as our commander and chief. I am scared...I have to say...truly. But I will not go into all the reasons I'm worried with my own words. I would not wish to give anyone a "says you" account of what I'm talking about. I'd rather provide sources dealing with the specific things that I have seen and read so that others can decide for themselves (In other words, you don't have to take my word for it.)

In most cases a simple Google or YouTube search is very beneficial. I like to use the Start Page search engine myself because that way, your search results are not 'searched through" and you can still maintain your anonymity. For each one of these that I will list there are likely many sources out there who want to "debunk" them, or tell you that these individuals are not being truthful. Do your homework and see for yourself.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright
Bill Ayers and his parents Tom and Mary Ayers
Jerome Corsi (Authour)
Arizona Sherrif Joe Arpaio
Andrew Breitbart
George Green (former investment banker). (nohoax.com)
Alex Jones
The fringe Radio Network (online)
Red Ice Radio Network (online)
Ron Paul
Jessie Ventura
Linda Moulton Howe. (earthfiles.com)
Coast to Coast AM with George Noory (Radio)
Kevin Trudeau (KT Radio network). I don't buy anything from him,
he does have a lot of interesting things to say though.
(online).
Rick Steves (and his position on medical marijuana). (Travel's Through Europe)
The Obama Deception (DVD)
Dr. Steven Greer. (The Disclosure Project)
Kerry Cassidy and "Project Camelot"
The Blaze Radio Network. On radio and online
Dr. Edgar Bergen (Author)
Whitley Streiber (Author).
Phil Schneider (Black Projects, Govmt.)
Bilderberg Group

Okay, now, many of these things have to do with Obama, and many of them have to do with other things that are... Well, much further "out there" as you'll see. It's. A LOT to digest and take in. Much of it is very very unbelievable for sure... but many are risking their lives to get the message out there.
Also check out "Unsealed: Conspiracy Files". This is a TV show that airs Saturday nights at midnight.

This info. Is not meant to frighten, but to inform. There's a lot going on out there, and it is my opinion that if you only watch the major news networks, or read the morning paper, you simply are only getting part of the story. It's scary out there, as we all know, I'm sure. But I think it's a lot heavier than most people realize. Pray, and stay close to those who can pray with you. Stay close to your friends and family. Read the book of Revelation (it explains a lot) and get involved in a Bible believing church. Just my opinions of course, but I'm not going to give out troubling information without offering some reassurance. If you can, keep a stash of cash in the house, and stock up on water ( again, just an opinion). Anyway, all of the above explains why I am truly concerned about where we are headed in light of last night's election. Much of this is quite shocking, yes...but pray for guidance. Cling to your faith and stand firm. Take care everybody.

What do I do Now? (A Not so Confident Christian)

I seem to be going through a crisis of faith right now. Suddenly, I feel like I was lied to all that time in church. Scripture says that God will never give us more than we can handle. Yet I feel stretched beyond my limit everyday. I's rather not get into specifics, I don't feel that everyone needs to know that. But suffice it to say, I feel stretched beyond my limit everyday, and wonder what God meant when he said he'll never give us more than we can handle. I can't say God lied, because he doesn't, but that's what I feel like telling him sometimes. Sometimes, things just hurt and there is nothing I can say to make them any better.

I know God takes us through things to strengthen us, I just can't help but wonder what I'm supposed to be learning this time, while he seems to be gutting me lie a fish. What is he trying to "reveal"? That I'm not as wonderful as I thought I was? (I know that, but it seems I need to be shown in a different way now.). I don't mind going through hard things for God, or with God...that's okay... That's all part of it. It's when I genuinely can't take any more, and he makes me suffer through something anyway that I have a really hard time with. It really isn't all about me is it? It's just that sometimes, that's not the point. I don't want things to be all about me. It's just that there are some times when the right should win in a situation and I know that God is the ONLY one who can make that happen and... Then He doesn't. And I'm left on the floor, a broken, bleeding, worn out mess who's supposed to be thankful now because God can use the pieces. (He can't use us till we're broken). I don't necessarily mind being broken so much. I mean, don't misunderstand me, I complain and throw a fit right through it... But then there's always that point that I see the light at the end of the tunnel... And the missing piece fits somehow.

But sometimes we are broken beyond repair and God it seems, still does not show up. I guess he doesn't need to "show up" because He's always with us... So then why are there so many pivotal moments in life when we need God to make an entrance and he doesn't? What are we supposed to do when we face the same "weakness" that Moses did, when all the magicians around him ALSO turned their rods into serpents? Why was it different with Moses? Because his God is the real one. Why should anybody believe that? I don't know... That's my point. No, actually, it's worse than that. I DO know! I DO get it.... That's why I'm a Christian in the first place. But what good is all my knowing and all my believing and all my praying and trusting and hoping, and banking everything in my life on him, if, when I need him the most, he doesn't show up?

Now, church always seems to have an answer for this, all cliche'd and neatly pakaged. They'll tell you that God will never leave you nor forsake you. I know God will never leave me. That's not the issue I struggle with. I struggle with believing that it's TIME now (maybe it's long past) for him to lift the burden, make an entrance, relieve the pressure, let the right win...DO SOMETHING!!!!! And he doesn't. And we, his followers are humiliated because now we look like fools for following him in the first place. I'm talking about the PAINFUL stuff... The stuff that makes you think "Surely God would understand that this is too much for me.". He does. He does understand! That's what's got me so damn angry right now! For whatever reason, he let's us go through it anyway, and then says that it's "Good" that we are learning to trust him more. WHAT? By the way, I'm a Christian! I've been a Christian for TWENTY years now.

I know God does not use a magic wand. He can't just go around changing people's wills at the drop of a hat so that people can get what they need. But I guess that's my whole point. Why not?? If he's the eternal Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, if a person has the right motives...Why can't God intervene so a person gets what they need? Again, HE CAN! And he does! So why didn't he this time????? Why does God seem to suck all the air out of you, while giving you some sort of spiritual "blood letting" and then require of us that we trust him anyway? Why does he seem to deliberately give us every reason in the world NOT to trust him... And then require that we do. I'm sorry... That seems like punishment to me. Cruel and unusual punishment. Now, punishment is necessary sometimes, when you love somebody, but what happens when you're honestly shaking your head, going "God, what did I do?". Here's the good news: You probably did not do anything! But God has a plan, and sometimes we have to SUFFER through it (whether we like it or not).

I think this is what they OUGHT to teach in church. Because that's just the way it is. I wasn't taught this... Not growing up anyway. I was taught: Jesus, buddy, pal, friend, great big Teddy bear. I was NOT taught that Jesus will bail you out every time things get rough, and that there won't be any pain. This is not true in any case. But I was taught to believe that he loves me perfectly, and more than words can say. Okay. I believe it. Why does he deliberately make us do things the hard way so many times, while we are but "dust"? Why do we have to go through things, step after painful step, feeling like we can't take anymore, and then we're supposed to be so grateful because it's all due to God?

No, the things they teach kids in church ought to go something like this:

"Look, he is the only way, so draw near to Him. But you didn't get saved, God saved you. This is not a garden party or a social club. This is the Christian life and it's a blood sport. It's HARD. Your dreams and ideals will be broken and at times you won't be able to see the "better thing" everybody keeps TELLING you God has for you. There will be times when everything in you DOES NOT WANNA GO WHERE GOD IS TAKING YOU. Sometimes you will be mad at God and think...."I don't like your plan.". You'll think I'm not even sure I want you around because you're the one who's making my life so hard! (Get ready for it). At times, you'll sin against God because you won't be obedient to him. You'll do your own thing. At times you will honestly believe that God could not possibly know how you feel. You will THINK that you know that you cannot depend on other people. But you will depend on other people anyway (because they are like you). Then you will be genuinely hurt because God allowed that to happen in your life, at which point you will kick yourself for "depending on other people" in the first place.

God will take away what's precious to you (in some way shape or form) as a way of suffering with him (because he suffered for us). Get ready for it. In fact, any person or thing that you love more than you do him, God will do something to change that around in your life and you won't like it. Don't worry, supposedly, what he has is always better than what he takes away, but there will be times when you won't believe that. Sure, you'll be prepared for when people mock you and tease you for being a Christian. What you won't be prepared for is the day when you don't feel you have the upper hand anymore, because the bottom has fallen out in your own life. Then you'll think "God, this wasn't supposed to happen!". People around you will tell you that it's good that God is showing you who you really are. My friend, you'll find that there will be SO MUCH that you don't wanna see! So much that you don't even wanna look at! Soldiers at war get wounded in battle. Christians are soldier's for Christ... Get ready for it! The ultimate irony of your life will (sometimes) be that your only comfort in the storm comes from the very one whose CAUSING it.

Trust Him, yes. Just remember that there will be times when you sincerely feel like you can't. Get ready for it. I realize that at church youth group, with all the games and wonderful food, and rock music, it probably feels as though none of the above will ever touch you. Not true. I think the song "Held" by Natalie Grant is much more accurate, myself... But even then, you'll probably be snowed by KLove and the Christian DJ's and the pledge drives, and all the "Spirit West Coast" commercials. So just who am I anyway? I'm a Christian who's coming apart inside, and trying to remember that God STILL IS and there is hope. I just need to be reminded. A LOT. There will be times you will be angry with God...sometimes angrier than you ever thought you would be. When you're done throwing a fit , He'll be right there to pick you up, but you won't exactly rejoice, because all you want is for the pain to go away.

Eventually it will (though there are some that are always with you). God will keep us from harm, but that does not mean that we will never get hurt. This is something I was not aware of for a long time. I'm just saying, I didn't even know there was a difference for a long time. So, many things aren't over by morning, and Rome wasn't built in a day. Just sayin'