You don't have to go it alone...

Well I found out yesterday that instead of coming back to the U.S. from Israel on March 8, we are going to be going to Greece and then finally coming home on March 15th.  I can't believe it!  And I also can't wait.  I can't wait to see the beauty that God has created in this world.  There is so much bad stuff all over the tv and the internet and the news.  Has anyone ever just stopped and said "Wow, look at all the beauty that God has provided for us.  Why are we tearing it apart?"

There is so much potential for love in this world that it is unimagineable.  How is that possible, you ask.  It's because God loves us.  John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that He gave his begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever lasting life."

Amazing.

Jesus died for US!  Not just for me, not just for you, but for everyone!  He sacrificed his own self so that our entire world would not have to pay for our sins.  Jesus paid the price for us.  How can it get any better?
I have a hard enough time trying to figure out my own problems.  Why not just give them to God.  Let him take control of my life.  We don't have to worry, he does the worrying for us.  Can you believe that worrying is actually a sin?  It's because when we worry, we aren't giving it all to God.  He will work it out.  If it's in God's will for our life, He will work it out for us.  If it's not in His will for us, then like flour through a sifter, he will get rid of the impurities for us.  Why should we worry about life's imperfections?  There is someone who will take care of this for us.  He is God.  Do you want God to be your heavenly father or do you want God to be your judge?
When it is my time to leave this earth, I want to be welcomed by God with open arms.  I want him to look at me and say "Welcome home, my child.  Welcome home."

God has gotten me through so many emotions in the past month.  He hears my prayers.  He knows my heart.  He has given me comfort and peace.  I am so thankful that I have not been alone in this time of my life.  He is always with me.

It's time to get on with my life and see what God has in store for me.  I can't keep holding onto "what ifs."  What if those "what ifs" don't ever come around.  Then that is time wasted that could have been spent being productive for God.

I have learned that a woman doesn't become a woman when she turns a certain age, or when she marries, or when she has children.  A woman becomes a woman when she becomes what God wants her to be.  When a woman becomes what God wants her to be, then her role as a wife and as a mother will be perfect.  God will have molded her and made her into the woman that He wanted her to be.  Not a woman that someone else wanted her to be.

It's now 3:51 a.m.  I have been awake for an hour with endless thoughts running through my mind.
God, I'm giving it all to you.  You know the answers.  You know the heartache.  Lord, continue to give me peace and comfort in my time and need.  Be with everyone tonight and just touch their hearts.  Let their heart know the peace of God that I have come to know.  Keep your hand on my daddy as he lies in the hospital battling pneumonia in both lungs.  I desperately wish I could be there by his bedside.   Thank you, Lord, for all that you have given me in my life.  I could never repay you.

You don't have to go it alone

There are days when you stagger
and days when you fall,
and days when you can't seem
to stand up at all.

But you don't have to go it alone.
You don't have to carry the load.
You can give it to Jesus at the side of the road
You don't have to go it alone.

There are days when your heartbreak
is too much to bear
and days when you're too hurt
to offer a prayer.

But you don't have to go it alone.
You don't have to dry your own tears,
You can give them to Jesus along with your fears.
You don't have to go it alone.

Cause there's power in the blood
and true love from the cross
a companion for everyone
who's ever felt lost.

There's more healing and comfort
than you've ever known,
You don't have to go it alone.

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It's like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room...

Well I'm officially single now.  What a ride.  I loved him.  I still love him.  Fifteen months is a long time to be with someone and not still love him. Will we ever be together again?  Who knows.  Only God knows. This relationship has definitely opened my eyes.  I truly believe that people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  We never know at the time how long they will be in our lives, but they are always put there for a reason.  I believe I am exactly where God wants me to be.  There is a reason I am where I am.  I'm not sure yet what that is, but I can't wait to find out.  Something that is helping me get through this is Jeremiah 29:12&13.  "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  And ye shall see me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."  Wow, those are some powerful words.  If I seek God with all of my heart, I will find him.  He doesn't have to find me.  He already loves me.  It is I who needs to do the searching.  Do I want Jesus walking behind me or do I want him walking beside me?  I need Him every step of the way.  Keep me in your prayers...

I'm heading to Israel for 11 days next month.  Our trip is from February 27-March 8.  I absolutely can not wait.  I love the lyrics of "Better Hands Now" by Natalie Grant because they are so true.  The line that says "It's like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room," is absolutely amazing.  It's so true.  I'm going to be in the same places that Jesus was.  I'm going to feel the air that Jesus breathed.  I can't wait to go to Israel and experience things that Christ experienced.  I will be walking where Jesus walked. 

Day 1 – Departure

We travel from Atlanta to Tel Aviv

Day 2 – Israel

Upon arrival, we will receive an overview and instructions as we travel to our hotel for unpacking, dinner, and devotions on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.  Day 3 we will be walking where Jesus walked.

Day 3 – Caesarea, Megiddo, and Jordan River Baptism Site

After breakfast, we travel by private motor coach along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Caesarea, where gentiles first heard the Good News from Peter and were baptized.  See the Roman Amphitheatre and aqueduct.  Then we will journey to Mt. Carmel, where Elijah hid from King Ahab and through the Jezreal Valley to Megiddo, where archaeologists have unearthed 20 levels of civilization.  We conclude our day with a visit to the Jordan River Baptismal site.  We will have dinner and overnight lodging for the next two nights in the Tiberias area on the Sea of Galilee.

Day 4 – Capernaum, Dan Caesarea Philippi, and Mount of Beatitudes

Following breakfast, our morning travels take us to the Dan and Caesarea Philippi, site of Peter's Confession.  In Capernaum, we will visit the ruins of an ancient synagogue and Peter's home.  Then we travel to the site of the multiplications of loaves and fishes and the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea where Jesus gave his "Sermon on the Mount."  A relaxing cruise on the Sea of Galilee with east viewing of the nearby Golan Heights brings to life the experience of the fisherman disciples and a conclusion to a wonderful day.

Day 5 – Nazareth, Biet-Shean, and the Dead Sea

We begin the day with a visit to Mt. Arbel for a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee and surrounding lands.  From this overview, we will be able to have a valuable lesson in geographic layout of Jesus' early ministry.  We continue on through the area of Cana and Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, where we visit the Nazareth Village – a wonderful recreation of Biblical times with costumed guides.  Next, we travel southward to Biet-Shean/Scythopolis, the most significant archeological site in Israel, located at the strategic juncture of the Jezreel and Jordan valleys.  Like Jericho, it has been almost continuously occupied throughout history.    During the intertestamental period, the city was renamed the "Scythopolis."  Archaeologists have uncovered a huge number of ruins of the Roman/Byzantine Scythopolis.  During the time of Jesus, Scythopolis was one of the chief cities of the Decapolis – a league of ten cities sharing Greek culture and government.  As we travel along, we will view the oldest city in the world – Jericho, before coming to the Dead Sea.  We will be spending time in the special spa and enjoy a dip in the Dead Sea for a relaxing float before turning to the hotel.

Day 6 – Masada, Dead Sea Scrolls, Ein Gedi

Our day begins with a cable car ride to the mountain top fortress of Masada.  Here our guide will treat us to the history of the famous zealot stand.  We will visit Qumran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.  Afterwards, we will proceed to Ein Gedi, "Spring of the Goat," an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea.  Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plans and date palm groves.  This is where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat (1 Samuel 23:29; Song of Songs 1:14.)  Our lodging will be in Jerusalem.

Day 7 – Jesus' steps, The Last Days

Today we walk where Jesus walked.  Begin the day with a panoramic view of the city, Mount Moriah and the Dome of the Rock from atop the Mount of Olives and then the Garden of Gethsemane.  How many have wished to be whisked back in time to get a glimpse of our Lord or hear His voice if only for a moment?  To walk between the ancient olive trees, read the scriptures of Jesus' prayer, and taking time for personal reflection is important here.  Next we visit the house of Caiaphas and the "Upper Room" where the disciple, whom Jesus loved, laid his head on His breast and where later Thomas cried, "My Lord and God."  From here we will see the ancient Roam Cardo, Arab marketplace, Herodian Mansion, Temple Institute and Western Wall. 

Day 8 – Around Jerusalem, Bible Times

An interesting and educational day of touring awaits us today beginning at the Israeli Museum.  We will walk through collections of centuries old Israeli artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a guided walk through an accurately detailed model of Biblical Jerusalem.  Next, we will visit the South Wall Excavations.  This southern side of the Temple was the main entrance for the common folk, whereas the Priests and Levites had their own entrance from the higher, eastern side.  Parts of the giant stairs, which led to the Temple Mount from the courtyard, have been unearthed.  It is in this courtyard that Jesus likely drove out the vendors and money exchangers who were exploiting people.  It is also likely that this is the place where Peter stood and preached and where thousands were saved and baptized.  On our way out of the city we will visit the Wailing Wall and then the fascinating Rabbinical Tunnels leading us through the Second Temple era.

Day 9 – Holocaust Museum, Way of Suffering, Garden Tomb

We will take time this day to visit the Children's Exhibit of the Holocaust Museum before we enter the old city through Stephen's Gate and visit the pool of Bethesda where Jesus cured a cripple.  We will move onto the judgment Hall of Pilate, hear of those who conspired against Him and are reminded of His brutal beating and humiliation.  While walking along the Via Dolorosa, we are reminded of His way of suffering, view the Church of the Sepulcher before we arrive at the climax of our tour – The Garden Tomb.  Your faith in, that blessed hope and communion with Christ, will take on a new meaning.

Day 10 – Reflection

A day of reflection, revisiting special sights, shopping on our own and going back to the airport for an overnight flight.

Day 11 – Return home

We return home via Atlanta.

As I sit here and reread the itinerary that we will be doing in Israel, the same verse keeps popping into my head.  "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)  I can't wait to just take everything in and feel the spirit of Jesus all around me. 

I am currently reading "No Wonder They Call Him The Savior" by Max Lucado.  Wow.  That's all I can say.  Talk about putting things into perspective.  There is an excerpt that says "If it is true that a picture paints a thousand words, then there was a Roman centurion who got a dictionary full.  All he did was see Jesus suffer.  He never heard him preach or saw him heal or followed him through the crowds.  He never witnessed him still the wind; he only witnessed the way he died.   But that was all it took to cause this weather-worn soldier to take a giant step in faith, saying, "Surely this was a righteous man." (Luke 23:47)

If only we could learn from this. 

He is God.  He is our Father.  We are his children.  "And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20)

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Better hands now...

This has been a hard hard month...When I said I was ready to be tested in 2008, I didnt know how soon that test would come.  God has a plan for me and I can't wait.  I am fine and I will be fine.

Better Hands Now
It's hard to stand on shifting sand
It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night
You can't be free if you don't reach for help
You cant love if you dont love yourself

There is hope when my faith runs out
Cause I'm in better hands now


It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now

I am strong all because of you
I stand in awe of every mountain that you move
Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone
I am safe from this moment on

There's no fear when the night comes 'round
I'm in better hands now

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true
Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room

So take this heart of mine there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now
I'm in better hands now

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I am me...

Tiffany - ..t(i)-ffa-ny.. is pronounced TIF-a-nee. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "revelation of God".
I am the reflection of our Great Creator within me. I am the rich, deep roots of my ancestors' legacy and story. I am the past, present, and future of knowledge. I am living, learning, growing. I am simply me, spirit in human experience embracing and remembering all of me. I am love made visible. I am one of the colors of God's heart given form so that love can be seen by all. I am an expression of a divine idea that no one who has lived, living or will live can ever be. I am a universe unto myself. I am a light that lights the path for you on your sojourn here. Loving life, respecting life, sharing life. That's me.

It's finally 2008.  Too many resolutions, not enough time...

I am happy....

Today starts a new year and a new me.  I will overcome obstacles that have not yet been placed in my way.  But they will.  Time tests us all.

 I'm ready for the test....

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The Road of Faith

The Road Of Faith

Shine your light O Lord
So that I may see
Just where I am heading
And what's in front of me

Your word is the light
The lamp unto my feet
It may not light far ahead
Nor show me where it's steep

But it gives enough light
For each step I take
Just enough to see ahead
Along this road of faith

For this is what it surely is
As we walk with Jesus Christ
The road that we are travelling on
Is by faith, not by sight

So shine your light O Lord
So we may see our way
Though you only show in part
It's enough for each new day

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Inward Peace....

Unless the secret of inward peace is also the secret of escape from fear, it does not meet a need I believe is almost the central need of mankind. If it be asked, "Why are so many people in the modern world anxious, worried, nervous, irritable, depressed, bad sleepers, and not quite well?" the answer in most cases is that they are frightened. . . . What, then, is the way to escape from the power of this ever-present enemy? I know none except learning that we are in the keeping of a God who will never desert us. . . . There is no fear where love is, and the love of God is always present. . . . Till we have faced that fact, we are not ready to understand what God does actually for those who trust in Him. But when we have learnt that truth, we may go on to say, "Come what may, we know that He will be with us and therefore need not fear." We may have to suffer in the body, but His sustaining grace will never leave us. We may lose our dear ones and so be wounded in our very hearts, but His grace will give us strength to carry even that cross. We may have to face poverty; but if so, He will do for us what He has done for thousands and teach us how to be poor and yet content. We may have to face hunger of the heart, and no one who knows what that means will ever think lightly of it; but even through that fiery trial, His love will sustain those who turn to Him.


-A. H. Gray


My eyes have been opened...and I'm loving every minute of it!

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our time in history...

Something else that I found and wanted to share:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers;
Wider freeways,but narrower viewpoints;
We spend more, but have less;
We buy more, but enjoy it less;
We have bigger houses, and smaller families;
More conveniences, but less time;
We have more degrees, but less sense;
More knowledge, but less judgment;
More experts, but more problems;
More medicine, but less wellness;
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,  drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little,  watch TV too much,  and pray too seldom;
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values;
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often;
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life;
We've added years to life, not life to years;
We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor;
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space;
We've done larger things, but not better things; 
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul;
We've split the atom, but not our prejudice;
We write more, but learn less;
We plan more, but accomplish less;
We've learned to rush, but not to wait;
We have higher incomes, but lower morals;
We have more food, but less appeasement;
We build more computers to hold more information
to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication;
We've become long on quantity, but short on quality;
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; Tall men, and short character; 
Steep profits, and shallow relationships;
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; More leisure, but less fun;
More kinds of food, but less nutrition;
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce;
Of fancier houses, but broken homes;
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers,  throw away morality, one-night stands, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet, to kill;
It is a time when there is much in the show window, and nothing in the stockroom;
We are called to make many choices, that affect many people and we live with the consequences.

Let our choices be the type that lift up God and bring glory to His name.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally and/or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and most of the time they are. They are there for the REASON you need them to be at that moment in your life. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. 

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a SEASON.

LIFETIME relationships teach you LIFETIME lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional or sometimes spiritually foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. A lifetime friend is someone you can talk to and share things with them, that you can't share with anyone else. But the best part, you can just be you and no matter what you do or say, they still love and care for you. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. 

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a letter from God...

My Child -

You may not know me, but I know everything about you - Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up - Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways - Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered - Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image - Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being - Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring - Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived - Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation - Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book - Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live - Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made - Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb - Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born - Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me - John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love - 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you - 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your father - 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could - Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father - Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand - James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs - Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope - Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love - Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore - Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing - Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you - Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession - Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul - Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things - Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me - Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart - Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires - Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine - Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager - 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you - Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart - Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes - Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth - Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus - John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed - John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being - Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you - Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins - 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled - 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you - 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love - Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me - 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again - Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen - Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father - Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is - Will you be my child? - John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you - Luke 15:11-32

Love, God

I started reading a book tonight called "When God Writes Your Love Story" and it is absolutely AMAZING.  It doesnt matter if you have recently started a relationship or if you have been in one for a long time, this book will appeal to you.  Even after only getting through the first chapter, it seems like this book has been written completely for me. Here is a little excerpt from the book, which when I read it, it gave me goosebumps.

As I lay on my bed pondering these thoughts, I found myself inwardly forming a desperate prayer.

"God, where are You in this?" my heart cried.  "I am Your child.  All my life, You know I have longed for something beautiful.  I have searched for true love.  Does a pure and perfect romance even exist in this dark world of lust and perversion and sin?  Should I even dare to dream of something beyond the shallow, meaningless, cheap version of love I've known so far?"

Then came a soft, gentle tugging upon my heart.  Suddenly I somehow knew that my life did not need to be this way and that God had something better for me.  It was almost as if God Himself was reminding me, I am the Author of true love; I am the Creator of romance.

A quiet challenge deeply touched my spirit in that moment.  It was as if God was tenderly standing before me, with tears of boundless love in His eyes, whispering to my heart, You have searched for true love in your own way.  But, My ways are not your ways.  I want to script a beautiful tale just for you, but first you must trust Me with the pen of this precious area of your life.  Will you let Me write your love story?

It's amazing how someone can completely walk into your life without warning and completely change your outlook on life and the things that come with it.  Fortunately, I am going to let God write what I hope will one day become my own love story. 

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God's message from man to woman...

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. 


When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.  But you woman, I fashioned you after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate.  I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so that I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.


Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.  From one bone, I fashioned you.  I chose the bone that protects his heart and his lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do.  Around this one bone I shaped you.  I modeled you.  I created you perfectly and beautifully.


Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile.  You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart.  His heart is the center of his being, his lungs hold the breath of life.  The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.


Support the man as the rib cage supports the body.  You were not taken from his feet to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him.  You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.


You are My perfect angel.  You are My beautiful little girl.  You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence and My eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.  Your eyes, don't change them.  Your lips, how lovely when they part in prayer.  Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle in touch.  I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I've held your heart close to mine.


Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like Me.  Adam walked with Me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely.  He could not see Me or touch Me.  He could only feel Me.


So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with Me, I fashioned into you.  My holiness, My strength, My purity, My love, My protection, and support.  You are special because you are the extension of Me.


Man represents My image; woman, My emotions.Together you represent the totality of God.  So man, treat a woman well.  Love her, respect her, for she is fragile.  In hurting her, you hurt Me.  What you do to her, you do to Me.  In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.


Woman, support man.  In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you.  In gentle quietness, show your strength.  In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.

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