My brain is fried thinking about all the heartbreak and negativity of my situation and of many others here.

So...............

I decided to start a thread about why we are worthy of love, respect, fidelity; all the good things God has in store for us.

I am worthy of love, respect, honor, fidelity, etc. because:
I enjoy being in church and serving God however that manifests itself
I love wholeheartedly & deeply - I give it my all
I love to laugh
I am a great helper - not afraid of getting dirty and working hard
I am kind and generous
I am a giver
I am content with the materials things I have; not a big spender and not always wanting more, bigger, better, newer
I have a great sense of humor
I love the simple things in life: a rainy day, the smell of grass just cut, the smell of autumn leaves burning, the innocent laughter of a child

Other positives, likes, etc:
I have amazing blue eyes and a beautiful smile
I am petite and in fairly good shape for "almost" 50 <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I love old cars and motorcycles
I love to do yardwork and help w/all sorts of "manly" projects
I love to fish
I love the mountains; beach is okay
I love to travel
I love family get togethers
I am financially secure thanks to God's many blessings

I am working on:
Getting back in church and going w/o fear of reprisal
Honesty in the midst of adversity or fear
Loving and valuing myself
Forgiving myself for past mistakes
Forgiving others for wrongs done to me
Seeking forgiveness for the wrongs I've done to others

My next adventure is going to be falling in love ...................... with myself. I am worthy of love and respect. But, I have to love and respect myself before I can expect anyone else to.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I am worthy of love and respect despite my failings and weaknesses simply because I am a child of God.

I give love and respect, not because in my puny mind the person is deserving or not (because I don't see the person as God sees that person), but because I am a child of God and He desires that I behave thusly.

Also, I will NEVER regret being kind or loving or respectful to anyone. But I may very easily regret not being kind, loving or respectful because I may have been the one person who could make a difference and shine God's light for that person in a very dark hour.

Also, I will never regret shutting out someone who is disrespectful of me because I am responsible to shut out any and all stimulus that separates me from God, and by allowing another person to demean me, I am enabling them in continuing to sin in this disrespectful way.

I can be kind, loving and respectful and still have boundaries.