Even if people have disappointed you or circumstances have not turned out as you had hoped or prayed, know that God is with you, cares for you, and loves you. He is working all these things together for your good right at this very moment.

The biblical model is that God deliberately chooses imperfect vessels - those who have been wounded, those with physical or emotional limitations. Then he prepares them to serve and sends them out with their weakness still evident, so that his strength can be made perfect in that weakness.

One of the most important things that we as Christians can do is regularly fill our hearts and minds with God's Word. Bible Gateway is one great tool available that makes reading and studying Scriptures readily available to each of us at any moment.

I also came to understand that our authenticity (or lack thereof) is made evident by the fruit that our life is bearing.

God loves it when His children pray BIG, BOLD PRAYERS. Don't be afraid to ask your Father for anything!

A commitment to growth is a commitment to risk, courage, faith, strength, hope, and a willingness to make mistakes, get back up and try again.

Allow God to continually soften your heart so that it beats for what his heart beats for - people.