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God gives us challenges to overcome, and some seem a lot easier than others. One challenge we face plenty of times is lack of understanding. Many of us get frustrated not understanding things we think we should. It feels as though you're just not smart enough to grasp it, and it's even worse when it's something most find quite easy to understand. Sometimes, we just have to remember that we can't be perfect and can't understand everything. If it's not something important or particularly godly, it may not even be necessary to understand. If you really want to, though, be patient with yourself and keep trying your best. Don't forget to pray, even if it seems like something small to you.

Some of us seem to be more blessed than others. Perhaps, you feel this, too. Maybe you've lived a great, happy, healthy life while someone you care about is suffering. Often times, one may think that, because they've had it easier, their own health must always come second to another's. A lot of the time, it may feel like there's no choice but to come second, and it is, of course, good to put others first. But please make sure you aren't draining your own energy. I'm sure God is very pleased with the determination to help others, but I don't think pouring your care out to others until you're dry is necessarily pleasing to Him. Always make sure you're still able to stand strong, too, not too tired or feeling too helpless. If you want to be a sort of safe place to go to, a place to find some hope, that's great, but that falls apart the moment you do, and the more drained you are, the less you have to give.

I'm sure that, as a child, you were told to set a good example for those who are younger than you. As years go by, it's still something to remember to do. Portray good virtues and keep God's Word in your heart so that others may see and witness God's light. Many parents nowadays also aren't careful to make sure their children have good examples around them. These parents swear and listen to inappropriate music around their kids, thinking it doesn't matter because they think they won't understand, but many children also have access to the internet, allowing them to gain that understanding. Furthermore, many children aren't monitored while online, allowing them to access media they definitely shouldn't. We need to set good examples if we expect others to do good.

A lot of the time, we see people blessed with a talent we wish we had. We wonder how they do it, get upset, become envious, but we seldom stop to realize that we also have talents that others don't. Maybe your friend can draw pretty nicely but you can dance very nicely. While you're thinking your drawings should be better like theirs, they may be thinking they should be able to dance like you. God opens our eyes to different talents for a reason. It's okay if you aren't a natural at what your friend seems to be good at. Also, remember that developing skills takes time. It doesn't just happen. So don't let others' success with theirs discourage you from developing your skills!

We should always treat others with love and respect as the Bible says, especially if we do love and respect them already. There's no need to act so differently around different people. No need to be a little more rude to others around your friends. No need to be a little more annoyed with your surroundings around your family. No need to be a little more above everyone around the person you like. You should be able to love and respect others and not have to change yourself around them for their approval.

The Bible expresses time and time again how important the truth is, but it isn't only talking about telling the truth. Making sure you know what is and isn't true is important as well. Many times, we hear something and assume it's true without much more thought, but we should be careful about doing so, as some may be, whether they know it or not, be spreading misinformation. It's good to fact check and make sure you don't blindly believe another human being, as we are all imperfect.

Parents often pay attention to how the Bible says to honor your father wnd mother, and it is true that you should honor them and respect them. But many seem to ignore that the Bible says not to aggravate your children, as well. We should treat our parents with the respect they deserve, but, if you have children, remember that you must respect them, too. Just because they're children, doesn't mean they don't deserve respect and patience.

You may have heard the saying "Never judge a book by its cover." While I absolutely judge books based on their covers, I still believe it's important to listen to the metaphor. Just because someone enjoys rock music and dresses in black, doesn't mean they're evil or depressed. And just because someone enjoys pop music and dresses in white, doesn't mean they're an kind or happy. There's no need to label someone before you know them. It's important to remember that every group of people is different, and every person in those groups are different, too. That way, we can better discern and acknowledge wrong and right and can better spread God's message.

Sometimes we see fiction and fantasy and wish for it to be real. Often, we fail to realize how things could be worse if those things were real. If everyone had superpowers, that could be dangerous for everyone. If only you had superpowers, it could be dangerous for you. If Pokémon were real, it would be a disaster. We often take the reality God gave us for granted, thinking it's not enough and that we need more. It's something everyone does, but we should try to remember to be thankful for what we have.

Though not everyone celebrates it, Happy 4th of July, everyone! I'm not gonna lie, I don't exactly know what to say about it, but I can use it to remind everyone to love yourselves and be lovely, independent people! That being said, it's still okay to rely on others from time to time. Don't stress yourself out with doing everything by yourself. Don't ignore it when you need help. Be independent, but

Sometimes, we forget just how much God loves us. He made us in His image. He sent His own begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins. He's forgiven us for so many things and continues to. He gave us the Holy Spirit to strengthen our conscience. He's given us so many blessings, both blessings we recognize and blessings we don't recognize. As much as we all know these things, sometimes we forget that the Lord really does love us, that there's more awaiting us after this life. Thank You, Lord for Your unconditional love, and I pray You'll let all others truly feel it.

I'm sure you've heard the saying "Be a leader, not a follower." Being a leader comes with responsibility, and if you wish to be someone who can lead others well, you must be willing to hear them out and offer them time and love. Being a leader isn't about driving others to do what you want. It's about driving others to do what is best. Of course, seek the Lord. Even as a leader of human beings, be a follower of Christ. Always look to God for guidance because where you're being guided is where the people who trust you may be guided as well.

I'm sure you've heard the saying "Be a leader, not a follower." Being a leader comes with responsibility, and if you wish to be someone who can lead others well, you must be willing to hear them out and offer them time and love. Being a leader isn't about driving others to do what you want. It's about driving others to do what is best. Of course, seek the Lord. Even as a leader of human beings, be a follower of Christ. Always look to God for guidance because where you're being guided is where the people who trust you may be guided as well.

Art is a major form of expression. This is true for all forms of art (visual arts, music, choreography, writing, performing arts, etc.) Using these things, we can convey so much to others, and I think it's amazing how God allows for such expression, especially considering that He is quite creative Himself. Just look at all the beautiful things of the world and the descriptions of a Heaven! So thank You, Lord, for allowing such great expression through these art forms, and, if you're an artist of any kind, may God bless you, and may you be inspired to do great things with your art!

Please don't disregard your health. God put you here for a reason, and there are many obstacles we have to face, but please keep your health in mind. Don't give in to peer pressure or the fear of missing out and do something you know you shouldn't. If your friends or anyone is unaware they're hurting you with their words, still put a stop to it. Don't eat less than you should be just to fit in to some ideal, and don't eat way more than you should be. Love the Lord, love your neighbors, and love yourselves. Look out for yourselves, and try your best to keep healthy. God bless you!

Someone once said something quite smart to me. They said that having a crush and liking someone are two different things. I personally don't think many people see the difference. How she put it, having a crush is a spur of the moment, temporary thing that wears off as time goes on. It's more of a nice thought, a fantasy. Often, a crush is brought on by how someone looks or how they act, but it's not really what you'd want for a long-term relationship. It's simply nice to think about. Liking someone is something that doesn't quite wear off like a crush does. You can see yourself with this person, happy and in love. And there is a distinction. You see yourself with this person, not your ideal version of this person. You love this person as they are, not as who they could be. Making this distinction and waiting a while before acting can help you in the long run, I believe. We are told in the Bible to choose our friends carefully, and I believe that likely applies lots more with our romantic partners.

Some people would defend their friends or take their side on something when they know said friends are in the wrong. It usually doesn't help much when we do that. We should be honest with our friends so they can improve rather than letting them think they did nothing wrong. Now, does this mean you have to make a show out of making your friend look bad and making the other look completely innocent when they may not be? No. It simply means to let your friend know when they're wrong so they can do their best to do their best and be their best. God wants for us to help each other out, not watch each other stagnate.