Gratitude was never meant to be an excuse for giving up on the obstacles God has put before you. Some of the most magical things he can bring us require faith and a lot of planning.

If man could write his own fate, he would have designed his journey to be without obstacles. Yet all obstacles come with valuable lessons designed just for you and only you. Suffering is imposed on us time and again so that one day we would become brave wise masters. That is, a strong being who is confidently aware of their intended direction in life, and fearlessly adding value to the world and their future.

May the Lord grant you grace to endure the times.

I don__ understand hospital chaplains that try to rob my patients of their anger. Sometimes anger is a key motivator that gets people to take action. Anger can push a cancer patient to jump out of his hospital bed, walk down to the nurses station and scream, __ am getting the hell out of here!_. There is a misconception that God is simply sweet and passive. Actually, God can be quite cunning, manipulative and relentless with his children. What we consider as negative traits are actually helpful in molding us. He will use a negative emotion if needed to push people to do things that will change them for the better. He will allow people or situations to derail us if there is a chance that those interactions will push us forward. Personally, I don__ want a God that is going to send some church member to my deathbed with a plate of cookies and tell me to have faith. Actually, I rather have a God that screams, __et the hell off your ass, stop feeling sorry for yourself. Walk down the hall with that Physical Therapist so you can get on with your life!" A little anger in a person can push them to do amazing things.

I've failed in communication...and so I've learned to have open and honest dialogue at the opportune, and appropriate time.I've failed in relationships...and so I've learned to appreciate the people in my life, and to treat them with kindness.I've failed in paying bills...and so I've learned to properly and effectively manage my time, my talent and my resources.I've failed in work or business ventures...and so I've learned to be more prudent with planning, and more efficient in execution.I've failed in dodging a ball...and so I've learned to anticipate danger and to protect myself.Live, Love, Learn, and Be Well.

Obstacles are weak walls without foundations; if you fear them, they will defeat you. But the fact is that they are even afraid of you. So why frightened?