Friends Family and misc.

After hosting what I thought was a fun party. I started thinking about friends and friendships. I must say I think I have the nicest friends I have ever had in my life. Back in my younger years I didn't make the best choices in life or friendships.

I clung to friends (who really were not friends) and I did things I clearly knew were wrong because I was afraid if I didn't these people wouldn't be my friends. I didn't really have anyone telling me that I could find other friends. And I was to scared and needy to try. I thought I needed those people even though they weren't doing me any good.
Thankfully I manged to crawl out of the bad life and get on with a new life. I did find new friends, good friends people who actually cared about me. Of course now it is clear to see God's hand all over it but I didn't know that back then.

Now the Lord blesses me over and over (and of course I don't really deserve it which makes his love even more wonderful) I have a really great husband , I have 3 good kids, and I have been blessed with many good friends. The baggage of the past fades and the memories don't bring as much anger or sadness as they once did. I try to concentrate on the new life the Lord has provided. Unfortunatly I am not always successful. Sometimes the smallest thing will just bring out knee jerk reactions from my past. Not a pretty sight when It happens.

My youngest sister could use ongoing prayers. If I thought I had some bad friends and a mixed up life my sister wins the prize hands down. Her unending saga has been going on for over 30 years and unless God himself changes her I doubt her circumstances will change. I can't tell you how hard it is to watch a sinking ship, you offer to throw the life ring or send the resuce boat but there is always a reason why she claims that won't work. Nothing left to do but watch the ship sink knowing that she is going under. The rest of us are left to wonder are we being mean , or cruel to end the bailouts. She doesn't really want our advice or opinions, so we are left to watch
the destruction. No fun for anyone that is for sure. So the prayers continue that her mind will be cleared and she will somehow straighten out her life at this late age. Things have only gotten worse since my mother died because my mom always bailed her out and always stood up for her no matter what she did. I think she feels none of us are on her side and she lost the only person who was. Not true of course as we are on her side, we just can't continue to support her poor choices. A good example of love the sinner hate the sin. We all still love this sister but we have decided not to bail her out of her messes.