We can help each other out by sharing our own experiences
with someone who may be going through the same thing.
We don't have to be an expert on anything,
only that we have lived through something
fills us with the empathy needed to help another person.
Sharing of ourselves in this way is a gift to another.

It goes against my nature to speak my mind
to voice my thoughts
because what may be my truth in any given moment
may change, but won't change you.
Or could it?
If I don't speak my truth,
then how shall I know if we agree.
When we share our truths,
then we share our souls,
we can begin to really know the other.
There is a wonderful satisfaction when
two people come to an understanding,
even if the understanding is 
that they don't understand; yet the acceptance is there.
The act of allowing each other to be who they are
to blossom in love.

How do I make a difference in this world for God?  Does my life show that I love Jesus?
I just heard a sermon that really made me think about this.  I just looked into the eyes of Jesus in a painted photgraph.  I saw His eyes, looking out at me, and in His eyes I saw all that He went through for me.  I felt Him in my soul, knowing the way He died for me, on the cross, being beaten and tormented for my salvation.  I had to ask myself, so what truly is important in this earthly life?  Do things of this world really matter?  It is only when I turn my eyes and heart away from Jesus, that I think other things are important.  If I see Jesus before me, allow Him into my heart, I will truly know what matters.
I had a conversation with a friend just now...Someone who I have spent much of my time with, who I felt was very important to me.  All of a sudden I felt a distance between us..the distance was the world.  It is said we must shed the "old self" and put on the "new self", and sometimes the new self feels very uncomfortable around things it was used to as the old self.  Yet, why does my heart break at the thought of endings?  I trust that Jesus will show me the way; show me the way to live my life for Him.  

Lord Jesus, I know You are always here to comfort the lonely, 
to bring joy to a heart full of sorrow, and love to the broken-hearted.
To teach a soul patience and endurance, understanding and love;
how to live a life of caring and service, to help one another.
Lord Jesus, You gave all, so that we could have all, in abundance.
To lay down one's life for another is the ultimate sacrifice.
And so I say Thank You, Lord Jesus.

God is Love.  God loves us so much.  We were created to love God and to love one another. ( John 15:12-13)  It is at times of true compassion for your fellow human being, that you will feel most complete, and you will know in your heart that this is what we are here on earth to do; to make a positive difference in each persons life that you touch.  It's not about "self", it's about others.  A friend of mine once said to me "if every person on earth (for just one day), did kind deeds for others, instead of thinking of themselves, the world would be transformed".  
Jesus says, "The command I give you is this, that you love one another." John 15:17

Yes it's true...life is all about relationships...

If we had no relationships, life would be meaningless..Who would we share our hopes, dreams, joys and sorrows with?  Who would we strive to encourage, to inspire, and motivate?  I think seeing another person being happy, and successful because of some contribution you made to them, is as satisfying as if you had achieved it for yourself. 
Jesus tells us to "join our voices in prayer" Matthew 18:19; He tells us to "love our enemies and pray for our persecutors", Matthew 5:44.  He tells us to "love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:39.  Throughout the bible Jesus shares with us how to interact with each other, not only through His words, but through His actions.  If we spend time with Jesus, through His words, we can learn how to be a better person and to accomplish God's Will for our lives, which starts with loving all of His creation.  In this way, we can contribute to a better more positive world.

I am watching Coptic Orthodox sermons on You tube and learning so much.  Most of the sermons are given by Father Anthony Messeh of St. Marks Parish Washington DC.  
I want to share a little of the latest series I am watching in the "Light and Life" sermons.  The series is called the "Amazing Race" and he tells us to make 3 commitments each week; one to God, one to myself and one to others.   Also, ask yourself "what one thing can I do to make a difference in my life."  The answers to these questions are not as easy as they may sound...

I find myself always wondering
if I'm in the right place 
or doing the right thing.
It has been said that where you are
is where you are suppose to be;
yet is this really true?
In each moment and each choice that you make
may determine where you are today;
yet if you make a wrong choice
it may take you to the wrong place.
So, it is important to double check your choices;
see where they may lead you.
So this commitment I make to God and myself,
to double check my choices and listen;
listen for the voice of God within my heart
to know what I am doing is the right path.
And my commitment to others, of being the best I can be
for them, will be the fruits of my choices.

Look out to a hurting world
at this coming time of holiday season
when joy fills some hearts,
sadness fills others.
When comfort finds one,
anguish finds another.
Lost relationships to be renewed
with a little bit of care and time.
Look around you,
see what is important,
and take care of it.
Use your time wisely,
be grateful in each moment,
for each moment.
Give much love, and know healing will come.
Peace.