From a very good friend.
This made me cry.
Be blessed.
Hosea 14: Rewritten For My Own Heart
Return, O my daughter, to me—your Lord and father,
for you have stumbled because of your sins and distractions.
Take my words to heart and return to me, your Lord.
Ask Me to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from unrighteousness,
and to receive you into My gracious goodness—
For in that way you offer a sacrifice to me.
Say, “Nothing in this world can save me except You.
I will not trust in a man to save me;
Nor will I make a god out of anyone I meet,
or anything I make with my hands.
It is in You, my Father, that this orphan finds mercy.”
Then I will heal your disloyal, stubborn heart,
I will show you My great love,
For My anger has been quenched with your humble heart.
I will be like the calm, cool rain
And you will blossom like a white lily,
and your roots will be strong in Me.
You will spread your branches
And your beauty will be like the birch tree.
Those who see your life
Will they themselves be inspired
And will blossom as well.
Your grace and wisdom will be honored.
O My daughter, the idols you create sadden Me deeply.
Cannot you see that it is I who answers you, holds you, protects you?
I will be like a sheltering tree—
Your blessings and provisions are in Me alone.
Are you wise, My daughter? Then understand these things.
Are you discerning? Then take these truths to heart.
For My ways are straight and right,
And the one who is righteous and learns will walk confidently in them,
But the one who is sinful and never learns will stumble in them.
Thanks TJ!
Oh, I want to see the Lord's beauty more and more these days. Sometimes I try to find my fill in emptiness. But the greatest longings of my heart bring me right back to him. And when he fills me with his love, I am really alive, and living life to the fullest. It's not until I forsake him and all his ways that I begin to stumble again, and get lost in doubt, anger, frustration, confusion, bitterness, etc. God, draw near to us. Draw near. | 
