Tag: Love

Love encompasses a variety of strong and positive emotional and mental states, ranging from the most sublime virtue or good habit, the deepest interpersonal affection and to the simplest pleasure.

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Receive His Love

You’ve probably heard the saying that “you may be the only Jesus someone ever sees.” There may be a desperate person who is in need of something as small as a smile, or a little money, and you might be the best or the only example of Jesus’ love to them! With this in mind, we should look for ways to live with true compassion, and a caring attitude toward others. That’s how you can plant seeds of God’s love in someone. You may not be around to see the seeds grow into a large and beautiful plant, but you could make a life-changing impact.

When others look at your life, do they know that God loves you? Can they see the change in you? Do they know you are a follower of His? Remember, the evidence is in your words and actions. The most important thing you could ever know and show, is that God loves you. His love changes us. His love empowers us. His love takes us to new levels. His love gives us eternal life.

Today, open your heart fully and receive His love. Then turn around and love Him in return by following His commands. Make the decision today to let His love show all over you!

“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people”

(1 Thessalonians 1:4, NLT)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, I thank You for Your love and compassion for me. Thank You for loving me, for empowering me, and changing me to be more like You. God, have Your way in my heart, so that I can be a shining light of Your love to the people around me. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Stay Focused On What You Have

As we lockdown and isolate, our goal will be to focus on what we have to do and things which are enjoyable. The scripture talks about how God has given us the power to enjoy what is allotted and appointed to us. That simply means that you have the power to enjoy your life. You may have success, money, friends or a good job, but if you put God in your life, you are going to enjoy more. God has uniquely designed us to run our race.

Don’t be tempted to compare yourself or wish you had what someone else has. You shouldn’t think, “if only I had their talent”¦” No, if God wanted you to have that talent, He would have given it to you. Instead, take what you have and develop it. Make the most of it. Don’t think, “if only I had her looks”¦” No, God gave you your looks. That’s not an accident. The life you have has been perfectly matched for you so enjoy and stay focused.

Today, you’ve got to do your part and get excited about your life, isolation or not. Be excited about who you are whose you are – your looks, your talent, your ability, your personality. When you’re passionate about who you are, it brings honour to God. Then God will breathe in your direction, and the seeds of greatness in you will take root and begin to flourish! Remember God has given us the power to enjoy what is allotted and appointed to us.

“Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.”

(Ecclesiastes 5:18, NKJV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, I thank You for giving me the gifts, talents and abilities to enjoy life and accomplish Your will, even in these difficult situations. God, today, I will put my trust and hope in You, knowing that You have equipped me for the destiny You have for me, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Enthusiasm Is What We Need Today

Despite the storms, the Christian should be enthusiastic and excited because of the gift of the Holy Ghost which lives inside of them. The word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek word “entheos.” “Theos” means God. When you’re enthusiastic, it simply means you are full of God. When you get up in the morning you should be excited about your future, recognising that today is a gift. Go out with a spring in your step, pursue your goals and be passionate about life, because God has breathed into you His Spirit.

Studies tell us that people who are enthusiastic seem to get better breaks. They’re promoted more often and people love being around them. That’s not a coincidence. When you’re full of spiritual passion and enthusiasm, you have the favour of God. God didn’t breathe His life into us to drag through the day. He didn’t create us in His image, crown us with His favour, and equip us with His power to just go through the motions of life.

Today, you may have had some setbacks, the wind may have been taken out of your sail because of this current situation, but this is a new day! God wants to breathe new life back into you, so you’ll get your fire back, your passion back, the wind will start blowing once again. When you’re in agreement with God, He will cause the winds of favour to shift in your direction!

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace”¦ 

(Isaiah 55:12, NIV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for allowing me to see another sunrise, another day, and have another opportunity to praise You and pursue the dreams You’ve given me. God, help me to stay filled with enthusiasm, joy and passion, so I can serve You with my whole heart in everything that I do for You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Have You Ever Seen A Photo Of God?

During this time of lockdown, many of us spend time looking at old photos of treasured times with family or with friends. You probably enjoy showing those photos to others and sharing those special moments. But have you ever thought about having a picture of God in your house? It may not be in a frame on the shelf. 

Today’s scripture tells us that when we love others we are creating a picture of God. We are showing others what He looks like because God is love. God wants us to know Him. He wants to reveal Himself in and through us. He wants us to display His love and share it with others like we do with photos. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us what love looks like it’s patient, kind, gentle, and so much more.

Today, know that you are never more like God than when you are loving others. Love never fails. Always remember, the greatest thing you could ever have or do is love — that is a true picture of God. Everything else will fade away, but His love is a picture that will last forever!

“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.” 

(1 John 4:12, NLT)

Pray With Me
ahweh, I thank You today for showing me Your love which lasts forever. Father, help me to love others the way You love them, so that my life can be a picture of You to all those I come into contact with, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

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By Your Deeds

He Holds All Things Together

I’m Sure you’ve heard the Bible text “faith without works is dead.” implying that If we don’t put our faith into action, it’s not really faith, it’s just nice ideas. You see, when God truly does a work in our lives, it affects everything about us. It affects our words, our thoughts and our deeds or actions. 

How do you know someone is generous? By their generous deeds. How do you know someone is kind? By their kind deeds. How do you know someone is loving? By their loving deeds. How do you know someone is a Christian? By their Christ-like deeds. Can people tell by your actions that you belong to God? We all have areas where we can come up higher, but as believers in Jesus, we can be confident that God is at work in us.

Today, know that God is faithful and will complete what He started. As we invite Him to search our hearts and minds, as we surrender every area of our life to Him and put our faith into action, He will finish His perfect work in us!

“And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.”

(Philemon 1:6, NLT)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for changing me, for making me more like You. Father, I invite Your love to do a work in my heart, so that I won’t be someone who just talks the talks, but also walks the walks, reflecting You in every deed that I do in, Christ’s Name! Amen

CategoriesDEVOTIONAL

Be A Reflector Not Just A Light

Growing up, all I heard from family and close friends was that I looked and behaved like my father. From my walk to my talk I reflected him. When we reflect something, we are exhibiting its likeness.We are displaying its characteristics. Like a mirror, the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Jesus. We should have His same walk and talk.

That may sound impossible; after all, Jesus was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, the Bible says, “we become sons and daughters of God,” too. We become empoweredby the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same power, the same spirit of humility, the same strength, and the same love on the inside. We are equipped to do what He did. What did He do? Scripture says that Jesus went arounddoing good and bringing healing to others; physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Today, open the door for God to work in your life. Humbly invite Him in. Let that be your goal today–open your heart to Him, Let His mind be your mind, so you can reflect Him in your attitude and actions!

“Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility].” (Philippians 2:5, AMP)

(Philippians 2:5, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, heart and attitude. I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. God, help me be a pure reflection of Your love in everything I doand say, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Be A Person of Integrity

he definition of integrity is that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You’re consistent and honest. Integrity is a powerful attribute in the life of the believer. 

You may be a pretty good person that does the right thing most of the time. But understand, it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. You can veer off course just a little bit, and before you know it, you’re miles away from your destination. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity–even when no one is looking.

For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or, you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the disabled parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s not God’s provision, that’s a test of integrity!

Today, remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things, God will make you ruler over much. Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessings and honour all the days of your life!

“The Lord judges the people; judge me, O Lord, and do me justice according to my righteousness [my rightness, justice, and right standing with You] and according to the integrity that is in me.”

(Psalm 7:8, AMPC)?

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today I commit to live a life of integrity. I choose a life of excellence, and ask for Your hand of favour. Show me any area that is not pleasing to You, so that I can continue to grow and increase in You, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

A special word from the Lord, from Pastor Ray Patrick

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Speaking In Numbers

Many ask how does God speak? He speaks directly, He speaks through His Word, He speaks through dreams and visions, and He also speaks through others. Are you facing an important decision today? God wants to give you the answer. He wants to direct your steps. Many times, He will speak to us through the people He has placed in our lives. That’s why the Bible says that safety is found in a multitude of advisers.

Remember, God designed us to live in families, communities and congregations. We need to be open to receiving input from the people who are close to us. That doesn’t mean you have to follow everything everyone tells you. But if you’re in a particular situation or relationship, and all the people around you are giving you the same word of caution, it may be God trying to get a message to you. Take that advice and bring it before the Lord in prayer, and make sure the advice doesn’t contradict His Word.  Ask Him to confirm His perfect plan to your heart. Remember, wisdom comes from God, and wise counsel will always be in agreement with God’s Word. He will always confirm the answer when you ask Him.

Today, whatever you are facing, be open to receiving wise counsel. As you do, you will be blessed and protected, and walk in confidence down the path the Lord has prepared for you!

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counsellors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:14, NASB)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for the spiritual people You have placed in my life as wise counsel. Father, please confirm and give me answers to the issues in my life. Help me understand Your truth, so that I can make godly choices. Keep me close to You always so I will clearly know when You are speaking, and lead me in Your way, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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God Has Prepared Your Blessing

Victory In Christ

God took Adam, who He had just breathed life into, and put him in the garden. Notice Adam came into a prepared blessing, something that God had already finished for him. Think about Adam and Eve in the garden. God took the first five days and created the heavens, the earth, the sky, the land and the water. He planted a garden. He put in it beautiful flowers and luscious fruit. He designed rivers to flow through it. He put precious treasures in the ground: onyx, gold and silver. Yes Adam came into a prepared blessing.

When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right breaks and the right opportunities. He has blessings that have your name on them. If you will stay in faith and keep honouring God, one day you will come in to what already belongs to you. It’s a prepared blessing! Hallelujah!

Today, in the same way, God has some prepared blessings in store for you. He has worked, arranging things in your favour, getting it all perfectly in place. You couldn’t make it happen on your own. It’s just the goodness of God bringing you into a prepared blessing!

“You prepare a table before me”¦”

(Psalm 23:5, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for preparing a place of blessing for me from before I was born. Father, I choose to trust You and Your timing, knowing that You are working things out on my behalf. God, I glorify You for Your awesome timing and preparation in my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

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Spiritual Healing: What Does the Bible Say about Healing?

In Uncertain Times Christ's Death and Resurrection Offer Comfort and Hope

Over the last 72 hours many people have become sick, many have been asking God for healing in Jesus’ Name! I came across today’s verse that I found so powerful. Do you need healing in your body physically? spiritually? emotionally? Do you believe you can be healed? Your words can bring that healing. Hallelujah! Start speaking pleasant, powerful, potent words–words of life, encouragement and thanksgiving.

Today, guard your heart by making sure you are only listening to pleasant, life-giving and life transforming words. If there’s something on the TV or radio that isn’t bringing life to your soul, turn it off. If someone’s having a conversation that’s not uplifting or productive, don’t be a part of it, walk away.

Today, choose to meditate with God’s Word, and your words which are living and active and full of life. Speak pleasant, powerful, potent words–words of life. Let God’s strength and peace rise in your soul. Keep your heart and mind focused on Him, and always choose pleasant words so you can be healed!

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.” 

(Proverbs 16:24, AMP)

Pray With Me
Jehovah Rapha, thank You for Your Word which is truth that heals. Father, I repent today for any words that have brought destruction into my life, or the lives of those around me. God, I ask that You uproot every negative seed, and help me to always choose pleasant words of life, so I can be healed physically, spiritually and emotionally, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Love From The Red Sea

This morning I was reminiscing about when Jen and I were sitting on a yacht on the Red Sea, overlooking Egypt on one side and Israel on the other. It was amazing, the lights, the stars and the bright half moon all seemed so surreal. But what was clear was God’s love. All through this region, throughout its history, we see God’s love for His people. There is tremendous power in love! In the same way that a tree will grow taller and stronger when its roots grow deep, you will be stronger and rise higher when you are rooted and established in God’s love.

You may ask the all important question, how do you establish yourself in love? It starts with a choice. When you say “yes” to love, you are saying “yes” to God, because God is love! Then, you choose love again, according to 1 Corinthians 13. Love means being patient and kind. It means not seeking your own way, not being jealous or boastful. 

Today, When you choose love instead of choosing your own way, you are showing the world that God is first place in your life. The more you choose to walk in love, the deeper and stronger your roots will grow. Let me remind you, love is the greatest thing, and it is all that will last in eternity. Choose to establish yourself in love, and let it be firm within you. Let His love build security in you, and empower you to live the life of blessing He has in store for you.

“”¦May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love.” 

(Ephesians 3:17, AMP)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, today and everyday, I choose love. Father, show me how to love You and others the way You love me. Give me patience and kindness. Take away selfishness, jealousy and pride. God, thank You for setting me free and empowering me to live the good life You have prepared for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Do You Need Hope or Faith for Something Today?

Since being back in the UK, I’ve noticed that folk look sad and down. The Bible tells us that Jesus came to give us abundant life. Not only did He come to give you life in eternity, but He desires that you experience abundant life here on earth. He wants your relationships to be vibrant and alive. He wants your dreams to be alive. He wants your body, heart and mind to be alive and full of vitality. God is the source of all life, and when you seek Him, you will find Him, and the result will be everlasting life.

Are there areas in your life that need to be resurrected? Are there things that you’ve put on the back burner that you need to revive again? Do you need hope or faith for something today?

Today, seek God and allow Him to breathe His life into you. Seek Him with your dreams; seek Him with your plans. Seek Him in all things, and you will find His abundant life, and everything you set your hand to will prosper in Jesus’ name.

“”¦Seek me and live.” 

(Amos 5:4, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for giving me abundant life, both now and in eternity. God, I don’t want to just survive, I want to live a powerful, happy and excited life. So God, I give You my dreams and my plans, resurrect them and make them live. I humbly seek You today, giving You all that I am. I ask for Your hand of blessing and guidance in everything I do. In Jesus’ name! Amen.

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You Belong To The Family Of God

We all go through times when we feel lonely, or wonder where we belong. God designed family to always be a place of love and acceptance. Maybe you didn’t come from an environment like that, or maybe you’ve been away from your family. Maybe they are no longer around. God still desires to meet that need for family. He says, “He is the Father to the fatherless, and He places the solitary in families.” God wants to give you a circle of people you can trust, who will embrace and accept you.

If you are lonely or in need of a family today, ask God to meet that need and show you where you belong. Or, maybe you are the one who can open your home and heart to someone who is alone. The point is that God loves family. He designed family for a purpose. Jesus said in Matthew 12 that those who do God’s will are His family.

Today, if you are part of the family of God, you are never alone! He promises to never leave you nor forsake you. He promises to fill you with His peace and joy, so that you can live as an overcomer all the days of your life!

“God places the solitary in families”¦” (Psalm 68:6, NKJV)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for making me a part of Your family. Father, thank You for diminishing my loneliness and being my Father. Thank You for accepting and embracing me always, even when I embarrass You with my sinful behaviour. God, show me how I can reach out and be an example of family in someone else’s life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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What Does the Bible Say About Blessings?

n this year, God has prepared blessings for you. Scripture says, “He took Adam, whom He had just breathed life into, and put him in the garden.” Notice Adam came into a prepared blessing, something that God had already finished for him. Think about Adam and Eve in the garden. God took the first five days and created the heavens, the earth, the sky, the land and the water. He planted a garden. He put in it beautiful flowers and luscious fruit. He designed rivers to flow through it. He put precious treasures in the ground: onyx, gold and silver. Yes Adam came into a prepared blessing.

When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right breaks and the right opportunities. He has blessings that have your name on them. If you will stay in faith and keep honouring God, one day you will come in to what already belongs to you. It’s a prepared blessing! Hallelujah!

Today, God has some prepared blessings in store for you, just like He did for Adam in the garden of Eden. God has been working, arranging things in your favour, getting it all perfectly in place. You couldn’t make it happen on your own. It’s just the goodness of God bringing you into a prepared blessing!

“You prepare a table before me”¦”

(Psalm 23:5, NIV)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for preparing a place of blessing for me. Father, I choose to trust You and Your timing, knowing that You are working things out on my behalf. God, I glorify You for Your awesome timing and blessings You have prepared for my year, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Spiritual Seasons in the Christian Life

In this new year we expect four seasons – winter, spring, summer and autumn. Just like the four seasons in the year, God has ordained seasons and cycles in our lives. Sometimes, when our dreams aren’t coming to pass on our timetable, we can be tempted to get frustrated. We have to be careful not to allow our attitude to keep us from moving forward. Let God determine your season – He won’t give you more than you can bear, trust Him, He will get you through.

Just like in a 12 month cycle, In God’s kingdom, every season is not harvest. There are ploughing seasons, planting seasons and watering seasons. Sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase; but without the other seasons, we wouldn’t be prepared. Seasons come to prepare for harvest and increase. It’s during the ploughing season that God brings issues to light that we need to deal with. He’s getting us prepared for success.

Today, if you’re not making as much progress as you would like, the key is not to lose any ground. Don’t go backwards. Hold your position by keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy, even when it’s hard. Keep pushing and stay positive by speaking God’s Word daily. This month keep pressing through winter, spring is on the way. Hold on during the uncertainty of spring, because the consistency of summer is coming, just before your harvest or increase in every area of life!

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT)

Pray With Me

Yahweh, thank You for Your faithfulness in all seasons of my life. Father, I trust that my time is coming, and I choose to remain faithful to You as I await my harvest and increase. God, I submit my ways to You, and trust that You have the best plan for my life, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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Whatever you do shall prosper

As the new year approaches, I want to remind you that God’s plan is for you to prosper, and be successful in every area of your life. Some people might say, “I don’t see how you can say that after the year I’ve had, with the economy like it is. All the experts are saying it’s going to get worse before it gets better.” That may be true in general, but it doesn’t have to be true for believers in Christ.

Friend, we are connected to a supply line that will never run dry. Don’t be talked into having a bad year. The economy is not your source. God is your source, and He wants to bless you beyond your normal income. He likes to do unusual things. He can bless you with an explosive blessing! That means, all of a sudden, unexpectedly, something happens that takes you to a new level. Old limitations are broken, and suddenly, you find yourself further than you ever dreamed! Hallelujah!

Today, separate yourselves from the system of the world, and set your heart and mind on the Word of God. When you meditate on His promises, and follow His commands, you will experience these explosive blessings. When you put Him first, you will be strong and stable, and whatever you do will prosper, now and in the year to come!

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither–whatever they do prospers.’

(Psalm 1:3, NIV)

Pray With Me
Emmanuel, thank You for Your Word which brings me hope for the year ahead, and lights my path, and directs my heart today. Father, I submit every area to You and put You first always. God, teach me to rely on You — the source of all things good. Show me Your ways, so I can walk with You, and experience every blessing You have in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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STOP RUNNING. STAND STILL. HERE’S HOW.

When faced with hard times we take off running. We tend to run from anything that’s hard. We run from our problems. We run from responsibility. We run from people we don’t like or have conflict with. We run from our past. We run from anything that makes us uncomfortable.

We don’t seem to face issues and deal with them, we take the easy way out and go down the path of least resistance. But if you’re going to live in victory the way God intends, you have to learn how to face your challenges head on. Notice today’s verse doesn’t say, “keep running until you see the salvation of the Lord.” It doesn’t say, “bury your head in the sand until God delivers you.” No!

Today, God wants us to stand strong, set our faces like a flint, and fight the good fight of faith. And the good news is, you don’t have to do it in your own strength! He’s equipped you with His supernatural power to overcome every obstacle you will ever face, including the one you’re going through right now! Hallelujah!

“”¦stand and see the salvation of the Lord”¦” 

(2 Chronicles 20:17, NASB)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank You for the gift of strength. Father, please search my heart. Show me any area in my life where I am running or hiding from life’s difficulties. God, help me to stand in faith, and I invite You to fight my battles, and to move mightily on my behalf, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

3 Little Ways To Stand Up For Yourself Every Day, No Matter What

Remember, You Deserve Respect

Since there’s a very close connection between push-over tendencies and low self-esteem, it can help to remind yourself that no one has the right to ignore you, be rude, or deny your feelings. Say that, and then keep the mantra playing in your head wherever you go. “Assure yourself that – without your consent – no one has the authority to invalidate you,” said Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D., in Psychology Today.

Practice, Practice, Practice

If you think you could use more assertiveness in your life, decide to practice it in small ways on a daily basis, perhaps by trying some of the things listed above. And if it takes a while to sink in, that’s completely OK. In fact, “research now shows that it takes 66 days to form a new habit,” Dr. Chronister says. “Practice asserting your needs daily for 66 days and watch it become automatic for you.”

Set Boundaries

Boundaries are where it’s at if you want to not only stand up for yourself, but to give others a better idea of how they should treat you. After all, “boundaries are simply those actions that you will not take or tolerate from others,” Joshua Klapow, PhD, clinical psychologist and host of The Kurre and Klapow Show, tells Bustle. “What is OK and not OK to you, and what you are willing and not willing to do, say, or hear or accommodate from others, and so on. Once these boundaries are set (and they can change over time) you are now in a position to stand up for yourself.”

 

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