1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 NKJV See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

Penni – God I know to not do evil and pursue good, yet when up against others who do not play nice in the sand box and do and say evil against me, I have retreated, so what do I do? In the past as I grew up in leadership my experience with having people who wanted to do me harm grew. They would come after me with unkind words, negative actions towards my character, and untruths. I know there will always be hurt and angry people, who hate. I need to be surrounded with an authentic community that keeps me grounded. I didn‘t have the experience to know how to handle it in love and grace to have an assertive demeanor and to be bold and emotionally disconnected. As I continued to lead and the negativity continued, when I finished my term I retreated to self-preservation, put up more walls and became passive. Help me God to process my past experiences today that I may learn from Your will for my life. I know You have a plan for me which includes leadership and I ask for Your love, support, guidance, protection, to move me forward with my new life. I need to learn new ways – Your ways, to have a strong personality, conviction, boldness, confidence and assertiveness.

God – My child, you are hearing my lessons and my Word. Cindy is strong in Me and she is your echo, mentor and friend. She will help you navigate these deep waters of change. You are going through My God camp, My training camp, where you will be learning, growing and being mentored in different ways. Listen, Learn, Observe, Process, Question and Reflect.

I want you to pay attention and recognize situations, people, etc. quicker, and evaluate what My guidance is for your days. You are to be one of my earthly leaders and therefore evil will be everywhere around you, being able to handle this and still pursue Me and good for all will be a challenge, yet you have what you need to handle it and grow from being in your cocoon where you retreated to years ago, into breaking out and becoming a beautiful Godly Butterfly.

Penni – I do know God You are strong in me and that Your plan for my life and vision is to be a leader again. I know You are Enough, so therefore I am Enough in You. Give me the words, grace, love and goodness to do Your will, and bring others to You through discipleship, accountability, relationship and connection in my life. Being in Your God camp, I am learning little by little; listening and waiting on You Lord to lead my way. God, You provided a message in this reading from

C.S Lewis: Those who know Him bring Him to others. Authentic community is rare. When you find it, hold it fast.

I will need both, as I evolve into Your disciple work, I will need Your strength to bring others to You, and through that work I will come across evil and will need Your protection through an authentic community.

I pray that I may impact those who are hurt, angry, mean, negative to see the light, Your light to help them find you, peace, joy and Your love. And when that is not possible and evil comes at me, that I may have Your protection and community.