The roses that grew out of the thorns

1. God allows us to make our own choices...
2. ...but He speaks through: circumstances, wiser more experienced elders in the Church or in your family, the peace that fills your heart.
3. Sharing your spirituality with someone is a very intimate exchange - it's like baring your soul before another person, not knowing how they'll react once you do.
4. What your mind learns may be forgotten, but what your heart learns remains forever.
5. There is a type of friendship that can be experienced among people that moves beyond this world. You might not understand it at first, but you are not the first to receive it. However, there are boundaries that must be made aware of and kept at all times to avoid complications.
6. As your knowledge grows, there comes along what are called Tests...or opportunities to apply what you have learned in real-life situations.
7. When all else fails you, there is always God.
8. Do not put anyone on a pedestal. It's cruel and unjust to have unrealistic expectations of another human being. God would rather have us lay prostrate on the ground, so please don't in your own mind put them in a place they were never meant to be.
9. When tempted to judge another person in their sin or failing, remember when you also fell and turned away from God in your weakness. Everyone is given the chance to start over, so when tempted to condemn, pray for their conversion/reversion.
10. Mercy and forgiveness are two of the most beautiful gifts you could ever give to someone.
11. Sometimes it's best just to stay silent and not defend yourself.
12. We don't have a right to any one person in this world. They are given to us as gifts to be borrowed for some time and must be returned after use to the original Owner with as little damage as possible.
13. Funny how a short play could be so cleansing (thanks, IR cast and crew!).
14. For any major decision or situation in life, a million and one different opinions will surround you. You have to go where or how God is drawing you to serve.
15. Time heals all wounds.