Prayer and Agency

If the Father knows all, even the things we are about to ask before we ever ask them, then why do we need to pray if he already knows the desires of our hearts? It's because God respects our agency, and will not impose anything upon us, save in rare and/or extreme circumstances for our protection. Prayer gives The Father the opportunity, and permission, to enter into our lives so that He may bless us, according to His will, with opportunities to grow, to be comforted in times of trial, to enable us to serve and aid others, and so much more.

Truth, Lies and Gossip

Walter Scott wrote many years ago, "Oh what tangled web we weave, when at first, we practice to deceive." Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth when speaking with others... The only exception to this rule is when the truth will damage another person's reputation through gossip... Unless [you are] sharing with someone who is in a position [of authority] to resolve a conflict [with the individual you are speaking about, then] it's best not to share what [you] know, [so remain] silent instead. Not sharing what [you] know [about another that] will cause damage to [them]... enables [you] to protect others while ensuring that [you do] not lie.
Taken from the book: Resolved by Orrin Woodward. [Bracketts paraphrased by me.]

Courage and Descipleship

Being courageous and a true disciple of Christ, does not mean that you're going to live your life without fear or pain. On the contrary, being courageous and a disciple of Christ means that you have something far more important you choose to stand for; your purpose. Having such a purpose gives you the ability to resist giving in to the fear and pain while, eventually, rising above it. After all, it is only in the presence of fear and pain that true courage and discipleship can be exercised, but without a greater sense of purpose, how can you see beyond your pain and your fears? If you proclaim to be a disciple of Christ, and your objectives aren't important enough for you to push past the pain and your fears, then you're never going to succeed in reaching your fullest potential that you long for and that the Lord desires for you too.