Today's Readings:
~ John 18:28-38, 19: 7-9
~ Job 32-33
~ Proverbs 9
* The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. - Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Today is a day...
FYI - Depressing, but honest post.
Today is a day that I just want to be over. Some decent things happened today. Like, I found out how my YA literature final is going to be formatted (although, that kinda freaked me out). Or, my fibro drug dosage has been increased. I paid Walgreens bills (by overdrawing, but still...). Yes, those are the decent things. Not to mention the woman I met today at the prayer meeting tonight who suffers from severe depression. Honestly, I have no idea how I'm going to do it, but I'm what mere Christian support she has right now that she can call a friend. It's kind of rough.
I know with my depression, many days I feel like shutting myself into my dungeon and not coming out until I feel like I can be a decent person. But for me, I know that isn't the greatest thing to do. Often being alone is what has caused my depression. And, what has caused my depression feeds my depression. So, it doesn't really help. Not to mention all the thinking time that I have when I'm alone. Now, I've always been a pretty independent person, but with all my health issues, feeling deserted, etc. alone isn't exactly the place to be. I know that there are others who deal with the same things that I do.
Some are afraid that reaching out to a person with the same issue as you may cause your own issue to become worse. The woman tonight kept telling me, "I don't know how you can handle it all, your issues plus mine." I think it is because I try to remember that I am not alone. I know that I'm not alone in my struggle against depression, or anything else I face. But, I also know that in order to not be alone, I have to reach out. And...that's the hard part. I try my hardest to reach out. I try my hardest to be strong for those I love and care about. I try my hardest to be a support that someone else can lean on. And yes, I'll admit, there are still days when I'd just prefer to be locked up in my own dungeon where no one but me knows the way in or out. But today is a day that, while it has been absolutely havoc on my body and mind, I have been able to make a difference. Yes, I still want today to be over. I am tired and I hurt. And I hurt in more ways than one. But, I am not alone. Unfortunately there are others that deal with the same thing that I do. And I am one who refuses to leave anyone behind. I just hope and pray my heart can handle it and my will is strong enough to be the support to ANYONE who needs it whether it is mental or physical.
And thus, my thoughts are done. Today is a day...And tomorrow is another.
Today is a day that I just want to be over. Some decent things happened today. Like, I found out how my YA literature final is going to be formatted (although, that kinda freaked me out). Or, my fibro drug dosage has been increased. I paid Walgreens bills (by overdrawing, but still...). Yes, those are the decent things. Not to mention the woman I met today at the prayer meeting tonight who suffers from severe depression. Honestly, I have no idea how I'm going to do it, but I'm what mere Christian support she has right now that she can call a friend. It's kind of rough.
I know with my depression, many days I feel like shutting myself into my dungeon and not coming out until I feel like I can be a decent person. But for me, I know that isn't the greatest thing to do. Often being alone is what has caused my depression. And, what has caused my depression feeds my depression. So, it doesn't really help. Not to mention all the thinking time that I have when I'm alone. Now, I've always been a pretty independent person, but with all my health issues, feeling deserted, etc. alone isn't exactly the place to be. I know that there are others who deal with the same things that I do.
Some are afraid that reaching out to a person with the same issue as you may cause your own issue to become worse. The woman tonight kept telling me, "I don't know how you can handle it all, your issues plus mine." I think it is because I try to remember that I am not alone. I know that I'm not alone in my struggle against depression, or anything else I face. But, I also know that in order to not be alone, I have to reach out. And...that's the hard part. I try my hardest to reach out. I try my hardest to be strong for those I love and care about. I try my hardest to be a support that someone else can lean on. And yes, I'll admit, there are still days when I'd just prefer to be locked up in my own dungeon where no one but me knows the way in or out. But today is a day that, while it has been absolutely havoc on my body and mind, I have been able to make a difference. Yes, I still want today to be over. I am tired and I hurt. And I hurt in more ways than one. But, I am not alone. Unfortunately there are others that deal with the same thing that I do. And I am one who refuses to leave anyone behind. I just hope and pray my heart can handle it and my will is strong enough to be the support to ANYONE who needs it whether it is mental or physical.
And thus, my thoughts are done. Today is a day...And tomorrow is another.
Forgiveness First - Day 8
Today's Scripture:
~ Luke 5:17-26
~ Job 25-31
~Proverbs 7-8
*He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light. - Job 28:11 (NIV)
Today, I found great fascination with my Lenten study. It had me reading out of Luke 5, which is the story of when Jesus heals a paralytic. The pharisees accuse Jesus of blasphemy because He is claiming to be able to forgive sins. As usual, Jesus answers with a question, "Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" (Luke 5:23, NIV) So, obviously Jesus catches 'em off guard, and the people are all amazed and praising God for this miracle of healing this man. But, I find it interesting that Jesus forgives the man's sins before the healing comes. And that's exactly what my Lenten study was talking about. I would type it out for you if it weren't for copyright permissions.
One thing that the study presents is that our sin paralyzes us spiritually. The burden of it is so great that we try to hide it in every corner of our hearts, yet Jesus is able to come into our lives and forgive us of that sin and to heal us. That is what the Gospel is all about. God loves us enough to clean out our pantries and our messy desk drawers and our closets and underneath the bed where the we have kicked who-knows-what under there...In all those places of our hearts, God is willing to clean up the mess and restore it to new. Beware that God isn't always a collector of useless things. He will go in with the trash bags. But the multitude of sin will be forgiven and the healing will come.
However, it will always be in this order: Forgiveness, then healing. Always in love.
~ Luke 5:17-26
~ Job 25-31
~Proverbs 7-8
*He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light. - Job 28:11 (NIV)
Today, I found great fascination with my Lenten study. It had me reading out of Luke 5, which is the story of when Jesus heals a paralytic. The pharisees accuse Jesus of blasphemy because He is claiming to be able to forgive sins. As usual, Jesus answers with a question, "Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'?" (Luke 5:23, NIV) So, obviously Jesus catches 'em off guard, and the people are all amazed and praising God for this miracle of healing this man. But, I find it interesting that Jesus forgives the man's sins before the healing comes. And that's exactly what my Lenten study was talking about. I would type it out for you if it weren't for copyright permissions.
One thing that the study presents is that our sin paralyzes us spiritually. The burden of it is so great that we try to hide it in every corner of our hearts, yet Jesus is able to come into our lives and forgive us of that sin and to heal us. That is what the Gospel is all about. God loves us enough to clean out our pantries and our messy desk drawers and our closets and underneath the bed where the we have kicked who-knows-what under there...In all those places of our hearts, God is willing to clean up the mess and restore it to new. Beware that God isn't always a collector of useless things. He will go in with the trash bags. But the multitude of sin will be forgiven and the healing will come.
However, it will always be in this order: Forgiveness, then healing. Always in love.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
FBYTG+30 - WEEK 1 DONE!
Day 7
Today's Readings:
~ Luke 8:22-25
~ Job 20-24
~ Proverbs 6
* They spend their years in prosperity and go down to the grave in peace. Yet they say to God, 'Leave us alone! We have no desire to know your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What would we gain by praying to him?' But their prosperiety is not in their own hands...
- Job 21:13-16a (NIV)
Wahoo!!! Week one of Lent is complete. While, I am not really rejoicing this moment, the worst of it is over with. I have made it a week further into my relationship with God. And while, yes, I failed for a brief moment, I am that much closer to God through overcoming that struggle.
I am beginning to enjoy my time off of Facebook. A dear friend helped me realize that good can come to those who don't stalk. :) In other words, I have had more conversations with people that I know, rather than merely stalking each other's facebook pages to see what one is up to. I think the time off Facebook is helping me see that there are people out there who truly care enough to talk to me outside of Facebook. While I miss some of the relationships that I nourish through Facebook, I think I'll live for a while without it. So, I think that makes the countdown...39 days??? :) It'll be fine. I'm excited still for it all.
YouTube hasn't really been a hard sacrifice. I hadn't really kept up on it before Lent. So, no worries there. And as for Google...I really have no clue if the sacrifice is doing me any good. Honestly, it's kind of a pain, rather than good. Haha. So, we shall see how well this one continues. I'm okay with using the search engine as long as it isn't for my health. That's honestly what God wanted me to stop researching. But hey, we'll see.
Ummmm....Other than that, that's all I have for you. Today is the continuance of what seems to be an RA flare. Every joint hurts more than I'd imagine, and especially my hands. I am beginning to wonder if the red meat (hamburger) is causing more pain. This could be a very sad occasion. But who knows?! I'll keep track the best I can. Alright. I'm done. Adios, from Reclaimed!
Today's Readings:
~ Luke 8:22-25
~ Job 20-24
~ Proverbs 6
* They spend their years in prosperity and go down to the grave in peace. Yet they say to God, 'Leave us alone! We have no desire to know your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What would we gain by praying to him?' But their prosperiety is not in their own hands...
- Job 21:13-16a (NIV)
Wahoo!!! Week one of Lent is complete. While, I am not really rejoicing this moment, the worst of it is over with. I have made it a week further into my relationship with God. And while, yes, I failed for a brief moment, I am that much closer to God through overcoming that struggle.
I am beginning to enjoy my time off of Facebook. A dear friend helped me realize that good can come to those who don't stalk. :) In other words, I have had more conversations with people that I know, rather than merely stalking each other's facebook pages to see what one is up to. I think the time off Facebook is helping me see that there are people out there who truly care enough to talk to me outside of Facebook. While I miss some of the relationships that I nourish through Facebook, I think I'll live for a while without it. So, I think that makes the countdown...39 days??? :) It'll be fine. I'm excited still for it all.
YouTube hasn't really been a hard sacrifice. I hadn't really kept up on it before Lent. So, no worries there. And as for Google...I really have no clue if the sacrifice is doing me any good. Honestly, it's kind of a pain, rather than good. Haha. So, we shall see how well this one continues. I'm okay with using the search engine as long as it isn't for my health. That's honestly what God wanted me to stop researching. But hey, we'll see.
Ummmm....Other than that, that's all I have for you. Today is the continuance of what seems to be an RA flare. Every joint hurts more than I'd imagine, and especially my hands. I am beginning to wonder if the red meat (hamburger) is causing more pain. This could be a very sad occasion. But who knows?! I'll keep track the best I can. Alright. I'm done. Adios, from Reclaimed!
Praying the Rosary
 |
| My Rosary |
No, I am not Catholic. I am a protestant.
However, I have begun to see a peace from God and reverence for God that I haven't had in a REALLY long time. While you may think that this is a horrible thing and that I should be able to get those things (peace and reverence) by doing something else...okay, you may be right. But, for me, the rosary isn't about praying to Mary, Jesus' mother. It is a meditation tool. It is something that I can do to keep me focused. It gives me something to play with while I pray, something to say while I meditate, and something specific to meditate on. While I don't agree with one set of the mysteries (because I don't know that they are biblical because they go off of assumptions), I still LOVE the other three sets of mysteries.
There are four sets of five mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous. If one wishes to pray the rosary, you typically choose one set of the mysteries to meditate on, rather than doing all 20 mysteries (4 sets), or follow the pattern set by Pope John Paul II.
If you wish to know more about how to pray the rosary you can follow this link and it will give you instructions on how to pray and the set of mysteries for each day: How to Pray the Rosary
I do not plan on ever becoming Catholic, as I do not agree with much of their doctrine. But, I love this meditation tool of the rosary. And I don't only have the choice of praying the mysteries, I can also pray the rosary for a person or special need.
Here is a link to a great website that will explain more about the mysteries as well as some FAQ that you probably are thinking too! Might explain some of those horrible things that you are thinking about me because of what you consider the rosary to be. The Rosary - Catholic Bible 101
I am more than happy to discuss this rosary thing with you, so if you have a question or concern, feel free to post a comment or email me. Hope to hear your thoughts!
Happy Endings - Day 6
Monday's Readings:
~ John 15:1-8
~Job 18-19
~ Proverbs 5
*I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. - Job 19:25 (NIV)
Sometimes, it is just nice to have a happy ending when you are reading a depressing story. That's kind of what it was like to read Job today...I just wanted to have a happy ending, and this verse really just foreshadowed what it was all about. This verse captures what Easter is all about and what His return will be like. Not going to lie, I'm pretty excited for it all. But, it makes me wonder though. Am I ready for His return? Do I have too much to get rid of? Or, have I told everyone that I am supposed to tell about Jesus? Just a thought. But a good one to ponder in the season of Lent.
For those who know and love Jesus, there is a happy ending... :)
"And they all lived happily ever after. The end!"
~ John 15:1-8
~Job 18-19
~ Proverbs 5
*I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. - Job 19:25 (NIV)
Sometimes, it is just nice to have a happy ending when you are reading a depressing story. That's kind of what it was like to read Job today...I just wanted to have a happy ending, and this verse really just foreshadowed what it was all about. This verse captures what Easter is all about and what His return will be like. Not going to lie, I'm pretty excited for it all. But, it makes me wonder though. Am I ready for His return? Do I have too much to get rid of? Or, have I told everyone that I am supposed to tell about Jesus? Just a thought. But a good one to ponder in the season of Lent.
For those who know and love Jesus, there is a happy ending... :)
"And they all lived happily ever after. The end!"
Sunday, March 13, 2011
FBYTG+30 Update
Day 5
~ Job 11-15 (I think)
~ Proverbs 4
~ James 1
*Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - James 1:27 (NIV)
I just want to announce that waking up early before church to do Me and Jesus time was DEFINITELY a challenge. Today is a bad day for pain (unknown reason). SO, I dislike daylight savings time. Unfortunately, I really didn't feel like doing much journaling this morning. I have to crochet later, so I am saving the strength in my hands...This post won't be long.
I have so much to do and not much time to do it in. I have homework like crazy, because Spring break went by SO QUICKLY! Oh, and while i don't regret not going on the mission trip to New Mexico with the college ministry, I do wish that I could do mission work like that these days. I have less than two months until I'm no longer a teenager, and I DEFINITELY do not feel like a teenager these days. Kind of sad. And frustrating. So, I'm working on finding ways to serve without wrecking havoc on my body. Anyhow...My hands are totally done. Adios for now.
~ Job 11-15 (I think)
~ Proverbs 4
~ James 1
*Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - James 1:27 (NIV)
I just want to announce that waking up early before church to do Me and Jesus time was DEFINITELY a challenge. Today is a bad day for pain (unknown reason). SO, I dislike daylight savings time. Unfortunately, I really didn't feel like doing much journaling this morning. I have to crochet later, so I am saving the strength in my hands...This post won't be long.
I have so much to do and not much time to do it in. I have homework like crazy, because Spring break went by SO QUICKLY! Oh, and while i don't regret not going on the mission trip to New Mexico with the college ministry, I do wish that I could do mission work like that these days. I have less than two months until I'm no longer a teenager, and I DEFINITELY do not feel like a teenager these days. Kind of sad. And frustrating. So, I'm working on finding ways to serve without wrecking havoc on my body. Anyhow...My hands are totally done. Adios for now.
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