Praises!!

[tiredmom]

Well, that went far better than I'd expected. Our pastor understands mental illness, including bipolar disorder & depression. He says there are a bunch of folks in our church who have the same thing, and assured me, it is NOT due to "sin" as far as my doing something to cause it. He understands it is a biological, a biochemical imbalance in the brain. He assured me that God still loves me, that I am precious to him, and that He is still with me, even through all this. I DO know that, haven't doubted it, it's just hard to see or feel that God is here with me some days.

I told him basically my entire life story, including my family history and how I feel about all this, and how I've been wanting to get involved at church with something, but have just been afraid to. Haven't felt qualified, or worthy, of doing anything. But he encouraged me to do so, to pray about it, to think about what I'd like to be involved with. I told him I've been thinking about getting involved with Voices of Praise on Wednesday nights He also suggested the women's Bible study on Wednesdays. Don't know if I'm quite ready for that yet, but we'll see. at any rate, I was neither condemned nor belittled. I felt very welcomed, and I got compassion and a wonderful listening ear during this visit. I feel a little better, and definitely blessed. My focus on life is only a bit clearer, but I am going in the right direction, at least.

He encouraged me to continue taking my medication, and continue working with my doctor, and to try to find a place in the church to get involved, if I can. He also said to call him ANYTIME, if I needed to, regardless of what it was about.

This visit made me feel SO much better. I feel like I'm beginning to be a part of the church family now. And I feel like God was leading me in this direction. I WILL learn to cope with and control, to whatever degree, this illness -- a gift, perhaps?-- that I've inherited. I WILL learn to make it work FOR me, instead of against me. And I WILL find some way to make it count for God's glory. I know He's up to something, to allow me to be afflicted like this...He never lets anything in our lives go to waste.



*Thank You, Lord, for Your love and compassion-- and GRACE-- that has been extended to me through YOur servant, our pastor. Thank you for guiding me...please continue to do that, okay? I love You...Amen*

 

[goldenviolet]

 

[NewCovenant]

Praise the Lord! I'm so happy for you! I have been thinking about you and praying that this meeting would go well! The Lord has been looking out for you, and has led you to the right church! What a blessing! Now take advantage of the resources that He has laid at your feet, and not only enjoy these blessings, but be USED here... Let the Lord use your gifts and talents at this church. You never know when someone who is struggling with these same issues may need someone just like you. You may be called on very soon to help out. YOU may be the next resource. Be encouraged! You've been given a gift, and you ARE a gift to others. May God richly bless you!

 

[overcoming]

praise GOD for you tiredmom, help is out there and GOD does bring certain people into your life. don't let the down days get to you, we all have that. remember, we are living in the last days and its getting hard for christians but look up, he's coming for those who love him and are looking for him. look up, for your redemption draweth nigh. luv, DEB~