What difference does it make?

[Silver-winged Flyer]

Hi C,
If you're heading towards recovery then I'm really happy for you.

 

[Amin]

Hi C,
If you're heading towards recovery then I'm really happy for you.

Hi T,
I don't think I'm headed anywhere. Each day is as the one before. Don't know what else to say. I do think i might start looking for another church. My pastor has seen me once in at least 2 yrs.
Obviously visitation is not one of his stronger points
C

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

Hi T,
I don't think I'm headed anywhere. Each day is as the one before. Don't know what else to say. I do think i might start looking for another church. My pastor has seen me once in at least 2 yrs.
Obviously visitation is not one of his stronger points
C

I can't think of anything to say either, I'm really sorry.

 

[Amin]

That's okay,

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

Hi C,
I can't just let this thread disappear without trying to help. You started it because you were hoping for some help. I can't believe that nobody out there has any other advice or comments. I guess I can't say too much about other people when I haven't helped much at all.
T.

 

[Amin]

Hi C,
I can't just let this thread disappear without trying to help. You started it because you were hoping for some help. I can't believe that nobody out there has any other advice or comments. I guess I can't say too much about other people when I haven't helped much at all.
T.

Hi TG.
I don't know. Sometimes people want to say things but they're afraid
they might say the wrong thing i guess. Either that or people might
reply only to someone they're
comfortable with, or in plain english, some will only respond to
only those they like. It's called a clique.
C.

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

Hi TG.
I don't know. Sometimes people want to say things but they're afraid
they might say the wrong thing i guess. Either that or people might
reply only to someone they're
comfortable with, or in plain english, some will only respond to
only those they like. It's called a clique.
C.

I have to agree with you on that last point. It's a sad world we live in when the people who aren't 'popular' don't get help.

 

[oat02351]

Hi,
I just wanted to pass along some of my thoughts to see what you think.
I keep wondering, What is the purpose of life; I've come to a conclusion
( as far as my life ) there's really not much to care about. When God put us on this earth, He also gave us things to do,work, play, hunt, fish, etc.
I can't help but think that these things were given to us to occupy our
time and our minds while we wait for our time to come. I can't help but wonder, after we're gone, that all those things we accomplished, what good did they do us or anyone else. For after we're gone, those things we worked so hard for aren't going to make a bit of difference to us.
I guess my question is: Why bother with anything, when in the end, it's not going to make a bit of difference, so why bother with it , if in the end , it will have made no difference. So why bother playing the game, when you know the outcome before you start?
I know this sounds dismal, but these are questions that go thru my head.
I just wondered what your opinion might be. Up to this point, no one has been able to give me an answer to; What is the purpose of life.
Amin.

Life has many purposes, I've come to this conclusion just from my own experience. For the longest time I didn't have a purpose but, there would come a time when I was needed. Two years ago last month I gave my brother a kidney. Nowadays I've been depressed lately especially the past few months but, that's chemicle. When I get real down I think of what I mean to everyone around me and look at my scar. I await my next purpose but, knowing I'm needed is the greatest thing. One day there will come a time when you will be needed, maybe not for the same thing but, your reason will come too. You will make a difference as well. Have you sought help for your depression? If not, do so.

 

[shadowgem]

Hi,

Just feeling that God has so much love for you, doesn't he say 'you are precious and honoured in my sight'? Sometimes people have problems of receiving love because of deep seated feelings of unworthiness. (I know I've struggled immensely with these).

I think that it's right that we won't have all the answers until we go back to God, but our questions about life can ultimately lead us back to God.

I think we're here to experience relationship(s) and ultimately realise that our original purpose is to have a relationship with God.

As we experience struggles we are being made into Christ's likeness and learning to trust in him.

I am realising that I have not been spending enough time in worship lately, and wondered too how your worship life is?

Wasn't sure whether to pm you - but just read this thread. I think you are brave to be open about your struggle since sometimes its hard to reach out, but sometimes God can use us to help each other with our suffering and learn from each other.

Praying for you

 

[Amin]

Life has many purposes, I've come to this conclusion just from my own experience. For the longest time I didn't have a purpose but, there would come a time when I was needed. Two years ago last month I gave my brother a kidney. Nowadays I've been depressed lately especially the past few months but, that's chemicle. When I get real down I think of what I mean to everyone around me and look at my scar. I await my next purpose but, knowing I'm needed is the greatest thing. One day there will come a time when you will be needed, maybe not for the same thing but, your reason will come too. You will make a difference as well. Have you sought help for your depression? If not, do so.

Hi,
I have been seeing someone, and taking
medicine. It just doesn't seem to help.
I know there are things i can do to help others and have purpose in that respect.
I was thinking in terms of my pupose in
life itself. Like over the course of my years, what do i see? Nothing stands out as to really having purpose.
Amin.

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

Hi,
I have been seeing someone, and taking
medicine. It just doesn't seem to help.
I know there are things i can do to help others and have purpose in that respect.
I was thinking in terms of my pupose in
life itself. Like over the course of my years, what do i see? Nothing stands out as to really having purpose.
Amin.

Just because you can't see that you've had a purpose doesn't mean you haven't had an affect on somebody's life. Its not always big things that we do that count but the little things.

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

I used to hate myself and you are one of only two people in my life who have tried to get me to see that I have worth. I've stopped hating myself and that's one good influence that you have had in my life. Thank you.

 

[Amin]

I used to hate myself and you are one of only two people in my life who have tried to get me to see that I have worth. I've stopped hating myself and that's one good influence that you have had in my life. Thank you.

Hi,
I'm Really grateful for your word of thanks. I also want to thank you for your support in my feeling of lack of purpose.
You've shown me recent instances
where i did have purpose.
Thanks a bunch T.
Amin.

 

[Silver-winged Flyer]

Hi,
I'm Really grateful for your word of thanks. I also want to thank you for your support in my feeling of lack of purpose.
You've shown me recent instances
where i did have purpose.
Thanks a bunch T.
Amin.

That's what friends are for. I'm really glad that I could help.

 

[Amin]

I started this thread a while ago. What difference does it make? Well, I've had some things happen within the last 3 weeks, ( I don't need to go into them. ). I'm 75% convinced that things just don't make a difference. Life is unfair, and life quite frankly sucks. I'll probably not do anything as a result of my conclusion, but i just can't seem to see a reason to think otherwise. After a while things just start to become a
pain and repiticious. As of now this is how i feel. Who knows,
maybe things will come about to change my mind. We can only wait and see.
Amin.

 

[MadeFromScratch]

I sit in this house day after day after day because I'm not physically able to do a whole lot. I can't work or volunteer. I'm pretty secluded in my little house and don't get much contact with other people.

What good is my life? Every day is the same, and it all sucks.

Should I give up? Should I kill myself? Should I become depressed? I see nothing good in my future and I've been living like this for YEARS.

I will never kill myself. I fear God way too much. I can just see me standing before him and him saying, "What are you doing here? I did not order you to be here." Suicide is not an option for me.

Depression is not an option for me. What good would that do? It wouldn't change anything. I'd still have my same, crappy life, only I'd be depressed too.

Giving up is not an option. Have I no faith in God? I will be patient. Maybe he will open a door for me. Maybe a door is already open but I'm too blind to see it. I will not let Satan conquer my spirit.

What is your lot in life? Can you work? Can you volunteer? If so then be glad, for God gives us good health, and God takes it away. If you can work or volunteer then be glad. Show your appreciation by being a hard worker and by helping others. It is better to be the helper than the helped.

Do you have family? Friends? If so then be glad. As you know, they can also be taken away too. Spend time with them and love them, not just with feelings, but with actions.

What is it that you want from life? Would more money make you happy? Better car? Nicer clothes? Bigger house?

What is it that you want from life? What will make your life meaningful?

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him - for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

I know what I want from life. Some of it he has granted me in the last couple years. I'm not dirt poor anymore! I'm so thankful that I want to share what I have with others because I know what it's like. Being able to help others, after all the help I've received, makes me feel good. It makes my life meaningful. A sincere "thank you" does the heart good!

I want peace, and quiet. No cars going by, no planes going overhead, no neighbor's dogs barking. Peace and quiet means more to me than just about anything in this world. I want to see the sky with the clouds going by and the birds flying. I want to see the beautiful land God has created, and I want to enjoy it. Maybe Alaska someday? God willing! Sitting by the fire, maybe knitting a sweater (have to learn to knit first!) and sipping a nice hot cup of coffee. Maybe I'll knit that sweater for someone, and maybe that person will sit by the fire with me someday and have a cup of coffee. Isn't that what life is about?

What is it you want from life?

 

[Amin]

I sit in this house day after day after day because I'm not physically able to do a whole lot. I can't work or volunteer. I'm pretty secluded in my little house and don't get much contact with other people.

What good is my life? Every day is the same, and it all sucks.

Should I give up? Should I kill myself? Should I become depressed? I see nothing good in my future and I've been living like this for YEARS.

I will never kill myself. I fear God way too much. I can just see me standing before him and him saying, "What are you doing here? I did not order you to be here." Suicide is not an option for me.

Depression is not an option for me. What good would that do? It wouldn't change anything. I'd still have my same, crappy life, only I'd be depressed too.

Giving up is not an option. Have I no faith in God? I will be patient. Maybe he will open a door for me. Maybe a door is already open but I'm too blind to see it. I will not let Satan conquer my spirit.

What is your lot in life? Can you work? Can you volunteer? If so then be glad, for God gives us good health, and God takes it away. If you can work or volunteer then be glad. Show your appreciation by being a hard worker and by helping others. It is better to be the helper than the helped.

Do you have family? Friends? If so then be glad. As you know, they can also be taken away too. Spend time with them and love them, not just with feelings, but with actions.

What is it that you want from life? Would more money make you happy? Better car? Nicer clothes? Bigger house?

What is it that you want from life? What will make your life meaningful?

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him - for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

I know what I want from life. Some of it he has granted me in the last couple years. I'm not dirt poor anymore! I'm so thankful that I want to share what I have with others because I know what it's like. Being able to help others, after all the help I've received, makes me feel good. It makes my life meaningful. A sincere "thank you" does the heart good!

I want peace, and quiet. No cars going by, no planes going overhead, no neighbor's dogs barking. Peace and quiet means more to me than just about anything in this world. I want to see the sky with the clouds going by and the birds flying. I want to see the beautiful land God has created, and I want to enjoy it. Maybe Alaska someday? God willing! Sitting by the fire, maybe knitting a sweater (have to learn to knit first!) and sipping a nice hot cup of coffee. Maybe I'll knit that sweater for someone, and maybe that person will sit by the fire with me someday and have a cup of coffee. Isn't that what life is about?

What is it you want from life?

All i want from life is peace of mind. I didn't choose to be depressed it just happened. I don't plan on taking my life, even if i did, I don't believe suicide sends you to hell. Depression is an illness, and if in a state of despair something would happen, wouldn't you think God would know that. I'm not being smart, only asking a question.

 

[MadeFromScratch]

Please don't misunderstand my words. I don't think anyone chooses depression, nor do I think suicide sends anyone to hell.

You want peace of mind? Here's how it happened for me. Maybe it will help you.

I did not have peace of mind for most of my life. Life had not been fair to me and I held on to the hurt and anger. Now I've let it go.

I looked for love in all the wrong places. I thought if I was prettier that people would like me more. They didn't. I thought if I had a nicer car, or more things, that it would bring me happiness. It didn't.

So on and so forth.

I've changed an awful lot over the years. I've changed who I am inside, and I've changed the way I do things. As a result, I LIKE who I am. I don't compare myself to other people. I compare myself to what is written in the bible and hey, I'm doing pretty good! I'm on the right path. I'm not there yet, but I'm certainly headed in the right direction. That makes me feel so good about myself and it gives me peace of mind.

I've done alot of things wrong in my life and I haven't quite forgiven myself for all of them. I didn't know any better and I need to give myself a break and let it go completely. I'm ashamed of the things I've done and that is still one thing that keeps me from enjoying total peace of mind. I'm working on it.

I've forgiven others though. There are a few things that still hurt, that I still carry around, but the vast majority of things I have let go of. That gives me peace of mind.

I'm learning recently how focusing on helping others can bring great peace of mind. Right now, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I am feeling sorry for you. And if I can help in some small way to help you obtain peace of mind then I will be thrilled! My life will have some meaning too.

What prevents you from having peace of mind?

I'll tell you another thing. The more you rely on God, the better off you will be. The more you make him a part of your life, and then even your whole life, the better off you will be.

But when God is a small part of your life, or no part of your life, then you will feel unfulfilled, and life will be pointless.

Peace of mind is a gift from God. You can't obtain it on your own.

 

[Amin]

Please don't misunderstand my words. I don't think anyone chooses depression, nor do I think suicide sends anyone to hell.

You want peace of mind? Here's how it happened for me. Maybe it will help you.

I did not have peace of mind for most of my life. Life had not been fair to me and I held on to the hurt and anger. Now I've let it go.

I looked for love in all the wrong places. I thought if I was prettier that people would like me more. They didn't. I thought if I had a nicer car, or more things, that it would bring me happiness. It didn't.

So on and so forth.

I've changed an awful lot over the years. I've changed who I am inside, and I've changed the way I do things. As a result, I LIKE who I am. I don't compare myself to other people. I compare myself to what is written in the bible and hey, I'm doing pretty good! I'm on the right path. I'm not there yet, but I'm certainly headed in the right direction. That makes me feel so good about myself and it gives me peace of mind.

I've done alot of things wrong in my life and I haven't quite forgiven myself for all of them. I didn't know any better and I need to give myself a break and let it go completely. I'm ashamed of the things I've done and that is still one thing that keeps me from enjoying total peace of mind. I'm working on it.

I've forgiven others though. There are a few things that still hurt, that I still carry around, but the vast majority of things I have let go of. That gives me peace of mind.

I'm learning recently how focusing on helping others can bring great peace of mind. Right now, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I am feeling sorry for you. And if I can help in some small way to help you obtain peace of mind then I will be thrilled! My life will have some meaning too.

What prevents you from having peace of mind?

I'll tell you another thing. The more you rely on God, the better off you will be. The more you make him a part of your life, and then even your whole life, the better off you will be.

But when God is a small part of your life, or no part of your life, then you will feel unfulfilled, and life will be pointless.

Peace of mind is a gift from God. You can't obtain it on your own.

Hi, I watched my father die after working all his life. He ended up retiring at 48yrs old because of an illness. This past June 16th, I watched my mother die after spending 4yrs. in a nursing home. I was with her almost every day. As i was watching her die, i couldn't help thinking again, she worked all her life for the most part. Then to watch her shrivel up and die, made me ask myself again, was it all worth it. I guess it bothers me that you try all your life to make things work, and then have to die a death i wouldn't want to see again. I don't know. Maybe it's anger. Maybe it's still part of grieving. Whichever it is, I don't know. I don't even know if that's it. I've aquired this mind set, that i don't really want, yet can't seem to get rid of. I used to be one of the more active people in and out of my church. Now, I'm lucky if i make Sunday School, because i have this, I don't care, or what difference does it make attitude. I can't even pray about it anymore. I have this other mind set that, If God wants to heal me, I'll rejoice in that.If he doesn't, that's part of life and i accept that.
There's more but why go on?
Chuck.

 

[MadeFromScratch]

"Why go on?"

Do you have an alternative?

That's why.

You may have leftover anger and grief. You may be struggling with the same question we all have at some point in life (what's the meaning of life?). Who knows? The thing is, we're here. You're alive and breathing and on this earth just like me. There's not much we can do about it but keep on breathing and making the best of it.

I saw elsewhere in this thread that you have read Ecclesiastes. It may help for you to read it again. Job might help you right now too.

We will live and then we will die, but understand this; we will all be raised up. Do you believe that?

So don't set your heart on this life here on earth. It seems like a long time to us, but it's nothing compared to what the future holds. Our job is to help eachother along, to encourage eachother. I'm trying to encourage you with my posts. At some point I will need you to encourage me because life is hard and I've got a long ways to go yet. But this life on earth is just the beginning.

In the very last verse in the book of Daniel, Daniel is told:

"As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."

This life is not fair. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. We are born, we work, we live, we die. That's just the beginning though. I wasted most of my life concentrating on this life. I no longer care so much about this one. I'm looking ahead into the future now, where God rules supreme, where life is fair, where everything is good and right.

It's normal and human to feel the way you are feeling. Don't be short-sighted though. Don't forget what the future holds for us who believe.

I also read that you haven't been praying much. God doesn't tell us to pray for his benefit. He already knows what's on our minds before we even open our mouths. Prayer is for our benefit. Pray out loud. You don't have to be formal about it or be eloquent with your words. There are times when I'll go outside so I can be alone and just holler out, "God, this sucks!" and cry like a baby. I'll just talk to him from the bottom of my heart. I don't hold back (there's no point since he knows anyway). Talking out loud helps. That's why people go to therapists and counselors! It helps to get it out and off our chests. Praying to God is free though, and you don't need an appointment.

Give it a try. Pray to God, over and over if that's what it takes. Read your bible and look for answers there. They are there. Do something for someone else. You'll be glad you did. Do something for yourself too, something that will soothe your soul.

Or don't do anything.