Good advice that I recieved while with my "Grief Share" group last night.
"Whose Troubled Heart Is This?"
copyright @2005 Barbara Crafton
"......You had not realized how much of your faith was tied up in the life of one person. You believe in God, Jesus says, believe also in me. Ah, you think, I believed in a human being, put all my trust in someone no more permanent than I am. No wonder I am so shaken. Human beings can't be each others' gods. Only God is God.
We can't help doing it, of course. It's just the way we are. Our hearts are so full, and give themselves so completely to what they love ...eventually what we love goes away and we get clobbered.
Try to remember that your beloved is not God. He will die (mine did)..or you will - one of you will be left alone. The silence on the other end of the relationship makes you wonder if there's anybody there. The banality of your ongoing unpartnered life can make you feel angry and bitter..(I have not been angry or bitter...disappointed, yes.)
Love each other well, even if it must be foolishly, as it always must be - you will be sorry at the end of your life if your fear of losing love keeps you from ever knowing it, and you will know firsthand that it really is better to haved loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Accept the kindness of those who see your sorrow, and forgive the blindness of those who cannot allow themselves to see it.
And then abide with God, after you have lost everything else. So different from the unseen good fairy you may once have thought he was, before your life taught you anything different. So eternally present, so unafraid of your wildest grief or most violent rage....Because your spiritual sense have been changed by your trauma, you now sense things differently. Be patient with yourself as you learn what that way is. And then drink deeply and often at the well."
Is that a faint shaft of light breaking through a crack in my psyche..?.
It's been a long, hard year.
Showing posts with label God things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God things. Show all posts
Friday, April 15, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Wallowing
God gives us so many promises in the Bible..really neat promises...
"Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1
" Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4: 6 & 7
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. "Matthew 5:4
" (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he swore unto them." Deuteronomy 4:31
I have discovered much about myself since Bob died....
quote from another blog: "I need a faith booster shot!"
My faith has been tested like never before...I'm pretty sure I failed the test because for most of the past eight months I have not felt peace, comfort, help, rest...
My mind tells me that we cannot accept parts of the Bible as truth but doubt other parts...I trust in His words that tell us:
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3
“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12.2-3.
"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
How can this trust and acceptance of life after death be a sound belief while doubt of His other promises of peace, comfort, rest, etc...remain in the heart?
I'm sure I'm missing something here...but I'm also sure that God knows my heart and loves me anyway...
quote from another blog:
"Grieving is okay but you shouldn't wallow in it."
I've been wallowing for eight months...This grieving is no joke but I can't turn it off. How long will this be going on?
"Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1
" Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4: 6 & 7
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. "Matthew 5:4
" (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he swore unto them." Deuteronomy 4:31
I have discovered much about myself since Bob died....
quote from another blog: "I need a faith booster shot!"
My faith has been tested like never before...I'm pretty sure I failed the test because for most of the past eight months I have not felt peace, comfort, help, rest...
My mind tells me that we cannot accept parts of the Bible as truth but doubt other parts...I trust in His words that tell us:
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3
“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12.2-3.
"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
How can this trust and acceptance of life after death be a sound belief while doubt of His other promises of peace, comfort, rest, etc...remain in the heart?
I'm sure I'm missing something here...but I'm also sure that God knows my heart and loves me anyway...
quote from another blog:
"Grieving is okay but you shouldn't wallow in it."
I've been wallowing for eight months...This grieving is no joke but I can't turn it off. How long will this be going on?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Into The Arms of God
A friend sent me this reading by Max Lucado... Thank you Beverly.
It is very comforting as it helps reinforce teaching from the Bible that I've embraced most of my life. I believe that no one can TRULY say, without a shred of doubt, "this is how it will be"...how can we possibly know without a doubt? My former pastor would often say to us "God is God and we are not!". There is no way that any mortal can know the mind of God...no way.
"God’s thoughts and ways are as far above our human abilities as the heavens are above the earth (Isa. 55:8–9)."
But the Holy Bible, Gods Word is here for us, it has survived for generations for a reason...for a purpose. Some believe that Christians accept it only because it offers comfort in the belief that there is more for us beyond this life...that it provides the means to bear the sorrow and grief that comes to us when we lose our loved ones. I've heard even many Christians say things like "how lost and bereaved the unbelievers are without hope". I can tell you one thing for certain; having this faith, this belief, this acceptance does not spare the believer the sorrow and grief that can consume and smother you at those times. ...the words shared below by Max Lucado give comfort, strengthens faith, and reinforces hope. God bless.
INTO THE WARM ARMS OF GOD
"What about my loved ones who have died? Where are they now? In the time between our death and Christ’s return, what happens?
Scripture is surprisingly quiet about this phase of our lives. When speaking about the period between the death of the body and the resurrection of the body, the Bible doesn’t shout; it just whispers. But at the confluence of these whispers, a firm voice is heard. This authoritative voice assures us that, at death, the Christian immediately enters into the presence of God and enjoys conscious fellowship with the Father and with those who have gone before.
Isn’t this the promise that Jesus gave the thief on the cross? Earlier the thief had rebuked Jesus. Now he repents and asks for mercy. “Remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Likely, the thief is praying that he be remembered in some distant time in the future when the kingdom comes. He didn’t expect an immediate answer. But he received one: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43). The primary message of this passage is God’s unlimited and surprising grace. But a secondary message is the immediate translation of the saved into the presence of God. The soul of the believer journeys home, while the body of the believer awaits the resurrection.
Some don’t agree with this thought. They propose an intermediate period of purgation, a “holding tank” in which we are punished for our sins.This “purgatory” is the place where, for an undetermined length of time, we receive what our sins deserve so that we can rightly receive what God has prepared.
But two things trouble me about this teaching. For one, none of us can endure what our sins deserve. For another, Jesus already has. The Bible teaches that the wages of sin is death, not purgatory (see Rom. 6:23). The Bible also teaches that Jesus became our purgatory and took our punishment: “When he had brought about the purgation of sins, he took his seat at the right hand of Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:3 neb). There is no purgatory because purgatory occurred at Calvary.
Others feel that while the body is buried, the soul is asleep. They come by their conviction honestly enough. Seven different times in two different epistles, Paul uses the term sleep to refer to death (see 1 Cor. 11:30; 15:6, 18, 20; 1 Thess. 4:13–15). One could certainly deduce that the time spent between death and the return of Christ is spent sleeping. (And, if such is the case, who would complain? We could certainly use the rest!)
But there is one problem. The Bible refers to some who have already died, and they are anything but asleep. Their bodies are sleeping, but their souls are wide awake. Revelation 6:9–11 refers to the souls of martyrs who cry out for justice on the earth. Matthew 17:3 speaks of Moses and Elijah, who appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus. Even Samuel, who came back from the grave, was described wearing a robe and having the appearance of a god (1 Sam. 28:13–14). And what about the cloud of witnesses who surround us (Heb. 12:1)? Couldn’t these be the heroes of our faith and the loved ones of our lives who have gone before?
I think so. When it is cold on earth, we can take comfort in knowing that our loved ones are in the warm arms of God. We don’t like to say good-bye to those whom we love. It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair. They had pain here. They have no pain there. They struggled here. They have no struggles there. You and I might wonder why God took them home. But they don’t. They understand. They are, at this very moment, at peace in the presence of God."
by Max Lucado
It is very comforting as it helps reinforce teaching from the Bible that I've embraced most of my life. I believe that no one can TRULY say, without a shred of doubt, "this is how it will be"...how can we possibly know without a doubt? My former pastor would often say to us "God is God and we are not!". There is no way that any mortal can know the mind of God...no way.
"God’s thoughts and ways are as far above our human abilities as the heavens are above the earth (Isa. 55:8–9)."
But the Holy Bible, Gods Word is here for us, it has survived for generations for a reason...for a purpose. Some believe that Christians accept it only because it offers comfort in the belief that there is more for us beyond this life...that it provides the means to bear the sorrow and grief that comes to us when we lose our loved ones. I've heard even many Christians say things like "how lost and bereaved the unbelievers are without hope". I can tell you one thing for certain; having this faith, this belief, this acceptance does not spare the believer the sorrow and grief that can consume and smother you at those times. ...the words shared below by Max Lucado give comfort, strengthens faith, and reinforces hope. God bless.
INTO THE WARM ARMS OF GOD
"What about my loved ones who have died? Where are they now? In the time between our death and Christ’s return, what happens?
Scripture is surprisingly quiet about this phase of our lives. When speaking about the period between the death of the body and the resurrection of the body, the Bible doesn’t shout; it just whispers. But at the confluence of these whispers, a firm voice is heard. This authoritative voice assures us that, at death, the Christian immediately enters into the presence of God and enjoys conscious fellowship with the Father and with those who have gone before.
Isn’t this the promise that Jesus gave the thief on the cross? Earlier the thief had rebuked Jesus. Now he repents and asks for mercy. “Remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Likely, the thief is praying that he be remembered in some distant time in the future when the kingdom comes. He didn’t expect an immediate answer. But he received one: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43). The primary message of this passage is God’s unlimited and surprising grace. But a secondary message is the immediate translation of the saved into the presence of God. The soul of the believer journeys home, while the body of the believer awaits the resurrection.
Some don’t agree with this thought. They propose an intermediate period of purgation, a “holding tank” in which we are punished for our sins.This “purgatory” is the place where, for an undetermined length of time, we receive what our sins deserve so that we can rightly receive what God has prepared.
But two things trouble me about this teaching. For one, none of us can endure what our sins deserve. For another, Jesus already has. The Bible teaches that the wages of sin is death, not purgatory (see Rom. 6:23). The Bible also teaches that Jesus became our purgatory and took our punishment: “When he had brought about the purgation of sins, he took his seat at the right hand of Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:3 neb). There is no purgatory because purgatory occurred at Calvary.
Others feel that while the body is buried, the soul is asleep. They come by their conviction honestly enough. Seven different times in two different epistles, Paul uses the term sleep to refer to death (see 1 Cor. 11:30; 15:6, 18, 20; 1 Thess. 4:13–15). One could certainly deduce that the time spent between death and the return of Christ is spent sleeping. (And, if such is the case, who would complain? We could certainly use the rest!)
But there is one problem. The Bible refers to some who have already died, and they are anything but asleep. Their bodies are sleeping, but their souls are wide awake. Revelation 6:9–11 refers to the souls of martyrs who cry out for justice on the earth. Matthew 17:3 speaks of Moses and Elijah, who appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus. Even Samuel, who came back from the grave, was described wearing a robe and having the appearance of a god (1 Sam. 28:13–14). And what about the cloud of witnesses who surround us (Heb. 12:1)? Couldn’t these be the heroes of our faith and the loved ones of our lives who have gone before?
I think so. When it is cold on earth, we can take comfort in knowing that our loved ones are in the warm arms of God. We don’t like to say good-bye to those whom we love. It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair. They had pain here. They have no pain there. They struggled here. They have no struggles there. You and I might wonder why God took them home. But they don’t. They understand. They are, at this very moment, at peace in the presence of God."
by Max Lucado
Friday, December 24, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Praising God in the Valley
I have not been praising God through this valley I've been traveling through...my sorrow and grief has trapped me.....it has blinded me for a while..I am now able to cry out to God...and he hears me...God sends His love... even when His children are not faithful....HE is faithful. It may be that I will remain in this valley until I am reunited with my beloved, but He sustains me......and I anxiously await that day.
.
Jesus, Lover of my soul
Let me to Thy bosom fly
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide
Till the storm of life is past.
John Wesley
.
Jesus, Lover of my soul
Let me to Thy bosom fly
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide
Till the storm of life is past.
John Wesley
Monday, November 29, 2010
Helloooo
insomnia (ɪnˈsɒmnɪə)
chronic inability to fall asleep or to enjoy uninterrupted sleep
Related: agrypnotic
I'm sure the coffee and m&m's that I'm indulging myself with isn't helping, but hey !!! if I can't enjoy some much needed rest I may as well enjoy the awake time...that's my theory anyway...
I spent most of the day unpacking and displaying the Christmas decorations in my home...candles, lights, santas, angels, yule trees...red, green, gold, white, ...lovely reminders of the season.
Historically, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth to a young maiden from Galilee.
Theologically, Christmas is the celebration of the incarnation of God in Jesus the Christ, the self-revelation of God to the world in human form for the reconciliation of humanity to Himself. All the details of the various accounts concerning Jesus’ birth revolve around that central truth.
My faith lies in the theological version...
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
How Great Is Our God
We went to a concert last night...it was just like this, only better...he played guitar instead of piano...also, he didn't need a shave :) If you ever have a chance to see Chris Tomlin don't miss it.
This young man hails from Lufkin in east Texas
This young man hails from Lufkin in east Texas
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
It Is Well
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Seven Deadly Sins and The Fruit of the Spirit
Wrath, Greed, Sloth, Pride, Lust, Envy, and Gluttony..is one of my weeknesses
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; ...
—Galatians 5:22-23
I have much love in my heart, I'm patient and kind...but another of my weeknesses is self-control.
I spend too much money (when I had it)...and I exercise little self control when it comes to eating...
all that to say...I'm in big trouble around here...
Now I ask you, who among you can say yes to this
and say no to all these goodies...?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; ...
—Galatians 5:22-23
I have much love in my heart, I'm patient and kind...but another of my weeknesses is self-control.
I spend too much money (when I had it)...and I exercise little self control when it comes to eating...
all that to say...I'm in big trouble around here...
Now I ask you, who among you can say yes to this
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Oh Little Town of Bethleham"...verse 3
"How silently, how silently
The wonderous gift is given
As God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will recieve Him still
The dear Christ enters in."
Saturday, July 4, 2009
This is What I Believe
I chose to delete my post in response to an anonymous comment. After contemplating on the George Bernard Shaw quote I realized that it did not express my belief in regard to the best way to use this life that God has given me. I agree that we should strive to live life to the fullest...however, it's we fill our life that is most important... What Christianity has taught me, what meditating on the life of Christ has taught me, what the actual results of loving others has taught me is .. serving others reaps tremendous rewards...rewards of contentment, fulfillment, peace and returned love. And when Christ enters a heart it's effortless.
"The harder I work, the more I love"...I do not understand this statement..hard work can and does sometimes results in things this world views as "success"..ie. financial security, ego fulfillment, etc...and this is not a bad thing...but unless the "work" is directed toward serving others it does not result in love...
loving begets love.
This is what I believe.
However, I certainly appreciated the last part of the comment:
"No matter the outcome, the previous days leading to life's decision, were mighty ones. Every one. No matter how mundane to the rest of the world, they were infinitely special to you - and all who know and love him - and that is what matters most."
"The harder I work, the more I love"...I do not understand this statement..hard work can and does sometimes results in things this world views as "success"..ie. financial security, ego fulfillment, etc...and this is not a bad thing...but unless the "work" is directed toward serving others it does not result in love...
loving begets love.
This is what I believe.
However, I certainly appreciated the last part of the comment:
"No matter the outcome, the previous days leading to life's decision, were mighty ones. Every one. No matter how mundane to the rest of the world, they were infinitely special to you - and all who know and love him - and that is what matters most."
how
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Gods' Grace Is Sufficient
I recently received this bit of encouragement from a friend who is a cancer survivor...he said "For me the real peace came during one of my prayer times when it came to me that God had already cured me of the only "disease" that could have an eternal impact."
I believe this with all my heart...and I'm grateful for what He has already done for Bob and me...first He loved us, then He died for us...He gave me a loving, faithful, devoted and supportive husband....and Bob has had near 80 years of a blessed life...but, I want more. Is this wrong? I want him to be a "cancer survivor".
I believe this with all my heart...and I'm grateful for what He has already done for Bob and me...first He loved us, then He died for us...He gave me a loving, faithful, devoted and supportive husband....and Bob has had near 80 years of a blessed life...but, I want more. Is this wrong? I want him to be a "cancer survivor".
Friday, May 15, 2009
I received this encouragement from our dear friend Lori...James (the brother of Jesus) is also one of Bob's favorite books of the New Testament.
James 1:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,not lacking anything.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,not lacking anything.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; He is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Reason For The Season...
Matthew 27:50-53 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.(NIV)
Why baby chicks, rabbits and spring flowers at Easter?...they represent "new life"...as our new life in Christ
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