Spiritual/Christian Thread

cowgirl · March 2006

I read an article in a Christian Magazine about what to do with a crisis, especially if it effects your children. The first thing on the list is prayer. There have been times in my life where my prayer life was weak, I can tell when I am not where I should be in my prayer life. I tend to hold on to things that are not mine. I try to take on God's job and worry.

A great pastor once told me my job was to live with whatever my journey was, God's job was to take my burdens and keep them for me. Many a time I would find myself trying to get my burdens back from God. Now I know he is the I AM, and I am just a mere mortal. He can handle the stress, I have better things to do with my time.

Once I pray for something I feel this tremendous release, like God has said "sure I get it".

Anyway I think I am writing this more for me, than for anyone else. Just because of late, trusting him is easier than ever.

It is a peace that passes understanding.

cowgirl · March 2006

This is a favorite verse of mine especially when I feel down or tired or tested:

Isaiah 40:31
31Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will (BL)gain new strength;
They will (BM)mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

So today I will not be tired or weary!

BJAlexandria · March 2006

OMG, Cowgirl - this verse was my high school anthem (well, for the time I went to private Christian school!) And for the past two days, I've been looking for my own personal verse and I keep going back to Isaiah 40:31. It's so inspiring, isn't it?

cowgirl · March 2006

Yes bj! I just get more and more from it each time I read it! Today I was not tired or weary.

It is 10 PM here, I just came from a meeting then out to wrap up the goats. I am usually in bed much earlier!

I am letting God lead me to tomorrow's verse, be praying he will show me something that speaks to both of us!

NPat · March 2006

I have withdrawn a bit from posting... multiple issues that sort of sap one's emotional strength. When I read posts from our sisters that have relocated to their permanent residence, I feel a bit sad but I know that that is not what they or I would want. We need to continue loving one another as Christ loves each of us.

A dear friend of ours was being treated for lung cancer with mets when I was going through chemo. He and his wife would sit with me and my husband every Sunday. No one EVER joined us in the pew. Three bald heads I guess was the limit (my husband is naturally hair challenged). We used to laugh and call our pew the cancer pew. He died the day after Thanksgiving and at his memorial service his widow gave everyone a clear Christmas ornament with a picture of him with a great big smile and hair. It is what he would have wanted.

Just went to the funeral of my husband's aunt who died from BC. Lovely, southern lady. We walked into the parlor to view her and there she was... looking smashing in her gorgeous pink negligee! Again, we chuckled and remembered the joyous events that we were privileged to share with her.

We are at our temporary residence and along the way we are gifted with the friendship of those, like us, who are passing through this world into the next. We need to forgive more, love more and always be thankful.

Love ya'll,

Pat

BJAlexandria · April 2006

NPat, I'm sorry to hear of your recent losses. Yet, I know it warms Christ's heart (as it does mine) that you see this is a temporary gig. :-) Your cancer pew sounds like a blessed pew to me, showing love and grace from our awesome Lord! God bless you

Crzydispatcher · April 2006

I came across this thread and it is such an inspiration. I am getting ready to do my 2nd chemo Fri. and my hair has really started coming out today and I felt a little low. I know God is with me each step because he promises to never leave us. When I first found out I asked why me... immediately the answer came to me.... why not? I mean there are people who have cancer who need to know Him too and I believe God uses each of us in special ways. I felt like he was telling me to follow him and he would take care of all of it. Since that time he has placed me in some unique places and I hope I have been an inspiration to others. I know others have been to me. Last week I dreamed all night that my hair was falling out and I woke up every so often feeling to see if it was still there. Talk about waking up in a bad mood! I was trying to have a real pity-party but God would not allow it. Later that morning I received a card from a co-worker. In my job I deal with people state-wide and in this card this person told me that even though he had not met me personally he felt that we have known each other all his life. He went on to state that my voice was such a comfort and each of them knew that they were safe when I was on the job. Talk about getting smacked between the eyes LOL. God let me know right quick my hair did not define who I was but what others saw did. So here I am on this journey with God and it is a trip I will never forget God Bless each of you. You are in my prayers as we go through this together and do His will.

cowgirl · April 2006

His will for us is amazing to me. I never considered myself being able to help anyone, other than my children. It always seemed there was a better example a more experienced person to aid someone along. In my heart I know that God see how we respond to the challenge, he gives us the tools and the choices. The true character shows in what we do with them here on earth. Kathy walks in halls of jewels, singing every day. There is no more greater place to be, and I know that is our calling to first serve here on earth and then enjoy our fruits.

cowgirl · May 2006

I have been thinking so much about Kathy lately! I am going to email her husband and check on them.

God is so good for all who seek his wisdom. I truly love the ability to know that he is with me through all the good and bad days!

Praise God!

beachcottage · May 2006

Special thoughts and prayers
for Kathy's family
and for each and everyone
who is hurting~~

xoxo
Patti

cowgirl · June 2006

I really hope this thread can stay on, bluekitten had such good posts.

Kathy we miss you each day.

Roxwooood · June 2006

In honor of Kathy.

csp · June 2006

I have been struggling again with why
bad things happen to good people. I was angry with God
for alot of years after I lost 2 children. I have struggled to
understand why some are healed while others are not.
When dear Lu passed these old feelings resurfaced. I may never truly
understand. I found this this morning and I hope it is okay that I bought it up
again. It has helped me in my search for understanding.

bluekitten 03/11/05 02:30

I believe the answer is that God is not the only force at work in our lives. He created us to have the ability to choose to love Him or not. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God's desire for them in the Garden of Eden, they introduced sin and evil into a perfect world. That dark influence is growing as more of us turn our backs on God and choose our own way, which is not really "our" way, but the way of fallen man. There is sickness, death, evil, and all sorts of sins that are rampant today. I believe we are witnessing what Jesus described in Matthew chapter 24. We are in the midst of a spiritual battle, and our bodies are not separated from our spirits. We suffer in our bodies the battle scars from the spiritual realm. Hebrews chapter 11 tells us of many people who had horrible deaths in this physical world, but gained eternal resurrection life. There is a song that I cannot remember the title of, but these words from it stick in my mind. "Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He calms His child." Our life on this earth is a battleground and we are in a war that is unseen by the physical eye. There are hard things we will not understand until we meet God face to face. I have held my friend as her two-year-old son was taken off life support. I found a friend who had committed suicide. I watched my mother-in-law die a painful death from congestive heart failure - pain that was caused because her internal organs became swollen; her feet and legs did not swell. I believe that God loved all these people, but the suffering is the result of a fallen world.

God bless your day!
Kathy

Anonymous · June 2006

I'm sorry that you're going through a hard time at the moment Carrie. But it is understandable. At times when we lose someone to something "senseless", whether it be breast cancer or heart disease, whatever the cause, when something as recent as LuAnn's untimely passing happens, it revives old memories of past losses and the grief that we carry with us for those we have lost in the past. Their memories are always with us, but the grief never leaves just because of the passage of time. We just learn to live with it, we find a place to keep it, and every now and then I feel we need to tend it. When I lost my first baby I thought the world would end. When I lost my mother I thought it couldn't be worse. Only to lose my younger sister 2 years later and my father that same year. I spent a great deal of time asking "why" ... why did this happen. Why did it keep happening to me. And I realized there is no answer. The "mystery" of life. Some things we aren't meant to know on this earth. And when I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, it was another blow. And at that point I knew that logic didn't exist. And for someone who spent her life from the time she could speak, asking the world "why", I knew for sure that I would never ask "why" again. I found some peace with knowing I never needed to ask that again.

This passage that you've brought forward that was originally posted by Kathy is wonderful. It speaks so well to how I feel. Thank you for bringing this forward today.

Bless you, I'll be thinking of you all day and keep you in my prayers that your heart finds some lightness as the days pass.

cowgirl · June 2006

That was typical Kathy, she saw the sunny side no matter what pain was here on earth. I was heard a sermon on choosing contentment. I have been thinking so much about that idea lately. The same preacher also spoke on choosing forgiveness. That forgiveness is a choioe, contentment is a choice. Happiness is a fleeting idea, but contentment is being content where you are with what you have that God has given you. That to me was Kathy, no matter what happened she was content. That is my goal, not worldly wealth but contentment.

Carrie and Sherry your pain is a pain I do not know first hand, all I can do is say I love and I imagine your pain is indescribable.

Anonymous · June 2006

Thank you Cowgirl ~ pain comes and pain goes. And I think each and every one of us experiences it at some time in our lives.

Since starting the bc journey I've learned so much about life, so much about acceptance and how to live my life to the fullest, or as Joel Osteen says, "life your best life now". Now is the only time we have.

And I agree with you about choice ~ it is our choice how we think about things, what we choose to think about. Patti posted a "mantra" last week that I love & I'm probably paraphrasing, but it was "what we think is what we put in our head. Make sure it's something good". Amen!!

I wanted to find contentment for years and I kept thinking it was elusive and I might never find it. But I have. Something as ugly as breast cancer happened in my life and it lead me to contentment. I still have my moments when I'm looking for something more or wishing/hoping/wanting something else and I stop and remind myself that where I am right now,what I have, what I'm doing is quite good and if I start each day with that in mind, I feel I've made that new start to get me going.

We've learned so much from those who have been on this path ahead of us. What I wish and pray for all the time is that those who are stuck in denial, or anger or bitterness can move outside & beyond that to a whole and content existence.

Anonymous · June 2006

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen"

~ Emerson ~

csp · June 2006

Quote:

"I knew for sure that I would never ask "why" again. I found some peace with knowing I never needed to ask that again."

I love that Sherry, Thank you!

Hug,
Carrie

wendyintx · June 2006

Hi ladies,
I have missed you! I haven't posted here as much lately. It seems that I just don't have as much computer time with the kids being out of school and all.

Cowgirl, I was so pleased to "see" you in Fumi's tribute to Diane, and you, too, Carrie. It helps so much to put faces with names.

In reading Kathy's post, quoted by Carrie, she said, "Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He calms the child." I heard that several times throughout my bc treatment. It's both calming and reassuring, isn't it? God doesn't promise an "easy" life without trouble if we trust in Him. In fact, He says, "When troubles come,...."

In the book of James, chapter 1, verses 2 thru 4, it says,
"Consider it all joy, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

I think of that joy as the contentment that you have been posting about. A friend of mine also told me once that "joy is the presence of God". I now know what she meant by that. Even in the midst of awful circumstances, we can choose joy!

I've also heard the analogy of the oak tree and the poplar tree. Supposedly, the poplar tree has a very shallow root system. When a big storm comes (like the ones we have here in Texas), the tree is easily uprooted and can't withstand the storm. On the other hand the oak tree is said to have a root system TWICE the size of the tree we see! When the storm comes, it stands firmly.

I want to be that oak tree - firmly rooted in my faith while choosing joy! My dx did not shake me - oh yes, a little, but I got right back up and said, okay what do we do next? I felt like a soldier getting ready for battle.

One thing I told my kids, especially after 911, is that God knows the day He'll call each of us home. It may be when we're 90 or it may be soon, but the day we go, is the day we're supposed to go. At the very moment I'm absent from this earth, I'll be in His presence. How cool is that? I also like to say, "It must be that my mansion is ready!"

Shortly after my dx, I asked my 10 year old daughter how she was doing. She said, "Mom, I know you probably won't die from this [the bc], but if you do, I know you'll be with Jesus." Yep, she's got it!

I don't have the answers to everything. I don't know why bad things happen to "good" people, other than the fact that we do live in a fallen world. Kathy spoke of this and that's what I believe, too. We have taken for granted most everything God has given us.

One last thing (sorry for the long rambling), but when I think about those whom I've loved and lost, including both my parents, a baby, and a host of friends, some on these boards like Kathy, I just tell myself, "their mansion must have been ready!"

Hugs to you all,
Wendy

Anonymous · June 2006

Wendy how very beautiful. You knew just what to share at the right time. Thank you.

cowgirl · June 2006

Sherry,
I am so glad you shared about the bitterness, and choosing joy. We all still have bad days when we focus on the empty part of the cup, but if you focus on how much life God has given us we are truly blessed!

Wendy,
I am so glad to hear from you, and as usual such wonderful truth. When I would get upset with a crisis, I had a wonderful friend who would tell me that I must be a true piece of pottery that God was working on every day. At first I wanted to be something else that God didn't want to help so much, but now I truly understand her wisdom.

Every day I take a breath on this earth is a gift from God, the trials any of us have are wonderful experiences to trust him, love him, and live through faith.

I pray Contentment for all who read this thread!

csp · June 2006

Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He calms the child."

I just want to say I am sorry for my down post.
I have much to be greatful for.

hugs,
Carrie

sharon68 · June 2006

Thanks to all you ladies for your posts....you're sharing from your hearts...very insightful and calming....I'll sleep well now , having read these thoughts.

Blessings to all ...Sharon F

Anonymous · June 2006

Carrie, never be sorry for a down post honey. I think it's when we're "down" or as Cowgirl said, when we are looking at the cup half full, that we actually "hear" best. It is at those times that we are able to allow spirit to flow best and that's when joy resurfaces. Sometimes when we are at "the top half of the glass" we are so wrapped up in everything else that we can "miss" a message we were meant to hear. Being quiet and still, and the "gauge" close to empty, that's when the message can begin to flow again. Coming here with a down or sad post allows the rest of us to comfort and support you. We are none of us alone and it is sometimes those who give so much who are unable to receive until they are slowed "down". And when we are down, my don't we truly appreciate the things we have to be grateful for?

Sharon, I'm so glad you have found this thread and have found comfort and inspiration/strength. Hope you'll come back and join the conversation on a regular basis.

BJAlexandria · June 2006

Carrie, we all have those "down" times -- that's why we're here to lift each other up.

It's so inspiring to see so many wonderful thoughts expressed here by everyone. And Wendy, I just loved your post, so full of goodness. Thank you!

csp · June 2006

"Blessed are those that
mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

I have been comforted so much by God words through all of you. The Lords light shines though your words.

It is good to be still and listen, I asked God for help for the way I was feeling and he is so good to deliver.

The words , I have put in my heart.

It is so true that you never know who may need to hear
or feel his light and by example you all show the love of God .

God bless and keep you ~
Carrie

cowgirl · June 2006

There is a scripture I have on a plaque somewhere, if my house wasn't so messy I would know which Chapter and verse.

But anyway I say it a lot when I am focused on that empty part of the glass.

Be Still and Know that I am God.

wendyintx · June 2006

Cowgirl, you took the words right outta my mouth!! I was just thinking about that verse as well!

Sometimes, we don't take the time to "be still". As was mentioned earlier, we get so wrapped up in "us" - what we're doing or going to do or didn't do, that we forget to be still!

I did find the verse (with the help of biblegateway.com).
It's found in Psalm 46, verse 10.

Carrie, something you mentioned reminded me of another verse. (I found it also with the help of biblegateway.com - love that site, btw).

Anyway, it's Proverbs 3:3 which says:
"Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart."

I, too, am glad to have found this thread. I love hearing all of your thoughts - whether they be up or down.

Have a wonderful day! Stay cool!

Hugs,
Wendy

Anonymous · June 2006

Wendy, thanks for your words. And thank you for the website information. That's very helpful.

I think it's lovely when people find this thread and share thoughts, concerns, worries and ways to be uplifted.

csp · June 2006

I found this today and wanted to share it with you all~

Sometimes He Calms the Storm

All who sail the sea of faith
find out before too long
how quickly blue skies can grow dark
and gentle winds blow strong.
Suddenly fear is like white water
pounding on the soul.
Still we sail on knowing
that our Lord is is control.
Sometimes He calms the storm
with a whispered "Peace be still."
He can settle any sea,
but it doesn't mean He will.
Sometimes He holds us close
and lets the wind and waves go wild.
Sometimes He calms the storm,
and other times He calms His child.

He has a reason for each trial
that we pass through in life.
And though we're shaken
we cannot be pulled apart from Christ.
No matter how the driving rain beats down
on those who hold to faith,
a heart of trust will always
be a quiet peaceful place.

Sometimes He calms the storm
with a whispered "Peace be still."
He can settle any sea,
but it doesn't mean He will.
Sometimes He holds us close
and lets the wind and waves go wild.
Sometimes He calms the storm,
and other times He calms His child.

This is so beautiful ~

I speak to you.
Be still
Know I am God.

I spoke to you when you were born.
Be still
Know I am God.

I spoke to you at your first sight.
Be still
Know I am God.

I spoke to you at your first word.
Be still
Know I am God.

I spoke to you at your first thought.
Be still
Know I am God.

I spoke to you at your first love.
Be still
Know I am God.

I spoke to you at your first song.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the grass of the meadows.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the trees of the forests.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the valleys and the hills.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the Holy Mountains.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the rain and snow.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the waves of the sea.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the dew of the morning.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the peace of the evening.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the splendour of the sun.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the brilliant stars.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the storm and the clouds.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the thunder and lightening.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you through the mysterious rainbow.
Be still
Know I am God.

I will speak to you when you are alone
Be still
Know I am God.

I will speak to you through the Wisdom of the Ancients.
Be still
Know I am God.

I will speak to you at the end of time.
Be still
Know I am God.

I will speak to you when you have seen my Angels.
Be still
Know I am God.

I will speak to you throughout Eternity.
Be still
Know I am God.

I speak to you.
Be still
Know I am God.

Hugs,
Carrie

The rainbow of God's promises is always above the trials and storms of life.
-Charles Shepson-

Spiritual/Christian Thread

Comments

Categories