When a Lutheran is sad....

[seajoy]

I like to joke around with folks here in TCL, and give advice when it's perhaps warranted, and talk about our Savior etc...but when I'm feeling down, or depressed I tend to go to other parts of CF for help.

I've figured out my reason for doing so, is that I'm afraid of not being liked here, or thought of as a nut, with not enough faith. I have ocd, depression, anxiety, arthritis (now an injured shoulder), and a job I hate. By telling you folks this, I already feel I've lost you as friends, and have come off as a major complainer who thinks only of herself (like none of you have any problems :doh:).

What I've gotten in other parts of CF is:

1. have more faith
2. get annointed by the Holy Spirit
3. you must speak in tongues (see #2)
4. make a decision to follow Christ more (not sure what that one means)
5. pretty much any other stuff you can think of that would make you feel like a lousy Christian

So here I come to you folks...I need help, and I need to feel better. Yes, some days I feel great...other days I feel useless, and depressed. Right now, I feel I'm having one of the biggest struggles of my life (2nd only to when I got through my major ocd stuff).

I have a great husband, kids, son-in-law, and future daughter-in-law...what in the world is wrong with me? I should be happy.

:help: seajoy

[synger]

When my mother died a week before my daughter was born, I slipped into the strangest, longest fog of depression and anger and hopelessness I have ever experienced. Nothing seemed to help, and I felt so very distant from my family, my friends, and especially God (who I was too mad at to pray effectively to).

In retrospect, I could have done a lot of things differently. But this is what helped me the most:

"Lord, I believe. Help Thou mine unbelief."

It became almost my mantra. I felt like all I could DO was eat myself sick and drink too much and withdraw into myself more and more and be overwhelmed with depression and worries and feeling like I just wanted to break something or scream...

But those words would surface even in the midst of the worst of it.

My dear sister, you are hurting. You are heart-sick. There is no magic formula or prayer or "tongues" or hymn or book you can read that will turn the switch and make you feel better again.

Sometimes all you can do is burrow into God's loving arms and cry, "Lord, I believe. Help Thou mine unbelief." It is the ultimate submission, the giving up of self to God's will and healing touch.

Don't feel like a lousy Christian. A Christian is not defined by an always-cheerful attitude or sinless life. A Christian is drawn by God's grace and mercy to the foot of His cross. And there is where He will cradle you in love until you are strong enough to feel His comfort and solace seep into your soul again. In His time, you will smile again. And with His guidance, you will be stronger for this time of trial.

Meanwhile, please let us support you. We are brethren, and we care for you. Christ is the supreme Healer, but we're the fluttery visitors inundating you with chicken soup and flowers and Sudoku puzzles and gossip about the neighbors while you recuperate. So let us pray for you and serve you as we can.

You are beloved, Seajoy. He has known you since you were knitted together in your mother's womb. He has numbered the hairs on your head. He will hold you and guide you, for you are precious to Him. And to us.

[BigNorsk]

Are you sure you aren't Martin Luther reincarnated?

He suffered from depression, often severe from the looks of it.

There is Elijah in the Bible, sometimes referred to as the depressed prophet. It really looks like he just wanted to lay down and die sometimes.

I think we do get a bit abstract and theological sometimes. Maybe it's just our greatest strength and our greatest weakness. I can tell you all about all kinds of things but I'm not very good at telling people I love them. I'm not sure why, maybe some of it goes back to my stick up the back stoic upbringing. It's easier to build a rocket to go to the moon than it is to build a bridge of friendship and caring that is so very important.

And isn't that brain fog something? How can it just hang on like that day after day? It's like going through life walking through wet cement, everything is such an effort and you can see the important things getting neglected and it's just so much effort to try and keep moving.

Pain is no fun, no fun at all. And often the "cure" isn't really great either. It's not hard to throw pill fog on top of brain fog and be really really in the fog.

In some ways, maybe we don't deal so much with people's life burdens because we aren't into the theology of glory like so many are. Whether you're hurting or not, and the majority, the vast majority of people are hurting in some way, the cross remains, God's love for us remains, and we see how, as tough as it is sometimes, this is all temporary and our hope is in greater things.

I do think other groups are more focused on helping those in pain and in tough family situations and indeed a lot more open to talking about feelings. That's just kind of where they live their life.

You know I've been around Baptists and Lutherans a lot (I know this does't shock the people here, a little Baptist creeps in on occassion), and I tell a joke to try and get the Baptists and the Lutherans in my life to think about it a little.

I say, Lutherans teach that we absolutely can lose our salvation and once saved always saved is just a license to sin, while the Baptists teach that absolutely once saved you are always saved. Yet when you go to funerals, the Lutherans are hopeful that no matter how bad the scoundrel was, we know God is merciful and we hope that we will meet again in heaven, the Baptists, well, they believe in once saved always saved, but they often aren't sure if the person ever got saved that first time.

I was wondering how that shoulder was coming. I've injured mine a couple of times and it sure wasn't any "fun" and I'm not sure how I'd take it now with my fibromyalgia, I think maybe I wouldn't take it well at all.

I've sprained my AC joint, the one at the end of the collarbone. The Xray was really something. They have you hold a small weight, feels like an automobile, to pull the joint appart if there has been a separation. I remember the blood pouring from my face as I held that weight until the radiologist told me I could drop it. He was really cheerful told me a lot of guys pass out so I probably just had a sprain. He was correct.

I tore my rotator cuff. I didn't need surgery, but what a pain that was, I couldn't lift my right arm, so I'd lift it with my left arm to where it would need to be, and then I'd work with the left arm too. It happened during deer season carrying a deer where it could not be dragged. I looked real comical I'm sure trying to get a rifle up to shoot after that, lift right arm, lift rifle with left, aim while slowly sinking....

Nope not fun. And you throw one thing on another and it's really no fun.

So there, that's just the start, see, you are just an amateur complainer. Won't even make it past the first round with me in the competition.

Should you be happy? I guess we should all be happy all the time, after all God loves us, but somehow that doesn't seem to always do it for me either. I think what's wrong with us is we're human.

Maybe a joke would help..
What did the farmer say when he couldn't find his tractor...?
























He said, "Where's my tractor?"

Hey, what were you expecting? Jay Leno?

Marv

[LilLamb219]

You're going through a lot right now, seajoy! But I do wonder if you're getting enough sunlight? Sometimes in the winter we tend to go through a darkness and our bodies need sunlight or the fake kind from certain lamps to help get us out of the winter blahs. Has a doctor ever suggested that to you?

Anyway, you know that I'm here for you as a friend! You don't need to have those 5 steps listed by other CF's...God has you as a child of his and he's working on you whether you can see a difference or not :)

[QuiltAngel]

Hi seajoy,

You have had lots going on that combine to get you down. Hurting your shoulder recently was the latest. Sometimes that one more thing can really do it to us. Know that Jesus loves you and is with you right now.

I had a rough start to the year due to several things and I know that when I hurt physically, it affects my total wellbeing.

Sounds like people in some of the other areas have really laid law and guilt on you when that is the last thing you need. Don't you just love the "if you had more or stronger faith, the you wouldn't suffer" mentality. Not! Jesus told us things would not be easy.

Focus on Jesus. Then do what you need to do to get to feeling better. Whether that is getting medical help or finding someone you can talk to.

Let us here know that your are struggling or hurting. We can talk with you and pray for and with you. We in TCL care.

[Jim47]

Well if anyones going to take top honors for complaining I want it. :D I was taking about 8 vicodon a day until they just quit working. I know all about pain. I've had my left shoulder and elbow operated in the the last 2 years, and some more private parts. Heart surgery just a year before that and too many other things too mention. My doc wants to redo my elbow surgery becasue he messed it up the first time, but I've decided to just wait it out till I can't stand it. I have major arthritis in my back, ankles and hands, and tendonitis in every joint and fibro what ever too. Its all good! It all makes me stay close to The Lord, and keeps me from growing concieted and becoming independant. We are all helpless little children without our Lord and Savior. Pain is a way of life, but it only lasts thru this life.

I feel for anyone who suffers depression. I think most of us have it to some extent, and LilLamb is right. Getting enough sunlight every day, especially in the winter is very important. My sleep doctor told me I must take the window A/C unit out of my basement ofice window and polish up that window, and get outside as much as possible. Last winter I spent a great deal of time helping my son cut and split firewood. I also try to get out on the road as much as I can in the winter. Plus I take vitimin D. If you drink a lot of milk that will help, but most adults like myself drink almost none. I just recently started eating cold cereal with milk on it again, primarly for the milk, becasue I can't make myself drink a glass of it. Now if they could make milk tatse like beer I could hanlde it. :yum:

Seajoy, you must keep coming back and let us support you. We all love you and we all know what its like to suffer. Its nothing to be asshamed of, its not your fault. Just don't give up, for when you do that you have given into the devils plot. He loves it when we suffer and become depressed. Fight it will all your strength, and daily ask The Lord for more strength. The Lord never quits loving us, even when we may not love ourselves. :hug:

[filosofer]

What you need is more of God's grace and mercy and love.

I had suffered from severe depression for many years (undiagnosed), and really hit bottom. I could count on one hand the number of people who truly stood by me at the lowest point. Not one pastor did. But God raised up some wonderful lay people at just the right time who never stopped loving me even when I thought I was totally unlovable. They listened, loved, occasionally spoke, loved, allowed me to be in silence, and loved me. Oh, and did I tell you they loved me?

It's tough to admit that we are like this. But the reality is that when we suffer most Christians don't know what to say or how to say anything. Therefore they drift away. Of course, for the person suffering that seems like another admission that "I'm even worse than I thought!"

The truth is that Jesus came into this world for sinners - like you and me, sinners

who are depressed,
who hurt,
who get angry at circumstances and people,
who can't seem to find the right answers,
who seem out of synch with everyone and everything,
who fear what others may think,
who starve for a comforting arm around the shoulder, but are afraid to ask,
who desparately want to move forward but can't
....
....
....
add your own description.

When Israel was exeriencing the depths of the captivity, there are two significant passages that give us insight into how much God can handle. Many Christians don't like Psalm 137. "It's too ugly to be Christian!" But note the faith that is required in Psalm 137, faith to express the depths of despair and anger:

Psalm 137 ESV
By the waters of Babylon,
there we sat down and wept,
when we remembered Zion.
2
On the willows there
we hung up our lyres.
3
For there our captors
required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
Sing us one of the songs of Zion!
4
How shall we sing the Lord's song
in a foreign land?
5
If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill!
6
Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy!
7
Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites
the day of Jerusalem,
how they said, Lay it bare, lay it bare,
down to its foundations!
8
O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed,
blessed shall he be who repays you
with what you have done to us!
9
Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones
and dashes them against the rock!


It takes faith to let your expression be real and that strong. Note that the Psalmist then leaves the matter in God's hands.

then God's reassurance:
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


We need a God like that, one who knows us, listens to us, and loves us. And we have a God like this!!

In Christ's love,
filo

[Studeclunker]

I have heard it said, from a reliable source, that Martin Luther used to wake screaming from a recurring nightmare that he was being dragged into hell with thousands of other people chained to him.

Frau Luther had her hands full with a husband who had severe arthritis, and bowels what were ruined by years of purging during his stint as a Catholic monk. He used to use these infirmities as jokes in his sermons (even while a Catholic priest). He constantly made jokes about the 'Priest's Sweatbox' or privy, to his bishop's undying embarrasment.

As a scholar, Martin had very few peers. As a man he was normal, and quite a typical German. Stubborn, mouthy, and convinced he was right. In this case he was. Reminds me of the Apostles. They were all to a man, normal and dense as concrete. I mean, please! Christ told them numerous times, the Son Of Man is to be delivered up to be killed and rise the third day. It wasn't till nearly that very day, before the light went on for Peter. Duh! Sorry, I've digressed. It is however, a comfort that the people whom God has been closest to are mostly normal, everyday people. If there is hope for those thirteen dense dopey men, there's hope for me.

I understand pain, Seajoy. I too live with it daily. Mine is minor and mostly just a nuisance. Occasionally I overstress my knee and am laid up for days. Same with my back. I have a herniated disk that reminds me of it's condition... regularly. I won't bore you with any more. Nor will I try to belittle your situation. It's too serious.

The evil one uses these infirmaties to drive us away from Christ. He uses them to make us feel unloved, unwanted, and isolated. Nothing could be further from the truth. When you are feeling down, just remember the end of 'Footsteps':

My Precious, precious child.
I love you and would never leave you!
When you saw only one set of footsteps in the sand,
I was carrying you.

I often have to remind myself of this. The finding of this forum has truely been a blessing to me. I'm currently in a very isolated place, my desert island, if you will. This forum and you are my 'messages in bottles' that keep me sane and connected to the truth. You are one of those lights that come in the little stoppered bottles.

What is wrong with you? Nothing. We live in a fallen, broken world. Sometimes we get a little broken too (often enough, quite a lot). But we have something no one else has:

We have an assurance.
A promise was made to us from the Lord of Creation.
An assurance was made to us from the master of all that is, was, and will be.

You can cope, Seajoy, just keep hold on that assurance! A tight hold!

I searched numerous denominations till returning to the Luthern faith. Why? I really can't put it into words. Sorry. Basically it has to do with how Lutherans believe salvation is accomplished. If I have to work through the 'Ten Steps To A Closer Walk With Jesus', I'll fail on the first step. I'm too weak. The Lord must do it for me, and he has!

On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other hope is sinking sand...

There's nothing wrong with asking for a little moral support. This is the last group that will think the less of you for it. God bless and keep you, sister. We'll get through this 'Shadow Lands' together, all of us...:groupray: For we have an assurance...

[porterross]

There's nothing wrong with you, Seajoy. You're normal and although others might not agree, I think it's OK to admit when we get depressed, because I'd bet all humans experience it to some degree. Giving into it until you feel like it has more control than you do is another matter altogether.

Like you, I go to other areas of CF most of the time, but I do try to keep up with things here. A friend of mine from the Fab 40's section shared a site with us after her daughter had trouble with depression. I'll PM the link to you. Maybe you can at least read what others have to offer there to see if it is at all helpful for you.

I used to have battles with unexplained sadness myself, being a single mom with overwhelming leftover issues from my divorce, etc., but God never left my side and when I was finally ready to relinquish control, He was there to take it and the Holy Spirit still whispers words of love and support so melodically and consistently that I don't dare believe I have a reason not to smile for very long. I pray for this peace of mind and soul for you, too. :prayer:

BTW, wasn't yesterday supposed to be the saddest day of the year? I thought I saw something to that effect on the news. :scratch: That means you are most definitely not alone.

Peace.:hug:

[C.F.W. Walther]

Wow Seajoy I feel like I've let you down. I know We've PM'ed each other many times trying to up-lift each other and shared our ups and downs but one of the most powerfull things we've failed to do enough of and that is pray more for you.

Dear Lord our allmighty and most powerfull God we ask that you look kindly down of our dear sister and bring her the peace that passes all understanding. We know that through much tribulation we shall enter the kingdom of God but we also have the promise that you will not tempt us above what we are able to bear. Our dear sister is having more than she can bear and we ask you to intercede and show her the great love that only you can show and hold her in your arms and give her peace and healing. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen

[Jim47]

Radidio

Dear Lord our allmighty and most powerfull God we ask that you look kindly down of our dear sister and bring her the peace that passes all understanding. We know that through much tribulation we shall enter the kingdom of God but we also have the promise that you will not tempt us above what we are able to bear. Our dear sister is having more than she can bear and we ask you to intercede and show her the great love that only you can show and hold her in your arms and give her peace and healing. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen




Amen

[Jim47]

One of the things that Lutherans do best is to show true love towards one another. I am really proud of you all. Seajoy, I hope this helps you and gives you encouragement to share your problems with us. I know the pain is hard to take, but the depression is much worse, and for that you need support. No man or woman is an island. God gave us all to each other to share in others burdens.

Look for God's love and you will find comfort and peace, for only He can give you true peace and comfort.

About 35 years ago I was in a VA hospital waiting to have carpul tunnel surgery done. I was in a ward with about 40 other men. It was hard to even sleep as some of these men were gravely sick and made all kinds of disturbing sounds thru the night. I met a crippled man there and we became friends. He was comepletely crippled in both legs, and mostly one arm and little use of his other hand I believe. He was fairly young too and had been that way for a while. He struggled with his pain everyday, just as people who have had limbs amputated he had severe pain with those limbs that he couldn't even feel.

One thing The Lord had done for him was give him a staunch love for God. This man had memorized well over 50% of the bible. He was fun to talk to.

The reason I mention this is to give you hope. You can bare the pain once you have leanred that God indeed loves you very much. He sent only His best to redeem us, no one else could do the job, so you are of great worth. More precious than gold and jewlels which will perish with this world, but we will not perish, we will spend all eternity with The Lord basking in His love, but He also wants you to have that love and comfort now. you have to battle this feeling of worthlessness, because its simply not true. Just like the man I mentioned who was crippled, you too serve The Lord, if only to teach us how to learn to love more. Filo's past problem is evidence of that. The Lord grew up folks who learned to love him and suport him. You too must accept those whom The Lord gives you to support you. Especially those in your own family, church and personal friends. but we too want to help. So if we eranestly want to help you, you are of great value.

I wished I were better with words, as the others have written so beautifully to comfort you, but my heart it with you, just like them.

Rest in God's comfort and love, for He will never with draw them from you. As Filo wrote:

What you need is more of God's grace and mercy and love.

[seajoy]

Oh My! You are truly all such very good Christian friends!

I am so grateful to have this thread to keep going back to for comfort. A huge thanks to synger, marv, lillamb, quiltangel, jim, filo, studeclunker, porter, and last but not least radidio (and to all my other friends here at TCL). you are all a wonderful blessing, and I thank you for turning me back to looking to Christ.

I have not been to church in a month. I've really been sinking. thanks all for sharing your troubles, as well. we all have our trials, and need to lift each other up.

thank you again, my dear friends in Christ.
seajoy

[Flipper]

:hug:

[seajoy]

:hug:
thanks flip

[QuiltAngel]

That's what friends are for.

[contriteheart]

Dear seajoy,

I am so sorry you are hurting! As I thought about you and prayed for wisdom about how to encourage you, one particular scripture came to mind:

"The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms;’" (Deuteronomy 33:27a, NKJV)

May you experience Christ as your refuge in all of this, and may He comfort and strengthen you in his love! :hug:

With love,
Grace

[LilLamb219]

I have not been to church in a month. I've really been sinking. thanks all for sharing your troubles, as well. we all have our trials, and need to lift each other up.


If you come near where I live, you can go to church with me! I hate going alone!! :)

[seajoy]

as i again read through these posts, i see how God had blessed me with such wonderful, insightful friends. this thread should really be in the depression forum, or something...but you've all come to my aid here, and i so appreciate it.

little by little, i feel the dark cloud starting to lift, but each day is still a struggle. i thank God for His mercy on me.

seajoy
ps. i don't think i live near you lillamb :(

[DaRev]

as i again read through these posts, i see how God had blessed me with such wonderful, insightful friends. this thread should really be in the depression forum, or something...but you've all come to my aid here, and i so appreciate it.

little by little, i feel the dark cloud starting to lift, but each day is still a struggle. i thank God for His mercy on me.

seajoy
ps. i don't think i live near you lillamb :(

The one thing that we all can count on is that Jesus is with us always, as He promised to be. He will never leave us.

Do you remember the story about "Footprints in the Sand"? Those times when we are at our lowest, and we seem to be alone (only one set of footprints), Jesus hasn't left us. He carries us through.

As you begin to see relief from these trying times, know how blessed you really are that our Lord and Savior has you in His very arms and is carrying you along.
What a wonderful blessing that is.

May God continue to strengthen you in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

In His Name,
DaRev

[seajoy]

The one thing that we all can count on is that Jesus is with us always, as He promised to be. He will never leave us.

Do you remember the story about "Footprints in the Sand"? Those times when we are at our lowest, and we seem to be alone (only one set of footprints), Jesus hasn't left us. He carries us through.

As you begin to see relief from these trying times, know how blessed you really are that our Lord and Savior has you in His very arms and is carrying you along.
What a wonderful blessing that is.

May God continue to strengthen you in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

In His Name,
DaRev
thanks Rev...and you as well :prayer: .

[porterross]

The one thing that we all can count on is that Jesus is with us always, as He promised to be. He will never leave us.

Do you remember the story about "Footprints in the Sand"? Those times when we are at our lowest, and we seem to be alone (only one set of footprints), Jesus hasn't left us. He carries us through.

As you begin to see relief from these trying times, know how blessed you really are that our Lord and Savior has you in His very arms and is carrying you along.
What a wonderful blessing that is.

May God continue to strengthen you in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead.

In His Name,
DaRev

:amen:

[QuiltAngel]

How are you doing today seajoy?
Prayers

[jcj3803]

Seajoy,

Get a clinical evaluation first with your family MD and then a psychologist. Depression is sometimes a symptom of a medical problem. If the depression is situational, it will pass as you resolve the situation. If it's clinical, many times a short regimen of an antidepressant and some counseling work wonders.

I have friends who have gone through this and my significant other is a (Lutheran) psychologist, so I'm not shooting from the hip here.

As far as speaking in tongues, I usually do that after too many vodka tonics. (That's a joke, guys.)

[seajoy]

Seajoy,

Get a clinical evaluation first with your family MD and then a psychologist. Depression is sometimes a symptom of a medical problem. If the depression is situational, it will pass as you resolve the situation. If it's clinical, many times a short regimen of an antidepressant and some counseling work wonders.

I have friends who have gone through this and my significant other is a (Lutheran) psychologist, so I'm not shooting from the hip here.

As far as speaking in tongues, I usually do that after too many vodka tonics. (That's a joke, guys.)
Thanks for your kind, and good advice. I've had a psychiatrist (several, in fact) for 20+yrs. I'm on at least 3 meds, and have been for 14yrs. In the game of life...God, in His infinate wisdom, chose to allow me to have the trials of depression/anxiety/OCD (also arthritis & fibro). Some days are not so good...others are very good. the real me is the joke around, happy go lucky seajoy. the not real me, (depressed days) is the gal who sees she is worthless and useless. i've been hospitalized 7 times in 21yrs.

not looking for sympathy, just telling it like it is.

today happens to be a good day (except my bum shoulder). It is very sunny outside, and i think that may be helping. i don't know why i have been allowed to have these disorders...perhaps to help others with the same stuff...i try where i can.

if what I have is situational, it's sure been a long situation ^_^ ! please bear with me on my bad days, and remember the real seajoy when i don't see things as they really are.

God bless you, my dear friends :) .

[contriteheart]

It is very sunny outside, and i think that may be helping.

You mentioned that you thought the sunshine might be helping today...

I am not in any way meaning to imply that your difficult situation would all be fixed by one solution, but I just wanted to tell you my experience with a lightbox.

I lived in Wisconsin for 5 winters (I'm originally from Texas). The lack of light up north affected me terribly. It also affected my husband, who is the most easy-going laid-back happy type person you ever saw. I'm sure you've heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I believe it is very real. And lightboxes can help. They helped me, and they helped my husband (who, even as happy-by-nature as he is, did wind up being negatively affected by the lack of light).

Basically, it's a special type of bright light that you spend 30 minutes in front of each morning. Not just any old light will work. It has to be the right type. Anyway, there are many sources for them. We got ours here: http://www.apollolight.com/

They also have more info there about SAD.

Anyway, I know that there is much more to your situation than just this, but if it might help even a little, I wanted to mention it.

With love,
-Grace

[seajoy]

Thanks contriteheart. my doctor and i have looked into that for me...but winter, spring, summer, fall...i can feel crummy any of those times.

also, the 7 times i've been in the hospital have only been between august and oct. Go figure :scratch:

but i do feel better in the winter when the sun is shining.

thanks again...any advice is always accepted :)

[WildStrawberry]

Dear Seajoy!

I'm sorry to hear you're still feeling badly. Depression is an icky thing as is fibro and arthritis...and all the other things.

One of the things I learned during my battle with cancer and my continuing battle with chemo fog, fibromyalgia and that fog and other things is that when I'm feeling down and it feels like too much work to pick up the Word and find comfort there, I sing.

Late at night, in the hospital after my cancer sugery, when I would be lonely and wishing that my family and loved ones were there with me, a song came into my head and it comforted me so much. It's a little song, one I'm sure you learned in Kindergarten, if not before. It goes like this...

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so!
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong!

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me, he who died
Heaven's gates to open wide!
He will wash away my sin!
Let His little Child come in.

It's just a little song. A "childrens" song. But it reminds me in my darkest times that Yes! Jesus loves me!

Many prayers going up for you, Seajoy!

Kae

[mohawk]

Seajoy, I understand much of what you are going through. I am on workers comp right now due to a shoulder injury...(my second in 15 years)...the first time I had to have my shoulder rebuilt because of tearing everything posible to tear in it. This time it is the other shoulder & they are trying to avoid surgery...which means a longer healing time.

I guess I suffer from occasional depression, but like to crank up the music for a day & forget my troubles. Sleep tends to be a problem at times...either too much or too little.

I hope you feel better soon...if you want to chat sometime just message me.:thumbsup:

[seajoy]

Seajoy, I understand much of what you are going through. I am on workers comp right now due to a shoulder injury...(my second in 15 years)...the first time I had to have my shoulder rebuilt because of tearing everything posible to tear in it. This time it is the other shoulder & they are trying to avoid surgery...which means a longer healing time.

I guess I suffer from occasional depression, but like to crank up the music for a day & forget my troubles. Sleep tends to be a problem at times...either too much or too little.

I hope you feel better soon...if you want to chat sometime just message me.:thumbsup:
thanks Mo

[seajoy]

Wildstrawberry,

I love 'Jesus Loves Me,' as well. And thanks for reminding me about music...I love to sing!

'I Am Jesus Little Lamb' helps me too! (loves me every day the same!)

May our Dear Lord continue to bless your healing!

seajoy

[Studeclunker]

Isn't is strange that we give our children the simplest and best theology, then forget this simplicity when we 'grow up'?

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not recieve the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Jesus loves me, this I know...

[seajoy]

So true, SC. Thanks for the insight!

[dinkime]

i get happy every time i sing "my God is so great" -- so we sing it with the 2 year olds at power hour every week!

[seajoy]

the real me is the joke around, happy go lucky seajoy. the not real me, (depressed days) is the gal who sees she is worthless and useless.
please bear with me on my bad days, and remember the real seajoy when i don't see things as they really are.

Sorry...this is me right now. Please help me my dear friends.:( If any of you think I like this...I don't. It's awful. Please pray it passes quickly.

Thank you,
seajoy

[LilLamb219]

Praying for you sweetie :)

[contriteheart]

Heavenly Father, please have mercy on Seajoy in her difficult time. Surround her with your love and peace, and let this time of depression pass quickly. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

:hug: to you.

-Grace

[Edial]

This is a difficult week for many Christians - the traditional week of Christ's crucifixion.

In the past, I was also catching myself feeling depressed during this time (and I usually do not get depressed :)).

This was also happening when I felt close to God in my walk.

seajoy, you are in my prayers. :)

Ed :)

[Jim47]

Dear SeaJoy

I know how badly you are hurting and I know its tuff. You can rest assured that we all pray for you and love you. But more importantly don't ever doubt for a minute that The Lord loves you. His love is perfect, sustaining not only the body but preserving the soul so that He can lavish His love upon us for all eternity. Rest in peacefully in His love and promises, for He will keep them all. :prayer:

[seajoy]

If any of you think I like this...I don't.
Forgive me for saying that line. I just get to where I think everyone can't stand me when I'm like this, as I sure don't like myself.

This started last evening...and has continued. I went to bed at 8:30pm, did not get up until 8am....I couldn't take how I felt...so I was in bed until noon. I feel like I'm walking in a fog. It's hard to talk to you about it...but if I go in some of the other forums, I get all kinds of whacky ideas on my faith and stuff.

Please bear with me, as I need encouragement from my Lutheran pals.

Thank you for your prayers,
seajoy

[LilLamb219]

Your faith doesn't look to yourself...it looks to the cross and trusts.

So, ignore the ignorant :)

We don't mind you needing our support from time to time!

[ctay]

Forgive me for saying that line. I just get to where I think everyone can't stand me when I'm like this, as I sure don't like myself.

This started last evening...and has continued. I went to bed at 8:30pm, did not get up until 8am....I couldn't take how I felt...so I was in bed until noon. I feel like I'm walking in a fog. It's hard to talk to you about it...but if I go in some of the other forums, I get all kinds of whacky ideas on my faith and stuff.

Please bear with me, as I need encouragement from my Lutheran pals.

Thank you for your prayers,
seajoy
I've been down with everything going on at church, been praying a lot. Easter is usually my favorite too. I need the uplifting. Got a meeting at church tonight, I'll probably get up there early and go in the sanctuary and do some praying.

[DaRev]

We all need each other's support and comfort from time to time... even pastors. God knew what He was doing when He designed the Church to be a gathering of Christian people rather than merely a bunch of individuals. We all share the pains and the joys and most of all the faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is with you right now.

:crossrc:

[dinkime]

:groupray: :prayer: you are in my prayers sweetie!

[seajoy]

We all need each other's support and comfort from time to time... even pastors. God knew what He was doing when He designed the Church to be a gathering of Christian people rather than merely a bunch of individuals. We all share the pains and the joys and most of all the faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is with you right now.

:crossrc:
Thanks Rev, :) such comforting words.

And ctay, I'll pray for your situation too...helps me get my mind off myself a little.

[Jim47]

I've been down with everything going on at church, been praying a lot. Easter is usually my favorite too. I need the uplifting. Got a meeting at church tonight, I'll probably get up there early and go in the sanctuary and do some praying.


I know how hard this can be. We've had to give up 5 Pastors at my church since I've been a member there. They were all good and I miss them all. The Lord will provide. :)

[ctay]

Seajoy I'll be praying for you too.

[ctay]

I know how hard this can be. We've had to give up 5 Pastors at my church since I've been a member there. They were all good and I miss them all. The Lord will provide. :)
Its mainly the way some are acting.

[C.F.W. Walther]

:cry: Ohh sis--my heart aches for you. I wish that we could all share your burdens to ease your load. Life sucks sometimes but we know what our eternal reward is and that is our only hope.

Dear God I hold up my sister to you and ask that you take away her pain and depression and that you give her comfort and release and the knowledge that "this to shall pass". We all love her and want her healing. Thank you God, in Jesus name.

[seajoy]

Thanks Rad....you are a great friend.

[Hummie]

I am brand new here, but what you wrote from what you got from other threads here at CF has me wondering.

Look at this list you wrote:
1. have more faith
2. get annointed by the Holy Spirit
3. you must speak in tongues (see #2)
4. make a decision to follow Christ more (not sure what that one means)
5. pretty much any other stuff you can think of that would make you feel like a lousy Christian

All of those things are things for YOU to do. That is not what I know as "Lutheran." All things come from God.

1. Having more faith ....We have One Faith...and it is a gift from God....not something you do.
2. How do I get annointed by the Holy Spirit? That is strange language to me....once again...having the Holy Spirit within me is a God-doing, not my doing.
3. Speaking in tongues....don't want to touch this subject...but again...something you do?
4. make a decision to follow Christ more ...once again...God chooses us...He gives us our faith...our actions arise from that faith...it starts with Him, not us.
5. anything about Jesus should not make you feel like a lousy Christian.....be careful who you hang around with that influence you.


Quit focusing on what you can do and focus on what God can do for you. Stay close to Him, pray, wait on Him and His timing to answer your prayers, ask God what He is trying to teach you through your pains.....only God can change things.

[C.F.W. Walther]

I am brand new here, but what you wrote from what you got from other threads here at CF has me wondering.

Look at this list you wrote:
1. have more faith
2. get annointed by the Holy Spirit
3. you must speak in tongues (see #2)
4. make a decision to follow Christ more (not sure what that one means)
5. pretty much any other stuff you can think of that would make you feel like a lousy Christian

All of those things are things for YOU to do. That is not what I know as "Lutheran." All things come from God.

1. Having more faith ....We have One Faith...and it is a gift from God....not something you do.
2. How do I get annointed by the Holy Spirit? That is strange language to me....once again...having the Holy Spirit within me is a God-doing, not my doing.
3. Speaking in tongues....don't want to touch this subject...but again...something you do?
4. make a decision to follow Christ more ...once again...God chooses us...He gives us our faith...our actions arise from that faith...it starts with Him, not us.
5. anything about Jesus should not make you feel like a lousy Christian.....be careful who you hang around with that influence you.


Quit focusing on what you can do and focus on what God can do for you. Stay close to Him, pray, wait on Him and His timing to answer your prayers, ask God what He is trying to teach you through your pains.....only God can change things.
We don't have any list like that in this forum. Where did you get them from? That's not our beliefs.

[seajoy]

I am brand new here, but what you wrote from what you got from other threads here at CF has me wondering.

Look at this list you wrote:
1. have more faith
2. get annointed by the Holy Spirit
3. you must speak in tongues (see #2)
4. make a decision to follow Christ more (not sure what that one means)
5. pretty much any other stuff you can think of that would make you feel like a lousy Christian

All of those things are things for YOU to do. That is not what I know as "Lutheran." All things come from God.

1. Having more faith ....We have One Faith...and it is a gift from God....not something you do.
2. How do I get annointed by the Holy Spirit? That is strange language to me....once again...having the Holy Spirit within me is a God-doing, not my doing.
3. Speaking in tongues....don't want to touch this subject...but again...something you do?
4. make a decision to follow Christ more ...once again...God chooses us...He gives us our faith...our actions arise from that faith...it starts with Him, not us.
5. anything about Jesus should not make you feel like a lousy Christian.....be careful who you hang around with that influence you.


Quit focusing on what you can do and focus on what God can do for you. Stay close to Him, pray, wait on Him and His timing to answer your prayers, ask God what He is trying to teach you through your pains.....only God can change things.
Dear me.....these are things that were said to me months ago, in other parts of CF, not in the Lutheran forum. I wrote them in the beginning of this thread.

That is why I now stay here in the times my depression bothers me because my friends here do not follow those ways. I'm sorry if I caused any confusion.

God is my strength, and He uses my dear friends here to help me see that. I am not focusing on what I can do....sorry if it appeared that way. I am but dust.
I cause more trouble than I'm worth sometimes. :sigh:

[Studeclunker]

Hey, Sis, looks like the pan and requisite meds have been getting to you again? Hang in there. We're all before the Lord with you in this. Remember, '...when two or more of you pray together, whatever you ask will be given you.' Most assuredly, there are way more than two asking for your continued strength and healing.:groupray: So, hang in there, Luv, we're in the arena with you.:hug:

[seajoy]

Thanks Clunker.....you are a wonderful Christian brother. :hug:
Thanks also to all my brothers and sisters here who are praying for me..........LilLamb, Grace, Ed, Jim, ctay, Rev, Dinki.....don't forget Rad! You all are special people in my Christian family. May He bless each one of you richly.

[QuiltAngel]

Oh seajoy,
I am sorry that I am just now seeing your new posts here. You are in my prayers my dear sister. I know you don't like it when the darkness descends on your. It is right and good that you come in here and stay here.

I don't know about you, but I know here, we have not had many hours of sun the last 10 or so days. Been getting me down a bit. I know my down does not even begin to comare to your depression, but I do find the dark and cloudy days press in at times.

We are here for you.

[seajoy]

Thanks Quilty....you are a dear.:hug: You are right about there being no sun as of late. It's so cold here, also.
Thanks for your concern.

[WildStrawberry]

{{{SEAJOY}}}

If you ever need someone to talk with "live" let me know and I'll PM my number to you. Sometimes you just need someone to hold you while you cry, to have big wide shoulders, sympathetic ears and gentle hands to pat you on the back. If I can't do that in person, I sure would do it metaphorically on the telephone.

And, keeping with my "sing when you're down" stuff...

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine.
Now hear me while I pray;
Take all my guilt away;
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

3. While life's dark maze I tread
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my Guide.
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow's tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4. When ends life's transient dream,
When death's cold, sullen stream
Shall o'er me roll,
Blest Savior, then, in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!


Much Love and Prayers,

Kae

[seajoy]

Thanks Kae!

That is one of the hymns I was singing in my car today...it's on one of my CDs!

Today is a much better day than my last 2 were...but I thank you kindly for your offer to speak with me. PMs are just fine with me. :)

God in His Mercy has lifted me up today. I thank everyone for their prayers. As has been my history...I never know how long these things last.....God heard our prayers, and it wasn't so long this time.

Thank you everyone,
seajoy :hug:

[Edial]

Thanks Kae!

That is one of the hymns I was singing in my car today...it's on one of my CDs!
...
WOW!

[LilLamb219]

4. When ends life's transient dream,
When death's cold, sullen stream
Shall o'er me roll,
Blest Savior, then, in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Hey! I know a descant part for this verse LOL

[seajoy]

Hey! I know a descant part for this verse LOL
Sing it Lambie!!! :amen: I know the alto....where's a soprano!

[LilLamb219]

It's the Theologia Crucis Choir :D

[seajoy]

It's the Theologia Crucis Choir :D
Hey...we're not too bad! ^_^

[QuiltAngel]

seajoy, I am so thankful that your feeling better today!

[seajoy]

seajoy, I am so thankful that your feeling better today!
Me too! And I thank everyone for their prayers. I'm knowing more and more what wonders our Lord can do.

God Bless your Holy Week!

[contriteheart]

Thank you, Lord, for hearing all the many prayers for Seajoy! May her Easter be a blessed one!

-Grace

[Hummie]

Dear me.....these are things that were said to me months ago, in other parts of CF, not in the Lutheran forum. I wrote them in the beginning of this thread.

That is why I now stay here in the times my depression bothers me because my friends here do not follow those ways. I'm sorry if I caused any confusion.

God is my strength, and He uses my dear friends here to help me see that. I am not focusing on what I can do....sorry if it appeared that way. I am but dust.
I cause more trouble than I'm worth sometimes. :sigh:

Oh, goodness, you are not trouble! Hugs!:groupray:

I just really found that list interesting. It does indicate somewhat why other denominations are not for me. I was surprised they would focus on "you" so much, instead of God. I think I knew they did that, but know I know!

[LilLamb219]

When we point it out to them, they get really defensive about it as well. Have you ever noticed that???

[seajoy]

When we point it out to them, they get really defensive about it as well. Have you ever noticed that???
Oh boy, have I ever noticed that. :doh:

And Hummie...glad you and I are on track now. :)
Welcome!

[Jim47]

Oh, goodness, you are not trouble! Hugs!:groupray:

I just really found that list interesting. It does indicate somewhat why other denominations are not for me. I was surprised they would focus on "you" so much, instead of God. I think I knew they did that, but know I know!


Welcome to The Lutheran forum Hummie :)

[QuiltAngel]

LilLamb and I "met" Hummie on a totally different website. One where it does not take much to get banned if you don't believe as they do. What I like about CF is that there are so many fourms here. If you wander into other areas and get into discussion and start to feel beat down, you can return to TCL for rest as others can do with their denoms.

I know that seajoy had been in some discussions in some other sections of CF and when she started this thread, she was writing what she had learned in those sections. It is enough to feel sad and down when reading how others believe. Kind of an empty feeling. Having this section to return to and to be reminded of God's love for us is refreshing as a cool drink in the hot desert.

I am so thankful that we have this part of CF!

[Edial]

Hey...we're not too bad! ^_^
You haven't heard me sing ...:help:
... I better just listen.

[porterross]

You haven't heard me sing ...:help:
... I better just listen.
I'll stand next to Ed in the quiet section. My noise ain't so joyful.

[seajoy]

You haven't heard me sing ...:help:
... I better just listen.
I'll bet the Lord loves to hear you sing, Ed!:)
(and Porter too!)

[Studeclunker]

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures,
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
Amazing Grace shall then prevail,
In heaven's joy and peace.


The second and fourth stanzas of my favourite hymn; Amazing Grace.

I find that to be very Lutheran. Focused on the Lord, not ourselves. Hence the reason I identify myself as Lutheran. For I am a sinful and unclean wretch, yet the Lord committed the ultimate sacrafice for all of us, including people like me.

It is really a wonderful thing to hear our prayers were answered for you, Seajoy. May our gracious Lord continue to bear you up on eagle's wings.

[QuiltAngel]

I always say that the verse "make a joyful noise to the Lord" describes my singing.

[porterross]

Yes, mine too, but at least I can read music and keep in time. Some hymns feel like such work to get through, don't they?

[C.F.W. Walther]

yep

[ctay]

I'll stand in the quiet section too.

[ctay]

I tried the choir at church but the songs got to hard since my voice changed at an old age. Had to quit, 2nd time I quit. The choir director keeps telling me about singing a joyful noise, I keep telling her I'll run everyone out the back door.

[Jim47]

I've always loved to sing, but am a far sight from being good at it. I'm very alto and very mono-tone, but I sing out anyway when in church. Some songs I can barely utter a word because I can't follow the melody, but on the ones that are easy to follow I belt it out to the best of my ability. So I say, when singing to The Lord sing with confidence that its not the quality of your voice but that you are prasing The Lord with glee. :holy:

[jcj3803]

So I say, when singing to The Lord sing with confidence that its not the quality of your voice but that you are prasing The Lord with glee. :holy:

Good point, but I was in front of a woman at Good Friday Tennebrae who was so offkey on one song that I was literally cringing. I have played three different musical instruments in my life though, so maybe I'm more sensitive than most.

Since my voice is marginal in most keys, I tend to sing softly if a hymn is in a bad key for me. But to each his own...

[DaSeminarian]

Good point, but I was in front of a woman at Good Friday Tennebrae who was so offkey on one song that I was literally cringing. I have played three different musical instruments in my life though, so maybe I'm more sensitive than most.

Since my voice is marginal in most keys, I tend to sing softly if a hymn is in a bad key for me. But to each his own...


I agree with Jim as I see you do. God doesn't hear the tinniness of the voice, but hears the praise being given him in song.

[Jim47]

Hey Scott. How are the studies going? Happy Easter :clap:

[DaSeminarian]

Hey Scott. How are the studies going? Happy Easter :clap:

Well I have had a week off and not done much, but now it is getting down to crunch time with 6 1/2 weeks left in the Spring quarter.

I have a two page paper due on Tuesday

[Jim47]

Well I have had a week off and not done much, but now it is getting down to crunch time with 6 1/2 weeks left in the Spring quarter.

I have a two page paper due on Tuesday



A two page paper oughta be a snap ;)

[seajoy]

Our talents were being talked about in another thread, a couple of days ago. I didn't mention mine...but it's singing.:blush: I've been told that I sang before I talked.

I get much enjoyment in doing it, mostly because I don't have to tote an instrument around...so I can praise God while in the car...or working around my house etc.... Baroque music is my favorite. But I like many others as well.

I don't mind when I'm in church, and someone singing near me is way off key. It bugs me way more if I can't hear people singing around me...it's like, what are you holding back for? These are praises to God.:)

[seajoy]

A two page paper oughta be a snap ;)
What he said, Scott!

[dinkime]

I don't mind when I'm in church, and someone singing near me is way off key. It bugs me way more if I can't hear people singing around me...it's like, what are you holding back for? These are praises to God.:)


and you can tell at my church because we aren't very full most days (over 100 today, though -- really full sanctuary!!)

[DaRev]

Well I have had a week off and not done much, but now it is getting down to crunch time with 6 1/2 weeks left in the Spring quarter.

I have a two page paper due on Tuesday

Two page paper... ^_^

Wait 'til your doing the 21 page exegeticals. Oh joy!! :D :swoon:

[DaSeminarian]

Two page paper... ^_^

Wait 'til your doing the 21 page exegeticals. Oh joy!! :D :swoon:


Don't rush me man. All in due time.

They have actually gotten rid of the Master's thesis requirement by making us go to special module classes.

[porterross]

I have a two page paper due on Tuesday


Ha! DaRev's PM's are longer than that. ^_^ :D

[Jim47]

Ha! DaRev's PM's are longer than that. ^_^ :D


Oh Yeah! ;)

Love the avatar Porter. You sure find some good ones. :thumbsup:

[seajoy]

Ha! DaRev's PM's are longer than that. ^_^ :D
How much studying and referencing does he have to do before he does them, though? ;) :D

[LilLamb219]

I'm sure his papers, sermons and PM's are written from the heart.

[C.F.W. Walther]

Ha! DaRev's PM's are longer than that. ^_^ :D
Good thing you have a chastity belt on when he writes-----oh wait----that's a heart on your belt---sorry---my bad :D :swoon:

[seajoy]

Guess there's no sad Lutherans in here tonight. Too much joviality!

[Studeclunker]

Guess there's no sad Lutherans in here tonight. Too much joviality!

Well, Seajoy, if your other thread is the kitchen, perhaps this one has become the screened porch. A place where one can sit down with that iced tea, snuggle into a capacious wicker chair, put thier feet up on a hassock, and just relax. Or if the situation warrants, sit down on the settee with a friend and comfort the hurting soul.

As for Porter and the Revrand; They seem to be on the porch-swing and I'd keep the porch light on...;)

I should think that joviality is appropriate today. After all... HE IS RISEN!!!:clap:

[Edial]

Guess there's no sad Lutherans in here tonight. Too much joviality!
Yeah ... our bad singing seemed to have cheered everyone up.

I guess God does make our noise into a joyful sound. :)

[porterross]

Good thing you have a chastity belt on when he writes-----oh wait----that's a heart on your belt---sorry---my bad :D :swoon:


:eek: :confused: :swoon:




As for Porter and the Revrand; They seem to be on the porch-swing and I'd keep the porch light on...;)



:blush:

[seajoy]

If someone had told me that my being depressed would have ended up in talk of chastity belts and porch swings, I never would have believed it.:swoon: I guess in TCL...one never knows!:eek:

[C.F.W. Walther]

:eek: :confused: :swoon:

:liturgy: OK--OK----- I'll do penance for that. 10 "hail marys" should do it.

[QuiltAngel]

To think that other people think that Lutherans don't know how to have fun!

[porterross]

:liturgy: OK--OK----- I'll do penance for that. 10 "hail marys" should do it.
No, just promise to be the organist if there's a shotgun wedding.

[C.F.W. Walther]

A texan playing at a texan wedding !------boy that would be a blow out :)

At the reception there can BBQ and fried rattlesnake steaks and Rev's favorite------Rocky Mountain Oysters !!

[seajoy]

if there's a shotgun wedding.
:eek: :doh: :swoon:

[DaRev]

No, just promise to be the organist if there's a shotgun wedding.

Hey, you won't need to point a shotgun at me, sweetie! ;)

[DaRev]

Ha! DaRev's PM's are longer than that. ^_^ :D

How much studying and referencing does he have to do before he does them, though? ;)

I'm sure his papers, sermons and PM's are written from the heart.

Hey, it's easy when you enjoy the subject matter. ;) :D

[porterross]

A texan playing at a texan wedding !------boy that would be a blow out :)

At the reception there can BBQ and fried rattlesnake steaks and Rev's favorite------Rocky Mountain Oysters !!


Y'all would likely have to start without us as we'd be a bit................late. ;)

[C.F.W. Walther]

Why-----do they take pics at the church? :):)

[seajoy]

Hey...who highjacked my sad thread! :)

[porterross]

I blame Scott.

[seajoy]

I blame Scott.
Oh yes...he had a 2 page paper to study for. Yep, Scott's fault! :D

[porterross]

Hold the phone....it was Jim who asked Scott how his studies were going, which led to the whining about a 2 page paper.

Let's blame Jim more than Scott.

[seajoy]

I can't pick on Jim...he's WELS. :)

[QuiltAngel]

seajoy
anytime you need this to go back to sadness, we will be there for you.

[seajoy]

seajoy
anytime you need this to go back to sadness, we will be there for you.
Thanks QA.....by God's mercy, not tonight. Thanks for being my friend. :hug:

[Jim47]

Perhaps The Lord has taken away our reason to be sad. :holy: but if not then I will take the blame for the hi-jack ;) Its so good to everyone happy :)

[C.F.W. Walther]

God Said NO!









I asked God to take away my habit.











God said, No.


It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.














I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.


I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.


I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.






I asked God to spare me pain.


God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.






I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No.

You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.


I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.











I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.


God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
















THIS DAY IS YOURS DON'T THROW IT AWAY

[seajoy]

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.


God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Thanks Rad. I like these 2 especially. :)

[Edial]

Hey...who highjacked my sad thread! :)
And all the mods said ... Amen.

[Studeclunker]

Hey, Ed! At least it's a nice hyjack!;) :D

Seajoy and Rad, with a font like that I dont even need my glasses. Whew! Nice prose, Rad. Very fitting to this thread's subject, actually...:scratch:

[C.F.W. Walther]

Sorry---I just copied and pasted and that's what came out. I wasn't trying to shout at anyone :)

[ctay]

I'm feeling better, the way things are going, I'll be looking for another church probably. I just don't believe in what they are trying to do not unless they change their mind.

[seajoy]

I'm feeling better, the way things are going, I'll be looking for another church probably. I just don't believe in what they are trying to do not unless they change their mind.
That's ok, ctay. My husband and I had to leave a church that just didn't get it either. It hurts to lose your church family, but sometimes it needs to be done.

God will be with you no matter what way you decide to go. :)

[Studeclunker]

Yeah, well, sometimes Lenin's comment about the 'people voting with their feet', is appropriate and fitting. Funny, they voted overwhelmingly against him. Sorry, that's a side issue...

Ctay, take comfort in the fact that you are being led to go elsewhere. It could very well be that the Lord has another congregation in mind that will be much better for you.

I had a similar situation come up about six years or so ago. Our congregation had put out a call and settled on a pastor. I couldn't stand the man. He completely dominated the service. I mean, TOTALLY. Our choir eventually disappeared. There was only this man up front completely drowning everyone and everything else out. He drove me crazy. There were about twenty of us that really didn't want him from the beginning. The elders just ran over our objections and pushed this man through and we were stuck with him.

Add to this, our budget provided a package of 50k for our pastor. We really didn't have any more money. This man demanded and got a package of 85k. Those of us who objected, were drowned out and told to be silent. Then along came a new liturgy, changes in communion, the disappearance of our choir, etc... We had a lively and successful outreach to the poor with a food pantry run by a couple in our congregation. They were dismissed from this mission immediately by the new pastor. Our youth director retired and there was a succession of several people behind him. Finally the head elder's wife took that over. During this first year, we lost most of the disenters. Our congregation was shrinking, not growing. I started looking into another church as well.

One of the deconesses of our church lived in my house as a roomate. I took in boarders when I lost my job to keep the house. This woman and her son joined me about a year before this pastor arrived. That first year went along without any problems. She got along with my other roomates and the arrangement seemed to be working out. After the new pastor came, and I opposed him, our relationship changed. Things became especially strained when I started attending the church on the other side of town (it was LCMS also). Since she pursuaded my son to refuse to change congregations, (which wasn't a hard task as Garrett hates change) I eventually stayed. I was working for Greyhound at the time and was rarely able to attend anyway. A year later, I decided to sell my house, pay off my bankruptcy and move to Lewiston.

I found out that the 'new' pastor gave the congregation notice six months after I left. He'd recieved a 'call' from his former congregation and went back to Wisconsin barely three years after coming out to California.

[seajoy]

.

[ctay]

God bless you Seajoy, may find the peace you need soon. I went to the same church I went to last sunday, found peace this morning when I went up to communion and prayed

[Zecryphon]

I like to joke around with folks here in TCL, and give advice when it's perhaps warranted, and talk about our Savior etc...but when I'm feeling down, or depressed I tend to go to other parts of CF for help.

I've figured out my reason for doing so, is that I'm afraid of not being liked here, or thought of as a nut, with not enough faith. I have ocd, depression, anxiety, arthritis (now an injured shoulder), and a job I hate. By telling you folks this, I already feel I've lost you as friends, and have come off as a major complainer who thinks only of herself (like none of you have any problems :doh:).

What I've gotten in other parts of CF is:

1. have more faith
2. get annointed by the Holy Spirit
3. you must speak in tongues (see #2)
4. make a decision to follow Christ more (not sure what that one means)
5. pretty much any other stuff you can think of that would make you feel like a lousy Christian

So here I come to you folks...I need help, and I need to feel better. Yes, some days I feel great...other days I feel useless, and depressed. Right now, I feel I'm having one of the biggest struggles of my life (2nd only to when I got through my major ocd stuff).

I have a great husband, kids, son-in-law, and future daughter-in-law...what in the world is wrong with me? I should be happy.

:help: seajoy
Here is an article I found when I went looking for information regarding depression.

http://bachdevelopment.com/BACH17h.html

I have yet to read it, but it looks very good. I too suffer from depression, anxiety and bouts of agoraphobia. You're not alone. :hug:

[seajoy]

Here is an article I found when I went looking for information regarding depression.

http://bachdevelopment.com/BACH17h.html

I have yet to read it, but it looks very good. I too suffer from depression, anxiety and bouts of agoraphobia. You're not alone. :hug:
Thanks Zec,

I have OCD, along with depression and anxiety. I took a peek at your website, and it looks to have lots of useful info for me, and hopefully others. I thank you very much.

I hope today is a good one for you. I deleted my post from last night. I was just "sure" I was bothering everyone too much with my stuff. Thanks for responding anyway.

God bless,
seajoy

[dinkime]

:groupray: :prayer: seajoy, it is never too much... :prayer: :groupray:

[Zecryphon]

Thanks Zec,

I have OCD, along with depression and anxiety. I took a peek at your website, and it looks to have lots of useful info for me, and hopefully others. I thank you very much.

I hope today is a good one for you. I deleted my post from last night. I was just "sure" I was bothering everyone too much with my stuff. Thanks for responding anyway.

God bless,
seajoy
If you ever want to unload on someone send me a private message or an email. I'll be there for you. Don't hesitate. I'm having a pretty good day so far. My big problem right now is "what if" thinking. I'm in therapy for it now though so I'm getting better.

[DaSeminarian]

Thanks Zec,

I have OCD, along with depression and anxiety. I took a peek at your website, and it looks to have lots of useful info for me, and hopefully others. I thank you very much.

I hope today is a good one for you. I deleted my post from last night. I was just "sure" I was bothering everyone too much with my stuff. Thanks for responding anyway.

God bless,
seajoy

C'mon Angie,

If we, your brothers and sisters in faith, can't help you carry your burden, who can?

[seajoy]

Thanks also to ctay, dinki, and DaSeminarian for your kind words.

[DaSeminarian]

Thanks also to ctay, dinki, and DaSeminarian for your kind words.

You are most welcome.

[WildStrawberry]

C'mon Angie,

If we, your brothers and sisters in faith, can't help you carry your burden, who can?

Oh AMEN.

We are always here for you. Sometimes you just need an ear (or in this case an "eye") to vent to.

If you ever DO need an EAR...let me know by PM and I'll send you my phone number. I'm almost always up (stupid cancer stuff) and if I'm not, it only takes a moment for me to wake up. And I'm never ever ever bothered by someone who wants to or NEEDS to talk.

Kae

[seajoy]

Oh AMEN.

We are always here for you. Sometimes you just need an ear (or in this case an "eye") to vent to.

If you ever DO need an EAR...let me know by PM and I'll send you my phone number. I'm almost always up (stupid cancer stuff) and if I'm not, it only takes a moment for me to wake up. And I'm never ever ever bothered by someone who wants to or NEEDS to talk.

Kae
Thank you Kae. Be careful what you offer.:)

How did your tests come out? I've prayed for you concerning this.

[LilLamb219]

Prayers for you seajoy!

[porterross]

Hi, Seajoy. Put me on your list of concerned confessionals willing to help. You have a lot on your plate right now and if you need to vent, we're here to listen and support you. :hug:

[Studeclunker]

My prayers are still with you, Seajoy. Keep your chin up and remember, you're never alone in the body of Christ.:hug:

[seajoy]

My prayers are still with you, Seajoy. Keep your chin up and remember, you're never alone in the body of Christ.:hug:
Stude! Hi, how are you? I have been praying for you as well. I've been gone too long. I've missed everyone. :hug:

[WildStrawberry]

Thank you Kae. Be careful what you offer.:)

How did your tests come out? I've prayed for you concerning this.

I don't have to be careful. If I didn't want to I wouldn't offer! ;)

My tests are okay. We had a scare last week. I've been having a bunch of trouble with memory and severe headaches and numbness on the left side of my face. When I (finally remembered to) told my Oncologist about it he was super concerned. So off I went to have a head CT. Thankfully it came back negative for cancer. I'll be seeing my other (family) doc tomorrow to see the rest of the results.

heh, the Oncologist said "well, you have a brain and it doesn't have cancer but, I'm not sure just how normal it is." and then laughed. *G*

Kae

[seajoy]

I don't have to be careful. If I didn't want to I wouldn't offer! ;)

My tests are okay. We had a scare last week. I've been having a bunch of trouble with memory and severe headaches and numbness on the left side of my face. When I (finally remembered to) told my Oncologist about it he was super concerned. So off I went to have a head CT. Thankfully it came back negative for cancer. I'll be seeing my other (family) doc tomorrow to see the rest of the results.

heh, the Oncologist said "well, you have a brain and it doesn't have cancer but, I'm not sure just how normal it is." and then laughed. *G*

Kae
Wow Kae, glad that came out alright.

I understand memory problems. With FMS, I have that thing called fibro fog...but it does come in handy sometimes. :)

[QuiltAngel]

seajoy,
Sorry I missed your post that you deleted. You know you can count on us here to lend an ear or a shoulder.

Jane

[Edial]

The way seajoy deleted that post, I think she should try out for a Mod position.
I think she should be given a Mod assignment in GT.

[DaSeminarian]

The way seajoy deleted that post, I think she should try out for a Mod position.
I think she should be given a Mod assignment in GT.


The MOD should just delete the GT forum. Christianity is not a Unified faith. It has splintered so many times since the Reformation and some of them just aren't true Christianity anymore.

[seajoy]

The way seajoy deleted that post, I think she should try out for a Mod position.
I think she should be given a Mod assignment in GT.
Good morning Ed. :)

You would stick me in GT?....how messed up would you like my head to be? ^_^ I'll just remain a regular, thank you.

I'm trying to keep busy today so as not to get so down. I thank everyone for your prayers. I have missed all of you very much. :hug:

[seajoy]

seajoy,
Sorry I missed your post that you deleted. You know you can count on us here to lend an ear or a shoulder.

Jane
Thanks Jane. You are a pal.

[Edial]

The MOD should just delete the GT forum. Christianity is not a Unified faith. It has splintered so many times since the Reformation and some of them just aren't true Christianity anymore.
To tell you the truth, one of the valid objection that I see the non-Christians make is when they comment concerning division within Christendom.

The other valid objection they make is when they say we get so ecumenical that we forget the Bible.

[Edial]

Good morning Ed. :)

You would stick me in GT?....how messed up would you like my head to be? ^_^ I'll just remain a regular, thank you.

I'm trying to keep busy today so as not to get so down. I thank everyone for your prayers. I have missed all of you very much. :hug:
Well, you would just start deleting all the threads in the GT that do not agree with Lutheranism.
Then you'll send them a friendly PM stating that if they want to avoid eternal damnation they should find a WELS synod ...

Ed

[seajoy]

Well, you would just start deleting all the threads in the GT that do not agree with Lutheranism.
Then you'll send them a friendly PM stating that if they want to avoid eternal damnation they should find a WELS synod ...

Ed
Wow, Ed....a lot has changed in the month I've been gone. You WELS now? ;)

[Edial]

Wow, Ed....a lot has changed in the month I've been gone. You WELS now? ;)
No I'm not and don't plan to be.

But knowing you and Jim ... you guys are a lost cause for changing a synod.

[seajoy]

No I'm not and don't plan to be.

But knowing you and Jim ... you guys are a lost cause for changing a synod.
You know Jim and I very well! ^_^

[Flipper]

:groupray: :prayer: seajoy, it is never too much... :prayer: :groupray:

ditto

[seajoy]

ditto
Thanks Flip!

[Jim47]

No I'm not and don't plan to be.

But knowing you and Jim ... you guys are a lost cause for changing a synod.


Well Ed, I can say that you have learned us pretty well, as that is a safe bet my friend. :)

[Edial]

:)

[Edial]

You know Jim and I very well! ^_^
:)