Anxiety and depression~

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad" (Proverbs 12:25).  Having dealt with (battled!) depression myself for a number of years (it still rears it's UGLY head sometimes), I understand how consuming it can be.  There are days when you think that you just can't handle it anymore; want to curl up in a dark corner and have it all stop (and I mean ALL!).  After being on it for three years, I am happy to say that I have been completely off medicine for the last six years.  (I am not ashamed to admit that I needed help.)  It is not without some bad days, but they are bearable days, and some days in need of talking to my best friend(s) to help pull me out so that I don't sink farther into it.  I am so thankful that Christ is in my life, and that He provides me the strength that I need, and lifts my head.  There are so many people that are afraid to address it, afraid to talk about it, think that it is shameful, or disgraceful.  It is real; just as real as if your eyesight was failing and you needed glasses, or if you had a heart condition and needed to take medicine.  If you know someone, or are someone who suffers from this, please don't be afraid to talk about it!  It is NOT shameful, it is NOT disgraceful...  I don't think God would have used the word depression in His Word if it was not something that we would have to face.

Waves~

The water and waves are crashing all around me; pulling me under.  Attempts are made to reach the shore, but the harder the fight, the fiercer the waves.  I am going under.  The shore is in sight and looks so lovely; the sun shining, the palm trees so tall and vibrant, yet the escape isn’t happening.  The water violently takes me under, tossing me in the cold waters, beating my body on the harsh ocean floor.  Panic has taken over. 

Keep going~

My closest friends know my struggles.  I'm not living the life that I dreamed, or imagined.  I know that I am in the hands of my God, I am living His plans, and know they are better than any I had . 

It doesn't mean that being a single parent of 4 boys (mostly without support from parent #2), going to bed alone every night, managing the household, finances, schedules, and day to day tasks don't get to me... stress me out... get me down...

So if you see a sad post, wonder about me, think I'm a downer, share too much... it's just life.  We all have struggles... some of us share them.  I'm real.  I hurt.

Some people cannot relate to my struggles, yet sadly, some can.  I hope that my posts are able to minister to at least one of them... ♡

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Corinthians 1: 3-4).

F.A.T.

Are you F.A.T. ? Faithful, Available, and Teachable.

Faithful to the ministry that you are part of.  Not only when it is good for you, but wherever you're needed at the time.

Available to serve the on the team, ministry, or organization that you call yourself a part of.  Doing what is required/requested.  Again, not just when it is good for you, but whenever you are needed for the good of the team.

Teachable... Humbling yourself to the authority of another. Doing what is asked without question, or obstinance.

I aspire to be all of this and more. Lots of work to do. Pressing on.