treadingwaterwithgod-rb

Growing Weary or Losing Heart?

2012-01-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV)

Today have you lost heart or have your grown weary or both?

When I was caring for both my invalid parents, I often thought that the job was way too big for me. I'd tell myself that I should have never made this commitment in the first place; I don't deserve being trapped when there are things more fun things to do; it isn't my job to take care of my parents; I should place them into a nursing home. . . and on and on. If this is not losing heart and also growing weary, I don't know what is.

I'm not saying people should never think about a nursing home for their invalid loved ones because not all of us are called by God to be home caregivers, but for me. . . deep down I knew with Bill's help and our assistant's help, God called me to care for my parents at home. Yet, it was very hard for me to find the peace I needed to continue.

We lose heart and grow weary first in our brain, allowing ourselves to concentrate on our self-centered desires rather than being committed to serving our Lord and loving others. It was my mind set that constantly needed tweaking. I believe rest and fun are as important as breathing, but I needed to realize that when it was day to take care of my parents I had to willingly make a sacrifice in order to love them. This sacrifice meant I had to put my own wants on hold.

If we are going through a difficult time in our lives, I learned we must pray for God's help and guidance, believing that He loves us and will act on our behalf at the right time. Today if you are weary or you have lost heart, pray to our Heavenly Father. Then hold on to the belief that God is working behind the scenes. God didn't promise us this life would not be difficult, but He does promise to always be with us, working out things for our own good and the good of those we pray and care for.

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A Healthy Branch

2011-12-09T05:42:00.001-08:00

Jesus said: "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me." (GNB)

In Charles F. Stanley's book, Living the Extraordinary Life, Nine Principles to Discover It, he writes, "My part was to submit my life to God and allow Him to live His life through me. . . The energy and strength that ran through the life of Jesus Christ became mine."

I've had days when my energy and strength were lost somewhere under the bed, along with my favorite slippers. I didn't want to do anything, not even watch television, and that's going some for me. These days or moments often come when I'm tired, anxious or depressed. All I do is wander through the house, wishing I could get interested in something, anything.

As humans we all have low-energy, low enthusiasm days. Of course, if the feeling lasts and lasts, and we can't shake ourselves out of it, we need to seek professional help. Depression needs treating just like a serious infection.

For more manageable blues this is what helps me: I go outside for a walk in the beauty of God's world. I read the books of Christian writers such as Charles F. Stanley, Norman V. Peale, and Joyce Meyers. They have a way of lifting me up and away from feeling sorry for myself.

And last but not least, all of us should never forget to do the most important thing of all, talk to Jesus. When we stay connected to Him, we are strong and able to face anything life throws our way. We receive the all the strength, wisdom, and enthusiasm we need to get us through the day.

Sad, angry, or happy, share your thoughts today.

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New Strength

2011-12-08T02:37:00.001-08:00

"He (the Lord) gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised." Psalms 23:3 (GNB)

When you are down, what helps to lift you up again?

I remember back to when I had a full day of caring for both my parents at home. I'd collapse into bed at night, and if it was my turn to take care of them the next day, I'd drag myself out of bed in the morning. Often when I prayed to God for help, I would become enthusiastic again about my job as caregiver. God would encourage me to stay positive. By thinking positive I had new strength. I lost count how many times I had to come to my Lord, asking Him for help.

As you struggle through the day and night, just remember there is help just a prayer away.

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Are you treading water?

2011-12-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 (NIV)

Even when we are treading water, every day there is something to be thankful for. There is something we can praise God for. I'm thankful for the beauty of the natural world.

What are you thankful for today? If you don't feel thankful today, please feel free to vent. It is healthy to let off steam when needed.

When I was a caregiver, taking care of both my elderly, invalid parents, I felt like I was treading water. I had to work at keeping a positive outlook, so I wouldn't drown. I didn't like feeling trapped by this commitment, but I continued to put one foot in front of the other, continuing to keep my parents safe and secure. With God's guidance and the continued support and help from Bill and our assistant I made it through. I learned that staying close to God was the only way I could keep my head above water.

What is your present or past treading-water-experience? Have you learned something that has help you to grow as a person? Please share.

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