Tension Adjustment Needed
by Marilyn Ehle
** Learning to Listen to God: http://thelife.com/study/listening.html?section=listen_god
“Are you tired? Worn out?… Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest” (Matthew 11:28, The Message).
It had been a frustrating morning. I had set up the ironing board, cut the fabric to exact size, and placed thread in the sewing machine. A simple sewing project which from start to finish should have taken two hours or less hadn’t even begun. Years of sewing experienced dictated that I should first sew a line of stitching on a fabric scrap. And that’s where the problem began—or at least where the problem was detected. While the stitching looked good on the top side, underneath was a tangle of loops. A quick pull on one of those loops unraveled the entire seam.
In an attempt to solve the problem, I re-adjusted the dials, changed the needle and re-read the instruction book. Finally, with grim face and clenched teeth, I packed up the machine and carted it off to the repairman who quickly determined what I suspected: the machine tension needed professional adjustment. Just turning the dials wasn’t enough; work needed to be done deep within the machine.
We often need spiritual tension adjustments by a “Professional.” The burdens of work, family, unforeseen crises, unmet expectations combine to produce tangled loops of frustration in our lives. While there are certain things we can do to make life run more smoothly, we must frequently take ourselves obediently and humbly to the One who said, “Come to me…I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”
Tension in life is not only inevitable, but useful. Healthy tension can motivate us to attempt higher goals. But when tangled loops appear, it’s time to seek advice from the Master.
~ Lord, my problem really isn’t tension. It’s knowing how to deal with tension. Help me recognize when I’m using my human methods instead of turning to You. And thank You for the true rest You provide.
Questions: Do you have tension in your life right now…how do deal with it? What are some of the signs of tension in ones life? What is the solution to a life full of worry and anxiety?
About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/authors/marilyn-ehle/
48 Responses to “Tension Adjustment Needed”
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I am dealing with tension right now, due to a friendship that I treasured ending with no apparent reason. Originally that caused a lot of hurt but it’s turned to tension as I struggle to understand it.
I turned it over to God yesterday morning and as long as I don’t keep trying to take it back I”ll be fine. The first place any of us should turn when dealing with tension is God the Father. Many times we make a situation worse when we try to deal with things on our own. Then, we end up going to God and asking Him to fix what we made worse.
For myself, I need to spend more time in God’s Word and prayer.
Cyndy
I think for me, I just get what I called anxious when I realize what a mess I have made of things. I let it go and go thinking I can deal with it tomorrow and when tomorrow comes I still put it off. I know that I should go to God first, but sometimes I feel so guilty for not going to Him in the first place that I just sink lower in the depression and anxiety. I’m learning to just get up in the mornings and ask God to help me and just not get overburdened about it, but it is not an easy thing for the flesh to do. I think if I let Him take care of it more often and stay in His word I wouldn’t be so tense and have so many loopy strings inside.
I believe that we all have some sort of tension in our daily lives. Then there are those times that the tension totally overwhelms us. But for me my tension is in dealing with my chronic pain and sleeplessness due to this pain. I due turn it over to GOD every minute of every day. then that are the moments that I am so tired and in so much pain that I end up taking things out on someone else who doesn’t deserve what I am dishing out on them. Then I start feeling bad because I did take it out on them,
As I have said I am turning it over to GOD.
Yes, tension, anxiety, shame, anger… an array of superficial emotions. I didn’t realize how much tension and undue stress I was causeing myself until I would still wake up several times in a night after taking a prescribed sleeping aid? Then the guilt of not trustiing God would flood over me, again. But today I received an early word. “I can build on the pit-falls [obstables] or I can just be pit-i-ful”…I heard this in my spirit and immediately woke up and decided NO! I can take these pit-falls: physical, emotional/mental, financial, relational, obstacles and learn from them and used them as boulders to build on and get up and out of this pit. Or I can allow the tricks and snares of satan to bombard me with negative thoughts, fears and insecurities and stay in the pit. We have the mind of Christ and it is written Isaiah 54:1, “no weapon forged [desgined] against you will prosper[loose your mind, destroy you]…I John 4:4,…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world! I’m speaking this to myself as well as others. Dear friends He has already overcome the world! This is the assurance we have in trusting Him. Take the time today be an encouragement to someone else. Be mindful of the needs of someone around you, this will surely release the noose of tention. Let us be “Others Minded” which is to be “Christ Minded”. Be Blessed Without Measure, Today and Forever!
love,
yvette
I know tension in my body. I get a knot between my neck and my right shoulder, the muscles between my shoulder blades contract, my face and neck flush, and all the the muscles in my body tighten. Sometimes it takes a long time to fall asleep, or I wake up in the middle of the night for up to a couple of hours. I don’t deal well with tension, so it’ll be good to see what others have to say about it :-}.
i always have a lot of tension in my life. sometimes i find it difacult to handle i just have to give it to God
sharon
Oh how precious this devotional is… and it came at just the right time.. my treads have come unraveled and I find that it is now that as many has shared, that I sit quietly and allow the Lord to adjust what is broken.. so many times I have run ahead and come to find that the road was not where the Lord wanted me.. as with so many things in one’s life, we wonder and get anxious.. but the Lord has said Be Anxious For Nothing… thank you for the gentle reminder that though broken, we are still useable in the Lord’s work. We just need to seek Him and all will be back on track.. Praise the Lord, that He never leaves us tangled up in knots.. May the Lord shine on each of your lives today, as we pray for one anothers needs.. I am blessed to have so many friends praying.. Life is much easier when I go to the Lord in prayer.. Blessings, Sandy
Ok having just snarled at my wonderful daughter ( my fault her not realising what I was asking her to do) I then checked my emails ok once again God’s timing was perfect. I am off to apologise. Thank you
Had to LOL as my sewing machine just had some “tension” problems here, too! Have just completed all the knitted parts to a baby sweater gift and this one time was going to “machine sew” to expedite completion. Well, am about to thread a needle and hand do as machine not cooperating!… But?!..this will be a great blessing because it will help me sit in HIS Presence and talk and “listen” and let HIM have and guide the day. It takes years of practice “to” do that :) ..But once we master the art of “letting go and letting GOD” amazing things start to happen. At first we “think” nothing really happens ..His ways, of course, not the worldly ways of jumping in and “I’LL HANDLE THIS”…We think “how could doing nothing possibly help”!..For me? The very moment I let go..can almost hear His Sigh of relief..and “At last, child..Now I CAN help you”!!! Praise you, Father, for your amazing patience ..and for being the gentleman you are never saying “told you so” as the world does..but a gentle pat and nudge in right direction…Hallelujah.
Love what Yvette said about being “other minded” which is to be “Christ Minded”! All your comments, ladies, so good today..Honest, beautiful sharings from the heart..But I especially needed that one about today! ..Amen!
Wow God is wonderful.I’m going through something right now that God has showed me. It’s been going on my entire life, and about two years ago God brought it to my attention .I have been trying to get through it with God’s help. But recently seem to be really dealing with it daily. God recently brought a true friend into my life (had no friends) and she is right there beside me letting me speak my pain and right there helping me through, so that I can be healed of this. And praying for the other person involved to allow God to work in her life also.God is really helping me be able to trust Him to get me through and heal me. I am one who always needed to figure things out on my own . He is helping me to give up how I dealt with things in the past and really helping me trust Him to do the work in me.Philipians 1:6 …being confident of this , that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Your words of encouragement ladies really helped and for those of you struggling , like me, God is so faithful!!!! He is so faithful!!!Keep going to Him with your heart He will always be there!!!!!!
Praise Report!!
After sitting “quietly and calmly” in His Presence? He whispered in my spirit “try turning the machine needle”! Did that and the machine here is “humming” (in my haste had needle turned backwards lol!) ..Praise you, Faithful Father! Just had to share that!! The very moment I “let go the tensions”? HE showed “how” to get machine to work!!!! AMEN!! Ladies, he cares about the “little things” that can become big tense things if we allow it..Beautiful Peace reigning again!! Singing “Halleljuah” here in GA!!!!!
Blessings galore, already, this day, dear Sisters, soooo much nicer letting “HIM” handle the tensions!!!!
As for todays, devotional, I have to say that I have been finding myself on my knees so much lately trying to keep my focus on God rather than the problems that I don’t know the answers to. Having a little difficulty lately figuring out the boundary lines between me & my teens such as with instant messaging or one of them wanting a romantic relationship at too young of an age. I find I am a minority in the way I try to raise my kids in today’s corrupted world. I am way more strict than most parents, but I don’t find that many parents who share my values. It seems so many of us blend with the world because it is just easier to do. Anyway, a lot of tension between me & my 2 oldest (of 4) kids. They are good kids who love the Lord, but as I try to steer them in the right direction as the rest of the world goes the other way, I seem unfair to them. I keep praying for God to give me wisdom in how to deal with the circumstances & for Him to help me see these things from His perspective. And, I pray a lot for Him to open their eyes to the truth, to give them a hunger & thirst for His word, & to give them a desire to obey Him & become more like Him.
Sharon,
I have not had time to check the blog for several days. How is Rachael (& your son’s family) coming along? I am still remembering you in prayers & hope you are seeing God at work in the situation.
Tracy, Terry, Joy, & Laura,
Your marriages still in my prayers. Hope God is blessing you.
I have only just found this devotional and the timing is perfect. With a busy household of 6, life often gets overwhelming and I find myself so busy with dealing with the issues of each day that I forget to center myself with the Lord. Our eldest is getting bullied at school and the tension from that alone is enough to reduce me to tears most days. Yet in my heart I know the Lord can help but I still struggle to put him first and trust him. What am I modeling for my sweet daughter? She needs to know God can and will always be her provider and safe place to fall. Not me. I am fallible. Teaching her to trust in him will be of far more benefit to her in her life than her seeing me trying to deal with these situations by myself. Lord help me unravel the loops and sort my priorities out. Thanks again.
Oh, what a blessing your comments are this morning my dear sisters. I feel as if my spirit has been fed with so much encouragement. I love what each of you have shared this morning. I have been reading Philippians 2 this week and His word “came to life” through each of you. “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowsip with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, have the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing our of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4. Thank you for looking to the “interest of others” as you have shared your thoughts this morning. Bless you all.
Paula,
I know how you feel. My oldest is 18 and just started college this fall. Sounds like we have a lot in common about what our kids do, who they’re with, etc. but it can become a battle at times. I have been blessed that me and my daughter talk about all kinds of stuff even though she might not like my opinions. It’s funny how I tell her how something will turn out, it does and then she asks “how did you know that?” I remind her that God gives moms that inner knowing, been there done that and all things usually come to surface at some point or another. Keep doing what you’re doing…pray, pray, pray and be there for them. One thing I have done for her and my son is to pray over them, their room, their bed, where they lay their head, remove people out of their lives that don’t need to be there, put the right people into their lives, use them and pray protection over them. The enemy likes to cause confusion but we can attack back and remind him they belong to God and I will do everything in my power w/God to see them through.
Nicolette,
I too know the feeling of worrying about your child at school. He actually felt bullied by a teacher last year and one the first part of this year. We prayed together that the Lord would take care of these situations, we prayed for the teachers and prayed for whatever else came to mind. At one point last year my son kept wondering how come things didn’t get better at first. Eventually they did and he and the teacher had a better relationship…it took time though. The teacher this year was more of learning my son and my son learning him…not to mention he started middle school this year so lots of new things. Things are now better too.
Don’t give up…keep praying over this situation. Some of our prayer consisted of praying for those teachers and even praying against any attack of the enemy that may be behind this. It’s amazing how things change when you pray over just what it is..an attack. Another thing I do is when I drop him off at school, I pray over him, the children and the staff for their protection and peace. Pray for those angels to surround your child and the blood of Jesus to cover. Hope this helps some.
Renae,
Thank you so much for your encouragement. How old is your son? Do you have as good communication with him as your daughter? My daughter & I have really good lines of communication. But, my son, who will be 14 in December has never been very open with me. My husband says that boys are different from girls (he grew up with 2 brothers & no sisters).
I too try to remove people out of their lives that don’t need to be there & try to help pull the right ones in. I was relieved to hear you do that. I don’t know others who do that, & I sometimes have wondered if I am too controlling. It was so much easier when they were younger & we were dealing with things like clubs they made up (as now my 4th grader is doing–think of how it would feel if you wanted to play with someone, & they wouldn’t allow you in their club). Gets tricky though trying to help them become independent. Sometimes, I know for sure that I need to respond to the decisions they made because it will cause them harm. But, boy, these things like romantic relationships at too young of an age…..I don’t think I know one other parent that doesn’t allow Jr. High boyfriend/girlfriends. Sometimes, I wonder if I am just over the edge. A lot of it is because I grew up with grown-ups always making having a boyfriend seem so important, & I grew up thinking getting married was #1 important priority. I guess sometimes it gets hard because I wonder when I need to interfere & pray versus needing to just sit back quietly & pray for God to take care of it on His own. It isn’t that I don’t trust God to take care of everything. I just know as a parent, I have responsibilities to “train them in the way they should go.”
Well, getting way off the topic of the devo. Putting in a lot of hours of prayers on it all anyhow. I guess I feel He hasn’t given me all the answers. But, He has given me assurance that He is with me through this & that He’s listening. And, after crying & praying, He does give me inner peace.
Donna was talking about Philippians. Last week, I read that book over & over determined that nothing would steal my joy through all this. It’s a great book. I’ve underlined a lot of it. And it always has the reminder of being anxious about nothing. I need to memorize that verse.
Thanks again, Renae. God bless you for reaching out to me.
paula
everything is still the same. the kids spent the wek end with us. i am still praying
thank you for your prayers
sharon
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV)
Dear sisters, you may not believe this but today was the first time I realized God expects us to mourn from loss in our lives? I have heard so many years that is you are “truly saved” you wouldn’t cry or allow yourself to feel hurt or be emotional. But God is so faithful! He brought this word at a time when I needed it the most. When I received this word into my spirit I could literally sense the burden of guilt and shame of thinking something is wrong with me [lie from satan]lift off of me. I pray this will bring a need for comfort or encouragement:
This past week, many of us have watched as the worst disaster in Southern California history has unfolded. It will take years to recover. You may live far away from California, but more than likely you’ll face some form of hardship in your life (you may even be facing one now). In this guest devotional, Pastor Rick Warren explains three biblical principles for recovering from any disaster:
First, release your grief
Maybe you’ve wept as you witnessed the horrible losses of life and property in California . Maybe you’ve lost a family member or a home or business yourself. When you face a crisis, it’s normal to feel all sorts of emotions – fear, anger, worry, depression, resentment, helplessness, grief.
It does no good to stuff emotions or deny they exist. God created us to feel emotions, and he doesn’t expect us to act happy when we’re grieving. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” That means it is OK to be honest about our grief. “Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalms 62:8 NLT) God wants to comfortus in tragedy. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Second, receive help from others
It’s a huge mistake to isolate yourself when you’re going through a crisis. We all need the support, encouragement, and presence of other people, particularly in the aftermath of tragedy. The Bible tells us that when we carry one another’s burdens, we obey the Law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Third, reject the urge to be bitterness
Some people become bitter when faced with hardship – but bitterness is a choice we make. You don’t have to be bitter. If you choose bitterness, you’ll only end up hurting yourself – and you’ll shut the door on happiness because you can’t be happy and bitter at the same time.
What now?
· Your response to disaster is a choice – As I’ve watched television interviews related to the California wildfires, there are some victims who say, “We lost it all, and we’re sad, but we’re still together as a family, and we’re going to work together and rebuild.” Yet others say, “My life is over! I just don’t see how I can go on from here; I don’t think I can ever recover from this.” It’s not an easy choice, but it is a choice between believing God is still in control or believing you’re on your own.
· Your joy comes from God, not your circumstances – There’s absolutely no correlation in life between your circumstances and your joy. None whatsoever! Joy comes from within. It is based on who you trust, not what you see or feel. When you give your grief to God, he is faithful to comfort you (Matthew 5:4).
· Focus on what you have – When you experience disaster, focus on what you still have, not on what’s lost. Tell God you’re thankful for what you still have. Make a list of all the good things inyour life. Personally, I find it is impossible to be grateful and depressed at the same time.
love,
yvette
I’m a stay at home mom with a 2 and 1 year old. Tension is an understatement. I’m going to be transparent about this and say that it is very hard to turn to God for help right now. I have this same stressful, mundane routine. God isn’t going to get their breakfast, calm them down when they’re hysterical, change the tenth diaper of the morning. I do know that I need to turn this all over to God. God will have to provide a miracle that I’ll suddenly love doing this same routine, that all of a sudden I’ll love hearing them cry and cry and cry. I’m sorry to be so harsh. I’m really lost right now. I’m disillusioned with my life. This isn’t what I expected when I started having kids.
Hi Tina,
I pray that I can be an encouragement to you. Have a look at Philippians 2:4 “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.”
It’s okay to look to your own interests. Practically speaking can you get someone to look after your children even if it is 1 hour a week? You need a time out just to do something you enjoy. And don’t forget that God wants to hear from you. You may not get that miracle your needing right now, but maybe the miracle is your persevering through a very rough time. Trust God and know that He is upholding you right now. I will be praying for rest and refreshment for you. Bless you dear one.
Tina, I am so sorry you’re going through these feelings right now. It’s okay to share them with God; after all, He knows how we feel without needing to be told.
I was a single parent until my oldest daughter was 5 and sometimes I still feel like one since my husband is a semi driver and is gone for at least a week at a time.
Tina, I promise you that it will get better. God knew the perfect mom for these kids and you’re it. I don’t know that you’ll ever love hearing them cry and cry but God will give you the strength you need to deal with it. They grow up so fast; these days will be gone before you know it.
I’ll be praying for you Tina. Praying for God’s peace for you!
Cyndy
Tina, my heart DEEPLY goes out to you! You didn’t say if you are single or married, really being “the mom” sort of leaves one to be solely responsible many times. If at all possible try to find joy in the midst of it all with your little ones. I’m sure you love there itty-bitty little faces, and toes[I love those the best] and all the in-betweens and they won’t always be small enough to enjoy. And it’s ok to get mad, even at God. He can take it. He wants us to be real and transparent with Him. He created you to have a relationship with Him, good, bad or otherwise. As I sit here desiring to alleviate your burden, I can barely stomach my own travesty. But to be able to sit down, while I would rather spit fire and scream until I pop, and give you a little bit of encouragement is a far better outlet. I don’t think anyone that’s sleep deprived, fatigued or even stressed will enjoy a wet, hungry, hysterical baby or more. Take heart and take some time for yourself even if it’s 5 minutes in the bathroom [if possible] and just be quite. I’m home 99% of the time and lately forced [no money]to be isolated, but I keep crying out to God for comfort and help. Help just to have peace in the midst of my storm. As a mother of 19 years[longer for others here]and 3 daughters later, I can say it will soon wean out. Remember if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. We’re here for you and so is God. He cares about everything that concerns you, even the 11th diaper,:).
love,
yvette
tina so sorry for the way you are felling but you must trustin The Lord don’t give up matbe you are depressed is there some one who could help you with the work load? my childre were only 18 months apart and i know it is very hard i will be praying for you. God will see you through.
bless you and your babies
sshron
Dear Tina,
Am joining the wonderful prayer chain going for you, too..believing with and for you..and asking the Father to send volunteers and help of all kinds…that is like having “twins” and know it is a busy, busy day and “sleep deprivation” would be a part of things, too! Prayer does change things and help!!
Nicolette, so glad you found us, too..You ladies will love it here ..it is a genuine fellowship!
Paula and Renae..so proud of the way you are sharing and helping one another..We are in the grandparenting phase now..but still remember the challenges of each “passage” as they grow up. Used to pray in their rooms and put anointing oil! They will be glad you set “boundaries”, too..It may be a while before you will actually here that..But you are doing rightly! Sometimes? They really want you to say “no” and set those boundaries! Prayer soooo powerful, too, and HE listens and guides..we all know that!!!
Sharon..Even though we can’t “see” results yet? The prayers are being listend to by our Lord..Walk by His Spirit in this..and know how hard that is ..even as am typing this..But HE will do it!!! Soooo many prayers uplifted..Change will come! (((Sharon and Family)))
Have great night, dear ones!!
God is so incredibly amazing it gives me chills!! I haven’t logged onto this website for about a week since I left a post about my marriage. After a nightly conversation with my husband tonight who I am not currently living with because of his emotionally abusive tendencies, I just found myself in tears crying out to God “I’m so frustrated with this situation, I CAN’T HANDLE THIS CONSTANT TENSION ANYMORE!!” And then I sat down at the computer, as if in auto-pilot, still in tears and typed in devotionals for christian women in the google search line. I clicked on the first one I saw, without even realizing that I had been here before, and as soon as I saw the bible verse for today I KNEW God was guiding me here!! He keeps telling me to stop worrying about my situation and just keep my eyes on him. I think of Peter when Jesus asked him to walk on water.. I know that I just have to trust him, but my mind keeps telling me I will sink…I’ll think I’ll learn from Peter and have faith in the one who walked on the water!!
fran
thank you and bless you
sharon
I want to thank you all for your prayers. I do covet them, dearly. There is a song that we sang back at my college christian group. it goes, “Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a right spirit within me.” Right now, my situation of being a stay at home mom isn’t going to change. But my attitude can. So please be praying for me. Ladies, you are all awesome. I don’t know you. But I feel like I do. Thanks.
Hi, Laura!
Looks like we left & found ourselves back here at the same time. Sounds like I maybe wandered in the day before you & haven’t been able to come back until yesterday. There really are some great caring ladies here. And it helps to see that other Christian women have struggles too.
I have been praying for you, & I am sorry that things are still so bad with your husband. I endured a lot of what I call verbal abuse, I wonder if that is similar to your emotional abuse. What I do know is that when someone makes you feel like something is wrong with you or that you are worthless, the pain is indescribable. Do keep your eyes on the Lord as best you can. This is something I desire but struggle with when there is “tension” or “turmoil.” It is my daily prayer though that He would help me to keep my focus on Him & to also see things from His perspective. As I pray it for me, I will also pray it for you too now. I do not have the perfect marriage, but God has brough much healing in myself, in my husband & in my marriage & family. Keep your eyes open for God. I pray that God will do for you what He did for me–pulled me up out of the slimy pit I was in & gave me a firm place to stand (see Psalm 40). He showed me that He loves me & that I am worth a lot to Him even if I didn’t feel like I was worth anything to my husband & family. I pray that if satan is using anything your husband said to you to convince you that something is wrong with you or that you are not the beautiful woman God has created you to be, that God will untangle the lies & open your eyes to the truth so you can see yourself as God sees you. It is very painful when the person you love more than anyone hurts you & doesn’t love you back the way you need to be loved. I am sooooo sorry for your hurt & pray for comfort, healing & peace.
Some great passages that help me are Psalm 139, Isaiah 43–especially verses 1-5, Psalm 91 where He taught me to “find refuge as He covers me under His wings”, Psalm 69 where the Psalmist is “worn out calling for help” & whose “throat is parched”, Ecclesiastes 3, Psalm 33 & 34 are good too. And, I am currently “stuck” in Philippians. I read it everyday last week, moved to James yesterday, & by afternoon found I had to be back in Philippians.
We can’t know where God will lead you or what good He will make of this evil, but the only way through these times is to hold on to the One who loves you more than anyone could. He is my Great I AM, & He is everything to me. He is the One object that no one can take away from me. Hold on to His word & cry to Him & know that this sister is holding you close to her heart & praying for you.
Love,
Paula
Tina,
That is a verse that has become very dear to me over the past year. I memorized it last fall. It’s Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, & renew a steadfast spirit within me.” I pray it nearly every day & sometimes several times a day when I realize that I have lost my focus.
I think being a mom is the hardest job in the world, but I also think it is one of the most important. It is very trying, but as the kids grow, & you are able to see the difference you have made, you will realize it was worth it. I’ve been a mom for 16 1/2 years, & my kids are 16 1/2, almost 14, 10 & 7 now. Each phase has it’s own troubles. And, there have been days where I have lost my cool & had a fit, days where I’ve cried in desperation, & lately, days that I have “turned in my resignation” only to find that I am bound by love & have to keep persevering. I do remember days when I thought I couldn’t take one more minute of crying or change one more diaper. Hang in there & frustrated as you get, try to cling to the moments of rocking & ready & snuggling. The days you are in are very trying, but they do go by so fast, & in the blink of an eye, there isn’t much time left.
Paula
I can certainly inderstand your concern for your teens, we have grandchildren just entering this age, as they live in the lower mainland of BC it is a big worry with all there is going on down there. Lately I have been doing a lot of reading of Focus on the Family Mags and do see that they have a lot of resources for this kind of thing. If you just go to their web site I am sure you will find a mirade of information. I know that they also have councilors that will speak to you on a one to one basis. I know I have had a lot of help from books that they have on marriage!!
Yvette
I really understand how you feel about the California disaster if you are living there. You didn’t say whether or not you have suffered any loss personally. I have never suffered loss personally but have been evacuated from a forest fire. Even just living with the smoke and ash is very scary, where we lived we were spaired the winds that were forcast did not materialize and the town was saved, there were a lot of people in the valley that suffered major damage, the town rallied and helped them, a lot were swift to rebuild and a lot like you discovered, felt they could not go on. We can all feel for those who have lost, but like you say when you are not there it is very hard to feel the real devestation…….having been there just watching what was happening on TV made my heart cry out for the people there…..all of them even those who did not suffer loss. Sometimes in a panic situation like this we almost forget God in our anxiety, untill the worst is over.
Laura
Have been praying for you and will continue as I really understand what you are going through. My husband (though a really good man) through his childhood, became very critical and had expectations of me I just could not meet. (his father was an alcoholic….there was 7 kids and it was a very bitter expirience) He has not been able to forgive his father (or anyone) so he carries a great burden. Even since I have been a Christian there have been times that he would be so critical that I would lash out and not even want to talk to God. I would say God leave me alone and let me be MAD!!! I just wanted him (my husband) to change and treat me better……..and it just never seemed to happen! It took me so long to get over this (we have been married almost 44 years) I know I have mentioned this before, but it took a good friend to tell me she could tell that my husband really cared for me!! Wow what a change I now respect him and try to understand where he is coming from and pray that he will be able to lift his burden and forgive his father…….Now that I am able to respect him the critisims come far less and when they do I am able to pray about them. As he is not a Christian everyone in my church and many others are praying for him, I was not even able to do this myself until I was able to respect him, which was not easy at first and still sometimes I fall down on this.
Laura I will pray that there will be something in your lives that will bring you and your husband to the love and respect that will bring your marriage back to a wonderful level of loving and caring.
Joy
Well hello ladies, it has been quite sometimes since I have been on my computer. Looking at the devotional today really encouraged my heart. What inspired me the most is the support women have for each other. I am sitting hear with tears for the comments that has gone forth. We are natural strength for each other because we all have something in common. We all have gone through so many things. what I love about the Lord is that he doesn’t put on us any more than what we can bear. He has given us super natural strength just to make it through even when we think we can’t. I too want to chain up with the group of women for Tina.I will testify that when my marriage was on a five year separation and I had five children to take care as well as the financial resposibilty. The Lord saw me through. It was the most difficult thing I had to ever endure in my life, but I made it through. It was very hard and I felt like I was in a maze and couldn’t get out.I had to learn in the midst of my crisis I was still blessed. My children were in tack and so was I. I had to learn to take a candlelight bath and exhale, stay in my room for sometimes just thirty minutes to relax. It was in this season of my life I learned to meet the Lord early in my tiredness to be strengthened, shutting the lights dim and putting on a ocean tape and or soft music and just breathe. My heart goes out to you, but I will assure you you will never releve yourslef of this overwhelmness unless you see yourself and things differently. I had to see myself actually coming out of the maze.I love the strength and the love shown here and I too will join you in prayer.Read the verses that has been given to you and watch him move on your behalf. there is a bigger story than where you are at. It’s who are you going to help as a witness. I had no idea i would be ministering and teachimg to many how to be parents and to maintain your house in a crisis situation. It was worth it all. I am a professional therapuetic foster parent and have a group home doing what I thought was impossible to do. Hold on and come up and get some air when you need it. You are in my prayers. Ann Davis
Meant to say thank you to all those who are praying for me and my husband, right now things are going very well and I will attribute that to ALL the prayer for both of us!!
Tina I’m sorry I missed you, I will pray for you that you will be able to enjoy your time at home with your children. They will be older in a flash and to be able to enjoy them at this time is so wonderful, but I know it can be very tiring and mundane. I always wished for my kids to be older and now I can’t believe how fast that has happened. Just like that they are 43 and 40.
Joy
Ladies, I can only shake my head in AMAZEMENT!!! I have been saved for 29 years, have seen MANY, MANY, MANY professing “christians”, that couldn’t exhibt “the love of Jesus”, if their soul depended on it! Now, the Lord has shown me, “Yes, I do have My people out there that actually have My Spirit in them”. Right when I was convinced there are only “church people” left, He led me to this devotional and my life has changed! I’m still in the midst of a terrible crisis, but God is comforting me by the Holy Spirit and via the beautiful words of you dear women of God. I thank you all that take the time to give words of kindness and encouragement. For isolated people like myself this site, among other Spirit filled sites, help us make it to the other side!
love,
yvette
Ann Davis..
It is so good to see you back!! And loved your words of wisdom above! And, you are soooo right..He will use the things we learn and grow from to minister to others down our paths in future!
Yvette..”Yes” and “Amen”!!!!!
Paula,
Sorry I didn’t get back on last night, my husband was on computer for a while. My son is 11 and just started middle school. Right now we do talk and I pray it stays the same as me and my daughter. Having to keep him on the straight and narrow though, middle school brings new things and new questions. He’s doing good though.
I also have a 14 year old boy neighbor that has been in my life since birth. He is going through different things right now, it started last year in 8th grade. He’s a good kid, his parents care…we all try to guide him and love him. Yesterday he told me that he realized if he did something different that he would benefit from it. I laughed and told him that’s what I’ve been telling you all along, it just had to become reality to you.
I love kids and my husband and I helped our youth pastors for a couple of years and still love kids always. Through them I’ve seen a lot, learned a lot and try to reach out to them through my life examples and loving and praying for them. They’re all good kids, they just get sidetracked sometimes and we gotta bring them back in. I know you’re doing a good job with your kids already because you care. Most kids don’t have that.
Joy,
I am so glad to hear that things are well with you & your husband right now!
It’s funny you mentioned going to “Focus on the Family.” I don’t usually listen to that program, but today, it grabbed my ear while I was driving my kids to school. I caught the end of the program & they mentioned a book. Actually decided I would go there & check things out. Had been there before, but couldn’t find my way around. Seemed easier this time. I didn’t get to dig too much because of sharing the computer. If I don’t get time tonight, I hope to go back in tomorrow.
Thank you for your help & encouragement!
Renae,
Thank you for all your help! You are an answer to prayer because I really have been feeling so alone not really knowing anyone as involved in their kids’ lives as I am. Of course my kids would tell you that I pay too much attention, know too much & care too much. I suppose it is better to care too much than not enough. Thanking God for you!
Fran,
Thank you so much for your encouragement to me. I haven’t been in here very long, but I already know that you are someone that I can look up to. I can hear your passion for our Lord every time you write a note. So glad to have met you here!
Paula!!
Could have written the very same thing to you!!..And? I love the way He is connecting people like you and Renae going through the same life passages…in your special two cases..having children with the challenges of their particular age group..Both sets of children are going to be so very, very glad for the way you both have cared and prayed for and ministered to them. They will absolutely rise up and bless you both when they are older!!
Being a parent in today’s world? Absolutely one of the most challenging jobs on earth..but one of the most rewarding to those that “Press on” as am seeing you do!!
Dear one, I love YOUR beautiful passion for the Savior and your wonderful honesty that is reaching out and touching so many. Ladies are opening up and feeling comfortable and being loved unconditionally here..Our Heavenly Father so pleased..am certain of this!! Am being blessed daily here by the “discipleship” each day here..from Devotional writers..to readers’ comments.. Prayers are being answered, too, as we’ve seen by Tina’s Praise Report of feeling better and feeling the support!
Bless you and keep walking your special, glowing walk!
Paula
I don’t go to the Focus on the Family much on the internet either, but I get their magazine, do you? I find the magazine much easier and it has some wonderful things in it and most of the books are mentioned in it. If you go to their sight find where you can sign up for the magazine, it is free and really worth getting………they have really good mags for kid of all ages too. I send different age ones to each of my grandchildren and they love them, those have a cost, but I find them reasonable and so good for the kids. Hope you find everything you need!
Thanks, Joy!
I do not get the magazine, but after receiving your message, I did go to sign up. Which one do you receive? I tried signing up for “General Audience” & then wondered if I should have done parenting or marriage. I imagine we can just chooose one? After clicking “submit,” I got an error message. So, I’m not sure if my order went through or not. Guess I’ll wait & see if I get an e-mail from them. If not, I’ll go back in.
I will have to go back in & check out some of the kids magazines. Maybe that would be a good Christmas gift for my kids.
Lots to do today. It will be a day of juggling. Have a happy day!
Fran, I want to thank God for you and all the wisdon and life experiences that you also have and feel so free to share them. I love how you so expertly word your experences and how positive your words and wxpressions are. I can honestly say even with all the wisdon and experiences good and bad have found this service very beneficial to me. We all need to be encouraged. One thing I have found out in my own walk not to wait on man as you say earthen vessels to encourage you that many times they are not around when you need a hug or a pat. But I have learned to hug myself and pat myself on back and speak life into my own life right then. I must say it works and it take the dependence of wanting to hear from earthem vessels. I have found out all things work together for the good for them who loves the Lord and who is called according to his purpose. Somehow, it turns out for our good. So I have been lately with everything that has occur or is occuring in my life, it is good. Please ladies pray for me that I have the strength to hold on and do all that is required of me to do. There’s many things that needs to be done but without his strength it cannot be done. I love you ladies and continue to freely express the love that is being shown here all over the world. That is another reason why we are being hit in our homes and on evey side, the enemy doesn’t want these type of mesaages to even be expressed. Why? because we are being delivered and set free just by confessing them and releasing them in Jesus name. We will not be perplexed,and we will not separate ouselves from the Lord. God bless you ladies and I pray the Lords strength in your lives.
Dear Ann,
YOUR wisdom a great blessing here..Know that and am so glad you are able to come back and share! Our first stop ever day should be with the LORD..there’s absolutely no replacement for HIM and HE must be FIRST in our lives.. There are times when humans aren’t able to understand.. But HE always does!!..Hebrews 13:5 framed and in our Family Room here and a daily reminder that HE will never leave nor forsake us!! He is The Number ONE in our lives!! But, it is a wonderful thing to see the sharing of experiences here and the way ladies are reaching out one to another and encouraging! Discovering that we all go through so many of the same challenges and can pray for one another and encourage each other towards our common goal of “crossing the finish line”..Amen…Believing GREAT things for you..And you know that the enemy does spriritual warfare and attacks strongly when good things on the way! From reading your sharings? You are doing a HUGE job with those foster situations and having success, too..You know that makes the mean old enemy mad as a hornet..We need to pray you up daily..for your work has Heavenly rewards for those kids!! And?….The enemy “trembles” when we pray and encourage one another..and rebuke him in the powerful name of JESUS, too!! You have a great day there in NV, dear one, am lifting you and know others are, too..You are very special and a “frontliner” in HIS Army!!! Hallelujah!!! Am busy here getting read for a visit to us from my husband’s brother from Upstate N.Y. Pray for me..want the Lord to shine through us for him to see. Challenges big here in another way..But, our Lord bigger than any earthen thing that ever bombards..And the more we interced and pray? The bombardments do come..But HE gives us the Shields to overcome!! Amen and Amen (((Ann Davis)))
Laura,
I am hoping that you clicked the box below your message when you submitted your comment so that you are receiving updates. Both times I have seen you here, I have only seen one comment. I am really hoping to find you.
I am really crunched for time today. Driving home for a brief stop, I heard about 10 minutes of “Midday Connection” on Moody Bible Broadcast (Christian Radio). You really might want to check it out. I would check it out for you first, but I will hardly be here today (should really be gone again). Go to http://www.middayconnection.org. This is the October 31 broadcast. I tried to copy the link, it is http://www.mbn.org/GenMoody/default.aspSectionID=19C12F3FF85E4A92A9A65E6E4241B35B. Hopefully you can copy that directly to take you right to the page. If not, try to find the October 31 radio broadcast with the first address I gave you.
The topic is violence, & the part I caught, verbal & emotional abuse was mentioned. The program sounds like the want to help ladies in this situation & are also telling them how to seek a church that would support/help them. It might be worth checking out.
I am sorry I do not have time to check it first. I am actually running late to be at another appointment. Will be this way all day.
Please let me know if you get this message or check it out. I will check tonight or tomorrow.
Hope you are having a good day! Praying for you!
Praise the Lord! Fran I do receive all the prayer that is lifted up for me and other foster parents all over the world. This is a high and challenging demand and one not too many are willing to take. I say that with love because I feel it has to be a call on your life to do this ministry. It is very difficult to bring other children into your home who has been raised differently and has a whole set of different morals. But someone has to do the job. I thank God I have been called to do this, for it is who I am. Thank yu so very much and I will put it out there for you ladies to pray for the strength of these families because it is a difficult hour for us all.
More so pray that the Lord will use us to be the tools to help these babies pull their broken pieces back togetrher where they can be able to function a normal life in this world. I pray a special blessing on you today Fran in JESUS GREAT AND MIGHTY NAME!!!!!!!!
Bless you, Ann…That is a ministry you are doing with those Foster children..and you have brought “awareness” here today to all of us..We need to pray for you daily..and others that take on the tremendous challenges that come with this special ministry to children..Believing with and for you..and you “know” there are Prayer Warriors in residence here..you are one!! We are “called to prayer” about these special workers in Foster Care Ministry!! Amen!!
Paula
I would assume what I get is general, I didn’t know they had any on parenting and marriage. The one I get does have lots on parenting and marriage, but not only on those 2 subjects. It lists lots of the books they have, maybe not as many as the internet, but I am not quite used to buying on the internet yet so I always phone my orders in, besides the people on the phones are so helpful. If you find your order for the magazine didn’t go through maybe it would be easier for you to phone, they should have an 800 number listed on the internet. If not let me know I may be able to find one in one of my magazines.
You sound just like my daughter with so many things to do with the kids going here and there for different things. Her kids are about the same age as your younger 3 they are 14, 11, and 8. They really keep her busy and she is also a stay at home mom, trying to bring her kids up good Christians in this terrible world.
Fran & Ann Davis
Really love your words of wisdom!!! I look forward to reading these!!!
Well I am too on the run today, (doesn’t happen much to me) have a meeting etc and then have to be here for the goblins when they come trick or treating tonight. Have to watch carefully as someone egged our house last year and as it is very cold here at this time of the year, it is very hard to get off…….so don’t want it to happen again this year!!
Hope all you wonderful ladies have a great day!!
Joy