God's Promises

Isaiah 57:18-19 I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them and help them. I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far,”says the Lord, who heals them.

The 5 Promises God extends:

1. If you are hurt, God says, "I will heal you."
   
2. If you are confused or lost, God says' "I will lead you."
3. If you feel helpless, God says, "I will help you."
4. If you feel alone, God says' " I will comfort you."
   
5. If you feel anxious and afraid, God says, "I will offer peace to you."

Trusting in His promises, we find hope for a better future - a life of freedom, peace and happiness.

* This was found on page 2 of John Baker's book Life's Healing Choices

Gratitude for Today

Every day when I share my Gratitude Journal I begin to get the following song stuck in my head.......

Thankfulness Song (Album Version) by VeggieTales (Veggie Tunes)

The Thankfulness Song

Annie: I thank God for this day,
For the sun in the sky,
For my mom and my dad,
For my piece of apple pie!
For our home on the ground
For His love that's all around
That's why I say thanks everyday!

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
That's an easy way to start!
For the love that He shares,
'Cuz He listens to my prayers,
That's why I say thanks everyday!

Junior: Thank you Dad for our day,
For our trip to the mall,
For the time just with me,
For my big red bouncy ball!
For the fun that we had,
I'm so happy you're my dad,
That's why I say thanks everyday!

Junior's Dad: Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!

Junior: I'm glad for what I have,
That's an easy way to start!

Junior's Dad: For a God who really cares

Junior: And He listens to our prayers,
That's why I say thanks everyday!

Both: That's why we say thanks everyday!


Words and Music by Phil Vischer

1. I am grateful for my wonderful husband who also cooks very well
2. I am grateful for the wonderful teachers my children had this year in school
3. I am grateful for great resources like the book Life's Healing Choices
4. I am grateful for songs like Healing Begin by Tenth Avenue North
5. I am grateful for God's grace

Gratitude Journal June 14th & 15th

1. I am grateful for sleeping - and extra sleep
2. I am grateful for blowing kisses - my little girl of 1 years blew me a kiss for the first time yesterday
3. I am grateful for Christian music on the radio to keep me going and getting the kids off to the bus stop
4. I am grateful for the YMCA where my husband & children can go play & run so I can have some peace & quiet at home
5. I am grateful for being able to share Jesus with my children and teaching them lessons of gratitude & forgiveness

Steps in using the Serenity Prayer in everyday life

Step 1

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference”.

Step 2

Start with the identification of what problems you are experiencing.

Step 3

Categorize problem(s) into “Things I can change” and “Things I cannot change”

Step 4

Accept the things I cannot change: There are many things we cannot change, such as past behaviors or decisions. Accepting them for what they are may be difficult but necessary. Ex. If you made a bad decision, you cannot go back in time to change it, you will have to accept it.

Step 5

Accepting it means you acknowledge the mistake and take responsibility for that action. Then you accept that it is done and cannot change the action but can try to move past this error by correcting the consequences that are occurring now or will occur. Or simply work on being better for that day.

Step 6

Note: If it does relate to addiction, as in the 12 step program, it is an acceptance that using caused significant problems and the acceptance of the consequences that occurred because of the use.

Step 7

Courage to change the things I can (change): You may not be able to change the past, but you can change what you do in the future. ex. If you over spent on an item or an activity-you cannot go back and change this decision, but you can budget to compensate or take on an extra shift, etc.

Step 8

Courage to change helps to redirect energy onto what to do with your situation, instead of worrying on what happened. Many people become consumed with negative feelings and feel helpless with their situation. This statement asks for strength to make the necessary changes.

Step 9

In order to make changes, identify what can be changed and create a plan on how you will make this change. Plan needs to be very specific in action and time frame. (you can always go back and edit plan if necessary)

Step 10

Courage to know the difference: This is the key. Do not waste time over the things that are already done. You can be sad, sorry, make amends, but focus your energy on what you want to change and how you are going to complete that task.

Gratitude Journal for Today

1. I am grateful for my husband who helped me around the house
2. I am grateful for my church family
3. I am grateful for my pastor
4. I am grateful for the nice & helpful pharmacist at Target
5. I am grateful for Velveeta Shells & Cheese (great comfort food)

Depression

the Bible describes depression in several places:

Job 17:15 where then is my hope, Who can see any hope for me?

Psalm 61:2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint lead me to the rock that is higher than I

Psalm 69:1-3 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail,looking for my God.

Proverbs 25:20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. But better than both is he who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun.

Reading "laughing in the dark: a comedians Journey through Depression" by Chonda Pierce.





Check out Chonda Pierce in Rehab & Recovery Part One & Two below:

I can relate to how Chonda Pierce describes her morning here about feeling completely defeated before even putting your feet to the floor. I look forward to group after her explanation of how it was/is for her. I pray that this will be a great healing for me in my process of recovery.

In Christ Alone