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Struggling - 9/14/2008 1:55:26 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 7098
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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I have been trying so hard to grow in the Lord and made a list of things I want to grow in over this next year.The areas I am working on are watching what I say to not say the wrong things,and to really think before I speak,having more self confidence and growing in having more self esteem.I also want to become more patient about things. So far from the time I started trying to grow and really work on growing three weeks ago I have been struggling with every area. I still say the wrong things sometimes,am having a really hard time with my low self esteem and though I keep reminding myself God is always there still feel lonely alot,
and am having a very hard time being patient.Just this weekend after calling my friend and leaving her a message instead of waiting for her to call me back,I called her back so much pestering her that she purposely didn't return my phone call she was so irritated with me. I was so into journaling for a while and now sometimes have to make myself do it. I do see improvements now and than but I cannot seem to stay consistent.
I'm sorry this post is so long but I am just discouraged and don't know why its so hard to change. Any advice would be awesome.Thanks so much Love always Sunshine.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: Struggling - 9/14/2008 3:30:42 PM
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Juda7
Posts: 19
Joined: 4/14/2005
Status: offline
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Hi sunshine,
I am about to give you some tough love. I had to really think about offering my advice because I did not want to seem mean or inconsiderate. Because I went through for YEARS something similar, I figured maybe I could help. Sunshine...baby...grow up. 
What you are describing to me is that you want to grow up in your character, and that is fine, we are supposed to. But instead of you trying to do it let the Holy Ghost do it. Christian character is produced by the Holy Ghost, not by self effort (Gal 5:22-26). Christian character is not mere moral or legal correctness, but the possession and manifestation of the graces in Gal. 5 and they are a moral portrait of Christ. Our life is supposed to be the outliving of the in-living of Christ by understanding that we are "crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" Gal. 2:20.
These graces or the moral portrait of Christ are the fruit John 15:1-8 was is talking about. Our character or fruit development is possible because of our vital union with Christ because we are "abiding in the vine" John 15:5 and that character is wholly the fruit of the Spirit and this fruit is developed as we WALK IN THE SPIRIT (Gal. 5:16). There is no other way. So growing in the Lord is not as hard as you or we sometimes think. You can only have victory over what you are going through which is a lack of maturity and decision making if you WALK IN THE SPIRIT and not in yourself and understand that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. I say that because you seem to have lost your ambition and you said you have a hard time being consistent. You are not consistent because you may be double minded (want to do what is right, but still holding on to whatever it is that is making you not do right). And we know that a "double minded man is unstable in all his ways".
So my dear, growing in God means growing in His word and in his knowledge. In other words, in order to know what is required of us, we have to know His word and we have to spend time with Him in prayer, He will reveal to you a lot about yourself and how to correct our character. All we have to do is simply stop doing what it is that we are not suppose to do and God will do the rest.
There is a lot of "I want" in your post. Don't just "want", but actually do it even if it hurts your desires, pride or whatever. Also what you are describing is something that you have to make mature decisions about and know what the Word says about it. You have to confront your personal issues - like why don't you have a healthy self-esteem about your self.
You said "I keep reminding myself God is always there still feel lonely alot". Oh that word "feelings". It is a bad thing to trust and reference to and by that statement you are revealing that you are not anchored in His Word. My dear… it looks to me that you have to grow up mentally and spiritually. I just helped you with the spiritual part, but you have to figure out what you need to do mentally (like setting priorities, goals and etc.)
I hope this helps and please understand that I totally understand and I am not being mean, just real because that is what I had to do to get out of the rut, spiritual rollercoaster and cycles of sin (I had issues) that I was in.
_____________________________
I am so AGAINST the "New Apostolic Reformation" heresy!
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RE: Struggling - 9/14/2008 3:41:18 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 7098
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Juda7
Hi sunshine,
I am about to give you some tough love. I had to really think about offering my advice because I did not want to seem mean or inconsiderate. Because I went through for YEARS something similar, I figured maybe I could help. Sunshine...baby...grow up.
What you are describing to me is that you want to grow up in your character, and that is fine, we are supposed to. But instead of you trying to do it let the Holy Ghost do it. Christian character is produced by the Holy Ghost, not by self effort (Gal 5:22-26). Christian character is not mere moral or legal correctness, but the possession and manifestation of the graces in Gal. 5 and they are a moral portrait of Christ. Our life is supposed to be the outliving of the in-living of Christ by understanding that we are "crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" Gal. 2:20.
These graces or the moral portrait of Christ are the fruit John 15:1-8 was is talking about. Our character or fruit development is possible because of our vital union with Christ because we are "abiding in the vine" John 15:5 and that character is wholly the fruit of the Spirit and this fruit is developed as we WALK IN THE SPIRIT (Gal. 5:16). There is no other way. So growing in the Lord is not as hard as you or we sometimes think. You can only have victory over what you are going through which is a lack of maturity and decision making if you WALK IN THE SPIRIT and not in yourself and understand that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. I say that because you seem to have lost your ambition and you said you have a hard time being consistent. You are not consistent because you may be double minded (want to do what is right, but still holding on to whatever it is that is making you not do right). And we know that a "double minded man is unstable in all his ways".
So my dear, growing in God means growing in His word and in his knowledge. In other words, in order to know what is required of us, we have to know His word and we have to spend time with Him in prayer, He will reveal to you a lot about yourself and how to correct our character. All we have to do is simply stop doing what it is that we are not suppose to do and God will do the rest.
There is a lot of "I want" in your post. Don't just "want", but actually do it even if it hurts your desires, pride or whatever. Also what you are describing is something that you have to make mature decisions about and know what the Word says about it. You have to confront your personal issues - like why don't you have a healthy self-esteem about your self.
You said "I keep reminding myself God is always there still feel lonely alot". Oh that word "feelings". It is a bad thing to trust and reference to and by that statement you are revealing that you are not anchored in His Word. My dear… it looks to me that you have to grow up mentally and spiritually. I just helped you with the spiritual part, but you have to figure out what you need to do mentally (like setting priorities, goals and etc.)
I hope this helps and please understand that I totally understand and I am not being mean, just real because that is what I had to do to get out of the rut, spiritual rollercoaster and cycles of sin (I had issues) that I was in.
Thanks so much for the tough love.I need that.Yes I have been reading Gods word and looking up what God says about specific issues I deal with, since I have a book that tells me what the bible says about different thing(a topical help book),and praying about things but when I pray I have trouble having complete faith in God,and hope my prayers will be answered alot instead of believing God to answer them. I have seen some changes but the consistency just isn't there. Thanks for reminding me to do things with Gods help and not just try on my own to change.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: Struggling - 9/14/2008 4:26:16 PM
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sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3787
Joined: 1/9/2007
Status: offline
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Sunshine, I already know you love the Lord. It shows in your posts. :)
Growing in the Lord takes time. Three weeks isn't very long at all.
Like any relationship, it takes time to grow. Spending time with Him, every day. Read your Bible, go to Bible studys, pray, talk to Him throughout the day. Be aware of Him around you. The more time you spend with Him, the more you grow. There is a really good book call "Experiencing God" that might help, also. Don't worry about how much you've grown, just keep seeking Him and you will grow. The Holy Spirit will help you.
You see, it's good that you want to work on these things, but it is by the Lord's power that we truely change in our hearts.
quote:
The areas I am working on are watching what I say to not say the wrong things,and to really think before I speak
Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. ...17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
So yes, we need to think about what we say, (and what we think) and be aware that it reflects our hearts. So if we're saying something unkind, we need to think about why we would say it and feel that way, for we know that isn't the Lord would want us tp behave. So why isn't our heart filled with love for others? Still, as it says in James, the tongue is a hard thing to control. We can only do it through His power.
I'll continue on the next post.
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
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RE: Struggling - 9/14/2008 4:32:30 PM
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agapetos
Posts: 5393
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: This side of the lil duck pond!
Status: offline
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quote:
The areas I am working on are watching what I say to not say the wrong things,and to really think before I speak,having more self confidence and growing in having more self esteem.I also want to become more patient about things. Perhaps you've put a mountain infront of you and you need to make it a molehill ~ ie by trying to do all these things at once, you'll struggle. Concentrating on one thing at a time, you may find it a little easier. And you may find that if you do one or two of these things, the rest will come easier.
_____________________________
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not using them in fruit salads!
My blog
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RE: Struggling - 9/14/2008 4:52:30 PM
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sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3787
Joined: 1/9/2007
Status: offline
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(continued from last post.)
quote:
and growing in having more self esteem.
Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Sunshine this is something that I struggled with for a long time. But understand that you are perfect. You are just the why He created You. Whatever we seen in ourselfs that we don't like (other than sin), we are the way He wanted us to be. To be used for His purposes. You are His precious child, and He loves you. Stand in that.
quote:
I also want to become more patient about things.
Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
The Lord will help you with this.
Don't be to hard on yourself Sunshine. The Lord loves you, just where you are, and He will help you to grow. Just ask Him.
God Bless.
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
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RE: Struggling - 9/14/2008 7:15:47 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 7098
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sparkleingsnow
Sunshine, I already know you love the Lord. It shows in your posts. :)
Growing in the Lord takes time. Three weeks isn't very long at all.
Like any relationship, it takes time to grow. Spending time with Him, every day. Read your Bible, go to Bible studys, pray, talk to Him throughout the day. Be aware of Him around you. The more time you spend with Him, the more you grow. There is a really good book call "Experiencing God" that might help, also. Don't worry about how much you've grown, just keep seeking Him and you will grow. The Holy Spirit will help you.
You see, it's good that you want to work on these things, but it is by the Lord's power that we truely change in our hearts.
quote:
The areas I am working on are watching what I say to not say the wrong things,and to really think before I speak
Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. ...17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
So yes, we need to think about what we say, (and what we think) and be aware that it reflects our hearts. So if we're saying something unkind, we need to think about why we would say it and feel that way, for we know that isn't the Lord would want us tp behave. So why isn't our heart filled with love for others? Still, as it says in James, the tongue is a hard thing to control. We can only do it through His power.
I'll continue on the next post.
Thanks so much for replying and for the verses you wrote to me.You are right.I am too hard on myself and know growth doesn't come overnight.I guess I was just hoping to see myself grow quicker than I am.I have seen some improvements but still see myself fall alot too. I'm going to really try not to focus so much on how fast I grow but rather on that I am growing slowly but surely. Can you please pray for me to keep the right attitude and not grow discouraged so easily? Thanks,Love always Sunshine.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: Struggling - 9/14/2008 7:19:39 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 7098
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sparkleingsnow
quote:
Sunshine this is something that I struggled with for a long time. But understand that you are perfect. You are just the why He created You. Whatever we seen in ourselfs that we don't like (other than sin), we are the way He wanted us to be. To be used for His purposes. You are His precious child, and He loves you. Stand in that.
Thanks for that too.Its hard for me to believe that God created me to be who I am for a reason,when all I seem to see sometimes is shortcomings and a desire to change. I know Jesus loves me so much and will see me through. I sure don't feel perfect but am so happy that when God looks at me he sees my heart,and not the outward appearence but the inside.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: Struggling - 9/14/2008 7:32:00 PM
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sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3787
Joined: 1/9/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
Can you please pray for me to keep the right attitude and not grow discouraged so easily?
Dear Father, thank You for sunshine4God. Thank You for the blessing she is in her cheerful posts, and the way she see's You in the small things. Thank You for loving her so. Give her encouragement. Give her strength, and peace as she seeks You. Help her to see herself as You see her also Lord. Your precious child. Help her to grow Father, and encourage her daily. Bless her also Father. Asking this in Jesus name. Amen
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
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RE: Struggling - 9/15/2008 11:20:20 AM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 7098
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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Thanks for the nice prayer Sparkling.I appreciate it and am already feeling better about things.God bless you always and have a great day,Love always Sunshine.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: Struggling - 9/15/2008 10:42:38 PM
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ladyichigo
Posts: 569
Joined: 10/23/2007
From: Honolulu
Status: offline
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Dear Sunshine,
I wanted to share with you what I have been going through the past few months. Last year, I made a very big decision. Here's my "blog" from my Facebook stating what I have decided to do:
quote:
December 26, 2007
I have come to realize that I am going through a state of growth. Not physical growth…well maybe just a little bit on the horizontal side. Anyway, I’m at a point in my life of great change. This is what I have been wanting for quite some time, but really didn’t have the courage to go through with it. I’m going in for the final cut, and am getting a lobotomy.
Just kidding.
Throughout the majority of my life, you could say that I have always been the “follower”. I just went with the crowd, and flowed with them. My decisions were made in ways not to offend anyone. I wanted to make everyone happy. This is why I have been feeling so much guilt. I feel like all my life I have been living to make those around me happy. The fact is, I can’t. And I have to accept that it’s okay. Everyone has differences and it’s not my job to make them happy.
I am taking a stand to be a leader. This is extremely difficult for me because as I have stated earlier, I have always been the follower. But this challenge is long over due. It’s going to be painful, and there will plenty of kicking, screaming, and buckets of tears mainly due to my own feelings of worthlessness. Instead of pushing aside what I have to say and about my ideas, I will be more assertive. I will take the initiative to do the things that I have to do instead of relying on others to do it for me. If I need help, I will unashamedly ask for help, and not feel guilty about needing help. If I want my children to be assertive, and to be able to stand their own in this world, I as their parent must do the same in order to teach them to do so.
I’m coming out of the shell. I am going in through the fire to be refined, and it's going to hurt, but I will not be afraid because God is with me, and with Him all things are possible.
Frankly, the journey has been downright painful, and there's been so much tears, but it's been so good. Let me tell you though that I have put the bar up way to high many many times, and basically set myself up for failure. And boy, when I failed, I felt so lame and felt so defeated. My husband would continue to remind me that I was not a failure. He always uses that quote by Thomas Edison, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work".
I started looking at this process as training....like a marathon runner would train for a 10K race. I used to run Cross-Country in High School, so that's the reference I can look back to. When I first started, every muscle in my body hurt because I wasn't used to all the stretching and running (I started running half of a mile). Little by little, with more training and practice in building muscles, and endurance, I was running 8 miles and keeping up with the lead runner in our team.
Like other posters have said, change/growth doesn't happen overnight. Be encouraged. Just because you mess up a bit here and there, doesn't mean that you aren't growing. Take care, and God bless.
_____________________________
Mari
I'm not cool enough to come up with a witty quote, but God is still good.
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RE: Struggling - 9/16/2008 11:10:05 AM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 7098
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ladyichigo
Dear Sunshine,
I wanted to share with you what I have been going through the past few months. Last year, I made a very big decision. Here's my "blog" from my Facebook stating what I have decided to do:
quote:
December 26, 2007
I have come to realize that I am going through a state of growth. Not physical growth…well maybe just a little bit on the horizontal side. Anyway, I’m at a point in my life of great change. This is what I have been wanting for quite some time, but really didn’t have the courage to go through with it. I’m going in for the final cut, and am getting a lobotomy.
Just kidding.
Throughout the majority of my life, you could say that I have always been the “follower”. I just went with the crowd, and flowed with them. My decisions were made in ways not to offend anyone. I wanted to make everyone happy. This is why I have been feeling so much guilt. I feel like all my life I have been living to make those around me happy. The fact is, I can’t. And I have to accept that it’s okay. Everyone has differences and it’s not my job to make them happy.
I am taking a stand to be a leader. This is extremely difficult for me because as I have stated earlier, I have always been the follower. But this challenge is long over due. It’s going to be painful, and there will plenty of kicking, screaming, and buckets of tears mainly due to my own feelings of worthlessness. Instead of pushing aside what I have to say and about my ideas, I will be more assertive. I will take the initiative to do the things that I have to do instead of relying on others to do it for me. If I need help, I will unashamedly ask for help, and not feel guilty about needing help. If I want my children to be assertive, and to be able to stand their own in this world, I as their parent must do the same in order to teach them to do so.
I’m coming out of the shell. I am going in through the fire to be refined, and it's going to hurt, but I will not be afraid because God is with me, and with Him all things are possible.
Frankly, the journey has been downright painful, and there's been so much tears, but it's been so good. Let me tell you though that I have put the bar up way to high many many times, and basically set myself up for failure. And boy, when I failed, I felt so lame and felt so defeated. My husband would continue to remind me that I was not a failure. He always uses that quote by Thomas Edison, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work".
I started looking at this process as training....like a marathon runner would train for a 10K race. I used to run Cross-Country in High School, so that's the reference I can look back to. When I first started, every muscle in my body hurt because I wasn't used to all the stretching and running (I started running half of a mile). Little by little, with more training and practice in building muscles, and endurance, I was running 8 miles and keeping up with the lead runner in our team.
Like other posters have said, change/growth doesn't happen overnight. Be encouraged. Just because you mess up a bit here and there, doesn't mean that you aren't growing. Take care, and God bless.
Thanks so much and I am proud of you for taking a stand to be a leader.I am very much a follower also and can understand how hard it is to be a leader.I have set my bars up too high also and expected instant change and success.I need to wait on God and let him grow me in his time,and its hard.Yesterday I was thinking about how we plant flower seeds and wait for them to grow.We don't get mad when they start out small because we know they will get bigger in time. That must be how God sees us right. I am my own worst critic and feel so defeated and down on myself when I fall also. Thanks for reminding me with Gods help I will make it and come out so much stronger in the end.God bless you and have a great day,Love always Sunshine.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: Struggling - 9/16/2008 11:33:54 AM
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sparkleingsnow
Posts: 3787
Joined: 1/9/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
Original: sunshine4God
Yesterday I was thinking about how we plant flower seeds and wait for them to grow.We don't get mad when they start out small because we know they will get bigger in time.
Sunshine, this made me smile. Just this spring, I helped my grandson pland flower seeds, and he was so mad the next morning when they weren't up and already flowers. LOL
That was a very good analogy. And your right, a lot of us are our own worse critics. We need to see ourselfs through His eyes.
_____________________________
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.
Psalm 103:1
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RE: Struggling - 9/16/2008 11:42:35 AM
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restinginHim
Posts: 432
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sparkleingsnow... Sunshine, I already know you love the Lord. It shows in your posts. :)
quote:
ORIGINAL: sunshine4God... Thanks for reminding me with Gods help I will make it and come out so much stronger in the end.
Amen and Amen!
I tend to let a slip-up overshadow any little victory i may have had that day and forget to be thankful. So if that happens to you too, Sunshine, i pray you remember to look at each small victory and PRAISE the LORD!
_____________________________
"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." John 15:9
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RE: Struggling - 9/16/2008 11:50:07 AM
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jazzea11
Posts: 1
Joined: 9/16/2008
Status: offline
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Struggling
I want you to know you can go all things through Christ which strengthens you. Changing is a process, it won't happen over night but it will happen. The hardest thing or me is to be patient when I am trying to change something in my life. So I understand where you are at. I encourage you to stay in your word and praising the Lord because He is with you and you will continue to grow.
Think about this, if God was through with us we would be in heaven so the process of continuing to need to grow and change is a good thing in that aspect. We all fall short, but God is faithful and Just to forgive, Don't let the devil use your short comings as a way to keep you bound.. we have victory over the devil through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Be Blessed 
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RE: Struggling - 9/16/2008 12:41:06 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 7098
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: sparkleingsnow
quote:
Original: sunshine4God
Yesterday I was thinking about how we plant flower seeds and wait for them to grow.We don't get mad when they start out small because we know they will get bigger in time.
Sunshine, this made me smile. Just this spring, I helped my grandson pland flower seeds, and he was so mad the next morning when they weren't up and already flowers. LOL
That was a very good analogy. And your right, a lot of us are our own worse critics. We need to see ourselfs through His eyes.
Thats so cute and I'm glad that I made you smile.God brought a smile to my face when I thought of the flowers. I am working on seeing myself through Gods eyes and hanging onto his mercy and grace.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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RE: Struggling - 9/16/2008 5:58:43 PM
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agapetos
Posts: 5393
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: This side of the lil duck pond!
Status: offline
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quote:
quote:
I tend to let a slip-up overshadow any little victory i may have had that day and forget to be thankful.
Thanks and yes that is how I feel alot.I am trying,really trying to remember to thank God for every little improvement and not focus on how much I need to grow but rather on how much i am growing slowly but surely. This is again why it's sometimes best to concentrate on one thing at a time rather than a whole bunch of things.
As I wrote this, I thought of a thread over in H&G ~ it's the one about being messy. So many of us have a problem with that and to a greater or lesser degree it often is in every room of our house. When we look at the whole, we are overwhelmed by everything that we have to do. When we break it down into rooms or parts of rooms, it's much easier to cope with.
_____________________________
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not using them in fruit salads!
My blog
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RE: Struggling - 9/16/2008 6:11:05 PM
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deermousie
Posts: 1899
Joined: 9/26/2007
Status: offline
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Wow, what awesome advice! When I can narrow my problems down to one to deal with, I'm asking you guys!
Sunshine, you've been handed a real treasure in this advice, and it comes from hearts of love. Take a bath in it and luxuriate!
The only thing I could add is what my husband keeps telling me: I only have the next five minutes. Do what God wants me to do the next five minutes. And the five minutes after that, and the five minutes after... you get it.
Good for you for fighting the good fight! So many things are spiritual battles, and the more we learn the better we can fight them (the devil has to run away if you resist him. Dealing with my own sin nature is trickier). Keep in the Bible every day, renew your commitment every morning, and thank God that He saved you! Wow! Isaiah 43 will help your self-esteem, too!
God bless you, dear sister in the Lord. We've all been there, and we'll encourage each other. (((Hugs)))
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: Struggling - 9/16/2008 10:22:16 PM
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sunshine4God
Posts: 7098
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: PopsiLufsJesus
I'm with you in this lesson Sunny! I'm trying to grow in all of the areas you mentioned and sometimes its difficult. You mentioned about your friend and her irritation. I was wondering because I have "acceptance" issues, if you struggle with those as well?
As much as I learn and He shows me. I will share with you. One thing that I've learned recently is that I know nothing and that I need to be teachable. It is going to hurt, but I'm convinced that the beauty of what God has for me and His restoration power will be worth it all in the end. Whether the end happens here on earth or in heaven. It will be worth it all. :)
I think that is awesome you are trying to grow in all the same areas as me.Perhaps we can help one another.Yes I do struggle with acceptance and am working on that also. Thanks so much for your reply and God bless you also.
_____________________________
Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
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