i like what you said about Learning to like yourself, and, learning to know that you do not need the approval of others to feel like a worthy person. This, is something I'm trying to learn right now. I am recently divorced, but, when my ex-husband was about to leave the other night to move out, I called for him to come back. I just couldn't deal with being all alone here, in the middle of an emotional crisis from my illness. I do love him. But, more as a friend, then, a lover. We have decided that we're dating, but, not being exclusive. I don't know. I'm sick of putting him on this roller-coaster of ups and downs. One minute we're together, the next, we're not. I'm in cognitive therapy, but, I haven't been going very long. I need to learn how to deal with my illness, and, the strong emotions that come with it, on my own. Pray for me please.

Peace, and, Love
Cgirl

this is such an important thread to support you, Justice and also for others to feel comfortable talking about what we believe and why, and how we feel about life's burdens and trials.

all I want to ask is that everyone remember that the Sanctuary is here as a spiritual haven for everyone and that religion is a subject that can quickly get people offended, especially when negative things are said about their religion.

so what I would ask please is that there be sensitivity to the fact that we have many faiths and many denominations and groups here (yep, even those who go to Calvary Chapel like me )

Let's try not to be specific in "dissing" any groups and therefore not hurting members feelings who may be part of that faith or denomination or group.

I am not singling any posts out here in asking this....I am just being pro-active in the hope that this thread will stay honest while still being supportive of ALL.


That way we can keep this valuable discussion alive.

Justice,

It sounds like you experienced spiritual abuse along with a lot of other abuse. I am so sorry you had to go through this.

Columbiangirl,

Don't beat yourself up for needing someone. Sometimes we are just not strong enough to go it alone. You will get stronger. The thing is you must realize that you are important. You count and are worth taking care of. I will pray for you.

The main thing about God, according to my belief, is that is does not have a denomination. He is just God. He also has time for everyone. You don't have to worry about whether your need is less severe than someone else's.

Jesus came to earth to show us what God was like, then he took our punishment which took care of the sin problem. God just wants to love us. He doesn't want to hurt us. He wants what is best for us. What we need to do is learn to trust him and lean on Him........and also lean on each other.

Judy

Is it GOD that ""gives"" us these trials?....think about this...if GOD does NO harm, only good...then where does bad things come from? From GOD? NO!
If God gives us these pains...then how could a loving god allow a tiny baby to suffer such horrific pain such as from a burn all by the hands of someone?
How could a loving god allow someone to be so mentally taunted they tear at their skin, eyes or anything loose....then I ask...why do people committe suicide if god didn't give them any more than what they can handle?
Why do people go insane, go mad, become catatonic?
Have we ever thought of it as from a different source....that all bad comes from sin....or from somethine evil such as satan?
Perhaps so...then in the story Job...God doesn't allow satan to give us more than we can handle...he allows only so much.
The story of Job is proof for what I'm saying.
But then there's the verse God lets it "rain" on the just and unjust!
We live in a sinful world....where illness, sickness, bad genes, peoples poor choices....practicing "free wills"...such as allowing a child to be raped and gets away with this....God cannot and will NOT stop this because this would be a controling God...not allowing us to practice our own free will.
If we want to drive drunk....what ever happens is only our fault...not Gods.

If a pregnant woman wants to smoke crack while pregnant...its not Gods will this baby be born blind and suffer a long life of pain...it was all its mothers doing...not Gods!
If I want to eat foods that harm my body, I get diabetis, suffer from this, may have heart disease....this is all my own doing, not Gods.
But not everyone that practices poor habits dies and suffers illness. Just look at George Burns....he did everything wrong! Lived a long healthy life!
He was just lucky to have good genes! I don't!
My dear hubby doesn't smoke,drink or chew...at age 36 he got a deadly form of mouth cancer! This guy does't even cuss! Teaches bible class, is a godly man....while another family member of ours curses god day and night, smokes anything can light, drinks sunup to sundown, nasty disposition, convicted rapist, just one nasty jerk! He's 50 years old, never sick a day in his life!
Everyone who knows this rotten man could do without him...while my hubby is adored and loved by all....very smart and gifted man who loves teaching.
He's suffered many years from this mouth cancer and effects from the "fall out" from cancer treatment, radiation and return of cancers too many times.
I ask God....why? Why Larry and not the other jerk who deserves it if anyone does. But I've learned....Life is never fair! Life is totally unfair.
Maybe we have it all wrong and need to put the blame where needs be...Perhaps its not God that gives us pain...its from living "life on planet earth" while under satans control only to point of what God allows....when His, Gods, purpose is fulfilled and He's had enough of sin...then this will all be over and done with....then we'll have a new life where sin won't ever touch us again...imagine having eternal life without ever suffering again! I can't wait! This is what keeps me going...that one day my suffering will be over and I'll live a much better life after this one.
The bible is very clear of how this will play out to the end of time.


Justice...I'm going to post a few pics for ya....you'll love it! I'm Califonia dreamin! I'm a California gal! But live in Oregon now....love it here too!
Don't miss those brown hills and Rattle Snake mountain....yikes!
Were you born in SD? If so what hospital? My mom was OB nurse at El Cajon Vlly hosp 1968-1980's......We lived in Casa De Oro....FIL has 1 acre home on MT Helix....will be our inheritance soon...yippie! Worth loads $$ But i'd never live there again. I used to work at Los Colinas.... and drove a 7up car!
You should know what this is! LoL!
Anyway....Godbless. Cheryl

Hi Columbian Girl 1 Thanks for your reply. You hang in there! Alot of us are not used to taking the care neccessary to look after ourselves in the right way. We are so used to wanting and thinking we need another person to help us feel ok. I think everyone likes companionship. When you are alone and feeling sad, look to God for that companionship. He loves you and wants the best for you. You can depend on him to be there for you. Keep reaching out to him to fill the emptiness that you feel...he is there, Columbiangirl, just wanting for you to reach out to him.....Reach out and do not stop. Develop a friendship with him like no other and go to him when you are lonely....he will never leave you. Have faith in him. You won't reget it!!!!I am praying for you!!!

Thanks

Peace, and Love
-Cgirl-

Your are very welcome. Have a great night..you are in my thoughts and prayers

Justice,

I, too, had problems with the L.D.S.... I was moved to Idaho from L.A. as a teen, which turned out to be a very bad idea, to say the least. I am NOT saying all mormons are bad, nothing of the kind! They are usually much better parents than my own father ever was... I was rather jealous of their "family home evenings", truth be told. If I had been in a different area, I could have had issues with another religion, or with a gang, whatever. Any time one group has a majority hold over an area, the "outsiders" will always lose, sometimes in a dramatic fashion. If you are unlucky enough to be a part of the group, yet not believe as they all do, it can be even worse.

I can only speak for myself, but when I use the phrase "God never gives you more than you can handle", I do NOT mean He purposely put you in whatever awful situation you find yourself in. I think of Him in more of a parental role... you can't always stop the bad things from happening to your children, but you can certainly help them through the aftermath! When you see your child reaching their limit, it's time to step in and ease the burden.

I am a very strong woman, but I have my limits, lol. When I find myself crying, weak and needy, I don't turn to another human being. I talk to my God. I don't even believe He changes the situation... I feel He gives you more strength to deal with it.

Religion will always be a touchy subject for everyone. For some reason, we humans are incapable of accepting others as they are. We feel our way of thinking/being is better, and we can't seem to stop ourselves from trying to convince everyone else to see things our way. IMHO, all that does is drive the different factions farther apart.

Spirituality is a totally different story. When we discuss it, instead of speaking of religion, we tend to find a LOT more common ground.

I was actually born in Riverside,so I'm a native! But you know,my family thought it would be safer to raise the children with the rest of the Mormons in Utah when I was 4 1/2 years old! I didn't want to go.I remember telling my Dad that when I got old enough,I would move back to CA,and I did! But my Mom said that the reason that I'm attracted to the ocean so much,and it actually calls to me in a way,like mentally.It sounds crazy,but the ocean does call to me,like it's some type of telepothy or something.Anyway,she said that the LDS believe that satan controls the waters,and that I'm evil! That it's actually satan calling me!
But all I know is that our Bishop when I was a child was the evil one! I can't get into why in an open forum.RULES!!

Justice
it is sad that people would say things like that to you.

God created the waters and they are His

I do understand that there is a lot of hurt you have carried and sadly put on you by people who should have been showing you God's Love

Thanks for understanding that it isn't just forum "rules" that make us suggest that sensitivity to other people's beliefs should be shown here in the Sanctuary....it is knowing that we have many members from many different faiths, cultures and creeds and this just is not the place to enter into deep discussions about what we dont like about particular religions.

There are forums that are specific for religious discussion and debate, but this Sanctuary is here for a different reason.

The expressions of understanding and support and offers of prayer that make up a large part of this thread are truly what this Sanctuary is meant for.