Stupid substack won't allow me to like anyone's comments because I refuse to upgrade to Windows 10 apparently (I can't pin this comment either - Substack you are the worst). So I send virtual likes to everyone!
Crappy Substack. I can no longer "like" comments. All great comments here. I would rather have God yell at me than some crappy human yell at me. Imagine the maker of the universe taking the time out to speak to a lowly human being, that seemingly the whole world doesn't give a thought to.
I have had God speak to me (not just feelings) probably three times in my life. Very rare. Even if you pray everyday for God's guidance he rarely will speak plainly to you. I guess God wants us to live by Jesus' words and faith.
"He never seems to help me move my life forward the way that I want"? Right. Look around at the world. It's the result of what "we want", "moving forward", also called "progress". I appreciate God moving me in a different direction, even when it hurts.
Reading Job twice in a day? I think that is risking overdose.
"I appreciate God moving me in a different direction, even when it hurts."
So true. Sometimes we get lost in doing the same things over and over and don't know what else to do. It's a great thing to have a God who does know what else we should be doing.
I am glad to read this... it took you many days to tippy type it all out, and I am glad that you shared. You are not alone in your puzzlement, struggles, trying to find meaning.... What ever it is, it is there every day.
Did you contact your ex husband? Was this a fair request, or a scary one?
I do not enjoy cleaning windows, but if you are getting paid to do it, then that is good. It is certainly not something I would enjoy, but then that brings me straight to my loving Jesus and his disciples. Since when is life supposed to be all happy stuff.
I have a huge pile of burdens. I am grateful to have a sweet hubby to share my "woes"
"Did you contact your ex husband? Was this a fair request, or a scary one?"
I was going to pin a comment to note that I did not contact my ex husband. Why? Because I feel it is a waste of time. God's request is quite fair, not scary. The ex is someone who really doesn't care about anyone but himself, and really he doesn't care about himself that much either. But I know my waste of time doesn't matter to God. He said do it, so I will do it now.... boom! There I just sent a text saying "hi, how are you?" If I get any response at all, it will just be "fine." Hopefully, God gives me a thumbs up for just doing it. We will see.
I have been struggling with my life as well with the relationships with family members. I have stopped visiting with my youngest sister due to a situation where she wanted me to call the cops for her as she was afraid of some activity going on at a neighboring house that apparently is a druggie hangout. We live a half hour away from each other and she is on the border of another state. I explained to her that she needed to call the cops herself. Well that set her off on how horrible of a person that I was and so on and so forth. She even showed up unannounced one evening a few months later and was still harping on how awful I treated her when she needed me to call the cops. All I can do is pray for her and myself to to some how rectify the situation. Until then I guess we are estranged, which is a sad state of affairs.
Hi Charlotte. I hope you and your sister can reconcile some day. Yes, all you can do is pray for her. I've been praying for my ex for a year, ever since I last saw him. Sometimes we can only do things on our own without the other person ever knowing, until God yells at us to "get moving!" Estrangement with family members does really suck, since it is usually over the smallest things. But maybe it's needed for all our growth. I'll keep you guys in my prayers, and everyone else in this world who is going through the same thing.
Thank you for the kind words. I know that praying can change hearts and minds including our own so that is what I will continue to do. With God all things are possible.
It does help to know that other people have family issues that are difficult to mend and perhaps never will. Praying that our hearts will be softened and relationships mended and the needed endurance for the situation.
Me, too, on Tuesday, I think. I had asked that "the meditations of my heart would be acceptable and pleasing" to Him. But there I was in the garden, facing the windows of the neighbors who have engaged in gratuitous vandalism (cutting to a 4-foot stump a black cherry tree, spraying RoundUp on my choice rhododendrons--in MY yard) such that last year we put up an 8' wooden fence. I had actually been afraid, for several years, to work in my own front yard. But I never allowed myself to even think of vengeful acts in return. And so there I was, on Tuesday, with the soul-strength provided by that 8' wooden wall, thinking uncharitable thoughts of that woman. And God told me to stop it. And I repented immediately and asked His forgiveness. Now it happens that I stopped going to church nine years ago, didn't intend it to last this long--originally only for the months while the sanctuary was being re-vamped. This last year I have been reading the Bible from beginning straight through. And praying: talking to Him how many times each day? And honestly, it seems that He is talking back to me so much more frequently. Could there be a connection here? Also--read Ezekiel 5 this morning before rising. God is ANGRY in that chapter. And yes, the windows. Mine are very dirty. But to clean them, most of the dirt being on the outside, I have to remove the upper and lower storm window sashes, clean both sides of them, get on a ladder to clean the wood sashes. And having broken my back in a fall 15 years ago, ain't doin that stuff. So the rain does what the rain does.
Hi VVV! Funny how we all seem to live the same life. Years ago when the neighbor across the street was breaking into houses and the "so called parents" were doing nothing about their "kid" I too was afraid to work in my own front yard. I even lived with all the shades drawn for over a year. I had some really mean thoughts about those people for a very, very long time. But then I finally gave it over to God. I opened the shades, planted some trees and bushes and no longer try to think about them at all. Funny though, the "kid" I'm talking about is on trial next Monday for a whole bunch of menacing and gun charges. Now I just find it sad. Those people are just living a really awful life.
Probably your neighbors are the same. Just living an awful life. If you pass a Catholic Church someday, go in and find the Holy Water font. You can fill up little jars for yourself. Then go home and sprinkle the water around the perimeter of your house and gardens. I do this once a year. It really does work to keep evil at bay. In fact, I will do it this weekend.
Yes, I think God talks to all of us, all the time. It's only a question of time before He sometimes gets angry with us. We are exasperating to Him I would bet.
Most interesting about the font of holy water. This might have more value to us than you can imagine. Hoping we can meet in person in the not-too-distant future (I think you are in upstate NY).
I hope so to. I'm near Syracuse. It's always a good spot to stop for those who are on their way to somewhere else. I welcome anyone who wants to stop by sometime. Just contact me anytime - napoleon@use.startmail.com
With daughter and her family in Hamilton, Syracuse is a possibility. Instead of taking Southern Tier Expy at Johnson City. Thank you for the address! We're W of Philadelphia.
Hamilton in Madison County? I'm literally 20 minutes from there. We do need to plan a get together. Rosemary should come to - but that'd be a drive for you Rosemary!
Well, I am thrilled to know that both of you are on the eastern side of US America. I am in Northern Virginia, 35 miles west of the cesspool, it is nice here, close to the Blue Ridge mountains. Some good people to spend time with and hubbs and I are good at looking busy. I will keep both of you in my prayers. Evenings are always rough for me, I am tired and get really sad.
Stupid substack won't allow me to like anyone's comments because I refuse to upgrade to Windows 10 apparently (I can't pin this comment either - Substack you are the worst). So I send virtual likes to everyone!
Crappy Substack. I can no longer "like" comments. All great comments here. I would rather have God yell at me than some crappy human yell at me. Imagine the maker of the universe taking the time out to speak to a lowly human being, that seemingly the whole world doesn't give a thought to.
I have had God speak to me (not just feelings) probably three times in my life. Very rare. Even if you pray everyday for God's guidance he rarely will speak plainly to you. I guess God wants us to live by Jesus' words and faith.
"He never seems to help me move my life forward the way that I want"? Right. Look around at the world. It's the result of what "we want", "moving forward", also called "progress". I appreciate God moving me in a different direction, even when it hurts.
Reading Job twice in a day? I think that is risking overdose.
"I appreciate God moving me in a different direction, even when it hurts."
So true. Sometimes we get lost in doing the same things over and over and don't know what else to do. It's a great thing to have a God who does know what else we should be doing.
I am glad to read this... it took you many days to tippy type it all out, and I am glad that you shared. You are not alone in your puzzlement, struggles, trying to find meaning.... What ever it is, it is there every day.
Did you contact your ex husband? Was this a fair request, or a scary one?
I do not enjoy cleaning windows, but if you are getting paid to do it, then that is good. It is certainly not something I would enjoy, but then that brings me straight to my loving Jesus and his disciples. Since when is life supposed to be all happy stuff.
I have a huge pile of burdens. I am grateful to have a sweet hubby to share my "woes"
Keeping busy and behaving is always a challenge
You are loved
"Did you contact your ex husband? Was this a fair request, or a scary one?"
I was going to pin a comment to note that I did not contact my ex husband. Why? Because I feel it is a waste of time. God's request is quite fair, not scary. The ex is someone who really doesn't care about anyone but himself, and really he doesn't care about himself that much either. But I know my waste of time doesn't matter to God. He said do it, so I will do it now.... boom! There I just sent a text saying "hi, how are you?" If I get any response at all, it will just be "fine." Hopefully, God gives me a thumbs up for just doing it. We will see.
I have been struggling with my life as well with the relationships with family members. I have stopped visiting with my youngest sister due to a situation where she wanted me to call the cops for her as she was afraid of some activity going on at a neighboring house that apparently is a druggie hangout. We live a half hour away from each other and she is on the border of another state. I explained to her that she needed to call the cops herself. Well that set her off on how horrible of a person that I was and so on and so forth. She even showed up unannounced one evening a few months later and was still harping on how awful I treated her when she needed me to call the cops. All I can do is pray for her and myself to to some how rectify the situation. Until then I guess we are estranged, which is a sad state of affairs.
Hi Charlotte. I hope you and your sister can reconcile some day. Yes, all you can do is pray for her. I've been praying for my ex for a year, ever since I last saw him. Sometimes we can only do things on our own without the other person ever knowing, until God yells at us to "get moving!" Estrangement with family members does really suck, since it is usually over the smallest things. But maybe it's needed for all our growth. I'll keep you guys in my prayers, and everyone else in this world who is going through the same thing.
Thank you for the kind words. I know that praying can change hearts and minds including our own so that is what I will continue to do. With God all things are possible.
you are not alone Charlotte. Boy wowie, you are NOT alone.
Just hold hands and hold your loved ones tight. I know you love your sister but this is terrible immature behavior. I get that.
I have been estranged from my youngest daughter because her husband is a huge jerk
I won;t go on.
Just know you are not alone.
I have been dealing with many people that I love, that are treating me shitty. My sister and brother are both very annoying and mean.
We just keep praying for strength and well, endurance.
It does help to know that other people have family issues that are difficult to mend and perhaps never will. Praying that our hearts will be softened and relationships mended and the needed endurance for the situation.
Me, too, on Tuesday, I think. I had asked that "the meditations of my heart would be acceptable and pleasing" to Him. But there I was in the garden, facing the windows of the neighbors who have engaged in gratuitous vandalism (cutting to a 4-foot stump a black cherry tree, spraying RoundUp on my choice rhododendrons--in MY yard) such that last year we put up an 8' wooden fence. I had actually been afraid, for several years, to work in my own front yard. But I never allowed myself to even think of vengeful acts in return. And so there I was, on Tuesday, with the soul-strength provided by that 8' wooden wall, thinking uncharitable thoughts of that woman. And God told me to stop it. And I repented immediately and asked His forgiveness. Now it happens that I stopped going to church nine years ago, didn't intend it to last this long--originally only for the months while the sanctuary was being re-vamped. This last year I have been reading the Bible from beginning straight through. And praying: talking to Him how many times each day? And honestly, it seems that He is talking back to me so much more frequently. Could there be a connection here? Also--read Ezekiel 5 this morning before rising. God is ANGRY in that chapter. And yes, the windows. Mine are very dirty. But to clean them, most of the dirt being on the outside, I have to remove the upper and lower storm window sashes, clean both sides of them, get on a ladder to clean the wood sashes. And having broken my back in a fall 15 years ago, ain't doin that stuff. So the rain does what the rain does.
Hi VVV! Funny how we all seem to live the same life. Years ago when the neighbor across the street was breaking into houses and the "so called parents" were doing nothing about their "kid" I too was afraid to work in my own front yard. I even lived with all the shades drawn for over a year. I had some really mean thoughts about those people for a very, very long time. But then I finally gave it over to God. I opened the shades, planted some trees and bushes and no longer try to think about them at all. Funny though, the "kid" I'm talking about is on trial next Monday for a whole bunch of menacing and gun charges. Now I just find it sad. Those people are just living a really awful life.
Probably your neighbors are the same. Just living an awful life. If you pass a Catholic Church someday, go in and find the Holy Water font. You can fill up little jars for yourself. Then go home and sprinkle the water around the perimeter of your house and gardens. I do this once a year. It really does work to keep evil at bay. In fact, I will do it this weekend.
Yes, I think God talks to all of us, all the time. It's only a question of time before He sometimes gets angry with us. We are exasperating to Him I would bet.
Most interesting about the font of holy water. This might have more value to us than you can imagine. Hoping we can meet in person in the not-too-distant future (I think you are in upstate NY).
I hope so to. I'm near Syracuse. It's always a good spot to stop for those who are on their way to somewhere else. I welcome anyone who wants to stop by sometime. Just contact me anytime - napoleon@use.startmail.com
With daughter and her family in Hamilton, Syracuse is a possibility. Instead of taking Southern Tier Expy at Johnson City. Thank you for the address! We're W of Philadelphia.
Hamilton in Madison County? I'm literally 20 minutes from there. We do need to plan a get together. Rosemary should come to - but that'd be a drive for you Rosemary!
No, unfortunately. Ontario.
Well, I am thrilled to know that both of you are on the eastern side of US America. I am in Northern Virginia, 35 miles west of the cesspool, it is nice here, close to the Blue Ridge mountains. Some good people to spend time with and hubbs and I are good at looking busy. I will keep both of you in my prayers. Evenings are always rough for me, I am tired and get really sad.