Address Book

I have a love/hate relationship with my address book. I always look forward to this time of year when I can update it (I know…I’m weird). However, once I actually get into updating it, I go through a period of depression. I wrote the below blog post 2 years ago…the feelings are still the same. Sometimes I wonder why I take the time to even update my address book. The only thing I can think of is perhaps it’s an addiction….

 

November 18, 2007 – By Dana Kangas

People died. Do I remove them?

People divorced. Do I separate them?

People born. Do I add them?

People moved. Do I update them?

People married. Do I unite them?

People changed their phone number. Do they want to hear from me?

It was an eventful year for the people in my address book. I have mixed feelings about all these changes. Too bad my address book can’t capture all the feelings that go along with all the different emotions.

Joy.

Sorrow.

Excitement.

Regret.

Pain.

Bliss.

Instead, I just see pencil marks that can’t be erased completely and penned text that have been covered with white out. New additions here and there. Scratch outs. Changes.

I am not sure if I like change.

But at least my address book is updated.

Lessons To Teach Your Children

40 Lessons We Sought to Teach Our ChildrenDennis and Barbara Rainey

I will never forget that incredible moment when our daughter Ashley was born. The doctor cleaned her up and handed her to us. I (Dennis) wanted to blurt out, “Thanks for the gift, but where are the instructions?” When we started out, we had a few ideas of what it meant to be a parent and raise children. Two years later we added a son and we realized that we had better become intentional about what we wanted to do as parents and teach our children.

As a result we began a list of 25 things we wanted to teach our children. Then it became 40, 50, and even more. (For your sake we’ve shortened the list back to the top 40.) Some of these lessons began during the first year for each of our six children, while others were emphasized later during childhood or adolescence. Today our children are adults and our role in their lives has changed. We have moved from being teachers to being cheerleaders and advisors, when asked.

Raising children requires huge chunks of time, prayer, discipline, involvement, and relationship-building. This list of values and traits has helped us focus on biblical priorities in raising children to become mature adults of faith and godly character.

1. Above all, fear God.
2. Respecting authority—trust and obey your parents.
3. The importance of friendships.
4. Be in love with Christ and focus on your relationship with Him, not just on doctrine or on biblical principles.
5. Have compassion for the poor and orphans.
6. Believe God for too much rather than too little.
7. Real strength is found in serving, not in being served.
8. The power of moral purity and a clean conscience.
9. How to motivate people without manipulating them.
10. How to handle failure.
11. Keeping your promises.
12. The power of the tongue for good or evil.
13. Giving too much rather than too little.
14. The importance of manners and common courtesies.
15. Viewing life through God’s agenda—the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
16. Give thanks to God in all things.
17. The importance of prayer.
18. The art of asking good questions, carrying on good conversation.
19. How to grow as a Christian.
20. How to handle temptation.
21. By faith, trusting Christ as your Savior and Lord, and sharing with others how to become a Christian.
22. Seeking wisdom—skill in everyday living. Knowing how to make good decisions.
23. Gaining a sense of God’s direction and destiny for your life.
24. Staying teachable and not becoming cynical.
25. Obtaining godly counsel.
26. The importance of flexibility and adaptability to cope in life.
27. Truth is best passed on through relationships.
28. Leaving a legacy of holiness.
29. Keeping life manageable. Prioritizing decisions.
30. Taming selfishness—learning you can’t always get your way.
31. Choices are yours to make and results are yours to experience.
32. Respecting the dignity of another person and of all people.
33. Being faithful in the little things.
34. Character is the basis of all leadership.
35. Life isn’t fair—don’t compare with or be jealous of others.
36. Living by commitments, not by feelings.
37. Expressing grace and forgiveness.
38. A strong work ethic.
39. Surrendering to the authority of Christ.
40. How to handle your finances.

We should mention that, after number one, the items on this list are not presented in any order or priority. We realize the list may appear long and daunting. But we suspect that if you began a list of your own, you’d quickly find that it’s just as lengthy.

That’s because parenting is a long and challenging task. Fortunately we have a God who gives us the strength to accomplish the tasks He lays before us (Philippians 4:13). We encourage you to lean on Him. No we didn’t perfectly teach each and every one of these 40 things, but it was a guide to remind us of what was important. But we never stopped training, teaching and cheering them on. As Galatians 6:9 tells us, “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”

Giving Your Kids Financial Peace

www.daveramsey.com

If kids are going to live a life of financial freedom, it’s up to parents to instill in them the values that will result in wise money habits.

The three most basic things Dave teaches people to do with money are spend, save and give. That goes for kids, too. Once they are old enough to do chores around the house for one or two dollars, they are old enough to learn to spend, save and give.

First, children should be taught to give. Whether to a church or a charitable organization, children need to learn that giving is just as important as saving and buying stuff. Teaching children to be generous will allow them to get so much more out of life.

Practically, this means parents should have their children set aside 10% of their earnings each month to put toward a church tithe or a charitable gift. If they make $20 a month for doing chores, they should put $2 a month in the offering plate or give it to a local charity. If they are old enough to understand, parents may even have their child decide on the charity or church program to which they want to give.

Secondly, children need to save. Saving is extremely important because it frees kids from the pull of impulse buying. When they go through the process of saving for a special toy, they learn the importance of work and the value of a dollar. Saving is a wonderful habit to establish early on because it teaches kids to be prepared for the future. Carrying that discipline with them into their 20s and 30s, when starting to save for retirement and major purchases, is crucial to their financial freedom.

To make saving as fun as possible, get a piggy bank or some sort of clear container so your children can see their money grow. When they are old enough, open a savings account for them. They’ll be excited and feel all grown up going to the bank with you.

Finally, kids need to learn to spend responsibly. As a child learns that money is used for giving and saving, they need to balance that out by having some fun with it. Plus, allowing them to make reasonable decisions on how they spend their money gives kids and parents teachable moments. You’ll have to let them make mistakes, but that’s where you’ll find the teachable lessons. It’s better for them to learn a $1 or $2 lesson than a $10,000 or $20,000 lesson.

After you’ve paid your children for their chores, remind them that they can spend some of their money on something for themselves. Take them to a toy store or the ice cream shop and let them pick out whatever they want. This will teach them that work equals pay – and that pay equals fun!

Guiding your children in the choices they make with money is essential. Dave’s principles for spending, saving and giving are the most basic and effective way to teach kids, as well as adults, about responsible financial choices. And you don’t have to worry about overloading them. Kids want structure, and it will be simple for them to grasp it as long as you keep their age and personality in mind.

If you need more fun ways to teach your kids about money, check out Dave’s children’s books.

Holy Spirit Truth

I (Dana) don’t know if this happens to anyone else, but sometimes when I’m cleaning the house or focused on work the Holy Spirit will smack me upside the head with a scripture verse that just puts me in my place. I usually don’t blog about these moments in my life (mostly because they are embarrassing and show my humanity and need for God’s grace due to sin in my life). Today, I figured what the heck…

I was doing the dishes when the Holy Spirit brought this verse to mind:

“After the flood, Noah began to cultivate the ground, and he planted a vineyard. One day he drank some wine he had made, and he became drunk and lay naked inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked and went outside and told his brothers. Then Shem and Japheth took a robe, held it over their shoulders, and backed into the tent to cover their father. As they did this, they looked the other way so they would not see him naked.” Genesis 9:20-23

A few things that was brought to my attention by my dear friend…the Holy Spirit:

1. Ham saw that his father was naked, and upon seeing the state of his father, Ham immediately went out to share the news with the first person he could find (granted this was just after the flood, so his options for gossip were limited). To see his father accidentally and involuntarily would not have been a crime…but it was almost like Ham was rejoicing in the fact that he found his father in an unbecoming situation. The Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart how damaging it is to publish the faults of anyone. I’m not saying I go out and tell every juicy piece of information that comes my way, but in my lifetime I have leaked out thoughts that should have been “covered” with love instead of shared out of frustration or boredom. This is something I want to work on and change through the strength of the Holy Spirit. Because the Lord does not convict people of sin and then not offer a way to help. I am confident that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to work this character flaw out in a way that will glorify the One who created me.

“He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden.” Proverbs 11:13

2. Also, notice the care of Shem and Japheth. They not only worked to avoid seeing their father’s nakedness themselves, but they also provided that no one else might see it….setting an example of love with reference to other men’s sin and shame. They were putting into practice what Peter said in the New Testament, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary says, “The phrase ‘to cover’ in Peter’s gospel inclines people to forgive and forget offences against themselves and also to cover and conceal the sins of others rather than aggravate them and spread them abroad.” I find it interesting how he used the word “aggravate” (which means “cause to become worse”). It seems as though when you love someone, you try not to make things worse.

I guess that is what the Holy Spirit is trying to show me. “Don’t make things worse, Dana. I just want you to focus on loving people instead.”

Helping A Soldier In Afghanistan…

Aaron’s Uncle Charlie is serving in the military in Afghanistan and he just sent me an email asking for a bike. He said that it would be the same as “being the only guys with a cement floor in Afghanistan” (I guess everyone has dirt floors). Anyway, I have no idea how to get a bike to him…so I am asking for some wisdom, finances and a bike.

1. If you have a bike, or know where I can purchase a cheap bike…let me know.

2. Does anyone know what the weight limit is per package to send to Afghanistan? I’m not sure where I can find this information…

3. I am going to have to send it in pieces, does anyone know how to disassemble a bike?

4. We could use some finances to mail it to Charlie, so if you feel the Lord leading you to send any support for this ministry…we would really appreciate it. (Please don’t send out of obligation or guilt, please).

5. If you would like to send anything else to “encourage the troops”, let me know and I will include it in the package!!!

Charlie said that he would leave it for someone else serving in Afghanistan when he is done in 2 years…

Financial Peace University – Additional Details

After this Sunday, I got some more information…

The Financial Peace University program is 13 weeks long and will be held every Thursday night at 7PM starting October 8th. We are doubling up the first 4 weeks of the program in OCTOBER ONLY on Sunday nights during church at 5:30PM (starting October 4th). This is because we think the first four videos cover a considerable amount of information…and then we will be resuming the book of John in November.

Curriculum will not be offered during the Financial Peace University for free…just the viewing of the videos (so bring a notepad so you can take notes). If you want the curriculum (which is highly recommended), visit the link below and give Scott Cross a heads up so he can give you the class code for all online tools that you can use during the class. (scross@olivebranchcommunity.com) The material is $93 and includes a ton of neat stuff to help you have financial freedom…

https://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/church/index.cfm?fuseAction=dspPurchaseKit&orderXXid64=1&CFID=4690743&CFTOKEN=45612785

Looking forward to seeing you if you plan on attending!!!

How To Sit

My step-dad’s sister wrote this…it made me cry…maybe it will make you cry, too.

By Karen Burns.

Okay, I’ll sit in this chair and hold you while you nuzzle my neck and suck your thumb. Even though it’s 5:30 in the afternoon and I really should do the breakfast dishes before I start making dinner. Even though I just made you the greatest fort beneath the kitchen table.

Okay, I’ll sit here and hold you until you’re awake enough to venture forth into the unknown kingdom under table.

If you do climb off my lap to go inside the fort, I will: do the dishes, make dinner, mop the floor, organize all your toys and clothes, paint your dresser, read a book, play solitaire on the computer, call my mother, transfer all my phone numbers into my new phone book I got two Christmases ago, complete all photo albums with captions, take a shower and feel guilty that I’m not with you in the fort.

If you don’t go inside, I’ll sit here and hold you.

I should be able to stay here in this chair without everything I haven’t done screaming in my head. I should be able to love this.

Someday, I’ll be in this chair alone.

When my arms are no longer your comfort, I can: do the breakfast dishes, make dinner, convert your bedroom into a gym, read all my books, call all my friends listed in my old phone book while I’m clean and ironed and made-up and glancing through my perfectly organized photo albums.

Knowing that I only get to hold you for a brief moment doesn’t make it any easier to stay here. I am all to aware that chaos reigns in my own fort, in fact, in my entire kingdom.

“Dear God, help me never choose to let go of this precious little body so that I might hold a dirty dish.”

Oh, you’re little hand, stroking my cheek.

Please stop smiling at me.

When you smile your cheeks look like rosy apples and your eyes reflect the light of Heaven…and my choice is made.

Here is where I am.

Here is where I stay.

This is how to sit.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————

I wrote this 11 years ago. I tried to build my 13 year old daughter a fort today and she wouldn’t go in! I guess I should have let her off my lap…Really don’t know how or when she got so tall. She is still precious, even at 13. I did let go of her 11 years ago to do the dishes and I still regret it. On the plus side, I have taught her how to do the dishes, so I can now sit-even though, it’s almost always alone.

Financial Peace University

Olive Branch Community Church presents

Financial Peace University

These free classes are held once per week for 13 consecutive weeks. Each class session lasts approximately two hours…one hour watching financial teaching by Dave Ramsey via a video and a second hour in small group discussion that will help you apply the principles to your daily life. The small group discussions are crucial because when it comes to personal finances, it’s only 20% head knowledge and 80% behavior!!!

When will the first class start?

Financial Peace University starts Sunday, September 27th at 5:30pm. Scott Cross, pastor at Olive Branch Community Church, will give a sermon about the Biblical approach to money and how to keep your heart and attitude in the right place before the Lord in preparation before we begin the 13 week series.

The first class session of Financial Peace University (where we will view the video by Dave Ramsey), will begin the following week on Sunday, October 4th at 5:30pm (and an additional viewing time on Thursday, October 8th at 7pm will also be offered for those of you that can’t make it to the Sunday sesson). This series will start in October and finish sometime in January (due to holiday breaks between the first and last video in the series). We would recommend that you attend the sessions every Sunday night at 5:30PM, however, we are aware that your schedule may not permit you to attend at this time. So, don’t miss out if you are not available on Sunday evenings…we will repeat the class every Thursday night at 7PM. (This additional viewing will be a repeat of the same session that was viewed on the Sunday before.)

Where will it be located?

Olive Branch Community Church rents from a local church in the Garland area. You will be looking for “Fowler United Methodist Church” and it is located at 3928 N. Howard St. ( http://www.olivebranchcommunity.com/directions ) in Spokane, Washington.

Will childcare be provided?

If you attend the Sunday evening sessions, childcare WILL be provided. We will not have any childcare for the Thursday evening classes at this time.

Who benefits from this program?

Everyone truly benefits from this program, regardless of your age (be it 18 or 61), regardless of your income (be it $12,000 or over $100,000 per year), and regardless of being single, married, divorced or a single parent. Everyone benefits from Financial Peace University!!!

What are the subjects covered in each lesson?

1. Super Saving
   In this lesson, Dave explains the Seven Baby Steps that will guide you throughout FPU. You will also learn the three key reasons why you should save money—and why you must start now!
2. Relating With Money
   This lesson will teach spouses how to communicate and work together toward success. Also, singles will learn the importance of teamwork and parents will find out how to teach their kids about money.
3. Cash Flow Planning
   Unlock the secret of developing a monthly spending plan that really works.
4. Dumping Debt
   It’s time to debunk the myths that most people believe about debt! In this lesson, Dave Ramsey reveals the truth about the credit lies and gives you a plan for walking out of debt with confidence.
5. Credit Sharks in Suits
   What is a credit score, anyway? Join Dave as he unpacks your credit rating and shows you how to handle collectors when they call.
6. Buyer Beware
   Dave Ramsey draws on decades of experience to reveal the power and influence that marketing has on your everyday buying decisions. Let the buyer beware!
7. Clause and Effect
   In this lesson, Dave walks you through the world of insurance, carefully explaining what you need—and what you need to avoid.
8. That’s Not Good Enough!
   Discover the seldom-used secrets of buying only big, big bargains—every time! Before you know it, you’ll be saying “That’s not good enough!”
9. Of Mice and Mutual Funds
   Dave breaks through the jargon surrounding long-term investing and empowers you to make your own decisions about your investments!
10. From Fruition to Tuition
    Dave walks you through the maze of retirement options and helps you figure out the right path for you. You will also learn how to plan for college so your kids can graduate debt free!
11. Working in Your Strengths
    This lesson will show you how to avoid dead-end or mind-numbing jobs and provide tips for job hunting, writing a résumé, and acing an interview. Plus, you’ll learn tips for finding extra jobs if you need cash to attack your debt snowball.
12. Real Estate & Mortgages
    Dave draws on over 20 years of real estate experience to teach you how to win when buying or selling your home. Plus, he’ll dissect all of the common mortgage options available today, showing you what to choose—and what to avoid.
13. The Great Misunderstanding
    Warning! This lesson will challenge the way you think about money. Dave will show you how generous giving can completely revolutionize your attitude and improve your finances, business and relationships.

The Christian and Depression

By WAYNE JACKSON

March 1, 2005

All of us become discouraged occasionally. That is simply a part of being human. One should not feel that discouragement is intrinsically sinful for it is not. That is evidenced by the fact that even our Lord sometimes became discouraged. For example, the prophet Isaiah represents the coming Messiah as saying, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely the justice due to me is with Jehovah, and my recompense with my God” (Isaiah 49:4).

One cannot read Psalm 22:6-13 without detecting a note of distress in the Savior’s depiction of humanity’s rejection of Him. And do you not recall the apostle’s comment at the conclusion of Christ’s great, but difficult, discourse on the bread of life — “Upon this many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him” (John 6:66). Subsequently, the Lord longingly asked, “Would you also go away?” or as the Greek text literally suggests, “You won’t leave me too, will you?” The question aches with discouragement.

The Master’s men were also discouraged from time to time. Following Jesus’ death, and yet before His resurrection, the disciples were distressed, for they believed the Lord’s cause had been buried with His body! Their discouragement, however, was soon to be turned into elation!

Even the usually vibrant Paul could have fitful moments when reflecting upon how far short he fell of the divine ideal (cf. Romans 7:24). And so, if the Savior and His disciples were not without distress on occasion, surely we cannot expect to be. It is not the fact that one becomes discouraged that is so crucial; rather, it is how he reacts to and handles the distress that is important.

Discouragement vs. Depression

Exactly what is discouragement? And how does it relate to what we call “depression”? “Discouragement” might be defined in the following way. Discouragement is a temporary feeling of disappointment or disheartenment, resulting from a disadvantageous turn of events — either physical, material, social, emotional, or spiritual. Note the emphasis upon “temporary.” If one does not address the source of his discouragement, and come to grips with it, his distress may evolve into “depression.”

By way of contrast, “depression” may be defined as a protracted period of despondency that greatly curtails, or even destroys, one’s ability to function as a healthy and happy person. If depression is not properly and urgently addressed by the Christian, with the solutions to one’s problems being sought in the Word of God (whenever possible), the tragic situation can result in spiritual stagnation, overt apostasy from the faith, and sometimes, even suicide.

Biblical Cases

The Bible contains a number of examples of people who lapsed into the state of spiritual terror that may aptly be described as “depression.” Let us briefly reflect upon a few of these cases.

1. Saul, of Old Testament fame, was a man who started brilliantly as Israel’s first king. He was robust and courageous and hence had the admiration of his subjects. Eventually, though, he imbibed the spirit of disobedience, and so was informed by God’s prophet that the kingdom would ultimately be torn from his grasp. We are told that “the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled [terrified, ASVfn] him” (1 Samuel 16:14). The latter expression simply means that God allowed Saul to reap the mental consequences of his rebellious disposition. The king was given to fits of prolonged depression wherein he repeatedly attempted to kill David (cf. 18:9ff). Finally, he took his own life!
2. Judas is another example of a man so immersed in depression as a consequence of his betrayal of the Son of God that he committed suicide (Matthew 27:3-5).

More on the positive side, consider these cases:

1. Job’s religious motives were challenged by Satan, and the hateful Deceiver was allowed to inflict the patriarch. Job lost his children, his wealth, and his health, and still he courageously refrained his lips from sinning (Job 1:13-2:10). When, however, his three friends arrived and sat down, mourning for seven days [thus treating him as one already dead!], it was more than the great patriarch could stand, and he lapsed into a state of deep depression. He wished that he had been born dead, or that he might have died at birth (Job 3). Happily, though, eventually he was able to climb out of his distress and, after repentance, was restored to the Lord’s favor.
2. Similarly, the noble Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, because he was so ill-treated by evil Israel, gave way to the pangs of depression and cursed the very day of his birth (Jeremiah 20:14ff). But he too was able to overcome that depth of grief.

Causes and Cures

In order to deal with discouragement and/or depression, one must first be able to correctly diagnose the source of his problem. Second, he must be aware of the options available for the remedial solution to his problem, or if there is no immediate solution, he must concentrate his attention upon that Source of strength that will allow him to accept the situation as it is, and even to grow thereby. As noted earlier, the causes of depression may be classified under various headings. Let us give our attention to several of these.

Let me observe initially, however, that this article is not intended to deal with possible physiological causes of some forms of depression, e.g., neurological or chemical imbalance maladies. Our aim here is to address those categories of depression that have spiritual bases, and thus can be remedied with applications from the Scriptures. And these are far more numerous than many are willing to admit. Unfortunately, many people today are looking for the quick-fix, “pill” solution.

1. Physical — Let us suppose a man is involved in a terrible car accident and he becomes paralyzed from the neck down. How shall he handle this misfortune? First, he may need to come face-to-face with the fact that he simply cannot change the situation. Second, he could become a self-pitying, depressed recluse and finally waste away. On the other hand, he might summon the courage to be a balanced, productive person, who even by his handicap is able to marvelously glorify God! There are numerous examples in this latter category who have influenced thousands by their courage and determination.
   
   How should one react if he discovers he has a most serious, possibly fatal, illness? He may, with firm determination, attempt to fight the illness, and perhaps he will win. If he sees that the battle is being lost, he must realistically acknowledge that death eventually claims us all. It is the price we pay for humanity’s involvement in sin (Romans 5:12). But anger, frustration, and depression (though perhaps initially natural) will not remedy the situation. The believer must fortify his spirit with the fact that those who die “in the Lord” are exceedingly blessed (Revelation 14:13), and they will enter a state that is “very far better” (Philippians 1:23).
2. Material — How should one respond who has suffered a severe financial blow? If the treasury of his heart (cf. Matthew 6:21) has been filled with materialism, he may not be able to handle the losses. When the stock market crashed in 1929, some were so crushed they committed suicide! One who trusts in God for all things might (after a brief emotional adjustment) be constrained to say with Paul, “we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall therewith be content” (1 Timothy 6:7-8). Of course it would not be sinful to vigorously work for the restoration of that which was obtained honorably; hard work is the eraser of “hard luck.” Too, it is possible that one may have to face the fact that he simply will not always be able to live at the high standard to which many have become accustomed. God has never promised economic luxury to His people; only daily sustenance. In any case, depression has never solved a financial woe!
3. Social — Many a poor soul has descended into the depths of depression when forsaken by a dear friend. Unrequited love has been the undoing of some. How does a young bride-to-be deal with the heartache of being forsaken by her fiancŽ just hours before the wedding ceremony? Of course she will be deeply hurt, but she must recognize several things.
   
   
   
   1. There is One who will never forsake the Christian (cf. Psalm 118:8; 2 Timothy 4:16-17).
   2. The providence of God may be at work; the Lord may have someone better in mind for His young saint.
   3. In spite of this tragedy, in due time it certainly is possible that this person could live a wonderfully happy and fruitful life — even though single.

   The point is this: one must never give in to depression; the human spirit must fight back.

4. Emotional — How does one cope with the tragic death of a spouse, or a child? Surely such a heart-breaking blow must be almost more than one can bear. True, but these things are a part of the world in which we live, and they will continue to occur whether we learn to deal with them or not! In such dark hours of adversity the child of God may reflect upon several things. First, if the loved one was in a state of innocence (e.g., a child) or was faithful to the Lord, we must not sorrow in the way those without hope do (1 Thessalonians 4:13ff). There is recognition and association beyond death (cf. Genesis 25:8; 2 Samuel 12:23; Matthew 8:11; 17:3ff; Luke 16:9,19ff). Second, even if the deceased died outside of Christ, depression will not bring back that loved one! This is a hard fact that must be faced. Moreover, we can be comforted by the fact that God is aware of our grief (Psalm 56:8; 103:13; 2 Kings 20:5) and He is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3), who is able to help us bear the burden (Psalm 55:22). Finally, all of our heartaches will be removed in heaven (Revelation 21:4). We must thus take courage and bear up!
5. Spiritual — Much of our discouragement/depression is the consequence of our guilt, resulting from sinful conduct or the neglect of spiritual responsibility. This was the problem of Saul and Judas mentioned earlier. Some charge that preachers are always trying to make people feel guilty. The fact is, it is the responsibility of God’s preaching servants to proclaim the truth — in a loving manner, yes; but forcefully nonetheless. If that burdens some with guilt, so be it. There is a way to take care of that — repent of sin!
   
   The psalmist described pointedly the grief that can attend the guilty conscience. Listen to him: 
   
   

   “Have mercy upon me, O Jehovah; for I am withered away: O Jehovah, heal me; for my bones are troubled. My soul also is sore troubled ? I am weary with my groaning; every night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. My eyes waste away because of my grief” (Psalm 6:2-7).

   The weary soul who is laboring under the intolerable weight of a guilty conscience has a way out. He can repent of his evil (which demands undoing that wrong, as much as humanly possible) and solicit Jehovah’s forgiveness.
   
   The person who is not a Christian may submit to the Lord’s saving plan and receive remission of sins (Acts 2:38), being assured that his evil has been blotted out (Acts 3:19,) and hence remembered no more by the Creator (Hebrews 8:12). The unfaithful child of God may repent and pray, and thus have the same assurance. It is true that the consequences of sin may extract a severe price for years to come [an adulterous relationship may have to be severed; imprisonment may be required for a crime committed], but with God’s help, such a life need not be enslaved by overwhelming depression.

Concluding Counsel

If one is to learn how to conquer, or at least control, depression, there are certain attitudes he must learn to identify and avoid — attitudes that have a tendency to nurture the moods in which depression can flourish. Let me mention a few of these matters in brief.

1. Too many of us are, to a degree, self-centered. We are constantly wondering why someone did not speak to us, or we are aggravated because our needs are not being addressed by the church. The truth is, if many would get busy with the needs of others, they would not have the time for preoccupation with personal problems. Remember this, even from the cross the Savior was thinking of others!
2. What we constantly think about, we tend to become (cf. Proverbs 23:7; Mark 7:21-23). Those who focus almost continuously upon the negative — how bad I feel, how hard I have it, woe is me! — tend to dredge themselves deeper into depression. We must learn to concentrate upon more positive things, to count our blessings. Pleasant thoughts and words are “sweet to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).
3. A preoccupation with the trivial along with a corresponding lack of spiritual activity, can create a void in one’s life that allows depression to move in. An idle mind and life truly are the devil’s workshop.
4. Sometimes those who are depressed have a tendency to seek out the companionship of others with similar problems. These persons thus feed upon one another’s distresses, and actually end up destroying each other. When you are troubled, associate with those who can build you up.
5. Do not be intimidated by the opinions of your critics. You can never live up to the expectations of some people, and you will be under a constant strain if you try. Simply attempt to please God and be aware of the fact He understands your frailties and He will lovingly bear with you as you grow.
6. Do not expect instant, magical solutions to your problems. God is not going to perform miracles and make your life on earth a present “heaven.” By following the instructions of the Scriptures, be patient and work to solve your difficulties.
7. Finally, one must leave the unsolvable to God. Trust Him no matter what. Learn to be content no matter how dire your conditions are (Philippians 4:11-13). Recognize the fact that tranquility of mind does not depend upon the external, but upon the internal.

For his own wellbeing, and to enhance his service to others, the Christian must learn to control his stress. The life of trust is not one of continual fretfulness. With a serene confidence, therefore, let us show the world the true joy of Christianity.

translationparty.com

This is a completely useless, but entertaining website I just found. You enter a phrase, and it takes that phrase, translates into Japanese (via some automated translation service), and then takes that Japanese and translates it back into English, and back into Japanese…. and so forth, until it “reaches equilibrium”. And by that, it means that you get the same thing with the auto translate. Much hilarity ensues. For example, I took the Dylan lyric: “How many roads must a man walk down before you can call him a man?” And the following is the progression of translations (Japanese taken out, since I can’t read it anyway.)

How many roads must a man walk down before you can call him a man?

Ago, a man must walk down a road and how you can call him a man?

Ago, a man, or you can call the man and how he must go down the road?

Or man, can you call a man, he must go or the way?

Or men, or him, or you can call the people you need to go the way?

And men, or his, or you can call the people you need to go your way or not.

And men, or my way or you can call the people you need to move.

Man, you can call the person you need to move to me.

The man, who can call you need to move to me.

You can call the man I need to move?

How can you call a person that I need to move?

How can I do to call the people you need to move?

To call a person that needed to move and how?

Move the person to call the method necessary?

1. How many roads must a man walk down before you can call him a man?
2. Ago, a man must walk down a road and how you can call him a man?
3. Ago, a man, or you can call the man and how he must go down the road?
4. Or man, can you call a man, he must go or the way?
5. Or men, or him, or you can call the people you need to go the way?
6. And men, or his, or you can call the people you need to go your way or not.
7. And men, or my way or you can call the people you need to move.
8. Man, you can call the person you need to move to me.
9. The man, who can call you need to move to me.
10. You can call the man I need to move?
11. How can you call a person that I need to move?
12. How can I do to call the people you need to move?
13. To call a person that needed to move and how?
14. Move the person to call the method necessary?

I think my favorite is “Man, you can call the person you need to move to me.”

Fear

I (Dana) received some advice from a doctor, regarding my daughter, that brought on a huge amount of fear this evening. I am having troubles sleeping, so I thought I would look up some scriptures to combat my fear. Satan is having a hay day and is planting all sorts of lies in my head. Jesus is a great example of combating Satan’s lies with scripture and God’s wisdom. So, I suppose I should do the same…

Romans 8:15 (Today’s New International Version)

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

1 John 4:18 (Today’s New International Version)

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Proverbs 29:25 (The Message)

The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.

Proverbs 3:21-26 (New Living Translation)

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Psalm 112:7-8 (Contemporary English Version)

Bad news won’t bother them; they have decided to trust the LORD. They are dependable and not afraid, and they will live to see their enemies defeated.

Psalm 34:4 (New International Version)

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 27:1 (The Message)

Light, space, zest— that’s God!
So, with him on my side I’m fearless,
afraid of no one and nothing.

Psalm 27:1 (New International Version)

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 91 (New Living Translation)

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

Major Discount for Marriage Conference

Weekend To Remember 2009

It’s the dog days of summer and our economy has been tanking…
Let’s cool off and catch a break with something refreshing!!!

Beginning August 3rd, Family Life will be promoting a special Buy One Get One Free
rate for the Weekend to Remember Marriage Conference.

From August 3-17, 2009, each couple who registers using the Promo Code INVITE
will receive a gift certificate for another couple to attend the event for free.

* You can register at this BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE rate for ANY
upcoming fall ‘09 or spring ‘10 Weekend to Remember event.

* This rate is only good August 3-17, 2009.

* You have to pay the full price of $129/person.

* Click on my group page to register!

This could be the best time to invite your friends to join the next
Weekend to Remember Marriage Conference.

Date/Number Awesomeness

On the 8th, at 56 seconds after 12:34, the time/date will be: 12:34:56 7/8/09.

Of course, a couple hours earlier that day, it will also be 7/8/09 10:11:12, and that’s kind of cool too.

Graffiti

Today, I saw some graffiti that said:

Jack Johnson
=
Willie Nelson

And I thought, “That’s the kind of graffiti we need more of.”

The Disease of Comparison

I’ve always been impatient when God is trying to teach me something…despite the fact that I (Dana) asked Him to be my Teacher years ago. He doesn’t seem to do it in outline form or deliver a nice set of instructions. Most of the time, the Lord sends me riddles or allegories…or even experiences…and I have to work hard to decipher them. He once sent me a dream and I spent months hunting for it in the Bible (I’m kind of lazy).

Really, why doesn’t God just use a lesson plan like a school teacher? I might actually get it then.

I had this conversation with Him recently…it went a little something like this:

Me: Lord, “Z” is ministering to so many people. Why is he/she hanging out with people all the time and encouraging them? Are you telling me that I’m doing something wrong? Hmmm. Maybe I should be like him/her. Now, if I just hang out with more people, I’ll be happy!!!

(There was silence on God’s side…and as of late, I have started to believe that He doesn’t answer my bratty complaints. Then, quietly, the thought formed in my head…)

GOD: Why do you look for the approval of men? Is it more important than My approval?

(Quiet. Precise. Wise. [Not something that could come from me.] I thought for awhile how I should answer God. Then I realized why I really wanted to hang out with people.)

Me: Lord, because I want to be people’s inspiration and out do “Z” in encouraging others.

God knew the real reason all the while. I understood the choice of pursuing time with others was mine, but I realized that God probably didn’t want to “grant” me the time to hang out with other people because it’ll only indulge my sinful nature.

It calmed me a little that day. But that conversation reminded me that I have this tendency to seek the approval of men. And this is just another form of it.

And my tendency to compare myself with others reared its ugly head each time “Z” spent time with someone. It’s uncanny…when I started comparing myself to “Z”, he/she began hanging out with more individuals, and so did a couple of other people. It was driving me crazy!!! I was furious at being poked by life (or maybe it was God that I was furious at), as if the world was saying: “Nah, nah!!! You can never be like them!!! You’ll always be a failure!!!” This is way too much of a coincidence…I know God was trying to tell me something via all these experiences but…

Out of desperation, I Googled my problem (Google is my shrink!!!) and read all I could about this tendency to compare oneself with another. One article, Do you compare yourself with others? resonated with me:

“You beat yourself up over seeing what another person has or done that you feel you should have done as well. Underneath you may not really want what other people have but you are consumed with being equal or better than your peers that you are blocked from knowing what you truly want for yourself.”

The article is right…I was so consumed by the desire to be better than my peers that I have ignored what I really want. I’m spending all my time and energy on a useless goal instead of pursuing my real dreams!!!

So I had long talk with God this week, trying to puzzle out my dilemma. And again He prodded me: What do you really want? Why are you not doing what you want instead of competing with other people’s dreams, so that you can be “better” than them in what they’re doing?

OUCH.

I started a long list in my head and I have no idea how I will achieve these lofty dreams…but it’s a start, I thought.

In a way, all this is my fault. After all, I did beg God to break the fear and inertia I had in pursuing my dreams. Boy has He been answering my prayers. I guess I never expected the process to be so bloody uncomfortable.

So I have dreams, and my task is to follow what the Bible says in Galatians (I’m pretty sure this is my life verse):

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4-5)

I know my tendency to compare myself with others is a habit that began in childhood when I compared myself to other students. At the end of each test or report, I would ask my friends about their results, and I still remember the look of pleasure on their face when they told me their better results. Until one day, I told someone I was first in my entire class on a particular project, and their smile fell. I remembered the thrill I felt then, that little pleasure of revenge I had…and like a rat in a wheel, I began replicating that experience in my adult life.

I only share this because it looks like God wants to break this habit of mine (and He is faithful to finish what He has started…if I’m a willing vessel). I hope I learn it before the world (or my sinful nature) drives me crazier with another example to learn from. Especially since I’ve entered the world of parenting…