Archive for the ‘Everyday Life’ tag
Topic: Faith/Trust
A Matter of Trust
Key Passage: Matthew 6:25-34
"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT).
Homer Simpson wanders through the dark woods until he stumbles and falls in front of a large billboard. He looks up to see the word "DIE" in big bold letters. Homer shrieks. Then the wind blows away some tree branches that obscured part of the billboard. And Homer sees the word "DIET" and screams even louder as he runs off.
It's funny on The Simpson's, but for many people faced with dieting, it feels like dying might actually be easier. They've tried it--and tried it many times. They've filled out the calorie charts, gone blind from reading the nutrition labels, and passed sleepless nights fighting the desire for a midnight run for ice cream and cookies. They desperately want to lose weight, but can't.
There's no end to the dieting books the flood the market. And the Christian marketplace is no different, with some authors going as far as equating fat with sin. Does that imply that God only loves thin people?
Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are good reasons for needing to lose weight, but gaining the love and respect of God is not one of them. Nowhere in the Bible does God say, "I only love people who weigh less than 150 pounds." He's never implied that His love increases as our weight decreases.
Near the end of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT). Now the people Jesus was talking to had very little and worried they might not have enough. The person faced with dieting has a different situation, but the same worry: "If I cut back, will I have enough?" In both cases, Jesus answers, "Trust Me."
And that's the hard part, isn't it? It's far easier to trust the things we see around us. We see thin people smiling and happy on TV. We see the models being adored and the confidence in their faces and we want the same thing. God says, "I want to give you all those things too. I love and accept you. I want to lead you to friends who love you. I want to give you the confidence to face any trial, any trouble you may face."
But it's a different path that God calls us down. Can we trust Him?
Consider It
As you read through today's Scripture passage, think about the following questions:
While Jesus was talking to people who didn't have enough, how does this apply to those who have too much?
What worries prompt you to want to diet?
Where are you getting your standards for what's acceptable?
Apply It
A healthy diet is important for various reasons. And if your doctor has prescribed a diet and exercise regimen, then by all means follow his advice. But don't fall into the trap of thinking your social status is dependent on your weight or diet plan. God understands our need for love and fellowship, with both Him and others. But when we're so focused on getting those things for ourselves, we forget to turn to Him to provide for us.
What areas are you having a hard time trusting God in? Write down each one and then pray for them individually. Ask God to reassure you of His love and His provision.
Express It
Praise God for His love. Ask God to help you find the strength you need to trust Him in all things. If your focus on dieting is keeping you from serving God, ask Him for the ability to step away from that diet and trust Him for the results.
© 2008 NotReligion |
Key Passage: Matthew 6:25-34
"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT).
Homer Simpson wanders through the dark woods until he stumbles and falls in front of a large billboard. He looks up to see the word "DIE" in big bold letters. Homer shrieks. Then the wind blows away some tree branches that obscured part of the billboard. And Homer sees the word "DIET" and screams even louder as he runs off.
It's funny on The Simpson's, but for many people faced with dieting, it feels like dying might actually be easier. They've tried it--and tried it many times. They've filled out the calorie charts, gone blind from reading the nutrition labels, and passed sleepless nights fighting the desire for a midnight run for ice cream and cookies. They desperately want to lose weight, but can't.
There's no end to the dieting books the flood the market. And the Christian marketplace is no different, with some authors going as far as equating fat with sin. Does that imply that God only loves thin people?
Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are good reasons for needing to lose weight, but gaining the love and respect of God is not one of them. Nowhere in the Bible does God say, "I only love people who weigh less than 150 pounds." He's never implied that His love increases as our weight decreases.
Near the end of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, NLT). Now the people Jesus was talking to had very little and worried they might not have enough. The person faced with dieting has a different situation, but the same worry: "If I cut back, will I have enough?" In both cases, Jesus answers, "Trust Me."
And that's the hard part, isn't it? It's far easier to trust the things we see around us. We see thin people smiling and happy on TV. We see the models being adored and the confidence in their faces and we want the same thing. God says, "I want to give you all those things too. I love and accept you. I want to lead you to friends who love you. I want to give you the confidence to face any trial, any trouble you may face."
But it's a different path that God calls us down. Can we trust Him?
Consider It
As you read through today's Scripture passage, think about the following questions:
While Jesus was talking to people who didn't have enough, how does this apply to those who have too much?
What worries prompt you to want to diet?
Where are you getting your standards for what's acceptable?
Apply It
A healthy diet is important for various reasons. And if your doctor has prescribed a diet and exercise regimen, then by all means follow his advice. But don't fall into the trap of thinking your social status is dependent on your weight or diet plan. God understands our need for love and fellowship, with both Him and others. But when we're so focused on getting those things for ourselves, we forget to turn to Him to provide for us.
What areas are you having a hard time trusting God in? Write down each one and then pray for them individually. Ask God to reassure you of His love and His provision.
Express It
Praise God for His love. Ask God to help you find the strength you need to trust Him in all things. If your focus on dieting is keeping you from serving God, ask Him for the ability to step away from that diet and trust Him for the results.
© 2008 NotReligion |
Struggling to deal with feelings
Long story short - my b/f and I broke up three years ago. He is an addict/alkie, but I was his: body, heart and soul.
With and without drugs, we had the best times and we just "fit" together. Let's just say, we have to be apart. It's the best thing for all concerned. He is the father of my child, will always be in my life and I will always love him.
Basically, I felt horrible, I wanted to die, but instead I drank and took painkillers for three years. Which I am now trying to stop. But it is really hurting. It is like we just broke up.
I can see myself coping with everyday life again, the stresses and stuff, but this emotional stuff from so long ago has just come up and smacked me so hard. I'm one second away from crying all the time.
Having the mentality of a two year old, I want someone to say something magical that is going to take all my pain away!!!
With and without drugs, we had the best times and we just "fit" together. Let's just say, we have to be apart. It's the best thing for all concerned. He is the father of my child, will always be in my life and I will always love him.
Basically, I felt horrible, I wanted to die, but instead I drank and took painkillers for three years. Which I am now trying to stop. But it is really hurting. It is like we just broke up.
I can see myself coping with everyday life again, the stresses and stuff, but this emotional stuff from so long ago has just come up and smacked me so hard. I'm one second away from crying all the time.
Having the mentality of a two year old, I want someone to say something magical that is going to take all my pain away!!!
Drinking. . .It feels like I’m on vacation
Hi all! I have many things that I need to change about myself but drinking is on the top of the list. Nice to meet you all, btw!
Why is it that when I drink, I feel as though I'm ushered out of my routine everyday life and onto a sandy beach with cabana boys, a floral sarong and zero need for SPF? My life is better now than it's ever been. I'm a successful glass artist and jewelry designer. I work from home and enjoy my work very much. If that's not awesome enough, I'm three years married to the love of my life. So, what's wrong with me? Why is it that I can't stop drinking? Each night when the sun goes down, I curl up on the couch with a half a bottle of pinot. Sometimes, I snack too and smoke a bunch of cigarettes. I know it's ridiculous but I do it anyway.
For some reason, the idea of never drinking again freaks me out. I've tried to only drink on weekends but that always finds me making excuses for why it's okay to drink on Tuesday, which eventually leads to it being okay to drink on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday too.
Well, anyway, I'm not much of a forum poster. I'm shocked actually that I've posted the same day that I joined. I didn't expect to post for at least a year or better. I guess this half a bottle of pinot helped my stage fright. Crap. . . I just found another reason to keep drinking. lol (KIDDING!!!)
Why is it that when I drink, I feel as though I'm ushered out of my routine everyday life and onto a sandy beach with cabana boys, a floral sarong and zero need for SPF? My life is better now than it's ever been. I'm a successful glass artist and jewelry designer. I work from home and enjoy my work very much. If that's not awesome enough, I'm three years married to the love of my life. So, what's wrong with me? Why is it that I can't stop drinking? Each night when the sun goes down, I curl up on the couch with a half a bottle of pinot. Sometimes, I snack too and smoke a bunch of cigarettes. I know it's ridiculous but I do it anyway.
For some reason, the idea of never drinking again freaks me out. I've tried to only drink on weekends but that always finds me making excuses for why it's okay to drink on Tuesday, which eventually leads to it being okay to drink on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday too.
Well, anyway, I'm not much of a forum poster. I'm shocked actually that I've posted the same day that I joined. I didn't expect to post for at least a year or better. I guess this half a bottle of pinot helped my stage fright. Crap. . . I just found another reason to keep drinking. lol (KIDDING!!!)
Pat on the back to SR!
I understand that this my life and they are my life choices.
As I have struggled with HIS issues for so long, I have forgotten about myself and the time I should be spending helping ME. I am taking to the time to now learn and TRY TRY TRY to exercise what I have learned on a daily basis in everyday life.
It is hard and there will be set-backs. The difference I can see right now between myself and my A is that: his recovery is not a priority in his life - in the sense that he has not taken any steps to get there, despite the constant complaining of the disease. Where as I am atleast researching, gaining knowledge and taking responsibilty for the issue that I am struggling with - Codependancy. I will commend myself for that, because I have seen growth within myself.
Yes I have obstacles and sure, I mess up sometimes, but in just the way that I think, and the way that I deal with him has come a long way since before I became a member here at SR.
I am no more the erratic emotional mess that I was before. When we have plans and he leaves me in the dust for drugs or alcohol, no more do I cry. But I am thankful that he does not come around me. I am peaceful in knowing that I am not the real reason he doesn't want to spend that time with me. That the issue is his.
I have learned to throw the ball in his court and know the difference between HIS problems and mine - and also which is the most important.
I want to thank everyone here who has dealt with me through the denial and defense process I went through I first joined. I thank you for still offering your advice even when it seemed I wasnt accepting it - maybe through this thread you can see what you all have helped me with so much! And please believe me when I tell you that it is ALL because of you this much progress has been made. I have not talked to anyone else. Only you wonderful people here at SR!
Thank you so much from me - and Im sure from many others on here....
If you would like to take the time to note the progress you have made since joining SR - it would be wonderful to hear :ghug
As I have struggled with HIS issues for so long, I have forgotten about myself and the time I should be spending helping ME. I am taking to the time to now learn and TRY TRY TRY to exercise what I have learned on a daily basis in everyday life.
It is hard and there will be set-backs. The difference I can see right now between myself and my A is that: his recovery is not a priority in his life - in the sense that he has not taken any steps to get there, despite the constant complaining of the disease. Where as I am atleast researching, gaining knowledge and taking responsibilty for the issue that I am struggling with - Codependancy. I will commend myself for that, because I have seen growth within myself.
Yes I have obstacles and sure, I mess up sometimes, but in just the way that I think, and the way that I deal with him has come a long way since before I became a member here at SR.
I am no more the erratic emotional mess that I was before. When we have plans and he leaves me in the dust for drugs or alcohol, no more do I cry. But I am thankful that he does not come around me. I am peaceful in knowing that I am not the real reason he doesn't want to spend that time with me. That the issue is his.
I have learned to throw the ball in his court and know the difference between HIS problems and mine - and also which is the most important.
I want to thank everyone here who has dealt with me through the denial and defense process I went through I first joined. I thank you for still offering your advice even when it seemed I wasnt accepting it - maybe through this thread you can see what you all have helped me with so much! And please believe me when I tell you that it is ALL because of you this much progress has been made. I have not talked to anyone else. Only you wonderful people here at SR!
Thank you so much from me - and Im sure from many others on here....
If you would like to take the time to note the progress you have made since joining SR - it would be wonderful to hear :ghug
The Long Road Getting Sober
The Long Road Getting Sober
Life at 11 months the count down to one year..
What has really change the way I think for one ..But who I am hasn't really
..I'm can still be a total ass with my anger.But I can control it ..So much
better now . And when ask the question.. Do I want to drink the answer will
always be yes.. But it all come down to who I want to be..The bad ass roger
or the good one ..You can say I have realize what it does to me ..Like two
personality doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde..And the thing is I know what I want
now and I love who I am becoming .. It really doesn't matter what people
think of me anymore ..I'm not here to make their lives better ..But to make
my life better and there after come the true me ..And if you were to ask for
my secret ..I have none ..To tell you the truth it is all me willpower
knowing what I really want out of life and who I want to be .. The problem
of everyday life is and will always be there you can't stop it from coming..
But you can make the best of what you have and who you are..
When it all comes down to it we are all the same just maybe some have more
money or more kids ,job sucks your husband an ******* or your wife etc etc..
When that problem happen .. Its all but two question to be ask should I or
shouldn't I .. It goes the same with having fun spending time with friends
and family .. Do or don't and these day's I don't want to drink and I don't
need
and i also wanted to add this part that my exwife wrote ..
Hi Roger, I'd be glad to. "Having Roger not drinking anymore has made a very positive change in many people's lives; especially his sons. They wanted a father who would be understanding, patient and non-judgemental. It seems to me that alcohol can turn the nicest people into mean, rash people. Before, I could not get along with him, and I had no patience for his attitude. Now, it's like I re-discovered one of my best friends and I am proud to call him the father of my children. I know it will always be a somewhat difficult road for him to stay on at times; but I know he will perservere and stay sober. If he doesn't, he stands to lose everything again. And I never want to see that happen. " How's that? :) Hope you havea great weekend. Talk to ya later. Margie
and say to you all .. that it does get better everyday ..
peace love and god bless you all happy sunday
Life at 11 months the count down to one year..
What has really change the way I think for one ..But who I am hasn't really
..I'm can still be a total ass with my anger.But I can control it ..So much
better now . And when ask the question.. Do I want to drink the answer will
always be yes.. But it all come down to who I want to be..The bad ass roger
or the good one ..You can say I have realize what it does to me ..Like two
personality doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde..And the thing is I know what I want
now and I love who I am becoming .. It really doesn't matter what people
think of me anymore ..I'm not here to make their lives better ..But to make
my life better and there after come the true me ..And if you were to ask for
my secret ..I have none ..To tell you the truth it is all me willpower
knowing what I really want out of life and who I want to be .. The problem
of everyday life is and will always be there you can't stop it from coming..
But you can make the best of what you have and who you are..
When it all comes down to it we are all the same just maybe some have more
money or more kids ,job sucks your husband an ******* or your wife etc etc..
When that problem happen .. Its all but two question to be ask should I or
shouldn't I .. It goes the same with having fun spending time with friends
and family .. Do or don't and these day's I don't want to drink and I don't
need
and i also wanted to add this part that my exwife wrote ..
Hi Roger, I'd be glad to. "Having Roger not drinking anymore has made a very positive change in many people's lives; especially his sons. They wanted a father who would be understanding, patient and non-judgemental. It seems to me that alcohol can turn the nicest people into mean, rash people. Before, I could not get along with him, and I had no patience for his attitude. Now, it's like I re-discovered one of my best friends and I am proud to call him the father of my children. I know it will always be a somewhat difficult road for him to stay on at times; but I know he will perservere and stay sober. If he doesn't, he stands to lose everything again. And I never want to see that happen. " How's that? :) Hope you havea great weekend. Talk to ya later. Margie
and say to you all .. that it does get better everyday ..
peace love and god bless you all happy sunday
Why I’m quitting alcohol…
because the after effects make everyday life very difficult.Bad nerves/jitters/panic attacks.Simple things like picking up the mail at the post office require me to gather up the " nerve" to go inside.
I picked up some beer today at the beverage barn and when I was done and out by my car I got a bad case of the shakes.My hands were visibly shaking.
But I did take a puff of primatene about 5 minutes before I went in.
But now that I'm thinking about it a major trigger might have been that a little earlier I was at a railroad crossing that had the gates down and the train went by a little bit later , bringing back the stress of the accident I had last November when my van was destroyed by a train after I got stuck on the tracks during a snow/sleet storm !
If abstaining doesn't improve my life I guess I'll just have to suck up the fact I have some kind of panic disorder.
I picked up some beer today at the beverage barn and when I was done and out by my car I got a bad case of the shakes.My hands were visibly shaking.
But I did take a puff of primatene about 5 minutes before I went in.
But now that I'm thinking about it a major trigger might have been that a little earlier I was at a railroad crossing that had the gates down and the train went by a little bit later , bringing back the stress of the accident I had last November when my van was destroyed by a train after I got stuck on the tracks during a snow/sleet storm !
If abstaining doesn't improve my life I guess I'll just have to suck up the fact I have some kind of panic disorder.
Moral dilema
Sorry to bother you guys again but i'm having a small moral delemia i need help with. My parents are oblivious to my drug use and my drinking problems. I know telling them about it would only hurt them and they would probably blame themselves and since i'm getting clean and sober it isn't a part of my everyday life anymore. i feel obligated to tell them but i know it will hurt. I have been thinking that i should wait until i move out and live a seperate life to tell them. I'm open to any suggestions or advice you have for me. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again guys!
