amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

Barb · 03-28-2008, 04:00 PM

I am struggling right now with having Faith - ie. knowing that everything is in His hands and not allowing myself to fall apart and feel defeated.

Any prayers for strength, faith and calmness are appreciated. I keep praying and trying to I guess convince myself it will all be ok, but I'm really not succeeding today.

Thanks
B

LatteLover · 03-28-2008, 04:04 PM

I am not a Christian, but I wanted to reply that I firmly believe there is a rhyme and reason to the universe and how things happen. I believe that not on faith but experience. I know in the depths of things it can be hard to believe that. Something that always helps me is to think of other times things have seemed so low, and how they often were just the start of something greater and better than I could have imagined.

Momof6 · 03-28-2008, 05:36 PM

Barb,

It would be an honor to pray for you. I will do just that each day.

I am not sure what is totally going on as I have a difficult time keeping up with things here at Amity's.

I can share that you can have peace and joy in the middle of what should be major stress.

Do you want some verses to look up? I have a great book that has references and actually have confessions to say outloud and I'd be happy to share a few here if you want me to.

Michelle

hana · 03-28-2008, 05:37 PM

Hey, does it help to know you're in my non-religious thoughts, mama. I know there's a lot on you right now. May you find a way to maintain the faith that has sustained you so far.

Jessica · 03-28-2008, 06:51 PM

Barb,

This chapter in the Bible has always helped me. Verses 6-7 especially.

Philippians 4
1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Exhortations
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow,[a] help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings
21Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.[b]

Barb · 03-28-2008, 09:45 PM

Thank you.

I just need to breathe and pray huh?

gabwife · 03-28-2008, 10:55 PM

((Barb)) Yeah,this too shall pass.Your post reminds me of how I'm being carried right now.Times are tough at our house too.Remember the little miracle's.And I'll include you with everyone else I pray for.

mamajandtheboys · 03-28-2008, 11:45 PM

Jeremiah 29:11 : "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

You are definitely in my prayers, friend.

Amber · 03-31-2008, 01:00 PM

I will pray for you to that you can know the Lord is indeed aware of your needs and that all things are for a purpose. Also that you may feel his comfort and love during this trying time.

We have gone through a long bad period of unemployment/underemployment too and it was hard. Looking back now though I hated going through it(and hope we don't have to do it again) I grew and was strengthened through the process. May the same be true for you.