I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. It surely is a special time to take into our hearts. So many details all coming together perfectly to let it be just as we were told it would be...just like the shepherds in the field. They believed also.
I apologize in advance for any typos. I have a super-bad migraine today, and can barely see the screen or the keys. Spell Check helps but sometimes the word can still be the wrong word. Maybe I meant to say "boy" and I wrote "toy," it does not see it as an error. Please bear with me. I have some very exciting news to share about our 6 Month Anniversary for the He IS Able Blog!
Today you will find:
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Psalm 31:24, Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 147:3
- Feelings at Christmas Time
- The He IS Able Blog's 6 Month Anniversary Challenge!
- "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. " Psalm 31:24
"Merry Christmas!" "Happy Holiday!" "Isn't Christmas the best time of the year?" "Happy New Year!" "Feliz Navidad!" It goes on and on...all of these merry or joyous greetings. People say them to the cashiers that they don't even usually greet. They say them to the person a few cubicles down..."Have a Merry Christmas!" "Oh, I do hope you enjoy playing with those new Grand-babies of yours! Christmas is surely for children!"
I want to remind everyone...that even though Christmas is a day of the ultimate Joy, there are many who have feelings of sadness, depression, even suicide during the holidays.
Now, I pray that you all had an incredible Christmas with family and friends, and closeness, and that you celebrated the Miraculous birth of our Savior, Jesus. If you had a day like this...you are fortunate...blessed. I am very happy for you!
However, many people are not feeling joy this time of year. The AA rooms are usually busting out of the seams this time of year. People choosing not to drink again. That is not what this is about...unless it should be for you, or someone you love. (Email me if you would like info on AA or Al-anon.) It was in the AA rooms that I learned a lot of what I want to share.
This information is something I learned long ago. Both of my grandmothers passed away in December one year after each other. It brings great sadness to me. One of them was still Jewish, which adds tremendous sadness and guilt to me. I was also assaulted in December, and re-live that every year. Many people have loved ones who may have passed away this year, and they don't know how to "do" Christmas without them. Perhaps, a loved one passed away even 25 years ago and they still grieve this time of year. Some people may have gone or be going through divorce. Another type of loss...even if it was their idea! It is difficult...it is new. There are people that really don't have the resources for the most minimal of things...let alone to buy gifts or cookies. There are Veterans who sadly, still live in "the" war in their minds. So, if you are one who is feeling like any of these people, or many other people with other trials and sadness. Or if you are just so overwhelmed with "how" Christmas is supposed to look like and feel...you are not alone.
It is a time of Joy that Jesus came here as a little babe, to Save us and Love us. And, you can still have great sadness over other issues. So, please do not feel "alone." You can feel a combination of feelings, too.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!"
If you fall into this category, instead of the over flowing with bubbly talk and song! You are where you should be...especially if you are in the arms of Jesus. Please know, He will help you...just ask Him.
You need not stay in this category forever. Even if it is a mental illness, there is hope. There is always HOPE. Always a way out! Especially with our Loving Lord, Jesus the Christ. But, please, be yourself. Happy or not. Just be honest with your emotions...share if you want...or just be honest with yourself about being sad, but promise to keep others and yourself safe...not matter what! If it becomes dangerous...call 911 and tell them...do not wait. They will help you. Think of all of the people who care for you, though you may be incapable of feeling it right now. Suicide is NEVER the answer. NEVER! And, for those of you who may be grieving over someone who did take their own life. Jesus can help you with your suffering, also. He is a BIG and MIGHTY Lord, and capable of ALL things. I am so sorry for your loss.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
I hope I have had clarity to write. There is no "Correct" way to feel right now is my point. Every step you take...to step out of it...is wonderful. And, if you have Jesus Christ in your life as Lord and Savior...He can change anything! Even if you feel that your sadness is too big for anyone to change it.
If you do not know Jesus in your heart as your Lord, your Messiah, then simply type that in the comment box or email me. I will be honored to help lead you to a life full of HOPE and love and joy...as well as some sadness, and grief...but you will have Jesus on your side. Jesus is Victorious in His Battles. He will fight for you! He loves you already!
I care. I pray for each of you...the joyous, the sad, the happy, the homeless, the grief stricken, those with problems in their lives that seem so big. I pray for those of you who know Jesus Christ, and for those of you who don't. I pray that you will seek help if you need it. I pray that you will be honest with yourself, especially, about how you are truly feeling. I will be happy to help carry some of your burden. He-- Jesus the Christ, can carry your burden for you. He already has. I pray that any of you who find yourself in one of the above situations will seek help, or at least let me know, so I can pray. I have some friends who I pray with daily, with your permission--ONLY, I would have them join in praying for you. Otherwise, it is between you, me and Lord Jesus.
If you are feeling like you want to help somehow. Pray. Read the Bible. Watch for signs. Don't "make someone feel "jolly," try to accept their feelings however they may be. Volunteer...go read the Christmas Story to someone in a Nursing Home, or in the hospital. That is such a wonderful thing to do. Just go to the nurses station and ask if there is anyone who hasn't had a visitor, and ask if you can spend a bit of time with you. Introduce yourself, and ask if they would like to listen to the Christmas Story, or a different section of the Bible, or just talk. And, then just listen...don't offer any advice unless you are a professional...and then be careful!! And, you will not only be blessing them. You will be amazed...by the time you are back in your car...you will feel blessed yourself.
I pray that everyone have a Happy New Year with Jesus being the focus of the year! Thank you for letting me share that.
Celebrate the 6 month Anniversary for the He IS Able blog!
Time just seems to have flown since we started this blog back on June 30th of this year! I was so surprised to realize that the big "0"-"6" was happening this week! And, we have a give-away to celebrate!
How do I play? Make a card, scrapbook page, book mark, altered item, ...anything with the theme or words "He IS Able" on it...and link it to this post. On New Year's Day, the winner will be announced! (That gives you a little extra time to work on it, since you may have company around the house.)
What do I win? You win a CD by Ash2Ash titled "He Will Meet You Where You Are" This CD is incredible in my opinion...and you can listen to it on their Ash2Ash Website. It is wonderful Christian Music with words which will truly minister to your heart. It also makes a great gift, super easy to mail! Yahoo! I am thinking of getting a CD for one of our sons for Valentine's Day. You will also win some fabulous ultra fine and chunky glitter to help your New Year get off to a "shiny" start!
How will I win? Have fun making your art with the theme or words or Scriptures of "He IS Able," add a link to this post...and leave a comment
and on December 31st--New Year's Eve at midnight...easy to remember...I will have a project randomly chosen! The designer will win the Ash2Ash CD and the ultra fine and chunky glitter!!!
I am sorry, but do to my postage budget, I can only send prizes to addresses in the United States. If you live outside of this country, I really appreciate your being here, too,...I really do. If you are willing to send a SASE in the proper amount, I could send it to you. Or, if you have American friends perhaps you would like to give it to them as a Wonderful, Wonderful gift, or maybe they would send it to you. Or, perhaps you would like me to share it with one of the Ministries I work with.
The winner must contact me via email with their snail mail address within 1 week of the Announcement of our 6 Month Anniversary Celebration of the He IS Able blog! The winner will be announced on New Year's Day!
I am having trouble getting Mr. Linky to work for me today. I am going to see if my wonderful friend Wendy, is available to help me out AGAIN!!!! Please leave some love for Wendy on her blog...be sure to tell her how much you appreciate her designing our blog, making our badge, and helping me with technical--person errors! Here is a post to her blog it is the Wickedly Wonderful Creations Blog by Wendy.
If your card is ready before we can get Mr.Linky working, please leave a link to your work in the SCS gallery or CPC gallery or on your blog with a comment from you! I will also notify you when we get it working...so everyone can see!
Have a wonderful week...and have fun designing your card or project!
He IS Able,
Traci S.
i also wrote a post about Christmas during difficult times because I know so many who are undergoing challenges during this time.
ReplyDeletemay you have a blessed and joyful Christmas season and new year ahead!
Statistics state that suicide is the highest during Christmas.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 6 months.
Hope you are feeling better.