PMS in a Handbasket--Don't be afraid, just bring us food... Part 22

[Tiffer]

I almost burst out laughing in church today! Our pastor does a power point thing with his sermons. On one of the slides was the picture that a bunch of us had in support of Myst! The one with the cat looking in the mirror and seeing a lion! I controled myself though!

I also want to share part of the sermon today. I think it's very approriate for many of us, me included. I hope no one is offended by the reference to God. It just really made me stop and think though. It has to do with a lady, Martha, who was in a wheelchair but also had a very good life; a loving husband, family, house, etc., but was filled with self-pity. After a long period of listening to Martha's doom and gloom the pastor told her one day, Martha, I don't really think my visits are doing you any good. I share's God's promises with you, and the sacraments- but nothing changes. I cannot understand how you can be so filled with self-pity when you have so many blessings! Martha I think your life would be so much happier if you would thank God for his many blessings rather than always complaining.

You don't have to believe in God to do this, we should just really try and be thankful for the good things that we all do have in our lives. I'm sure all of us can think of some.

I try that sometimes and then my depression takes over.

 

[Caropooh]

Paige, that was not directed at you! It was, what I thought good advice for all of us. I'm sorry if I offended you, that wasn't my intention. I'll go delete it.

 

[paigevz]

I try that sometimes and then my depression takes over.

Actually, did you follow Shug's link about clinical depression on my (latest) thread in the clubhouse? Maybe I do complain too much if I have to specify which thread. Anyway, this story of Pooh's illustrates quite well what the link talks about that those who have not had clinical depression or have not worked closely with those who have for many years, can not possibly understand. The pastor in the story wouldn't understand. And he would do much more harm to the fictional Martha by telling her to shake herself out of it like that, making her even more depressed, she would now be thinking.........what is wrong with me, even the pastor has given up on me now, I should count my blessings, I'm a failure............and if he truly stopped visiting her, cutting off an important lifeline.

 

[paigevz]

Paige, that was not directed at you! It was, what I thought good advice for all of us. I'm sorry if I offended you, that wasn't my intention. I'll go delete it.

You didn't offend me, I was explaining my thoughts. I know, as I said, your heart means well.

 

[phorsenuf]

I feel like everytime I ever let out a feeling, someone says something about complaining or counting blessings. I know where your heart is, but I'll hold back so much, and then when I let it out and that message comes, I feel guilty again.

Paige, I don't think Caro mean't anything by it, she was just sharing. I know where she is coming from and my old Pastor used to call it stinkin thinkin. I deal alot with guilt, depression, everything is my fault, I suck feelings all the time. When it gets real bad I try to focus on the good that I do have in my life. I know our situations are different but I think of my kids and how precious they are to me, and how fortunate I am that I found a man who truly loves me even though in my mind somedays I think he doesn't. So on and so forth. You may not think you have alot of good things in your life right now, but I bet you have more than you think. I love ya hon!

 

[paigevz]

Paige, I don't think Caro mean't anything by it, she was just sharing. I know where she is coming from and my old Pastor used to call it stinkin thinkin. I deal alot with guilt, depression, everything is my fault, I suck feelings all the time. When it gets real bad I try to focus on the good that I do have in my life. I know our situations are different but I think of my kids and how precious they are to me, and how fortunate I am that I found a man who truly loves me even though in my mind somedays I think he doesn't. So on and so forth. You may not think you have alot of good things in your life right now, but I bet you have more than you think. I love ya hon!

I know exactly what good things I have in my life. My friends, Tig, my boys, my health, their health, the fact that I live in America, health care, a good job, food to eat, warm clothes, shoes, vaccines, I could go on for a while. It doesn't stop depression. I'm not upset with Caro. How much more clear can I be? I was just sharing as well. Maybe I should just go back to the ceiling fan.

 

[dolphinrescuegirl]

Hi all. I should be packing but I will do that later. We went to a goodbye lunch thrown by the stranding network (the dolphin stranding). They gave me flowers, Brandon got a plaque, and we got a CD of all the rescues since 1996. They also got a cake for us. I almost started crying and now I'm not as excited about moving to FL. I guess it's sinking in that this is it and we won't see these people again unless they come visit.

 

[sumrmist]

evening everyone !

 

[phorsenuf]

I knew I should have just kept my mouth shut. I suck at advice.

 

[sumrmist]

I dont give advice for the reason that sometimes the advice you are giving doesnt want to be heard. I hate that so many of us here have problems but I do not have advice to give...well I do but I keep it to myself. Its not that I dont care but dont want to offend anyone.

 

[sumrmist]

on that note I have to go..Im at my mothers and should be visiting with her.

 

[LaraK]

Good evening all!

to those who need one.

I'm laying here trying to decide if I actually broke my toe or bruised the piss out of it. Damn car carrier!

 

[phorsenuf]

I dont give advice for the reason that sometimes the advice you are giving doesnt want to be heard. I hate that so many of us here have problems but I do not have advice to give...well I do but I keep it to myself. Its not that I dont care but dont want to offend anyone.

Yep, that's why I usually dispense hugs and that is what I shall do from now on. I don't mean to offend either. but I guess one just does not know how your words will be interprted not being able to hear voice inflection and such.
Say hi to your mom for me.

 

[LaraK]

OK...I've decided bruised, not broken...the pain faded too much too quickly for it to be a break.

In terms of several of the situations going on here, I also am not a big one for offering advice. This is not the best forum in which to be effective in offering sound advice that will be accepted. However, I do think of this quote once in a while while here...

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.
~~~Henri Nouwen

Sure I could give advice, after all, I advise others for a living...but if you really want me to do that, I'd rather do so privately. I hope that it does not offend that I do not so so here.

 

[snowwhitesmom]

HUGS FOR EVERYONE!!!!!

 

[L107ANGEL]

uh, hi?

 

[Caropooh]

Hi all. I should be packing but I will do that later. We went to a goodbye lunch thrown by the stranding network (the dolphin stranding). They gave me flowers, Brandon got a plaque, and we got a CD of all the rescues since 1996. They also got a cake for us. I almost started crying and now I'm not as excited about moving to FL. I guess it's sinking in that this is it and we won't see these people again unless they come visit.

Kim

 

[L107ANGEL]

goodnight?

 

[Caropooh]

on that note I have to go..Im at my mothers and should be visiting with her.

Hi Teo and Teo Mom!

Good evening all!

to those who need one.

I'm laying here trying to decide if I actually broke my toe or bruised the piss out of it. Damn car carrier!

um, what exactly did the car carrier do?

uh, hi?

Hi to the both of you!

 

[disneynutt1225]

That's a really nice quote, Lara.

Ugh I have such a headache. DBro and I had a heart to heart earlier that involved crying on both our parts. Life stinks sometimes, but in my heart I know it will get better. Sometimes it's just really hard to be strong for everyone else when all you really want to do is fall apart and lean on someone for a change.