encouragedon'tjudge

Thank you but there seem to be too many people who don't like the idea. So I don't think it's gonna happen. God bless you.

I don't understand. What do you mean?

If my suggestion sounded in any way like I DON'T enjoy fellowship w/ the youths, then I apologize. I too enjoy fellowship w/Christians of all ages. I guess what I am trying to say and probably didn't communicate it very successfully is this: It was meant as nothing more than a suggestion. If there is not a demand for that then certainly I do understand. I am happy to continue to correspond w/ all ages on this forum because I love people. I guess I got the idea from the fact that on a lot of these forums offer category specific groups. In fact, the "youth" DO have their own forum. I would respect that they might want to discuss issues important to them, w/ their peers, without having older adults coming onto their forum. I personally don't know how many folks over 50 are on this forum or how much of a demand there would be for this.I also apologize for coming across like I want to "segregate" individuals. Believe me, I don't. My "agenda" is a "Jesus focused" venue for light hearted chit chat w/ other folks in my age group.

Thanks Willa for showing an interest. I am actually a beginning Bird watcher

I presented the idea to George on chat today and he said to talk it up and generate interest. He hasn't approved it yet.

I love the youngsters but how about our own space. I will even accept suggestions on what to name the new chat room. Plus, I will throw in "virtual" coffee. Please help get this venture underway. Then come by and share what is important to you. Looking forward to seeing you there. God bless.

I second this-Pray and seek wisdom from the Bible. Wait on the Lord for an answer. I will keep you in prayer as well. Please keep me posted w/any updates. God bless you.

I'd like to just hang out on this thread for a while, listen to others and hope that something helpful will "rub off" on me. I will post more later.

I agree-one CAN experience BETTER mental health after coming to Christ because we are a "new creation", "old things have passed away" and there is a "transformation of the mind." I had Bi-polar illness before I came to Christ and while my condition has gotten BETTER and their is definitely a RENEWING of my mind, I am not completely healed yet. I pray for healing because it is in God's power to do so. However, he may decide to not heal me altogether. This is no reflection of MY devotion to HIM. "His ways are not our ways".

Our eternal home is heaven. We are just sojourners here. While this life is not a "vacation" , we are nevertheless "tourists" who must venture out every day, embracing what God has placed before us and bringing "salt and light" to all, whether they call "this world" or "the kingdom of God" their home. "Go out and make disciples of all nations". We must "occupy" until He comes back . Our work while we are here is "to do the will of our Father who is in Heaven". Be "Ambassadors in the Embassy of Christ" in THIS world until He comes back to take us home. Let's allow Him to use us to "book" as many emigrants from THIS world as possible for the flight. God bless you all.

Singing Alto in a Heavenly Choir. OR I've moved. Visit me in my new location.

2 out of 10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGJdNPiWZzQ

I am a born again, blood bought, daughter of the King. I also have bi-polar disorder. God is looking for people like me, among others, to work through. He chose humble fishermen, tax collectors,prostitutes, etc. His strength is made manifest in our weakness. He used little David to slay big Goliath. The Bible is full of us quirky misfits and square pegs who God used and is still using today. There are days when I am so depressed that I just want to stay in bed all day. Somehow, God gives me enough strength to get to my Bible, get lost in His embrace and be fed. Then I know there is a God who is bigger than my mental illness and a power in prayer that is greater than any circumstance. I can find contentment in MY prison.(just like Paul)

There is everything from shorts to maxi-dresses at my church. I think the most important thing is that what we wear should be neat, clean, presentable and modest. I'm most comfortable in long walking shorts in the summer and pants in the winter w/ nice top- add a sweater, jacket or coat when the weather gets cold. I don't like when women show up in skirts or shorts that are too short or tops that are too low cut in the front. I think it takes the attention away from Jesus and puts it on the woman in a way that she should not be attracting attention. I also don't like to see severely torn,ratty looking jeans. Now, if a homeless individual or someone who is struggling financially only has one set of clothes that are wearing thin maybe the church should consider establishing a free clothing closet if it doesn't already have one. This could be a great ministry to bless the Body of Christ.

Thank you. I love this.

I believe He sometimes wants us to stay put until He moves us. One of the hardest things is to wait on God and not try to do anything of one's own power. In fact, it can sometimes take more faith to stand still and trust that He is using us right where he has us. It is especially difficult if we look at our circumstances rather than staying focused on Him.

Amen and thank you. I'm in agreement. I would also put another layer on this. Is God using the interruption to get the attention of someone in the fellowship to send a message? If my thinking is way out there, please let me know.

Good suggestion. Thank you. God bless.

My mind works more simply than a lot of people I know. I study my Bible regularly. The more I learn the more there is to learn. So, I wouldn't consider myself a scholar. All I know is there is a promise of the "renewal of the mind" and God's promises are always true. Somedays, the brain between my ears doesn't function as I would like it to. However, God is looking out for the brain in my heart. If He can use me as a source of love and encouragement to others maybe all that is really important is that I love others and not focus so much on not being the brightest crayon in the box.

Thank you for taking the time to post all this good information. It is helpful and appreciated. I don't know if it is "grand" thinking on my part because of my condition but I sometimes think that the church should just start laying hands on people w/ Bi-polar disorder and see if the power of prayer can eliminate some of the need for all the drugs that are being thrown at people who suffer w/ this illness. Perhaps, also their symptoms and discomfort will be lessened. It could happen w/ faith and prayer.

"when the waves hit" That's exactly what it feels like. Lately, I get a type of "prayer block", like writers get "writers block". All I can manage to get out is "Jesus I love you. I know you are always there. Thank you. Just stick by me and give me strength." -and He does sometimes whisper, " My grace is sufficient for you", so it's interesting that you would mention that scripture. Thank you for answering my post and being so encouraging. God bless you.

Start a relationship with Jesus while you are young. I wasn't saved until I was 44. I am so grateful and love Jesus so much for finally finding a way into my hard heart. Giving my life over to Christ was the best decision I ever made. I could have avoided years of chasing my tail, trying to do everything of my own power, and failing most of the time. Start living for Him while you are young. It is more important that fame,riches,career,etc. any thing that you hold dear in the world. Jesus is the greatest and best treasure. God bless you all today.

Calvary Chapel

How can I stay focused on Jesus when my brain is all over the map?