jeffnevins

I try to follow Christ as best I can, live in the Spirit, read His Word, pray, evangelize when the opportunity appears, and practice many other aspects that many of us here do. It's been a number of years since I've felt joy, though. I feel awe towards God, and worship him humbly as a sinner, try to serve him, etc. But find it interesting that some people feel joy better than others, like those who can smile or laugh despite having horrible conditions. I'm still deeply thankful to God & try to stay focused on Him in the midst of trouble, but don't feel joy much. Even little things like when the pastor or community group speaker says something & most people laugh. I usually don't. Not that I'm trying not to- it would just feel fake to laugh. It's not a huge deal. Just thought it might be something interesting to dscuss if it hasn't come up before. Thanks.

Thanks for the insight. Good example.

I've been struggling w/the head injury I accidentally inflicted on myself (while sneezing, hit my head on a wood chair backrest) over 3 1/2 years ago (Alaskan cruise, like other one- gift from my grandfather). Had chronic head pain for years. Hit a front tooth by accident with a thick water glass during that time, and the last few years the pain has shifted to the roof of the mouth. Trying not to be defined by the stupidity of an injury years ago is challenging because the pain is here every day. If I can earn an income from my work (it hasn't paid much for the past 3 1/2 years), maybe acupuncture will stop the pain at last. I pray to God for healing, protection from more injury, and whether acu or something else will actually help.

Churches really need to lay off the amplifiers if they're causing harm to the congregation. I wouldn't go to my church when I had head pain from a concussion years ago. Eventually I went back in with earplugs, back row of church. What does God think of technology causing harm to those who would worship him. Or being driven away from a church due to it? There's a small church I went to for Easter in my home town recently, and the volume seems even worse in a small space. At both churches on the comment cards, I've mentioned how bringing down amplifier volume (even if for only one service) would help some people. God can still hear us. People will still sing. No change yet, but I can pray.

I've wanted to give up as well when I had excruciating chronic head pain. The only thing that got me through it was utter reliance on God's grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. Prayer to God to endure.

Watching a videogame on YouTube til around 9:30 PM. I had four hours of sleep last night. Even if I had eight, I wake up around 5-6 AM w/o trying to. NYDay? No idea. Hope you all have a good one, though.

Thanks very much.

Sorry for the confusion on the previous post attempt. I'm cleared to share what I've been up to much of the past few years. Much of the art/animation for a game with "Kingdom Allegory" on the iPad (hopefully Facebook & other platforms soon). I hope it really makes a difference out there. We can't do links here, but I work for Tangerine Pop. If you Google that, our website pops up & you can see it. Thanks for reading. I figured this would be the right sub-forum to post in. Peace of the Lord be with you.

Thanks for the replies. BoPeep, hope things are going OK in that situation. When I think back, I used to be in that situation as well. Almost everyone I knew were nonbelievers, and I only knew Christians through church, here, etc. Eagle: good point. I forgot I do interact with nonbelievers on Gamefaqs, one of the top forums for video games. I try to reflect Christ in discussions there and have a Bible passage in my signature to hopefully make a difference.

Probably due to the fact I've been working from my business partner's home for the past seven years, and haven't done much socially the past three years. Also, lost touch with most friends, Christian & nonbeliever over the years. So when encouraged to bring invite nonbeliever friends to something, I can't. Heh. Anyone else in this situation? Thought it might be interesting to discuss. Thanks.

Thanks for the insights.

Mine charges $7-$20, but I understand it costs a great deal to put on & is spectacular. I didn't see it last year, but volunteered in the lobby. This year I might volunteer again, but not pay to see it. The whole idea of tickets selling out seems a bit odd. Outreach being a bit hampered and the first shall be last, etc. I wouldn't want someone to miss out because I bought the last ticket. I wish them well, though. Thanks for reading.

Thanks everyone. Yeah, I pray before going to bed, starting off with the verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Sorry to hear about your pain, Will. And for death in dreams being possible change- sounds good. Maybe the project will end soon, I can get an income, pay to see the right specialist, and the pain in the roof of my mouth will be somehow treated. (Feels like nerve damage) God bless you all.

I believe it was a first. Anyone else experience this? I've considered the act two times in the past 7 years when in extreme physical & psychological pain, but never acted. We know our time of going to be with God is on His timing, not ours. Things are a bit low: currently sick, three years of chronic pain, living situation not favorable (often stress), waiting for a project I've been working on for almost three years to finally end to earn income, reduced sleep many nights, 60 lbs. underweight, constant acne, etc. But I am very thankful for God and Christ's redemption, food, clothing, shelter, and hope for the future. Thanks for reading. God bless!

Interesting topic. I turned 40 a few weeks ago, and considering some close calls, am honestly surprised I've made it this far. I'm thankful, though. You never know when your time is up. Gotta focus on doing God's will, and being reasonably cautious in life.

Good timing for the topic, thanks. Last night I thought about creating a new topic in the Problems section, but will just add to this. I've been admonished by my boss/housemate for years, sometimes with threats & insults/curses. Last night I was admonished, and apologized a number of times & admitted I was wrong & tried to answer the questions he asked me. When he's upset with me, it is difficult to speak to him because he says I'm speaking foolishly, and doesn't want to talk to me. I choose my words very carefully and strive not to allow emotion into my factual responses. I sometimes ask to pray, but he often says I'm misdirecting. As the years have gone by with this, I get the shakes and have stomach pain after being admonished (despite trying to stay calm & rooted in Christ) and bad sleep the night of admonishment. I sometimes wish the Lord would return soon or that my time on Earth would end so that I might not be a problem for him any more. I've gone through Biblical counseling over this subject a year or two ago. Anyway, praise be to God! Peace to His people on earth. Hope you all deal w/admonishment well!

I think this is the best Christian website online, but haven't been here much the past three years or so. I've been using Facebook Christian groups there for discussion. Chronic pain is throwing me off on socializing, though. I don't want to keep talking about it, but can't stop thinking about it since it distracts. If God allows me to obtain funds I really want to try something again to heal it.

Gamefaqs.com I visit daily for video game discussion. Animation Nation. Facebook for Christian singles groups discussion. I haven't visited this site as much the past three years or so. I'd like to, though.

Good passage. Thanks for the reply.

I never want to be a complainer, but how bad should something get before you share it with a close friend or family member? Thanks for any insights.

Whoa,your font is hard to read.It is reallly small. when jeff posted he accidentally hit the x'2 that changed to subscript Oh, thanks for letting me know. I wasn't sure why it was like that or how to fix it. Feels like speaking quietly.

Thanks for the info. Not being able to work or email would be a problem.

Good point. Living with someone who does that for years (such as you boss in my case) is tough... Hopefully it works out for you, DFan.

Man, that's a lot. Wonder how many are in chronic pain? If only the root causes of the diseases and injuries could be healed. In some cases they can't outside of a miracle. I don't use any meds. Yet. Wish my mom didn't have to.

My body is dying a bit every day, and I can die at any instant. My biggest regret almost every day of the past (almost) three years has been hitting my head on a wood chair backrest while sneezing. At death it may remain my biggest regret. God forgives sin, though I take it seriously. But chronic pain from an injury is not a matter of forgiveness it seems. It has lessened over time. Thank God. But my joy has largely been sucked away. My finances took a hit. I feel trapped in this body. But I thank God for the opportunity to minister to others in the same situation, especially nonbelievers. (previous post can be deleted) (tried logging in through FB, but my post count was reset)