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Post by JeepGirl on Jan 4, 2018 4:52:44 GMT
For me, the official New Year is no longer the big deal it was in my younger years. Not only because we celebrate differently these days but, also, because it is a worldly recognition of the beginning of a New Year. I am glad, however, that many churches have made it a time to come together, share a meal, maybe show a Christian movie and then bring in the New Year with prayer.
New Year's Eve, for me and, I believe, for many others, has become a time of reflection and assessment of our lives. Sometimes we spend it grieving our losses, including our estrangements and just spend the evening in a state of sadness, regret, etc. And then there are some New Year's Eves, when we can recall so many of the blessings God has given us throughout the years and we are thankful and have a desire to go forward to see what He has planned for us.
We all know there is no right or wrong to our feelings. We are Believers but still have our emotions. This year, I did have the sadness and regret but, being with my dh and sweet long-time Christian friends, helped me to be encouraged and reminded that God has a purpose for each one of us and I don't want to give up but, rather, "...press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:14
I pray blessings upon everyone here for 2018 and that we each come to know Jesus better than we ever have and to love Him more than we ever have. That's my simple prayer. In His Love.....
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Post by lindajoan on Jan 4, 2018 16:26:10 GMT
That is a wonderful prayer. To be drawn closer to the Lord. I agree with you Jeep. Thank you for sharing the real meaning of the New Year.
Praying for all of us.
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Post by everloving11 on Jan 4, 2018 16:47:33 GMT
As I reflected on 2017, it was a remarkable year. Even though our church body dissolved, we found a different church body that I am thriving in. I even get to greet (I'm the one with a ready smile) and occasionally teach the teens (or they teach me, as the case may be!) God blessed us financially - able to freely give whenever I am nudged. We have only grown closer to our three daughters and their children (as the ES and his family flit across the country running, running, running...) I love the ministry-work I do as a teacher of teens from around the world, as well as teens who 'don't fit in' (academically, socially, spiritually, physically, emotionally). Even though my body continues to wear down, it still functions so that I can work full-time and still do challenging gardening. God's Christmas present to me this December was bringing my mother's biological family and I together. My mother was adopted and didn't want a connection with these folks but she and her biological mother have passed away so, as a Christian, I can reach out to them and, by God's strange and humorous way of doing things, a random lady in Germany connected us. Turns out, most of this birth family became Christians except for the biological sister closest in age to my mother who rejects anything to do with God...so, it seems God wants me to reach out to her, gently, with the hope and love of Christ. If I were still wallowing in hurt and sensitivity about the loss of our ES, I would have been blinded to all these opportunities. Instead, I look for blessings and ways to be a blessing. I look for miracles --- present almost every day. Einstein was quoted as saying, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. I choose to look at everything as a miracle.” I also eagerly look for miracles in each of your lives: I still believe God will work all things for good!!! These posts continue to be a big encouragement in my life ~ thank you, one and all.
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Post by JeepGirl on Jan 5, 2018 5:13:18 GMT
What great news to hear from you, everloving. All the family connections were such a God thing. And so encouraging that even though you hadn't known all these people earlier in your life, God still gave you an opportunity to connect in His time. How faithful He is to us.
And I know how hard it is to find another church home. But, like you, we found one and I know that was from God. Maybe because I prayed for one (lol). Why are we surprised when he answers our prayers? No matter how far I think I have come I am still learning.
And, also like you, I have been thanking the Lord for my health and the ability to work with kids and to still do many things. I was just taking life for granted for many years. So glad He is patient and forgiving.
I do like what you said about looking at many occurrences in our lives as "miracles". I commit to do that beginning 2018. Thank you, again, for such an encouraging reply. |
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Post by lindajoan on Jan 5, 2018 18:50:01 GMT
Everloving, That is a lot to be thankful for. I am agreeing with you that these answers to pray are true miracles. God bless you.
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Post by everloving11 on Jan 5, 2018 19:53:26 GMT
I guess the main point I was trying to get at and remind myself about is that we can relax in the midst of pain and dare to be happy! There is so much good (and goodness comes from God) around us if we will but notice it. Thanks for understanding!
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rose
New Member
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Post by rose on Jan 11, 2018 4:32:10 GMT
I am grateful for this forum. I am learning that many loving Christian parents are experiencing this situation. I have a new appreciation for the message of Luke 15:11-32, the prodigal son. How deeply God loves us and aches for the lost and rejoices in those returned to the fold! I tell myself that I am trusting the Lord with my son but I struggle with letting go. My heart goes out to all who face this struggle. I feel comforted to know I am not alone in this.
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Post by lindajoan on Jan 11, 2018 19:12:00 GMT
So true Rose. We are here for one another. God bless you.
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Post by luke2231 on Jan 14, 2018 13:25:35 GMT
Thank you all for your steadfast prayers and support. I heard something the other the other day about how we all have that "one friend" who you can go ages without talking to them... But it doesn't matter because you're always there for each other when it's needed. I feel that way about all of you! Lately, I've been deep into wedding mode (which means I'm also cleaning and prepping my house for company) so I haven't been able to check in as often as I would like. I am still thinking of praying for everyone though! In fact, I saw this in my Pinterest feed this morning and immediately thought that it's for all if us. I don't have a clue how God will restore the wasted years, but I trust that He can and will, somehow, someday. I believe that for All of us. Have a blessed day!  |
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Post by lindajoan on Jan 15, 2018 14:22:15 GMT
Thank you Luke.
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janeb
New Member
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Post by janeb on Jan 16, 2018 2:51:39 GMT
Hi Everyone,
I am new and glad to have found other Christian parents with estranged children. It is a nightmare daily and I pray for a miracle every day. God bless all of you.
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Post by lindajoan on Jan 17, 2018 13:59:33 GMT
Welcome Janeb. Estrangement is very difficult. We are here to support one another. We pray for one another too. God bless you.
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Post by JeepGirl on Jan 17, 2018 14:42:52 GMT
Glad you found us, Janeb. It really is important to know we are not alone in this world of "estrangement". Also, if you have a question, reply to a post or want to write about a situation, this is a safe place and full of understanding, compassion and wisdom.
Luke, Thanks for the post. The first time my son and I were estranged, the Lord gave me Joel 2:25 "...And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten..." It took 10 years, but He did restore. Sadly, after 14 more years, estrangement occurred again. But during that time, I got to know my grands and was given those precious years with them. God's Word never returns void.
Also, Luke, even though it can be stressful at times, enjoy those wedding preparations. I really believe this wedding is a gift from God. Blessings....
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