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Joined: Feb 2001
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Perhaps my request is a little off topic but I am feeling tired and stressed (work-related) and I can tell it's affecting my thought life and feelings...in ways that scare me.

I know temptation is normal but it's scary when you've wandered once before. I have no intentions of pursuing evil but just could use extra coverage to stay strong and victorious.

I also really need direction from God. I am growing unhappy--even angry about the changes in my job situation (reduced hours in a job-share). I am losing some freedoms I've enjoyed ever since I had it but I still basically do love my work.

I love having my own identity. When H and I were both pastors, sometimes I didn't know where he ended and I began although we were an awesome team (if I do say so myself <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> ) I know work is not what defines me...and am so grateful to God for the revelation that my past is also not what defines me..it is Christ in me who defines my identity.

Please just pray that I find balance and give glory to God and keep my love for H burning bright and strong.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate you so much.

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Freshstart~~I speak blessings into your life THIS day in the Name of Jesus! I will keep you in my prayers:-) Min

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Min, thank you so much. I seem to be obsessing on this thing and I know God really must want to teach me something through it.

He has helped loosen my grip on my love of my job--I think it had become an idol in my life for a time.

I'm not good at handling conflict and even worse at confrontation. I don't want to be fuming on the inside and wearing a plastic smile on the outside. I also don't want to give less than 110%. My desire is to honour God in everything I do but I'm also tired of being a doormat. I've been a victim long enough and I know that I really am a strong woman inside--strong enough to stand under pressure and strong enough to hand the reigns over to Christ, my Defender--hmmm...think the Lord just answered me as I shared there!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> He is so good.

Thanks for your prayers.

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Hey Fresh~~ Your post was enlightening! I hope this finds His peace that passes all understanding consuming you!!! "He'll keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind stayed on Him!" When the praises go up, the blessings come down! He is still God, even when we're not where or what we think we should be!! Keep me posted on His blessings in your life and I'll keep uplifting you in prayer!! Min

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Father, I pray that as you have given F.S. this revelation I pray that You would continue to speak clarity and direction into her life. I also pray that her love for her H would grow deeper as her love for You grows deeper. Order her steps I pray now as you have promised to do in Your Word, in Jesus Name. Amen.

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((Min and Knight)): thank you!!

Wow! So good to hear from you, Knight--I was thinking about you the other day.

M & K, so neat your timing to reply to this post.
Last night, Sr. Pastor called an impromptu prayer meeting at his place. He invited another pastor to come and speak encouragement and minister to us.

No one person was intended to be the focus--God was our focus!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> But H and I received prophetic words and really sensed an inpouring of strength.

My friend showed me symbollically that when I tend to stress, not to clench my hands but to keep them open in surrender, working to the best of God's ability in me and letting Him take care of the rest..and also TO be sure to rest. It's easy for me to get too busy and I notice that's when satan attacks my mind with temptation.

I felt so good that H wants me to come with him tonight--he has to drive a married lady to a meeting (her H will be there--her H is in an addictions recovery program) and he was pleased that I wanted to come--relieved, really. (It's neat as the Lord has laid this woman on my heart and I didn't know if I would ever see her again.) By the same token, I have someone through work that I have become good friends with and he was to have surgery--H came with me to visit him. It feels good to be honest about needing to support one another and walk carefully in relationships.

It won't be easy to go to the meeting tonight because it's a place where some people know of my past but I have to move forward and find courage. God has been doing a tremendous work of healing in restoring relationship with our old denomination.

As far as work, I figured out I have about 9 full working days before the event and one half day--I have not done Christmas cards for the past 3 years and I have never felt I gave my family a decent celebration at home so I choose to accept the days off as a gift to give my family some of my great homemade baking (if I do say so myself <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> ) and a clean, decorated home and to give Father God worship for His greatest gift of Jesus in my life.

Oops..I ramble. Thanks for listening and praying.

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

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Just to explain about the work thing..I have this huge project that I put 10 hour days in 5/6 days a week last year. With the job-share, apparently I am not allowed to increase the hours (it might hurt my partner's feelings and I sense she isn't to know I'm behind and struggling??? How honest is that?) --so that's what I meant about having 9 days to the "event."

I really should learn how to edit! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

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Freshie...
I am encouraged by your words and the excitement in those words. BTW do you see the piece of paper @ the top of your post the one with the pencil on it. Ya, that one, if you click on that you will be able to edit your post. Happy editing.

knight

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Editing is that easy??? Who knew? lol

Knight, did you get my email?

Things went great tonight. And our own worship this morning was awesome. God is so good.

I can't believe the difference He makes in my life. I still can't believe I allowed myself to fall but I am far more amazed at the ways He is restoring and blessing.

Thank God for hope and second chances!

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(((((FS)))))) God Bless You!!!! I praise and thank God for your encouraging and uplifting experiences and FOR SHARING them w/us:-)) I receive that encouragement in the Name of Jesus!! What a blessing it was to read your post(s)~! Do continue to keep us posted! --Min--I'll keep uplifting you in my prayers!!

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Yes. I got it. You get mine??

Thanks for your encouraging words this morning, they brighten my day.

God bless,
knight


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