Christianity Oasis Forum

[JohnR]

Yesterday was day 19 today 20. Yesterday was the 1st time I didn't get a chance to write in my journal. It was a pretty good day I finished the stepping stones, I got my room cleaned up, & gave the dog a flea bath (that was fun).
Then it was off to work & when I got home my son commandeered the computer all night (right now we only have 1 good computer). So after I finished stepping stone 14 & came to the end I was reminded of another sore spot / problem area in my life & that is m o n e y! Next to anger money is something I wish I never had to deal with & the two are linked. When I learned about anger I found out it stemmed from selfishness, self-centeredness, & pride. And that pride is not just arrogance but also being timid. It didn’t make sense at 1st until I heard it explained; timidness is pride too because your still worried more about self & what will someone think if I do this or say that. It’s still selfish & self-centered. WOW! What a revelation. What has held me back all these years is pride in reverse. That lack of ability to just go out & do it was pride all along. That still doesn’t ease the sting of all the years I have wasted not to say that it was all a waste but it could’ve been a lot better had I followed God’s plan instead of my own.
I pray Lord that you will heal me & help relieve me of self so that I may do your will & be a blessing to my family & others, so that my life can be a testimony of your power to bring others to Christ. Amen
God Bless

[grandma dolittle]

John R,
The Amish have a saying that worry means we don't think God is big enough to handle the problem. Worry is something I do well and am trying to not do. Your problems are like taking a watch to the watch maker and asking him to fix it. He agrees and you pick up the watch and walk out the door with it. He can't fix it because you didn't leave it with him. If you pick up your problems and take them with you, God can't fix them. My youngest son was put in prison before his 19th birthday, I was terrified as I have heard horror stories about prison. I had to place him in God's hands and leave him there. I have felt peace since and I do not worry about him.

Now, money is a different story. I am 66 years old, divorced, and have money problems and health issues. I have to decide whether to tithe or pay bills, but I can't do both. So I give when I have any extra to give. It may be $20 or $1, but God knows. After my bills are paid, there is very little to live on for a month and believe me, it doesn't stretch farther than 3 weeks! However, God has always taken care of me. He has never let me down. May God bless you.