Brokenhearted

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Losing a loved one will always be difficult. When it happens we must remember the only way out is through. There are no easy fixes or pills which can heal the feelings of hurt and loss. The passage of time along with loving friends and family help us heal. Here are some things you can do in the mean time.

1. Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries are difficult so plan ahead if possible. Do something totally different instead of the traditional activities. Do what feels best to you.
2. Let the church family help you. Reach out and let others pray with you. Your friends will not understand unless you tell them.
3. Talk to God. Sorrow is draining. Ask the Lord to strengthen you when you feel down. Isaiah 40:29 7 31 says: "He gives strength to the weary ... those who hope in the Lord ... renew their strength."
4. Keep your expectations in check. Have a reasonable expectation as to how much you can handle. Treat yourself as you would treat your best friend. Be kind and nurturing to yourself.

More Like Jesus

Isa 64:8 "We are like clay, and you are the Potter." (NCV)

God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way!
Where did you get the idea that you cannot change? Aren't you glad that God does not consult your past before considering your future? Like the Potter he can take you and mold you and make you a vessel of honor.
Max Lucado in his book "Just Like Jesus" "God can no more leave your life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched." Is it possible that this might be a reason for some of the pain you are experiencing lately?

He Remembers

Hebrews 6:10

James Sizoo made this comment: "Glamour isn't greatness, applause isn't fame, prominence isn't eminence. The man of the hour isn't apt to be the man of the ages. A stone may sparkle but that doesn't make it a diamond. People may have money but that doesn't make them a success. It's the seemingly unimportant people who determine the course of history. The greatest forces in the universe are never spectacular. Summer showers do more good than hurricanes but they don't get a lot of publicity. The world would soon die but for the fidelity, loyalty, creativity and commitment of those whose names are un-honored and unsung."

You do count in God's kingdom. Listen, "God …. will not forget your work and the love you have shown... as you .. .helped his people." (Heb 6:10) "People look at the outside … the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sa 16:7 NCV) God knows how hard you have been working behind the scenes caring for others.

Will Rogers is quoted as saying, "We can't all be heroes, somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." "Don't get discouraged and give up, for (you) will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time" (Gal 6:9 NLT) Remember God keeps his promises.

Pun Lovers

For Pun Lovers

Arbitrator: A cook that leaves Arby's to work at McDonald's.

Avoidable: What a bullfighter tries to do.

Bernadette: The act of torching a mortgage

Burglarize: What a crook sees with

Control: A short, ugly inmate

Counterfeiters: Workers who put together kitchen cabinets

Eclipse: What an English barber does for a living

Eyedropper: A clumsy ophthalmologist

Heroes: What a guy in a boat does

Left Bank: What the robber did when his bag was full of loot

Misty: How golfers create divots

Paradox: Two physicians

Parasites: What you see from the top of the Eiffel Tower

Pharmacist: A helper on the farm

Polarize: What penguins see with

Primate: Removing your spouse from in front of the TV

Relief: What trees do in the spring

Rubberneck: What you do to relax your wife

Seamstress: Describes 250 pounds in a size 6

Selfish: What the owner of a seafood store does

Sudafed: Brought litigation against a government official

Job 8:21
21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. NIV