This past weekend I had the opportunity to reconnect with family that I had not seen in about thirty years! I had a wonderful time getting acquainted with my cousins from my dad's side of the family. Now that I know they are only a few hours away I plan on visiting more often! I thank my cousin Melody and her little boy Nadji for sharing her home with me for the weekend. I thank my cousin Fred for being a welcoming and gracious host and for grilling all that food! And all the rest of you- I thank you for welcoming us with open arms. I have been missing a large piece of my family for years and now it is stitched back together!
One of the "demons" of my depression is loneliness. Feeling completely and utterly alone in the world, even when I know that isn't true. Staying connected to others helps keep the depression away, but sometimes even in the middle of a room full of people I can feel alone.
God, in His goodness, has brought me more family that I can reach out to in times of need. God already showed me that He has put good, godly friends in my life here to help me and now in His wisdom, love, and mercy He has returned me to family.
The reunion was nothing fancy. Just a large BBQ at my cousin's house with a lot of family. We were missing some people, but hopefully next year we will be able to get everyone together. Especially my dad and Aunt. That would be a blessing for everyone!
The amazing thing was that my niece and nephew, who are usually shy and take a long time to warm up to people were extremely comfortable. We barely saw my nephew as he just ran around playing with the kids all day. And my niece, although she didn't have anyone her age to talk to and sat next to my sister a lot of the time, felt comfortable enough to comfort crying babies/toddlers that she barely knew. They didn't even want to come home!
Weston Cousins, thank you for accepting us into your lives like we were never gone. I am already planning the next visit!
Defeating the Depression Demons
A journey to happiness inspired, navigated, and driven by God.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
WHEN STRESS COMES
I not only suffer from depression, but I get stressed out pretty easily!!! So I want to share something that 'usually' helps in times of stress. It is a very powerful image, and when I visualize this I can only think that any stress that comes my way is insignificant by any comparison!
Jesus has gone to the Mount of Olives to have some prayer time alone with the Father. He enters the Garden of Gethsemane and leaves the disciples a few feet away.
LUKE 22: 41-44
"And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 'Father,if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.' And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. AND BEING IN GREAT AGONY HE PRAYED MORE EARNESTLY; AND HIS SWEAT BECAME LIKE GREAT DROPS OF BLOOD FALLING DOWN UPON THE GROUND."
I cannot imagine being so stressed that that I would sweat blood!!!! Jesus knew what was coming. The human side of Him did not want to go through with it because of the physical torment that he would suffer. The spiritual Jesus did not want to go through with it because he knew he would have to be separated from God the Father, something that he could not even concieve!! I know that we all know of this scripture, but what an illustration of the greatest sress anyone could ever endure! And most important, what an illustration of the faith of God's Son!!!
So......when I get really stressed.....I try and visualize the Lord Jesus on His knees praying with all of His heart, mind, and soul so desperately that He sweat blood!!! I will never experience like that!!!!!
Jesus has gone to the Mount of Olives to have some prayer time alone with the Father. He enters the Garden of Gethsemane and leaves the disciples a few feet away.
LUKE 22: 41-44
"And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 'Father,if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.' And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. AND BEING IN GREAT AGONY HE PRAYED MORE EARNESTLY; AND HIS SWEAT BECAME LIKE GREAT DROPS OF BLOOD FALLING DOWN UPON THE GROUND."
I cannot imagine being so stressed that that I would sweat blood!!!! Jesus knew what was coming. The human side of Him did not want to go through with it because of the physical torment that he would suffer. The spiritual Jesus did not want to go through with it because he knew he would have to be separated from God the Father, something that he could not even concieve!! I know that we all know of this scripture, but what an illustration of the greatest sress anyone could ever endure! And most important, what an illustration of the faith of God's Son!!!
So......when I get really stressed.....I try and visualize the Lord Jesus on His knees praying with all of His heart, mind, and soul so desperately that He sweat blood!!! I will never experience like that!!!!!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Welcome Dad!
I am happy to announce that my dad, Richard Weston, is now a contributing author to this blog. He has been inspirational to me in my walk with God and in my life.
Dad has been studying God's Word a lot longer than I have and has some great insights to share. He has also had some beautiful visions from God and I hope that he will share them with us on this site.
I love you Dad!
Your loving daughter, Heather
Dad has been studying God's Word a lot longer than I have and has some great insights to share. He has also had some beautiful visions from God and I hope that he will share them with us on this site.
I love you Dad!
Your loving daughter, Heather
Friday, May 4, 2012
I CAN POST NOW !!!!
Praise The Lord, I can post on your blogger now. You sent me those links in my email and that was the key! So look forward to posts from your Dad!!!!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Lessons from the Car Wash
Only I could get a car stuck going through the car wash! First, what you have to understand is that I have only been through the car wash at the gas station where you drive your car through and the signs tell you when to go and when to stop. Otherwise, I have left the car in the hands of some wonderful people who would take the car through the car wash for me. So, I had never been through a car wash with a track that guides the car through.
I went to the car wash with the work car, gave the gentleman my voucher and pulled up according to the gestures by the nice gentleman. Then...the car started moving forward!
Problem was there was a car only a few inches in front of me and I didn't want to run into it so I pushed on the brakes. WRONG!!!! Everything stopped. The nice gentleman stood by the side yelling at me to put the car in neutral and not to step on the brakes. Ok...here we go again. The car righted itself and the track moved the car along. The car in front of me was still very close, but I had to trust that I wouldn't hit the car in front of me. Then....WHAMMMY----these great big blue things cover the car on all sides. I can't see anything. I can't control the car. I can't get out! I just had to wait. So...here is what I learned.
John 16:13 (ESV)
I am reminded that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I must give control of my life to God, and remember to seek His guidance in all aspects of my life.
If the track in the car wash represents God, and I represent myself, I am thankful that God leads us back into His Grace and Mercy even when we have been fighting him for control.
What experiences have you had that have led you to God?
I went to the car wash with the work car, gave the gentleman my voucher and pulled up according to the gestures by the nice gentleman. Then...the car started moving forward!
Problem was there was a car only a few inches in front of me and I didn't want to run into it so I pushed on the brakes. WRONG!!!! Everything stopped. The nice gentleman stood by the side yelling at me to put the car in neutral and not to step on the brakes. Ok...here we go again. The car righted itself and the track moved the car along. The car in front of me was still very close, but I had to trust that I wouldn't hit the car in front of me. Then....WHAMMMY----these great big blue things cover the car on all sides. I can't see anything. I can't control the car. I can't get out! I just had to wait. So...here is what I learned.
- Always put your car in neutral---sometimes you have to give up control
- Close your eyes----that way you won't have a panic attack
- The car wash is not the log ride---the track is level, not on a hill, so you don't have to worry about crashing into the car behind you!
- It ends pretty quickly---there is light at the end of the tunnel.
- Next time let your boss take the car through the car wash!!!!
John 16:13 (ESV)
I am reminded that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I must give control of my life to God, and remember to seek His guidance in all aspects of my life.
If the track in the car wash represents God, and I represent myself, I am thankful that God leads us back into His Grace and Mercy even when we have been fighting him for control.
What experiences have you had that have led you to God?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)