You would have to be Rip Van Winkle to not know that the world is facing some really trying times right now. Every time one turns on the tv or opens a newspaper all they hear is gloom and doom. The economy is at the lowest its been in years, unemployment is skyrocketing, the stock market is losing money by the minute, people's 401K and 529 accounts have tanked. This isn't just a United States issue, it's a world-wide issue.
Millions of people and families are being affected. As you know I was laid off my part time contracting job in December. My brother was also laid off in December. We know many people at DHs place of employment that have been let go, from engineers to marketing to HR to programming jobs. Some ISEs are returning stateside. Employers are implementing hiring freezes and wage freezes. People are worrying "Will I be next?" Everyone is being affected in some way by the current state, whether they know it or not. It's a trickle down effect.
People are looking for answers. People are expecting the politicians in Washington and our new President to fix things. But what will help us turn the economy around? What will help us get through these tough times? You hear words thrown around like bailout, stimulus, TARP. But will any of these be a fix? Will they be able to heal the worldwide issues or will they just be a band aid covering an infected wound? No one knows.
What can we do when we start to feel the anxiety setting in? When we go to bed worrying and wake up worrying? I read a blog that spoke huge words to me. We simply look to God.
I am a worrier by nature. I am not exactly sure where I got it from as no one in my family is a worrier. Add in some of the things I have experienced in my 33 years of life and not worrying or being anxious is something I struggle with. My Type A, control freak personality makes it hard to give up all my fears and worries to someone else. But in times like these I think we have to.
So I am challenging myself and you. Whatever you may be fearing or feeling anxious about, give them up to God. Be relentless in prayer. Look towards Him, rather than yourself for answers.
Here are a few verses to give you a head start.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Matthew 6:27
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sermon Sunday
One of the parts I hate about moving is finding a church. Typically the options are endless and it is hard to figure out even where to begin, however this move that is not the case.
We have three options for church here –– a Catholic church, a baptist church and a non-denominational church. While I grew up Catholic (Matt did not), I have been going to a different church for 15 years. Neither Matt nor I am baptist. So that leaves the non-denominational option. Now I probably should mention that I have been going to a non-denominational church for years so this isn't a bad thing for us.
Matt was a good boy and checked out Kobe Union Church when he was here the 3 months himself. He said the people were super nice, the pastor was good (h even went to dinner at the pastors house)and that there was a good kid's program.
Yesterday the whole family went. The church is located 3/4 of the way up one of the mountains. There is a shuttle to take you there from the train line. Walking up the hill is nearly impossible with kids and non-tennis shoes. The kids were in awe as we made the drive up the hill.
The church is an International church, with its primary audience being the expat community. However there are several Japanese families that attend. Everyone was super nice, the sermon was applicable and the music was current. The church itself is an interesting mix to serve all cultures and ages. It will be fine for the next 3 years.
After the service we went to Sunday School classes and then a new member lunch. We got to try Japanese curry and some awesome deserts. We learned more about the church and learned where we may be able to plug in at. I really could feel a pull in a particular direction, however I need to process it more before I talk about it.
Since the church is so far up the hill, the view is spectacular. I took a shot out the window, but sometime I need to take one from outside. You can see across the city, clear out into the bay where the shipping boats are coming in.
We decided to walk down the hill afterwards rather than take the shuttle. I don't think we will do that again. This is 1/2 way down the hill. Imagine the top.
The Sunday School lesson was about prayer. How we must pray not only for ourselves, but for others. When I got on the computer last night I had an email from a blogging pal. I hadn't been to her blog in a week from all that has been going on. Here is a post on her blog. A coincidence that read this when prayer was just the topic three hours earlier? I don't think so. Just another way God tells me that he has put us here and for a reason. I can't wait to find out what all he has in store for us.
We have three options for church here –– a Catholic church, a baptist church and a non-denominational church. While I grew up Catholic (Matt did not), I have been going to a different church for 15 years. Neither Matt nor I am baptist. So that leaves the non-denominational option. Now I probably should mention that I have been going to a non-denominational church for years so this isn't a bad thing for us.
Matt was a good boy and checked out Kobe Union Church when he was here the 3 months himself. He said the people were super nice, the pastor was good (h even went to dinner at the pastors house)and that there was a good kid's program.
Yesterday the whole family went. The church is located 3/4 of the way up one of the mountains. There is a shuttle to take you there from the train line. Walking up the hill is nearly impossible with kids and non-tennis shoes. The kids were in awe as we made the drive up the hill.
The church is an International church, with its primary audience being the expat community. However there are several Japanese families that attend. Everyone was super nice, the sermon was applicable and the music was current. The church itself is an interesting mix to serve all cultures and ages. It will be fine for the next 3 years.
After the service we went to Sunday School classes and then a new member lunch. We got to try Japanese curry and some awesome deserts. We learned more about the church and learned where we may be able to plug in at. I really could feel a pull in a particular direction, however I need to process it more before I talk about it.
Since the church is so far up the hill, the view is spectacular. I took a shot out the window, but sometime I need to take one from outside. You can see across the city, clear out into the bay where the shipping boats are coming in.
We decided to walk down the hill afterwards rather than take the shuttle. I don't think we will do that again. This is 1/2 way down the hill. Imagine the top.
The Sunday School lesson was about prayer. How we must pray not only for ourselves, but for others. When I got on the computer last night I had an email from a blogging pal. I hadn't been to her blog in a week from all that has been going on. Here is a post on her blog. A coincidence that read this when prayer was just the topic three hours earlier? I don't think so. Just another way God tells me that he has put us here and for a reason. I can't wait to find out what all he has in store for us.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Get Out and Vote
Unless you live in a bubble you know that tomorrow is one of the most monumental elections in history. After Nov. 4, 2008 the United States will either have its first female Vice President or first African American President.
It is no secret or surprise that I am voting for the McCain/Palin ticket. In fact, I have already voted. There are so many thoughts in my head leading into tomorrow's election. What will happen to our nation after Nov. 4? Will the American people make the right choice? Will the person elected hold true to their word? Just what does the future of the GOP look like?
To be honest I started out 6 months ago not being happy with either choice. However through research (just like shopping for car insurance) and lots of prayer I am comforted by the choice I made. I am proud to be voting for a candidate that even though is an underdog, he is not giving up. Seven states in 24 hours. Lets just hope that perseverance comes out on top. If Rudy could do it, so can McCain. Right?
And the President's office is not the only thing at stake. If 11 senate seats turn in the democrats favor then we are up for a filibuster-proof majority. If the democrats are smart they don't want that either. Didn't quite work out for the GOP, did it?
So not matter what team you are on, get out and vote. Exercise your right. Be able to go to bed on November 4, no matter the outcome, knowing that you did what you could to make a difference.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Answered Prayers
My prayers and frets about preschool were answered today. This morning I got a call from the preschool that we liked the most that someone will be moving this summer and they have a spot in the two day a week program for Sam. They will keep me on the wait list for the 3 day a week program, but in the meantime, WE ARE IN!!!
The weird thing... I asked the lady when I signed over a hefty check how I got called so quickly because I knew I was pretty far down the wait list. She told me that the class Sam will be in was very heavy with boys and they needed a girl to help even out the list. Sam was the first girl on the list. Now how much of a sign is that of an answered prayer?
The weird thing... I asked the lady when I signed over a hefty check how I got called so quickly because I knew I was pretty far down the wait list. She told me that the class Sam will be in was very heavy with boys and they needed a girl to help even out the list. Sam was the first girl on the list. Now how much of a sign is that of an answered prayer?
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