Recovery

Life is more meaningful and satisfying when you are using your talents and abilities to make a difference in the life of your family and community. After years of mental health recovery, my life feels like it makes sense; I believe I am now contributing to something beyond myself. I may not be able to work at a traditional job, but I can volunteer and work from home. I also have the time to help out my aging parents.
I remember the frustration I had when I tried working. I just didn’t have the talent for the jobs I tried to do. Caregiver jobs are hard when you have your own health issues. But once I got the therapy I needed, I had a whole new outlook. I realized I didn’t have to force myself into that situation again. I didn’t have to put myself in a desperate place just to get a paycheck.
Now I focus on what I do well. I am a church musician, center care volunteer at a pregnancy center, and online marketer. I can build on the skills I have instead of trying to fit a circle in square peg by forcing an attempt doomed to failure. I believe I have a good fit with what I do now. I am more at ease and actually look forward to these activities.
Now that my recovery from depression and anxiety has become a reality, I can do the things I never thought possible.

Be your best motivation

Be your best motivation

I’ve got a reason to do today what I have put off till tomorrow: me. No one is going to push me in this life like I can when my wellbeing hangs in the balance.My goals now have priority and my choices hinge on accomplishing them.
I won't wait for circumstances to dictate what those choices are on a given day. I will just do what I know I must to reach my goals. I’ve got to keep my focus on those goals and not get distracted or discouraged.
I must simply step out and put the plan in action. No more procrastinating. My life will change only when I start to cross things off my never ending to do list. For example, I have got to design my own banners and splash pages for my advertising campaigns. I have been meaning to do that for awhile. Instead, I have been using those generic ads that are one size fits all. I joined this DIY designing program, which is great for those projects.adkreator.com

God is on our side

Psalm 20

This psalm assumes one thing: that God is on our side. It is a prayer for the king, and it could be applied as a prayer for our new president as well. Reading this prayer we become certain of God's love for three main people groups.

God is on the side of the church. We can have all the confidence in the world to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. He has promised to be with us till the end of the age. Whatever we ask according to His will, He will answer our prayer. He is preparing a place in heaven for us.

God is on the side of Israel. They are His chosen people. Genesis 12:3. See note

Ps 20:6-8. God has not given up on them. Romans11:1 (read some of this chapter for context). See note on Revelation 12-14.

God is merciful toward mankind in general. He is definitely on their side because He so loved the world. He doesn't want anyone to be lost. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God is delaying the final judgment for the repentance of the unsaved. And Jesus was born, died, and risen again for a world lost and in rebellion against God.

The angels sang, "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men" when they announced His coming. And Jesus did not come to bring condemnation but to offer salvation to anyone who will surrender to God.

As God's people, we should have the same attitude. We should desire and pray for the needs of everyone, not just  other Christians like ourselves. This psalm should be a prayer we can honestly intercede for anyone, friend or enemy, ally or persecuter. They will know we are Christians by our love, not exclusivity.

In the face of opposition and riots against the current administration, let us remember these truths and hold on to them as we deal with these misguided individuals. May they be enlightened and saved from sin. May they know the Jesus we love and proclaim.

Don't Give Up the Fight

1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

1 Samuel 26:23a The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness.

The Christian life is a battle from day one. Thankfully, we have the armor of God and His Word. When that is coupled with a fear of the Lord and love, we can be faithful in all our ways. It takes desire for what is right to fight for God.

Our enemy Satan cannot withstand our prayers and determination, but he preys on our weakness toward sin. We must run from temptation and into the light of purity. "Love God, hate sin". 

Jesus is a very good example of this principle. He endured every temptation, but never sinned. He had his eye on his mission to save us. It brought joy to him to be faithful so he could redeem us from sin.

Joshua 1:7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 

Looking for purpose

Looked at a job opportunity today. I can work at home and do something interesting. What got me was the required resume and cover letter-this is an actual job. So its time to tailor my resume and make it impressive. I will have to study the company more carefully so I can successfully do that.
My problem is procrastination. Will I do this now or wait forever? That other job I was thinking about is probably still available but I didn't go through with the application. There is always a reason not to do something, primarily because I have a fear of failure. God knows I have had quite a bit of failure already; I should not fear it anymore.

I can

How does a person move past all the good intentions and planning and preparation and actually act on it? This is where I have been for years, while life just goes by with no real change. So I have to act now, or things will stay the same.
I have a job lead but it scares me. It’s illogical, but anxiety disorders are illogical. I know what to do. I worry about it instead of doing it. This is unacceptable.
So I am now telling myself “I can” do what I have to do. I have to believe it. I am “abled”.  I have the resources and capacity to take on the responsibilities I have so far been unwilling to so.
So maybe I had some bad experiences working. I’ll take from that wisdom and have better experiences. I am enjoying better mental health these days and I think I can handle it.

Looking for a change

I have been considering getting a job I trained for instead of just throwing in the towel and seeking loan forgiveness. This means major changes in my habits as I prepare to become employable. The only thing going for me now is that I am more organized and able to think better. I also have less anxiety and frustration. There is hope.
For some time now I have been dealing with a lack of confidence and thoughts of worthlessness. Now I can't afford those thoughts. They were a little self-indulgent. It is time for me to be responsible and strong. I can do it.
 I need to get used to a work schedule so I will get back to volunteering every week. I already help my aging parents so I am used to doing something outside the home. I will also try scheduling my month so I can make the most of my time. I need to create the best work/home balance so I don't feel like I am being pulled in so many directions without a plan for getting things done.
So many times I have told myself “I can't.” Now I have decided to change that to “I can and will.” Why should having a mental illness be an excuse for not pursuing my dreams and goals?
If you have a dream, don't be afraid. Take aim and try. It is better to try and fail and to keep trying than to do nothing for the rest of your life. If you have a disability or an obstacle to your goals, seize the opportunity to grow and find a way past it. It is worth the risk.