tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472362042696929838.post891799229197092570..comments2023-06-01T06:32:26.885-07:00Comments on blessed hope: breakfast blend and the expositor's commentaryErin Cushmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141128134871578379noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472362042696929838.post-693402053523555262010-12-18T10:51:33.876-08:002010-12-18T10:51:33.876-08:00Feelings just come. We do not ask for them, and we...Feelings just come. We do not ask for them, and we have no control over their character. We also, often have no control over why they come. <br /><br />Your random thought #3,"I've felt guilty for being consumed by the loss of Gwendolyn. "Surely I should be giving thanks... I still have a husband who loves me, family, my health, friends, my home and job... I should probably feel a little more grateful. And i'm saved from an eternity in hell." brought to mind what God has taught me about feelings over time. <br /><br />It is not wrong to feel her loss. Feeling the loss is not the same as thanklessness.<br /><br />Giving thanks will not eradicate the feelings. Eradicating the feelings cannot be our goal, as much as I am guessing you would like to expunge some of them as they seem to be suffocating. Eradicating feelings is not in my power. But looking at the feelings and seeing them for what they are I can do.<br /><br />Feelings are an effect of an event on my life. If I fall down I bleed, if my emotions take a hit, they will respond.<br /><br />Feelings also reflect what my operating system still believes. So, I look at them and see if what this belief is is true or not. If not I expose the lie to the truth.<br /><br />Being consumed by the loss of Gwendolyn seems a natural result of your loss of her. Your faith is not less because you feel this loss so deeply. She was a good gift and the loss of her is huge! And it hurts.<br /><br />Choosing to be thankful in the face of this consuming grief....that is faith. And that Erin is what I read in your blog day in and day out.<br /><br />Your loss brings to mind the picture of a burn victim. The body overwhelmed by burns the patient cries out and the healing takes an enormous amount of time and energy to heal. The healing process is exhausting. So too, your heart has been burned and it needs the salve of the love of God, rest and time. God is healing your heart. It is ok to acknowledge how much it hurts for then God can pour out healing oil on you.<br /><br />Over time the severe bleeding of the emotions will lessen as God keeps breathing life into you and Blair. The scar of the loss will remain but the all consuming nature of it will dissipate. You are doing just as the Psalmist and patriarchs have done. In the midst of pain you cry out and you cry out and you cry out. That is faith. God will heal and over time new feelings will come.Kristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11332935577885614038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472362042696929838.post-55920027746262904562010-12-06T15:23:44.582-08:002010-12-06T15:23:44.582-08:00This was my favorite post you have written. I see ...This was my favorite post you have written. I see hope and wisdom in these words. God is healing you!! I am so glad I got to hug you yesterday, it's been too long! Come by for an adjustment anytime...you know since we're right down the street and all :PAutumn Beckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11561841647191821519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472362042696929838.post-77178297088752690972010-12-04T20:17:06.438-08:002010-12-04T20:17:06.438-08:00Oh, Psalm 13 is one of my favorites!! Well, I gue...Oh, Psalm 13 is one of my favorites!! Well, I guess that shows how I've felt at times during certain trials. BUT, as usual, the psalm shows the distress of the heart and the Heart of Peace.<br /><br />Thank for sharing.<br /><br />Know you continue to be prayed for soooo often.Grateful for Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11429985486466317061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472362042696929838.post-86260943762234579872010-12-03T21:12:16.739-08:002010-12-03T21:12:16.739-08:00That was wonderful! I loved this, "Because I ...That was wonderful! I loved this, "Because I hope in YOU, not in my circumstances or in potential future blessings You may give me, I will rejoice and sing." Am so thankful for how God is truly meeting you where you are. Comforting you in a way that only He can do. Praise God.Kristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11332935577885614038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472362042696929838.post-8893998672285979612010-12-03T12:15:54.884-08:002010-12-03T12:15:54.884-08:00I love that Psalm. It's been a close companion...I love that Psalm. It's been a close companion of mine as well, through the years. thanks for your thoughts. i'm going to call you today.Mandihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01195474119664407498noreply@blogger.com