Crunchy Christian Mamas in 2012 - Page 5

[e&tsmom]

Originally Posted by sosurreal09 

We need prayers...

I feel so lost right now. DH is in school and working full time and there was no way for me to work too since I have to take care of DD. God told me to get pregnant several times and I kept fighting (long story) He told me the baby would be born in May and of course who won that battle? So I'm due May 9th. We were low income to start with (which was my reason for not wanting to get pregnant) but now as I am nearing my due date things are getting worse....

The cut DHs hours by a bit and took away his time and a half Sundays..which lowers our income by $200 a month. So net pay is only $1500 a month now. Our food stamps worker is ridiculous and hasn't even put that I am pregnant on our benefits yet and we are only receiving $162 a month for food. DD was just diagnosed with food allergies and now several cheap foods we ate are out...

We have a ton of debt but have been surviving off the credit card since I was laid off almost 3 years ago...we have reached the limit now and only have $400 left on our credit card.

We are getting OK taxes back but I have to pay the MW and our only car needs new tires immediately. We are behind on bills and just getting caught up we will have nothing left of that.

I do trust God to provide for us but I can't help but feel overwhelmed with the fact we can't pay our bills or gas for the car or even food really right now. I'm really scared with the new baby on the way. DH does graduate in May but we have to come up with the money for him to take his test and get his license before he can get hired anywhere. I just really need some help right now...

sending prayers your way...

[lilyka]

Sosurreal - Wow, that is tough.  I am praying for you and your family.  Stay on top of your social worker.  Not just for food stamps but any other aid you may qualify for.  The baby is a game changer and just because you were rejected before doesn't men you do not qualify now.  Especially with your husbands change in income.

And if everyone could keep Alena and her family in your prayers, I would appreciate it.  She has mentioned off and on that her mother has cancer but you can never tell with her family what is really going on (they tell that poor kid all kinds of crap).  She just came by and told me her mom is not expected to make it through the week, possibly not even the night.  They all live at grandmas house and she said her gma is handling things poorly (and who wouldn't under the circumstances.  Also A's older brothers are not able to make it home.  the whole situation is so sad.   Despite the craziness in her family she is a sweet little girl with great outlook on life.  

[Nazsmum]

I will pray for Alena.

[Nazsmum]

OH!!! I came here to ask a question.....Beth Moore? What do you ladies think? Don't know much about her

[John16n33]

I don't know much about her either, I have never done one of her studies.  A few of my friends have though, and they say she is great!

[lilyka]

i enjoyed her studies but now that I am more educated I think her theories and stuff she teaches as fact is often way off.  I am not sure what her education is or where she gets her information.  But a lot of it is just plain misinterpretations and random theories.  nothing based in actual history.

[lilyka]

Alena's mom died Wednesday night.  While it won't effect her day to day life (her mom did not have custody.  She was a raging alcoholic in and out of prison)

it has got to mess with you to watch your mom die.  So please continue praying for this little girl.  

[Nazsmum]

I feel for Alena. It is something I know all to well.

Beth Moore- I'm not going to do the study. I don't have many friends and I was hoping to make friends in this church (or at least try) but it is not worth "sitting under" someone that maybe teaching something wrong.

JUST SOMETHING----Whitney Houston is going to be buried tomorrow in my friends "backyard".....Crazy.

[dovemama]

Hello there,
May I join? I am really happy to find this thread! I am sorry to come to the conversations late. I guess I will just follow along from here.

[Nazsmum]

dovemama-Nice to meet you. Just jump in.

Hope everyone is having a great day. I'm counting down to my b-day....last year I did NOT GET one card. I was so sad. Do people send cards anymore? I do if I know it is your b-day I will send a card. Also a thank you card if I get a gift. I think that it is wrong not to say thanks.

[lilyka]

I never send cards for anything.  I should.  It is so nice to get them.  

[e&tsmom]

Hi Dovemama.

I dont have much to say today.  Feeling like I need to get involved - feeling the need to be actively

+023+-  Oops, baby - sorrry.  Feeling like I need to be doing "something."  Just not sure what.  Our church is dying, slowly, painfully.  We need to do something, and we are trying, but we are not seeing a real movement in the church to turn things aorund.  We need to pray about it, but when I go to pray about it myself I am blocked.  Dont know why.  Sorry - just things I am thining about.  Gotta get the big kids from school.  Hope you all have a wonderful day. 

[Nazsmum]

Originally Posted by e&tsmom 

Hi Dovemama.

I dont have much to say today.  Feeling like I need to get involved - feeling the need to be actively

+023+-  Oops, baby - sorrry.  Feeling like I need to be doing "something."  Just not sure what.  Our church is dying, slowly, painfully.  We need to do something, and we are trying, but we are not seeing a real movement in the church to turn things aorund.  We need to pray about it, but when I go to pray about it myself I am blocked.  Dont know why.  Sorry - just things I am thining about.  Gotta get the big kids from school.  Hope you all have a wonderful day. 

How long have you been going to the church? Do you have a good relationship w/ an elder or the pastor? Maybe go talk to someone.

[lilyka]

Why do you think your church is dying?   If it is sick is sick is it something that needs healing or is it just fading out? Do you want to save it or or is it time for you to find a better home?  if you want to save it why?    These are questions for thought.  I am not asking for answers :)  Just some things for you to think about.

[e&tsmom]

Nazmum - Well, I have been attending the church since I was 5.  When I went to college I stayed in that state until DH and I moved back home 8 years ago.  So, I have basically attended my entire life withthe exception of college and a few years after, but we always went when we would come home to visit.  The church has had several ineffective pastors as of late, but we now have a super dynamic one but the congregation is very set in its ways and doesnt seem to want to budge.  DH is working closely with the pastor and likes him, but I wouldnt say it is a strong relationship.  The pastor has only been here since July.  He knows what needs to be done, and the conference knows what is happening to the church - which is why he was placed in our church.  But, the tide does not seem to be changing.

[e&tsmom]

lilyka - Good questions.  I wish I knew the exact reason but I think it is complacency, for one.  People like the status quo.  The congregation is growing older and we dont have many young families.  There are a few of us, but not many.  Those that have been here for a while dont like change.  Change is hard for everyone, but it is necessary to grow and it is just not happening.  The new pastor is being shut down at every turn (though I am not worried about him becasue he can certianly handle it).  I think it is fading and sick. It does need healing, but I seriously cannot even attempt to gues as to why people are not feeling motivated to do God's work.  I am not trying to judge, really, bue it seem like people are very good at talking about what needs to be done, talking about their relationship and love for Christ, but not very good at putting it into action at all.  AT ALL.  In my church at least.  We are trying to start a new service geared for unchurched or minimally churched people, mainly young adults and young families, but the people on the committee with us even now are having a hard time seeing past themselves.  Ity is very frustrating.  I seriously wonder if God is with our church.  How long can we be inactive before he leaves us? 

[John16n33]

Matthew 18:20 says- "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

God is with your church, because he is with your pastor, you, and whomever else is trying to do His work.  Don't give up hope, maybe somehow you can help the older members see the church in a new light.  Do you have to have the rest of the committees approval to start the outreach program?  Could y'all maybe start a Bible study class like you mentioned but on a different day (such as a Thursday evening) when the other members aren't usually there?  Don't keep it from them, but don't make them feel like they have to be involved.  Maybe by bringing more younger couples or new Christians into the church it will help the older members see that they changes y'all are making are for the good of the church.

I will be praying for your church, and I hope that a revival starts there like no other and that not only new people come into the church, but that the older members accept the changes that are happening! :)

[Nazsmum]

Originally Posted by e&tsmom 

lilyka - Good questions.  I wish I knew the exact reason but I think it is complacency, for one.  People like the status quo.  The congregation is growing older and we dont have many young families.  There are a few of us, but not many.  Those that have been here for a while dont like change.  Change is hard for everyone, but it is necessary to grow and it is just not happening.  The new pastor is being shut down at every turn (though I am not worried about him becasue he can certianly handle it).  I think it is fading and sick. It does need healing, but I seriously cannot even attempt to gues as to why people are not feeling motivated to do God's work.  I am not trying to judge, really, bue it seem like people are very good at talking about what needs to be done, talking about their relationship and love for Christ, but not very good at putting it into action at all.  AT ALL.  In my church at least.  We are trying to start a new service geared for unchurched or minimally churched people, mainly young adults and young families, but the people on the committee with us even now are having a hard time seeing past themselves.  Ity is very frustrating.  I seriously wonder if God is with our church.  How long can we be inactive before he leaves us? 

This is a lot like the church that we are going to now. It is hard because we are to grow in Messiah and when I see people that have been a LONG TIME IN THE LORD not growing it is hard to understand. (FOR ME) We have been only going to this church for about 1yr and my husband like the church....so we are going.

Only the Lord can change hearts. Jesus said to the church in REV "Behold I stand at the door and knock" So He was speaking to the church wanting them to let Him in. I SAY THIS IN LOVE....The church needs to work on getting right w/Jesus before helping others grow.

SO what I have been doing is praying for the pastor. I pray that HE WILL stand for MESSIAH and PUTTING JESUS AS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. I pray that the congration comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus and will want to see others do the same. (BUT I also pray for the whole BODY OF MESSIAH this way to.)

I have been a believer for 34 yrs this year. I have seen to much. To much sadness in the church and it is very hard on me. SO MANY TIMES I want to give up on church. It is only my strong relationship with Jesus that has kept my for 34yrs. My mother only let me go me go to church by His grace. I have been to so many churchs and have been hurt by so many things that have happened! I can't believe things that I have witnessed. BUT we are all sinners and  I know that.

Sorry for my story.......I'm in a simiar boat. That is what I wanted to say. YOU can pray that heart will change. I will remember your pastor in my prayers.

[Nazsmum]

Just came to give thanks to the LORD. I got a very nice $$$ B-day present and much needed.

How are you ladies?? I can't believe that I'm getting so old. 

[jimblejamble]

Dear sisters, please please please, PLEASE pray for me and my little family. My husband, who is sill carrying baggage from his mom's death, not dealing with PTSD from a year in Afghanistan (he was deployed 9 months into our marriage and our son was born 14 months into our marriage, so he missed out on a lot of the first crucial months of parenthood and I think he might feel bad about that too), depression, a heavy work/school load, told me on Saturday he wants to divorce. He's been unhappy and so have I but I never thought it would come to this. He thinks it has to happen because he doesn't want our son to see us unhappy all the time. I can't divorce him. I LOVE him. I know this isn't who he really is, that he is sick and needs help. He never learned to be humble and ask for help. He thinks he can run away or just bottle his feelings inside and everything will be ok. Tomorrow my son and I are driving to CA to stay with my parents. I told him to pray and to open his heart and mind to answers that are beyond his understanding, to humble himself and do what GOD wants, not what he thinks he wants. I am not mad at him. I am completely crushed and feel like my whole world has been stolen from me. I have been bloated, nauseus, shaky, and having diarrhea because of the stress this has caused me. But I can't be mad at him. I just can't. I'm not mad at him, just like I couldn't be mad if a sick person vomited on me. I love him so much and I forgive him, unconditionally, no questions asked. I want him to be happy, to get help and do what he needs to be happy and completely healthy. Please pray for him, that he can be whole again. Please pray that while we are separated, he will be able to think and pray and get an answer about this. If you could also pray for a safe drive to CA that'd be nice too. There is an "extreme weather warning" for the Donner Pass area. Pray that my little Camry can make it!