[__ Prayer __] Praise report!

[Christ_empowered]

Since in the past most (all?) of my posts reflected the rough spots I found myself in--social isolation, lack of employment, psychotic depression, etc.--I thought I'd post the good stuff, too.

I've been posting on vocational rehab. I called them (they weren't expecting it--apparently, they really mean it when they say they'll call you), and they're still in the process of getting my records to verify that I am, in fact, eligible for services. Oh well. It should happen soon. I'm still pleased that I'm getting "in the system."

My "issues" with voices and what not has been improving. Honestly, I realized that I'm not even "psychotic" as people understand psychosis; I've just been through a lot and the past kind of haunts me. God is with me though, and things are improving. My former therapist said its like a wound healing--you take meds to help yourself through, but your spirit has to recuperate, and sometimes that's painful. Back then, that gem was in one ear and out the other, but now its really clicked and I'm trying to be more patient. Like I said, God is with me, and things are improving.

My friend--an unbeliever--seems to really like me. For a long time, I thought hanging out with me was a pity thing. Maybe it was. Now, she seems genuinely interested in me, probably because I try to be a true friend to her, which I'm able to do because of Christ. I think this relationship will be mutually beneficial.

Then there's my family. Things were strained for a long, long time. I did drugs, dropped out of college, ended up in mental hospitals, ended up in jail, then Christian rehab...I really broke my parents' hearts. Now, we get along great. My mom and I talked today while she gardened, and she even told me how happy she was that I was being sociable and that we were spending time together. My dad was sick, unfortunately, so we didn't get to hang out.

And physically...still healthy. I mean, still tubby, but I'd rather be kinda tubby than be either flabby AND burned out like I was several years ago or be super skinny and pale and sickly like I was after my last big crack up. My skin looks awesome (usually a good indicator of overall health) and my hair has thickened up and gotten healthier. Now I just need to lose weight, which shouldn't be too hard.

So, yeah...that's my praise report. Praise God!

 

[reba]

CE you are uplifting! Thanks for the good report...

Num 14:7 And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
Num 14:8 If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
Num 14:9 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

 

[Mike]

CE, have you ever considered writing? I'm not an author who's able to distinguish the "why's", and I can't put my finger on it, but you have a way of expressing yourself that puts the reader at ease. If you ever write something, I'll be among the first in line.

I'm very serious. I read fiction and non-fiction constantly. While I can't break it down to say how or why someone has a gift, I can say I know when I want to keep reading. I'm not blowing smoke here. I almost never say someone should be a professional writer, but I'm saying it to you.

There are many, too many, people out there battling demons who need to hear about the escape from the bondage of poor mental health, and I believe your experience, your love for the Lord, and your ability to express yourself in such a peaceful way would be an amazing gift. My niece does editing. There are many things you can do when you have the gift of writing.

I have thanked the Lord for giving you this peace and affording you these victories you've shared. That's very nice!

So, do you ever think about writing? One day when it happens, I get a VIP place in your book-signing line. Don't forget!

 

[Christ_empowered]

Thanks reba+Mike.

I have considered writing. One of my friends, who read the short stories I wrote back in the day, said that I should write a book about my life, starting with the major crack up I had at 23, through jail and Christian Rehab, and moving on into the present. I think I'll do it. Even if it never got published, I think that would be cathartic and a good use of my time.