This is a testimony of the grace of God ,and His unmerited favor that changes lives.
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People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
Some of you may not remember when Subdued first came on the scene, but her and I became friends with one other poster who started a thread that was negative in origin. Our thoughts on that thread brought us together, and the three of us were a sad lot.
I have seen so much growth in both of my friends in the last year...more than I ever expected. I love reading their posts that show time and time again the change that has taken place in them, and my only hope is that one day I can see things as they do without feeling like I do.
I'm proud of you, Subdued. I'm glad to call you 'friend'. I love you very much. You are very special to me, and I'm glad the internet and God brought us together. You bless my life.
Seems like a lifetime ago, H1. We certainly were a sad lot, weren't we??
H1, I feel the same -- I'm so glad that I've been given the gift of your friendship. You've been a tremendous friend - one who has been such a strong support. Thank you so much. I love you, too!
What a beautiful gift you have given yourself today for your birthday!
I hope you save this and read it each birthday!!
Gee, Renda; after reading what my dear "friends" wrote on my bday thread, I'm thinkin' I might be way too old to remember I even wrote this. Maybe one of them could remind me in a year... perhaps they could print it out for me & bring it on over to the retirement home I'm about to move myself into. I think H1 will have to do it, though; as PO is way, WAY, W A Y much older than I.
Some of you may not remember when Subdued first came on the scene, but her and I became friends with one other poster who started a thread that was negative in origin. Our thoughts on that thread brought us together, and the three of us were a sad lot.
I have seen so much growth in both of my friends in the last year...more than I ever expected. I love reading their posts that show time and time again the change that has taken place in them, and my only hope is that one day I can see things as they do without feeling like I do.
I'm proud of you, Subdued. I'm glad to call you 'friend'. I love you very much. You are very special to me, and I'm glad the internet and God brought us together. You bless my life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HeavenlyOne
Michlow. She started a thread that had to do with feeling like a nobody and didn't deserve anything or something along those lines, and Subdued and I also posted our feelings and found that we had a lot in common.
I never expected such a wonderful friend out of that 'meeting' of the minds.
Someday I hope to meet Michlow too. She is also a wonderful person, although we don't talk as often as we used to. I miss her when she isn't around.
I remember that thread like it was yesterday. In fact, I remember the name. It was called "The Story of an Inadvertant Backslider" and I wrote it on 6-9-05. LOL, I have a copy saved on my work computer. Would that have been at the original FCF? I am thinking it must have been.
Though I have to say, there are some around here who wouldn't exactly call what I have been going through "growth"
For old times sake, here is an excerpt from that old post :
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michlow 2005
When the joy is gone……..
The conviction is gone……
The revelation is gone…….
In many ways the journey back seems harder than the original journey towards salvation. Those around you may be so concerned about your outward behavior and giving little thought to what is going on inside.
How does one confess that they have been going through the motions for so long, but that inside they are dried up and empty? How do they explain that they walk around each day screaming inside because they can’t seem to find their way back? How do they get by when it seems like they are all alone, and there is no one who cares or even notices?
I remember that thread like it was yesterday. In fact, I remember the name. It was called "The Story of an Inadvertant Backslider" and I wrote it on 6-9-05. LOL, I have a copy saved on my work computer. Would that have been at the original FCF? I am thinking it must have been.
Though I have to say, there are some around here who wouldn't exactly call what I have been going through "growth"
For old times sake, here is an excerpt from that old post :
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Yes, Michlow - it was posted on FCF; and I, too, remember it like it was yesterday.
Seems like a lifetime ago, H1. We certainly were a sad lot, weren't we??
H1, I feel the same -- I'm so glad that I've been given the gift of your friendship. You've been a tremendous friend - one who has been such a strong support. Thank you so much. I love you, too!
Don't make me cry!
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I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
I remember that thread like it was yesterday. In fact, I remember the name. It was called "The Story of an Inadvertant Backslider" and I wrote it on 6-9-05. LOL, I have a copy saved on my work computer. Would that have been at the original FCF? I am thinking it must have been.
Though I have to say, there are some around here who wouldn't exactly call what I have been going through "growth"
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Micki, I have seen a lot of growth in you, in more ways than one.
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I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
Statistics tell me that I should have married an abusive man and/or been an abusive mother. They tell me that as a teen I should have been a run-away, living on the streets, an alcoholic, and drug addict. The places I've been - the places I've allowed myself to be should have caused great harm to come to me. The people I chose to align myself with as a young person should have ended me up in jail or worse, dead. The world called me a victim and says I probably will continue to be victimized throughout my life. But JESUS is in the business of breaking the bonds of statistics and cycles!
I drive my children to school each morning and I watch them walk into the building with such joy in my heart. I can't believe that they are mine to care for! My heart swells with so many positive emotions, it's hard to contain. Those three beautiful human beings have been placed in my care - what a blessing they are!
I have a husband who has proven time and time again that he loves me (see I Corinthians chapter 13). He stands by me, supports me, stays by my side, and protects me. He cares deeply for, and provides for, me and our children. He's a hard worker and a great friend.
Sometimes I think that Jesus allowed us to be parents so that we could have a glimpse and a taste of what he feels for, and thinks of, us. There are times when my kids disobey my rules. They sometimes annoy me. They occasionally say things in anger that hurt me. But despite their shortcomings and the fact that they fail or fall, my love for them never changes. And so it is with God.
I have failed Jesus more times than I can count - literally. I have broken the "rules" (HIS rules). I have fallen, and on occasion, and hesitated to get back up. I've whined and cried and complained. Yet through it all, He remains... never leaving - never turning His back on me. He loves me unconditionally - forever.
Jesus is the perfection I've sought for my whole life! He is that friend I've longed to have - the one who doesn't fail, who loves me despite myself, who can't be pushed away. That is Jesus... a TRUE friend.
Today, I just want to take some time to convey my heart. My life is not/has not been perfect. Chances are, it never will be. This world is full of sorrow and pain. And I've been hurt by many (who hasn't?). I, too (as some have posted), find it difficult to trust others. I've even struggled to trust God. But even Jesus Christ, himself, was abused, ridiculed, neglected, beaten, even killed. JESUS, our LORD! Do I have a right to complain about MY life?
I realize, though, that when one experiences pain or injury, there is a healing process that generally must take place; whether it's physical, emotional or spiritual. Just as the physical body needs care, attention, and time to heal; I believe we need the same for emotional and spiritual wounds to heal as well. And we'll have scars sometimes - even Jesus had scars. But I also realize that it is Jesus who facilitates our healing! And He delights in doing so.
I thank God, today, for all His blessings in my life. He's blessed me beyond measure. I am amazed by His goodness. And I'm especially awed by His mercy!
Subdued,
Only those of us who have made mistakes and gotten back up can truly pour our praise on Jesus, like Mary poured the oil from her alabaster box. And no one knows the cost of the oil in 'my' alabaster box.
Thank-you for your heartfelt transparency and praise to God for all he has done.
Sorry, friend; just speaking the truth. 
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