Lesson 2 - The Real Me

Sept 28, 2010 meeting:

"I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.  My prayer is not that you take them out of the world, but that you protect them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of it."  -John 17:14-17

Have you ever felt out of place, always the oddball, never fitting in anywhere in this world?  I never felt like I fit in at any age, but that's because we don't.  We are not of this world.  According to Philippians 3:20 we are citizens of Heaven.  So you don't fit in here in this world at all.

Nevertheless we have to live in this world of pain and suffering.  I still find it difficult to watch the evening news.  Human beings do such horrible things to one another on a daily basis.  But while we walk and live amongst it for a time we must recognize that we are not a part of it.

While our 'alien' nature does not make us immune to the ravages of this world, nor does it relieve us of our responsibilities within the world, it is a huge comfort to know that we are citizens of Heaven, and our God is with us now and always.

Have you ever felt oppressed by the horrors of this world?  How has it effected you?  What does it mean to live in an evil world?

What can we practically do to rise above the pain and suffering that goes on in this world?

Conversations with our Father

I saw this cartoon on the wall where I work.  It struck me as profound truth, and I wanted to share that with you.  To often I make too big of a deal out of prayer.  It does not have to be a complex ritual.  It does not have to be filled with bible verse or formal language.  While all of these things are beautiful, and have their place, many times prayer can and should just be a quiet conversation with our best friend.  Yes he is the Lord of the Universe.  Yes he is our King and our Father in heaven.  But he is and always will be our friend.  So today I'm going to have a long casual conversation with my friend, who knows all and will always love me.  I hope you do too.

Lesson 1 - Something to Give

From the September 21, 2010 meeting:

"You are the light of the world." - Mathew 5:15

Every one of you has something to give, something precious and wonderful to share with the world.  Our depression and anxiety serves as a prison from which we can not share our gifts nor receive the precious gifts of our Lord.

So I am going to pledge, and I ask you to pledge with me, that I will no longer allow my depression and anxiety to rob me of my proper place in the world.  I understand that it will be a constant battle - sometimes worse than others.  But we are not fighting this battle under our own strength.

Mind you, it will take your own strength to make the decision to live in freedom and in the light.  We have been gifted free will, so use that will to choose the light!  You may have to make that same decision over and over again every single day.  I know that I do.  But the Lord will strengthen you.  And you are not alone.  We'll walk this path together.  When I have nothing left to give, you will help me stand.  And I will do the same for you.  We all have plenty to give.

What is your anxiety and depression robbing you of?

What can you practically do to combat that?

Meeting once a week now!

The ladies in the group decided that they would like to meet once a week, and boy I'm glad that they did!  So now we'll be meeting every Tuesday at 7pm at Allison Park Church in the Classroom on the second floor of the new building.

Praise God!

Welcome Warrior

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13

You may not feel like a warrior.  You may feel weak and beaten down by the world.  But keep in mind that while warriors march into battle, they usually come limping back.  And their wounds only serve to punctuate their courage.

Their scars and yours should become points of pride.  You are reading this blog.  You are still standing.  You are fighting the good fight even during the times that you don't think you can fight any more.  And I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you and we can fight the darkness together.

Welcome Warrior.  I'm VERY glad that you're here.

Date Change

Beginning September 21, 2010 Arise will  be meeting on the first and third TUESDAY of every month at Allison Park Church.  We will be offering free child care  up to 5th grade.

WHAT: Arise! Anxiety and Depression Support Group
WHO: Women of all ages
WHEN: First and Third Tuesday of every Month at 7pm
WHERE: Allison Park Church
STARTING: September 21, 2010
Child Care Provided up to 5th Grade

CONTACT: noh.arise@gmail.com or 412-487-7220 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              412-487-7220      end_of_the_skype_highlighting x350