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Subject: Understanding Depression
Date: May 28, 2001
RELATED ARTICLE: Depression: Online Test
Engulfed in despair, the very thought of meeting any single individual sends
waves of darkness over you. How did you come to be this way? Why do you feel
all alone and as though no one cares. As depression torments individuals and
families across the nation, people are struggling to come to terms with it
and to understand it. Please join us as we address this silent and
tormenting illness.
1. What causes depression?
2. What are some signs that indicate depression?
3. How does one best help a person suffering .with depression?
4. Life is difficult, but how can we avoid the road that leads to
depression?
5. Where do we find hope and joy in this world?
Karing
Sometimes situations we cannot control.....
cwt
hi all. Sorry. I keep getting kicked off....
Karing
deep hurts
Karing
any other ideas?
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Karing
hopelessness
Lyn
unfulfilled expectations
Karing
that is so true
DeeDee
Many causes, I guess . for me not being where I think I should be in my relationship to Christ
Lyn
i think hopelessness is a major factor in depression
Karing
How about hopelessness .... what leads us to that point?
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Karing
Sometimes it is finances ... relationships
cwt
sometimes illness
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cwt
hi hope...welcome
Hope
Hi everyone
Lyn
hi Hope
DeeDee
hello Hppe
Lyn
when things go on in the same way with no improvement or change, it can lead to a hopeless feeling
cwt
good point Lyn...
cwt
Did Lori sign in as cwt?
Karing
Depression is very frightening
Karing
It can completely imobilize a person
Lyn
I haven't seen Lori in here yet
cwt
Sorry...
cwt
sometimes I get mixed up with peoples names...
Lyn
DeeDee did you say that depression can come when we are not walking with the Lord?
DeeDee
It sure is & it can. For me trying to please everyone sends me into a depression
cwt
that isn't the only cause of depression tho...it can come about from other reasons...
DeeDee
Yes. I'm a a new Christian & get depressed when I do wrong
Lyn
that's true Dee, we simply cannot please everyone all the time
cwt
I think it can be scarey if we say that Christians' can't get depressed...
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Lyn
that's right, it would be denial
Karing
Hi DonnaJoy
Lyn
Hi Donna Joy
DonnaJoy
Hi Everyone
DeeDee
Hello DonnaJoy
cwt
HI Donna joy. We are just beginning a discussion on depression...
DonnaJoy
Thank you
cwt
Please feel free to jump in whenever you want. That's how it works the funnest....
cwt
So, how is it that a Christian can get depressed...? causes?
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Karing
Hi joyful
cwt
Hi joyful. welcome. just talking about depression here...
DonnaJoy
Chemical Imbalance
joyful
Hi Everyone!
cwt
good point donna joy.
Karing
Medical imbalance can really affect us
cwt
Loss can cause depression. A sense of loss through death or whatever...
Lyn
with God, when we do wrong, the Bible says if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness
Lyn
God does not condemn us
cwt
That's right Lyn. when we sin it can sometimes cause depression, especially when we think God won't forgive
us...but He does...
cwt
Perhaps guilt is a better word rather than depression tho. don't you think?
Lyn
but we are good at condemning ourselves, we need to forgive ourselves
cwt
How would you all define depression?
DonnaJoy
Not caring about anything we usually care about
Karing
It's repressed emotions ... that internalize into despair.
cwt
deep dark hole...
cwt
standing on the edge of not being able to cope with normal stress of life...
DonnaJoy
Sleeping too much (a symtom) or not being able to sleep at all
joyful
not being able to make decisions about the everyday things
Lyn
loosing our joy and vision, becoming hopeless and cynical, a continual state of sadness
Hope
overwelming feeling of hopelessness
DonnaJoy
Loosing interest
cwt
how about a rollercoaster?
DonnaJoy
That is more like Manic-Depression
Lyn
up and down?
cwt
put the blanket over my head and stay in bed all day...
Karing
depression isn't often fluctuating
cwt
true...probably better of manic-depression
DeeDee
yes - isolating
Karing
it's aloneness and despair
Karing
lethargy can be a big part of it
cwt
Can you think of any Bible characters that felt the ways you have described?
DonnaJoy
David
cwt
Jonah is one that comes to my mind....
Lyn
Elijah after the Mr. Carmel experience when Jezebel was after him
DeeDee
Job
cwt
yeah. He had a real downer didn't he..."I'm the only one left..."
Lyn
lol
cwt
isn't that how it feel s tho...I know I've been there...
DeeDee
Kinda makes me feel better
DonnaJoy
Yes
Lyn
yes, it sure does
cwt
what makes you feel better? That Bible characters experienced depression?
Lyn
self pity is another sympton of depression
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DonnaJoy
People don't understand major depression unless they have been through it
cwt
good point...
DeeDee
That's so true
cwt
I know I've experienced some depression - but certainly not as deep as some others. Some go on for years...
Karing
That is one of the aspects that people who are depressed feel .... that they are the only ones who feel that.
DonnaJoy
Mine has been all my life
DeeDee
Mine too, DonnaJoy
Karing
You've been depressed all your life? What are some tools that help you/
DonnaJoy
Been on medication for 30 years
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Karing
Hi there spud
spud
Hi
cwt
Hi spud. We are just talking about depression...
Lyn
hi spud
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Hope
Hi spud
Karing
Hi laura
Lyn
Hi Laura
cwt
Do you have a chemical imbalance DonnaJoy?
Hope
Hi laura
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DonnaJoy
Getting involved with other peoples problems and being there for them helps to forget about your sometimes
laura
hi everyone
cwt
hi laurra....!!!
Karing
Laura have you been here before?
laura
yes one time before
cwt
that is a good point donna joy...
Lyn
that sounds like Jesus DonnaJoy, He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed for God was
with Him
cwt
That take the focus off ourselves when we take time to hear other peoples problems and pain...and makes our not
look so bad...
DonnaJoy
Yes
Lyn
the Lord showed me that the way out of my own hurt and self pity was to reach out to help others
cwt
That's neat...
DonnaJoy
Staying in the Word and Prayer in important
Lyn
Amen
spud
It does help to take our eyes off ourselves and put them onto others!
Karing
What are some signs that indicate depression?
Lyn
and staying in touch with prayer partners if we are having a bad day
spud
You become very lathargic
DonnaJoy
Eating too much or too little
cwt
over tired, can't cope...
Lyn
sleeplessness or too much sleep
laura
crying
cwt
OH. I'm guilty of that one Donna joy... emotional eating...
Lyn
feeling overwhelmned
spud
Every little task seems very big and overwelming
DonnaJoy
Hopelessness
DonnaJoy
Suicidal feelings
cwt
crying excessively right....?
Karing
restlessness, irritablility
Lyn
not being able to concentrate
Karing
feelings of guilt and pessimism
cwt
I have a good friend that just tried to commit suicide...
Karing
disruption in sleep (too much too little)
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cwt
post partum depression 4 kids under 6
laura
feeling no one likes you
DonnaJoy
Oh no, I have been there
Karing
definitely laura
Lyn
oh wow, Lord strengthen her
cwt
it was really hard. She didn't tell anyone that she was struggling...
DonnaJoy
Feeling rejection not only by God but others
Karing
headaches, digestive disorders
cwt
She had a solid walk with God too...or so it seemed...
spud
A real sense of lonliness
Karing
decreased energy
cwt
rejection is a biggie...especially for women...
Karing
lack of ability to cope
Karing
even with the simplest things
Lyn
a woman's greatest fear is abandonment
Lyn
a man's greatest fear is failure
cwt
emotional and physical included, I think Lyn...
DonnaJoy
Yes, I can't even get the house picked up most of the time
Lyn
yes
DonnaJoy
Uselessness
cwt
that's hard donna joy. Does the medication help you a little?
Karing
Then when we feel we can't meet expectations we feel even more upset with ourselves
DonnaJoy
Only sometimes, I have my days still
DonnaJoy
Where I don't want to live either
cwt
that is difficult DonnaJoy.
Hope
loss of interest in pleasures including sex
Lyn
sometimes it can be hormonal
cwt
yeah. Lyn "the joys of womanhood" I call that...
cwt
LOL!
DonnaJoy
Wouldn't be hear without medication, that is for sure, all I do is cry
Lyn
even underactive thyroid problems
Lyn
and sometimes medication can contribute to depression
Karing
medication can have a lot of side-effects
Lyn
we should have a good physical from our Doctor to see if there is a medical reason
cwt
that's true...but it is needed for some...
DonnaJoy
Anti-depressants really make you lose your sex drive most times
Hope
DonnaJoy can we pray for you
DonnaJoy
Yes, if you want but I am ok right now
Karing
"Lord I pray for DonnaJoy that you would guide her and comfort her. I pray for your healing of her emotional
health and that you would bring strength to her. I pray for the side--affects of the drugs that you would help her
with that too."
cwt
amen!
Hope
amen
DonnaJoy
Amen
laura
amen
DonnaJoy
Thank you
cwt
Well, are the other ways that we can help people that really struggle with depression...?
DeeDee
Thank You, Jesus Amen
Karing
Encourage them to get professional help if they need it
cwt
I don't think telling them "just pull up your emotions by your boot straps...quite cuts it..
Hope
pray for them
Karing
not usually cwt
Karing
Prayer is key!
spud
One way is to listen to them
cwt
good point spud. They need to be heard emotionally for sure
DonnaJoy
Well, I am in a depression E-Mail Group, you can encourage others with E-Mails and pray for them, sometimes
they just wait for someone to reach out and acknowledge them and say you have been there
Karing
We have something similar on this site ...
cwt
that's neat donnajoy...
Karing
If you notice above ... "email mentoring" ... that is what this is about.
Karing
Can you see it?
spud
There was a time when I struggled with depression. I was encouraged to think of things that I was thankful for. It
really was hard but it really did help!
Hope
you can encourage the person to read certain passages in the Bible..
Lyn
Amen spud, that helps me alot too
Hope
the psalms talks alot about being depressed
cwt
Thankful for your gains, not your lossess. good poiint spud
Karing
Psalms are very encouraging to read during depression
cwt
gee my keys stuck...LOL
Lyn
looking at what you have instead of what you don't have
cwt
yes. I think contentment can sometimes come into play here
spud
There are times when you are so deppressed when it's hard to go to the bible. There are a lot of good biblical
books that help
cwt
different house, different money, different family, different mate...
Karing
That is true spud
Karing
what do you mean cwt/
Karing
?
cwt
do you think that there are certain attitudes that can lead to depression...
Karing
Definitely
Lyn
critical, judgemental attitudes
Lyn
negative thought patterns
Karing
a bitter attitude
Karing
unforgiveness
Lyn
yes bitterness
Hope
feelings of low self-worth
cwt
I meant that in connection with looking at what others have...not happy with yours...can lead to discontentment &
bitterness &resentment
Karing
got it
cwt
ultimately depression
Lyn
you can have the best husband and a great family and not even see it
Karing
comparing ourselves is usually not an uplifting thing
cwt
sometimes attitudes that we allow to take root can be building blocks to depression...
Lyn
A christian woman I know divorced her husband of 34 years because he was "too good to her"
cwt
So...even a Christian can get depressed through different things...
cwt
ouch...
spud
There are times when there are things in your past that you need to deal with
Lyn
I don't understand that one at all
Karing
This seems to be happening more and more ....
Karing
Routines change and despair sets in
cwt
It does. Wonder why...
DeeDee
Things in your past - can relate to that one
Karing
We often adapt to certain behaviour patterns in our mates and those we live with
cwt
good point spud. In looking at the past, sometimes forgiveness has to play a part don't you think?
Lyn
it's like the horse leaning over the fence to get greener grass, when all the time there was rich grass right in the
pasture
DonnaJoy
Yes
Karing
Then when those things change, often people don't know how to handle it
Lyn
sometimes changes in our lives greatly contribute to depression, like menopause
cwt
change can be hard. It can bring that sense of loss that can lead to depression. That is a real time to take things to
the Lord...even in anger if you need to...
Lyn
amen
Hope
good point cwt
cwt
I mean. Jonah got pretty mad at God...So did Moses....
Karing
Medical changes, emotional changes and physical changes can create havoc .... we often don't know how to deal
with them.
cwt
So how can we cope with change and not get depressed?
Karing
Anger often changes into depression
spud
true
DeeDee
I'm glad anger was brought up. That's been a big problem of mine
cwt
mostly because we are angry at God I think...
Lyn
I have heard that a definition for depression in anger turned inward
cwt
God didn't do a good job...
DeeDee
That can be very true
spud
or angry at our situation and we can't change it.
Lyn
yes
Karing
that is true Lyn ... I've heard that too
DonnaJoy
I was just typing that Lyn, but don't necessarily agree all the time
cwt
God didn't prevent something terrible from happening - like cancer...or whatever
Lyn
injustice
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Lyn
Hi Melody
Karing
Hi Melody
cwt
Hi melody. welcome here.
Hope
Hi melody
Melody
Type HEREHi all!
cwt
We are just talking about depression...
laura
hi melody
cwt
So if anger can be a cause of depression...what then? where do we go from there?
DonnaJoy
To God
Karing
We need to get to the root of these things ... and sometimes the best way is to begin to deal with the conflicts and
unforgiveness.
DonnaJoy
or to the person we are angry at
Lyn
to God is right, talk to Him about how we are feeling, being honest, He knows it anyway
DeeDee
But what if God is silent?
cwt
It seems that anger can lead to a root of bitterness that can lead to depression...
Hope
we need to understand that God is a loving God and understands our feelings
cwt
God is sometimes silent...that is true...
Karing
He cares about those feelings that may seem "unacceptable" to bring to God.
cwt
I think that is where you have to lean hard on what you know in the light...when you are not depressed...
Melody
Sometimes we just can't hear him because we are so wrapped up in our own stuff
Hope
The Bible says that Jesus suffered everything known to man so that he could understaand us and interced for us
Lyn
remember Elijah, when God spoke to Him in that still small voice
cwt
I think Satan wants us to think that God doesn't care...
DonnaJoy
I have been recently hurt by somebody that said they would be with me through the long haul with unconditional
love and then seemed to have changed their mind.
Karing
that is so true ... if we feel abandoned and alone ... it makes Satan happy
DonnaJoy
That has really depressed me
Melody
Very hard for humans to love unconditionally
cwt
That's sad Donna joy..
Hope
Donnajoy the only person that will not fail you is God
Lyn
sometimes He is silent because He has already spoken to us in the past about something and the answer is still the
same
cwt
good point melody..
Karing
DonnaJoy .... have you looked carefully at what your expectations were in that relationship?
DonnaJoy
I am beginning to realize that Hope
Melody
Good point Lyn
cwt
That's is a great definition of faith lyn...
DeeDee
Thank you Lyn - I can be pretty stubborn
Karing
I have learned that when people let us down .... we need to evaluate what our expectations are and why we came
up with them.
cwt
true karing...expectations can let us down with a big thump
Karing
Often people don't even know what we are expecting of us.
Melody
And whether we really shared those expectations with the person from whom we expected this behavior
Karing
of them ...
DonnaJoy
My expectations were just for them being there on the web if I needed to talk
cwt
sometimes we expect that they are expecting something but they aren't really...
Karing
Why would you expect that of them Donna Joy?
DonnaJoy
Well they were there, but they wouldn't respond
Melody
Maybe they are experiencing something in their own life
Karing
Did they promise that they would always be there when you needed them.
DonnaJoy
Just kept ignoring my IM
DonnaJoy
Because they said they would be
cwt
maybe they had no more answers for you...
Karing
People will always let us down.
Melody
We can't know what goes on inside someone's life
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cwt
depression isn't an easy thing to deal with...
DonnaJoy
Whatever, I am getting angry now
cwt
how come?
Melody
I find fatigue makes me depressed
Melody
And a messy house
Melody
and messy thoughts
Lyn
good ones Melody
cwt
depression is hard for everyone involved...both the depressed and those that love the depressed.
DeeDee
DonnaJoy, I do understand. In some ways we feel the same about some things - trust issues
Karing
Donna Joy .... I have learned that people will always let us down .... but God doesn't. He can help you forgive
those people.
Lyn
Donna Joy it is normal to be angry when someone hurts us
Hope
I agree melody
Melody
With whom are you angry, DonnaJoy?
Lyn
that is disappointing and makes us feel unwanted
Melody
The person who let you down?
Melody
Have you never let anyone down?
DonnaJoy
Just somebody that had helped me come to God
DonnaJoy
said they would always be there or at least get back to me
Hope
donnajoy
cwt
Sorry about your pain Donnajoy. disappointments with those we look up to spiritually can be expecially trying...
Lyn
I always figure, well, Ihave a choice, I can let this person get to me and become very depressed or I can forgive
and go forward
Karing
If we look through our life ... people influence us in many ways ... it is helpful to look at the wonderful things they
have done .... and then to keep looking to God.
Lyn
and truthfully, it is their loss
Melody
I hope you won't turn away from God because this person was the one who led you to him
cwt
What kind of lessons can God have for us when others disappoint us?
DonnaJoy
Well, anyway, this person just IM'ed me during this meeting
DeeDee
Donnajoy, my heart goes out to you. I've been hurt many times too, but when I let Him, God is always there for
me & is teaching me to trust along the way
Karing
I think that is absolutely key Lyn .... we have a choice .... to let them get to us or not.
DonnaJoy
Don't understand
Lyn
well that is great
Hope
God ids just waiting for you to turn to him
Melody
What is IM?
cwt
email?
DonnaJoy
Iststant Message
Karing
God is waiting for us to come to Him.
Melody
So are you happy?
Melody
Was there an explanation?
cwt
good point DeeDee. I think God can use lots of things in our lives...we are all on a path of being molded....
Karing
He surrounded Himself with disciples that were so human ... they completely let Jesus down.
Lyn
that is so true Karing!
cwt
Wow...that is right karing....forget that sometimes...
DonnaJoy
Well, she wanted to take me out of this discussion and go to one in another forum
Melody
AMen
cwt
maybe you can joy her later DonnaJoy
Lyn
tell her to join us
Melody
Go for it if you need to
Karing
Even his most faithful follower ... Peter ... denied knowing Him.
cwt
right karing...
Melody
3X
cwt
that musts have hurt....
Lyn
and what did Jesus do? He went to Peter and restored him
DonnaJoy
No, she is committed to this other forum which can be very hurtful at times
Melody
Mega ouch
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Lyn
good one Melody :o)
Melody
Another chat room?
cwt
That's right...and He also gave him a leadership position..."feed my sheep". I think peter learned some important
things...
Lyn
what a mighty, wonderful God we serve!
cwt
We can learn many things in the dark times in our lives. things that we can't learn in the light...
Melody
I wonder if Peter was depressed after he realized what he had done?
cwt
Take job....and David...and Jonah....! (my favorite)
Lyn
yes i am sure he was
Karing
Where do we find hope and joy in this world?
Melody
Sometimes my realiztion is afterthought
cwt
sure. Scriptures said that he went out and wept.
Lyn
In knowing Jesus Christ
cwt
wept bitterly in fact....
Lyn
yes, at their unbelief
Melody
So DonnaJoy, maybe this friend is feeding other sheep
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cwt
that's true melody. But most lessons are that way
Lyn
Hi suze
Hope
Hi suze
DonnaJoy
That's for sure
Karing
Hi suze
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cwt
Hi suze. We are just talkign about depression tonight...
Melody
Bringing someone to Christ is an awesome feat
Lyn
amen
Melody
Hi Suze
Lyn
such an upper
suze
HELLO
DonnaJoy
But you don't drop someone in their hurt
Karing
When we or ...someone around us is struggling with depression ... how do we find hope and joy?
Hope
thats for sure melody, that brings alot of joy
DeeDee
What about Jesus when He was hurt? wow!
cwt
no...but sometimes we do feel helpless to help someone in their hurt...
suze
HOW DO WE HELP OUR TEENAGERS WITH DESPAIR
Melody
That's a good point - sometimes I feel guilty being happy when a friend is dying or unhappy
Karing
Sometimes we need to encourage them to forgive
Lyn
Proverbs says a merry heart doeth good like a medicine
cwt
good question suze..
Lyn
and it says, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding
suze
uh oh...oops...my bad
Melody
I send jokes to her because I think laughter is good, but then I'm afraid she may think I'm being flip
Lyn
I believe Faith plays a huge role in coming out of depression
cwt
teenager have lots of harmonal things going on...I think that would be the first place I'd look
Melody
Hard to keep up suze - teenagaers gravitate toward despair, don;'t they?
cwt
after that, I'd see what was going on at aschool with friends and stuff....
suze
jealousy does crazy things
Karing
How about encouraging them towards living a spirit-filled life?
cwt
growing up is tough...
Lyn
Psalm 100:4 says "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise
Karing
Do you know what I mean by a spirit-filled life?
Lyn
be thankful unto Him and bless His name."
suze
yes. we hope to get started with young life this year
cwt
Praise is a very good point Lyn. Put on the music tapes and let it go on all day....
Karing
That is a good program.
Melody
I liked Young Life
suze
yes. the fruit of the spirit
cwt
It is important also to tell someone you trust what is going on in your life. Not to hide
Melody
Do you take them to church?
Melody
DonnaJoy, I just wonder if we can help your pain
Melody
What are you looking for?
DonnaJoy
Nothing
Melody
Lots of that around
cwt
What role can the Holy Spirit play in helping in our despair?
Karing
To be able to live our lives ... we often need strength that only God can give.
Melody
Lots of love too
Karing
The Holy Spirit can be my complete strength.
cwt
one way is making us aware of our need for God
Karing
I really like the concept of spiritual breathing.
Karing
Have you heard of that?
cwt
Faith too, comes from God...
cwt
explain karing...?
Karing
That is when we confess our sins (exhale) ....
Melody
Breathe on me and make me whole - be the strength of my lifs
Melody
life
suze
yes. i just did the spiritual breathing a min. ago
Karing
then we inhale (appropriate) the power of the Holy Spirit.
cwt
That is a good point karing.
Lyn
I really like that, tangible way to touch the Lord
Karing
On the right hand bar .... you will notice links you can go to. The one on the Holy Spirit - clearly explains this
process.
cwt
The Holy Spirit is a real important aspect of dealing with our emotions.
Hope
the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we feel dispair
cwt
He can point out the causes of our distress sometimes-if we are willing to listen...
cwt
and he really wants to work in our lives on a daily basis, healing us of those hurts we experience.
Karing
This concept can be easy to teach to our kids too
cwt
sometimes that can be quite a process
suze
yep
Karing
It is hard to process hurts on our own strength.
Hope
that's for sure
Karing
The iironic thing ... is that we don't have to.
Karing
We can pray for each other ... to be strengthened ... and we can encourage each other and do kind things.
cwt
absolutely...that is why God sent us the Holy Spirit. He is the helper....& comforter
Hope
without God in my life it would feel hopeless
Karing
But we cannot be the inner strength of your hurts that God would love to be for you.
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Karing
Hi Singer
Hope
Hi singer
cwt
sometimes I wonder what would happen if we took these feelingsto God right off the bat rather than so often
holding them in, ignoring them...or whatever
Lyn
Hi Singer
Lyn
we would be much better off
cwt
hi singer. We are just talking about depression
Singer
I'm Melody - got disconnected
Karing
But you are still musical (=
Singer
That Satan is sitting insode my hard drive, the toot!
cwt
I think the holding in is what so often gets us in trouble...
Hope
that's so true, cwt
cwt
LOL!!!
Singer
Sometimes I think I'm just hormonal
DonnaJoy
You are right, I shut myself down, now and the depression is flooding in
cwt
So how can we learn to let go? I think leaning on God in a more real way...seeing my need of Him, and asking the
spirit to work in my emotions
Singer
Sometimes I think we try too hard to figure out the source of our sadness when it's just life
Singer
We forget to "let go and let god
cwt
hurt really makes us shut down...but when we can learn to deal with those feelings, expressing them even to God
can really help them not get a toehold in our lives.
Singer
Not irresponsibly walking away from our lives
cwt
It's when a toehold gets it that it can be really tough.
cwt
Satan love that...
Singer
but praying and asking for guidance
Singer
instead of acting like we're in control!
cwt
Or maybe acting like nothing is wrong...
spud
It's been a great evening. I need to help out with my 3 month old son. Bye!
cwt
wearing a mask...
suze
discerning God's will is hard for me.
Karing
bye
Singer
bye
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cwt
Take care spuyd. Glad to have you
Singer
It's hard for all of us
cwt
Let's just close in prayer...but we can keep chatting....
Karing
Knowing God's will can seem complicated suze
Hope
Thats a common question
Singer
Thank you for your love and forgiveness Oh Lord
cwt
Dear Lord, thank you so much that you made us emotional people....both the good and the bad...and that you
experienced emotion too. Thank you for giving us the Spirit. Help us lean more on you in trials & depression.
Amen.
Singer
and for these wonderful friends
Singer
Praise God, Amen
cwt
Did I miss a question?
cwt
something on the will of God?
Singer
I have met people who think they are doing God's will and end up like Jim Jones
suze
howto discern his will
Karing
3 ways that help us determine His will are 1. does it line up with Scripture? 2. Godly counsel 3. prayer
............................ Lyn left.............
cwt
I think primarily the scriptures are the key
Singer
Jesus really relied on them when he was tempted by Satan
cwt
Are you in a decision making place rifht now suze?
suze
my teenager is
Singer
Regarding?
cwt
Is she a Christian?
suze
"friends"
suze
yes
cwt
hmm. boy friends?
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cwt
sorry if that is too personal?...?
suze
no..girls
Hope
time alone to pray and read scripture is always a good place to start when discerning God's will
Singer
I know it seems like everyone has worn out What would Jesus do, but it's so helpful, even as an adult
DeeDee
I've enjoyed the topic of discussion tonight and learning from you all. Don't feel so all alone now & am going to say
good-bye to do some looong overdue housecleaning! Goodnite
cwt
If she is open to the scriptures, maybe help her define what a good friend is.
cwt
Night dee
cwt
thanks for coming
Singer
Bye DeeDee - Come by and do mine!!!
cwt
don't clean hosue too hard...
Karing
bye
DeeDee
If you could see MY house you wouldn't even ask! :-)
Hope
Bye DeeDee
Singer
LOL
Karing
Isn't it late where you are Dee Dee
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cwt
Suze, can you share a little more of your daughters sturggles?
Singer
And also have her read about what love is
suze
uh oh. am i scaring everybody away??
Singer
No
suze
ha
cwt
no. Just these are usually an hour or so...some leave after the hour is up...some stay and chat. don't worry
Singer
How old is she?
suze
she's been a very successful student and jealousy is taking over her friends. she's 14
suze
outgoing
cwt
how come?
Karing
Suze, our discussion runs from 8 - 9 pm Mtn ... and it just ended on the top of the hour.
cwt
oh I see...!
suze
that's the big question
suze
oh. ok
Karing
So that is why people were leaving ....
cwt
hm... so she wants to not work so hard...
suze
gotcha
cwt
so her friends won't be jealous of her success...
Singer
I can tell you it just made me mad when my mother told me that people treated me like dirt because they were
jealous
cwt
Do I got that right?
suze
she DOES want to work hard, but wonders why that bothers others so
suze
she's spiritually more mature than her friends
cwt
Well, she certainly should be commended...! Not many young people know how to work these days...
Singer
Sounds like she needs some reinforcement and approval about what whe's doing
Singer
what she's doing, sorry
cwt
Maybe you could draw out the concept of "Living for Jesus"...or "what would Jesus do"?
suze
right. we're working on that and hoping her involvement in young life fulfills her needs
Singer
I wanted to make my mom proud and everyone called me "Jesus Freak"
suze
contact with others who love jesus
Singer
YES!!!!
cwt
I had some of that too...but connection with other Christians is important.
cwt
same values (or at least ought to be...)
cwt
Do you have a good relationship with her?
suze
i think it will make a difference, but it is still sad and disillusioning to see the supposed friends go off in a different
direction
suze
wonderful relationship...i'm lucky
Singer
Our kids are hit with so much that is not of God today - it's impressive that she is willing to stand her ground
cwt
That's a big help I'm sure. You are blessed...
Singer
You are blessed
suze
true. this is the first time i've ever chatted on line...seems strange...ha
suze
thanks for your support
Singer
I haven't been doing it very long
cwt
That is true. Life is full of choices tho. some good and some bad. Maybe you can have a discussion about how
their choices will affect their lives...
cwt
Glad to have you here for first time...! How did you find us. You're doing great...!
Karing
ladies .... have a great night ... I better run - good night
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Singer
I love this site - have made many good friends here
cwt
night Karing. Thanks
suze
surfing for prayers
Hope
i've gotta go too. This was a great chat
cwt
cool!
Singer
I found you under Chritian Chat rooms
cwt
Thanks hope! Take good care....
Singer
Bye all
DonnaJoy
Bye
suze
well, it is my bedtime in the east. thanks
Singer
I wanted to find some adult contact
Singer
But the only time I can come on is late
Singer
G'night
Singer
God bless Donna Joy
suze
good night
cwt
Night singer...
DonnaJoy
Thank you
Singer
I will pray for you and suze's daughter too
suze
thanks. night night.
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cwt
night DonnaJOoy. Keep searching for God. He is near to you..to those of a broken spirit
Singer
Are you leaving cwt?
cwt
need to soon.
Singer
does anyone monitor this late at night?
Singer
I've tried several times and only come up with people a few times
cwt
Various people pop in and out here...
............................ Hope left.............
cwt
We've had a full chat room at various times. That's why we added a daytime chat as well
Singer
Hope was quiet
DonnaJoy
(((((((((((((Everyone)))))))))))))))) Hugs & Love, Bye
cwt
take care donna joy. God bless
Singer
Awe - sweet
Singer
Bye
............................ DonnaJoy left.............
cwt
yes.
Singer
We have talked befor I think
cwt
I'm not sure why...
Singer
why what?
cwt
why hope was quiet. happens sometimes
cwt
You and hope or you and me?
Singer
Sometimes it's good just to listen
cwt
it is
Singer
you, cwt
cwt
ah...I'm Bernice...have we?
Singer
are you always cwt or are others?
cwt
nope...there are others...grin...but don't tell everyone that....
Singer
You didn't give me your name, just invited me to a discussion
Singer
OK
Singer
I usually am too late for the discussions
cwt
ah...when was that? Wednesday?
Singer
No big deal - who knows. Anyway, I thank God for this site
cwt
There are a couple of hosts and hostesses. We use common names jsut to keep things straight...
Singer
That's understandable. So, are there men here sometimes?
cwt
Well, glad you could join us. It was a good chat tonight. difficult to talk about sometimes...
cwt
not that I know of
cwt
where are you from?
Singer
Kansas City, MO now.
Singer
You?
cwt
I'm from Alberta
Singer
Cold now?
cwt
nah. Hot. about 28 today
Singer
c or f
cwt
C
Singer
I'm not good at metric conversion
cwt
me either...! GRIN
cwt
Does this chat time work well for you?
Singer
This is ok - usually I put my kids to bed and they are asleep by 10 or 10:30
Singer
I will have to put my son to bed soon - I let him stay up late to catch fireflies
cwt
good. We have a daytime too. 11 am. my time...
cwt
sounds fun. Well. I should go. Hope you can join us again. Thanks for your contributions tonight.
Singer
I'm on central - my daughter keeps me running during the day
Singer
Thanks for chatting.
cwt
how many do you have...children?
Singer
God bless you and your good advice!
cwt
I've got 3...
Singer
2 - boy, 10....girl, 2
Singer
ages?
cwt
mine boy 10, girl 8, boy 4. it's busy...
Singer
Whew
cwt
fun tho... chanllenge....too much some days...
cwt
GRIN.
Singer
Bet you're sleepy
cwt
early yet. just 9:20
Singer
My daughter likes Jesus Love Me
Singer
- calls it "BIBLE"
cwt
that's sweet at two
Singer
She reminds us to pray by putting her hands together
cwt
chatting is pretty neat. I love it how we can connect with God's people everywhere. So cool.
Singer
at mealtimes in particular!
Singer
Yes!
cwt
hope you take some pictures...
Singer
I have friends all over the world
Singer
Really great when it's time to pray
cwt
me too. will make heaven pretty special place...
cwt
never know the impact prayer can have across the miles.
Singer
Hmmmm - that's another topic for another day//
cwt
yeah. Make a great topic...!
cwt
take good care. I should run...
Singer
God belss, mee too!
cwt
blessings
Singer
And ask him to help my typing
Singer
LOL
cwt
you do great. don't worry. we all messsss upp.
Singer
hee hee
cwt
smile.
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Singer
Take care and thanks.
............................ Singer left.............
.............. Log stopped at Thu Jun 21 18:43:54 PDT 2001 ...........
