Genesis

1 - Why is it so hard to tell the truth sometimes. I am usually content to just go on my way and pretend like everything is great, when I know that it isn't. Is that buying into the lie? Where do you go when you have to share something that nobody else knows, but it's killing you inside? Will that really set me free? (Comment this)

2 - Does anyone else have any angel stories? (Comment this)

3 - It takes a great deal of courage to admit that things aren't great and maybe God has led you to this place so that you make a connection with someone somewhere (maybe NOT even at church)or at the very least thinking about this so that you AREN'T killing yourself inside. (I will say a prayer for you as you ponder this idea - as its not easy.)

I liked the idea of church as a hospital for sinners not a museum of masks. Even that idea supposes that a person has a great deal of self-confidence to just "be" comfortable in their own skin and I don't know many people who have mastered this.

If everything's great all the time, we won't ever know differently, will we? But in the greater scheme of things, will we ever really know you?

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you aren't alone in your questioning and if it's eating away at you, you should find someone to talk to.

This sort of relationship building isn't easy either especially exposing the heart. (Sometimes breastplates are too comfortable.)

If you don't know where to start, maybe take a first step and say it outloud to God before moving on to a friend or a staff member at church or someone else?

(If anyone has different ideas I'd love to hear them too. In the meantime, I hope you find peace.) (Comment this)

4 - I also rewound through the blog and pulled this quote...somewhat thinking on next week's shield of faith

"Faith does not exist without Trust; Trust rarely exists without Experience; and Experience is the direct result of Relationship" -

Probably TRUTH should be all over this - we are all sinners, Christ is righteous...We shouldn't be here to judge but to support and build relationships with each other. (Comment this)

5 - When I lived alone, or even when my husband goes out of town now, I do have a hard time being alone. I am afraid, not of men, but of satan and his workers entering my home.

I finally confided my consuming fears with my Christian aunt one evening. She shared with me a few verses.

1John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Don't lose sleep. Rest in the Lord's presence and protection!!!!!

 (Comment this)

6 - My mom shared this story when I spoke with her the other day. Both my mom and aunt had what they believe was an angel visit them the night my grandma died. (Same exact story at different houses on the same night.) Both of them heard a doorbell in their sleep and in their dream they answered the door a glowing aura appeared to be walking along the street with my grandmother. Truly this gave them such peace as they knew my grandma was very faithful but the last years of her life she suffered with alzheimer's disease. That next morning the hospital called and informed them that grandma had passed away in her sleep. (Comment this)