Sharon's Sharings

Loneliness has always been a reality for humans.  Loneliness can be caused by many factors: Death of a loved one, moving to a new area, rejection by friends or family, self-isolation due to depression.  To name just a few. Loneliness has been an increasing problem this past year.  We were told to isolate to protect ourselves.  Zoom became the normal way to communicate but not everyone has that access or ability.  Maybe this is you: Psalms 102:7 “I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on a roof.”   If so, this verse is for you ~ Psalms 68:6a “ God places the lonely in families.” Our immediate family may not meet all our needs.  I believe that is why God gives us friendships, especially friends within the family of Christian believers.  We need to be connected and available to give help and encouragement to those facing loneliness. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT " Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. (10) If one person falls, the other can reach out and

Greetings, A friend and I were discussing how the weather can affect moods. We are fortunate that the weather does not seem to cause us to be depressed or anxious. Many people are affected though, and several of our friends have moved to areas where there are not so many gray days.   For me, I have enough indoor interests that allow me to ignore the weather outside. In November when we have long dark days, I am able to remember that in two months the daylight will be longer. That always gives me hope.  The sun will shine more often and there will be more daylight hours to enjoy the outdoors.   Discouragement and depression can sometimes overtake us and cause us to doubt the goodness of the Lord.  Psalms 42:11 NLT “ Why am I discouraged?  Why is my heart so sad?  I will put my hope in God!  I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!” I know there is a depression deeper and darker for some people that needs medical  intervention – counseling and/or medication.  I am definit

  Attitude:  “ A manner of thinking, feeling or behaving that reflects a state of mind or disposition.”                                    Attitude is everything, pick a good one                                     Have a positive attitude                                    You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude towards what happens to you I have been thinking about attitude lately, because sometimes my attitude can be negative.  I wondered if attitude was in scripture.  Depending on the translation you use, the word attitude is found in several scriptures.   Is having a “positive attitude” just a worldly cliché or is it what Jesus asks of us? Philippians 2; 5 NLT “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”                                                        If I am in a bad mood, e.g. having a bad attitude, it affects me as well as those around me.  Romans 14:17,18 NLT “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or

 Psalms 28:7-8 NLT “ The Lord is my strength and shield.  I trust Him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy…(8)The Lord gives His people strength… Where do you go for strength?  Do you rely on our Lord to give you the strength to live each day as He directs? I am asking myself that question.  At the same time I am asking God to give me strength to face life – today and in the future.   I desire physical strength to do tasks I need to do.  More than that, I desire the mental and emotional strength to put my faith and trust in God to face what lies ahead. 2 Samuel 22:33 NKJV “ God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect.” We have the assurance throughout scriptures that God is always with us.  Deuteronomy 31:6 “ So be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”     God will give us the strength to endure difficult days.  T