What sits on my bookshelf or in my e-book stash changes constantly. I borrow from Hoopla, the library, and am digging out books I have purchased over the years. I love to find out what people are reading, the words we fill our heads and hearts with makes an impact on us. It’s a bit of a window into people’s lives. So, here’s a peak into mine.
Desperate and Never Alone
My middle class neighborhood is tucked amongst trees and green grass painted in between the blacktop roads. Anyone driving by would not known or seen the desperation of my soul as I sipped my coffee with my husband on the front porch. As I look back to my early 30s I remember feeling trapped, although I was blessed with so much. Somehow I had lots of friends, yet still was lonely. No one really knew what I was feeling, and really I'm not sure I did either.
We can so often go through each day feeling trapped, alone, in this busy world.
Scriptures to Read Aloud When Facing Anxiety
When faced with anxious times, it is easy to set our focus on the worst case scenario or even try to numb ourselves with a Netflix binge or music. Rather than seeking to avoid or allowing ourselves to sink deeper, we can turn to our Helper, Creator, Savior. We cannot "wish" or try to will the anxiety away, but if we seek God in his Word, we will see that he is our refuge, strength and all-powerful, and we cannot live in peace without him.
Anxious About Being Anxious
One month and baby girl will be here (maybe less after all of the cramps I’m having). I’m a bit nervous even though this will be my 3rd delivery and the other 2 were safe and healthy. Do you want to hear something funny? I‘m anxious about being anxious. The hormones and post-partum depression denied and gone unchecked that led me to so much anxiety is staring me in the face.
Questions of what-ifs swirl in my head.
& then I remember the Freedom that God gave me through counseling and a little medicine. No shame.
I will not listen to the negative thoughts, but will focus on the positive. I know that God is a God of redemption and healing. I need to continue memorizing God’s truths that tell me who I am and Who He is. The more I focus on myself, the more anxious I become.
Here’s to the next month of deep breaths, prayer and trusting in the amazing God of the universe. (& maybe a few more snuggles with my kids!)