God thinks I'm Special!

[DonnaEdgar]

God thinks I'm special...
by donna edgar 12-19-12

Out of curiosity I looked up the word 'Redeem', Webster's definition:
1: regain freedon, or rescue by paying a price.
Galations 2:19 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse...
" 2: atone for.
1 John 4:10 " Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent
His Son to be a propition (an attonment) for our sins.
3: free from sins.
Romans 6:18 "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."
And this last definition truly touched my heart, as I use to feel so worthless untill I
realized what sacrifice God, the Lord of all creation did for me.
4: convert into something of value. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, He gave His
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
If God valued me so much that He would send His only Son to die in my place then I
must be worth something of value to Him. I no longer count myself amoung low self-esteemed,
I do not hang my head down for fear someone will make fun of me.
God did this for me, Jesus Christ went willingly through all these horrible things for me....and you.

[jo555]

Thanks Donna. This was insightful.

I think my problem is a little different. I know God loves me and thinks I am special (though He knows how deep of a revelation I have there), yet I can grieve when others don't see that, but see more the yucky side of me (can be impatient, short-tempered at times, neurotic).

Sometimes I want to say, that's not the real me...see beyond that, and take into consideration I spend a good deal of time caring for elderly parents...and a coupe years of weaker faith and worry about them (amongst other concerns for other love ones) has taken its toll on my thinking (He's growing my faith through it all as He so wonderfully takes care of them and brings healing), and the lack of sleep due to third shift job and helping them in between, has also taken its toll (try not to use these things as an excuse, but those things do have their roles they play too). I would lay down my life for you, even though I may snap at you for catching me on an off moment and being too sensitive to what you may have just said then that may not have been that big a deal.

It helps me to remember that I also can miss that special quality in others...

Anyway, wonderful insights, and although I think my issue may be a little different, I still need reminders too on how you put it too.

[DonnaEdgar]

Hi Jo,
Glad to see you still around. I didn't know who was going to be here when I got back. We have sure had some fun times. I feel it's important for us to know where we stand with God and to know that each and everyone of us is loved and special in His sight. Truly knowing this helps us when we are under attack. I could use prayers even now,as it seems our pastor maybe narsisstic and I am on his list.
Be seein' ya Girlfriend, God bless, Donna

[jo555]

It was wonderful seeing you pop in. Gave me joy.

Oh girl, I've had some problems with my new boss too. Got tired of her treating me like a nitwit. I mean if you think I am a nitwit then fire me. I don't appreciate someone rolling their eyes at me when I talk, and responding as if I am an idiot. It's distracing. And then she wonders why I don't understand her . . . although for me I know it is more than that. I'm detailed so if you don't provide details I can be at a loss as to your meaning.

So, being a Christian, I looked to ignore that (rolling eyes, condescending tone), yet the more I ignored it, the worse it got. One day I had enough and confronted her on some of that during one of her discussions with me.

She sent me home, of which I was due to leave anyway as my shift had ended. I responded with, "I will be more than pleased to do so." Not so bad on the surface, but in my heart it was a jab at her instead of what I felt the other stuff was, communciating to bridge misunderstandings and such."

Anyway, she hasn't bothered with me much since, just one other conversation, short and went fine on both ends. I thought she may be looking to fire me but was waiting until after the holidays. She may still do so and it won't be disappointing to me as long as I can collect unemployment while I look for a new job with benefits.

Or, it maybe that she needed to hear what I had to say, even if I wasn't perfect through it all, and she may have come to realize that.

May the Lord help us with our job issues, and whatever personal issues we may have, in Jesus name.

Love in Him,
Jo

[DonnaEdgar]

Howdy Jo,
It is diffucult to work with people who do not give respect, but yet demand it for themselves. It is also easier to look for a new job before you get fired. Bosses come and go, you seem to have been at your job for sometime and probly have seen that many times. It's best to keep it to yourself; express your feelings or document in a diary or talk to close friends who do not work at the same place. Telling God will help you vent, He is has big shoulders and can take your out-cries, then leave it with him. He may be using you to help your boss or your boss to help you ~ or both. Always keep in mind what God says about you; You are His child, and He loves you. Through good times and bad, God is still God.
God bless you, Jo. Your friend and Sister in Christ, Donna

[jo555]

Thanks Donna. I agree. I had no intention of sharing with anyone at work . . . and haven't but with one person. It wasn't premeditated. A fellow coworker nearly broke down crying to me about the problems she was having at work, and wanting to quit. I then shared with her, and we both spoke of keeping it in prayer and leaving it in God's hands. I didn't know her that well as only until recently with a position change with her do our shifts overlap on a few days. I believe she is a fellow Christian as she mentions God and prayer too, and we both agreed not to share with anyone else what we shared with each other.

I've moved on, and believe she is moving on too as we no longer mention it. She still mentions a thing to two to me but not much and she doesn't go on so feel she's moving on too.

When I did share, she did mention she thought she was the only one that felt that way at work, although I don't think her issues are with the manager. She didn't volunteer who and I didn't ask. Yet, I feel in some way it gave her comfort, my sharing with her.

Thanks again. And yes, God is the best comforter of all and great to share with. He loves when we go to Him with our problems, as we should.

You gotta know whom you can share with, and first on the list needs to be God.

Love in Him,
Jo

[jo555]

One additional thing Donna as this is important to me and something you probably know already. I agree there are times to keep things to ourselves. We all have our weak moments, off days, and such, so I generally look to ignore these things. Even if that is how we are already, speaking or not speaking would depend on various things for me. How is someone to grow if something is not brought to their attention, including things with ourselves?

Yet, it is important not to try and change others of ourselves and mold them to our ideals. This is another reason why the simplicity in Christ and his cross is so important. Any other bridge between relationship that we try to establish will eventually fall apart with the right amount of pressure. It needs to be established foremost in Christ, picking up our crosses and following Him. That said, communication does help to bridge misunderstandings and repair relationships. Some questions we may ask ourselves is whether we are just looking out for ourselves, or looking to help the other out too, and the relationship itself. If we feel the need to speak, unless God tells us otherwise, we can, but we must leave the outcome to Him. Afterall, He may allow someone to remain blind to their issues, if they do indeed have an issue, because He is looking to do a work in us first.

Another thing to consider is timing...if the atmosphere is emotionally charge, it may be better to wait so we can view things more objectively in regards to what may be negative emotions.

I do take issue when others speak out against emotions as if they are bad and a hinderance (and do know I am not at all saying you are saying that as I didn't see you say that, just speaking of what I have come across). Sure, emotions can be the devil's playground, but they can be the Lord's playground too if we are coming from our Lord's Heart, a zeal for our Father, and secondary but hand in hand, for his people.

Just sharing some things I've learnt about these things, things you may know already.

Thanks sis, and thanks for looking out for me. I'm listening.

[DonnaEdgar]

Dear Jo,
Just the person I need right now. I am afraid you got me in the cross-hairs. I didn't mean to, but I did interject some of my own problems I am having at our church into our conversation. Rule #1. ???? I'll come up with one later. So I am sorry.
I believe God gave us emotions also, why eles would He tell us to rejoice and be glad in the day He has made?? I am trying so hard to remain calm in the mist of this storm we are in, while the devil is pitching me back and forth,...I am hanging on to God's truths as hard as I can. You see, I am not nearly as smart as the one who is opposing me, I am not crafty or wiley, I can't out think someone who is deceptive. I have to give that to God who can take care of me and protect me. Please pray for me and our little church. Your Sista, Donna

[jo555]

Done, and as it comes to rememberance, will do again (prayer).

You're fine Donna. I like to elaborate a lot.

Like I see something and I want to take it apart and break it down. I want to compartmentalize (is that the word, sometimes I make up my own words). Helps me process things, and think maybe it may help others too . . . if I got it right.

(((hugs)))
Jo