My New Year's Resolutions

A new year, a new me. Or so I think. Let me share a resolution or two from a very personal place of confession. The reality is that when I follow my dreams, and even when I meet those goals I set, I'm often left feeling empty and disappointed. 

So, this year, I'm aiming for something different. As a person who loves Jesus and tries to live as He did, I'm going to ask God to show me what He wants out of my life and go after that. A very different approach from what we're taught as American Christians. 
This very famous quote speaks to me:

“It has been said that the Jews turned the gospel into a religion, Romans a philosophy, Europeans a tradition and Americans a business.”

Ouch! When I read the New Testament or when I read about the struggles of Christians in other parts of the world such as Africa and the Middle East, I realize their lives are closer to what God intended- and they pay the price for their faith because it's all about sharing the Good News of Jesus to as many people as possible. It's not about "my best life ever". It's about bringing glory to God in the way I live.

That’s one of the many things I love about Third World believers in Jesus is their heart of her people toward God! In the US, we are getting more and more secularized.  No so here! There’s a renewed interest in living a life that pleases God.

That’s actually what I'm going to talk about as we look take a look at the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul's words to the church in Italy.

“How Do I Live A Life That Pleases God?” That's the big question for my New Year's resolutions, and I hope it's yours as well!

The Book of Romans was written to the church in Rome, a church made up of mostly Gentiles (not Jewish people) and some Jews. A large population of Jews had lived there since the turn of the century. Written by him about 57 AD at the end of his 3rd missionary journey, probably written while he was in the city of Corinth. Paul had not been to Rome but had been sharing Jesus for 20 years. He walked it, lived it, grown in his understanding. By and large, at the time, Christianity in Rome was a network of house churches, much like what is happening in parts of our world where it is dangerous and against the law to follow Jesus. Emperor Nero would begin persecuting Christians about 10 years later (64 AD).

Paul’s heart for the Romans is found in verses 11-12 of Chapter 1: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong- that is, that you and I may be encouraged by each other’s faith.” 

Let's look at the definition of "Righteousness" as God defines it. Between the Hebrew and the Greeks words for righteousness, it is used more than 700 times in the whole Bible! The concept must be pretty important.

Simply put,  righteousness means moral perfection in thought, word, and deed. (Now, I'm in trouble.) In other words, this means perfectly matching God’s character. God is the final standard of righteousness. It conforms to His moral character. (Genesis 18:25, Romans 9:14) This is what is required from God in order to enter heaven.

When I was a new believer in Jesus, I thought sin was only defined by what I did.
Later, I realized, I was also judged innocent or guilty of sin by the things I said.
I finally realized, I was also judged by the things I thought.

I became even more thankful for the work of Jesus, completed on the cross of His Crucifixion and then for His Resurrection. Aren't you? Isn’t this the teaching of Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount? God goes beyond what we can accomplish on our own…

Look at this verse, words of Jesus Himself: “You have heard it said to the people long ago ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…(will be in danger of the fire of hell).” (Matthew 5:21-22)

If you read the verses before it:

“Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5:19- 20)

This means we cannot achieve righteousness or enter Heaven by our own accomplishments and choices!

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." (Romans 3:20)

The Law is designed by God to point us to Him - and Our Need for a Savior. This is why Jesus said He didn't come to earth to abolish the Law. Every belief system, every religion, requires us to work to get a place in Heaven. Except one: Christianity.

Continuing now in Romans 3:21-26 (using The Message version now. I don’t use the Message version for study- but for today, I wanted to read this translation as it helps us hear the truth in a fresh way.)  
"God Has Set Things Right

But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it’s now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness."

God’s character demands He judges sin- but once again, God goes beyond- He offers payment for it by the blood of His Son Jesus Christ- fulfilling His own law! In contrast to other belief systems, God comes to us, offering a way to eternal life in Heaven instead of Hell. The words He says are simple and direct and clear to understand because He wanted to make it easy for us to "get it". If we reject God, it is our choice. He offers us eternal life through the Gift and Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is great freedom in this- no need for weighing scales of good deeds vs. evil! God pays the price- now all we have to do is live life according to His Word and in the Holy Spirit!

Real freedom and joy is available this year!

So,"How Do We Live a Life That Pleases God?"  Here's a Practical Approach. What does this look like?  How do we live it out?

Quote from a very gifted and well-known pastor, Jack Hayford:
“Freedom from sin does not equal freedom to sin.”

And let me tell you- It doesn't matter how long you've been loving God, trusting Jesus, and trying to please Him. It's an ongoing battle. The depth of sin in our lives and its effective t is even greater than we understand. 

We now need to live our lives in such a way that it matches up with God’s standards of righteousness. Not because of legalism, but out love for Him. “If you love me, you will do what I command.”

More from Romans Chapter 1 helps us understand more. 

The righteous will live by faith.  (Romans 1:17b)- Remember you can’t earn salvation!  Don’t go back to your old ways!

Give God the Glory, and Thank Him. (Romans 1:21) Speak of Him to others- Speak to Him- Have a Thankful Heart! When we grumble, it gives Satan a chance to move us away from God. Slowly, we begin to doubt God’s love, His Goodness, and His Faithfulness. When we begin to doubt His character, we begin to doubt what He did for us!

Don’t exchange the truth of God for a lie. (Romans 1:25, 28) Know what the Bible teaches. Know the Creator. His Word and His Spirit work in unity!

Don’t just hear the Law, Obey it. (Romans 2:13) Here's the great part: It can be challenging even difficult to live a life that pleases God, but when you say yes to Him and no to everything else, there's incredible freedom and joy to be found. God takes you on this great adventure you could never imagine on your own- far better than "living your best life now" or fulfilling your dreams and New Year's resolutions. 

True freedom begins with God.

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:22-23)

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.  Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, (eyes, ears, tongue, brain, hand) but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:11-14)

Let's get practical once more. 

Be wise in what you look at! Men- do you indulge in pornography? Women- Do you visit another’s home and wish her possessions were yours? Let me ask it in another way, a way I ask myself:

Ears- What do you listen to? Do you put up with gossip? 

Tongue- What you say- Do you bless? Do you curse others? 
Do you grumble against God and what He allows?

Brain- What about how and what you think about? Do you take your thoughts captive to Christ? It’s easy to let our minds wander- and the enemy tempts us all the time to go there! Let God transform your mind. (Romans 12:1-2)

What do you do? -  Plot revenge? Lie? Cheat? Steal? Use your body sexually in a way that displeases God?  Honor God with your body! (I Corinthians 6:19-20) Etc.

Not man's power- God's power.

It's all so hard! We need Jesus more than we realize, and we need God's Holy Spirit to live righteously in a manner that pleases Him. So, once again, God goes beyond and provides what we need.

We now have the power to obey God! Here's two "old favorite" verses that should encourage you:

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. (Romans 8:11)

... And out of Paul's letter to another church, Philippians 4:13:  
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

So, will you join me in the New Year and live a life that pleases God by His Power and His Strength? Will you submit your thoughts, words, and actions to Him because you love Him? Don't try to earn your own way to Heaven. It can't be done. But God has given you a way through Jesus Christ alone.

If you haven't turned your life over to the only God that reaches out to you and the only one who can pay the price for you to enter heaven, think about His words to you. In the Book of John 14:6, Jesus says "I am THE way… ". Not a way but The Way (to distinguish from other gods). 

Ending back where we started in the letter to the Roman church:

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)

Be encouraged by these Old Testament verses, a promise from God-  The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.  The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.  (Psalm 145:17-18)

May God give you a wonderful New Year- one where He walks with you through it's challenges and delights!

Happy New Year and New Century from Epcot

Hard to believe the New Millennium was almost 20 years ago! Walt Disney World was prepared to celebrate with Epcot Center being the main park to keep the focus on the future.

A splashy new logo was prepared...

A new CD shared the amazing celebration music with us...

Even T-shirts had the cool Tapestry of Nations parade logo on them!

From brb1006 at WDWMagic.

Best of all was. this incredible commercial capturing all the excitement. And the reality was as good as the promotion.

As for us, it's a New Year- and the best promises Come from God Himself-
Here's His Word from the prophet Isaiah, in Chapter 43:

19 “Look, I am about to do something new.
Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it?
Yes, I will make a road in the desert
and paths in the wilderness.
20 The wild animals of the desert honor me,
the jackals and ostriches,
because I put water in the desert
and streams in the wilderness,
to quench the thirst of my chosen people,
21 the people whom I formed for myself,

so they might praise me.”

May your New Year begin wonderfully with lots of praise to God, followed by plenty of blessing throughout the year!

Happy New Year to You!

From our house to yours- May you have a blessed holiday time! And May the New Year be one where you are thankful for what you have, prayerful for what you need, and generous with those around you. Thank you for reading the blog! More good things coming...

Mary Poppins Returns is a Worthy Film On Its Own

Straight to the point: I'm definitely a Mary Poppins purist, but there's absolutely nothing that should stop you from seeing the new film and even less to stop you from fully enjoying it. Yes, it's that good.

How does Emily Blunt compare to Julie Andrews? That is the question on everyone's mind when it comes to discussing Mary Poppins Returns. Quite well, actually. When she acts, it's a solid and charming performance that keeps the movie buzzing along. Ah, but when she sings, Emily Blunt proves why no one else could have pulled off the feat of reinventing the role all the while honoring it. A delicate balance to be sure.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's sidekick Jack is perfectly cast. Jack gets as little backstory as Bert did in the original. No matter. He's there to add to the goodwill and fun, and he succeeds by complementing and not upstaging his co-star. He's a bright presence in a film that has many more darker moments than the original. When Miranda sings and dances, the magic is there. Trip A Little Light Fantastic is an instant classic, and I'm sure Disney Parks fans will be hearing it for decades to come. But it's not the most impactful dance number.

In an expected moment of sentimental brilliance wisely placed toward the end of the film, Dick Van Dyke temporarily steals the movie. Seeing him on the screen brought tears to my eyes. When I told my young grandson that same actor played Bert in the original and asked if he had recognized him, the response was priceless: "I didn't know it was him until I looked into his eyes." Not bad insight for a six year old.

Angela Lansbury's beautifully sung No Where to Go But Up was another lovely moment on screen, but it made me realize so there are so few people in the profession that can hold a candle to the artistry that came in a different time and place, a time when professionalism and class were more important than making a quick buck or a social statement. (On that note, there's none of the gay character silliness in a family film to worry about here. This is a film suitable for all ages without having to explain sexual preferences.)

The much talked about segments with Meryl Streep and Colin Firth   amounted to little. Streep should have been cut entirely from the film- she's obnoxious on screen (as well as off) here, adding nothing important to the story. On the other hand, Firth is unexpected in his role, adding villain to his impressive list of credits. 

The music from Mary Poppins Returns generally cannot compete with the original, maybe in 50 years, but it does many have bright spots. Composer Marc Shaiman does a fine job with the music, but some of the song lyrics written by Scott Wittman are not as easily sung or remembered as those in the 1964 film. Can You Imagine That? stands out as among the best of all the upbeat numbers and pop ballads with its slight snap, but The Place Where Lost Things Go is very sweet and reminds us that Mary Poppins can also be gentle when its needed. 

The Sherman Brothers - songwriters on the first film- were experts at making simple memorable and appealing. Maybe I'm just being tough on the soundtrack, but there's not as many here as memorable as the ones you remember from your youth. Yet, the songs grow on you the more you hear them- much as this film will!

The huge task before the filmmakers was to create a new classic without comparisons to the old. The film is a huge success on many levels, and it is worth seeing once even twice in the theaters. A film such as this doesn't come along all that often, and it deserves a large screen appreciate all the pleasures it offers. It will be a welcome addition to your DVD collection.

Last Meal

Chipotle's crispy Barbacoa Tacos is my choice for a last meal! It was a competition between that and Moo Shoo Pork, but I just couldn't resist the lure of that delicious Mexican slow cooked beef! Please don't be concerned. I'm not dying. (I mean we all are, but you get the point.) Makes my mouth water just looking at the photo.

A True Christmas Miracle

The Iraqi government declared December 25th a day where believers in Jesus Christ could celebrate their relationship with their God. That my friends, in a land where Christians have been killed for their faith, is a true miracle.

Merriest Christmas Ever

Isn't this photo just beautiful? Disneyland Paris, just like all the Disney theme parks, it is especially stunning during the winter / holiday/ solstice season. Happy... whatever you celebrate!

Seriously, have you noticed that Christmas can't even be celebrated in some places? I'm talking about in the good old U.S.A. and not just in communist and Muslim countries. In the school district in which we live, the students can celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza, Diwali, and more. They just cannot celebrate Christmas- not even the secular one. God forbid (He hasn't) that they celebrate the real reason we have for the merriest Christmas ever- the coming of Jesus! That is Good News- the arrival of the One True King for the people He created.

You see, everyone responds differently to the Good News.

Around the time of Jesus’ birth, the people who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding area knew that firsthand.

King Herod was fuming mad that the wise men had returned to their own country without returning to tell him the whereabouts of Jesus. Under the guise of wanting to worship him, Herod was relying on their information so he could kill the Christ Child. Herod was threatened and wanted no one else in control. When his original plan failed, every boy aged two and under was killed at the king’s command. What a huge price many paid because of one man’s ego, anger, and fear!


As Jesus grew up, and especially during his ministry, people responded with curiosity or disinterest or disdain in their own thoughts about him. Though time changes, human nature does not.
Today, just like back then, people still respond the same way as King Herod: the thought of giving up control of one’s own life to Someone Else will just not be done. So, Jesus is again responded to with curiosity, disinterest, or disdain.

Maybe even worse, He can be put “in his place”, especially by us folks who are religious or may have a faint interest in being spiritual. This could be because of religious tradition or because we have become too familiar with Him. Either way, when this happens, Jesus risks becoming an icon for us, removed from personal relationship with the very people he died for! Jesus died for an intimate relationship with each one of us- not so that He could become a corporate figurehead.

To me, the baby Jesus I place in that creche on the mantle is only a reminder of the God made man who died to give me eternal life and a living relationship with Him. This Christmas, I invite you to reconsider the Jesus who willingly gave up his life for you and rose from the dead, paying the price for the sins you have committed. We deserve Hell, but only through Him do we have a chance for life. All He asks in turn is that you give him your heart and control of your life. What a small price to pay for an eternity of peace and joy instead of condemnation and misery!

(Image copyright Love This Pic.)

Cast(le) View Part Two

Here's the full piece of art that made up the Cast(le) View magazine cover I posted a few days ago. This larger image shows a bigger slice of Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland, with a few more people and a greater look at the charming buildings found there.

The magazine itself, however, does the job quite well when it comes to portraying an icy winter day in sunny warm Southern California. Climate change the Disney way!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Marvel's Other Superheroes

Have we seen the last of the Avengers? Educated guesses run the gamut, but one thing we can be sure of: Disney will keep rebooting the Marvel based series as long as it acts like a printing press for cold hard cash.  The backstories of these characters are fascinating! The more you dig, the more interesting it gets. Check out this link and discover a whole side of Marvel you probably never knew existed. 

(Art copyright Marvel Studios.)

Christmas at Arlington Cemetery

In honor of the men and women who gave their lives to keep us free. A photograph is worth more than a thousand words...

(Photographer unknown.)

Dwell

Editor's Note: Today, I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful new writer, Lauren Knuth. Her insights on the season will make you sit up and take notice of the God who loved us so much that He sent His Only Son Jesus to Earth. Enjoy!

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Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests”

                       Luke 2:11-14

What a sight to behold!  Can you imagine?  Standing in a field, like every other night, watching over your sheep and then suddenly an angel appears and begins talking to you?  “Do not be afraid”…. Well, that might be a little late!  And then before you know it, you are standing in front of not only one angel, but a whole host?  That would leave a lasting impression!  And the cause of this heavenly invasion?  God on earth.  God. As in the creator of the earth.  The universe.  He had decided to arrive on earth. And the package God chose to wrap the Savior of the world?  The incarnation of God himself?  A baby.

Crazy, right?  Or at the very least unexpected.  His heavenly harolding seems to have more power, presence and authority than the form of God himself. So why? Why would God choose to make His entrance in such a weak, frail and vulnerable form?

I have wondered and wrestled with this question.  And in the midst of my searching I felt the Lord remind me of another verse that tends to grace the front of many Christmas cards this season.  In John 1:14 it says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory...”  Did you catch it?  He made his dwelling among us.  It does not say that He came and ruled among us.  It does not say that He came and judged among us.  No.  He made His dwelling among us.  This is a New Testament reflection of the tabernacle.  When God is giving directions on building the tabernacle in Exodus 25:8 He says, “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”  Even in the Old Testament, God’s heart has been to dwell with us.

Have you ever held a newborn?  If you think about those first precious (and exhausting!) months, there isn’t a lot that a baby can do.  Newborn babies can’t sit, they haven’t even learned how to use their hands to reach for something they want. They spend most of their time being held.  They have no choice but to just be.  Babies dwell.  It’s really all they can do. What if part of the point of God sending Jesus in the form of a baby is to show us His heart?  While God rules and judges the world, His top priority- even back in Exodus with the tabernacle- is to dwell with His people. With us.  In this God shows that He is infinitely more patient than we are.  We get impatient in our lane on the highway and decide the next one is worth switching to. But God.  When it came to sending the Savior and the means of salvation to the world, He was content to send a baby and wait for Him to grow.  God decided that out of all the options, He wanted Jesus to grow among us.  To dwell among us.

Look again at the passage from Luke and what the angel says.  Look at what the good news is that the angel is sharing.  It is not merely the birth of a baby. The good news is the birth of a Savior, the Messiah. The heavenly host was praising not the baby form of Jesus, but the mission and purpose of Jesus. The praise was for the Messiah, the Savior of the world. In that moment, Jesus was not yet at the cross.  Jesus had not yet been raised from the dead.  He had only just been born as a baby. But God had the eyes to see who He was meant to be and the mission He was meant to accomplish.  That is what the angels were praising.

The Christmas season can be hard, especially for those that don’t know the hope that is found in Jesus. But while you’re walking through life this Christmas season, I encourage you to dwell.  Dwell with other believers.  Dwell with family.  Even dwell with the family that can be a little difficult.  But don’t forget to dwell with those that don’t know Jesus- yet.  Dwell with those like Jesus dwelled with us.  Be with them.  Pray for God’s eyes to see that person as He sees them. Pray that He shows you who He made them to be and the mission He made for them to accomplish.  And have patience.  Wait for that moment where you can be God’s voice to them, encouraging them in who God made them to be.  God was willing to be patient for us- to send us the Savior of the world as a baby.  Be that for someone else.  Dwell with them as they grow. Dwell with them as they search.  Dwell with them while they struggle.  Dwell with them as they mature. This Christmas, take time to dwell with them as He dwelled with us.

(Copyright Lauren Knuth.)

Snow on Main Street U.S.A.

A magazine just for employees of Disneyland, the Cast(le) View takes look at Main Street U.S.A. under a blanket of ice and snow. Of course, to complete the wintery wonderland, the Matterhorn and its Bobsled run are moved next door to Sleeping Beauty Castle. The horses now pull a sled, and all is calm and bright. A beautiful sight for sunny California, but pretty commonplace for those of us in other parts of the country!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tropical Hideaway Poster

Disneyland's attraction posters are among my most favored pieces of art for the parks! It's not just iconic and beloved attractions that get the honor of a poster. Sometimes, the park's restaurants get one as well! The brand new restaurant in Adventureland, the Tropical Hideway has been graced with one for all of us to enjoy. Do you see a problem here? I do. It's only a screen shot of the poster. Let's see who can find a real nice image of the real deal.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.) 

Big Night for Timeless- The Final Adventure

It's with very mixed emotions that tonight is finally here. I'm a huge fan of Timeless, and I'm thrilled the television honchos have given fans one last hurrah to wrap up the series. That's the real problem as well! This small screen show packs a punch bigger than most found on the silver screen. It is at once intelligent, heartfelt, and powerful. The writers have given us a storyline that mesmerizes, but the cast is what pulls it together. 

The ensemble works so well- like a family reunion that goes off without a hitch. Abigail Spencer, Malcolm Barrett, and Matt Lanter form the team you'd want having your back, and they face two (one) of the greatest television villains ever: Goran Višnjić and Annie Wersching. 

Thanks to everyone involved for a great show- even if it was never given enough time to truly earn its place for more than two seasons. But what a ride it was!

Handling Holiday Depression

Hearing many more stories about holiday depression and how common it is- even among men. So, I thought it was time to share this article from earlier in the year. If you struggle with depression, don't give up! Read on and be encouraged!
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Thanks to men such as Dwayne Johnson, The Rock, discussion about male depression is not as uncommon as it used to be.  Wintertime is a season where its triggered in me, especially post holidays when life goes back to normal, and Spring seems far away. That said, I have a slight understanding of the ups and downs that can accompany the feeling of things not being 100% "right".

Although its less so than in years past, I have been constantly amazed by the general reluctance of the society and sometimes the faith community to discuss this very human condition. Yet, I have read two very interesting pieces in the New Testament where both the great Apostle Paul and even Jesus himself struggled with despair. Here's a quote from Paul written to the church in Corinth.

"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we even despised of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened what we might not rely on ourselves, but on God,who raises the dead." (II Corinthians 1:8-9)

Jesus' words are even more important here, as He is God in the flesh: In the garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion, he says to Peter, James and John, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." (Matthew 26:38)

How much more direct and descriptive can that be?

Personally speaking, it's taken me years to accept the fluctuations that come in life. I've been trained in the Southern California mindset of "Always sunny and free all the time". But life is not like that- which is why I am also so against the prosperity teachers that can populate the Christian airwaves and bookstores.

How can I manage life's ups and downs when leaning toward depression? A few things I have discovered: One, stay as far away from sin as possible! Instead of looking toward the things that will seem to meet my needs in the moment but ultimately keep me addicted, I will ask for strength to avoid them. Why add to my problems by doing things I know will cause me to be more deeply depressed later? Be it excess food or alcohol, drugs, illicit sex, gambling, the internet, shopping etc, the actions which pacify our pain can also be the very ones that keep us captive instead of free.

Secondly, when my need feels great, when I am sad, or even when I am just craving what I know is ultimately destructive, I am training myself to see that as my clue I need more time with my heavenly father. Time for quiet reflection, prayer, worship, and reading my Bible can bring me back to a peaceful place. I've made the decision that my life belongs to Jesus, so why shouldn't I go right to Him when I know He can and will show tender care for me?

Lastly, I am developing a pattern of choosing to have a thankful heart. I am so blessed by God! Yet, how often do I long for more of everything and not be grateful for my life. It will never be perfect or free from want or conflict, so I might as well be as joyful, thankful and at peace as I can be.

There was a brief season of a few months where I even took  antidepressants on the advice of my doctor. That helped balance me out when I need it. Others need them as a long term part of their lives. If that's you, please consider it. God uses doctors to heal, too! Keep that in consideration if you struggle.

God is faithful as we continue to look to Him for hope and strength. May my disclosure and insights help give you who struggle some ideas about how to live life well in the midst of difficulty.