I got a really great question poised to me this evening. I felt that I need to pass the question along including my response. If you know of someone who’s marriage is suffering please feel free to pass this along. It’s the longest blog I’ve ever wrote. I only wrote this because I felt the leading of the Lord in this. I hope and pray you get some good out of it.
Here it goes!
Hey listen, do men always write such short & to the point letters, vs. Women who write and write and write their hearts and souls out until they can't write anymore, and then men write back and go, OK. It's so disappointing. Ha, don't take offense, it perhaps is probably is an unfair generalization, but it has been my experience. Women get so disappointed by that (the shortness). I suppose there are women who are just to the point kind of people too. I just really need to know what is going on.
Here’s my answer:
God designed men to be the provider and the head of the house. God also designed men to take charge of things. God put it in our nature to get to the point. God has also put in our nature to be sensitive towards women. Unfortunately not all men follow God's direction. Let me change that, very few men follow God's direction. If we men followed God's perfect direction then we would be able to care for women, minister to women, comfort women, and in fact be able to listen to women and somehow to decipher what it is a woman is trying to tell us. And we would also see the divorce rate drop in the world!
The problem herein lies that men don't wait on God. Men get too wound up in what's going on around them to pay proper attention to a woman’s voice, her actual message she is trying to convey. In fact over the past thirty years or so this problem has gotten substantially worse. One could even make the point that since the computer revolution has hit and everyone’s life went from fast to warp speed in just the last six years or so we men have just basically thrown out the window all of the instructions that God has given us men in dealing with and ministering to women. We men have a big problem in the area of communication with women.
Almost without exception when a couple go to see a marriage counselor because their marriage is on the rocks the first thing a marriage counselor will most likely do is to try to teach the couple how to communicate with each other. I had a good friend call me about two months ago and told me that his wife wanted a legal separation and he asked me what to do. I told him to go to her, apologize to her for his actions, and then ask her if he could pray over her. He did exactly as I told him to do and now they have a strong marriage again.
What was the big changing in point in my friend’s marriage? Two key points jump out at me. First when he went and apologized to his wife he admitted that he wasn’t perfect and that yes he had made mistakes. My friend doing this opened him up to his wife in an intimate kind of way and it knocked down all of the defensive walls that he had built. The next thing that he did was pray. When he prayed over her it started the communication between them flowing again.
The key point here is the apologizing. If he would not have apologized and tore down his walls so he could communicate with his wife nothing would have ever changed and they would both probably each have their own divorce attorney now. As soon as his wall came down his wife did an immediate 180 degree turn. He gave his wife the one thing that was missing in their marriage. He gave her an open line of communication with him.
One of the greatest gifts that a man can give his wife is a chance for her to speak her mind. This is something that I personally have set a goal for me to do every day. We men need to go to our wives at least once a day, away from the kids, television, and every other distraction including our computers and such and stop and ask our wives one simple question. We need to look our wives in the eyes and simply ask “Honey, what is on your mind?” If we as men would do that every day our wives would think we men are given directly by God himself!
I’m going to throw in a side note and a challenge here. Guys, I’ve got ADHD pretty bad and I have a heck of a time sitting there and doing this sometimes. Guys, if I can do this I know you can! But wait, I’m not finished here yet. Women, you’re not getting off of the hook real easy here either!
Women, you need to understand that for some reason, and I’m not exactly sure what that reason is, that we men are a little bit hard headed at times. If we don’t exactly hear what it is that you’re saying, please don’t get frustrated with us and give up. Sometimes we men need a little bit of help. If your husband is going to the lengths of opening up and listening to you please be patient and just share with him. You never know, he might just hear you.
Another thing that I personally have found beneficial in our marriage is when my wife does come to me and says to me “I have something we need to talk about” or “I have something I need to say to you.” When my wife does this it cues me to break free with some time, somehow because I know that my wife needs to communicate with me. Women you need to let us men know that you want to communicate with us!
Believe it or not I’ve actually found some ways to find some time for my wife to communicate with me. As an example, with all of our kids and such we spend a great deal of time in our mini-van. This is a great opportunity and time for couples to communicate. I find that if I turn off the radio, put down the cell phone, and slow down so I don’t have to weave in and out of traffic my wife and I can actually communicate. Just this evening my wife and I actually communicated for ten straight minutes without interruption in a drive across town. Ten whole minutes mind you!
I know I’ve come down pretty hard on the guy’s side in this. The problem is that I’m a guy too and I can see where I’ve went wrong. I’m not my wife and I can’t change my wife. Only God and my wife can change my wife. So therefore I focus on what I can change and that is me, a guy.
Our pastor was explaining to us the other day that one person can make a difference, that one person can save a marriage. I believe that to be true. I know that if I as a guy do my part in our marriage, that if I pay attention to my wife, that I listen to my wife when she communicates with me, that I am doing my part to strengthen our marriage.
I also believe that if you stop and give a woman a chance to speak and communicate she will. I don’t say that as joke or a pun or anything, rather I say that as I believe that is something that God put into women when he designed women. I believe that a woman has a God given need to communicate how she feels. Once again, if I as a guy pay heed to my wife’s God given needs, then yes we will have a great marriage.
I heard it many times, in fact there is a course out there that uses this slogan which is “Marriage takes three.” Those three are the Lord (God), the wife, and the husband. The Lord is the biggest part. God has given us basic instructions in the Bible. In the Bible we find that we are to keep our marriage pretty simple really. First we put God first, and then we men are to love our wives as Christ first loved the church, and then finally it’s the women’s part to submit to your husbands.
One of the last things that Jesus did before he left Earth to return to Heaven was to inform us that He would send his Holy Spirit for us. The Holy Spirit enables us the Church, the body of believers to go directly to God with our prayers, our communications. The one thing that the Lord loves more then anything is when we communicate openly and freely with Him. If we take our cares, our wants, our needs, our praises to Him, He will open up and freely communicate back with us. That’s a big part of it when we love our wives as Christ first loved the Church. Be led by the Holy Spirit, open up and communicate.
When the body, the Church is communicating openly and freely with the Lord, then we are submitting ourselves to be led by the Lord too. We can hear the Lord’s instructions in our lives. This is where the part of the wives comes in to play here. When there is that open line of communication then the men can do their part and the wives can do their part. We hear each others needs, wants, desires, and many times, even the hurts. We just need to stop and communicate with each other. Just the way the Lord designed it.
I know this went a little bit long but I hope that there are those that got some good out of this!
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Here's My Top 10 For 2006
As I sit here looking forward into the New Year I am now setting some more goals for myself. Here’s what I’ve got so far-
Here's My Top 10 For 2006!
1: Stay true to Jesus
2: Try to stay on my diet
3: Stay on my treatment
4: Have a successful year in college
5: Love my wife unconditionally for a whole year
6: Be there for our kids throughout the whole year
7: Reach out & lift up/do something nice to at least 1 person per week
8: Finish getting our house remodeled
9: Get a good job
10: Lighten up & enjoy life & At the end of the year I too can celebrate making it another year!
Looking forward to the New Year two verses come to mind. First Proverbs 27:1 “Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what the day will bring.” This is one thing that I’ve learned not to do. I’ve got my hands full with the “here & now!” I can however look forward to the future. Over the past few days I’ve been quoting Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
So there you have it. I’m not bragging about what the New Year is bringing BUT I am looking forward to the New Year as I have faith that the Lord is going to give me a better year next year then what this year was. I know that because of the Lord’s promise "…plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” That last half of the sentence is what I’m really hanging on and now I know I’ve got a future and a hope! What more can I ask for!
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Here's My Top 10 For 2006!
1: Stay true to Jesus
2: Try to stay on my diet
3: Stay on my treatment
4: Have a successful year in college
5: Love my wife unconditionally for a whole year
6: Be there for our kids throughout the whole year
7: Reach out & lift up/do something nice to at least 1 person per week
8: Finish getting our house remodeled
9: Get a good job
10: Lighten up & enjoy life & At the end of the year I too can celebrate making it another year!
Looking forward to the New Year two verses come to mind. First Proverbs 27:1 “Don't brag about tomorrow, since you don't know what the day will bring.” This is one thing that I’ve learned not to do. I’ve got my hands full with the “here & now!” I can however look forward to the future. Over the past few days I’ve been quoting Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
So there you have it. I’m not bragging about what the New Year is bringing BUT I am looking forward to the New Year as I have faith that the Lord is going to give me a better year next year then what this year was. I know that because of the Lord’s promise "…plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” That last half of the sentence is what I’m really hanging on and now I know I’ve got a future and a hope! What more can I ask for!
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
It’s That Simple!
I’ve been struggling lately with a round of depression and to tell the truth unfortunately I also haven’t been very happy. I’ve had a ton of stuff weighing me down. I’ve been trying to give it to the Lord and then trust in him to relieve me of my burdens. I’ve also been trying to praise the Lord for I know he will keep his word and take my burden.
Tonight I felt the Lord telling me to focus on just one scripture. Proverbs 10:28 “The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked are all in vain.” The first half is in particular what the Lord wants me to focus on. God is giving me a promise here. “The hopes of the godly result in happiness.” Wow! What a scripture and a promise!
This scripture is about as plain and to the point as you can get! If we pursue God and seek to do his will then we are the godly that it’s talking about. This goes right along with Matthew 6:33 (I’m using King James here as it put’s it so eloquently!) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
I love it when the Lord is showing me His promises! In fact I’m blown away by the simpleness! It’s like I shared a couple of days ago about the Bible. B-I-B-L-E Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. God gave us the instructions. All we have to do is follow them and seek God and He will give us his happiness. It’s that simple!
BIG SCOTT
Tonight I felt the Lord telling me to focus on just one scripture. Proverbs 10:28 “The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked are all in vain.” The first half is in particular what the Lord wants me to focus on. God is giving me a promise here. “The hopes of the godly result in happiness.” Wow! What a scripture and a promise!
This scripture is about as plain and to the point as you can get! If we pursue God and seek to do his will then we are the godly that it’s talking about. This goes right along with Matthew 6:33 (I’m using King James here as it put’s it so eloquently!) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
I love it when the Lord is showing me His promises! In fact I’m blown away by the simpleness! It’s like I shared a couple of days ago about the Bible. B-I-B-L-E Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. God gave us the instructions. All we have to do is follow them and seek God and He will give us his happiness. It’s that simple!
I could go on and on here and get quite a bit deeper but this is all I feel the Lord is wanting me to share. I feel that the Lord has someone out there who needs to here this. If this is you, please let me know. If you know someone that could use this, please feel free to pass it on.
Be Blessed!BIG SCOTT
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Do I Ever Regret?
I’ve been hearing from many, many people lately that have regretted opening up and sharing with people that they have a mental disorder, Bipolar disorder in particular. Do I ever regret opening up and sharing my disorder? No, not really, about the only thing that I’ve learned is that I don’t just open up and share my disorder with just anyone. If someone such as a relative or a friend asks I’ll share. I also don't mind sharing if I'm speaking to a group in a Christian ministry setting. In other words, if I can share Jesus & lift Jesus up, then I'm happy to share my disorder. Employers are a "grey area" that I would deal with on a need to know basis.
If someone else with a mental disorder would ask me I find that I'm more then happy to share my experiences. In opening up with those that I choose to share with I find that I also get to share Jesus. Jesus is such an integral part of my life and my treatment. I know that Jesus has kept me going when I couldn’t get going on my own. I also know that Jesus has opened many doors for me to get in with some really great doctors and such.
For me to get in with the psychiatrist (meds doc, pdoc) that I’ve got and the psychologist (talk doc, tdoc) that I’ve had was nothing short of a miracle. I hear just about every day from people that don’t get along with pdoc &/or their tdoc. I have been blessed, no doubt. Right now I’m moving over to a new tdoc as my other one has just retired. My pdoc knows me and my strong Christian beliefs and she has made a recommendation for a new tdoc. I am looking forward to meeting my new tdoc.
My #1 goal is still to let Jesus lead me and shine through me. I’ve found this is not an easy goal to accomplish. Just like every person every born on this Earth, except Jesus, I do have a sinful side to me. I am not a perfect person & I do sin. Just about every day I have to stop and ask for forgiveness. The good news is that I do have the Holy Spirit that Jesus sent to each and every one of us that believe living inside of me. It is because of the Holy Spirit that I can know when I do wrong and seek forgiveness.
I hope that every person that reads this can also be lead by the Holy Spirit and have Jesus shine through them too.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
If someone else with a mental disorder would ask me I find that I'm more then happy to share my experiences. In opening up with those that I choose to share with I find that I also get to share Jesus. Jesus is such an integral part of my life and my treatment. I know that Jesus has kept me going when I couldn’t get going on my own. I also know that Jesus has opened many doors for me to get in with some really great doctors and such.
For me to get in with the psychiatrist (meds doc, pdoc) that I’ve got and the psychologist (talk doc, tdoc) that I’ve had was nothing short of a miracle. I hear just about every day from people that don’t get along with pdoc &/or their tdoc. I have been blessed, no doubt. Right now I’m moving over to a new tdoc as my other one has just retired. My pdoc knows me and my strong Christian beliefs and she has made a recommendation for a new tdoc. I am looking forward to meeting my new tdoc.
My #1 goal is still to let Jesus lead me and shine through me. I’ve found this is not an easy goal to accomplish. Just like every person every born on this Earth, except Jesus, I do have a sinful side to me. I am not a perfect person & I do sin. Just about every day I have to stop and ask for forgiveness. The good news is that I do have the Holy Spirit that Jesus sent to each and every one of us that believe living inside of me. It is because of the Holy Spirit that I can know when I do wrong and seek forgiveness.
I hope that every person that reads this can also be lead by the Holy Spirit and have Jesus shine through them too.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Sunday, December 25, 2005
New Year’s Resolutions (Already)!
I hope every one had a great Christmas, I know we did. As we were sitting around the table for our Christmas meal my wife piped up and started talking about New Year’s resolutions. Now keep in mind that I’m not a big advocate of New Year’s resolutions as usually I’m one of the first to break them. But none the less, my wife already made some for me today!
Here are my New Year’s resolutions that my wife made for me. 1: Finish Living Room. 2: Finish Bathroom. 3: Finish Family Room. 4: Rebuild our Carport. 5: Redo Kitchen. Did I mention we’re remodeling our house? We’re trying to get this house remodeled so we can get into a new one. I suppose one good thing that I’ve got going for me here is that my New Year’s resolutions so far are a no brainer and a sure fire bet for me to keep. Why do I say that? My loving and wonderful wife will make sure I keep hers, err…, I mean my New Year’s resolutions that she has made for me!
Seriously though, I am looking forward to 2006. 2005 was not a banner year for me. 2005 was the year that I received my Bipolar disorder and my ADHD diagnosis. It was also the year that I started down the long road that is called meds therapy for both my Bipolar & ADHD. 2005 was not all bad though. For our anniversary my wife & I renewed our vows. That was a special time for the both of us.
Along the way throughout this year God has really made Himself shown. I know one thing for certain and that is that if we would not have allowed the Lord to lead our lives this year would have been a total train wreck! One thing that still blows me away is how we are able to at least pay our basic bills. All throughout this year we’ve always managed to pay our utilities and car payments. That alone is a miracle in itself.
Here’s my basic plan for 2006. 1: Continue to serve the Lord in the best way I can. 2: To be the husband to my wife that the Lord has called me to be. 3: To be the father to our children that the Lord has called me to be. 4: To be the financial steward of our money that the Lord has called me to be. 5: To be successful in college. 6: Get my meds straightened out & follow my treatment for my Bipolar disorder and my ADHD. If I do these six things I know that I will have a fantastic 2006.
What are your plans for 2006? I hope and pray that your 2006 plans are the Jeremiah 29:11 plans: “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Write that promise on your heart and you’ll be off and running to having a great 2006!
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Here are my New Year’s resolutions that my wife made for me. 1: Finish Living Room. 2: Finish Bathroom. 3: Finish Family Room. 4: Rebuild our Carport. 5: Redo Kitchen. Did I mention we’re remodeling our house? We’re trying to get this house remodeled so we can get into a new one. I suppose one good thing that I’ve got going for me here is that my New Year’s resolutions so far are a no brainer and a sure fire bet for me to keep. Why do I say that? My loving and wonderful wife will make sure I keep hers, err…, I mean my New Year’s resolutions that she has made for me!
Seriously though, I am looking forward to 2006. 2005 was not a banner year for me. 2005 was the year that I received my Bipolar disorder and my ADHD diagnosis. It was also the year that I started down the long road that is called meds therapy for both my Bipolar & ADHD. 2005 was not all bad though. For our anniversary my wife & I renewed our vows. That was a special time for the both of us.
Along the way throughout this year God has really made Himself shown. I know one thing for certain and that is that if we would not have allowed the Lord to lead our lives this year would have been a total train wreck! One thing that still blows me away is how we are able to at least pay our basic bills. All throughout this year we’ve always managed to pay our utilities and car payments. That alone is a miracle in itself.
Here’s my basic plan for 2006. 1: Continue to serve the Lord in the best way I can. 2: To be the husband to my wife that the Lord has called me to be. 3: To be the father to our children that the Lord has called me to be. 4: To be the financial steward of our money that the Lord has called me to be. 5: To be successful in college. 6: Get my meds straightened out & follow my treatment for my Bipolar disorder and my ADHD. If I do these six things I know that I will have a fantastic 2006.
What are your plans for 2006? I hope and pray that your 2006 plans are the Jeremiah 29:11 plans: “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Write that promise on your heart and you’ll be off and running to having a great 2006!
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Saturday, December 24, 2005
It came upon the midnight clear
I just feel the lord telling me tonight to slow down, at least for a day. I need to stop and enjoy Christmas and what it really means. I also really feel that the Lord is trying to get something across to me and somehow through all of this I keep hearing the song “It came upon a midnight clear” playing over and over again in my head.
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear was written by Edmund Hamilton Sears in 1849. The carol started life as a poem written by its author who was a minister living in Massachusetts at the time. The music for “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” was composed by American musician Richard Storrs Willis in 1859 who was inspired by the words of the poem. This is one of those songs that we just need to stop and think about, then open our hearts and let Jesus speak to us so we can take it all in.
Take your time and read through it to see what Jesus speaks into your heart. At the end I will share what Jesus spoke into my heart.
In the first verse Jesus is saying unto me “Stop, be still for a moment. Listen to the joyful presence My Holy Spirit brings unto your heart. Let it be a joy unto you.”
God still sends his Angels round about us in the second verse, even over the “sad and lowly plains.” “Stop and listen” the Lord says. “My Angels are still singing over you.”
We learn in the third verse that when life’s load is crushing you, when you are bending from the heavy load, when you toil to climb the mountain in front of you, when it hurts to take a step and you can barely move, look to the heavens for Jesus is there for you. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” If we stop and let Jesus care for us then His Angels can also sing over us and minister to us too.
In the fourth verse we see the word “hastening.” Hastening means “to speed up; accelerate.” The days that the prophets of the Bible foretold are coming upon at an ever increasingly faster and faster speed. The day of Christ’s return is going to be here before we know it. The day of the return of the “Prince of Peace” is at hand! When that day arrives and there will be a new Earth and a new Heaven then yes, the whole world will sing praises of our Savior, Christ Jesus.
That’s what I heard Jesus speaking into my heart from this poem/song. I hope it ministered to you too. In addition, I hope that what I shared will help lift you up.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear was written by Edmund Hamilton Sears in 1849. The carol started life as a poem written by its author who was a minister living in Massachusetts at the time. The music for “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” was composed by American musician Richard Storrs Willis in 1859 who was inspired by the words of the poem. This is one of those songs that we just need to stop and think about, then open our hearts and let Jesus speak to us so we can take it all in.
Take your time and read through it to see what Jesus speaks into your heart. At the end I will share what Jesus spoke into my heart.
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heavens all gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.
O ye beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow;
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.
For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold,
When the new heaven and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace, their King,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.
In the first verse Jesus is saying unto me “Stop, be still for a moment. Listen to the joyful presence My Holy Spirit brings unto your heart. Let it be a joy unto you.”
God still sends his Angels round about us in the second verse, even over the “sad and lowly plains.” “Stop and listen” the Lord says. “My Angels are still singing over you.”
We learn in the third verse that when life’s load is crushing you, when you are bending from the heavy load, when you toil to climb the mountain in front of you, when it hurts to take a step and you can barely move, look to the heavens for Jesus is there for you. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” If we stop and let Jesus care for us then His Angels can also sing over us and minister to us too.
In the fourth verse we see the word “hastening.” Hastening means “to speed up; accelerate.” The days that the prophets of the Bible foretold are coming upon at an ever increasingly faster and faster speed. The day of Christ’s return is going to be here before we know it. The day of the return of the “Prince of Peace” is at hand! When that day arrives and there will be a new Earth and a new Heaven then yes, the whole world will sing praises of our Savior, Christ Jesus.
That’s what I heard Jesus speaking into my heart from this poem/song. I hope it ministered to you too. In addition, I hope that what I shared will help lift you up.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Friday, December 23, 2005
The REAL Christmas Story
I thought that I would put the REAL Christmas Story up on my blog tonight so everyone would have it in time for Christmas. Here is the link to Bible Gateway if you would like to print it out yourself.
Be Blessed In Jesus & Have A Wonderful Christmas!!!
BIG SCOTT
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
18Now this is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19Joseph, her fiance, being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly.
20As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22All of this happened to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet:
23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)."
24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded. He brought Mary home to be his wife, 25but she remained a virgin until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
Matthew 2
The Visit of the Wise Men
1Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him."
3Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, as was all of Jerusalem. 4He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law. "Where did the prophets say the Messiah would be born?" he asked them.
5"In Bethlehem," they said, "for this is what the prophet wrote:
6`O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' " 7Then Herod sent a private message to the wise men, asking them to come see him. At this meeting he learned the exact time when they first saw the star. 8Then he told them, "Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!"
9After this interview the wise men went their way. Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12But when it was time to leave, they went home another way, because God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
The Escape to Egypt
13After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up and flee to Egypt with the child and his mother," the angel said. "Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to try to kill the child." 14That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: "I called my Son out of Egypt."
16Herod was furious when he learned that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, because the wise men had told him the star first appeared to them about two years earlier. 17Herod's brutal action fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah:
18 "A cry of anguish is heard in Ramah--weeping and mourning unrestrained. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted--for they are dead."
The Return to Nazareth
19When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and told him, 20"Get up and take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead." 21So Joseph returned immediately to Israel with Jesus and his mother. 22But when he learned that the new ruler was Herod's son Archelaus, he was afraid. Then, in another dream, he was warned to go to Galilee. 23So they went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what was spoken by the prophets concerning the Messiah: "He will be called a Nazarene."
Be Blessed In Jesus & Have A Wonderful Christmas!!!
BIG SCOTT
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah
18Now this is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19Joseph, her fiance, being a just man, decided to break the engagement quietly, so as not to disgrace her publicly.
20As he considered this, he fell asleep, and an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22All of this happened to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet:
23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)."
24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded. He brought Mary home to be his wife, 25but she remained a virgin until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.
Matthew 2
The Visit of the Wise Men
1Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We have seen his star as it arose, and we have come to worship him."
3Herod was deeply disturbed by their question, as was all of Jerusalem. 4He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law. "Where did the prophets say the Messiah would be born?" he asked them.
5"In Bethlehem," they said, "for this is what the prophet wrote:
6`O Bethlehem of Judah, you are not just a lowly village in Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' " 7Then Herod sent a private message to the wise men, asking them to come see him. At this meeting he learned the exact time when they first saw the star. 8Then he told them, "Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!"
9After this interview the wise men went their way. Once again the star appeared to them, guiding them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11They entered the house where the child and his mother, Mary, were, and they fell down before him and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12But when it was time to leave, they went home another way, because God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.
The Escape to Egypt
13After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up and flee to Egypt with the child and his mother," the angel said. "Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to try to kill the child." 14That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: "I called my Son out of Egypt."
16Herod was furious when he learned that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, because the wise men had told him the star first appeared to them about two years earlier. 17Herod's brutal action fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah:
18 "A cry of anguish is heard in Ramah--weeping and mourning unrestrained. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted--for they are dead."
The Return to Nazareth
19When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and told him, 20"Get up and take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead." 21So Joseph returned immediately to Israel with Jesus and his mother. 22But when he learned that the new ruler was Herod's son Archelaus, he was afraid. Then, in another dream, he was warned to go to Galilee. 23So they went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what was spoken by the prophets concerning the Messiah: "He will be called a Nazarene."
I accept!
Every once in a while a verse just jumps out at you. Colossians 2:8 has just done that to me. Check this out- “Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ.” This time of the year we need to remember this.
I don’t know about you but when I turn on the TV all I see is adds saying by this for Christmas or buy that. Hey! Look at this someone says, this is the ULTIMATE Christmas gift. Let us not forget we’ve already got the ULTIMATE Christmas gift. We’ve got Jesus! All we have to do is accept.
All I’ve got to say is “Jesus, I accept!” I hope you say the same!
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Guess who's gettin' nuttin' fer Christmas?!
Had to throw this one in real quick!
If Santa has his workshop at the North Pole & his Summer home at the South Pole what would that make Santa???
Scroll Page Down… :-)
:-)
:-)
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:-)
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:-)
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:-)
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:-)
:-)
Bi-Pole-R!!!!
I just got this and I had to pass it on!!!
Hehehehe!!!
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
If Santa has his workshop at the North Pole & his Summer home at the South Pole what would that make Santa???
Scroll Page Down… :-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
:-)
Bi-Pole-R!!!!
I just got this and I had to pass it on!!!
Hehehehe!!!
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
I have the promise of the Lord!
I had to go back and read my “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” post that I made a few nights ago. I’ve decided I’m going to take my own advice. With this anger I’ve got I’m going to do three things. First I’m going to cry out to Jesus, confess my anger, and just basically lay it all on the line. Next, I’m going to call on Jesus to rescue me, to take this anger away, heal my hurts, and replace my anger with his Holy Spirit. And then finally I’m going to give the Lord praise because I know he is true to His word and he will rescue me.
I’ve been chatting with my sis Robbin. Here is part of what she shared with me. “Anger is just another descriptor for hurt feelings, it really is just a management word for what we do with our feelings. I did not mean to say that you were angry as a bad thing but to identify the feelings. You have been through a lot and because you are so compassionate this means that your pain is turned inward. I know that you are a great person and a loving caring person. I also know that God has a great plan for your life.” “I think that you truly have to come to terms with what all has been and is going on. Stop trying to sugarcoat it all and just get pissed off at the enemy.”
That was a whole lot to digest. I’ve had to read and reread what Sis said several times. I know what she wrote me was of the Lord. When the Lord sends you a message like the one he sent me through my Sis it sometimes takes a while to digest it. One thing I know I need to do is take her words to heart and turn my anger on the enemy, not some poor fool that would want to try me. If I did that how would I be showing Jesus love? I would be playing right into the enemy’s trap.
I’ve got a wonderful wife and we’ve still got four great kids here at home counting on me. I don’t have the option to fail here. I have to succeed not only for myself but for my family as well. The Lord has not brought me this far just to abandon me. The Lord brought me this far because I still have an amazing journey ahead of me with the Lord leading the way.
I have the promise of the Lord. Hebrews 13:5 says "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you."
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
I’ve been chatting with my sis Robbin. Here is part of what she shared with me. “Anger is just another descriptor for hurt feelings, it really is just a management word for what we do with our feelings. I did not mean to say that you were angry as a bad thing but to identify the feelings. You have been through a lot and because you are so compassionate this means that your pain is turned inward. I know that you are a great person and a loving caring person. I also know that God has a great plan for your life.” “I think that you truly have to come to terms with what all has been and is going on. Stop trying to sugarcoat it all and just get pissed off at the enemy.”
That was a whole lot to digest. I’ve had to read and reread what Sis said several times. I know what she wrote me was of the Lord. When the Lord sends you a message like the one he sent me through my Sis it sometimes takes a while to digest it. One thing I know I need to do is take her words to heart and turn my anger on the enemy, not some poor fool that would want to try me. If I did that how would I be showing Jesus love? I would be playing right into the enemy’s trap.
I’ve got a wonderful wife and we’ve still got four great kids here at home counting on me. I don’t have the option to fail here. I have to succeed not only for myself but for my family as well. The Lord has not brought me this far just to abandon me. The Lord brought me this far because I still have an amazing journey ahead of me with the Lord leading the way.
I have the promise of the Lord. Hebrews 13:5 says "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you."
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
I said I’m going to be honest and open
OK, I said I wasn’t going to try and paint a rosy picture here in my blog when there isn’t one to paint. I said I’m going to be honest and open. I also said that I’m doing this so the whole world can see what Jesus is doing in my life. Well, tonight it’s not a pretty picture and I’m just going to open up and be honest.
I have no idea who said it first as I’ve heard it from many different people and sources, but there is a saying that goes something like this “The truth may not be pretty but the truth does bring healing.” The Lord showed me a truth last night and today about myself. That truth is that I am a very angry person right now. Where this anger comes from I do not know but I do know that when our autistic son ran away last night a very angry, burning side of me really wanted to come out.
When we were looking for our son rather then get scared and broken up like my wife I got angry. To put it plainly I was steaming mad! When the police came and told me that they had our son yes I was relieved but I was still steaming mad. When I got to the police station and saw our son I was so mad I didn’t even give him a hug. Our son looked at me and knew he was in big trouble.
I stood in that police station looking at our son ripping myself apart inside. One side of me wanted to get down and love on him but that side was pushed back by the side that wanted to take him to the bathroom right then and there and light a fire on his but with my belt. I was so angry and torn apart inside while I was in that police station I couldn’t even remember his birthday. I barely got my own information out correctly.
After I got our son picked up I went and picked up my wife and our other three kids at the game. I was so manic at that point I was surprised that I could even drive. We got home and our son went right to bed. We got the other kids in bed along with my wife and I just sat down at my computer and wrote the story about what happened and put it on the blog.
I finally got wound down enough with the help of my meds about three in the morning to go to bed. Finally just before four in the morning I finally broke down and cried over what had happened. Needless to say last night lasted way to long and is not a good memory in my life.
Today I found myself being so angry that a couple of times I didn’t lock our van hoping that someone would try to steal something out of it so I would have someone to legally pound. The second time I did this the Lord really jumped up slapped me up side of the head and had a talk with me. The Lord brought back to me four verses out of Proverbs.
14:29 Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.
15:18 A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them.
20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
29:22 A hot-tempered person starts fights and gets into all kinds of sin.
The Lord also just showed me one other verse in Proverbs (focus on the underlined).
15:32 If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
I’m normally not a hot headed person. It’s not very often that I’ve got anger issues. Like I said I don’t know where they came from in my life. I do know that I need to spend some more time with the Lord and get rid of this garbage called “anger” in my life. Now I know why I’ve not enjoyed this Christmas season. It’s all due to this ugly anger.
I’m sure glad that I’ve got Jesus in my life. I’m also glad that I was able to hear the Lord tell me what’s going on. I’m also thankful that Fred got me into Proverbs as the Lord was able to work through that and show me what’s going on, or should I say what’s going wrong. Like I said, this blog is to show what Jesus is doing in my life. I hope this blog is also a witness to the Lord’s redemptive powers.
BTW… When I settled down last night instead of spanking our son I went in and gave him a hug and prayed over him.
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
I have no idea who said it first as I’ve heard it from many different people and sources, but there is a saying that goes something like this “The truth may not be pretty but the truth does bring healing.” The Lord showed me a truth last night and today about myself. That truth is that I am a very angry person right now. Where this anger comes from I do not know but I do know that when our autistic son ran away last night a very angry, burning side of me really wanted to come out.
When we were looking for our son rather then get scared and broken up like my wife I got angry. To put it plainly I was steaming mad! When the police came and told me that they had our son yes I was relieved but I was still steaming mad. When I got to the police station and saw our son I was so mad I didn’t even give him a hug. Our son looked at me and knew he was in big trouble.
I stood in that police station looking at our son ripping myself apart inside. One side of me wanted to get down and love on him but that side was pushed back by the side that wanted to take him to the bathroom right then and there and light a fire on his but with my belt. I was so angry and torn apart inside while I was in that police station I couldn’t even remember his birthday. I barely got my own information out correctly.
After I got our son picked up I went and picked up my wife and our other three kids at the game. I was so manic at that point I was surprised that I could even drive. We got home and our son went right to bed. We got the other kids in bed along with my wife and I just sat down at my computer and wrote the story about what happened and put it on the blog.
I finally got wound down enough with the help of my meds about three in the morning to go to bed. Finally just before four in the morning I finally broke down and cried over what had happened. Needless to say last night lasted way to long and is not a good memory in my life.
Today I found myself being so angry that a couple of times I didn’t lock our van hoping that someone would try to steal something out of it so I would have someone to legally pound. The second time I did this the Lord really jumped up slapped me up side of the head and had a talk with me. The Lord brought back to me four verses out of Proverbs.
14:29 Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.
15:18 A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them.
20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
29:22 A hot-tempered person starts fights and gets into all kinds of sin.
The Lord also just showed me one other verse in Proverbs (focus on the underlined).
15:32 If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
I’m normally not a hot headed person. It’s not very often that I’ve got anger issues. Like I said I don’t know where they came from in my life. I do know that I need to spend some more time with the Lord and get rid of this garbage called “anger” in my life. Now I know why I’ve not enjoyed this Christmas season. It’s all due to this ugly anger.
I’m sure glad that I’ve got Jesus in my life. I’m also glad that I was able to hear the Lord tell me what’s going on. I’m also thankful that Fred got me into Proverbs as the Lord was able to work through that and show me what’s going on, or should I say what’s going wrong. Like I said, this blog is to show what Jesus is doing in my life. I hope this blog is also a witness to the Lord’s redemptive powers.
BTW… When I settled down last night instead of spanking our son I went in and gave him a hug and prayed over him.
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
Monday, December 19, 2005
Bejeebers Scared Out of Us Tonight!
We had the bejeebers scared out of us tonight! My wife & I took our family to the Wichita State Women’s basketball game tonight. Thing were going pretty well until just past halftime. My wife took our 11 year old autistic son to the concession stand. When he didn’t get what he wanted he bolted and ran away from my wife. Our son is highly autistic and didn’t comprehend what he was doing.
My wife immediately told me what happened and I went looking for him too. One of the first things I did was notify event security so they could search for him too. I then called 911 to notify police of the run off. We turned the arena upside down looking for him. I also went outside calling for him and searching outside for him. Our biggest fear was that he bolted outside as it was getting down to the bitter cold as it was around 20 degrees outside. Needless to say after about twenty minutes of searching we were getting pretty panicked!
After about thirty minutes of searching for him both inside and out a Wichita Police Officer pulled up and told us that they had him. At that point you just heard a huge sigh of relief and a “Praise God” from the both of us. Apparently our son had bolted outside and made his way one block west of the arena and went to the police sub-station and just walked in on his own.
When our son walked in the police sub-station he saw the gumball machine and wanted a blue gumball. They asked him if his name was Andrew and he said yes and they put a quarter in out popped a blue gumball and our son was happy. When I got to the police sub-station there he sat with his blue gumball and said “Dad! Look! Blue gumball!”
When I saw our son sitting there I had a ton of mixed emotions. I wanted to hug him, love him, and tan his hide all at the same time. I started talking to the officers there and it hit me I ought to call my wife. I called my wife as I was having a hard time remembering even his birthday I was so shook up. When my wife answered I just simply said “I’ve got him.”
How in the world did our highly autistic son make it 1 ½ blocks in twenty degree weather in the exactly right direction and walk in the exactly the right door? How did he make it that far safely? I know exactly how he did it. God was watching out for him! I know that God’s Holy Spirit came down on him as well he had Angels round about him and that is why he is safe & sound and home with us tonight. My wife and I have just given God all the praise tonight for bringing our son back to us safe and sound!
All my wife and I can say is Thank You Jesus! We’re both very grateful that God is in control! Now we can get back to having a Merry Christmas and celebrating the birth of our Savior!
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
My wife immediately told me what happened and I went looking for him too. One of the first things I did was notify event security so they could search for him too. I then called 911 to notify police of the run off. We turned the arena upside down looking for him. I also went outside calling for him and searching outside for him. Our biggest fear was that he bolted outside as it was getting down to the bitter cold as it was around 20 degrees outside. Needless to say after about twenty minutes of searching we were getting pretty panicked!
After about thirty minutes of searching for him both inside and out a Wichita Police Officer pulled up and told us that they had him. At that point you just heard a huge sigh of relief and a “Praise God” from the both of us. Apparently our son had bolted outside and made his way one block west of the arena and went to the police sub-station and just walked in on his own.
When our son walked in the police sub-station he saw the gumball machine and wanted a blue gumball. They asked him if his name was Andrew and he said yes and they put a quarter in out popped a blue gumball and our son was happy. When I got to the police sub-station there he sat with his blue gumball and said “Dad! Look! Blue gumball!”
When I saw our son sitting there I had a ton of mixed emotions. I wanted to hug him, love him, and tan his hide all at the same time. I started talking to the officers there and it hit me I ought to call my wife. I called my wife as I was having a hard time remembering even his birthday I was so shook up. When my wife answered I just simply said “I’ve got him.”
How in the world did our highly autistic son make it 1 ½ blocks in twenty degree weather in the exactly right direction and walk in the exactly the right door? How did he make it that far safely? I know exactly how he did it. God was watching out for him! I know that God’s Holy Spirit came down on him as well he had Angels round about him and that is why he is safe & sound and home with us tonight. My wife and I have just given God all the praise tonight for bringing our son back to us safe and sound!
All my wife and I can say is Thank You Jesus! We’re both very grateful that God is in control! Now we can get back to having a Merry Christmas and celebrating the birth of our Savior!
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
I’ve been told over the last few blogs I’ve been pretty down at times and in fact down on myself pretty hard at times too. I can see where there is some merit to that. With everything that’s been going on I guess I did get caught in the “Woe is me” trap. Looking back, I hate when that happens!
When things start going wrong it is pretty easy to fall into these self pity traps. That’s just what the enemy, Satan, wants us to do. He attacks us to tear us down and then he throws out this pity pit for us to wallow in. The problem here is like the old saying “It’s like wrestling a pig in the mud. The pig likes it and he’s going to win.” In this case Satan would be the pig and the pity pit would be the mud. As long as you’re in that pit, Satan is going to win.
The question is though, how do you get out of that pit? Simple really, spend time with God and read God’s word, the Bible. Like I’ve said in many of my past blogs, I’m a huge fan of David. If you read in Psalms, especially the first 20 or so, you’ll find over and over again where David was downtrodden and feeling somewhat in despair. But David always did one thing, when he finished lamenting about what was happening to him, he praised the Lord.
In Psalm 7:1 & 2 David says “I come to you for protection, O LORD my God. Save me from my persecutors--rescue me! If you don't, they will maul me like a lion, tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me.” Then David transitions in verses 6 & 10 saying “ Arise, O LORD, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up, my God, and bring justice!” “God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.” And the David finishes the chapter in verse 17 giving the Lord praise “I will thank the LORD because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.”
It’s all right there for us. First we cry out in pain, let the Lord know we’re hurting. Next we call on the Lord to rescue us, save us, and make things right. And then we give the Lord praise because the Lord is true to his word and the Lord will rescue us if we let him.
I’ve heard it over and over again, B-I-B-L-E stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. How much more simple can we get! If we have problems, if we get down, if we’re under attack, if, if, if, go to the instruction manual and get the answer! God gave us the Book, all we have to do is read it!
By the way, next time I get down, would someone please send this message back to me! This is one of those messages the man in my mirror needs to hear from time to time!
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
When things start going wrong it is pretty easy to fall into these self pity traps. That’s just what the enemy, Satan, wants us to do. He attacks us to tear us down and then he throws out this pity pit for us to wallow in. The problem here is like the old saying “It’s like wrestling a pig in the mud. The pig likes it and he’s going to win.” In this case Satan would be the pig and the pity pit would be the mud. As long as you’re in that pit, Satan is going to win.
The question is though, how do you get out of that pit? Simple really, spend time with God and read God’s word, the Bible. Like I’ve said in many of my past blogs, I’m a huge fan of David. If you read in Psalms, especially the first 20 or so, you’ll find over and over again where David was downtrodden and feeling somewhat in despair. But David always did one thing, when he finished lamenting about what was happening to him, he praised the Lord.
In Psalm 7:1 & 2 David says “I come to you for protection, O LORD my God. Save me from my persecutors--rescue me! If you don't, they will maul me like a lion, tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me.” Then David transitions in verses 6 & 10 saying “ Arise, O LORD, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up, my God, and bring justice!” “God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.” And the David finishes the chapter in verse 17 giving the Lord praise “I will thank the LORD because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.”
It’s all right there for us. First we cry out in pain, let the Lord know we’re hurting. Next we call on the Lord to rescue us, save us, and make things right. And then we give the Lord praise because the Lord is true to his word and the Lord will rescue us if we let him.
I’ve heard it over and over again, B-I-B-L-E stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. How much more simple can we get! If we have problems, if we get down, if we’re under attack, if, if, if, go to the instruction manual and get the answer! God gave us the Book, all we have to do is read it!
By the way, next time I get down, would someone please send this message back to me! This is one of those messages the man in my mirror needs to hear from time to time!
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
Friday, December 16, 2005
rApId cYcLiNg /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
I just got a request for inforamtion on what it’s like to be in what’s called “Rapid Cycling.” I thought that the reply I gave would make a great post on my blog so here we go!
I spend the majority of my waking time in the hypo manic phase (just mildly wound up) and then sometimes something triggers me & I get anywhere for mildly to horribly depressed. What really stinks is when I get really depressed but I'm still all wound up and hypo manic. When that happens I feel like something is just literally trying to rip me apart. I'm blessed with some pretty smart kids and a smart wife I should add here. When they this happening in me they give me room to vent and a bunch of extra love. Many times too my wife will come and pray over me. Between the prayer and the hugs Mr. Hyde turns back in to the nice Dr. Jackal.
God has really done a lot of good work in my life. Normally I'm just a big ol’ teddy bear. I used to trigger and punch holes in walls & doors but that just got expensive and a pain to fix. With the Lords help I haven't done that in probably seven years now. At work a few years back I smacked myself in the head good and hard right above my right eye with a 2X3 board. In my fury while a customer was watching I grabbed that board and snapped it in my hands. Needless to say that customer took off in a hurry. I still chuckle when I think back on that one. I wasn’t going to hurt anyone or anything, it just hurt really bad and knocked the snot out of me!
Like I said, God really has done a good work in my life. Normally now when I get triggered and rapid cycle I go spend some time with God and get into the Bible and that really chills me out. I read where I'm not the first one to get triggered like this. Many people have said that King David suffered at time from depression which is pretty clear when you read the Psalms, and I also believe that possibly King David's mental woes at times went past that. I read what David did before he was king and how he rapid cycled in and out of depression. I also read how he gave his anger to God and how God used his anger for good. If the guy that became King of Israel and is in the linage of Jesus had to deal with rapid cycling then just maybe I can deal with it too.
Coping is the key to beating your mental illness. Coping is something in the past that I never learned. Due to my lack of coping skills I have failed miserably in the past at this thing we call life. Now that I’m learning from the Lord on how to cope and combine that with the treatment I receive from my Care Team my life is starting to turn. I still have a great deal to learn but the good news is the Lord and others are teaching me.
If someone that was as messed up as I was can turn my life around with the help of the Lord, I know that you can too!!!
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
I spend the majority of my waking time in the hypo manic phase (just mildly wound up) and then sometimes something triggers me & I get anywhere for mildly to horribly depressed. What really stinks is when I get really depressed but I'm still all wound up and hypo manic. When that happens I feel like something is just literally trying to rip me apart. I'm blessed with some pretty smart kids and a smart wife I should add here. When they this happening in me they give me room to vent and a bunch of extra love. Many times too my wife will come and pray over me. Between the prayer and the hugs Mr. Hyde turns back in to the nice Dr. Jackal.
God has really done a lot of good work in my life. Normally I'm just a big ol’ teddy bear. I used to trigger and punch holes in walls & doors but that just got expensive and a pain to fix. With the Lords help I haven't done that in probably seven years now. At work a few years back I smacked myself in the head good and hard right above my right eye with a 2X3 board. In my fury while a customer was watching I grabbed that board and snapped it in my hands. Needless to say that customer took off in a hurry. I still chuckle when I think back on that one. I wasn’t going to hurt anyone or anything, it just hurt really bad and knocked the snot out of me!
Like I said, God really has done a good work in my life. Normally now when I get triggered and rapid cycle I go spend some time with God and get into the Bible and that really chills me out. I read where I'm not the first one to get triggered like this. Many people have said that King David suffered at time from depression which is pretty clear when you read the Psalms, and I also believe that possibly King David's mental woes at times went past that. I read what David did before he was king and how he rapid cycled in and out of depression. I also read how he gave his anger to God and how God used his anger for good. If the guy that became King of Israel and is in the linage of Jesus had to deal with rapid cycling then just maybe I can deal with it too.
Coping is the key to beating your mental illness. Coping is something in the past that I never learned. Due to my lack of coping skills I have failed miserably in the past at this thing we call life. Now that I’m learning from the Lord on how to cope and combine that with the treatment I receive from my Care Team my life is starting to turn. I still have a great deal to learn but the good news is the Lord and others are teaching me.
If someone that was as messed up as I was can turn my life around with the help of the Lord, I know that you can too!!!
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Up Down Turn Around Get Dizzy!
What a wild and crazy week this has been so far. From the anxiety and depression of having to deal with a couple of smashed vehicles all the way to the other end of being lifted up by an incredible, authentic rendition of Silent Night in it’s native tongue. I don’t remember a week ever being quite so roller coaster as this week has been. Today I felt like “Would somebody please stop this wild carnival ride and please let me off!”
I was just chuckling to myself a little bit ago that trying to pinpoint my Bipolar this week would be like trying to pin the tail on a donkey, a live one! I’m up, I’m down, I’m depressed, I’m manic, and that’s just before lunch! At least by the time early evening gets here I start to balance out somewhere right in the middle with a mixture of mild depression and hypo-manic.
I did however figure out how to finally get to sleep last night. I waited until I was dead tired to take my meds which would have been about 1:00 a.m. & then I went to bed shortly after I took my meds. It takes my meds about thirty minutes to kick in which meant I was in bed for about twenty minutes and then the kick. I finally got to sleep in under an hour for the first time last night. Praise God!
Here’s some good news- I got to minister to a friend for about forty-five minutes today. I finally got a hold of her via phone and was able to help her. She told me that she will be in church this Sunday with my wife and I. I’m praying that my wife and I will be able to help lift her up and get her pointed in the right direction.
I guess the week can’t be all bad if the Lord uses you for ministry to help change someone’s life. I think there’s a point here somewhere. If the Lord can use someone who’s messed up as I am this week to minister to someone else just think what the Lord can do when I finally get back on an even keel. Or better yet, just think what the Lord can do with you if you just let him! Hmmm… About that point…
I got a good chuckle tonight when I was reading back over some different Proverbs. Proverbs 3:5 & 6 says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” I chuckle because right now because I know that I have no choice now other then to trust in the Lord and I’m sure not operating on my own understanding because I sure don’t know how the Lord is working all of this out for me. I’m just glad that He is! I guess I’ll just keep hanging on waiting to see what the Lord has in store for us next!
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
I was just chuckling to myself a little bit ago that trying to pinpoint my Bipolar this week would be like trying to pin the tail on a donkey, a live one! I’m up, I’m down, I’m depressed, I’m manic, and that’s just before lunch! At least by the time early evening gets here I start to balance out somewhere right in the middle with a mixture of mild depression and hypo-manic.
I did however figure out how to finally get to sleep last night. I waited until I was dead tired to take my meds which would have been about 1:00 a.m. & then I went to bed shortly after I took my meds. It takes my meds about thirty minutes to kick in which meant I was in bed for about twenty minutes and then the kick. I finally got to sleep in under an hour for the first time last night. Praise God!
Here’s some good news- I got to minister to a friend for about forty-five minutes today. I finally got a hold of her via phone and was able to help her. She told me that she will be in church this Sunday with my wife and I. I’m praying that my wife and I will be able to help lift her up and get her pointed in the right direction.
I guess the week can’t be all bad if the Lord uses you for ministry to help change someone’s life. I think there’s a point here somewhere. If the Lord can use someone who’s messed up as I am this week to minister to someone else just think what the Lord can do when I finally get back on an even keel. Or better yet, just think what the Lord can do with you if you just let him! Hmmm… About that point…
I got a good chuckle tonight when I was reading back over some different Proverbs. Proverbs 3:5 & 6 says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” I chuckle because right now because I know that I have no choice now other then to trust in the Lord and I’m sure not operating on my own understanding because I sure don’t know how the Lord is working all of this out for me. I’m just glad that He is! I guess I’ll just keep hanging on waiting to see what the Lord has in store for us next!
Be Blessed!!!
BIG SCOTT
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Now, about that “BAH!” thing…
Sorry to my regular blog readers for skipping a couple of days on my blogs. I’ve been so bummed out last few days with this huge mess we got with the drunk driver and our torn up vehicles that I really didn’t feel like sitting down and blogging. Not to worry though, I’m still here and I’m still going. God is giving me the strength to move forward.
I said in my last blog that I was having a hard time getting into the “Christmas Spirit.” Well I’ve got some good news to report here. After some serious counseling from my sis Robbin I’m starting to get in the groove here a little bit better. Robbin nailed Christmas right on the head so to say and I just have to pass on what Robbin said to me.
“Christmas is not an event or even a time of year it is a way of life. We must get out of the mindset of "Events." Life is a journey not a destination. Jesus birth is a gift for us and our gifts for him are in the everyday things that we do that honor him.” Wow! Good stuff sis! And to think I’m supposed to be the one that is the preacher/evangelist. Hehe! It’s nice to have people like Robbin to keep you going in the right direction!
I’ll tell you another thing that sure helped me make a change. I went to our middle daughters Christmas concert at her school last night. It was nice hearing all of the good ol’ Christmas songs again. I was really blown away by the number of Christian based Christmas songs was performed at the concert. It’s nice to know that there are still some teachers and administrators out there that aren’t afraid of the ACLU!
I was really moved at the end when the 7th & 8th grade choir spread themselves around the auditorium, up and down the aisles, and sung “Silent Night” first in the native tongue of German (High Dutch for you purists like me) and then in English while signing it. I’ll say this, the Scott that went in was not the same Scott that came out. Hearing “Silent Night” in the native tongue really moved me. That was the tongue that all of my Grandparents learned “Silent Night” in.
Now, about that “BLAH!” thing…
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
I said in my last blog that I was having a hard time getting into the “Christmas Spirit.” Well I’ve got some good news to report here. After some serious counseling from my sis Robbin I’m starting to get in the groove here a little bit better. Robbin nailed Christmas right on the head so to say and I just have to pass on what Robbin said to me.
“Christmas is not an event or even a time of year it is a way of life. We must get out of the mindset of "Events." Life is a journey not a destination. Jesus birth is a gift for us and our gifts for him are in the everyday things that we do that honor him.” Wow! Good stuff sis! And to think I’m supposed to be the one that is the preacher/evangelist. Hehe! It’s nice to have people like Robbin to keep you going in the right direction!
I’ll tell you another thing that sure helped me make a change. I went to our middle daughters Christmas concert at her school last night. It was nice hearing all of the good ol’ Christmas songs again. I was really blown away by the number of Christian based Christmas songs was performed at the concert. It’s nice to know that there are still some teachers and administrators out there that aren’t afraid of the ACLU!
I was really moved at the end when the 7th & 8th grade choir spread themselves around the auditorium, up and down the aisles, and sung “Silent Night” first in the native tongue of German (High Dutch for you purists like me) and then in English while signing it. I’ll say this, the Scott that went in was not the same Scott that came out. Hearing “Silent Night” in the native tongue really moved me. That was the tongue that all of my Grandparents learned “Silent Night” in.
Now, about that “BLAH!” thing…
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Monday, December 12, 2005
Scrooge???
OK, so maybe I’m not scrooge but I’m sure having a hard time getting into the “Christmas Spirit” this year. I’m really not sure why I’m feeling this way this year. Maybe it’s that we’re struggling financially right now while I’m waiting for a great job to avail itself to me. Maybe I’m just having a down swing with my Bipolar.
I do know one thing for sure in that a guy can become a real Scrooge when both of your vehicles get smashed by a hit & run driver! I’ve been sweating this one like a big dog! I do have some good news to report here though. The guy did have valid insurance in place & his insurance company just happens to be the same one that I’ve got. When I was talking with his insurance agent today and she confirmed that he does have a valid insurance policy I just let out a big “Praise God!” We should have this all pretty much sewed up tomorrow sometime.
Anyway, back to the scrooge thing. Maybe once I get this ordeal of dealing with our smashed up vehicles behind us maybe I’ll be a little more “Christmassy.” It just hit me now though what would make me a whole lot “Holly Jollier.” I know what I want for Christmas. Here’s my request.
Dear Jesus,
I know it’s your birthday and I hope you’re having a great birthday. I know that it’s tradition for people to give the birthday guy a present on his birthday. I don’t have much to give you right now but what I do have is yours. The one thing I do have that I can give you is my love and my thankfulness for what you’ve done for me.
Jesus I also know that all thing good come from you. That tells me that over the years you’ve sure given me a more then I could ever thank you for. But even at that you tell me that if I need anything I should come to you and ask. You don’t care when it is I can come to you any time day or night. That’s kewl!
OK Jesus, I’ve got one request for you here. I need a job. I need a good job. I need a job where I can both support my family and go to college. I know you want me in college. You’ve made that very clear in both your word and my heart. I also believe that you’ve opened a whole bunch of doors to enable me to go to college.
So there you have it Jesus. It’s your birthday and I’m making a request. Wow, you’re awesome! It’s your birthday and you’re still giving to everyone throughout the whole world. I’m so glad I know you personally as you really have changed my life!
Have a great birthday Jesus!
Your Friend,
Scott
Wow, you know something? I’m all of a sudden starting to feel a little bit better about Christmas. Maybe this will be a pretty good Christmas after all. When you know Jesus personally like I do it won’t be a bad Christmas. That much I can guarantee you!
No BAHS!
Just…
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
I do know one thing for sure in that a guy can become a real Scrooge when both of your vehicles get smashed by a hit & run driver! I’ve been sweating this one like a big dog! I do have some good news to report here though. The guy did have valid insurance in place & his insurance company just happens to be the same one that I’ve got. When I was talking with his insurance agent today and she confirmed that he does have a valid insurance policy I just let out a big “Praise God!” We should have this all pretty much sewed up tomorrow sometime.
Anyway, back to the scrooge thing. Maybe once I get this ordeal of dealing with our smashed up vehicles behind us maybe I’ll be a little more “Christmassy.” It just hit me now though what would make me a whole lot “Holly Jollier.” I know what I want for Christmas. Here’s my request.
Dear Jesus,
I know it’s your birthday and I hope you’re having a great birthday. I know that it’s tradition for people to give the birthday guy a present on his birthday. I don’t have much to give you right now but what I do have is yours. The one thing I do have that I can give you is my love and my thankfulness for what you’ve done for me.
Jesus I also know that all thing good come from you. That tells me that over the years you’ve sure given me a more then I could ever thank you for. But even at that you tell me that if I need anything I should come to you and ask. You don’t care when it is I can come to you any time day or night. That’s kewl!
OK Jesus, I’ve got one request for you here. I need a job. I need a good job. I need a job where I can both support my family and go to college. I know you want me in college. You’ve made that very clear in both your word and my heart. I also believe that you’ve opened a whole bunch of doors to enable me to go to college.
So there you have it Jesus. It’s your birthday and I’m making a request. Wow, you’re awesome! It’s your birthday and you’re still giving to everyone throughout the whole world. I’m so glad I know you personally as you really have changed my life!
Have a great birthday Jesus!
Your Friend,
Scott
Wow, you know something? I’m all of a sudden starting to feel a little bit better about Christmas. Maybe this will be a pretty good Christmas after all. When you know Jesus personally like I do it won’t be a bad Christmas. That much I can guarantee you!
No BAHS!
Just…
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Im sure having a ton of mixed emotions!
I’m sure having a ton of mixed emotions lately. With everything that’s been going on I’m getting pretty down. In addition to still having problems with my meds this week our finances didn’t get all of our bills paid, I wasn’t able to land a good job, and then we got both of our vehicles hit hard by a hit & run driver. When you add all of that to have Bipolar disorder it can get you down pretty fast.
As bad as things are getting for us I still see a lot of people that have it much worse then we do. For starters we have Jesus. In my flesh I really do want to worry, but that is wrong. I know what Jesus said about worrying. Jesus made this very clear in Matthew 6:25-34.
25"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? 26Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
28"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
31"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
34"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
So there you have it… Don’t Worry! I’ll try real hard not to! Just to give you an idea of how God works things out today is our 6th anniversary, this time! We were married in 1992, divorced in 1996, and brought back together in Holy Matrimony on December 11th, 1999. My wife and I are living proof that God does bring healing and works things out not only for His good, but for your good too!
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
As bad as things are getting for us I still see a lot of people that have it much worse then we do. For starters we have Jesus. In my flesh I really do want to worry, but that is wrong. I know what Jesus said about worrying. Jesus made this very clear in Matthew 6:25-34.
25"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? 26Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
28"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
31"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
34"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
So there you have it… Don’t Worry! I’ll try real hard not to! Just to give you an idea of how God works things out today is our 6th anniversary, this time! We were married in 1992, divorced in 1996, and brought back together in Holy Matrimony on December 11th, 1999. My wife and I are living proof that God does bring healing and works things out not only for His good, but for your good too!
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Saturday, December 10, 2005
And perhaps the LORD will see...
In 2nd Samuel 16 verses 5-14 we read where King David was traveling along with others when Shimei son of Gera, a member of Saul's family came out and started tormenting King David & the others he was traveling with. He kept pace with them throwing dirt & rocks at King David from the hilltops. When one of the men asked fro permission to go kill him King David said “Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses."
It’s been a rough week. At 2:00 a.m. this morning we were woke up abruptly. We had a drunk hit & run driver in a Ford Explorer SUV loose it in front of our house & take the nose off of our Saturn I bought earlier this year & smash in the right rear corner of our Ford mini-van. The Explorer landed in our neighbor’s yard. My neighbors across the street said the driver got out, stumbled around, then got back in his smashed up Explorer & take off down the street bouncing off of the curb. The driver made it to the end of the street where he parked the crippled Explorer & fled on foot. I guess the good news is he didn’t kill or injure anyone.
I should know Monday what the police found out & if the guy has any insurance. I had to get the van put back together & running so we'd have wheels. I still can't get the rear hatch door open to load anything. You can imagine what kind of day it’s been. Needless to say with everything that’s happened my Bipolar is not doing good!
Here’s what I’m doing. The way things have happened this week and especially since 2:00 a.m. this morning I’m praying what King David Said in verse 12: “And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses." I talked with my pastor today and he encouraged me to be in the word and that just maybe God would bring some relief to my heart.
I have a good pastor & he is right. Spending some time in the word is starting to lighten the burden on my heart. I know that in the past few days of reading in Proverbs God has given me more direction in my schooling. I really feel God wants me to seek more “wisdom” in the form of higher education.
This is going to be tough but now I have no other choice then to trust God. OK, here we go. I’m still not exactly sure where God is taking me. What I do know is that if I don’t want to be a miserable failure I’d better do what God says. That is my only way out.
BTW… I met my challenge to share Jesus. I said last Saturday that I challenged myself to share Jesus with at least one person. I didn’t do it in person like I wanted too, I did it via e-mail. It felt good to share Jesus. I’m challenging myself to share Jesus again this week.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
It’s been a rough week. At 2:00 a.m. this morning we were woke up abruptly. We had a drunk hit & run driver in a Ford Explorer SUV loose it in front of our house & take the nose off of our Saturn I bought earlier this year & smash in the right rear corner of our Ford mini-van. The Explorer landed in our neighbor’s yard. My neighbors across the street said the driver got out, stumbled around, then got back in his smashed up Explorer & take off down the street bouncing off of the curb. The driver made it to the end of the street where he parked the crippled Explorer & fled on foot. I guess the good news is he didn’t kill or injure anyone.
I should know Monday what the police found out & if the guy has any insurance. I had to get the van put back together & running so we'd have wheels. I still can't get the rear hatch door open to load anything. You can imagine what kind of day it’s been. Needless to say with everything that’s happened my Bipolar is not doing good!
Here’s what I’m doing. The way things have happened this week and especially since 2:00 a.m. this morning I’m praying what King David Said in verse 12: “And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses." I talked with my pastor today and he encouraged me to be in the word and that just maybe God would bring some relief to my heart.
I have a good pastor & he is right. Spending some time in the word is starting to lighten the burden on my heart. I know that in the past few days of reading in Proverbs God has given me more direction in my schooling. I really feel God wants me to seek more “wisdom” in the form of higher education.
This is going to be tough but now I have no other choice then to trust God. OK, here we go. I’m still not exactly sure where God is taking me. What I do know is that if I don’t want to be a miserable failure I’d better do what God says. That is my only way out.
BTW… I met my challenge to share Jesus. I said last Saturday that I challenged myself to share Jesus with at least one person. I didn’t do it in person like I wanted too, I did it via e-mail. It felt good to share Jesus. I’m challenging myself to share Jesus again this week.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Mental Health Links
I thought that it might be good if I put up a list of resources that I have come up with to help those with mental disorders, especially those with Bipolar disorder and those with General Depression. I hope this helps!
First of all, Comcare of Sedgwick County (http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/COMCARE/). One of the greatest sources of help for those of us that live here in Sedgwick County, Kansas.
National Mental Health Association (http://www.nmha.org/) is a great place to look for general mental health info and for references for help in your area.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (http://www.nami.org/) is another great place to look for general mental health issues.
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (https://www.dbsalliance.org/) was recommended to me by my psychiatrist. This is an incredible organization that helps those with both Bipolar disorder and Depression. Local chapters nationwide & the best chat board I’ve found that deals only with mental health.
Since I deal with Adult Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder I’ll include some links here for that too.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (http://www.add.org) is probably the best site I’ve found for ADD/ADHD.
oneADDplace (http://www.oneaddplace.com/) is another good site for help in dealing with ADD/ADHD.
Attention! Magazine is an online magazine published by CHADD (Children & Adults with ADD) (http://www.chadd.org/)
In addition to all of the above, it’s a pretty safe bet that just about every medicine out there has there very own website. Here’s some of the ones I’ve found that are really good and helpful.
Seroquel www.seroquel.com
Lexapro www.lexapro.com
Geodon www.geodon.com
Zoloft www.zoloft.com
Abilify www.abilify.com
Paxil www.paxil.com
Prozac www.prozac.com
Depakote www.depakote.com
Bookmark some of these pages so you have this information ready at hand. I personally visit the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) usually several times a day as I post on their chat board just about every day.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
First of all, Comcare of Sedgwick County (http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/COMCARE/). One of the greatest sources of help for those of us that live here in Sedgwick County, Kansas.
National Mental Health Association (http://www.nmha.org/) is a great place to look for general mental health info and for references for help in your area.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (http://www.nami.org/) is another great place to look for general mental health issues.
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (https://www.dbsalliance.org/) was recommended to me by my psychiatrist. This is an incredible organization that helps those with both Bipolar disorder and Depression. Local chapters nationwide & the best chat board I’ve found that deals only with mental health.
Since I deal with Adult Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder I’ll include some links here for that too.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (http://www.add.org) is probably the best site I’ve found for ADD/ADHD.
oneADDplace (http://www.oneaddplace.com/) is another good site for help in dealing with ADD/ADHD.
Attention! Magazine is an online magazine published by CHADD (Children & Adults with ADD) (http://www.chadd.org/)
In addition to all of the above, it’s a pretty safe bet that just about every medicine out there has there very own website. Here’s some of the ones I’ve found that are really good and helpful.
Seroquel www.seroquel.com
Lexapro www.lexapro.com
Geodon www.geodon.com
Zoloft www.zoloft.com
Abilify www.abilify.com
Paxil www.paxil.com
Prozac www.prozac.com
Depakote www.depakote.com
Bookmark some of these pages so you have this information ready at hand. I personally visit the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) usually several times a day as I post on their chat board just about every day.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Depression Stinks!
I just updated “My Bipolar Story” here on my blog. The last few days I’ve been trying to fight off some really bad depression. This downswing that I’m in right now is the biggest and longest downswing that I’ve had since I started treatment. I’m just really glad that I’ve got a really great God to help me get through this.
The next two paragraphs are the parts that I updated on my story. I figured that since my story is pretty long I’d just repost the two main paragraphs and save everyone from having to re-read the whole thing. Besides, this is where I’m really at right now.
Being depressive is just the opposite of the manic side. When I’m in a depressive or mixed state, there are times that I don’t even feel like getting out of bed. When I’m depressed I have very little energy. Many times I feel like I’m stepping off of this Merry-Go-Round we call life and just stand there and let the world go on without me. To put it simply, depression stinks!
While a little bit of mania can be good & fun, there is nothing fun about depression. Depression steals your life from you. Many times when I get really depressed I sometimes feel like crying but I really don’t even have the energy to cry so I just shut down and don’t do anything. I do try to write when I’m depressed as that is the best therapy that I’ve found to help me cope.
Once again I am blessed here with having a wife who encourages me to get going when I myself don’t feel very much like going. Also, my wife does a nice job of monitoring me when I’m down to make sure that I stay safe. I would say that 99+% of the time I’m no danger to myself, but once in a great while I do get really down. In our vows we both said “For better, for worse…” I have to give it to my wife here as she really does stand with me and many times for me when I get really depressed. I really can’t come up with words on how much it means to me to have a Godly wife that lives by our vows.
I’ll get through this that much I do know. How do I know I’ll get through this? First of all I have God’s Word telling me that God will help me to get through this. I also have a great Care Team that is there to help me through this depression swing. Add to that the wonderful, loving wife that God gave me and yes, I do have the hope and belief that I will get through this.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
The next two paragraphs are the parts that I updated on my story. I figured that since my story is pretty long I’d just repost the two main paragraphs and save everyone from having to re-read the whole thing. Besides, this is where I’m really at right now.
Being depressive is just the opposite of the manic side. When I’m in a depressive or mixed state, there are times that I don’t even feel like getting out of bed. When I’m depressed I have very little energy. Many times I feel like I’m stepping off of this Merry-Go-Round we call life and just stand there and let the world go on without me. To put it simply, depression stinks!
While a little bit of mania can be good & fun, there is nothing fun about depression. Depression steals your life from you. Many times when I get really depressed I sometimes feel like crying but I really don’t even have the energy to cry so I just shut down and don’t do anything. I do try to write when I’m depressed as that is the best therapy that I’ve found to help me cope.
Once again I am blessed here with having a wife who encourages me to get going when I myself don’t feel very much like going. Also, my wife does a nice job of monitoring me when I’m down to make sure that I stay safe. I would say that 99+% of the time I’m no danger to myself, but once in a great while I do get really down. In our vows we both said “For better, for worse…” I have to give it to my wife here as she really does stand with me and many times for me when I get really depressed. I really can’t come up with words on how much it means to me to have a Godly wife that lives by our vows.
I’ll get through this that much I do know. How do I know I’ll get through this? First of all I have God’s Word telling me that God will help me to get through this. I also have a great Care Team that is there to help me through this depression swing. Add to that the wonderful, loving wife that God gave me and yes, I do have the hope and belief that I will get through this.
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The Lord Heard My Cry
I was reading along through the book Of Psalms tonight and the first three verses of Chapter 40 really jumped out at me.
Psalm 40
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the LORD.
Verse two really jumps out at me. So many times, over and over again, the Lord really has “lifted me out of the pit of despair.” It amazes me how many times I’ve been caught in traps that the enemy has set for me, how I’ve been stuck and can’t move and miraculously I break free and I’m standing on solid ground again. It really is a God thing!
The last sentence of verse three is what my blog is all about. I decided if I’m going to be diagnosed with a mental disorder such as Bipolar disorder I’m going to open my life up for the world to see how the Lord is bringing me healing and restoration. I want Jesus to be shown in my Life. I want others to see what the Lord is doing in my life. If I let Jesus shine through me al the while Jesus brings his healing to me “Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the LORD.”
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
Psalm 40
For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the LORD.
Verse two really jumps out at me. So many times, over and over again, the Lord really has “lifted me out of the pit of despair.” It amazes me how many times I’ve been caught in traps that the enemy has set for me, how I’ve been stuck and can’t move and miraculously I break free and I’m standing on solid ground again. It really is a God thing!
The last sentence of verse three is what my blog is all about. I decided if I’m going to be diagnosed with a mental disorder such as Bipolar disorder I’m going to open my life up for the world to see how the Lord is bringing me healing and restoration. I want Jesus to be shown in my Life. I want others to see what the Lord is doing in my life. If I let Jesus shine through me al the while Jesus brings his healing to me “Many will see what he has done and be astounded. They will put their trust in the LORD.”
Be Blessed!
BIG SCOTT
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