Friday, December 12, 2008

Living Room Christmas party day

In spite of the snow that kept a lot of people from attending our party, we had sixteen people. It was a wonderful, intimate time. Good food and good visiting. We finished all of Janice's turkey and almost all the stuffing. It was so good. One of our new members told her story about how her relationship with God started and how good He has been to her, in spite of her depression and MS. We sang all the six Christmas carols I had photocopied - really got into it, in spite of not having a piano to accompany us. Such a great time!

My motivation is pretty good right now, though I'm still struggling with depression symptoms. Negative thinking was a serious problem last night and then I woke up with it as well. That led to some truly depressed feelings. But through an email to my friend, I managed to talk - to reason - my way out of it.

I guess everyone has things they could be sad and negative about. Thing is, you don't need to dwell on it. I've learned that doing instead of thinking builds positive feelings. And thinking of how you can build into other people's lives takes the focus away from yourself. You then have a purpose that you can live for. And that's where true joy comes from. At least that's the way it is for me most of the time. In the email to my friend I sorted through these things, reminding myself of what I've know for so long. But how easily you can forget, eh?

Today's Christmas party was a good place for me to get out of my negative thinking. I love my friends there and it was just very good to be together. To do instead of think.

9 comments:

Di said...

So good to hear you had a great time. May God continue to meet you, love you and encourage you.
You encourage me!
Love you

Anonymous said...

Hi Marja, Just want to say again how much I enjoyed yesterday. I feel happy, inspired and uplifted. The warmth and comfort of that room. God is surely with us. Love is there. I appreciate all of you.
Love, Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Hi Marja, It was a wonderful time of love and sharing in many ways. All anxiety and stress was lifted. I'm still feeling good about it all. The singing, the sharing, the conversation and last but not least the food. Thanks Marja
Love Bonie

Anonymous said...

LOL, See I really mean it!! What have I done?

marja said...

Hey Bonnie, Thanks for visiting me here. You should do that more often. So glad you enjoyed the party. Amazing how much warmth and comfort that big hall has when it's filled with a bunch of friendly bodies and hearts, eh?

You know what happened to your comments? I moderate them and publish them when I've seen them come up in my email. But I'm glad for all three of your comments!

Love you. Have a very merry Christmas!

marja said...

Di, So glad I encourage you. Hard for me to believe I can do that when I'm feeling low. But with friends like you and the many other church friends I have, I am encouraged and feel loved and supported. God works through all of us for the benefit of all of us, eh?

Hope you had a great trip.

Synchronicity said...

Oh it sounds like such a warm and meaningful Christmas time with friends. I am wondering if you could introduce me to your friend who has depression and MS. This is what I am dealing with too. Good to see you Marja!

Synchronicity said...

Hello again!

Just wanted to check up on you to see how you are doing. Hope you are okay.

and also I do want to wish you a very merry christmas to you and your family. my thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Nancie said...

Thank God for enabling you to cope with the negative thoughts. It is good to be able to share with your friend and reason things out. I have found it useful to share with friends too especially those who can direct me to think more biblical and see things from different angles, trusting that God is working all things for His glory and my good. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragements, Marja. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to restore and strengthen you. Take care and God bless you always!