CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

Someone at my church once said, "If you aren't leaving a storm, then you're probably entering into one." That's pretty much how I feel.
I've posted quite a bit lately in the prayer threads. It feels like everything has been going fine, or atleast pretty good, and now all of it is flipping around on me. It seems that as soon as I think or feel as if one problem is solved, another pops up. For starters, I've felt away from God lately, and I've been struggling to come back to Him. The economy is stressing me out, as we're doign taxes right now, and money is starting to get tighter. My little brother and I have our fights, as well, but it's like for every step we take in becoming closer, sometjhing happens and we take two leaps backwards. He's told me he doesn't even know why I try to be his brother, and I wonder what is wrong with him. It seems to be more than just childhood misbehavior.
Also, my grandmother seems to be slowly degrading. She is becoming more and more forgetful, and I'm taking her to the doctor to see about if it might be Alzheimer's. Her back and legs have started to hurt her, and after she's had a month long or more ear infection, things don't really seem to be getting better. For those of you who don't know, I live with her, and I take care of her. I have ever since my grandfather passed away, so that she would have someone else around the house. Although...until now, I've never had to take care of her, persay. She was always at home when I was younger, so she's more like a second mother to me than anythign else, and if I have to stand by and watch her slip away...I feel as if it might kill me.
Alogn with all this is the usual strain of day to day life, college, and all that. I feel like if one more thing is added to my plate I'm going to snap in half. I pray to the Lord, and I feel peace for a short time, and then it all comes back. The next time I pray doesn't grant me near as much peace, either. I can't really say I've ever been in a position such as this before, and the strain is really getting to me. I ask that you pray for me, that I woudl have strength to get through these hard times, stronger faith to know that the Lord is in control and knows what He is doing, for my grandmother and other problems in my life, and things such as that. Thank you. Also, any advice at all woudl be more than welcome.

God often puts us through these hard times to strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Him. Keep your eyes on Christ, keep praying, reading your bible, going to church. These things are important in our walk with God and trust in Him, He will pull you through it! I know it may not seem like it, but remember, All things happen to His glory and to the good of his people.

I understand some of what you are feeling, especially regarding the whole 'not feeling close with God'. I recently went through the same thing, and if you would like can recant my 'journey' and how it turned out. It could serve as encouragement, just let me know and I can PM you or something.

I'll be praying for you!

Dear God,

We agree in prayer for our brother. Please comfort his spirit and give him the peace beyond understanding in the midst of the chaos. Please continue to help him & his brother grow closer and not give up on learning to understand and love each other. Also, please heal his grandmother and fill his home with your Holy Spirit and your love. May your will be done in his life as well as his family's.

In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.

PS. Found this online a little later & hoped it might cheer you up a wee bit.
[color="Green"]
An Irish Prayer

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.[/color]

I'm going through a similar ordeal where everything and everyone around you seem to be falling apart. Alzheimer's especially leaves a bitter sting. It may or may not be comforting to know you're not the only one in a storm. Honestly, I don't have any advice for you--one drowning person can't save another. We're promised that there's a way through our trials; a life raft even when we can't see it (I know I don't really see mine yet.) So hold on. That's all I can say. Keep holding on.

Destroyer,

having just read this now i apologize for my lateness.

In going through hardships and storms, its really really hard to see any type of picture in it or rhyme or reason. At times it is because its to prepare you for something you are going to experience in you future, to draw you closer to Him or at times its Satan's plan to draw you away.

Storms are never easy, or else it wouldn't do anything in terms of shaking you, building you or breaking you. I am not saying i understand the struggles, i don't. But I do know that God is a good God and doesn't leave you without help.

Time makes it that even when you want and think the world should stop, it doesn't. So you know that no matter what is going on, time will continue and God is in control of it all.

*hugs

hang in there hun

Kunoichi