Struggling

Jill - posted on 08/25/2010

pray that God leads you to the church He wants you to go to .... until then google Parker hill church ... they have an awesome pastor that gives great sermons that you can listen to on line....Lean on God ... he will lift you right out of your depression.... dive into His Word and let it wash over you...

Gail - posted on 07/31/2010

I can definitely sympathize with your situation having raised 5 kids as a stay at home Mom. Although in my case, I never really got used to working outside the home for long since we started having kids immediately.

But I have had similar bouts with depression through the years. I am sure stress and isolation were the main factors. Unfortunately we often respond to our depression by isolating ourselves even more.

It is critical that you find a good church where you feel welcome and can make lots of friends, not just for your kid's sakes but yours as well. We were never made to go it alone. The Bible tells us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together because we need each other, and others need you as well. We are all part of the family of God.

It may take a few trips to some local churches before you find the perfect fit for you. But don't let that discourage you. In the meantime, pray for God's direction and read His Word.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He shall direct your paths. Please keep us updated, because we are also your sisters in Christ. We are concerned for your happiness.

Corey - posted on 07/02/2010

I have also had problems with feeling depressed, and still do. My son is just three months old today. I have become a stay at home mom while my husband works and i don't get to go out much because we only have one vehicle. For Sunday morning church there almost always seems to be a conflict that we cant go: baby hungry fussy or sick, husband worked late, i had to get up early to attend to baby, or just being tired. My husband and i have found that even if we don't go to church we can have a bible study at our house together. Then for me to get fellowship with others outside the home we either invite some Christian friends to our house or have a small get together at their place. That way there are no time constraints like you have for church service times, and it is a laid back environment for growing together with other Christians and their families. Then we still go to the church building occassionally too.
I hope you can find something that works best for you and your family. I know every family is different on how they go about 'church' but we all have one thing in common. A heavenly Father who loves us and wants to have a relationship with us.

Tam - posted on 06/26/2010

Thanks to the wonderful women who responded. You are blessed.

Angela, and those who might be wondering the same thing--as mentioned, God knows your heart and your desire. You need to pray and seek His guidance. We are all praying that He leads you where you belong. In the meantime, I would like to refer you to the "Legacy" post (I believe it's in this group, know it's in Christian women group). In it, he discusses how the first place your children should be learning about the Father is in your homes. Church, while important in fellowship and edification, should be gravy on the meat. I encourage you to seek God and ask Him what He wants you to do to reach your children (and even your own heart) for His glory. Christ promised us that if we seek, we will find. Get your answers from the source and teach your children to do the same. That is the most important thing you can give your children. Again, I am not saying "don't go to church" or that church isn't important. My own family attends a wonderful church, but we have also come to realize the truth that it is OUR responsibility to raise our children in the truth and admonition of the Lord, not the church's. We are called to that duty by the Word of God. I pray that He touches your heart and gives you the guidance you seek.

Tamara - posted on 05/27/2010

hi my name is tamara a mother of 3, 2 girls and a boy i to have trouble going out with all 3 and going to church with my second eldest who's nearly 2 now she runs around the church and i have to chase after her leaving the other two lucky for me the youngest is only a baby and in her pram but my church is really understanding there is a far few children in my church and father O'Connor is also good with them he understands children will be children and can not sit for long. try taking them and take some toys to keep them entertained and see what its like and if its not for you change churches go on line and look for the nearest churches hope this helps

Ruth - posted on 05/11/2010

My suggestion would be to find a church with a kid's program and people you can socialize with. I don't of anyone who is super happy with every aspect of their church but the people are the important parts. So I hope you can find a place with support for you and your children.

MARY - posted on 04/29/2010

I TOO, HAVE HAD SOME DEPRESSION IN MY LIFE, BUT THE ANSWER IS TO LOOK UP AND ASK FOR THE HELP YOU NEED. I DIDN'T GO OUT FOR 2 MONTH TO CHURCH. AND THE DEVIL WILL TELL YOU NOT TO GO. HE LOVES KEEPING ANYONE, HE CAN FROM GOD AND OTHER CHRISTIANS. FOR THAT IS WHERE WE GROW AND GET OUR STRENGTH FROM. AND WE MUST PUT FORTH AN EFFORD FOR GOD TO HELP. IF WE LET THE DEVIL HAVE HIS WAY, IT IS SO EASY TO BACK SLIDE FROM GOD AND HIS WAYS. GOD SAVED YOU AND WANTS TO KEEP YOU. HE DIDN'T SAY IT WOULD BE EASY, BUT WITH HIM ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. AND WE AS PARENTS HAVE TO BE THE EXAMPLE FOR OUR CHILDREN, AND THEIR WALK WITH GOD. YOU MAY HAVE TO GET READY FOR CHURCH A LITTLE EARLIER YOURSELF, AND THEN THE BABY, AND THEN YOUR OLDER CHILD.OR WHAT EVER WORKS BEST FOR YOU. BUT DO, GO SOMEWHERE'S TO A CHURCH, AND PRAY TO GOD TO GIVE YOU A PLACE WHERE YOU FEEL MORE COMFORTIBLE OR EVEN TRY TO GET ENVOLVED AS A HELPER OF A SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS. I'LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU. TAKE CARE, AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MARY ROLAND.

Lily - posted on 02/22/2010

Angela,

My heart goes out to you. Remember that isolation is a key factor in depression, and the enemy loves to use isolation to keep us from fellowship with other Christians and to keep us from felowship with God. You need to think that every time you want to make a reason not to go to a church or leave the house because "its too hard with kids" that is the enemy trying to keep you from growing with God. No church is perfect, and it IS hard with little kids to get out. But I encourage you to recognize you are in a spirtual battle here, and you need to pray for courage and energy and get out there. Go to a small group or womens study and get in touch with a church. Don't worry if its perfect or meets all your criteria. The Church is the body of Christ who died for you. You are in my prayers.

Lily

Heather - posted on 02/13/2010

I would recommend googling churches in your area. You can tell a lot about a church from their website. You can look at their response to kids, what they teach, who they give the glory to... It helped me a lot when we switched churches towards the end of last year.

I understand how hard it is to get out of the house with young kids, maybe look for a mom's Bible study where you can take the kids with you. That has been extremely helpful for me. It's also encouraging because everyone there has young kids, and they all understand.

I will be praying for you.

Anne - posted on 02/12/2010

Angela, with a 5 month old postpartum is a very real possibility for your depression. If possible do you have a health professional you could talk to?



Angela one of the most wonderful things about God is He allows U turns. It shows that you do not want to stay away from church. If you tell God this He will help you overcome the things that are keeping you from going back to

Church. I will keep you in my Prayers.

Anne - posted on 02/12/2010

Angela, with a 5 month old postpartum is a very real possibility for your depression. If possible do you have a health professional you could talk to?



Angela one of the most wonderful things about God is He allows U turns. It shows that you do not want to stay away from church. If you tell God this He will help you overcome the things that are keeping you from going back to

Church. I will keep you in my Prayers.