http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Sun, 9 Mar 2008 09:38:55 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/03/04/144401.php#comment-700841 Paul, whilst I'm delighted your personal situation has improved, I'm disappointed that it is at the price of accepting such a fantasy belief system. I hope the day will arrive when you feel able to do with your life without such props. 700841@blogcritics.org Sun, 9 Mar 2008 09:38:55 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/03/04/144401.php#comment-700832 I was diagnosed with bipolar 1, and have dealt with it for years. But what really helped me is when I realized that God causes all things, both good and evil or calamity, whatever your version happens to say. The concept is the same. Proverbs 16:4 says it plainly enough to those with ears, "God works all things for His plans, yes even the wicked for the day of evil." It was through a series of events in my life that I recently became aware that God is the cause and creator of not just the Garden of Eden, but of everything and everyone that occurs in this life. The bible mentions this over and over, but religious bias has so altered our perception, that for some people it is impossible to see God as really the Potter forming the clay vessels for either honor or dishonor. But it has given me enormous peace as compared to where I was just a year ago. I do not have anxiety and depression like I used to. And I feel all the spiritual fruit that I had tried so hard to imitate in my life while going to church. Realizing God's control over the world, and that He was the cause of every good and evil, has for the first time in my life, helped me to realize love, joy, peace, patience, and every spiritual blessing. I can't help but pass it on to everyone, please take a step back from your comfort zone and seek out the true nature of God, not what comes from the pulpit, but what comes out of the bible and wait for the Teacher to reveal stuff to ya in everyday life. It's a rare experience for sure, but man is it awesome. 700832@blogcritics.org Sun, 9 Mar 2008 09:14:56 EDT