Comments on: My First Post Separation Christmas: 3 Challenges & 3 Blessings

By: Aleshia Bialecki

Aleshia Bialecki — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:07:04 +0000

Excellent post. I find the Pilates method fascinating. I began I feel much more motivated and much less tired. I enjoy my Pilates System training so much.

By: Cheryl Smith

Cheryl Smith — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:29:13 +0000

Julia,

Thank you so much for taking the time to ready my blog and leave a comment. You words, then and now, are such an encouragement to me!

God is good – beyond what we can even imagine, isn’t He?

By: NameJulia Clingenpeel

NameJulia Clingenpeel — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:24:58 +0000

As I was going through the first stages of divorce I very clearly heard the Lord speak to my heart “You are going through the waters, but you will not be overcome, you are going through the fire but you will not smell like smoke.” Actually the Lord told Israel this in Isaiah 43:2, and in Daniel 3:27 when Shadrach, Meshrach, Meshach came out of the fire “the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed, and there was no smell of fire on them”. In my pain I could believe this only through faith, but through faith I clung to it. A few years later as I was then a member of a different church family, our pastor told me that many of the members did not know my past and he encouraged me to share it with others in their pain as the occasion arose. To my amazement, as I would share my experience with others there were times that they, without my telling them what the Lord had told me about the waters and the fire, would say “you don’t smell like smoke”. That would amaze me because this is not something that people would normally say in our everyday language. Each time this happened it was as though the Lord was speaking through them to tell me “I’ve done just as I promised you I would do”. Now years have gone by, the Lord has so wonderfully repaid what the locusts had eaten (Joel 2:25-27)that the pain of the past is as though it were something I read about and not really a part of my life, and He has given my life beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for mourning(Isaiah 61:3). I relate all this to say that you are a beautiful example of “not smelling like smoke”, and you are also a beautiful example of Isaiah 61 of one of those comforted who mourned, bestowed a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a garment of praise instead of a spirit of dispair, you are a display of His splendor, lovely Daughter of Zion.

By: Cynthia S.

Cynthia S. — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:12:37 +0000

Wow this is a great article and so can relate to it with the passing of my father in Sept. 09 so, this was the first Christmas with out him. I was able to spread the word and joy because of the strong belief

By: Chris Cree

Chris Cree — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 13:57:38 +0000

Cheryl, Thanks for reminding us that some are struggling with loss this holiday season.

And thanks also for inviting my wife

By: John Clark

John Clark — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:39:31 +0000

Having 4 days off from work is a blessing of a break from the everyday wear and tear. On the flip side, sitting at home, watching movies, playing on the internet can be boring and lonely. My family is spread out and lives atleast 2.5 hours away and sharing a teenager makes it harder to schedule going out of town. I want to spend time with him and still allow him to share his time with his mom.

I have great friends from church and it makes the holidays better. I’ll be attending the Celtic Christmas Eve Service tonight with my extended church family. Was invited to help at the Lynchburg Daily Bread tomorrow morning preparing and serving meals to those not as well off as we are and then attending a Christmas Dinner with the same friends at one of their family member’s home.

I have God, my health, a job, a great son and wonderful friends. What more could a guy want?… See More

Thanks for thinking about us Cheryl

By: Laurie Nutter

Laurie Nutter — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:51:29 +0000

This makes me cry, Cheryl. I’m so glad you and your children are in a better place. Thanks for writing this. It makes me much more sensitive to people who might be going through really painful times now.

By: Nancy Sutherland

Nancy Sutherland — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:40:24 +0000

I can relate to this story as it was very similar to my own in 1994. I had unexpected blessings that year as well. Many things have changed in my life since then, but God has been faithful. He is hope for the hopeless, and comfort for all who are hurting this time of year.
This year some family issues with one of my children is causing unexpected pain for me. I have no resolution for the situation except to pray.
May everyone who is experiencing any kind of difficulty this year turn to the Lord for peace, comfort, and love. He will provide it! Merry Christmas!