--- In Spatula_Ministries@yahoogroups.com, "tpettee" <tpettee@...>
wrote:
>
> I have been sitting here for about 3 hours, trying to figure out just
> what to write! What can I say that would be worth reading? I want to
> run around and tell Everyone to go out and get the Tribute DVD so
> they can be inspired as much as I have been. For years I've been
> told by everyone to write a book! Our life has been filled with sooo
> very many trials. But I could never figure out why anyone in the
> world would want to read a book about so many "negative" and/or
> hurtful things. And... I couldnt even think about writing a book that
> was so depressing without having possitive applications to daily life
> that would also show my testiment of my faith in Christ and show how
> He has worked in our lives Through It All! Then I started reading
> Barbara Johnsons books! Often I have been so caught up in the trauma
> and drama, I forget that there is someone to help me carry the
> burden - Jesus! Barbara's books and tapes have been such an
> inspiration to me for over 15 years now. It is hard to not pick up
> one of her books before I pick up my bible because she shows such
> practical applications of God's word in simpler terms. Words I can
> understand more easily sometimes than scripture. I was just
> devestated to learn of Barbara going home to heaven. I had never met
> her personaly, but I KNEW the world had lost a very special person.
> Facing today, for me, was just horrible beyond words! But when the
> kids brought in the mail, I discovered a DVD of the Tribute to
> Barbara and her memorial service had arrived. And just in time too!
> I needed an uplift! Once again, God found a way to uplift my weary
> spirit and give me a renewed joy and hope for tommorow and its
> challanges to come. A friend was here for the holidays. She lost
> her son 4 yrs ago. The police say it was suicide and she has never
> accepted that because she beleived that people who commit suicide
> don't go to Heaven even if they were saved. So, as my friend spent
> many hours of the holidays crying for her son, I shed tears with her.
> It was so awesome to see the Tribute DVD where during one of her
> speaking engagement clips Barbara talks about suicide victims and
> God's love for them and how he welcomes them with open arms into
> Heaven. I can't wait till tommorow to call my friend and tell her not
> to worry anymore! Since I learned of Barbara's journey to heaven, I
> have had a hard time not crying. I couldnt figure out WHY so many
> tears! Afterall, she has eternal life! What is my problem I asked
> myself, and my husband was begining to wonder why also! Then today,
> I realized part of the reason! My moms name was Barbara, she also
> died with cancer and when my kids watched the Tribute DVD with me
> tonight, they said WOW she looks like grandma! Whatever you may be
> facing in your life, there are messages for you not only in God's
> Word, but also in Barbara's Books.
> And of course, Im here too if you need to chat or a prayer!
> Sincerly, Tpettee
>
I am new, though,I too, have read many of Barbs books and have been
through soooo many trials, some times it's hard to feel loved by God. I
started reading her books because I was having so many problems with my
four teenagers. They're grown now but many problems still remain and
it's heart breaking. I also have an emotionally abusive husband who all
but ignores me when he's not picking on me. I also suffer from
Fibromyalgia and he never believes anything is wrong w/ me. I wish I
could find a peaceful and emotionally safe place to go for awhile.
Believe it or not, I've known the Lord for 33years! My son, later, went
through some sexual identity problems, but he had a gay sponser in A.A.
He is married now and has 3 boys. I actually spoke with Barb over the
phone during that period. Now I have a 14y/o grandaughter who grew up
with her father's family who believes she is gay. She asked me if you
could really be a Christian and be gay, at the time I didn't know she
was speaking of herself. My baby girl! Why did God allow them to have
her!? But then I thought, maybe she still would've felt this way and
I'd blame myself, and in His Omnicience kept me from raising her.
Anyway, I've struggled w/ depression for 40yrs. It's really hard for me
right now. I'm very weepy. Thanks for sharing so I know I'm not alone!
Also, I too believe a Christian who commits suicide is still saved.
Either Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship or Chuck Smith of
the original Calvary chapel said that they couldn't be in their right
mind at that moment. I don't believe this because I plan to commit
suicide so don't worry! Anyway, may you feel His presence. Munchie