Stress Center Peer Support

I had a dream last night that I had died. It wasn't a nightmare, but when I woke up I became worried. I started asking myself, is this a preminition or am I about to die? I have been doing so well, and now this almost puts me back at square one. I try not read into things like I used to like bad feelings or horoscopes. I used to try and interpret my dreams, too, but all that stuff can make a person a nervous wreck. I know it's just a dream but,...

Hi Tiffany,

You choose a good title for your topic. God bless you with is, love, care and security.

Dear heart, it was a bad dream, and just like horoscopes they just do not have any basis in fact or reality and it clear that you know and understand that. So why are you clinging to these fearful thoughts that can only serve to create more anxiety and fear?

Tiffany, try not to fall for the temptation of giving these thoughts any more power over you. Remember, these are just thoughts and you have power over them, and not the other way around.

I encourage you to be faithful in your studies of the program as they help to empower you with recognition and power over these things.

The other thing you could do is gather all this baggage that you feel has had control over you and surrender it all at the cross of Jesus for he is able to do all things for you. I know this statement is easy enough for me to say, and I know how easy even the thought of doing this is overlooked by so many of us; me included. A helpful reminder is the simple mantra of let go and let God.

I have to remind myself, and if I don't, I am sure some will remind me about it. It's tough to remember these simple things, especially when you are an old codger like me.

I love the statement when I am at my weakest I am at my strongest. It has taken me so many years to understand this statement.

Everyday, I mean it, everyday. I give thanks to God for being broken. I have come to know that on my own strength; I just fool myself. However, by being broken, I am reliant upon Him, and I get to see, first hand, how He loves and yokes Himself to me to make me stronger.

May God Bless you and may this be of some comfort and encouragement to you. Yoke yourself to Him. Let go and let God do the heavy lifting for you.

Here's an album that I have always meant to hear and I got my chance today;

http://www.stevencurtischapman.../radio/firsthand.htm

The weak days, Hiding places, Who cares, Dying to live, and this is just the first album. He has 16 albums available to help you through whatever circumstances you may face. To get access to the rest click on "go back to music page"

TC

I am sorry for what seems like I took so long to respond. I just have to pray over these things and go where He leads me, and then check to see if it is at least cogent.

Hi Tiffany and Gman,

Tiffany, I too have been having bad dreams lately. Just as you, I have been doing very well but this past week I feel like I have taken a few steps backwards. It's an unpleasant feeling because I have worked and tried so hard to get better and beat the heck out of this condition. However, Gman has offered some amazing advice. We have to be the ones in power and in control. We have to tell ourselves that we refuse to be the victim of this terrifying condition for another moment.

I have not had a panic attack in about a month. But out of the blue, I had a nightmare that bent me out of shape and I landed right back on the couch where I was four months ago because of clinical depression. I know it's easier said than done, but try to remind yourself that it was just a dream and to take nice and long deep breaths. Try to deliberatly slow down your breathing so that you can refocus and center yourself. You are not in any danger. I will do this with you because I freaked out from my nightmares too.

Gman -

I am a Catholic Christian and have become very religious and have always been very spiritual for the past few years. I always seem to interpret things very different from other people. I believe that all things happen for a reason and I, to an extent, am "grateful" that this nervous breakdown happened when it did. However, I don't know if it's a matter of feeling selfish or feeling like I'm not in control if I cast all of my fears onto God. Do you ever feel that by doing so, you are left dangling and waiting for something good to happen? Waiting to be cured?

Hope you both have an anxiety free and beautiful day.

Hi Goober,

I will have to make this as short as I can cuz, I have to start getting ready for my big step before I talk myself out of it (going to church).

Religious affiliations aside, I think when we are in a tight situation our prayers seem to never be answered fast enough. When it comes to this you have to realize that you are not in control, but God is. Just like in this program, we will learn to be patient and wait on the Lord. Somehow, there is always a character lesson in developing the virtue of patience and have the faith to know that the process will make you stronger.

I just checked on this album:

http://www.stevencurtischapman...o/moretothislife.htm

Maybe part of the answer is that we might be waiting for lightning. When what we have to do is be still and know. Song 13 here:

http://www.stevencurtischapman...radio/speechless.htm

Hugs to both of you.

Tiffany, this could also be your subconscious acknowledging the death of your old anxious, troubled self. You said you are improving. You could be coming to terms with the fact that you are improving and do not have to live as you were. Think positively. When the worry comes in toss it aside and replace it with the positive.
You ARE improving and the old anxious self has no need to stay.

Gman, thank you so much for your kind words. You are right, bad dreams and horoscopes hold no validity in my life. Entertaining such notions go agains what the Bible teaches me and what God wants me to do. It was just a dream. Thank you for suggesting the album, I can't wait to check it out.

LauriKay, maybe my subconscious mind is finally putting my past to rest. I have been doing better. I will not let this minor set back keep me from improving. I am so grateful for the people in this community. A lot of people do not understand what we go through.

I will be praying for you, Gman, and Goober too. God bless!

Hi Tiffany,

Thank you. You will soon see how much God loves you as he will speak to you through song with such a love and passion that He will leave you Speechless. There is so much on that album, but then again, this young man has a talent for writing songs that you will see and hear that God has anointed him and his songs as a beautiful fragrance that is very pleasing to the Lord. Give him a chance to put a song in your heart.

http://www.stevencurtischapman...thesakeofthecall.htm

On this album, released in 1990, when he was a relatively unknown you will find that you will hear God's voice calling to you and telling you: I love you, I love you, I love you

It brought so much Joy to know that I was not alone in my thinking that went back to 1984, that God had a plan to fill the airwaves with His message of love, and there was no stopping it.

http://www.klove.com/music/listenonline.aspx

Today, CCM is a well recognized genre of music. You have to look at the early performers like Keith Green, Rich Mullins, White Heart, GLAD, Carmen, Twila Paris, Sandy Patti, Amy Grant, and several others, as the pioneers and trail blazers, and people who had the same vision as I had. Praise God, we were not losing our minds as so many thought. What can others say now? There are millions upon millions of passionate fans of CCM. What, are all these people are crazy? I DON'T THINK SO! I feel so vindicated. Praise God!

Tiffany it is okay if people do not understand what we go through, it is more important to know how best to deal with and manage it. This has been a struggle for many centuries. Look at this:

http://bible1.crosswalk.com/On...&new=1&oq=My+sin+is+

Okay, I have said enough. Maybe too much. I hope all these things help you realize that you are not alone. That He has an answer. That God sees, hears, cares, loves and provides all the answers, and that He has done it all for us to make our path back to him as smooth as possible. You will soon understand why God loves all the crack pots. It is so that His light shines through and that helps us to be the light of the world.

TC and I pray that you have a day full of God's JOY and free of anxiety! Amen?!