Welcome to Dymphna's Diary

Although I am not Catholic, I find it interesting that "Dymphna" is the patron saint of those who suffer from clinical depression and other mental illnesses. Considering the purpose of this site is to offer inspiration and spiritual guidance to my readers, I felt it was only right I chose her namesake for the title.

In 2010, this site was set up to pass along personal information about how depression has affected my life and the lives of my family. Since then, it has EVOLVED. In 2011, I attempted to present posts that were INSPIRATIONAL to you, my readers. In 2012, I went even deeper with personal stories from people across the United States via touching videos, songs, and interviews. My hope was to show each of you that even when you feel that you are in a situation that no one else could understand, you are not alone. Through it all, my comments have remained to be my personal opinions and spiritual reflections. I will continue to occasionally post information that I feel is beneficial in removing the stigma of mental illness, but regardless I feel blessed to have been given this platform to spread God's love and compassion for ALL people. I wouldn't be where I am today without the strength I receive daily from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My hope is that this blog will help you find some comfort in your life. It most certainly is helping me find comfort in mine.

I want to make it perfectly clear, though, that when I make generalizations regarding mental illness, I am NOT giving advice to anyone. I'm just passing along information that I have found helpful in my life. I'm writing about MY PERSONAL experiences and thoughts. Mental illness affects everyone differently and your situation may not be reflective of mine.


Saturday, July 23, 2011

Vacation Bible School

I just spent this past week with a wonderful group of kids at Vacation Bible School. It was amazing! I love being around children and being a part of the process that brings them closer to Jesus. It's a great experience to see their eyes light up when they learn for the first time that they are "priceless" to God!

On Monday we learned about the Egyptians and the Israelites. (Their story is in Exodus.) The following is what the children were taught about each of these groups:

Egyptians
Smart in math and science
Great teachers, schools
Rich
Good soil for farming
Plenty of food
Plants to make paper, baskets, etc

Israelites
Slave
Had to work hard
Lives made bitter
Used by Egyptians

Then we asked the kids which group they would want to belong to? Of course, most wanted to be with the Egyptians... until we told them that the Egyptians worshiped false gods and the Israelites worshiped God.

But how could the Israelites worship God when their lives were so horrible, we asked?



Well, during VBS, we collected money every day for the Joplin, MO tornado victims. On that first day, we asked our class what they were thankful to God for in their lives. Then, we asked them, if they woke up tomorrow morning and a devastating tornado came through our town, would you still have things you would be thankful for to God?

Of course the kids were able to list things like FAMILY, FRIENDS, etc. After we did this exercise, they were able to understand why the Israelites could still be able to love, trust and follow God even in their despair.

What are you thankful for today?


Photo - http://sarabe3.tripod.com/israeliteimages.html
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