How to you regenerate after being in a slump or set back?

One way I do it is to slow down and take in the smaller, simpler things in life.  Take the time to focus on God's hand in my life.   The important thing for me is to slow down.  I find that the busier I am and the more I try to cram into a day, the more I am in a slump.  I take some quiet time to sit back and just meditate.  Not necessarily pray or anything but just enjoy the beauty that God has created around me.  It's usually something like sitting outside on a nice day and seeing the beautiful flowers starting to bloom, the birds flitting around and all of that stuff.  I start to give thanks for those small things and then I find that I begin to feel His presence.  I just let it all happen.  Mind you it doesn't last forever but it's the start and it makes me realize that He is there even when I don't feel it. 

Thanks  for your input.

One way to get closer to God is to treat people the way you like to be treated.

Tammy-I guess that is part of an issue that everybody faces, because nobody on this earth is perfect.  In fact, treating others how they treat me is WHAT gets me in trouble most of the time.  At least I recognize my mistakes, most people don't, can't, or think that they are superior and perfect. I'm going to start ignoring the ones I wish would just ignore me!

I take some quiet time to sit back and just meditate.  Not necessarily pray or anything but just enjoy the beauty that God has created around me.  It's usually something like sitting outside on a nice day and seeing the beautiful flowers starting to bloom, the birds flitting around and all of that stuff.  I start to give thanks for those small things and then I find that I begin to feel His presence.  I just let it all happen.

That's a good thought.  It is supposed to snow where I live tommorow. Maybe I'll make a snowman!

"One way to get closer to God is to treat people the way you like to be treated"

If only more people would do that...*sigh*

Shannon, one thing that I like to do to refresh myself is to find some time to myself and put on praise music.  My personal choice is usually contemporary Christian, but sometimes I like a softer Gospel type.  Depends on my mood.  But I find that it really helps me refocus on God.  But then, I'm really into music.  :o)

I love music, although my singing...not so joyful!! I do have some great tunes and radio stations near that play inspirational music.

In fact, treating others how they treat me is WHAT gets me in trouble most of the time.

Baby, you got it backwards-- Treat others how you want to be treated, not treat them the way they treat you.  When you treat them the way they treat you, you are practicing an "eye for an eye" mentality--and while there is some justice to that, it does't get you any closer to being happy with yourself. 

I agree that people should practice the Golden Rule more often, and I'm guilty as anyone of being a butthole sometimes.  In all honesty, I hate the way it makes me feel to be so negative.  On the other hand, when I do something good for someone or make someone feel special or needed or loved, I feel good, and not in a selfish way, but in a way that makes me feel that I made a postitive difference in someone's life--and sometimes that one unselfish act of kindness can make a world of difference in a person's life if it comes at the right time.

You know, I've never purported to be perfect in this lifetime.  I've made my share of mistakes, some of them grave, others that affected no one but myself, but if I've learned one thing in this life it's that we can't live in the past, but we must make the future as best we can, and we can only do that by doing the best we can in the "right now."  There is no guarantees of a tomorrow---we don't know if we will take our last breath in 20 minutes or 20 years---so if by trying to treat others well, regardless of how we are treated, brings us closer to God today, I feel like it's worth striving for--even if we, as humans, aren't completely successful. 

Does that make any sense?

It does make sense, Tammy. I'm not sure if it will get me out of a religious slump but I see no harm in what your second post read.

Shannon, inspirational music is another thing I do when I'm in a slump.  I just put on some of my favorite contemporary christian cd's and soak it all in. 

Also, try finding a key bible verse that fits with what you are struggling with.  Just one.  Write it down, think about it and memorize it.   Like if you are tired and drained, from Matthew:  Come to Me all who are weary and I will give you rest.   Focus on it and the meaning. 

We all have our desert times.  Real life gets in the way and drains us.  Just remember, in God's eyes you are beautiful and loved regardless of what else is going on.  He is always there. 

Try explaining your spiritual beliefs to someone who doesn't understand or share them.  That post on the Tao te Ching one in the "Bible Quoting" thread really forced me to re-examine what the Tao means to me.  :)

I'd like to recommend spending some time with some babies or little children........the best is if you can HOLD the baby yourself, and coo or sing or chortle to him/her.  But just gazing at babies, sleeping, eating, crying, whatever, is good, too.  Or watching toddlers and their busy little activities.  I usually take looks at babies in supermarkets, and ask their parents their names and maybe their ages, and smile at them.   I'm an old woman, so I can do this, but I suppose an old man might be viewed dubiously, were he to try to lift his spirits that way........

I realize this is probably FAR from where you are, but John Piper did a message on the life of William Cowper. Listen to this below... it's so much better to listen than read a Piper sermon or in this case a mini-biography because he has things like questions and answers at the end. Here it is:

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Biographies/1463_Insanity_and_Spiritual_Songs_in_the_Soul_of_a_Saint

Also, have you read the book, "Living the Cross-Centered Life" by C.J. Mahaney? You might really like that and it will definitely bring the cross back into focus (I lose it so much myself!).

Tamara

http://www.MySpace.com/SeedSower777