Faith Based Support Groups - Christian Encouragers - JUNE

You've found a great place to come and vent, share or ask for prayer support. This is a great group who will be very encouraging, caring and loving....anyone is welcome to join!

A Servent's Prayer

Jesus, My Jesus....How marveleous your ways....
Far more splendid than my mind can envision.
What an honor to be chosen by you.
A lowly child I am, but empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the great hope to which you have called me.
I give myself totally to you, Lord.
Take my imperfect heart and make it perfect.
Peel away the hardness.
Close the doors I have opened to the temptations of this world.
Gently remove the roots of painful memories, sins, doubts and fears.
Discard anything that separates me from you.
Lord, fill the emptiness with the light of your love that I might be a beacon calling the lost back to you.

To love as you love.....
To serve as you serve.....
To forgive as you forgive.....
Always mindful of my nothingness while doing great and marvelous things in your name and for your glory.
This I pray, Jesus, in YOUR name.
Amen

I'm still pretty new around here and I hope no one minds that I jumped in and started the June thread. And if you do mind... Gary told me to!!! ;):p

Boy, I've really missed you all over the last few days! Between our modem and router going out, my husband getting back from his trip, preparing for our new first place group, going to my son's gig, other son's karate, and my daughter's all-star softball things have been kinda crazy around here.

I can't figure out how to get the kids to slow down so we are sending them to Florida for a couple of weeks. ;):D Well the younger too anyways. The oldest has too many important things he might miss if he left (at least that's what he thinks).

Welcome Shannon! I'm so glad you are here!!

Well, I better get back to work. I'll be back later. Hope everyone has a great day!

~Tammy~

Thanks, Tammy for starting the June thread.

TAMMY, no one minds at all, Sweetie ~ THANKS for helpin' our tired 'ole GARY out (he works so hard all the time) ... he's been putting up this thread for some time and we know that he welcomes the help! ;)

Tammy - thanks for starting the new thread!
I actually don't miss all that kid running nearly as much as I thought I would :D

Fishcookies - hang in there girl, you will be back on those feet soon! Keep the ice/heat cycle going. In the mean time, do what you can - upper body work doesn't need your feet ;) Thanks for your kind words regarding my goal story. I really mean it - If I can do it, so can you! Nuthin' special about my journey, other than letting God direct my path :)

Ags - prayers continuing for your healing! I hope your next WI goes well!

A very, very busy day here. I will be glad when school is out :yes: I felt like every email and every phone call and every knock on my door was someone wanting to take a little bite out of me - I didn't have much left at the end of the day!

But, I did manage to get in some yoga and some boxing after I got home. DH made dinner while I worked out - gotta love that kinda spouse :D

It is a beautiful evening here, so I'm off to enjoy the great outdoors for a while!

Prayers continuing for all!
Blessings!

Laurie :scooter:

:wave: HI EVERYONE ~ we have had a couple of hectic days, but things are OK now. Car is fixed; trailer is fixed; didn't break the bank (still solvent); NIKO is OK now (at home, safe and sound: long story); we're just tired, so it's time to go rest for awhile.


:welcome: FISHCOOKIES ~ nice group of folks here; friendly and very supportive ...


HI TO EVERYONE ELSE and all our MIA's ~ hope you all have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!!! ^^PRAYERS^^ continue for you and yours ...

Thanks to everyone for making me feel welcome. I have lost the inaugural pound, so I'm on my way!

Tammy - I appreciate your sharing your photos -- you look great and they are inspiring me! Is it weird that I'm most encouraged by the progress of people that started out at the same weight as me?

Thanks, Laurie, for cheering me on and challenging me to do upper body anyway. My ankle is much better today -- PTL! -- and I'm off to buy really good shoes tomorrow morning. Should I feel dorky sharing such trivial things? I'm sort of new to forums in general -- but it really does help to write it all down. My goal for the week is to get on a better sleep schedule, and get myself in the solid habit of getting my workouts done first thing in the a.m. I always seem to realize that it doesn't work me any other way, and I enjoy the wake-up once I make myself get to it...

Ags -- Thank you for making me feel like part of the group. I don't know how often I'll be able to post, especially over the next 4-5 weeks as we're moving, but I'm really looking forward to checking on everyone's posts and progress. I'll be excited to see ya'll's numbers come down. (By the way, I'm originally from Alabama, so for those of you that don't speak Southern, "ya'll's" is the plural possessive of "ya'll." Technically, if you really want to show possession and refer to a complete group, you would say "all ya'll's." It's complicated.)

Sleep well, all ya'll.

--Shannon
"Every human being is born with a desire to know God. Our hearts are restless until they rest in Him." -Ravi Zacharius

Hi Tammy and all,
It's a hot day in Texas, they say it may rain tomorrow ,I sure hope so. My husband cut and bailed some hay this last weekend, very lucky to be able to do that. I pulled my beets and canned 25 pints and 3 qrts, that is not much but if it rains I will plant some more for fall.

HI GALS ~

Just got in from a real quick 2 mile walk with Angie and the mutts. We had a late dinner after Angie's yoga class tonight.

Taking a break from painting at my son's house until Saturday, I think.

Not much going on here. Talked to my daughter yesterday and she said she is still sore from her marathon and walking like an old lady :D

TAMMY :hug: Thanks for listening to me....most women don't ;)

This is OUR thread....anyone can start it at the beginning of the month! I am looking forward to the day we hit 500 posts and have to start a new one before the month is over!!

I remember those softball all-stars well....made for long summers especially when Nationals were in another state. Enjoy your time, as exhausting as it may be at times :)

ROSEBUD I am so glad Niko was all right! Praise God for the repairs too!

BOOTSIE I ate beets for the first time since I was a kid on Sunday! Angie and I went to Pat and Oscar's after a marathon our daughter ran, anyway there were beets in the salad....when I was a kid we had them at school and I hated them...I was not a finicky eater...can't think of another veggie I don't like....not a problem at home because my mom didn't serve them...anyway I told Angie I am gonna "go big" and try one...not saying I liked them that much but I did eat all of the slices on my plate...interesting flavor.

SHANNON Welcome and I hope your next move is smooth....and you stick with us here!

SCOOTER Glad you got some yoga in, Angie's classes at church are growing steadily...I hope they stick it out through the summer. She finishes school next Friday. Take out those :devil: e-mails and knocks out in wii boxing ;)

AGGIE How is work going for you? Healing up from those falls all right? :hug:

BARGOO Anything good happening up north? :)

BEV ~ WILMA ~ RONNI ~ KAREN ~ LAUREN ~ COURTNEY ~ EVRYONE :)

Hi all, a quick post. I got in some yoga and boxing, and now I have to get ready for our annual Chamber of Commerce dinner. My boss is being honored, and he and my parish assistant are joint MCs.

It should be a fun evening. At times like this I am glad I am a vegetarian. I KNOW that I won't be able to overdo on dinner ;)

Prayers continuing for all!
Blessings!

Laurie :scooter:

Finally went to whole foods...now tell me how did i spend $60 on fruit??? :) guess i will be a 'fruitatarian' for a while.

Dennis is better. he may be moving to another facility today. not sure. GARY - sorry i haven't sent that address to you again. I was trying to give him time to get it and now, he's moving. seems the only mail he got was from me...i know i gave the right addy. who knows...

i'm feeling better. still kinda tired. i want another tattoo, but with summer here, i SHOULD wait. going to the beach with mom and some of my girls for mom's bday/retirement celebration. new tats don't do well with sun and surf.

made it back to the gym last night. that felt good! :)

love to all!

Had no idea there was a Christian forum ,good to hear ,praise God. I am new to this 3FChicks thing and looking forward to losing weight. I have been visiting chicks up for a challenge forum but am very interested in this one also. How will I know which forum to look for when I want to find this one? will it always say christian on it when I look at new posts?

SCOOTER have fun at the dinner.

BEV I swear I sent Dennis a letter and it has not been returned to me either. Enjoy the fruit...stay close to the potty.

BLONDIE Just go to the community page and click on Faith Based under the Support Groups section then on Christian Encouragers.

Just got in from a walk after work with the mutts. Angie is at church teaching two yoga classes tonight. I am dicing up some ham, leftover from Easter dinner, frying it up in a pan a bit, baking sweet potatoes and having some sourdough bread and peas for dinner.

Prayers for all ~ Gary

Hi all,

Bev,
Told ya, God has a plan for you kiddo, you just be patient, He will manifest it when it's time. I guess Dennis never got my stuff either, ugh, nor have I recieved anything back. When you get the new address, please send it to me. Hope you have loads of fun at the beach with mom and friends. Take care of yourself sweetie, can't have you fallin' apart on me. Love you tooo much.

Hello to everyone else, I have read all of the post yet and I do apologize but I will catch up, just very tired from a very long day. Gary, the progress is slow, but it is progress and that's all I can ask for. Thanks for thinking of me, it really is appreciated.

Hugs, love and blessings to all,
Ags

:wave: HI EVERYONE ~

Here's a link to a post I wrote about BINGING; I used to have this problem at one time, but I am much better now. This post shares some of the methods I found to change this. Thought I'd share this list here just in case someone might find some of the tricks/tips helpful in their own journey ...


http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=168867


Hope you are all well, and that you ALL have A THOROUGHLY ENTHRALLING THURSDAY!!! :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: ^^PRAYERS^^ ascending for you and yours ...

Gary and Aggie - I believe you both did! I don't know what happened to his mail. Maybe they just like me... :) I will find out the new info and post it to you both.

Gary - yeah...potty time! :) i just ate the most boring peach in my life. it came from CA...figures! lol :D

Aggie - I believe you now, i really do. :) Now, I am just waiting. Looks like i will be going to IL now... :D

Peace!

Good morning all!

I have had a busy weekend/week. More details to come. I have been lurking... Good thing you guys haven't been talking about me. LOL. Well the host ran off with DN again but we get her today which is her 1st birthday!!! I hope to get her to the weekend too. Well I have to finish getting ready to work.

Toodles!!

Ez-Money - Gary?

Well a-lot including me did not know how to cook Beets until I married and my New grandma taught me. They are made with a-lot of love & sweat. Solution: 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups of water 2 cups sugar.

You have to cook them in water after you separate them for so long till they are soft and peel easy, then you have to let them cool, peel, cut some leave small ones whole. Cover with the above solution, keep adding more solution till covered heat till boiling good . Have the jars good and clean, put in oven to stay hot on warm, get lids in warm water ready put canning lid in each jar to keep from breaking and fill jars. Better after a week but good then too. It is a lot of work especially the smaller the beets, you will think you will never finish peeling them! But they are more special have a better taste. People who don't like beets, [those school beets would turn a hog off! Yuck!!!] will love these beets. I have seen children eat them like candy and I had one friend who had cancer, that would ask me to bring her some beets when I come. She would tell me to go get her a fork and she would sit there and eat a whole pint of beets by their self. Of course I sit there amazed!

Blondie32 :welcome: Glad you found us! Yes, it will always have "Christian Encouragers" in the title of the thread.

If you click on the "thread tools" link above, you can chose to subscribe to the thread. Then when you come to 3FC, you can click the "quick links" menu and pick "subscribed threads". All the threads you want to keep track of can be kept there. It makes getting around 3FC so much easier!

The dinner was great. I gave away my entree and ate the salad, veggies and dessert. Probably not the highest protein meal of the day (there were nuts in the salad and dessert, and feta in the salad).

Tonight I'm off to a funeral visitation for a dear member of our congregation (and mother of a friend). So, gotta fly!

Prayers are continuing for all!

Blessings!

:scooter:

Hi All! Just a quick note to let you know I'm still alive. It has been a crazy week and I haven't had much time to sit down and post. I lost 1.8 lbs. on my WI Monday. It was nice to see the scale finally move.

I will try to post again tomorrow.

Have a great weekend!

Kathy

Hello, Everyone! Sorry I haven't been here in awhile, but the "busy's" are getting me :dizzy:. We've been helping at church getting ready for next week's VBS and ended up painting posters, which I have never done before and these were very large (one of them is taller than I am and no short jokes from any of you!) & detailed with lots of color shading. Now, I'm taking a day off and we may go to the pool for the afternoon, so I can:beach: and the boys can:swim:. I finally get to wear my new-size-18-not-30 swimsuit:woohoo:!

Want to say welcome to our newbies! Hope you keep coming back so we can get to know you better. The Christian Encouragers have been a great blessing to me in my new healthy lifestyle and I'm sure you'll find lots of support here as well.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Prayers said for all needs mentioned and I pray for God's blessing for all of you! Take care!

Hi all - happy Friday! I made it! All but one school building is done for the year! My job is still very intense, but very different in the summer. I really enjoy the change of pace :)

The weather is glorious here - I was able to get quite a bit of gardening done after work. I can't believe how fast the weeds take over!

What does everyone have planned for the weekend?

I hope it is something fun!

Blessings to all - and prayers ascending!

:scooter:

GARY ~ the picture function is working again; I just posted a pic of NIKO on the PRAYER WARRIORS thread a few minutes ago and it worked fine.

We have rain here, but it's better than the 80F with high humidity we woke up to this morning; now it's cooler and we can breathe. DH has hired a friend who is professional contracter to put a ramp in at my Dad's cottage in place of those faulty stairs and he is giving us a fabulous deal too! Almost everyone in my family has bad legs, knees, or feet, so this will be a blessing for all of us. Thanks for all your prayers and good thoughts about my health; GOD is good and He is taking good care of us ...


:wave: HI TO EVERYONE ELSE ~ hope you all have a great FRIDAY NIGHT and weekend ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

Hi Everyone! :hug:

Sorry I haven't been on in a few days. Nothing much new to report, just the same old stuff. I am starting a First Place 4 Health group at our church and Sunday is the first meeting. This week is Vacation Bible School at our church. The two youngest kiddos will be leaving in one week to go to Florida and spend time with their grandmas & family. I am really hoping to have some relaxing summer time while they are gone.

Sounds like everyone else is having a busy summer as well.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

~Tammy~

Rosebud - I popped over to see the picture of NIKO. He sure is a cutie. What a blessing for you and DH to have him. The ramp sounds like a GREAT idea!

Tammy - The First Place group should help you stay on track through the summer. You are doing so well, I'm betting that ticker will keep moving in the right direction!

A quiet day here. I scooted out to do some shopping this morning (needed pants that fit pretty badly). I got a few groceries too.

We have our annual block party tonight. We get a permit to block off the street and move the grills and chairs and tables out to the street. The kids ride their bikes or skateboard on the rest of the block - it is a lot of fun, and a good chance to catch up with changes.

We all have driveways off the alley in the back of the house, so in the winter we rarely see our neighbors. We wave, but not much chatting going on in the blustery winter.

Of course, it will be a challenge since it is potluck and EVERYONE seems to bring desserts ;) I'm making mini muffins and mini brownies (using mini-muffin pan) so that I have something to munch on. Boca's go great on the grill, so I'm all set there.

I'm off to do laundry and clean - not very exciting, except that I get to listen to my book while doing so :) Sometimes audiobooks are the only thing that can get me in a cleaning mood ;)

Well, gotta fly - the dryer is buzzing.


Prayers continuing for all!

Laurie :scooter:

Have you ever felt the excitement of knowing you were right around the corner from the biggest blessing of your life??? :) That is how I feel right now!!!!

i wrote a blog thursday night after church, which I hope you will enjoy...oh! and last night at the shelter we had 6 women!!!! :) Praise God
I realize this will be long...but I hope that God will use it for someone that needs it. That is the point of our existence right? To worship Him, learn about Him, love Him and show others the LIGHT!


"I am a corpse"

Today was my mom and her twin's 60th birthday. The fact that I get a 'two-fer' with them makes it nice. The way they laugh so goofy makes me laugh and the fact that I don't seem to look like them is surprising (i take after my dad's mom's folks...the Trueloves). But that laugh...that, I seem to have like theirs. I love to hear them laugh, I can hear my grandma when i hear them...i miss her. She would have been 99 on Saturday. it still hurts...

But that isn't what I am writing about. Susie and I had 'church' at home tonight after I got back from dinner with 'the twins'. I like when God speaks and it doesn't matter if there is just one...or one hundred thousand...all that matters is if one got something valuable. We talked about how we have the mind of Christ, how our minds must be renewed, transformed, how the enemy lies to us...his plans are the opposite of God's. God promises to prosper us, for good and not evil, He promises to give us hope and a future. The enemy's plan is the exact opposite. his are counterfeit...always. they may look right, but something is off. he canNOT create the correct duplicate of what God has...but his will be similar but so WRONG! how many people marry the counterfeit? have the counterfeit job? etc? I have to say that I am holding out for the GOD REALITY! :)

if he can't get you with the counterfeits...immediately (or ever) he tries to attack to wear you down.

Where does he attack the most? Well, for me: MY MIND!

Jesus was crucified on a hill called Golgotha. Golgotha means "place of the skull". hmmm...I believe that in every part of His life and death and subsequent resurrection, there was meaning to save us...from everything! If He was crucified on a hill that meant "place of the skull", His Blood ran on that hill...His blood that saves us, restores us, breathes life into us, heals us, gives us authority over all of **** and all of the enemy's strategies...that same blood was also specifically meant to protect, restore, heal, calm, renew our MINDS!

YEAH! :)

Most of my life I have dealt with the **** of tormenting thoughts in my mind: you aren't good enough, not worthy, fake, whore, loser, fat, ugly, stupid, dreamer, pathetic, psycho, crazy, no body likes you, your own father hates you, he always said you wouldn't amount to anything, your mother doesn't care about you, she let people molest you, she didn't save you when you were abused, you are worthless, idiot. you think you can preach? who the **** do you think you are? no one is listening to you. you suck. there are only 3 people here. you are doing nothing but spinning your wheels. seriously pointless. you are not good enough to love. God doesn't care...He isn't real. some aliens put you here as a test. the bible is a joke...slob. lazy. *****.

those are just a few. It's funny that most of those now are so obviously false to me that I hear it and laugh. Even if I get caught in listening, I can shut it down. I talked to a wonderful new friend in Abilene (rudy) a couple of Saturdays ago and mentioned the voices. he told me, "you know who that is...shut him down" and when i told him the voices had just gotten heavier in the past week since I had been in NM, "well, that is obviously the enemy and you are suppose to be a part of this and he doesn't want you here". He offered to pray for me and i so appreciate his generosity!

but it's the other words sometimes that i actually second guess and wonder if it's my 'rational' mind telling me that i am crazy! some (most-actually) of the stuff God tells me to do and places He tells me to go, FEEL CRAZY! They go against most EVERYTHING i was ever taught to do. it makes no sense...in the world. But I am NOT of this world...i am just in it.

Rudy gave me something solid...confirmation. He helped me to see, when i felt out of my comfort zone, that I was walking on water. The miracle isn't the water walking, that's the easy part when you get the faith. The miracle was that God places people in my life to shed light!

So, tonight...as i sat in front of 3 people talking about God. Showing scripture and explaining what they wanted to better understand...I saw light.

When we become children of God, born-again disciples of Christ, we die to ourselves. I am dead to my flesh...my sinful desires. Ok...heard all of that before. HOLD ON! How about this???? If we are dead...how can the enemy torment us?

When was the last time you saw a corpse sit up and cry because someone kicked them? Or said something mean? Seriously!!!! HAVE you ever seen a corpse get his/her feelings hurt? DID that corpse doubt his/herself?

Ok...so, impossible for a corpse to feel. A dead person cannot be taunted and antagonzied...right?

Are you dead to sin, but alive in Christ? huh? ARE YOU DEAD TO SIN? yes...ok. How can you let someone taunt you, irritate you, make you doubt God's plan for your life if you are DEAD? :)

Tell the imp to shut up. He can't effect you. You are dead to him. you are alive in the ONE that gave you life, that has a plan and a purpose for your life that is good and not evil.

You were made with a purpose. It may be that no one in your family understands, it may be that no one around you does, but I can guarantee that God does. He has a plan for your life. He has a plan for your blood line. He knows that you will see the fulfillment of all that He has placed within you. He may have meant for your parents or grandparents or some other ancestor to do this...and they failed. YOU WILL NOT FAIL! He will see to it that you succeed. First, you have to die to yourself...(metaphorically speaking of course-you put your desires down and take up his) and live in Him. Ask Jesus to be LORD of your life, to take over. LET HIM! All it takes is asking Him and then stepping aside to allow Him.

I promise that if you LET Him take over...your life will be so much easier...He takes all of your worries, you just have to GIVE them all to Him. He created you...He knows what is best. He has a plan and a purpose for your life...for good and not evil, for hope and a future. All you have to do is to daily allow Him to lead. Die to your selfish desires, those ugly, tormenting words in your head and allow HIM to live in you.

And by the way, God will give you the desires of your heart...it just may be that those desires CHANGE when He takes over. my whole life has changed. He changed my life. I am no longer climbing that corporate ladder, being Miss Independent, trying to conquer the world. I am climbing His ladder, have become Miss Dependant on God and helping to change the world. I love my life and am thankful for the peace that I have...the simple knowing that HE has me in the palm of His hand and His plan will succeed. I will have that happy family I joked aboutwanting as a kid. I am healed and restored. And I get the incredible joy in seeing lives restored, people healed, marriages restored and children rescued before the abuse begins. I get to see people walking and living in peace...families...In Jesus name! :)

And don't get discouraged in small numbers. The bible says that we should not be. It's the small beginnings that grow. It takes ONE seed to make a tree that gives countless more seeds. because susie bought the vette that needed work-Rich came around us and was interested in what we had in Christ - he started coming to our little 'church' aka bible study. NOW, he and his wife are working on their marriage. It was over, so they thought, when he first started coming around. She is still trying to figure out how he "found God" by working on a car. lol...

Just remember, you are a light...and you may be the only light someone sees.

I love you.
Peace.

p.s. be careful to those you are around. every person is going through something...be gentle. just because they don't think as fast, move as fast, or whatever...doesn't make them less. BUT if you treat that person less...it makes YOU less.

WOW! Rayne, Thank You so much I think I will come back everyday to read this post!Thanks!

wow...Bootsie, thank you! I am honoured.

This is the day the Lord hath made . Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I keep telling myself that I'm going to post more often and then the days just slip away. I've been busy with getting my flowers in pots. It's still really cool here but I'm hopeful that we will get summer eventually!

I have company this weekend and we spent most of yesterday browsing shops. It was fun. Then we had more company in for a barbeque. It turned out well and the company was really nice.

Today DH and I are heading out for a couple of nights. It was our anniversary in April and my birthday is this week so we decided to take a break and spend sometime relaxing in a cottage at the lake. We'll do some hiking and just relaxing. Our menu is very healthy too! Then we come home to a big job. We're going to be laying pavers to create our patio. It's going to be lovely when it's finished. I plan on burning a few calories those days!

Gotta get going to church. Have a great Sunday!

Blessed Sunday all!

Wilma, enjoy your getaway to the cottage!

Bev - nice post! Thanks for taking the time to post it!

Hi to everyone else!

Church was good today, we had a guest pastor that is a prison chaplain. He had an excellent message on prayer.

The block party went well yesterday. I probably ate too many peanut butter double chocolate brownie bites :o

I didn't get as much done around the house since I spent 3 hours baking. So, I'm afraid part of my sabbath will be spent finishing laundry and chores.

The weather is very cold and rainy, so no gardening or firepit gathering today :(

I hope everyone has a blessed, POP day!

Laurie :scooter:

Hi All!

It has been a great day! Went to church this morning. It was Faith Promise Sunday today and we had a couple from our church that are leaving to go to Haiti as missionaries speak. Everytime I hear a missionary speak it makes me want to go. I feel my missionary field has been doing foster care. As many of you know we have 3 brothers that came to us through foster care and now we haver guardianship of them. We now have the 3 boys and 1 foster child with us; also a boy. Doing foster care is hard work, but it is also a blessing.

Last week was not a good week as far as exercise goes, but this is a new week and I plan on getting out and walk 5 days. I walked this evening, so that is day 1!!!

This week my DH starts working 2nd shift. I am very thankful he has a job, but I'm struggling with him not being home at night and only seeing him about an hour a day. I know the Lord will help me.

Have a great week everyone!

Kathy

Hi Gals ~

All is well but I am so busy right now with work and the kid's house, which is just about done.

I will return!...soon....I am reading and prayers continue.

:DHI EVERYONE ~ just had a restful day at home myself as I caught some stomach bug or something; DH says that he thinks he picked it up at a neighbours home (there whole family had it a while back). Hopefully, it won't last too long and we be 100% by tomorrow ...

DH went up to the lot early this morning, and put in the last of the cross-blocks for the floor braces; something he wanted to get done a long time ago, and he was so happy that it is now all ready to start the floor. With each step we are seeing progress and that gives us encouragement along the way.

HI GARY ~ don't work too hard now; be sure to get some rest this weekend too!

KATHY ~ wow, you have your hands full with 4 boys; my youngest sister and her DH do foster care as well. Prayers that GOD will be by your side while your DH is working evening shifts. I know that can be hard at times. Do they cycle the shifts where he works? Lots of men here switch shifts each week: days, evenings, and nights; it takes some adjustment for everyone in the family.

HI LAURIE ~ glad your block party went well, and you are so active that I'm sure you have burned off those mini-brownie bites already ... did you fill them full of prunes and bran to make them healthier??? I would have ... hehe ;)

WILMA ~ hope you and your DH have a nice time at the cottage. Is that the same one you gave us a picture of (I still have that picture on my pc), or is this one somewhere else? Congrats on the wedding anniversary; DH and I will be celebrating our 20th on June 14th.

BARGOO ~ speaking of encouragement -- thanks to you for always giving us a positive word and helping to keep our focus on the fact that we have an awesome LORD, who cares about our day!

:wave: BOOTSIE ~ hope you had a blessed weekend!

BEV ~ prayers going up that the LORD will bind all bad memories from your past, so that you can keep your mind focused on all the wonderful things He has planned for your future ...

HI AGGIE ~ prayers going up that your legs will be healed and your health gets better each and every day! :hug:

HI TO ALL OUR OTHER CE's and all our MIA's too ~ hope you all have a WONDERFUL WEEK!!! :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: ^^PRAYERS^^ continue for you and yours ...

Kathy, sorry that you will be seeing less of DH - good job an starting your walking again! Post here daily with your progress as an accountability thread ;)

Gary - you are a good dad to help out so much with the new house!

Rosebud - hope you are feeling better soon. I did cut the oil in the brownies, but not much other doctoring. I'm glad they are gone!

A good Monday here - very busy getting ready for the school board meeting, getting report cards out for students, and getting year end reports done.

I did start walking to work again, now that the students are out and I won't need to drive to all the schools. I love being able to get in two miles every day :D

We have a "guest" child for the next few days. DS2's BF (best friend) is staying with us while his grandma has displaced him at his house. Should make for an interesting few days. So far, I haven't seen much of him - the guys are "gaming" upstairs.

Well, DH is making dinner and it is almost done - I better go see if I can help.

Prayers ascending for all!

Laurie :scooter:

rosebud - thanks for that prayer! :)

Hi, Guys! Amazing day here. VBS at church and we had 99 kids today :carrot:! That's just unbelievable for the 1st day and we expect that the attendance #'s will grow through the week. This is the first time I've gotten to work VBS and I get to work in kitchen helping the kids prepare snacks-they all have a theme and it's really fun watching them put them together. Each age group gets to prepare the snacks for everyone on one day of the week, so they get to learn to serve each other and that no one is too young to work for God.

Last week, I really stepped outside my norm and ended up painting posters for this week. Apparently, I didn't do too bad a job, as several leaders have asked if I'm a professional painter:lol:. I really enjoyed it, so might try exploring this a little more. I'd love to have a hobby that could potentially turn into a profession.

Don't have much time as I'm exhausted and need to finish laundry, too, but I have read all the posts and lifted up all the needs mentioned. Hope you all have a really nice Tuesday! God bless!

HI GALS ~

Angie has BUNKO tonight...her last one of the school year, although they do get together during the summer but sometimes that is during the day. I just threw some burritos together for dinner. No OT tonight but I will be doing some tomorrow unless something changes between now and then. Getting too old for OT! But so thankful to have a job in this economy.

We had our annual congregational meeting at church yesterday. Things must really be hitting us financially there too as Pastor thanked the congregation for being so generous in giving for the new building but also reminded us that it is to be above our general fund giving. It was just a brief statement, pretty much just as I posted, but we got the message because money is rarely brought up at church meetings and services (although we do discuss it at our board of directors meetings). I have also noticed our family assistance pantry is always low when I place can goods there on Sunday, in the past the cupboards were always full....I have tried to remember to take something each week and make an effort to shop for those non-perishable items that are requested.

We got to tour the new building yesterday and although I see buildings like that everyday of my life at work, it is exciting to see something (the gym) coming out of the ground that I have been giving to for over 25 years! It is so exciting and the music room has such a great view I think Angie's bell choir will have no problem getting volunteers! As we were walking through the Principal of the school told everyone that the big classroom will be for Angie's yoga...maybe ALL hers if we don't get some more enrollments for next year....the school is feeling the effects of the economy too.

Enough doom and gloom! :) As Pastor always says...God is in control! He will not leave us.

RONNI ~Your VBS starts much earlier than ours. Poster painting...cool!

BEV ~ good to see you

SCOOTER ~ Enjoy the extra kid...had 3 extras here this week-end but Angie did most the work...I just paid ;)

ROSEBUD ~I hope you feel better, the flu bug has missed me but hit my sister, bil, nieces and nephews.

WILMA ~Hope you have fun at the lake!

KATHY ~My foster child (also my nephew) called me on his way from Great Lakes Il. to Minnesota to see his girlfriend to tell me he was stopped by the cops again...aarrghhh...seems like he and his other NAVY buddies get stopped every single time they travel...I worry so much still about him!

AGGIE ~ TAMMY ~ BARGOO ~ BOOTSIE ~ SHANNON ~ COURTNEY ~ KAREN ~ LAUREN ~ SUE and ALL :hug:

Hi Everybody!

Not much time to post. I just wanted to say hi.

It's VBS at our church this week too. Ronni, glad to hear you are having a great turn out. Our numbers are way down this year. We are having it a lot earlier in the summer than we usually do. My husband had e-mailed the newspaper to put an ad in and the lady even e-mailed back and said she got the stuff and would take care of it. Come to find out SHE NEVER RAN THE AD! :mad: We don't get the paper, but someone came and told us. Dh called her and she said, "oh, I just dropped the ball, sorry." I really can't believe she did that! Plus we usually take our bus around and pick up kids, but due to strict rules about who can drive the bus we were unable to find someone to run the route. So, not the greatest turn out, but I'm praying that God will bring whoever HE intends to be there and that lives are touched!

Our First Place group started out great. Everyone seems very excited about getting healthy.

I have managed to wrench my foot somehow and am having some problems walking. Very frustrating, right when I was getting into a routine with my walking.

Well, I better get back to work. :hug: Hugs to everyone! Hope to be back on soon to spend some more time catching up with everyone! God Bless!

~Tammy~

Ronni - AWESOME start to VBS. Cool, about the painting too!

Gary, Yeah - we had a church finance meeting last night, and administrative council tonight. Michigan is a lot like CA - the economy is really affecting giving. :(

Tammy - prayers ascending for your VBS AND your foot!

Another busy day here - worked a 10 hour day, and then a 45 minute workout afterward. Just enough time to say hi, get some dinner and head to church to train someone on using the multi-media equipment. Then on to an administrative council meeting.
Maybe even some wii sports during the hockey game tonight - GO WINGS!


Prayers continuing for all!

Laurie :scooter:

Gary - Dennis got your letter about 3 weeks ago...he finally told me tonight. he seemed to be happy to have gotten it. if he had stamps and envelopes he would write you back. i have to give him more money for that.

:wave: HI EVERYONE ~ it was overcast today, but not one drop of :rain: fell all day long, so we were able to go do a bit of shopping early this week. I was able to get in some walking today, although I always pay for it later with sore feet. Managed to get some laundry done today too.

It is supposed to be a mix of sun and cloud tomorrow; hopefully the rain will miss us, as DH will be helping out the contractor to get that ramp put up at my Dad's cottage, so I can get in and out without hurting my knees and always feeling like I am going to fall. :carrot:

THANKS GARY ~ I am feeling much better today; glad it wasn't a long one ... maybe when the ST's see that your DN is in the Navy, they won't be too hard on him. Hope he wasn't speeding on his way to see his new GF ... ;)

HI RONNI ~ Like I said in that other thread, ;) I think that's terrific that you have discovered a hidden artistic talent while doing those posters. Who knows -- maybe a part-time business doing signs and decals, plus posters and murals, could be in store for you sometime in the near future!

:hug: Prayers continue for your FIL and your DH, and all his family (and you) too, during this difficult time ... :hug:

THANKS, LAURIE ~ oh, I doctor everything, esp if it's baked, like muffins. I don't bake too many things anymore, but if I do -- I definitely make it as healthy as I can. I use whole grain flour; lower the fat and sugar; and add fruit of some kind to replace them; plus I must add natural bran for fiber, and I've not had one complaint yet. :D

Today, I tried some low-fat yogurt ice cream for the first time; boy, has that come a long way. 1/2 cup has on 2 grams of fat and 90 calories; I was pleasantly surprised, so DH and I will be buying that instead for the summer. I still like my popsicles though as they are only 60-90 calories with no fat.

DH went and picked up my CRAB APPLE TREE today; we got a really good deal -- it was less than I had expected $52.00 + taxes = $58.25 total. It is really tall; I'd say at least 12 feet, so that is a really good start, I'd say. The pot was quite dry, so we put it in larger big, round plastic bin (they call them apple bins here) and gave it some food and lots of water with the hose (in the bin too, so it can drink some up itself).

HOPE all our CE friends have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY tomorrow -- and HI to all our MIA's out there too! Take good care folks ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

Rosebud - do post a picture of your tree when you get it planted! That is a BIG tree - what a bargain!

Hi Bev - hope you are doing well today!

Same goes for all of our other encouragers! Hope you had a blessed Wednesday!

Another 10 hour day today - but DH took me out for lunch, so that made it seem much shorter :D

And - I did get in shape boxing and yoga workouts today! It is so strange that for almost 50 years I hated exercise - and now, I hate to miss it!

God works in mysterious and wonderful ways!

The weather is FINALLY warmer (in the 60s) so I think we will enjoy a beverage around the fire tonight.

Blessings to all!
Prayers ascending!

Laurie :scooter:

:wave: HI EVERYONE ~ well, DH and the contractor managed to get started on the ramp just after lunch and were finished by 3:30 pm. The contractor also secured the deck to the house better as he noticed that it wasn't fastened correctly. A few small things need to be done which DH can do by himself like put on the sealer and paint. This fellow gave us a very good price as well. They said the ramp is very secure and DH says it even helps him with his bad knee as well. I knew that everyone would benefit from this ramp being put in ... :)

NIKO and I just stayed home today; and I got caught up on some light housechores, and did some research on the net about trees and some other things of interest. DH was so happy that he got such a good deal on that tree that he wants to go back and see if there is another one that I might like. I had been saving up TOONIES over the winter to buy this tree and thought it would cost much more than that. I would really like to find a tree with pink blossoms and I think I saw one when we went by there the other day. DH said they had many different ones to choose from; so it would be worth it to go have a looksee!

It is supposed to get hotter as the week progresses, so DH is out in the shed chasing down our Air Conditioner which is no easy feat, I must say. First he has to unload our generator, put some stuff in the trailer, then go after the A/C on a shelf at the very back of the shed. Oh yah, someone thought it would be a good idea to put it at the very back. Guess DH will be sleeping very well tonight! :lol:

LAURIE ~ Yes, I will take a picture of it -- and I did some research on the net about it today. It is called a DOLGA CRABAPPLE TREE, and normally a tree 10' or taller goes for $120.00 or more, so we really did get a bargain. Plus the Dolga is a self-pollinating pollinator which means it reproduces by itself and can pollinate any fruit trees within a 100' foot range (like other apple trees). This tree grows to about 20+ feet and has pretty deep pink buds that lighten and turn to white when they fully bloom.

The apples are one of the sweetest available and can be picked right off the tree and eaten; and they ripen earlier than other trees (in August). The apples are the size of small plums (larger than normal) and become a bright red and even turn dark burgundy purple as they ripen. The leaves turn to yellow in the fall. My info says that becuz our tree is so tall already that it could blossom and fruit this year if we get it planted soon.

:wave: Hope all our CE's and MIA's are having a good week ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:


Here's some pics of what the tree is supposed to look like full grown; plus the apples, and the pretty blossoms that some say when a wind blows by, it looks like snow is falling ...


32635 32634 32636

Hi darlin's,

I have been out of town for grand daughter's graduation, so glad I pushed myself to go, it was really nice. And the eight hour round trip did not kill, God is Good!!!

Sorry I have not been around too much, so much stress in my life right now and I did not want to dump it here on you guys, but I am in desperarte need of prayer.. My two youngest daughters are driving me crazy, really crazy, and causing so much confusion in the house and in my life, tention between Hubby and I. THis has got to cease, I am not at peace in my own home and
I do not like this. Too much disrespect, I did not bring them up this way. I am eating and gaining weight I had lost, I feel like I am beating my head against a brick wall but I am not giving up. Daddy (DH) use to be such a discplinarian, I don't know what has happened. I will continue to pray and please pray for me as well.

Sorry I did not mean to do this, but just got overwhelemed.

Love to all, and have a peaceful and blessed evening.

Aggie

Rosebud, your post made me laugh. I haven't thought about Toonies since my last trip up north two years ago. What a great way to save for something extra! I wish we had them here in the states. We couldn't even get the dollar coins to fly with the stubborn folk here - I rarely see them any more.

Thanks for posting the pics - it will be a beautiful tree!

Aggie - :hug: Prayers ascending for you and your family! Hang in there, forgive yourself, and get back on track. You deserve to be fit and healthy - don't let your family take that from you. Food won't make things better - in fact - it will make them worse.
So - get back on plan - love yourself enough to take care of the body that God gave you. He needs you to be strong and healthy to do the things he has planned for you!

A quick hello to everyone else. Still crazy busy at work - I'm looking forward to the weekend!

Blessings!
Prayers continuing for all!

Laurie :scooter:

:hug:AGGIE ~ Prayers going up for more Love and Peace in your home; plus wisdom and strength to help your daughter's resolve their conflicts in a more peaceable manner. Your poor DH may be at a loss on how to deal with this situation too. I agree with LAURIE -- try not to deal with this stress by eating, but I know it's hard, as I do this very thing myself.

My biggest stressor is when my DH gets stressed out -- becuz he always wants me to solve things right away. He is a panicker and frets when there is always a solution; it's just that "Cooler Heads Must Prevail!"

Have you ever heard of 'Kick the dog syndrome' where someone kicks Dad, so Dad kicks Mom, the kids, the dog, and so on. This is just a metaphor as no real kicking goes on. Maybe your girls are stressed out too and just don't know how to handle or solve their issues. Might a counsellor help? Or could you get them to see one? You could ask.

How about one night when DH is home -- could you all have a 'Family Meeting' to discuss your issues once a week; and try to brain-storm solutions and compromises to help everyone get along and bring peace back into your home? Just some thoughts ... :hug:


LAURIE ~ the Loonies and Toonies had to fly here becuz they took the one and two dollar bills out of circulation. Only in Canada, would they have the sense of humor, to call their one dollar coins -- Loonies; and their two dollar coins -- Toonies. We all think it was 'way cool' ...


:hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

Hi ALL ~

Prayers for Aggie and family

Watching the ballgame...

Aggie BABY! Girl, don't apologize for putting it out here. I thought that was what we are here for!!!!! You are getting the right advice in the food department. AND I think Rosebud has some good advice as well. I will be praying for you and your family. There is something BIG God has planned for those girls. You might have to try some SERIOUS tough love. You know what I am talking about too. You've thought about it, but haven't wanted to do it out of fear. Well, break that spirit of fear in Jesus name and do what HE is telling you to do! :) You know what it is...I don't, but you do.

I love you girl!

I'm doing good here. Susie is up in PA with her soon-to-be. I felt a little outplaced. But I know God has a plan for my life. HE sure is moving things FAST! Be praying for me.
Mom retires Saturday!!!! :woohoo:

take care and peace be with you!

Hi all - hope you are having a GREAT Friday! I took off a half day to get some work done around the house. So, I better get at it!

Prayers continuing for all!

Laurie

Hello, Everyone! I am exhausted! VBS is over and I have a new respect for school cooks:lol: All we had to do was get stuff together for the kids to help make the snacks and clean up after everyone ate and it was around 100 kids and 30 teachers/helpers each day, but I'm totally wiped out! Our 2 older step-grandkids came down Wednesday and have gone to the program too and seemed to have a good time. And, I know they heard a lot about Jesus and God's love and promises, so a seed was planted:carrot:!

DH's dad has taken a turn for the worse. The radiation was harder on him than they thought and he's in the hospital. They may not be able to do chemo because of his weakened condition, so we'll probably head up there one day this weekend or early next week to see him again. Also, DS2 & his youth group leave early Sunday morning for a mission trip to an Indian reservation in SD, so prayers would be appreciated for travel safety, good opportunity for sharing, and good attitudes.

Well, gotta go get supper ready, as we have the VBS closing program tonight. You are all in my prayers. God bless!

Hi all!! I was looking for a home sorta speak....and was wondering if this is a private group?Can I be adopted.....ummm I don't eat like I use too, ;)

Hey there little darlin's,

Thank you all for your support and your prayers, it is appreciated and needed.

Bevie, you are right as always. I am doing alot of talkin to daddy as well.
tell you mom, congrats on her retirement.

Ronni, will be keeping you in my prayers and your DH's dad. Stay strong.

Azulfire,
You are more than welcome here, this is a home for all, you will get support, encouragement, wisdom, and the words of the Lord. they welcomed me with open arms and I have been at home right here ever since.
Glad you have joined us.

Everyone have a blessed and peaceful evening and a joyous awakening.

Love Ags

I'm short on time at the moment (waiting for my sweetie pie husband to get home from work so we can go walking together) but wanted to say hello and introduce myself.

I'm new to these forums and am on a journey to be healthier physically. I've been overweight most of my adult life and am ready to get back to a healthy weight. I'm doing that through following the South Beach diet and have begun walking regularly. I plan to add some exercises from the book "Never Say Diet" next month.

I've been a Christian for 20 years and am actively involved in a very wonderful church - Restoration Life in Sacramento, CA.

I'm looking forward to getting to know y'all :)

Azulfire :welcome: we LOVE new folk here! Glad you joined us!

Ronni - hope the VBS finale went well! :hug: What a blessing that you gave your time to do this!

Aggie - hope you are continuing to heal and improve! Prayers continuing for you girl!

HisSweetGypsyRose :welcome2: So glad you are here! My kids are in Oakland CA, so we get out your way every so often! You CAN do this! And, the folk around here are amazing encouragers!

A beautiful night in northern MI. DH and I had a fire on the patio and just a lovely night catching up with each other :D

Hope you all have a blessed weekend! Stay OP!!!

Prayers ascending!

Laurie :scooter:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILMA!! :hug::bday2you:

Thank you Gary! How did you know it was my birthday? I had an great day. First of all our couple of days at the cabin was great. It rained the whole time but we relaxed - sat in the hot tub and watched movies. We had to supply our own food so we did a lot of grilling and ate really healthy while we were there. We were disappointed that we couldn't do any hiking but I got enough exercise the rest of the week.

We are almost finished installing our patio!! It is going to be nice! I've gotten quite the work out with hauling bricks, moving bricks, handing bricks to DH. I'm a little sore but feel really good.

Then, tonight my DH surprised me with dinner out. When we got there I found out that he had invited very dear friends to join us. Had a great evening and then went to The Forks (a local historical attraction) and walked around with our friends. Great way to celebrate my 50th BD. I am WAY to young to be fifty!!

I haven't had a lot of time to read the posts but will shortly. I am praying for each of you though.

A big welcome to the new names I see here!

http://smilies.sofrayt.com/fsc/happy birthday2.gif Wilma!

Welcome to the 50+ club ;)

You are right - we ARE way to young to be 50. I feel younger and healthier than I did 10 years ago :D

Sounds like a marvelous day! You deserved it!

Thank you wonderful ladies for your warm welcome......
Today I feel bummed and almost angry, I have been on this journey for 3 weeks, and I think It may due to withdrawels....like an addict feels
I really dont know....I havnt pin pointed it. I was high from my weight loss....but now...

In the last year we have moved several states away, moved to small town, I did work for the school district and now we just moved again to a bigger town in hopes of my husband finding work, I have applied for work but my husband has not found anything, no call backs....please keep us in prayer for work as we are nearing the end of any monies we have saved. We do love it here, I have not found a home church yet as I was commuting back and forth till the school year ended. But now here Iam away from family and friends.

And oh, several years ago I used to belong to this site and had joined a wonderful christian here. I know this is a site where people come and go, I myself have done it seen others come and go. I do hope to be here and to be accountable.

Azulfire :hug:
Prayers ascending for your job situation, and for finding a home church.

Azulfire, I will be praying for a job for your husband.I will also pray that you find a wonderful church. Having church support will be so important at this time.

Azul, I prayed for you this morning. God will provide, He is always faithful :)

Keep trying out churches, soon enough you'll find one that feels like home.

Oh I believe he will;) God is good, and knowing that dosnt always help with being lonely, Im scared and apprehensive about tomorrow. I have a church picked out due to the fact friends of mine have friends that go there, supposed to call them, but haven't, it is a mega church and I dont want to feel commited to be there, by calling these people. so going to check it out. I think it is hard cause my husband isnt a believer and I have to do this on my own.

I love your names HisSweetgypsyrose, counting down clever.

hello

Azulfire - prayers ascending for you DH too. Don't let going to church alone discourage you - one think I love about finding the right church is that it will feel like home - you will feel like you are with family - because you ARE :)

Thanks for the comment on my screen name. Though, in honor of Gary - I should probably change it to "scooter" ;) Particularly since I'm not really counting down any more :D

And, speaking of Gary - you certainly are a man of many words today ;) I hope that you are getting the house finished up and that the girls are getting their walks. I just KNOW Angie is doing fine with her yoga and her eating is virtually always OP.

Well, gotta fly - it is a glorious evening here and I need to enjoy that beautiful 72F and sun - since it took so long getting here (and I complained so loudly about that) :o

Blessings to all!

Laurie :scooter:

HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY, WILMA!

:welcome: BACK to AZULFIRE and HISSWEETGYPSYROSE ~ nice group of caring and very supportive people here ... prayers for work as well.


We've been busy at our lot; some nice weather but the buggies are out. :yikes: We really need some more rain as there hasn't been enuff; too little and too light, so we lost a few trees this year. Maybe if we can get some good heavy rains, they may bounce back; we are hopin' and prayin' ... :^:

Our ramp is really a GOD-send; so much easier to get in and out, and so much easier for DH toting tools and such. Have a few things to do to complete it. Got the tree planted; chose the back yard as there seems to be more water in the back half of the lot and we can see it better there too.

Prayers going up for everyone and their needs and concerns. Time to rest and put my legs up; got to rest them and not overdo it. Take good care all and have MARVELLOUS MONDAY! :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

:welcome: Azul and Gypsy! You will find a great bunch of people here!!!

Azul, take your time with a church home. Seek GOD FIRST! He will lead you where HE wants you to be. In the meantime...make sure you have 'church' at home. Read, learn, study, pray. It's all about a personal relationship. PERIOD! We get caught up in playing church and forget that we are the Church. if you don't have a personal viable relationship...you have nothing. Build on that. And keep praying for your husband. Stormie OMartian has a great book "The power of a praying wife"...would be a good place for you to keep him lifted with various prayers. Just remember that faith is hope, hope is seeing what you don't yet have. :)

Mom is done with working for the state. I won't say she is retired...sounds tiring, over and over! :) She is just no longer working, but still getting paid. sounds like a deal! :D

Got 2 more tats last night. :D I think i am good for awhile. A DNA double helix to show that Christ has altered my DNA and i am a new creation! :) and the alpha and omega intertwined because HE is my beginnning and end.

I'm ready...waiting...praying...casting down the negative voices and the fear. In Jesus name amen!

Peace and blessings

Rosebud - hope you get some much deserved Sabbath rest today. I'm glad the ramp is working so well. Praying for rain for you!

Bev - the tats sound cool! I've got 3-4 years before I will be joining your mom with "not working" ;) But, my plan is to retire from the school system and then pick up something else part time - maybe even substitute teach - who knows. Just something with a lot less stress and responsibility :)

Hope everyone is having a blessed Sunday! Church was good today - our first Sunday of our summer hours. It is great because there is only 30 minutes between the two services so we get to see a lot of folk that attend the "late" service as they are coming in the door. We had a nice breakfast between the services and the bell choir played for a whole 30 minutes during that time :)

We scooted from church to the grocery store, and saw my boss and his wife walking the pathway. Got a chance to chat with them for a bit OUT of the office :)

The weather is glorious again today, and I hope to get some more of those pesky weeds plucked!

Prayers continuing for all!

Laurie :scooter:

Ok I Thank you for your prayers....I did go to church today, so I have that off my list, but will still need to continue looking for a home. Mega churches are not for me....But now if my friends asked...I did try it...Going job hunting again tomorrow;)

Rayne you are so right!! I dont want to play church!!! And yes I have a strong relationship W/Christ, I want a church that preaches Christ.It seems the church has shifted to teaching, nothing wrong with that, I just like preaching.
This is the day that the Lord has made rejoice and be glad in it.!!

Heelo All,

First, Happy Birthday Wilma, the fifties are great and don't let anyone tell you anything different. Okay!! Happy you enjoyed your day and your get a way.

HisSweet Gypsy Rose,
Welcometo this thread, come often and stay awhile, cannot wait to get to know you better.

Thanks for all the prayers, I can sure them. I am excited today, I went to church all by myself, nothing was going to keep me away and the service was perfect just for me. It's like the God and the Pastor were speaking directly to me and it was wonderful. Been eating pretty well so far this week and the plan is to keep it up. Praying for a release but if not, it will come in time. Don't know if I told you guys and dolls I am going to buy a bike, a Trike to be exact and I think I have found the one I want, I will safe on it. Will probably order it next week. I am very excited about riding and getting out of the house, who knows maybe this will help to stregthen my knees. Well that's all for now, see you all later.

Oh my goodness, I missed a whole page. Brain fart!!!!

Azulfire,
Keeping you in prayer for a home church and praying for you DH. there are many Sunday mornings I go to church alone and this morning was one of them, but I made up in my mind if this is what I have to
do, I will and pray his desire to return to church with me will come. Will also keep the job situation up in prayer. Stay strong darlin'.

Laurie, I love the name Scooter that Gary has bestowed upon you, please keep it, I love seeing your scooter on your posts.

Rosebud, I love your posts, they always make me smile. The ramp sounds like it will make life alot easier and that is a wonderful thing. Good job on planting trees, they are so beautiful. Sorry I never got to post a pic of my Japanese Maple, I do not know how, and it has been hard trying to get anyone to do it for me. Maybe next time. I am with you, let's pt our legs up.

Bevie,
you are the girl, so young and sooooo much wisdom. I am sure Azul will get alot for your post, it was so on point. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God. Praise God.
Your Mom has got it made in the shade, not work, but being paid, hot dang girl, teach me how to do that, will ya!!! Alright now, I want to see the new tat's, they sound interesting and really cool. How are you? Are you being cool? I know you are, you are "The Bevster" and "The Bevster is Cool!!! Love ya, girl.

Everyone have a blessed evening and a joyous rising.

Hugs and love,
Ags

Hi All!

It has been a while since I posted. Life has been crazy. My husband is now working 2nd shift so I'm running the kids and doing what needs to be done in the evening. I'm also trying to keep myself busy so I don't sit and munch because I'm lonely and miss my DH. Thankfully I have done well.

I've been able to keep up my 5 days of walking inspite of all the rain we are getting. The one thing I haven't kept up on is the weeds in my garden. Oh my! I don't know if I'll ever get them all pulled out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Wilma! I trust it was a great one.

Ags - Isn't it great when you go to church and the Lord gives you just what you need. I'm so glad He is there even when we think He isn't.

I was reading in my devotional book this week and one sentence that I read has been with me all week. It was "Don't ask God for what you want, ask God for what is right." Many times we don't know what is right or the direction we should go but God will lead us the right way.

I would appreciate your prayers. I am applying for a new job at a local school as an Administrative Secretary. I feel it is time for me to move on. I work for a landscape business and I have some concerns as to what the next couple of months to 2 years are going to bring. Things are looking the best right now because a lot of people have been doing their own work and not spending money on landscape. I want to get a job that I know will be secure in. We will always have schools. I'm praying that the Lord will give me what is right and not what I want. No matter what happens, I know it is time to move on. I covet your prayers for this situation.

I trust you all have a wonderful week.

Kathy

HI GALS ~

I have a few minutes here during the Laker game to say hello!

Angie and I have had a busy week-end. Saturday we did a 4 mile walk to Starbucks with the dogs, then shopped at Target, Trader Joe's and Ralph's...then off to dinner with Angie's daughter and 2 friends (she just got home from her 3rd year of college) Angie's ex-husband and his girlfriend.

Today we went to church, came home and while she ran off to yoga for a class I went and finished the shopping at the market..ok...things I forgot to get yesterday ;)...good thing the store is less than a mile from me. After lunch we took the dogs to dog beach and ran with them...and about 100 other dogs...up and down the beach. Boy were they, and us, tired and sandy!

I think my overtime is done for awhile. I am sure we will have some soon but right now we seem to be caught up....I am too old for it ;) But the more I work now the more I can save for the slow times that I am sure will hit us...we have been lucky so far in this economy.

My son called me as we were leaving dog beach, seems the parents, at the high school he teaches at, asked him to be the guest speaker for the second year in a row at their Baccalaureate Ceremony, he was on his way to the ceremony. It pleases me that they choose him to say the farewell address in their religious ceremony :) I remember last year, when we saw him up there, I felt he had become a "man" overnight...in my eyes anyway...guess it had been happening for a while ;) He is a logical choice since he is the leader of the Fellowship Of Christian Athletes and an awesome kid!!...ok...I brag ;)

I asked him why he didn't tell me he was the guest speaker again and he just laughed and said...Ah...Pops....the LAKER GAME!!!...I wouldn't want you to miss it over this...especially since I am using a lot of the same material I used last year, and you have already heard that! :)

Angie is off school this week but she will teach summer school starting next week. Tomorrow she will go up to see her mom for a few days leaving me to fend for myself. I should be able to catch up a bit while she is gone...if the dogs behave! :)

Well gals gonna watch the end of the game...looks good for me and my LAKERS!

Kathy - prayers ascending for your job situation! Being a school secretary is a very demanding job, but it is very rewarding!

Hi to everyone else - Ags :hug: I will keep :scooter: It fits, and I do LOVE riding my :scooter: It is good for the environment, good for me and FUN!

Gary - glad you had a good weekend. And that Angie is working summer school. They need good folk to help the kids. She will be a blessing to many!

Azulfire - keep searching - you WILL find the right church for you. I'm not a mega-church fan either. We attend a small, imitate service at our church - which we LOVE!

:wave: THANKS FOR ALL THE PRAYERS AND KIND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT ~ they are much appreciated! We just stayed home today and rested; but of course, Dh just had to do a few little things around here as he gets bored very easily. ;)

KATHY ~ prayers going up that the LORD will bless you with a more secure job; can't see why this opportunity wouldn't be in His will -- sure hope you get it!

HI AGGIE ~ thanks for your kind words. That TRIKE sounds like a good idea. My DH has always wanted one of those, but they are quite pricey way up here, esp for a new one (about $500.00). Let us know how it works out for you: becuz DH has hinted many times that I might be able to ride one. One thing though: make sure you get a 'comfy seat' and if you don't like the one you get with it, you can buy better ones (softer and more cushioney?) for a more comfortable ride. So glad that you had a wonderful time at church today; always be sure to take time for yourself -- becuz you have to fill up again, so that you have something to give to others! :hug:

LAURIE ~ aka SCOOTER -- your prayers were answered; we had rain all last night and some this evening. We are hoping for some more and also that it made it's way out to our lot and soaks the place really well. Maybe we'll get some more tonight too! :^:

BEV ~ I like Stormie Omartian too; have her book on "Prayer". Good for you, casting down all those neggies as well ...

AZUL ~ It is very hard when you are a Christian and your partner isn't; we need to pray for them and trust the LORD is at work in their lives on our behalf. Until then, our partners and children are sanctified by a 'believing spouse or parent' ... a promise from scripture (I Corinthians 7:14). Prayers that you and your DH both find some work soon, and that you find a church where you are comfortable.

HELLO TO ALL OUR OTHER CE FRIENDS OUT THERE, and all our MIA's too ~ hope you all have a MARVELLOUS MONDAY!!! Oh yes, I just realized that I was a bit confused :dizzy: by thinking that yesterday was Sunday, but that is all straightened out! Take good care ... :hug:ROSEBUD :hug: ^^PRAYERS^^ continue for you and yours ...

I love you all so very much. I am SO sorry that i stink at the personal things sometimes!

Aggie-You are a rock of encouragement for me. I think you are absolutely amazing.

Scooter :) - you are just so wise and generous.

Rosebud - your beauty shines thru every comment

Gary - YOU ROCK!!!!

Wilma - happy birthday (late) and one day...that cup of cafe! :)

Azul - you will find where God wants you. Please don't think i was doubting your relationship. just reminding you and each of us that the relationship with Christ is more important! :)

Kathy - i am so happy to see you around again. I bet those boys enjoy your hugs...more than they tell you!

I need to try and put the tat pics up...goodness...I will try! :) ok...not working. just go to this link and you can look at all the tats...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022678&id=1147500658&l=7b1139d91b


Peace!

Hi Everyone!! :)

I know I've been MIA a lot lately. Things have been crazy hectic around here. We had Vacation Bible School last week at church. I've been so busy that I haven't even talked to my husband (the pastor) about how it turned out (as far as numbers and such). The kids all seemed to have a great time and I know we had a really good turnout for parent night.

I got my two youngest shipped off with their grandma to Florida. So I'm hoping that the next couple of weeks will allow me to catch my breath. Hoping to get my house somewhat in order before their return and the madness starts again.

I am so happy to report that my weigh-in last night at our First Place group showed that I am down 3.5 pounds! :carrot: Which is really great considering my eating this week has been less than healthy, but I did watch my portions and that seems to have paid off!

I hope everyone is having a great Monday! Hope to see you guys more often this week!

~Tammy~

:wave: Hi to everyone! The weekend is finally over, the grandkids are gone, DS2 is in South Dakota, and our house is very quiet! :carrot: I'm hoping we have some nice weather this week so DS3 and I can go to the pool or something fun for some one-on-one time, but the forecast isn't looking hopeful. Our VBS ended wonderfully-over 100 kids each day, 5 of them committed to the Lord during the week, and they raised over $700 to send shoes to orphans in the Congo through our mission organization there:woohoo:. And, I got to know some of the other women much better since we were all working together.

Azul & Gypsy-:welcome2: to you both! This is a great place, so come back often so we can get to know you.

Wilma-so sorry this is late, but:bday2you: Sounds like you had a really nice time!

Gary-I know you may have been watching one of those basketball games, but did you get a chance to see Mark Martin win yesterday? Loved that one!

Rosebud-glad you got some rain! And, also, that the ramp is working out so well!

Aggie-prayers still for your family and a more stress-free life.

Kathy and Azul-prayers for jobs. God is good and He will provide!

For ALL you wonderful Encouragers, just want to say thanks for being such a wonderful support system!:hug: I have been asked a lot in the past couple weeks (now that we're wearing summer clothes;)) how I lost all the weight and I tell everyone that God has given me a plan and a wonderful group of people to help me in my journey. I've told a couple who I know are trying to lose weight about the site, so we may be seeing some other new names here someday. I've found it really encouraging that people can now notice the change, because most of the time I still feel like I'm still 260 pounds, even though the scale & clothes say different. I wonder if I'll feel thin when I reach my goal or if I'll always feel fat because I've never known another way?

Well, gotta go get something done, like laundry, dishes, garden weeding, strawberry-picking, sweeping (or as most say, vacuuming), dusting, and the list goes on and on and on..........God bless you all!

Good rootin tootin afternoon all,

It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood and thus far I am having a great day. I took the day off today so I could baby sit Malichi, Morgan did not have a babysitter today and since she is new at her job, did not want her to have to call in, so I stayed home. He has been a blessing to my heart.

Well you folks know I have been talking about a Trike, well here is a link where I think I have found the Trike of my dreams. Please check it out and tell me your thoughts. I value your opinions. Gary you being the only man here, will you tak a look see for me? the link is http://industrialbicycles.com/executive%20trike.htm. Now check this out, I am also looking for a swimsuit so I can go pool walking. Any suggestions welcome, mind you now I am 5.3 and now 540, what your ideas on swim dresses? Let a girl know. K?

Rosebud,
show your hubby the link, he may like this one and I have the perfect seat in mind. I will see if I can post a pic of that also. Take care and keep those legs up.

Hi there Godsgirl and Ronni, be blessed.

I have learned from a friend of mine, a new saying,: Guardrails up!! You know to keep us from falling. How cute is that.

Guardrails up evryone and have a blessed day,
Ags

Rosebud - hope you are continuing to heal and get stronger. So much to do now that summer is upon us!

Bev - thanks for posting the pictures - looks like you are very pleased with the results!

Tammy - :congrat: That is a MARVELOUS loss! :cp:

Ronni - I bet you are looking fabulous - 72 lbs makes such a HUGE difference!

Ags - the trike looks like it will work splendidly for you!

Same old stuff here today - worked a 10 hour day, then home to workout. Come visit with all of you and then make dinner and get some yard work done. DH is on call so tea will have to be the beverage of choice around the fire tonight ;)

Hope you all had a great day!

Prayers continuing!

Laurie :scooter:

Hi All! Today started out crazy. I got in the van to go to work and it wouldn't start. We had no problem with it yesterday. We called AAA to have it towed to the garage and before the tow truck got to the house my DH tried starting it again and it started. I was able to get it to the garage and they told me it needed a new battery. Since it was already at the garage we had it inspected and the oil changed. I had a hard time getting it to the grove of work because of the way the day started, but I finally got my rhythm and was able to get things done.

Today was my WI. I was down .8lbs. I was hoping it was more, but it is better than being up!

Ags - The bike looks great. It will not only give you exercise, but it will allow you to get out and have a little quiet time for yourself.

Gary - I still envy the area you walk in. I would love to walk on the beach and be able to walk to coffee shops and stores.

Ronni - It sounds like you had a blessed VBS. Praise God!

Hi to Rayne, Tammy & Rosebud!

Have a great week!

Kathy

Justwant2Behealthy~Thank you for your words of encourgement, you dont know how many times I have to wanted to worldly~and questioned why I have so much conviction......But in the end I know it was more than just doing the right thing it was, wanting the relationship and desiring the Holiness of his presence in my life.

Rayne~ I love your deep convictions, you seem to be a in a strong relationship and church, I miss having those relationship w/ my peers, I dont think you questioned my relationship, but was trying to give incourgment to me, which I eagerly lapped up. like a fresh glass of water, from a deep well...Pro 18:4 The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.

Ronnie~ Hi back to you trying to know and learn names here....glad to meet you!!

Colorme~ Well as for a swimsuit i wear one from wal-mart I like the ones with a skirt as i feel it covers me more modestly speaking, I dont know if you have to have one made for you or not? I wish I could be of more help. ;( I use to work for jantzen, when they were stateside and i made my own swimwear for years, but I had access to free fabrics and scraps and sewing machines too: I wouldnt know about doing it at home as I dont have the machines for everything.

As for me I weigh in on Mondays and was looking for a weightloss but none to report still the same weight....grrr perhaps next Monday weighin. oh the highs and lows of weightloss, last week on the mountain this week in the valley ;( I do feel stronger doing 30 day shredder on day 4 tomorrow d 5

Kathy,

You go girl, down .8 lbs. is a wonderful thing, I am keep praying. I like that Trike too, I believe that is the one, I also think I found a swimsuit I like and it is in my size. I have one more spot to look and if I like none better, I will order this one tomorrow.

Azul, you go girl making your own, I am not that talented in that department. You are very creative, you go. As far as your weight, tomorrow is a new day with a new start. Ready, set, go!!!! Azul, all my friends call me Aggie and you are one.

Okay that's it for me tonight. See ya later tater's.

Aggie

Azul, I have to honest...I am not in what most term "a church". God took me out of the 4-walls of a church 2 years ago and has grown me HIMSELF since. I teach/preach/encourage/evangelize wherever He leads. I do a bible study at home and go to a domestic violence shelter when they want me. I tend to travel often...even if it is for one person. The people I tend to really minister to would not accept someone in a "church". But we are the Church (big c vs little c), so I go as Jesus told us in matt 28. I am totally sold out to God and do take flack from those that think everyone should be in a church. But, I am finding more people like me that God has moved out into the wilderness to capture with His love those that would not go to a building. :) I LOVE MY LIFE! :D :carrot:

Hi, All! Rain here today,which is a surprise as they said it would end last night, but DS3 has an optometrist appt., so we'll be running in the rain:rain: At least I'm not paying for water for the garden:D! Not much else to say, as I'm really tired, still, from all the activity of last week, and just don't feel like doing anything. Did get a little cleaning done yesterday, but then just sat down and read for awhile-and watched Star Wars movies.

Aggie-Do you have Fashion Bug where you are? I know they're online, but I could never buy stuff online as sizes vary so much. But, they have really nice swimsuits in their plus-sizes on the stores and good quality, too. The first one I bought there has lasted 6 years (but is now too big, so I just wear the top to mow lawn and stuff like that).

Kathy-don't cars just drive you crazy?:crazy: Every time we think we're getting a little ahead, one of the vehicles has issues and there go the $$$$! And, that's with my DH doing most of the work (he's a mechanical genius-fixed 2 neighbors lawnmowers just this Saturday when neither of them could get them running!)-I just can't believe how much parts cost anymore.

Bev-Your heart shows in everything you say and do. It's amazing to see how God's gifts are used in so many wonderful ways!

Oh, gotta go get the trash out! OOOOOOOOps!


Well, got that out just in time, but now I'm wet and have to dry my hair again. Well, you all take care and have a great day!

Hi everyone!
I was wondering if I can post on your thread. I'm a 53 year old Christian wife and mom who's been struggling with her weight since I turned 40! :dizzy: I'd love to make some friends here.

Kathy - ANY loss is a good week :) Keep at it, and next week may be better :yes:

Azulfire - keep at it, that scale WILL move. I usually retain extra water when I start a new workout routine. So, no drop is not a big surprise. :crossed: for next week's WI

Ags - you are inspiring me girl! I got a new swimsuit this year and I have yet to wear it. I haven't worn one in many, many years. Oh, and like Azulfire, mine has a skirt too.

Bev - you are a blessing to those you minister to!

Ronni - hope you are feeling less tired tomorrow! Hang in there!

mamaduck :welcome: We LOVE new folk here on the thread! Just jump right in and post often so we get to know you!

A good day today! I was able to walk (instead of scoot) to work, and I still got in 45 minutes with "My Fitness Coach" on the Wii.

SD1's car is still on the blink - I'm hoping he can get it fixed before next week's crazy busy schedule kicks in!

Prayers continuing for all!

Blessings!

Laurie :scooter:

HI GALS ~ :)

Well with work, basketball and baseball games, my son's house...etc...I have been MIA a lot on my posting but I assure you not on my prayers and reading your posts! :)

Angie has been gone for 2 days as she went to see her mom, should be home tonight. It is nice to have the house to myself....:D...like that really happens with these two golden retrievers!

Blew it with eating while she is gone....made my own chili last night but on top of eating too much I used tortilla chips as my "spoon" adding a good amount of calories to the mix. Tonight I caved and ordered a pizza from our local mom and pop joint...if I mind my manners and don't eat it all I will be OK...we shall see...no promises ;)

I will try and catch up on some personals....after I give my gals a big shout out for keeping us "encouraged" here :hug:

SCOOTER ~ I am honored that you want to keep the name I gave you but feel free to be "whoever YOU are!! I just throw those nick-names out as "I" see fit....but maybe some of the gals don't agree...although I have had some PM me wanting one....and then I feel blessed! I wish I could reccomend a good mechanic but mine (my ex-wife's SO) has thrown his back for good it looks like. Good luck on the "review" and it's perks ;)

MAMADUCK ~ WELCOME!

AGGIE ~That trike loks awesome to me :carrot:

WILMA ~ Your birthday is always listed at the bottom of the community forum page ;) Sometimes I remember to read it!

RONNI ~ I saw the race up until the last 45 laps then Angie and I went to dog beach, my son called and told me what happened while we were there...ya gotta expect it with the price of gas these days ;) Glad MArk won too and Denny got 3rd! I hope you dry out soon!

BEV ~ Look forward to hearing from your brother. Love the new tats! I think it is so awesome that I feel so much at home in my "church"...very traditional.... and you feel so much at home in your "church".....very...NOT- traditional and yet WE are ONE with HIM as brothers and sisters AND...I know WE could hang out!!! :hug:

KATHY ~ From my house I can walk to Starbucks and back in less than 3 miles but we take a long way back home to get the extra miles in. When we go walk at the beach we drive to it, 5 miles away, then do our walk...dog beach is about 15 miles down the coast so we drive there of course. There is a Subway near us too so we are thinking of walking there next week for dinner and taking the dogs since there are tables outside to sit in. I don't like car trouble either!

ROSEBUD ~ Praise God for that ramp! I hope that tree grows big and strong where you planted it! Maybe all the gals here will be on trikes/bikes/scooters soon ;)

AZULFIRE ~Welcome, glad to see you sticking around :)

TAMMY ~Glad VBS was a success! Ours will be later this summer, school just got out here this week.

BARGOO ~ KAREN ~ GYPSYROSE ~ SUE ~ DONNA'S ~ LAUREN ~ TRISH ~ all of you...HI!

:welcome: mamaduck! everyone is welcome! hang your hat and stay awhile!

Gary - Oh we could definately HANG! :) We would have a blast! That is why God made each of us so unique...everyone has something for someone else. We are designed with very distinct purposes, yet to be able to come together as family. I love that! You may not hear from Dennis soon...I'm about to write on that.

MY brother, Dennis, was moved to a diagnostic facility 6 days ago...without anyone in the family being notified. we found out today when we went to visit. so, he is in a place that is VERY tough. Please be praying for him, peace, protection, etc. I've heard stories...and let's just say: THAT better not happen to my little bro! I will pray pray pray for his protection. I've already cried. But as my friend told me, I have entrusted him to God and I trust HIM to take care of him.

Ronnie - you are so sweet to say that. I do hope that is true. I want people to see my heart, to know my spirit. to know the ONE that lives in me.

Laurie - thank you to you too!

my newest tat is itching...and its the biggest i've gotten. this is going to be fun! :)
i started doing 20 mins on the elliptical and 20 on the treadmill plus weights. man, what is the deal with this weight coming off????????!!!!!!!!

i didn't make the gym today...spent all day with susie getting wedding stuff together for her wedding on saturday. MY first wedding ceremony!!! I wrote the vows and the ceremony last night and am STOKED that i get to do hers as my first. :) now...just waiting on the man God has for me to get me!

I need some prayer for favor. i am going to a show in Illinois July 2 and need to get a ticket/pass/whatever. They only sell 4-day tickets and i will only be there one day. i have contacted the mgr of the band...so, please pray that he will get a pass to me. I know the guys, but i hate asking for such things. I just have no other way to get a one-day ticket! PRAY!!!!! this is very important and i know that God is telling me to get my hiney there!

Peace!

Hi All,

Gray, Sure Did Miss Ya, Glad You Got Here Today. Thanks For The Thumbs Up, I Am Ordering It Next Week And I Cannot Wait To Be A Bikerchick, Even If It Is Only A Trike. Lol You Have Been Really Busy In More Ways Than One, But It Is Okay On The Eating Scene, As Busy As You Stay, The Calories Will Not Stick Around For Long.

Lauries, Grab That Swimsuit And I Will Meet You On The Beach, Might As Well Get Some Wear Out It Kiddo!!

Bev, You Know The Big Guy Has Got Your Back, No Worries Babe, You Will Get There And Be There. Patience My Love!!!

I Am So Proud Of Myself, I Have Been Oh So Good All Week, Drinking All Of My Water And Staying On Point And Letting No One, And I Mean No Stress Me Out!!!! Praying For Great Favor On The Scale Tomorrow. We Shall See.....

Here Is A Great Big Welcome To All The Newcomers, Glad You Are Here.


Love, Hugs, And Blessings To All,
Ags

Gary -:nono: tortilla chips are NOT silverware! We do NOT eat our silverware. I'm painfully aware of this fact because I used to use corn chip scoops to do the exact same thing!

C'mon - you go off plan the minute Angie leaves? You CAN do better than that! You KNOW what you need to do! Now, get to it. Otherwise that 5lb challenge is gonna continue forever ;)

:hug: seriously - moderation in all things!

Bev - how cool that this will be your first wedding! Enjoy! I'm sure it will be wonderful and meaningful!

You are exercising and not losing, hmm.... How is your eating? Are you logging and tracking? If not, give it a try. Sometimes those extra calories can sneak in when we don't realize.

If you ARE logging and tracking, and still not losing, give it time. Often when we start a new exercise routine our bodies retain fluids. Eventually, they give them up and the scale starts moving again.

Prayers ascending for a way to be able to attend on the 2nd!

Ags - Here's hoping for a good WI! I think I WILL take my suit when I go to a conference next week. You've talked me into it. It will be tough, because 16 of us are going from work. Those folk haven't seen me in anything other than a business suit :yikes:

Prayers continuing for all!

Blessings,

Laurie :scooter: (and Gary, I DO like my knickname ;))

:wave: HI EVERYONE ~ very, very hot here right now -- 91F outside and 86F inside until I turned on my new portable air conditioner that we hunted down on sale yesterday! I posted a pic of it in my post in the Physcially Challenged thread yesterday; and it's working great! Just stayed home and did light housechores as my legs were very tired and feet sore from all that walking.

We did a bit of grocery pick-up; bought some wood to start the floor frame which DH got the outside done today, but then the heat got to him, so he came home and now he is sleeping. Had to get a blind for our kitchen window and could only find one in this whole town and it was a bit small, so I will be ordering a better one next week.

Just had homemade FRENCH POTAGE SOUP for lunch today; and a cool sandwich for dinner tonight (too hot to cook). NOt much else going on here; everyone is hybernating from the sun (no clouds today). Time to go rest ~ have a great day tomorrow and ^^PRAYERS^^ continue for you and yours ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

HI GALS ~ :)

Angie is at church teaching 2 classes of yoga.

Tomorrow night I am having 3 guys that work for us over for dinner....they are staying in an apartment we are renting for our guys that live too far to drive each day. Luckily this job is only about 15-25 minutes from my house :carrot:

Anyway, they are Mexican fellows and Angie and I will make bratwurst/sauerkraut for them...none have ever had it...I told them NO WAY are they pouring hot sauce over it :D...I even have German beer for them (and a few Bud Lites...their fav)....next time we will cook Italian for them.

I asked Angie a couple of weeks ago when would be a good night to have them over (her yoga...etc) Tomorrow was the first good day...I told her I wanted her to make something that they may have never had...I suggested chicken cacciatore...she said bratwurst would be easier after work...I agreed but told her (ALL TRUE!!!)...

"Bratwurst is fine babe, but it better be good since I told them you are a gourmet cook"..."Oh you did did you?....What else did you say?"...."Well I told them you are an ex-super model so you better wear make-up!"..."And I suppose you told them I have big boobs too!"..."Yep babe....I dunno how I am gonna get out of that one!" :D

Gotta go...be back....

Dinner started....

AGS ~ YIPEE! I have a new nickname to hand out....TRIKERBABE!

SCOOTER ~ Plan?....I wish I had a plan...as always my plan is to have a journey of better choices than my past...and for the most part I do...it's just the "other" part that screws me up!!

ROSEBUD ~ OK dear...one of my goldens, Reba, will not come through my sliding glass screen door unless I open it twice as big as she is...is Niko that crazy? Prayers for "cool" weather and strong legs! Hugs to DH for being such a good guy!!!

BEV ~ Sorry about Dennis, maybe we can still "hook" up ...prayers for you "groupie/roadie"!!!!

Gotta check on dinner....

Gary - yeah sure...who you calling a groupie? :) you can't be a groupie when they want you around and no one is being sexual! lol. good Christian men!!! roadie? they won't let me carry anything. I am like this precious preacher chick that they love. although...i've been called the g word a lot lately by my friends. so, thanks for joining in! and i've been called a roadie in the past. i can break down a drum kit QUICK! these guys say that the g word doesn't fit me. so there! :P although, the last time i saw them....3 of them were in my car and admired my backing into a parking spot skills so well that one said "next you will be driving our bus"! LOL
i just hope and pray a pass comes thru so i can be there. they just have to decide to give me one.

Laurie - food is not an issue. keeping that in check well. the weight is just s-l-o-w. i've lost 14 since i started...i changed up the cardio and that seems to be helping. maybe there is a reason why it hasn't kicked in til now. i may have done something i shouldn't have if i was so hot that i couldn't say no to some fine guy...LOL now, the only fine guys in my life are GODLY and that isn't an issue.

Ags- yeah, i know. just keep prayin for me, will ya? :)

Gary - I bet life with you and Angie is a TRIP! :)

peace!

Gary - I bet life with you and Angie is a TRIP! :)

peace!

Oh you can bet it's a trip BEV....Angie is always saying..."I gotta get out of here!"

LOL-Gary!!! :D
by the way - i love the new quote in your signature line!!! yeah, we could hang! i'll take the corona light...and only one! :)

It's a beautiful day here. Makes me want to stay home from work and enjoy it. Unfortunately they frown on doing that where I work.;)

I've been doing well with my eating and have been getting a bit of exercise in. Not as much as i would like but some. Not much happening around here. Kind of the same old thing.

I did get my flower bed planted and the perennials seem to be taking. I can hardly wait for the blooms to come to see what the finished product will look like.

Gary: You're a brat! Tell Angie I admire her for putting up with you!:D

Rayne: I had the same problem as you with the weight not wanting to come off. Keep it up though. I kind of slacked off with the exercise and I'm paying for it with a bit of weight gain. It's even harder to get off the second time around. I think you look great already.

Rosebud: I'm trying not to complain about the heat because we've been complaining about the cold for so long. We have air conditioning so my life can go on as usual. I do remember the days of not being able to cook because of the heat. Not fun! Stay cool!!

Aggie: You're doing great. The scale will show it. I know it!!

Laurie: I still want to get a WII but right now with it being so nice out I have no excuse not to get out and walk. Keep up the good work!

Manduck: Welcome! Post often. As you can see this is a great group of people.

Ronnie: I know about the vehicle thing. My DH is really good with cars too so I'm lucky there.

Gotta get going to work. Have a super day!

Hey ya'll newbie here. I just joined a couple of days ago. Thank you to Countingdown for send me the link to this wonderful group.

Hope with prayer and encouragement I find on this site I can reach my goal.

I have been on the fat smash diet for four days now. I dont think I have ever gone this much on a "diet", so I feel pretty good about that even though it may not be a big deal, but I've been doing it with prayer throughout the day, especially when I am faced with temptation. So... prayer is powerful :)

Once again, great to be part of this group now and hope we all continue to be successful and keep on being warriors!!! :)

I'm new.....and am looking forward to meeting some new people and maybe some accountablity!!! I posted an intro-post on the 'faith based' board in general....don't know if I need one here too? Anyway.....Keep me in prayer!

:welcome2: to mamaduck, Melshizzle, and suga0so0fly09! You'll find lots and lots of support and help here, so glad you found us!

Well, not much going on here-bad storms last night and this morning, but no damage here. A tornado touched down in Austin, MN but don't know how much damage there. And, of course, now it's hot, hot, hot! We ended up going down to Des Moines area yesterday with DH (he had a conference to attend), so we spent the day shopping and driving around and shopping;). We took DH to Red Lobster for an early Father's Day, as we'll probably be visiting his dad this Sunday. If you ever get the chance to go to Red Lobster and want something modified from the menu, just ask. They are so helpful (at every one of them we've been to). Since I can't eat garlic, they grilled my shrimp just the way I asked and even remembered about the garlic when they made my salad and kept the croutons off! Kept the meal very low-cal and no migraine!

We're debating whether to go to Indiana next week or not, as DH's dad is not doing well. We thought about delaying, but there's not much time left for us to go with football starting Aug. 3rd and many activities in July. Afraid that anytime we go will be when fil passes away. Just praying right now for guidance. FIL has been moved to a nursing home, as he can't get around on his own to prepare food, etc, and has not been eating. He's still too sick from the radiation to attempt chemo. It's a church-run home, so I'm hoping the associated pastors will get a chance to share with him, as I was told he wouldn't listen to me since I'm female (I wasn't surprised about that-he has his old and chauvinist ways still).

Well, hope you all have a great day! God bless!

Ronni62; Hope everything works out for you and thank you for the welcome and support!:carrot:

So one thing we all face whether its your 1st day on a diet or months of maintaining is TEMPTATION. My BIGGEST Temptation.............. ICE CREAM. I havent had it in 4 days now, and thats a long time for someone who had to have some sort of sweetsmainly ice cream to be happy or making through the day. Anyway... not sure if ya'll have heard of her but there is a Christian singer named Mandisa, she was one of the final 10 on a season of American Idol. Anyway, she shared this scripture she memorized that helped her through those tempting moments and here it is.

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.


POWERFUL!

Can anyone else share some scripture when it looks like your about to reach for that chocolate chip cookie?

Thanks and God Bless!
~suga:)

suga0so0fly09 and Melshizzle :welcome:

I wish I had time to do personals tonight, but I don't - I will catch up this weekend (hopefully).

That being said - I read everyone's posts. Prayers are ascending! You guys are AWESOME!!!

I wish you a blessed and POP Friday!

Laurie :scooter:

Good evening all,

And WELCOME to all the new comers, cannot wait to get to know you all. This is just a drive by, I am on my way out the door, but I had to stop by to say I RELEASED FOUR BIG POUNDS AND I CANNOT STOP SMILING. PTL!!!!!

HAVE A BLESSED EVENING AND A JOYOUS RISING,
LOVE TO ALL,
AGS

:welcome: TO ALL THE NEWBIES ~ this is a nice, supportive group here!


C0NGRATULATIONS AGGIE ~ on getting rid of 4 lbs forever!!!

We had a very HOT, HOT, HOT day here; up to 95F and over 100F in the full sun. Yah ... I will indeed say that isn't very fun! Our poor little A/C couldn't hold it's own today; way too hot for this one here. This place is much hotter than our last place we lived. We are gonna have to look for ways to cool things down here and maybe move my PC to the spare room as it is cooler in there.

Stayed home and did laundry and house stuff; ate light to stay cool. Time go get something very cool to drink. Have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!!!

:hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

Thanks everyone, for the welcomes. I'm excited to get to know some new people!!!

YAHOO AGGIE!:carrot::carrot::cb::cb::broc::broc: A veggie chorus line just for you!

Hey ya'll just checking in. I wont be posting this weekend because I'm going to visit my grandpa and going out of town. Hope ya'll have a blessed and safe weekend.

Happy Father's Day! :)

~suga

Aggie :woohoo: Way to go, girl!!!!

Rosebud, keeping the place cool. Some tricks we use are:

Use fans to bring cool night-time air into the house
Close the house up when the outside temp starts rising
Use shades (thermal ones are great) on the windows to keep the heat out
Keep the air movng inside by using a fan on low speed
Keep ice cubes in the freezer - for a variety of purposes
When it gets really hot - go shopping, to the library, anywhere that has air conditioning ;)


suga - Have a fun trip! Let us know how it went when you get back :)

Hiya to everyone else. I'm procrastinating starting the media presentations for Sunday. I was supposed to work a half day today, but the finance director needed some stuff done that only I can do :(. I did get out an hour early, so I've already finished exercising and taking DS2 to get his car. PTL that it was only a minor problem and he is only $70 poorer :D

We have a busy weekend planned. DH has already started taking the second story deck off in preparation for the roofers (which will probably start in the middle of July). I have to move DH and me to an upstairs bedroom so my mom can have the main floor one. Since she is going to be here for a month, I figured that we might as well move everything we need. And, now that I am such a clothes horse :o, it is going to take most of the day :yikes:

So, no more procrastinating, I gotta get moving and shaking.

Have a blessed day!

Prayers ascending!

Laurie :scooter:

LAURIE ~ thanks for the tips and ideas; today was much better ... didn't get above 82F. I turned on the bathroom fan and left it on all day to suck air outside to keep the air moving, and I think it helped. Prayers were answered becuz some clouds came and stayed all day and we had a nice breeze most of the day.

Only problem now is those danged skitters and NOSEEUMS; they are out early and so tiny that they can get thru our screens. They are actually miniscule mosquitoes and they buuurrrnnn and itch! :yikes:

OK ... I'm done complaining now! Thank you, Lord for all the many blessings that you have sent our way today!!!

Take good care everyone, and please do have a wonderful weekend!

:hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

Hey there everybody and thank you so much for the congrats, they are appreciated. Sounds like everyone is doing okay desipte the little up and downs of life each day.

Laruie great advice and how nice to give your mom the whole bottom floor, you are such a good daughter.

Rosebud, go head girl, looking beyond and thanking Him for the blessing thus far, cause you know there are more to come. Woo Ha!!!

Suga, enjoy your trip, we will miss you but we also know you will be back. Sending travel graces your way.

Wilma, thanks so much for the chorus line, I could not stop laughing and laughing is good. How are you today?

I have done well and I have met all the goals I set for myself these last five days and now the fifth day is complete. I made a delicious broccoli salad for dinner this evening and I would love to share it if anyone is interested. I found it on Food Network and lightened it up a bit by using Kraft Olive Oil Reduced fat Mayo and it worked out great. About 15 min. tops and you are done. I like quick and easy.

Alright ladies and gent, this old lady is tired, so it is beddie bye time for me.

Love and Blessings,
Ags

Rosebud - try spraying the screens from the inside outward with a Pyrethrum based spray (comes from chrysanthemums) :)

Ags - always looking for a new recipe - do share :) Congrats on a wonderful week! Keep it up!!!!

A quick fly-by. Gotta run to the grocery store and the recycle center. Then, finish the presentations for church and get some serious cleaning done. I hope to get more moved upstairs and get those rooms cleaned as well.

So - gotta fly. Prayers ascending for all!

Laurie :scooter:

Hey there a good morning to ya,

I am going to post three recipes and hope you will try and enjoy them.

32696

32697

Gotta fly and try to get back later. Please have a blessed day.

Love ya,
Ags

Here is a recipe I took off of a new Ragu pasta sauce, Margherita Sauce, that Angie made last Sunday. It was real easy and, I thought awesome! We used the fresh basil from our yard and mozzarella from Trader Joe's.

SCOOTER will need to use an eggplant instead of chicken ;)


http://www.ragu.com/index.php/recipesearch?recipeid=11021

HI GALS ~ :wave:

I hope this finds all of you having a great Saturday with your loved ones :hug:

Angie is at my ex-wife's sister's place for a Pampered Chef party. We did our 3FC 5K to Starbucks this morning, ran into our daughter in law as she did her morning run :) Angie then went to bell choir as I did chores around here....bills, laundry and vacuum...a typical Saturday.

I had my buddies from work over on Thursday. That went well, they loved the bratwurst and we played some shuffleboard...they want to come back again :) something about the challenge of shuffleboard keeps them coming back....and maybe that we make them feel welcomed ;)

Should be an easy week-end here, church tomorrow and the kids are taking me out to my favorite Mexican restaurant for Father's Day...the one we go to almost every week....they say "Are you sure dad?"...yep I am sure...Angie and I love it there...just a local neighborhood restaurant...but we feel welcomed there! That is why I keep going back....and the food of course....Yep...as Narciso says..."Mr. Budweiser is in the house!" ;)

Work has been a battle all week, so much pressure. It is nice to be close to home...and have work! Praise God...but a tough-tough job and a lot of pressure on me. It is a Lexus dealership with a restaurant, etc....quite a place! When I was younger I would "stress" more...those days are gone but the pressure from meeting or trying to meet ridiculous schedules is a real pain in the you know what ;) Of course these days $$$ is a huge factor on these projects and the project is way behind and was before my guys got there...and as always they expect us to get it back on schedule....we can on the regular jobs...but not this one! No cutting corners here.....I keep telling my boss I either need more guys....more time....or I need to cut corners and that's it! He just says...we get some of these jobs because of your work....no cutting corners....but we can't afford more guys....we just go round and round. Nothing new!

TRICKERBABE ~Thanks for the recipes :hug: :carrot: OUTSTANDING!! on the 4 gone forever!!!!!!!!!!!

SCOOTER ~Good luck on the cleaning. My daughter is coming by in an hour or so to load up some more of her stuff she didn't take when she got married. I guess it is serious between her and :p the kidnapper :p so she may as well get all her stuff out ;) I just throw stuff my son left in my truck, go the 1.5 miles to his house and put it in the garage when he isn't home! So far he hasn't complained...nice to have some storage space again for my "junk" :)

ROSEBUD ~Prayers for cool :cool: weather! Those darn bugs...

RONNI ~ I have never been to red Lobster even though my neice works there. Angie does not like it...got sick there twice, before we met....she says I can go anytime I want but she won't go....which is not the norm for her. Prayers for "timing" on the trip and fil :hug:

WELCOME to SUGA and MELSHIZZLE :)

Be back soon....Angie is home....

Gary, I have a feeling that more kitchen gadgets are in your near future ;) I never come home from those parties without ordering something! I love their stir pitcher, stones, and bread pans :)


Aggie - thanks for the recipes as well. That is an awesome recipe. I think the MSF Meal Starter Chicken Strips would work well. I'm going to try it when DS1 visits next week - he loves Asian food!

Well, gotta get back to work, I'm slacking here instead of moving stuff. I did get the house cleaned at least! Now if our parish assistant would just get me the rest of the stuff I need to finish the church services for tomorrow ...

Blessings all!
Thanks for the link to the recipe. Looks good! I will have to try the Ragu sauce, I haven't seen it here yet. And, it would also be good (and quick) on a MSF Chicken Pattie :D

Maybe dinner tomorrow, since DH is working a 12 hour shift. Hmmm....

Greetings and salutations everyone,
I have been down lately sluggish, But I feel like im over the hump today, I feel healthier. I hate being a slave to my hormones ;(

Aggie congrats!! We must celebrate every victory!!

Did someone say pampered chef I love those parties.....

Since we're sharing recipes tonight, I guess I should share one that I use when I'm in a pinch and not sure what to have. You could use any type of meat you desire but I had 2 pork chop steaks thawing, so I used those. I made this for two people, but you could add for more people. Use a very large skillet for this dish.


2 x pork chop steaks
garlic & onion powder to season (sprinkle each side)
season salt (sprinkle each side)
black pepper (to taste)
1 tbl olive oil

Start by browning these on medium-high heat on each side; turn down and simmer (covered) while preparing the rest (add a bit of water if you need to and turn down to medium heat).

1 large new potato (washed) cut into small cubes (leave skin on)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup frozen kniblets corn
1/2 cup frozen baby peas
1/2 cup carrots sticks
2 tsp butter, optional

Push chops to the side and add veggies; let brown a bit for 1-2 minutes tossing; then add 1/2 cup water and simmer (covered) for about 5-7 minutes or until tender. (doesn't take long) Add the butter just before serving. You can serve this with tomato or cucumber slices or a bit of coleslaw if you wish as well. Note: you can use any veggies that you prefer in this dish.

The basis for this recipe came from my friend ROLLANDE who passed away some time ago, but she used Lean Hamburger in her version; and just browned the meat and onion first, then added the potatoes, carrots, corn, and peas; and continued the recipe the same until done. You could use chicken breast chunks, or sliced beef or pork sauteed in this recipe (I have even made it with sausage chunks and DH loved it). It's very versatile and most people like it.

THANKS LAURIE ~ yes, have heard of that kind of stuff; will have to hunt for some here; I used to use straight white vinegar, but will have to get some my next trip to the store.

AGGIE (aka Trikerlady) ~ I had a similar salad at my cousin's once that had baby cauliflowerettes instead of the tomatoes and I think they used lemon-pepper instead of vinegar. It was awesome. Cheese and all cut up in tiny chunks.

GARY ~ that chicken dish looks great; maybe some green beans or salad along with that too, and I have some mushroom Ragu sauce in my pantry too!

Hope you all have a great weekend. :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

just a quick note ROSEBUD...I think what sold the chicken margherita dish for me was the new Ragu Margherita Sauce....the combination of that sauce and the basil was killer...for my taste buds.

My daughter came up for the pampered chef party at her aunts today. She visited a friend then came here for dinner and a movie ....Adam Sandler's Bedtime Stories...she will go vist her mom and spend the night there then meet me at church for Father's Day...way cool.

A cute movie.

Angie bought just a few small items from the party as she has most of the stones and stuff from past parties that she wants....we only need so much with just the 2 of us now.

What a great place to kill time during the ballgame....wink

Aggie: Thanks for the recipes. I'll definitely try the chicken one. I have a similar broccoli salad. Mine adds sunflower seeds to it. A friend has replaced the raisins with red grapes. Amazing combination of flavours.

Yesterday was a good day for me - just not eating wise. I went out for brunch with friends. I had a mushroom, asparagus omelet. YUM. That wasn't the problem. Because I was so full I decided not to have lunch and have an early supper. So what did I do? I snacked all day. I guess I need the structure of meals to keep me from snacking.

Today we're having DH's parents over for dinner to celebrate Father's Day. We doing ribs, mashed potatoes and a salad. Should be good. The weather is lovely also so we might have to take a walk later.

Have a wonderful day! Happy Father's day to Gary and to everyone else's loved ones!!

Azulfire - glad you are over the hump! I remember those days!

Rosebud - hope you are staying cool! Put those legs up in the heat!

Gary - Happy Father's Day! And - just in case you forgot, that doesn't give you license to go wildly off plan ;)

Wilma - I have a problem when I snack during the day instead of eating meals too. I don't eat much eat time, but it sure seems to add up quickly! Just a handful here, and a handful there ...

A good day here - church went well, and I finally got everything I needed for both services about 10 minutes before the first one started. LOL - instead of wearing one hat, I had four this morning - and I only had one small flub in the first service - so - all in all - it was great.

And the Parish Assistant's sermon was "Peace, Be Still!" Which I NEEDED to hear right now!!!!!

Hope you all have a fun-filled and ON PLAN Father's Day.

Prayers ascending!

Blessings,

Laurie :scooter:

HAPPY FATHER"S DAY GARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a fantastic day, and enjoy your family. Be blessed and always strong!!


Ags

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, GARY!!!

Okey - doke ~ I will have to look for that Margherita Ragu Sauce the next time I'm at the grocery store as I only have Mushroom, Hot & Spicy, and Plain tomato sauces in my pantry right now, but I do have Basil leaves ... ;)


THANKS LAURIE ~ I discovered that our new A/C has a TURBO FAN on it, so we got that going and today we found a small fan in the shed, so got that going in the kitchen. We planted our garden bed this weekend with what bulbs we had (we are a bit late, but they will still grow into the fall). I also planted some GLADIOLA BULBS along the house; and in the fall, we will plant some tulips and daffodils in front of them, so I hope I can get some before they are all sold out this year. I could only get one color of gladiolas (yellow & reddish/orange) but that should match our yellow house OK ...


:wave: Hope everyone is having a nice Sunday of rest today and treatin' all your Dad's to a lovely dinner or BBQ tonight!!! :hug:

HI GALS ~ :)

Thank-You all for the Father's Day wishes :hug:

It has been a good one so far. My daughter came to church with us and my ex-wife sat with us. I have mentioned it before but my ex-wife always sits with us when the kids are joining us, sometimes when they are not and sometimes she sits with other friends through out the sanctuary....I always sit it the same pew (YEP! that guy!! ;)) She has even sat with me many times when I am by myself...Angie at her mom's...etc. Anyway, today Angie was up in the choir loft almost the entire time with all the songs they played, so it was just me, daughter and ex...even at communion. Well while we went up for communion....I am at the first table...Angie was playing bells....then she came down and got in the line on the other side of church. The 3 of us finished and came back, Angie still waiting, my ex-wife got up and went to the bathroom....Angie finished and joined us...at the end of the row where Brenda had been sitting.....I moved in and so did my daughter and Angie....when Brenda came back she just stood behind us in the next pew so as not to crowd us since it was the end of service. I got to thinking during the recessional hymn if "people" were thinking that the "wives" had to share time and space with me and Amanda since it was Father's Day...I was having a hard time not aughing! We do get looks sometimes....even after all these years :)

Angie and Amanda went to yoga and are out on a 3 mile run now, I took the dogs out for a 3 mile walk after church. My son and daughter in law will join us all for dinner tonight and maybe the son in law if he gets back from Las vegas in time...off celebrating with long time college friends in town.

Yep ROSEBUD it's gotta be the Margherita ragu ;) I just bought my daughter a jar at the store today. I am maintaing today and for the next month SCOOTER...really need to get close to that red line for my second anniversary...over is one thing but I am passed that! My red line is 175...183 this morning...and that is down from 185 yesterday! AGGIE are you having a multi-cultural feast today for Father's Day? Wilma enjoy that BBQ! That omelet sounds great! I like meat! But I enjoy meatless omelets better for some reason. TAMMY ~ KATHY ~ BARGOO ~ KAREN and all of you...blessings.

YOU GALS ARE THE GREATEST!

Wlima,
I will try your variations, they sound good. I got that one off of Foodtv for the broccoli salad.

Gary, nothing multi-cultural going on here today, only Pacific Veggie Pizza, Dad got to go out for breakfast after church. He was happy plus he is getting this saw he really wants and that has really made him happy. Enjoy the rest of your day. By the way Gary, I tried to make your Father's day greeting really large and it color, but I cannot do it right, somebody please teach me. LOL

Hugs to all, gotta run,
Ags

Hi All1

What a week. This past week was very stressful and my eating showed it. I'm sure the scales will also show it tomorrow when I WI. This is a new week and I will do better.

I metioned last week that I was applying for a new job. I handed in the application and resume this past Tuesday and tomorrow I'm sending my resume to the school my kids go to. They has an opening for a secretary. I would love to get that job since we are only a mile from the school. I'm praying the Lord will give me what is right and not what I want.

My friend from Florida came up to PA so we'll be going to see her at her parents tomorro. She is going to be taking Jakob's senior pictures and taking a family picture of us. When we get them I will post a picture of all of us.

I trust you all have a great week.

Kathy

Happy father's day Gary! :D

I got susie married yesterday...at least i guess i did it the legal way! lol...it was my first. at least they have taken the NEXT :) step...so, God knows they are married. lol

I hurt myself at the wedding. tripped over a rock and planted my face in the dirt. face is fine, but my knee and left shoulder are SORE! it's all good. just can't do any upper body work this week. darn. seriously...i love my workouts. maybe i could get a new tat instead. :D just kidding.

we go to the beach thursday am. taking mom. she spent the wedding whining and pouting. i really wonder if i am her child.

one of the girls that i mentor (guess that's the best way to describe what i do) is still struggling with crack and added meth to it recently. she has asked for prayer to do what she needs to do and to get into this personal care group home that will manage her $ so she can't go get drugs. at least she keeps reaching out!

i'm worn out. shoulder hurts. :P

have a good evening!

peace

Gary - your family ties are a bit "odd", but in a good way! It is wonderful how well everyone gets along!

Aggie - to change the font size, you need to click on the "go advanced" button. When you are in the advanced message window, there is a "size" option that you can choose. Highlight the text you want to make larger, and select the desired size.
Like this

Bev - congrats on your first wedding! Sorry you are hurt! Prayers for healing ascending. Also for the young lady you are mentoring.

Well, I'm off to my conference tomorrow, I will be back on Friday.

Prayers continuing for all!

Laurie :scooter:

Thank you Laurie! Enjoy your conference! :)

Good Morning everyone and happy Monday (is there such a thing??;))

I hope you all have a blessed day!!!

Hello, Everyone! Hope everyone had a really nice Father's Day weekend (especially you, Gary!). We ended up taking DH out for Mexican when DS2 asked about it after church, so DH was treated twice for his day:). DS2 got back from SD mission trip Saturday evening & very tired. Visited DH's dad Saturday morning, then cleaned out his shed and brought stuff here to store so the rent is less-will probably have to let his apt go next month as doc thinks he'll be in the nursing home permanently now. FIL was having a bad day and still too weak to attempt chemo.

We decided to go ahead and go to IN to visit my family Thurs and stay about a week. Kinda figured that FIL is less likely to pass away now than if we wait another month like we were thinking we'd do. So, lots to do to get us ready to go. I'll probably be scarce around here, but you'll all be in my prayers-for healing, being on-plan, family unity and peace, pleasant weather, and just for God to bless you all! Have a great day!

Hi All! It is a beautiful day in PA. No rain and the sun is shining. We haven't seen that in about a week.

Today was my WI and I was down .2lbs. That made me happy because I was sure I would be up.

Ronni - where was your DS2 doing missionary work at in South Dakota? I lived in SD for 8 years. I haven't been back since I moved back to PA over 13years ago. One day I hope to go back but when I don't know.

My friend from Florida is home and we were able to spend some time with her this morning. She took family pictures, pictures of the 3 boys and then Jakob's senior pictures. He graduates this year. The only expens I will have is for developing the film. She does a great job so I'm anxious to see the finished product.

I have to go back to work tomorrow. I would love to have a few more days off, but that will have to wait until July. I get 3 weeks vacation so I hope to take a week off in July.

Have a great day!

Kathy

Hi Everyone!

Life is still just as busy around here (sending the younger two to Florida hasn't helped one bit). They were only gone a couple of days before I started missing them like crazy. My hubby is really looking forward to the days when we have an empty nest - I'm not so sure about it :dunno: It was a good Father's day for my husband. His birthday is this week and our church surprised him with a cake and gift. We went shopping yesterday afternoon and he used his "gift" to get some much needed clothes. Then we ended the evening by going out to a new steak house - the food was delicious!

It's been so busy around here it's hard to keep up! Nice to have so many in our community - we can use all the support we can get! :)

Gary - the situation with your ex and church reminds me of my family. My step-dad was my uncle (married to my mom's sister) before he became my step-dad. So my step-siblings are actually my cousins. It's all very strange to most people, but everyone always gets along just fine! Unfortunately my step-dad passed away a few years ago from cancer. It's comical sometimes when people ask for explanations about how we are all related. :lol:

Welcome to all the newbies - this is a great place to be! Glad you are here!

Laurie - hope you have a good time at your conference - you will be missed!

Rosebud - I love tulips - they are my favorite flowers. I've thought about trying to plant some, but I don't have a green thumb at all. Every plant I have ever had died due to my forgetting to tend to them. :o Maybe when my kids are grown and I have more time to spend I'll give it a try.

Kathy - praying about the job!

Ronni - hope you enjoy the time with your family. Still praying for your FIL and family.

Rayne~Azulfire~Wilma~Aggie~Melshizzle~Suga~ and everyone else - HOPE YOU HAVE A TERRIFIC WEEK!

Hope to be back around soon!

~Tammy~

Kathy-DS2's youth group went to help the EFC missionary at Pine Ridge Reservation. They had a really good week helping fix meals, plant gardens, working in the missionary's thrift store, and talking with people from the reservation. Then, they spent a couple days in Custer and the Black Hills before coming home.

Tammy-thanks so much for the continuing prayers. It means a lot:)

Ronni - I have been on the Pine Ridge Reservation, but I lived on the Rosebud Reservation. I as there 2 years then lived in Winner, SD for 6 years. It was a great time in my life.

HI GALS ~ :wave:

Angie and I just finished dinner, leftovers from last night at the Mexican restaurant the kids took me too...well golly gee if it wasn't the place I requested...er...demanded ;) Dad snuck in the pay too! My kids go out of their way to pay but I beat them to this one!

Angie had her first day of summer school and it went well....no major disasters :) Kids these days, for the most part, aren't there for the "fun" of summer school we used to have...it's because they screwed up during the year...shall we say :devil: bad attitude! :devil:

The guys that came here last week from work were bugging the crap out of me to let them come back this week....they want a re-match on the shuffleboard :D

KATHY ~ Great news on those pictures! Boy I remember how expensive those senior pictures can be....having 4 seniors in the last 10 years come through my doors! Praise God for the...finally...decent weather for you! Prayers for the "job" :)

RONNI ~ I hope the trip to Indy is free of worries...I know it won't be but all in all I hope you have an enjoyable time :hug: On a personal note...I think you are doing the right thing. When my mom passed a year and a half ago I was going back to "say goodbye"...my kids wanted to go too but had to wait a few days to get away from work. Well my mom passed the day before we were to fly out. My kids were so upset that I wasn't able to say goodbye to my mom....to be honest I was totally fine and tried to explain it to them. You see, my mom KNEW I loved her....I LOVE my children the way my mom loved me...I knew how important it was for them to try and get back to see Grammi/a Judi....but, being their dad, I also knew how difficult it would be for them to see her near death....their memories of her appearance were from a few years prior...they grew up seeing their Grammi/a almost every day their lives, until the last 4 years of hers, when she moved away to take care of her mom. My mom did not look the same...her emphysema had taken a toll on her which I knew would be difficult for my kids to see. Bottom line...mom passed before we got there...we are all at peace....we all wanted to do the right thing....in these cases....all decisions based on love are right! We can't predict the outcome of our choices but we can trust our Lord to guide us correctly!

BEV ~ I will fire off another letter to Dennis in a day or two :) That crack and meth can be a real problem can't it? I have several family members that went through that years ago....brothers and cousins...for the most part they ended up ok....praise God for your ministry!

TAMMY ~ I am thinkin' we should get together with our families and write a sitcom :D I hope DH got some cool clothes with that gift :carrot: I am close to my kids and really thought I would suffer greatly from the "empty nest"...my son stayed home for college so he could coach back at his old high school and continue working at the sporting goods store so that wasn't a problem...but my daughter went away, although reasonably close but way too far to drive it daily, to college....it was a struggle the first year for all of us. Now with my kids off and married for a while, step-d off at school in NY during the year and staying in town with her dad on vacation, and nephew off in Great Lakes for the NAVY....I am kind of liking this "empty nest" thing! Of course I see my kids often and talk almost daily.

SCOOTER ~ :D My family is a BIT more than odd! I will say that "love" has kept us together! I hope your conference was fun! or at least not boring! :)

AGGIE ~ Thank you for the Father's Day wishes :hug: Did you understand "how" to do what you wanted from Scooter's post?

MELSHIZZLE ~ :)

Have a great evening ladies ~ Gary

Gary - yeah, crack and meth makes me ANGRY!!!!!!! She wants me to take her to her psych dr. tomorrow and then to check out a group home. so, hopefully that will be good. but that is what i get to do tomorrow. she lives about an hour from me. and thank you for writing dennis! :)

i'm tired. the shoulder feels better. i did 25 mins on the elliptical and 20 on the treadmill and worked out my legs. i will do my arms tomorrow...hopefully, that won't be a bad thing.

peace

Hey there all,


BY LAURIE, I THINK I'VE GOT IT!!!!!!!

Gary, I will be ready for you next year.

This is just a quick drive by cause I am really really tired. I will be back tomorrow in full force. Until then, sweet dreams to all and many many blessing and all the love you can stand.

Love, hugs, and blessings,
Aggie
Oh yeah, I'm just showing off now:carrot::carrot:

Just a quick note to say HI to all of you. I worked today and then came home made dinner, weeded out side and cleaned the entire first floor of my house so I'm exhausted. I'll catch up with all of you later.

God bless you all!

Kathy

...........

Gary, I will be ready for you next year.



:) Lord willing...I will be here! ;)

But just a reminder for all...it doesn't matter if the words are [SIZE="1"]small or big!....the love on this thread is CHRIST CENTERED...and that is the most important thing isn't it?! :) :hug:

Yes Gary, it is!!! You really do keep things in perspective. Thank You!!!

:wave: HI EVERYONE ~ another scorcher here today (over 100 F in the sun); got our new A/C put up in our master bedroom last night. After prayers felt that was the smartest place to put it and we had a nice sleep in a cool room last night. Thankfully, we have had some breeze and clouds on and off all day which is making it somewhat more tolerable.


My DAD and Gracie are here right now; they got up early this AM to finish the last half of the trek here before the hot weather was upon us. Gracie looks pretty good, but is a bit weak in her walking yet. They are staying here only a short while then they are heading out east to see a close friend and going thru Quebec for the fun of it (touring) ...

Believe it or not, DH is outside doing stuff in this aweful heat, but he is keeping busy, which is good. Anyways, hope you all are having a great week. Take care ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

Rosebud: My DH was outside all day today too. What are they thinking? He just wants to get the work done and at least it helps him sleep well at night.

Hi everyone! It's really hot here today. I am NOT complaining. I am going to enjoy what summer we get here. I've been doing well with my eating this week. Made stuffed peppers the other day. They were really good. I'm trying to keep the interest in the healthy foods so I don't snack.

Gotta go make dinner now. Have a great evening.

Hey guy and dolls,

Happy everyone is doing well and you Candian's are enjoying your heat while you can, even if it is sourchin'. Winter will be back soon enough.

Well I have my WI tomorrow and I am praying for wonderful results, I have done very well in the eating department this week. We shall see.

Everyone have a blessed evening. Oh yeah, Gary posted a thread called WOW and WOW it is, to me, this is a must read. Thanks again Gary for sharing it.

Alrightie then, it is beddie bye time, so nightie night to all. Pleasant dreams to all and to all a good night.

Ags

Hi Group, just a quick update, I still haven't lost any more weight, and what is even more amazing is i haven't given up either, I have been doing Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, and I have noticed an incredible shift in my body,I have been eating clean too, a lot of whole grain foods and fresh fruit and veggies, no processed foods.....very minimal. I did for a bit get down on myself, ok not young anymore where I could loose weight easily, I just tell myself it is a life change to being healthier, my dad died of a heart attack and also had colon cancer,he was thin and even thin people have bad health. we grew up eating fried potatoes refried beans homemade tortillas, spanish rice,Tamales, you know the heavy carb mexican food. to feed an army.And Mexican food is such a trigger for me, as it is my comfort food.....well I hope I can encourage others in my journey and to not give up when expectations fail, just get up and reprioritize, and keep moving forward. ;)

May I join you?

I just turned 40 in April. Not exactly traumatic. My real shock of the year happened when I pulled my summer clothes out of the attic and realized they were all too tight. When did this happen? Okay I KNOW...but still.

I was diagnosed pre-diabetic in '06 and told to lose weight. I started to exercise and eat better meals, with portion control. I had a goal; a purpose! During the next year I lost 70lbs. Now, I find myself halfway back to my original weight, with a Dr appointment looming. I relaxed my eating but continues with the exercise {when did I turn into someone who liked to exercise?} but it wasn't enough to maintain my weightloss. So here I am, not quite starting over, but feeling very discouraged. I thought I would be able to exercise and keep the weight off but when my major food group seems to be chocolate THAT didn't work.

I'm a vision-impaired wife of 12 years, we chose not to have children, but we have a Lab/Shepherd mix named April. I like to quilt, occasionally knit, garden in the spring and fall but not in the hot/humid summer, bake, cook, help teach Bible study, and I collect exercise videos. :o

Looking forward to getting to know you all!

Penguin

WELCOME PENGUIN!Of course you may join us...and I bet we are more active tomorrow and Sunday! Come on back and join in..

Blessings ~ Gary

:wave: HELLO PEOPLE ~ we had gorgeous weather today; almost perfect (73F with a nice breeze and lots of clouds to keep the sun from getting too hot), I would say. It's supposed to be nicer like this for the next few days to a week.

:welcome: PENGUIN ~ yeppers, the more the merrier; we seem to be shy of people this week. I'm sure it is becuz of the great weather and people going on trips and holidays from now until end of August.

DH went and picked up some more wood and brought home our tools, then cut some grass (just our small front yard). We have some more pretty flowers blooming in our front yard -- lots of lovely pale yellow Snapdragons. We had a few daffodils but with lack of rain, they died pretty fast; so DH and I are trying to help them along inbetween rains now. We did plant some yellow and orange/red Gladiolas on the south/west garden as well; hopefully they'll come up for years. I am going to look for other kinds of perennial bulbs to plant too.

Well, I ate well today (I switched and had a pasta salad for lunch; and a cupasoup with a whole grain corned beef sandwich for dinner). I also tried to do a bit of walking; and had to lug out our two garbage cans as it was G-day (and DH forgot), and I managed to carry them all the way (albeit one at a time), so my hand weights are giving me some strength in my arms after all.

DH and I were so tired that we both fell asleep right after dinner, so I woke up at just after 1:30 AM. Realized that I hadn't posted today; so came in for awhile; guess I should mozy on back to bed soon. Take good care folks, hope you are all well ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: ^^PRAYERS^^ continue for you and yours ...

Hello ladies, it's nice to see a faith based forum. I am 54 years old and seem to have tried everything in the last 6 years to lose weight. The most that I've lost is probably been around 10 lbs but I have not kept it off. I have been a Christian for 35 years and learned many things through my faith. The one victory I have never maintained is a stable healthy weight.

I weigh 185 and for a long time I was able to keep my weight around 155-160 but then I had a major trauma in my life and it seems that I have taken a long time to recover.

The church we went to for over 20 years was found to be cultish and many people were banned for saying certain things and others left on their own such as my husband and I. We not only left our "Christian Home" but moved to another state, and of coursed changed jobs.

Our daughter got pregnant at 20, married the jerk, and then had our first grandson, and ended up in a divorce.

We moved to California to help her, stayed there for about 3 1/2 years and then moved back to IN about 3 years ago. All the moving around drained our finances, marriage, and I believe I have struggled with depression for about 3 years now.

I finally feel like I am coming out of the clouds. Through all of this the Lord has been my constant companion, giving me hope and purpose. I finished my degree recently and I am very proud of myself.

What I am very unhappy about is my weight and health issues and I know I need to lose at least 40lbs to get healthy.

praterteaches., Welcome and good luck ! You will find a lot of Christians here. A great place for prayer and encouragement.

Penguin and praterteaches :welcome2:

Glad you joined us! I just love the folk here - they are AWESOME.

I read everyone's posts and prayers are ascending for the requests mentioned! You've all been busy while I've been gone!

The conference went well, but it was very, very HOT! Which ended up being a huge NSV for me. I took shorts and tank tops and ended up wearing them for much of the conference. NEVER would have happened before I began this journey. I would have worn my "cover up" clothes - mostly black and BAKED!
:D

We picked up DS1 and had a good, but way to short visit! We are planning on driving down to Grand Rapids tomorrow to take him out to dinner on a break from his church conference. A long drive, but worth it to spend a few more hours with him before he returns to CA.

Picked up my Mom late on Thursday. It is good to have her here :yes:

We took her canoeing yesterday - she had a good time, and it was beautiful on the river!

Gotta fly - tons of stuff to get done - I love going, but I sure pay for it when I get home!


Blessings!
Laurie :scooter:

It's a beautiful Sunday morning here. We had rain all day yesterday so couldn't be outside. I did go shopping and then did some baking at home. A nice day! Today we have church and our annual sunday school picnic afterwards. Should be fun!

Welcome to Patchworkpenguin (a fellow quilter YEAH!) and praterteaches (I know about the lifetime of being overweight!) You are going to be blessed here.

Laurie: Doesn't if feel good to be wearing things you always wanted to? Have a great time with your mom.

Rosebud: Your yard sounds lovely. I've planted some perennials this year and hope that they establish themselves well this year.

Azulfire: WTG on keeping on when you don't necessarily feel like doing it. I feel the same way. I know I need to exercise more and really don't have any excuses as to why I don't.

Aggie: How did your weigh in go?

Hello to everyone else. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Good Morning Gals :coffee:

Angie and I just got back from a quick 2 mile walk with the mutts. We did our 4 miler to Starbucks yesterday.

We are going to late service this morning, Angie was finished with bells for the summer but I guess they have been requested to play one of their "hits" at second service today :)

After church we will go to my son and dil's house for the monthly family get together. Should be fun, my daughter and sil are assisting hosting. We are doing carna asada for the 4th so I think they will have burgers and hot dogs.

I got a new i-pod shuffle for Father's Day from Angie :hug: I just love it. I have a larger i-pod that I can't use at work on some jobs, I use a dock for it. This job doesn't allow radios because of the amount of people but we are allowed i-pods and mp3's. My 2 mp3's are only 1g so the music goes fast. I love-love my wife for loading them and being so "understanding" ;) when I get confused as she tries to teach me how to load them :dizzy:

Work has been tough but we did not end up working nights last week...it will come up soon though...ouch! I can hardly make it through days on this project! As soon as I get up to the 2nd or 3rd floors one of my guys will need me to direct them downstairs 'cause they "forgot"....aarrgghhhh....I wish they would listen! But, sometimes things get lost in "language" differences...

Had those same guys over for dinner again this week...I lost in shuffleboard :mad: They loved my lasagna :) However 2 of the 4 loaded up hot sauce on it :?: They are making Angie and I dinner next time.

Angie took my daughter, step-daughter and daughter in-law to the spa on Friday for a day of pampering. They all loved it. It was a gift for a past or up-coming birthday.

Nephew called my yesterday from the Navy Base. He is loving the used car he bought but is quickly out of money! I :nono: warned him....but he went against my advice to "save" a little more...a good lesson he will learn! I told him I won't loan him any $$$ until he pays back the $400 he borrowed a few months back when he got in a pinch....he's belongs to the NAVY now ;)

He has a girlfriend in Minnesota and is spending much $$$ on his trips there...young :love: love can be expensive! :yes:

Well a big welcome to the new kids!

I will be back later today/tonight.

PS ~ There is an interesting thread going on religion in General Chatter....looks like I am in trouble again! I am a work in progress :)

have a great day ~ Gary :)

Hi all - blessed Sunday to all :)

Aw, Gary - SOME of us appreciate your comments over there - and they fit the topic - so I can't see that you are in much trouble. ;)

A good day here. Church went well, and it was nice to take my MOM with us :)

We are heading out to Grand Rapids soon, so we can take DS1 out for dinner. I'm trying to pick a restaurant that will suit everyone, which is HARD!

The weather is much cooler today - hooray! But, I gotta laugh. You all know that I love to complain about the weather, and today's sermon was about "complaining" - I felt totally convicted throughout the whole thing :o

Prayers continuing for all - I hope that your day is POP :)

Laurie :scooter:

Afternoon all! Its supposed to rain today/night and get a little cooler next week! Yea!

I had a sore hip flexor from CC4 yesterday so I did a few poses on my own, including legs-up-the-wall {sigh}. We went shopping yesterday afternoon and by the time we got home my feet really hurt!

Hubby and I caught a stomach bug so aren't exactly feeling 100% but I hope to get something in later.

Funny story, April hasn't been eating much lately {this isn't the funny part...} we bought her some new food and I don't think she likes it very much plus we think the heat is bothering her {I don't want to eat much either} but she only ate about half what she usually does yesterday so I was going to get her to eat her breakfast if it killed both of us! So I sat her food down and told her to eat and started to get ready for church, she didn't eat but followed me into the bedroom. I went to the kitchen and pretended to eat her food. Pretty soon she was there looking pitiful and I let her at her bowl, sitting by her telling her what a good dog she was. Hubby came and joined us. I give April a glucosimine pill that the vet toel us to give her daily since her ACL surgery. She didn't eat it, and a few other pieces of her food. I had gotten up by this time and poured myself some milk. April loves milk! I sat by her bowl, picked up her glucosimine and told her "you can have some milk if you eat your treat" She took her pill and ate it so I poured a little milk into her bowl. Hubby snorted and exclaimed "my dog understands English now! She's a smart doggie! She ate every bite!

We went to the hardware store to try {again} to pick out paint for the kitchen and living room. We've lived in our house about 7 years and were getting tired of the status quo. Success with the living room, not so much with the kitchen.

No exercise today but its not too late!

CountingDown, Sermons are like that, just what you need to hear when you need it.

Gary, Nice that you have family get togethers! My family is very small and widespread. Hubby's family tends to forget to invite us. Hubby was in the Navy. They asked what you believed in!

Wilma, Hubby bought me a wonderful sewing machine that keep me going. We go to another couple's house for diiner and dessert {I take dessert!} and then she and I go upstairs and sew while the guys go out to the garage! Renee keeps me motivated to keep sewing!

Prater, Congrats on the degree! What do you teach?

2BHealthy, Your garden sounds lovely! As does your weather. Good work with the garbage cans.

Bear with me while I try to keep you guys straight in my head and learn your names! Thanks for the welcomes!

Hi Everyone!

Once again it has been awhile since I posted. I haven't gotten on the computer much since I'm on it all day at work. I've also been doing a lot of outside work. On Wednesday we thought our computer was down because DH couldn't get it to boot up. Come to find out the power strip we had it plugged into somehow got shut off. I think the cat probably got on it because it is behind the couch and no one else gets back there.

This week was not good for me. I am having some kind of funky thing going on. I want to sleep all the time and I'm crying almost every day for no reason. I'm not sure if it's because I'm in the pre-menopause phase or if it's my thyroid. I have a thyroid checkup on July 13th so I'm hoping that will tell something.

Trust you all are doing well. My friend was up from Florida to see her dad who is dying with cancer. We did get to spend this past Monday and Saturday together for a few hours. It was nice seeing her again. I just wished she lived closer.

Tomorrow is WI and I'm scared. I've done a lot of emotional eating this week so tomorrow could be a disaster.

I need some help. I'm trying to upload a new profile picture and I can't get it to upload. Does anyone have any suggestions. Both DH and I have had not success and he is a computer guru.

Have a great week!

Kathy

Hi darlin's,

Just a quick post to say hi, I am so very tired. I cannot wait to come back tell you all about my wonderful day today, it was awesome, and God was at the head of it all. PTL!!!!

The weigh in, well, up 1.6, but I know the culprit was sodium. I must be more aware of the salt content in everything, even when I don't think it is there, Thanks for asking Wilma.

To all the new folks, welcome. To everyone else I will be back for all the personals.

Hugs, love, and blessings,
Ags

HI GALS ~

Party with the kids went well....they always do.

I guess the big 'ol palm tree in my son's front yard (of his new house) may be worth 10 grand! If that turns out to be true...2 estimates...and in in fact they can sell it for that, they will, and use the $$$ to make a nice backyard.

SCOOTER ~So glad the time with mom and DS1 is happening for you! I totally understand how important that is! I am not worried about what some think about my posts over there...as I know you know...what really amazes me is that some are such "authorities" on scripture when you know they have never read the Bible. Well, actually it doesn't amaze me anymore.

PATCHWORK ~ Your APRIL looks so much like the Benji I had years ago...part labrador part ?....We get together as a family for dinner (about 25-27...we never know for sure because our family is friends and is always growing for these dinners!) abut once a month...usually at my house but now my son has a bigger house than me...so..hope-hope...they will be over there...wink

KATHY ~ It is not the end of the world if you are over! As God always gives us new starts and chances when we fail...we can PRAISE HIM by doing just that...starting over! He wants us to have good...strong healthy bodies!

ROSEBUD ~ I want to say here on this thread...where I know we are "ONE"... that we may not agree on the size of a church or the money spent....but I do know that you and I will share the "love" we have for each other... as brothers and sisters in Christ when we meet in person one day....in His Glory!

AGGIE ~ WILMA ~ TAMMY ~ EVERYONE!!

I am so blessed to have you as my friends!

Good Morning,
I just got back from a very emotional weekend. As I had posted in the prayer warrior group, I had a tragic death in the family and I was out of town for the funeral services.

I dont know if it was because of all the emotion going on, but I was not successful at maintaing the willpower I had strongly developed these last two weeks. I have been on the fat smash diet and was doing wonderful. Friday before I got on the road I weighed myself and I lost 9 pounds in two weeks. That practically made my day until Saturday and Sunday that I pretty much binged. It wasnt as horrible as before, but I still feel very very guilty. Now I am afraid all that hard work will just be thrown away. I need help to keep that will power going. I dont want to give up this time and start in square one again.

Hope some of you are doing better than me.

God Bless and Take care ya'll
~Suga :(

GARY ~ I love-love my wife for loading them and being so "understanding" when I get confused as she tries to teach me how to load them That's funny! :lol:

ABOUT THAT OTHER THREAD ~ I think there was bit of a misunderstanding on that point -- I wasn't referring to your church at all; and from what you say, your church people are quite generous and have many helpful and practical programs (ie your food pantry). Let me give you a wonderful example of what I was talking about --

My DH's church was totally paid for by one family who were blessed in their business and wanted to give back to GOD. I think that was marvellous that they had the excess funds and used it to build the church; so all the offerings could go to other valuable programs they have. This family is really living what they say they believe (they put their money where their mouth is). I forget the cost, but it was a lotta money. Recently, they even commissioned a large stained-glass window box of JESUS; again paying for it 100% and it looks awesome. That's the kind of giving and sharing I was talking about.

As you know, I love the Crystal Cathedral Ministries and am a prayer partner. What I love about that ministry the most is the positive way they share the gospel, the uplifting devotions, and the interesting mix of guest speakers that come there.

I think that we agree about more than we disagree; so I hope you weren't offended by my general opinions, that were expressed off the top of my head. I hope I didn't get myself into too much trouble either. They asked the question, and I tried to answer the best I could without stepping on too many toes. Sometimes, I wonder if I should even wade into those waters, but I did ... oh well! ;)

SUGA ~ just keep on going and start over today; forget about the weekend and start fresh. Prayers for you and your family at this time.

HI AGGIE ~ glad to hear that you had a wonderful day ...

HI KATHY ~ sorry to hear that you've been down lately; but you are right, hormones can certainly be the cause of that. Prayers things look better soon. It seems the upload works OK on some days and on others not; not sure why though. So far, I been pretty fortunate getting my pics up. I would suggest that you just keep trying; I mean, repeat the process a few times. Sometimes it doesn't work on the first try, but does on the second try. Just make sure the picture is the right size and not over the limits.

PENGUIN ~ hope your hip and feet are feeling better real soon.

COUNTING ~ Yes, I keep reminding myself what happened to the Jews in the wilderness for all their complaining, so I make sure to thank GOD every day for all the blessings that HE sends our way.

HI WILMA ~ I'm afraid what I thought were snapdragons are actually Irises. My stepmother, Grace was here for a short visit tonight and told me they are pale yellow Irises; maybe I can take a picture of them tomorrow and show them to you.

:welcome: PRATERTEACHES ~ congrats on finishing your degree; that's awesome. Hope you and your DH and family are finally settling in and are finding jobs (not sure you mentioned that). Sending up some prayers for your depression; hope you can find some peace very soon.

:wave: to BARGOO ~ hope you are feeling well this week. How's the deaconess thing going these days?

We had warmer weather today, but late this afternoon, a lovely breeze came and cooled things down for us. We had a downpour almost all of Sunday, so we have a new batch of skitters and noseeums out tonight; yikes ... my Dad and SM stopped by for a chat and I was bitten dozens of times. I hope that sharing about our weather and bug infestations isn't considered complaining though. I'm pretty sure GOD would sympathize with us on both fronts.

Anyhow, can't believe how time flies by when I'm typing; take good care and HI TO ALL OUR CE'S ... :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: ^^PRAYERS^^ continue for you and yours ...

ROSEBUD ~

I was not offended in any way at all by your remarks...and I did not want you to be upset likewise by my response! HUGS!

My brother and I have disagreed over the years on Crystal Cathedral! He says that they not have spent all that money...I argue back at look at all the money they have brought in and the good it has done. We all see things different...maybe there is a middle ground we don't see.

He says look at the troubles Crystal Cathedral is having now...I say many churches have the same issues..

I always seem to think the "percentages" are about the same in all churches for "sins" and screw-ups!

Speaking of Crystal Cathedral....I was able to see the JOY OF CHRISTMAS and the EASTER productins some years ago...AWESOME!! C.C. is about 45 minutes from my house.

SUGA ~Prayers.

Better get to bed...Gary

Hubby and I spent most of today running errands. Nothing very exciting to report. It is cooler this week, we took Sweet Puppy to the dog park this morning and couldn't keep her out of the pond {we didn't try very hard:D}. But she was a little less than thrilled when we hosed her off in the backyard when we got home.

We are still waiting for the grout to dry in the shower surround. The humidity isn't that high so Hubby thought it would be dry by now. Since its the only bathroom in the house we are taking very careful baths.

Suga, Very sorry for your loss. Praying for you and yours. Congrats on the 9lbs.

2BHealthy, Thanks, my legs are feeling much better today. Stretching really helps. I can't go outside after dark without hosing myself down in bug repellant. I think I have 'mosquito buffet' on my forehead.

Gary, If I added up both families scattered aroudn the country I'm not sure I could come up with 26 people, plus several on my Dad's side haven't spoken in about 20 years. I think its great that you have get-togethers.

Good morning!

I checked my BP at the pharmacy last night. Wake up call again! I can't seem to regulate it these days. So, it's back to my DASH book again. It worked for me before. I still follow a lot of the plan but I guess I got a little lazy and wasn't watching my sodium intake as closely as I should have.


Gary: It sounds like you've started something with those guys. I think it's a great thing that they want to "play" with you. What a ministry you have there.

Laurie: Who doesn't complain about the weather? I'm trying not to or it'll get cold again.


patchwork: Sewing with a friend. Sounds like fun. I took a quilting class years ago and loved it. Now I make baby quilts for my nieces and nephews. I do lap quilting.

Kathy: Sounds like it could be peri-menopause. That happened to me a while ago. I woke up one morning and was so irritable. Nobody did anything right and nothing was right. The next morning I was fine again. I told my dr about it and she just grinned and said "its starting!" Yeah!!

Suga: My condolences to you. You are in my prayers.

Rosebud: Irises are nice too. I have the white ones in my front yard. I plan on moving some around this fall. I have a blanketflower blooming in my garden. Looks really pretty.

Have a great day!

Good morning all! Hope you are having a great start to the day!

Penguin, I love your avatar - what a cute furbaby story :)

Ags - I have the same problem with sodium too! Hang in there, the scale WILL go down!

Gary - it amazes me that people will pay that much for a TREE! I think living in Northern MI has jaded me - people here don't value trees much - we have so many!!!

Rosebud - hope the bug bites fade soon! I'm still struggling with some bites from the canoe trip, too!

Wilma - glad you found out your BP was up so that you caught now. Prayers ascending!

Yesterday was good day here - hung around the house and got some things done. DS2 is back home and we taught MOM to play some Wii games. I did get in some shape boxing, which totally entertained Mom.

We picked out the new pond, but since the weather was rainy, we didn't set it up. We won't put it permanently in place until the roof is done (probably in August).

We are struggling with "critter" issues. Our dear adorable Chloe Cat keeps bringing in live critters as "pets". Yesterday it was a chipmunk, and today it was a field mouse. I'm getting very tired of catching critters with a butterfly net. Catch and release was meant for FISHING, not for my living room

I'm feeling challenged since I have to cook for more than DH and myself. So far so good ...

Blessings!

Laurie :scooter:

Feeling better today. Starting over is not as hard as before through prayer. And I thank each one of you for your prayers. Thank you.

Hope everyone has a happy Tuesday!

God Bless
~Suga

BTW. Can ya'll share some scripture on temptation? Please post some. Thanks!

I guess everything ia back to normal after the weekend {sigh}, Well, except for a fan in the bathroom trying to dry the grout faster plus leftover tools, and paint samples spread all over the kitchen!

Laundry and cardio for today.

Suga,I like Heb 4:13, I Cor 10:13, James 1:12-15, and I like Rom 8; there's a lot of verses in there about what we need and what God provides. HTH

CountingDown, Eww, on the 'catch and release' in the living room! A few months after we got April {as an adult from the Humane Society} we were out working in the backyard. April trotted up to Hubby proud as you please, with something in her mouth which she gave to Hubby. It was half a squirrel. Since then she has caught three more, not counting the birds. We are very careful these days when she tries to give us something.

Wilma,I originally learned to hand piece and quilt {from books at the library and watching Simply Quilts, Elenenor Burns, etc} and enjoyed it. I made two bedsized quilts and several wall-hangers. Then I had a few problems with my eyes and learned how to use a sewing machine. Now I do everything on the machine, hubby bought me a nice one that even threads the needle itself.

I will be back later ~

I just wanted to share this with SUGA...I have cut cartoons like this out, from Family Circus, over the years that resemble my family and place them in my Bibles...I cut this one out a couple of days ago...I think it fits what SUGA asked for :)

Hi All!

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I have been feeling much better the last couple of days. I take a natural pill that suppose to help with "women" issues. I was only taking one in the morning, but have started to take another one at noon and that has seemed to help.

I still haven't had any luck with uploading my picture. We made it smaller so it would fit and it still won't work. I guess we'll have to try it again or try another picture.

Yesterday was WI and I lost .6lbs. I'm thankful for the loss. I am getting back on track and working on getting out and walking.

I was going to mow tonight but it rained again. Since I couldn't mow I decided to start mulching around all the plants. We had the company I work for do the pruning and edging, but had them just drop the mulch so we could do it ourselves to save money. The boss will give me some kind of discount, but I wanted to save as much money as possible.

I trust all of you are having a great week. Keep encouraged in Jesus.

Kathy

COUNTING & others ~ Here's a home remedy for bites (at least skitters, blackflies, and noseeums) that works for me -- put hot tap water in your sink (about 3-4 inches deep) and add about 1-2 tbl of Javelle (any kind of liquid bleach); put a nice big, soft cloth in there for a few minutes; ring-out and rub over bites and repeat 3 x times. By the time you are done, most of the stinging and burning will be gone. Repeat until all sensation has disappeard, which will be a few minutes.

I used this last night and boy did it work well ...

Somebody start the new thread...it's JULY...i'm not gonna do it...i'm not...hugs

Stop! Please do not post here anymore. The July thread is ready to go. See you there!!

Where is the July Thread?