Faith Based Support Groups - CHRISTIAN ENCOURAGERS ~ January

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 marvellous are 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.

WE ACCEPT ALL NEW MEMBERS HERE! :hug:
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HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE :newyear:

We had a quiet New Year's Eve around here as usual :) I was asleep before 9:00...had a few too many beers :o Angie was up at mid-night but only because of acid reflux issues she had yesterday.

My son and dil were having a party so we cruised over there for some early drinks and appetizers then came on home leaving them with my daughter and sil and my step-d and about 20 of my son's friends...it was plenty loud enough for us old timers ;)

We had all the kids here yesterday for our Christmas. My son/dil - daughter/sil - step-d and nephew and his girlfriend visiting here from Minnesota. We had planned earlier to give to World Vision as we have done in the past instead of exchanging gifts. My son brought up the idea to give the money to my sister a while back....we voted as a family to do that yesterday.

For those that don't know my sister has breast cancer, she does have insurance but the co-pays are very expensive for her. Week before last she had to go to emergency two nights in a row, when her temp got up too high, that alone cost her $100. Praise God for the gift of insurance!

I plan on watching a lot of football today...as if you didn't know ;) Seriously, I have given Angie a break, we have watched a lot of movies during this holiday season when I would otherwise be watching games down here in the family room. She will come down and knit from time to time and sit in her recliner next to mine, but I know she would rather football not be on! :)

The family and friends are in a pool on ESPN for the games, I am in 3rd right now out of 23 in our league...:p kidnapper :p is in 2nd and my bil is in first. I was in first for 1 game on Wednesday night...then dropped quick with the Nebraska win in the Holiday Bowl.

I promise to get back in here today or tomorrow and catch up with all of you! I have read your posts daily and pray always for my 3FC friends!

C-YA soon :wave:

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S DAY TO EVERYONE!


GARY ~ that new avatar pick of you and Angie is really nice; looks like it is at your church ... we had a quiet New Year's Eve too; just stayed home and watched movies, but DH did stay up to cheer in the new year. ;) I stayed up later than that; as I got into one of my historical Harlequin romances and couldn't put it down! :lol: It is a special edition with three stories; one down, two more to go ... oh boy! I love 'em: they're clean with no swearing, and always have a good ending too ... my kind of stories, for sure!

I think that was a good idea to give some help to your sister for her medical costs. We are so blessed here in Canada to have health care insurance for everyone. Too bad your gov couldn't have a similar insurance so people don't have to choose between being sick and money all the time. Here, if you work, you pay premiums which are based on your income level and the last time I paid them, they were very fair; but there are some exceptions where some people don't have to pay, ie the disabled, jobless, students, seniors, etc. I hear of so many cases in the US where people are sick but can't get insurance when they need it the most; here, you can't be turned down -- becuz everyone qualifies. Our system isn't perfect, but we like it much better ...

We switched things up a bit and had pasta for dinner tonight; had a good OP day, and just did stuff around here. It's a bit cold again and the wind is fierce so DH didn't even want to go outside today. It's suppose to warm up just a tad tomorrow; yeah!

PS TO RONNI ~ sent up some prayers for your tooth last night; hope you are feeling better and get to the dentist real soon!!! Sounds like you are having fun with family there too ... :hug:

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend; and take good care ... :flow1:ROSEBUD :flow1:

Happy 2010, Everyone! Does anyone else feel like they're caught in a "Back to the Future" movie? I just can't believe it's already '10!

We've had DS1 and his family here since yesterday afternoon and they're staying till tomorrow-it's been fun, yet exhausting, as DGDs, who are 3 1/2 and 1 1/2, have endless energy! Add in DSGS, 11, DSGD, 10, and my DS's, 17 and 13, and it's been total chaos :dizzy:!

Hope everyone's having a great holiday and that God blesses each one of you in 2010! Prayers for all....:hug:

ROSEBUD ~ Thanks. The picture is actually in front of my fireplace in my living room. Happy 50th to Numpster :carrot: Angie's is in 6 days. Sorry you are having sold weather and high winds...be safe and warm :hug:

RONNI ~ Yep...that sounds like a full...noisey...house :D My nephew just left here with his girlfriend to go to the mal...ahhh...nice and quiet now ;) I love him dearly but boy can that boy talk!!! :) How is the tooth?

KAREN ~ Hockey on that pool yet? ;) Sorry to hear about your son and wife....we both know the troubles of all that mess! Prayers!

SCOOTER ~ When you get your house clean come on over here :D I got a garage that needs some attention! Glad you could catch up at work and get a bit of a break at church.

KIM ~ I hope that cough is better and this finds you well :)

KATIE ~ I hope your Christmas at your dad's house was pleasant. Prayers for that work position for you.

PINK ~ So...do blondes have more fun? ;) I hope it all comes together for you with your Pastor leaving :hug:

MELO ~ The C25K program is great!

LESLIELOU ~ WILMA ~ I hope all is well!

Angie called down for dinner...gotta go....

Oh I have missed all of you! I was sent a email from my provider but it really was not from my provider but someone hacked in to 281.com and my computer got a virus. I would of never of known it but I go on line to get my email before it comes on my computer because my computer cannot handle alot of pictures etc... it would not let me delete etc....and then when I went back to that email it said to close it for it was getting all the info off my computer. Which is all Grandma stuff. I did not come on here for I did not want y'all to catch it! They kept it 1 month had to put a new windows on it but it is still not up to par. Then when I got it back could not remember my password!! Just found it today!

I got to go Thanksgiving and see my grandchildren! Then in December came down with a cold and chest congestion , went to the doctor, gave me 5 prescriptions! Two for infections. I had Christmas here sure was hopping someone else would have it in the family but no such luck. Working at store and here on the ranch. I started to feeling better 4 days ago, sure was glad about that! Then New Year which I felt a-lot better.

HEY BOOTSIE ~ we are soooo glad to have you back here; really missed you and your bright light! Sorry you got a virus; hope things are getting all fixed up; kept up the prayers for you that it would all get sorted out ... the LORD heard me calling ... :lol: Sorry to hear you got a bad flu; we had one too, but looks like we are on the up side now and feeling much better. I'm sure it is to all the prayers going up for us by these great people here. So happy to hear from you again; come back often as we love to hear your cheery self!!! :hug:

It is very cold here again today, down to -17C and -25C during the night, but that isn't counting the wind factor which can drop the temps down by as much as another 10%. I didn't even venture outdoors today; stayed inside, thank you very much, but the :sunny: did come out for most of the day to warm us up a bit and that was nice ...

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend; and do keep warm ... :flow1: ROSEBUD:flow1:

So glad to be back! WOW!! 17C and 25C , your past hibernating weather in Texas! I think everyone I know has been sick with what ever I had, just bad stuff. Boy did my garden grow while I was sick, went out there and great big turnips, have to cut back the mustard greens so big and the onions are growing great! Had to sale half my goats when went to Marfa only have 15 now counting babies. Sometimes you just got to sacrifice things for the people you love, that is what I did. Oh well, hope they all went to good homes. Well best get out there with what I got left and feed them!

Hi everyone,

Hope you are well today!

I'm wallowing in self-pity and hiding from God. Not very healthy, I know. Depression has a hold on me, and I am not really doing much to fight it, sadly.

EZ - I am having fun as a blonde! The funny thing is that she is probably not leaving for over a year, but I have bad abandonment issues stemming from childhood abuse, and I don't want her to move away as we are very close. I know I need to widen my support network, but I am not really sure how.

I have been eating like a pig lately and have probably gained weight back over the past few weeks. I went over to my pastor's for Christmas (I had no family in the city) and I went out with some friend for NYE, but aside from that have barely left the house. I didn't make it to church today, which is the one thing I told myself I would do this weekend.

I feel too depressed and nervous to weigh myself, and afraid that I have undone all my progress. I am feeling frustrated and sad with the fact that the world can be so shallow and unloving.

Sorry, this is incredibly depressing.

I think I will make a psychiatrist appointment on Monday. I am obviously still depressed.

God bless everyone, and best wishes for a lovely 2010.
:hug:

HI GALS :)

Just taking inthe Charger game hoping to see my :love: daughter in law :love: cheering :cheer3: and my :love: daughter :love: and :p kidnapper :p in the stands.

Angie is off at the salon getting the grey out ;) ...our 14th wedding anniversary and her 50th birthday are coming up this week....she's gotta look good :woohoo:

Church was nice this morning, the youth group did all the readings and ushering, etc. Last week it was the college aged kids. Pastor was out again with his cold...nice that we seem to not miss a beat when he isn't here...so many men qualified to fill in where needed and in a pinch we seem to always have a retired Pastor in our church in case Vicar isn't available. I say we have about 8 retired Pastors with us.

Well tomorrow I start back on the weight loss track...I really jumped off this year...a little at a time ALL year long...dang :mad:

ROSEBUD ~ Sending :sunny:

BOOTSIE ~ So good to have you back with us :broc:

Well gals....back to the game ;)

PINK you posted right before me....

I am glad you are having fun!!!

Prayers for those issues of yours...we are here to help where we can...hugs!

THANKS, GARY ~ they are predicting :sunny: for this week; and it should help to warm things up a tad! I am also working very hard to get back on track this week; and did great today! :carrot:

PINK ~ ^sending up prayers^ that you can find a good counsellor very soon, as a young person with so much potential and so many opportunities shouldn't be in such a funk for so long ... yes indeedy, make that appointment pronto!!! :hug:

WOW BOOTSIE ~ that's awesome that you have a winter garden growing; I had considered doing an indoor herb garden, but I don't have any seeds right now. So I will plan that for next year and order some for this spring. I want to plant some chives in our garden bed this year too. It seems many people here have had some kind of flu bug; it's everywhere ...

:wave: to all our other CE's out there; hope you are all recovering nicely from your busy holidays, and feelin' fine ...:flow1: ROSEBUD :flow1:

Oh yes, Rosebud, that is just another reason I love Texas, a garden all year long! Been eating spinach out of it and oh the turnips are so sweet!
Thanks Gary! I am so glad I finally found my pass word!
Pink I gained 10 pounds over the Holidays, this year I plan on doing better but it is not going to be easy; we must never give up. Right now I am making myself exercise and I am eating more veggie's and fruit. I think a lot of what I gained is water but to me that is just as bad.
I have a question and I hope someone can answer it for me, How much sodium does a person need? I do love salt and think I may be using to much. Plus while I was sick my doctor told me to use salt water to clear my nose out, worked great! Then I thought that might of been where the weight gain really came from.

@Gary, Thanks. It's actually my dad's family's Christmas. The 3 of us(Mum, Dad & I) go to Mum's cousin's house on Christmas Day and my Dad's brother's on New Years usually. Works out best for us. Otherwise it's 4 hours worth of travel on Christmas Day and very little time in between. lol

@Ronni, My cousin's kids are 9, 7, 5 & 2. I know how you feel. I used to go spend 3 - 4 days with them and OH! MY! GOODNESS!! LOL And that was when Ella(2) was an infant! :eek: :dizzy: LOL

@Rosebud, It's currently -13ºc here. SOOO COLD! I have to go to work in less than 2 hours. We need an emote that turns blue and shivers. LOL
My friend said it was so cold that the de-icer froze coming out of the can this morning! LOL

Christmas with Dad's family was ok. I still don't feel like I fit in but at least we passed some of the time by playing Cranium. Fun game. Even for me! At one point I had to draw a sattelite dish with my eyes closed. LOL :lol:

Well, I found 2 work out DVDs that I want but can't order till next payday. I'd rather buy the DVDs than have to go to a gym every day. At least with the DVDs I can do one or 2 of the 10 minute work outs before work and then more in the evening after my parents are in bed or something like that.

Last night I went to bed with a major headache, woke at 2 AM with a migraine, went to sleep in tears at about 5:30 AM and woke at 8 AM with a minor headache. Praise God I don't have to call off work! That would be bad.

:grouphug: Hugs to all and Happy New Year!

KATIE ~ sorry to hear you have such bad migraines; will definitely ^send up some prayers^ for that! What does your doctor say about them? DH is on a low-dose aspirin therapy right now, and that has really helped his headaches a lot; he still gets the odd one but nothing like he did before. Too bad the doctors can't find the sources of those nasty thangs! :lol: The dvds sound like a great idea; I like the convenience of them too ... :hug:

BOOTSIE ~ I had funny visions in my mind of just how that salt water worked :?: so, I won't go there ... :lol: Anyhow, yes indeedy, salt can cause you to retain water and I would bet most of that gain is likely water. You would have had to eat a horse almost daily to gain 10 lbs so fast, so it has to be mostly water ... ;) Drink your water each day -- 1 cup at a time; they say it can help flush the salt out of your body.

Just stayed indoors again today as it is terribly cold today and no sunshine. Maybe tomorrow? The temps were a bit higher today though, so that was a blessing and DH was able to go get our mail; wanna get those bills paid on time (hydro & phone). Ate well today; stayed on plan -- :carrot:

Hope you all have a good week; and do take care ... :flow1: ROSEBUD :flow1:

@Rosebud, Long story short? LOL My headache specialist can't find any reason for them. I'd had 1 headache for over 6 years. The only time I had been without it was my first 2 doses of DHE45 in hospital but on my 3rd dose I reacted to it. I couldn't breathe. No other medications would work. One point I was on 8 different prescriptions! :O
BUT! GOD IS GOOD! I have been healed of those headaches. Still seem to get a migraine now and then but nothing like I used to have. I've learned not to eat at one particular restaurant but other than that can't find any other triggers for them.

Not looking forward to tomorrow. After work I I'm going to try to pop in for a moment at my old friend's grandmother's wake. But I have to be at church BY 6:30(or I don't get a seat. LOL).
I really don't want to go beacuse it's been over 12 years since KR and I have been really good friends, we really haven't kept in touch much.

But anyway, Can't sleep even though I've take Ibuprofen. So I'm trying to do something to make me relax and get sleepy.

Hey everybody!!!!!!!!! I am reading 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper...anyone else read this? It's an amazing true story of his death and spending 90 minutes in heaven! It's an awesome book!

As far as my diet goes...I was going to do the Wendy Chant Crack the Fat Loss Diet....the first week is a deplete week...basically very low carb. After starting the diet yesterday..I realized that I really missed doing low carb dieting. I did this a few years and lost 30 pounds. I was a size 8 then and had I stuck with it I would have reached goal! oh my...lessons learned! I also have an intolerance to gluten I believe so this fits right into what I need.

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis this past year and since I cannot do hard workouts or even running..this diet will help me lose weight with limited exercise. I love to walk though and plan to keep that going and even do the Walk Away the Pounds DVD again.

With the diagnosis...my life has changed completely. I am 36 and a single mom and with this diagnosis I realized that life is short and you really do have to appreciate the small things in life. I'm physically unable to do some things I used to do but I appreciate some of the things I used to take for granted.

Also with this diagnosis I have learned to only surround myself with positive people. People who bring me down or who are not encouraging to me....I just dont need them. That may sound bad but I honestly need uplifting people in my life and that includes online friends.

So, here is to a new year and outstanding progress in 2010!!!!!!!! Now, if we could just get one snow day before spring I would be even happier! :D

HI GALS ~

I have caught up on the reading but not much to post. I went back to work today after 2 months off with hernia surgery....ouch! Hernias did well but my body aches...lol...a real hard day to start!

Good to see BOOTSIE back and LESLIELOU and KATIE keeping up!

KATIE ~ well, I'm glad the worst of them has been healed for you; but will still pray that you won't have the others too often either. They say there could be so many causes: restricted veins, food allergies or sensitivities, stress & emotions, loud noises, high blood pressure, maybe hormones or chemical imbalances ... but trying to sort out what trigger is yours isn't that easy really. Prayers going up that you'll be able to sleep good tonight ... :hug:


LESLIELOU ~ yes, I read Don Piper's book when it first came out; and I think I may still have it here in my book stash somewhere. I certainly could identify with that man: he had a bad accident and we had a lot in common ... PAIN; and we both had a knee that kept dislocating and had a mind of its own. Becuz of that, I really was encouraged by his book, but the spiritual parts too as I recall. Gee, it's been so long since I read it, I can only remember the part about his injuries the most. Maybe I should track it down and read it again this winter sometime.

HI GARY ~ you posted whilst I was typing mine. Sorry to hear you were hurting so much when you went back to work today; will send up some prayers about that. Maybe a nice soak in the tub will help your muscles feel better ...

:wave: to all our other Encouragers out there; hope you are having a good day. We had a nice chicken stew with homemade wheat biscuits for dinner tonight; yummy! Take good care ... :flow1: ROSEBUD :flow1:

Texas is getting cold! When it comes to cold weather Texans just have a hard time taking it. I cannot even imagine what is headed our way, I am so ready to hibernate, but the goats, chickens, cats , dogs and the duck needs me! Oh Rosebud they say its below , way below 0 in Canada, how do you live in that kind of weather? How does your computer even work? How do you keep from freezing??

Worked again today at our store doing invetory. I really need to find a course in hardware I can take, so I can help the customers more.
My husband is trying to diet with me, so thankful about that ,can already see the pounds melting off of him!

Gary so sorry to hear you have had hernia surgery.... my husband hurts every night, we get cramps in our legs really bad. I am hoping when we get this weight off those pains will go away.

Leslie Lou never heard of that diet, sounds good . Love your attitude! You will truly succeed in loosing weight. It won't be easy but we can do it!

Katie I am so glad that you have been healed from those headakes, be praying they stay gone!

HI GALS ~

ROSEBUD....It's just these old bones....sitting around in my recliner after my walk wasn't much of a work-out while I was off....lol....Plus I had to do a lot of up and down on my 2 foot bench today...I will get back in the swing of things! Thanks!!!!!

BOOTSIE ....I am all healed up from the surgery...I had it done on Nov. 12th and was released back to work middle of last week. I had some pain from surgery but after 2 weeks it was more of a nusiance! I had one hernia for over 5 years and one for a couple...they really didn't hurt too much ever but my doctor wanted them taken care of before they got worse.

Prayers for both of you and your husband too BOOTSIE for your legs!

Hello everyone, I thought I'd like to join your group.
I'm from the East of the UK and I'm 47. I've got 70 pounds to go. 8 and half lost ..... It's pretty cold here around freezing and we've got snow....

Gary...so sorry you were in pain....going back to work after surgery can be rough. It seems to take a while to get your "work strength" up! I hope you got some rest last night and have a better day today!

Rosebud...oh the images of heaven he described will always stay with me. I hope you read it again! I've always had images of heaven in my mind...but his descriptions are truly awesome!

Bootsie....I'm basically just doing low carb now. Wendy Chant's way is different from low carb but not really too much. I don't eat breads or pasta cause of gluten intolerance...so I'm just gonna follow low carb ....it seems easier! I'm in Arkansas and I can relate to how you feel about this cold weather! Thank you for your encouraging words! :)

Moonwater....welcome! try to stay warm!

Moonwater-:welcome2: glad to have you here. Post as often as you can so we get to know you better. I've been hearing about the cold and snow in the UK-amazing! We've got a lot of snow and more coming and very, very cold(-10F this morning), but it's always like this in January, so we should be used to it. All I can say is that I'm not originally from this far north and I will never, ever get used to this kind of cold and the snow that stays for 6 months!

Katie-maybe you've already ruled this out, but garlic is my migraine trigger. I really can't eat any at all or I get migraines that stay for a couple days to more than a week. Been happening all my life, but didn't figure out what the cause was for sure until last year. Praying for you:hug:

Gary-glad to hear you're back to work and feeling better! Those nagging little pains from the unaccustomed exercise will work out in a couple days as I'm sure you know;).

Hi to everyone else as well! Yesterday was busy, with DS's back to doing schoolwork and finally had my dentist appt to see what was causing the toothache. Turns out it was abcessed and the dentist started a root canal (owwieee, ow, ow!). Have to wait a week for the completion and I sure hope it doesn't hurt this bad the whole time! I hesitated having it done-really considered just having it extracted-as I heard something a while back indicating that having root canals done just ends up leading to more and more dental problems and you'll end up losing the tooth later anyway. Has anyone else heard negatives about the procedure? All I know right now is that I wish I'd bought stock in Advil a long time ago:lol:

Hope everyone has a blessed and joyful day!

LeslieLou - Thanks for the warm welcome!

Ronnie62- Also thanks for the welcome. I don't think I'd like snow for 6 months of the year. We're not used to it here. Wow, just seen how much weight you've lost... what plan are you on?

:welcome: MOONWATER ~ that's an interesting moniker; I love the moon! ;) Yes, we have been hearing from other UK members about all the record snow and temps over there.

HI RONNI ~ Firstly, I didn't realize that it was that cold in IOWA; learn something new every day on here. Secondly, I went thru a similar experience just recently -- I had a tooth that was painful whenever I drank anything cold or hot (for quite some time). They looked at it and told me it needed a root canal or to be pulled; then said it was my choice, but they only gave me about one minute to decide. Long story-short: I ask around and changed my mind; I had them pull it and I am so glad I did.

Why? I asked people to be honest and they were -- my brother told me that every tooth he had a root canal in had to be pulled this past year; and he had to get plates anyways. He spent a $fortune$ on his teeth and they lasted only until he was 54 y/o; but he had been suffering with pain for some time from infections. I thought that you got a root canal and that was it; no more pain or infections forever: let's just say that I was naive. I can't stand the pain or the drilling; and I wish the dentist's were more forthright about this procedure. My dentist said that it might work or it might not; and, it's not as painful as it used to be. :?: Huh? That didn't make me feel confident at all. That's another reason I had it pulled. Not only that, this tooth was already black and fragile (the fillings kept falling out); not really worth saving IMO.

So, this is how I decided: how much pain, and how much suffering, and how much money, and how many procedures should I have to endure to just have this tooth a short time longer? I decided ~ enuff already! Sorry, didn't mean to get on a soap box or anything; just sharing my honest thoughts with you ... will send up some prayers for you concerning this matter! :hug:


BOOTSIE ~ :lol: well, we do have heat here! We have to or we would all freeze! ;) We have gas heat and we dresss up very, very well when we go out, but I stay indoors more in the winter than at other times. We have snow here 5-6 months a year; snow was very late this year and didn't "stay" til the end of the first week of December, so we will likely have a shorter winter this year; that's nice.

LESIELOU ~ thanks, I will dig that book out again; as it has been some years since I read it. When we moved last year, I packed all the books I had read already in separate boxes and it is still there, I think. A hunting, I will go ... :hug:

Had something different for dinner tonight; whole grain spagetti with chicken and mushroom Ragu sauce: I added in some diced green peppers, carrots, and zucchini to thicken the sauce up a bit. DH & I loved it, so we will be making this again for sure.

HI TO ALL OUR CE'ers OUT THERE ~ hope you are all having a great week ... :flow1: ROSEBUD :flow1:

Ronni...I have had several root canals and crowns put over the teeth afterwards. The crowns look like real teeth! So far so good. It was costly but I haven't had any problems and I got to keep my teeth! Dentists will tell you that having teeth pulled may mess up your bite...I dont know about that really if its only one in the back. I'm a chicken about going to the dentist and I always ask for the nitreous oxide (laughing gas) for procedures :D I'm surprised your dentist didnt give you some pain meds....Goodness, Advil only? I hope you wont have much pain :hug: Also, An abscessed tooth is the worst pain ever I believe! I've had a C-section and other surgeries but it seems nothing hurts worse than tooth pain!

Rosebud....your dinner sounds yummy! :)

Welcome Moonwater! I have 50 pounds I need to loose. I have started on the Atkins diet today. I was on it one time and I lost 15 pounds on it but don't know if it will work that way this time or not, I do like the feeling of not being hungry all the time.
Ronnie been watching the weather up north, never seen it so cold there! It is supose to hit here in the morning around 2 Am. 30 to 40 mile an hour winds all day Thursday and 34 degrees and 18 tomorrow night! Rosebud I just can't even imagine snow for 6 months and living a normal life. It is so amazing to me how y'all and the animals survive such weather.

Sorry I am chicken to at the dentist!

Went to town today, and got groceries and my husband was just over loaded with business while I was gone people buying heat lamps wrapping their pipes ect...sure was glad to see me! I fixed it where the goats are on the south side of the barn out of the wind and may just keep them in tomorrow till Saturday. Will see how it goes.
Well best go and see if the fire is still ging in the fireplace.

Hi all!
A quick fly-in to say hi and that prayers are ascending for all!
Way too busy, with absolutely no time online. The laptop is limping along, so any time I have online is researching how to fix its "issues".

Otherwise, all is well here in SNOWY and COLD Michigan.

Blessings to all!

Laurie

Also forgot that I have to go to the dentist again tomorrow AM myself; have to get a couple of "small?" fillings; hope that all goes well ... please pray about that for me!!! :^: I had wanted all this done before winter set in, but the appts kept getting postponed; so hopefully all goes well and it will be over for this year; LORD help me be brave ...

BOOSTIE ~ we have to keep the animals inside for the most part; warm barns for them. We only used to put our animals out into the yard in the day time and/or if the sun was out. We opened the door and let them decide. The others stayed indoors for the winter. Our NIKO is a housedog for sure now; he does his duty and barks right away: which means, "LET ME IN, IT'S FREEZING OUT HERE!" :lol:

:wave: HI LAURIE ...

3FC Friends!!
I AM BACK!!
I have dearly missed everybody and I really do not know why I stopped posting or visiting this site. I think I became overwhelmed with some things and left everything else at a stand still. I am willing and ready to do my best and get back into my support system. I hope everyone is having a great NEW YEAR and everybody enjoyed the holidays. I just wanted to say hello and let you know you will be seeing more of me. I know 2010 will bring plenty of goodness and mercy and many blessings to each and every one of you!

I hope you havent forgotten about me, because I am so glad to see familiar names :)

I am working hard to shed some holiday weight I put on after losing a few pounds. I know my 3FC family will help me reach my goal. I am starting with short term goals and build myself up from there. I am convinced that if I see a big number I will lose motivation. I have to lose some serious weight before the big day!!!

Anyway, dont want to babble too much, but I am so glad to be back.

Love you all and many blessings to you!!!

:welcome3: back, SUGA ~ Oh yes, we remember you very well; so glad that you made your way back here. So many do that; they start losing and getting healthier, then leave. After a while, they realize that the group support offered here can really help them focus on their journey towards good health ... :hug:


THANKS ~ to all of you who have been praying for us lately. My dry cough is gone (only a few sniffles in the AM: not too bad); back is OK again; DH is feeling much better too; my visit to the Dentist today went very well! :D He took his time explaining things to me and even showed me the xrays; gave me meds to prevent pain; and all went very smoothly. :carrot:

He only did one tooth today, which I prefer; one to do later in February. In the distant future I will have to have one of my wisdom teeth pulled as it has a cavity and since it came in crooked and only half way, I am not using it. So it won't damage the tooth next to it, it will be removed eventually; but there's no rush right now.

Thankfully, the warmer temps held out for us; staying at -10C (yes, that's warm for here in January). Later, we picked up some groceries and a BBQ spit dinner for a late hot lunch. Tonight we'll just have a lite supper like soup & sandwich. Got lots of walking in too, and sure could feel that in my legs today.

Now I can rest for the rest of the week. We put away many of our indoor decorations yesterday; and I sorted out the spare room and the Christmas boxes too. Overdid it a bit and was sore for it today, but I am glad it's done. Since it took a while to get my tree finished, we decided to leave it up a bit longer as it is artificial pine tree (and looks very real). It looks so nice at night and is very pretty and relaxing.

Hope you all are having a great week too ... :flow1: ROSEBUD :flow1:

Good to see you back SUGA!!

Glad you got warmer weather and walking in ROSEBUD!!

Hello SCOOTER....

RONNIE I have had many root canals....I still have all of those teeth although 1 molar is probably going to go...good luck :hug:

BOOTSIE stay warm!!

LESLIELOU...hello

MOONWATER welcome!!

Angie's 50th birthday today...we will celebrate with family here on Saturday...big party...she is teaching 2 classes of yoga tonight....I am watching the big game...gotta get back to it....;)

glad to meet you suga!

Rosebud...glad your appointment went well :)

Gary, hi! :)

Bootsie..I'm doing low carb too! :)

Laurie...thanks for the warm hello! :)

It is very cold here....brrrrrr! This weather is crazy right now! I am counting blessings on having central heat and having a nice warm bed to sleep in....:)

Sorry, feeling a bit sad and sick for personals. Will come back tomorrow :)

I realize that it might be hard for some people to understand why this upset me so much, but my pastor told me today she's retiring in June. I had a childhood with a lot of abuse and neglect, and she's been like a 2nd mom to me. We meet most weeks and talk for a few hours and she's always there to email me or give me hugs. Anyway, she is pretty much my only support right now. I am really isolated and it's hard for me to get close to people because I hate myself so much. She just means so much to me, I spend Christmas at her house. I knew she was going to retire soon (she's 65) but it's just really hard, I feel sad and scared. She is also moving away.

Justwantt2Behealthy - the moniker comes from a translation of my name, ..... it also applies to where I live ie on a river in a 'narrow boat'.

Boostie - Thanks for the welcome. I did try Atkins once . A friend did really well on it. But it didn't really suit me that much. I'm currently doing Rosemary Conley, a British diet Guru's diet.

Today I'm doing OK. The weather (I'll blame it on that!) is just making me want to eat loads of heavy fat filled stuff, so I'm having to fight it off !

awww pink...I am so sorry :hug: I know its not near the same but with having the internet and such these days at least you two could keep in touch. Did she say she will still help you and talk to you weekly even if its by phone?

keep fighting off those bad foods moonwater!

Hope everybody has a great day.....we are in freezing temps here which is unusual for us! brrrrrr

Suga-nice to see you back! Yep, you can join the club of many of us who need to re-lose some pounds because of misbehaving at the holidays;)!

Pink-It is hard when people we've come to love and rely on need to move on. But, like LeslieLou said, today, with e-mail and such, it's so much easier to keep in touch. And, depending on your relationship and where she's moving, it could become a new vacation destination. Even though it seems dismal right now, you will find other people to become close to. And, don't forget about us here at 3fc!

Moonwater-you asked what plan I do and it's just simple calorie counting (cycling-meaning that I shoot for a range of calories to average out to about 1400 per day now). I have changed many things I eat and how I cook-no frying, no sugar-laden snacks, no hfcs or artificial sweeteners. I try to walk, but that's tough right now with our crummy weather, so I'm doing toning and some strength-building exercises (but only about 20 minutes a day, 'cause I'm a wimp). I learned to just go ahead and feed my cravings, which are mostly just for dark chocolate or popcorn, with healthy versions of them, so I don't binge on junk later. And, I feed my need for support here:D

Gary-hope you and Angie had a nice anniversary and that you give her a special birthday!

Not much going on here-no school and we kinda slacked on the homeschool work too, because I'm tired and just not feeling up to it. Had some paperwork to do, so I caught up on that. Can't believe how big the piles of snow are. If I can get DS2 to go out with the camera, I'll put up some shots. Well, better go...Dr. Oz is on shortly and I just love watching his show-he has so many weight loss successes on and it really motivates me! You all have a great evening and weekend!

:wave: HELLO EVERYONE ...

:hug: PINK ~ I think the advice RONNI gave you was spot on ... You can call her & email her; and you could still go visit her at Christmas or other holidays too. I used to do that when I was in college: I took the train to visit family on holidays; it was an awesome adventure every time. We'll also pray that you will meet some new friends as well. :hug:

RONNIE ~ great advice to PINK there! When I went to the dentist yesterday, the Senior Dentist was there and he told me that he agreed with my decision to pull out that last tooth, as it was in such bad shape (and not worth saving). It seems the Junior Dentist was not inclined to offer his opinion, but the Senior Dentist makes recommendations regularly. I think it comes down to 1) if the tooth is worth saving 2) will it let you have the tooth for a reasonable amount of time 3) you want to try to save it for personal reasons. I learned something through all this; now I know what to ask and how to decide in the future. ^Prayers^ for your comfort continue ... :hug:

We are just having a lazy day here at home too, as the temps fell last night and we have a nasty wind out there today. DH tried to go for a walk this AM and had to turn around and come back home; said he almost froze his face off ... he promises that he'll wear a scarf next time! :dizzy:

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend ... take care :flow1: ROSEBUD :flow1:

Hi all, Happy Friday!
Prayers ascending for all - particularly those with health requests!

All is well here in MI. A typical BUSY week (too many hours at school) but very productive.

I hope everyone had a good weight-loss week. I'm still haning at 117 :D

What a blessing to get through the holidays without a gain.

blessings to all!

Laurie

Pink a friendship as precious as you describe doesn't just stop ,just because someone retires. I retired from from Outlook ministry on line, and I love my precious sisters I made there and some still stay in touch with me. Their friendship is precious to me. What Ronnie says is so true!

Ronnie I love Dr.Oz..show! I love snow too! Still have not got to have a snow ball fight or roll my dog Lee in it!

Oh I got to tell y'all what old Lee did last night. I took a sheet and some other clothes and was trying to put them in his dog house . He kept trying to pull them through the fence and when he gets the material he normally tears it to shreds! I told him to leave it alone I am trying to put it in your dog house to keep you warm. I missed his dog house. I thought, Oh no he will tear it to shreds and dump it in his large water trough and throw it everywhere! But he did not he got the king size sheet and the shirts and put them in his dog house. I just stood there in amazement or shock! But i petted him and told him what a good boy he he is. Then i gave him some left over pieces of fat from my husbands steak, to go with his dog feed
and he took it in his dog house also. It got down to 12 here last night!
He was up and about waiting to greet me this morning wagging his tail!

Leslie Lou how long have you been on low carbs, me this is my 4th day?

Hey there Suga!

hey Bootsie...I started it this past Monday, Jan. 4th :)

:wave: HELLO FRIENDS ~ just having a relaxing day at home; awoke to clear :sunny: skies this AM, but then clouds rolled in around noon, but the temps stayed milder today at about -13C to -15C for most of the day. Having a center roast of Pork for dinner with lots of veggies, of course; and a nice, lite apple crisp for dessert.

Have been busy working on my PC this weekend -- trying to upgrade some of my programs.I was just watching some kiddies tobaggoning across the road while mom takes some pictures for memories; oh, those were the days.


BOOTSIE ~ our furry friends are pretty smart, aren't they? Lee was just tryin' to help you out.

LAURIE ~ you did very well maintaining over the holiday season!

LESLIELOU ~ they are saying that the temps are colder worldwide this year; so we are all in the same igloo this winter ... :lol:

Hope all our CE'ers are well, and having a lovely day too; take good care ... :flow1:ROSEBUD:flow1:

I'm having a very lazy day today. I don't know if I'm coming down with something or I'm suffering a minor after Christmas depression but I don't feel motivated to do anything. On the up side I have been eating better and have been getting a bit more exercise in.

DH went back to work this past week also, Gary He found the first couple of days a little sore but it doing fine. Glad to hear you're doing okay too. Please wish Angie a belated happy birthday from me.

Not too much happening around here. It's too cold out to do anything outside so I've been getting on the bike more and am starting to be more faithful on the WII. I also have some exercises I can do with weights and the ball so hopefully with all that I'll start toning again.

Hope all is going will with all of you. You are in my prayers.

HI GALS ~

A quick check in here. We had Angie's party last night....30 friends and family. A very nice dinner of penne alla vodka, pizza and spaghetti with zucchini....high calorie...oh my!! We had leftover penne tonight and enough for us for one more meal...so rich but oh so good!

We had a house full spend the night...out of family towners but no one got up to go to church with us...their loss! It was great as always....of course they announced it was our 14th anniversary the past week and Angie's 50th....a lot of well wishes of course...and as we shook hands/hugged on the way out Pastor says Happy Birthday young lady to Ang and how does it feel to be married to someone so much older Gary? The guy is a riot...

Well I am back to work so better check out for now and get some clothes ready and lunch stuff going for the morning....3:45am wake up comes way early these days after not having to get up that early for a couple of months.

Prayers ~ Gary

Just popping in to say you are all in my prayers! =)

HI IRIS ~ nice to see you drop by; hope you and yours had a nice Christmas! How's the new beau?

GARY ~ HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY to ANGIE! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you both too ... you have lots of celebrations around the same time of year; and Valentine's is just around the corner ... ;)

HI WILMA ~ glad your DH is well enuff to return to work too; prayers for muscles and adjustment for both him and GARY ...


:wave: Hope you all have a Maavellous Monday ...:flow1:

Prayers for your concerns ROSEBUD!

A quick fly-in. Just got home from another church meeting.
Prayers ascending for all!

Laurie :scooter:

J (my new BF) and I are doing really well... he does the dishes if I cook dinner which I think is a good sign! =)

Happy Anniversary to Gary and Angie and blessings to all!

Without GOD, our week would be:

Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday,
Thirstday, Fightday & Shatterday.

If you are not ashamed of GOD, pass it on.
Remember seven days WITHOUT GOD makes
one WEAK!!

Awesome Karen!

Another email that I received that I just had to share with everyone.

OH, KAREN ... that is sooooooo funny! :lol: Thanks for sharing it ... :hug:

I've been pretty down on myself lately, but I think I'm starting to lift out of it.

God, help me to remember: When people say mean things to me, they didn't create me, they didn't die on a cross for me, and they're not going to be on the throne during Judgment.

:hug:MRS. BRADY ~ sometimes we have to remember that GOD thinks we are good enuff to love, so we should too. JESUS thinks that we are good enuff to love, so why don't we? I mean what are we saying: that GOD made a mistake to love us? :nono: That is why I tend to get a tad upset with those who are so mean to others and themselves over their weight ... are we saying GOD is wrong to love fat people?

Somehow, I just don't think that GOD is gonna meet us at the pearly gates, and say ... even though I knew you -- you're fat, so you can't come in ... ;) I mean, is He gonna say to our spirit, becuz you were fat down there, I'm not gonna let you in up here? You know, that dead body that's down there in that grave? That doesn't even make any sense ... :lol:

I actually believe that is Satan who is picking on you; he wants you to stop being joyful and happy in the Lord. So he puts you down with negative thoughts; and sometimes, he uses other people to do that too. We have to rebuke him ... in the Lord's name and say ... GLORY HALLELUJAH ... I'M SO THANKFUL THAT JESUS LOVES ME -- JUST AS I AM ... know that song?

Yah, I'm fat ... and I may always be fat; but I'm going to heaven to be with my JESUS, whether others like it or not!!! My mother was fat, and my grandmother was fat; but I just know that they are both in heaven ...

Millions of people are fat ... and that's a fact! Do you know that in many other countries, that is a sign of being healthy? Do you know that in many other countries, if you are thin, they think that you are sick? I thank GOD every day that we are blessed with enuff food to eat. All I am asking for is to be healthy ... and slowly but surely, that is coming true ... PTL!

MRS. BRADY ~ GOD LOVES YOU, and JESUS LOVES YOU ... just the way you are ... now, YOU LOVE YOU, TOO!!! :hug:

Well heck yeah ROSEBUD!!!

God won't see us any other way but perfect.... He will only see us through JESUS who died for us so we can be perfect!

God does love us fat....but He also wants what is best for us and that is to continue our journey to be as healthy as we can so we can continue to share the GOOD NEWS!!!

Christian Encouragers ROCK...we do....

Rose Bud you are so right! They even think that in Texas. Everytime I got to my weight 155 ,I want to be, people think I am sick. Now I am way over weight and the women talk to me again.
At the bottom of your message RoseBud it always reads ,One step at a time, I can! Ya gotta have faith and a work in Progress, that encourages me! Mrs Brady please don't let discouragement over take you. We are so precious to Jesus and he loves us when no one else seems too.
I know I keep gaining weight and I don't know why. I went back to counting my calories and trying to balance it out then something happened and I regained the 3 pounds I just lost, but gee wizz, I thought would Jesus give up on me No, never has! Just like Rosebud says I am a work in progress so I refuss even though it is so hard, I refuss to give up. When my sister was fighting cancer she taught me one thing and that life is a precious gift and I was to NEVER GIVE UP! My friend next door who is 83 years old taught me in her battle of cancer and treatments Never to give up! To enjoy life, eat healthy and get out and live it! Mrs Brady people do say some mean things, but what they don't relize God is listening
Rosebud , Lee took his sheet and put it in his water trough after the cold spell. David said he was just trying help out by washing it.

just checkin in with everyone! my daughter and I have been playing lots of Monopoly since its so cold outside! Hope all of you are safe and warm! :)

Hi all - a quick fly-in. Meetings every night this week :yikes:
I've read everyone's posts, and prayers are ascending.
Some wise words from Rosebud (as usual) regarding God's love for us!

Rom 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Blessings to all - and prayers ascending!

Laurie :scooter:

:broc: I love this group already.

:wave: HI EVERYBODY ~ gee, not too busy here this weekend; you'd think it was Christmas or something ... :lol: I suppose this means that you are all busy, and healthy, and happy, and working hard, and did I say busy? ;)

Drop by the PRAYER WARRIOR's thread for an update and praise report from me too ... (I will keep you in suspence; haha) :D


Well, the temps dropped a bit last night (-10C) but warmed up today a little, hence perfect conditions for some ***** to fall. We also had some ~~~~~ and blowing ***** for several hours this afternoon & evening, so it's really starting to pile up out there; and there will be lots of work for the snow-fairies for tomorrow too!

I just stayed home today; DH did some errands for me, picking up some fresh veggies for my dinner and soups. I made a chicken noodle-type soup with my veggies soup base today for lunch.

Tonight, I baked some chicken breasts for me, and some boneless, pork centers for DH with lots of roasted veggies. The rest has been put into a casserole for tomorrow night's dinner; I added some frozen broccoli and it will have some cream of mushroom soup poured over it just before baking for
our Sunday dinner. I put 2 containers of the leftovers roasted veggies/broth in the freezer for soups this coming week.

I just finished my last book this week (WHEN GOD SENDS AN ANGEL); and read another historical period romance as well this weekend, finishing it off this afternoon ... love those kinds of stories. They are about people's lives in different historical times: this one was set in the 1700's in the US -- about the time of that nations fight to keep their country; fighting off the British, it seems; but they always have good endings, and I love that ...

Well, that's all the news from here; hope you all have a peaceful and restful and blessed Sunday tomorrow ... :flow1: ROSEBUD :flow1:

I will catch up tomorrow...I promise!!!

Somehow, I just don't think that GOD is gonna meet us at the pearly gates, and say ... even though I knew you -- you're fat, so you can't come in

Justwant2Bhealthy, This is just so right! I am going to try to find When God Sends an Angel at the library. It looks like an inspirational book.

It is so nice to find this group and meet everyone. Hello to all and prayers for each of you.

Yesterday I took the kids on a hike. We got lost and it took an hour longer than expected and we were late for dinner which made everyone fussy especially the hungry baby. When we got home, my neighbor who is one of the finest Christian women I've ever met, was on her way out. She set her stuff down on the way to the car and helped get the kids inside and feed. It just shows the Holy Spirit lives inside us. I am praying to be more like my neighbor.

HI LIZ ~ glad you joined us over here; that was a kind of neighbour Angel you have right next door. I've been there -- in a new city and got lost for hours one time on a very hot day; I was so upset, I started crying as I was carrying a suitcase and a duffle bag and had wandered over 6 miles the wrong way ... then GOD sent 2 ladies my way, and they told me how to get where I was supposed to be (I ended up walking the whole way). I couldn't believe those Angel guides were way out there ... but I was sure glad they were! :D

That book called "When GOD Sends an Angel" is full of real-life stories told by real people how Angels came into their lives and helped them when they needed them: mostly they were other people, and a few animals too. The contributors were the authors of the stories, but Publications International Ltd, 7373 North Cicero Avenue, in Lincolnwood, Illinois, 60712 published the book in 2002. I loved it -- these wonderful stories show how we can all be Angels for each other, just like your neighbour was for you ...

:wave: HI to all our other CE'ers out there; hope you are all having a blessed day ... :hug:

I been out an about this week end to a hardware show. I went back on my atkins diet because I was so hungry all the time. On it I am not hungry. Have lost 1.5 pounds so far. Also found an internet web site to it free. Learning some new tricks on it in eating. Had rib eye and chili with cheese last night. The hardware show gave us all free supper and dinner! No dessert or none of that Bread. We ate at the road house, crazy everyone is waiting for a table and sitting around eating peanuts! Throwing the shells on the floor! The food is always great though!
Been working in the garden today, have enjoyed that. my friend has had heart surgury and she is not doing to good at all. Please pray for her. her first name is Maxine.

HI GALS ~ :)

Well I am finally checking back in :carrot:

I have had a busy week with work and week-end with :^: fun and football :^:

Well heck...those Chargers lost today, their season is over, so it looks like the cheer leading career of my daughter in law is over :( She is not going out for the team next year (as of now) and is planning grand kids :carrot:

Angie and I had a lazy and busy week-end with dinner out, shopping, walks with the dogs, church and chores. We are expecting the worst rain in 10 years here next week...every day through Saturday...and I have about a 75 mile each way commute on the Los Angeles freeways...oh my :o

Pray for me and my two passengers...brother and bil :)

Service was great as usual. Pastor was able to bring the fun and joy of the football season (He is a Viking fan and most here are Chargers fans) together with the sadness of what happened in Haiti this week....and how God is in control of our lives....we can't predict the future.

Just as we can't predict who shows up here...can we....

We have lost many in the past months and yet we continue to grow with new kids :) Welcome LIZ :hug:

Are you close to Sequim LoveBirdsFlying?

Angie needs some things from me...gotta go....be back soon...

Prayers ~ Gary

Hi Folks. :wave: I'm Rhonda. I recognize some or your "faces." I usually post over in the 100lb club because....well....I have over a 100lbs to lose! :lol: I've been on a hiatus from 3FC and weight loss and concentrating on my spiritual health. I'm glad to say that I'm doing better spiritually than I have in a long time. I guess you can say that I've decided to walk in God's plan and not my own. Our family recently joined a church and we are loving the worship, the service to the community and the fellowship! We have not been in church with any consistency for about 10 years. Paul (my hubby) and I just began participating with a small married couple's prayer and Bible study group nd I'm joining a women's Bible study group this Thursday. And, I've just begun memorizing Bible verses. If you get a chance, read Dr. Gary Smalley's book, "Change Your Heart, Change Your Mind." Such a practical book that really spoke to me. Anyways.....I guess you can say that we've jumped back into living a Christian life with both feet!:D

Unfortunately, I've been neglecting my health. I've been eating like garbage....sugar, take-out, regular sodas. And, I've gained back a lot of weight. Physically, I feel rotten and I don't even want to think about getting any kind of bloodwork these days. I can only imagine my cholesterol levels! My "fat" clothes are getting too snug. And, I don't believe that this is how God expects me to treat this body. So, I'm back on-plan. And, I'd like to start posting here in addition to posting with my 100lb buds. I'd love the opportunity to support and encourage each of you and I definitely need your support and encouragement. This weight loss stuff can be tough!

Hi Rhonda, Welcome! This is a great place to be. Yes it is a job itself to loose weight but the benefits are priceless when you loose and the christian friendship and support on here is priceless too!

Hi Rhonda. I recognize you from the 100lbs club! Glad you are working on adding your physical health to your spiritual health and it's wonderful that you are doing so well spiritually.

My prayer for today has been "God give me patients."

Hi Gals ~

welcome Rhonda....

raining cats and dogs here...my two golden retrievers are loving it...oh that wet dog smell though.....

c-ya all tomorrow

Prayers for all concerns ~ Gary

Hi all - a quick fly-in to let you know all is well here in MI. Crazy work schedule, crazy church schedule, crazy social and family schedule - so no time for my online friends as of late :(

You all continue to be in my prayers however! Great to see some new folk, and blessings and thanks go out to our faithful folk that are so encouraging and helpful!

I'm hoping that this schedule lets up soon so I can get back in my "groove".

Until then, I will check in when I can. May God's grace and peace and strength and wisdom and patience and love be with each of you.

Prayers ascending for all!

Blessings :)

Laurie :scooter:

It's a frosty morning here today. The hoar frost is covering the trees with a nice white coating. Really pretty!

I've been doing really well lately. I determined to exercise every day if even for just a few minutes. I'm not noticing any difference yet but am happy that I'm at least doing something.

Not much else is happening around here. DH is back to work and is happy to be doing something again. We don't know when his next surgery will be but it'll be this spring sometime.

I just wanted to pop in and say hello and to let you all know that you're in my prayers!

:welcome: BACK, RHONDA ~ I like coming to this site, as it is a gentle reminder to stay on my journey back to good health and wellness. :hug:


We awoke to glorious :sunny: today; it was so warm and lovely that it almost felt like summertime sitting there by our front window on my rocker whilst doing my morning devotions ... it was so peaceful and serene!

Just catching up on my laundry & housechores today; DH did some running around for me this AM -- what a blessing that is. Keepin' on plan this week. We're having turkey leg with roasted veggies for dinner tonight: yummy!

Hope you all have a lovely evening; and a wonderful Wednesday tomorrow too ... Rosebud :flow1:

:welcome2:Mrs. Brady & Rhonda! Glad to have you here!

Hello to everyone else, too! I need to be getting back on here more frequently. Seems like Satan's really got me in his sights right now and I'm faltering with the food issues. I was hoping this new year would bring some peace and time to relax and regroup, but it's not looking promising. So far, I've had to have the root canal, my last 2 great-uncles passed away within the last 10 days, which is very sad for all of us, especially my mom, as they were 2 of her favorite uncles. DS3 has become a victim of cyber-bullying from a kid who goes to his youth group, of all things, and we have also been told we need to have him tested for asperger's syndrome. Then, today, my mother-in-law found out she has breast cancer. DH just lost his dad to cancer and I'm really afraid how this is going to affect him. He's been so down and won't turn to God. He got mad at all of us Sunday and packed clothes saying he wasn't going to come back home after work Monday (he did and things have settled down a bit, but he just won't face that maybe he has a problem like depression or perfectionism).

Funny thing is that the message Sunday morning was about how we should expect Satan to attack whenever we have spiritual growth! Unfortunately, my go-to method of coping seems to involve ice cream! I MUST get this back in control. I do keep turning to God, but I still want those sweet, yummy carbs and the weather isn't helping that at all, either!

Well, feels better to just be able to share those issues with you all and I thank you for any prayers you can offer up (because I know what wonderful prayer warriors you are). Hope you all have a great evening! You're all in my prayers every day, too!:hug:

Ronni, I am praying for your whole family right now. :hug:

I want to thank God for such a beautiful day here in North Carolina. I took the kids on a hike and both were so happy.

My prayer for today is for God to help me feel the Holy Spirit throughout the day. I believe the negative thoughts I have about myself and others keeps me from feeling the Holy Spirit. Every time I have a negative thought I will replace it with a positive one until my mind is more focused on the positive and I can feel the Holy Spirit all around me.

:hug:HI RONNI ~ lots of concerns for your family right now; sending up prayers promptly. Your DH needs lots of love right now; he has suffered some severe blows lately. Hugs and prayers for you all ... :hug:


BTW ~ you should be able to "block" that young man from sending any messages/emails to your son's PC as well.

Oh Ronnie ,my heart goes out to you . Know that I am praying for you and your family . A Big Texas hug sent your way!

Prayers For All Concerns

:wave: HI PEOPLE ~ we had gorgeous :sunny: all day today; what a blessing for us, and really warmed the place up too. That's nice becuz the furnace doesn't come on as much then and saves some $$$. :D

DH worked on his projects and with some help from a friend got 2 tires fixed up for a good price this AM; now we know a good source for that wee job. PTL! I spend my morning doing light housechores: gleaming up the washroom and dust mopping the floors while DH was gone. I love using my dustmop: it is so much easier on my back and gives me a wee bit of exercise too.

Couldn't let this day go by with going outdoors for awhile; did some ski-walking today. I only went down half the block (lengthwise though) and then did a loop around here; it took me a little over 25 minutes. I hadn't been out in a few days, so it was nice to get out there, and I also fed the birdies whilst I was at it too.

DH is trying to find out how we can "UNSTUCK" our front door; it either doesn't close correctly, allowing too much cold wind to come in (becuz it is too big for the door casing), or you have to hammer it closed and then you can't get it to open again. That's no good; becuz it's a main entry, so it has to open, especially during the wintertime. We will find a solution ...

Hope everyone is well and having nicer weather today; take good care, and have a great day --- ^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours ... Rosebud :flow1:

Rose bud , I don't know if you will go for this or not but try sticking a sock inside the door and when your ready to open it, pull on the sock and the handle at the same time. Waa..laaa heat stays in cold stays out. If anyone complains about a sock, tell em it just came on the market, it's the newest thing in Texas! Before ya know it all your neighbers will be doing it!

:lol: THANKS BOOTSIE ~ that's a great idea becuz we still don't have it fixed yet; DH asked our landlord to trim the top of the door ... he said he would do it this AM, but it was a NO-SHOW kinda thing (not the first time). ;) I will tell DH your idea and try it out; heck, why not? That's the biggest problem with these older homes; they aren't quite built up to today's standards: everything was just kinda eye-balled, if you know what I mean? :rofl:

When we first moved here, we kept noticing something very odd ~ all the light switches turn on and off backwards, as do all the taps -- they turn the wrong way. I told DH that either someone has a weird sense of humor or they are very backwards in their way of thinking (dyslexic?) or possibly left-handed -- or all of the above??? ;)

There seems to have been a shortage on electrical wire and plug-ins back then too. I have seen that before, and insulation and gyp-rock and cement, and stuff like that ... you know, the kind of things that makes living just a tad more comfortable.

BUT, I'm not complaining or anything like that, becuz I know that we are more blessed than millions of other people in this world. We have adjusted to the uniqueness of our surroundings, shall we say ... it's an interesting place to live, and we love watching the expression on our guests' faces when they come out of the washroom ... we get lots of questions too ... :lol:

We hope you all are having a FANTASTIC FRIDAY NIGHT, and please do have a wonderful weekend too; prayers continue ... Rosebud :flow1:

I hope to catch up tomorrow...

worked today and watching my daughter run a marathon tomorrow...

prayers ~ Gary

Hi all -

I really like the "Hidden Treasures" devotion! I want to forward it to my sister. Is that OK?

Also, I am looking for a free online bible or Christian study group. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Blessed day to all.

LIZ ~ yes, you can send that to your sister; these devotions are put here so that we all can enjoy them, and I often share things with my family and friends too ...

Did you want devotionals for dieting, bible studies, regular devotionals? Here are a few ideas; I am most familiar with the top six ...

www.bible.com (good resources)
www.hourofpower.com
www.rbc.org/index.aspx
www.kcmcanada.ca/ (Kenneth Copeland Ministries; has a US site too)
www.itiswritten.com
www.lhm.org (lutheran ministries)
www.firstplace.org
www.biblestudy.org
www.crosswalk.com/devotional/for dieters/

Well, our DLL did come by yesterday to look at our front door; did a bit of hammering and said that he'll trim the door in the spring becuz it's too cold right now, sooo ... it's a bit better than it was, but DH just taps it a bit with a block to stop the winds which are coming that way. We will open it up once a day just to make sure that it doesn't get stuck like last year. :D

MR. SUN tried to peak out for a while today; he just wanted to bless us for a while, and he did. We had -5C for most of the day; the sun does bring it up a few degrees while it is out though. We are kinda liking these milder temps; the snow sticks around but the road was melting a bit.

We having leftover roasted chicken and veggies; and I am also baking some apples & blueberries for dessert. I will sprinkle a bit of granola on top for a little crunch, just before serving.

Hope all our CE'ers are having a SUPER SERENE SUNDAY today. ^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours ... Rosebud :flow1:

Of course LIZR....here is the link to the site ROSEBUD has already posted ~ http://www.lhm.org/

I also go to the one she posted at www.rbc.org/index.aspx I get THE DAILY BREAD each month too...

Oh My Goodness!! I LOVE THE DAILY BREAD!! My Grandmother used to get that when I was very young. And when my younger(5 years younger) brother wanted me to read him a story at his nap time I would read from that book! Then I lost tracck of it until I was at a little gift shop in Woodland Park probably 15 years ago and they knew I was having problems with kids and job and the man handed me one of these books and I haven't been without it since!

Hi, everyone!

Well, it was a long, busy weekend. DS2 had his scholarship competition on Saturday, so we drove over on Friday evening. It was one scary, long drive with rain, freezing rain, very strong winds, and fog so dense we couldn't see more than about 100 feet in any direction! We were just relieved to get there, so stopped at Pizza Ranch and had dinner then to the hotel. Splurged on 2 rooms, so the DS's would get some decent sleep ( they really can't sleep together in the same bed-go figure:lol::rolleyes:). DS2 said the essays and interview went ok, but really hated the interviewing. We'll see what happens.

Saturday, we headed back home (had to go through MN both ways to drop off and pick up the dog at MIL's), so got to visit with MIL for a bit. She's got a PET scan today, then find out the treatment regimen next week. She's remarkably optimistic, but then she always has been.

Today will be catch up day-on rest, exercise, and house-cleaning:p. Did get a little more snow last night, but school's still on, so must get going here somehow-lol! Hope you all have a great day! God bless!

YES, GARY & KAREN ~ I get the DAILY BREAD coming to my home too; you can also get that online at their site above. I first received the book at home before I went online some years ago; and they still send it to me.

CCM (Crystal Cathedral Ministries or Hour of Power) also sends me their POSITIVE MINUTE Devotions and their Sunday Sermons to my email box, which I love too!

I have always loved listening to Kenneth Copeland over the years but his shows were on at the oddest hours up in Canada (in the middle of the night) so it was nice to find him on the net again. I know there are many others, like GARY's Lutheran Church Ministries, so I included them too.

RONNI ~ glad to hear your MIL is in such good spirits; have been praying for her daily for strength, wisdom, and peace. Glad the trip went well too; worth the try if he gets more scholarship help.

We just stayed home today; as it rained yesterday and last night; then froze and the car and laneway were all icy this AM. I saw DH & a neighbour doing the slip & slide serenade and decided to sit tight until another day. Don't need anything that bad to venture out in that. NIKO hates the rains and barks his head off to get back in right away. They say it is supposed to get colder again as of tomorrow; so much for their mild week ... :lol:

Hope you are all well; take good care -- prayers continue for you and yours ... Rosebud :flow1:

Well, hi, gang! What a difference a couple days makes. Our "little bit of snow" on Monday turned into a full blizzard and I did not send DS2 to school (then they cancelled about 10 minutes after he'd have gotten there) and had no school yesterday either. All the highways and interstates were closed, but not before there was a huge, terrible crash just south of us-about 40 vehicles involved and 2 deaths. It's just too bad people don't realize how bad it is before they go out into the weather. Now, it's just cold, cold, cold again. On our 'snow days', after doing our homeschooling work, we watched Star Wars Episodes 1, 2, & 3. It never ceases to amaze me how those movies show exactly how Satan works to deceive us day by day, little by little, by just planting seeds of doubt and negativity in our thoughts. It helps to remind me that there really is a war going on for our souls and, fortunately for us, we're not alone in the fight!

I've been reading "You On a Diet" this last week also and have found it incredibly interesting. I think I've found out part of the reason for my stall in my weight loss and have been making some changes. It seems counter-intuitive for those of us who have fought fat for so long, but I'm adding some fat back into my diet (the healthy kinds). According to Drs. Oz and Roizen, if we cut too much fat out of our diet, our system doesn't get the signals telling our brains that we've eaten enough until we've over-eaten. So, just a simple thing like eating 20 peanuts about 25 minutes before supper activates the part of our brain that starts saying we're getting full, but it takes fat to do it. So far, it's working and I'm much more in control of my eating. Has anyone else here read the book and had success? I'm not quitting the calorie counting as that's key to my portion control, but just instituting some of their guidelines on how to eat smarter.

Well, this is turning into a novel, so I'd better get moving here. Prayers for God's wonderful blessings for you all today!:hug:

HI RONNI ~ yes, I just read that same info in another book called, "Food to Improve Your Health" ... it says that we need to have at least 1-2 tbl of good fats each day just for our bodie's needs. I kept wondering why I was feeling so hungry at certain times of the day, when I thought that I had enuff to eat.

This book says that if we do not eat enuff good fats, we will suffer with hunger pangs and cravings; and we know where that leads ... ;) Now I know that others have the same ideas, it is very encouraging.

I kept craving cheese & peanut butter; and had also read somewhere that I should be eating more protein too (1 gram for every 2 lbs of weight), so nuts and these two things would fit the bill. Both cheese and PB have fat and protein in them; go figure -- the body knows what it needs. I had cut all butter and margarine out' and was eating low-fat and no-fat cheeses, and very lean meats; plus using very little oil (like Pam sprays).

Recently, I started putting a small amount of omega-3 margarine back in, along with some good oils like Olive (neutral) and Canola (which is an Omega-3 oil; Soya Oil is also). Sure enuff, my crazy hunger pangs are going away; now when I get them, I will look up and notice that I missed a snack or it's getting close to a meal time.

The other thing I am learning from this book is about NUTRIENT RICH FOODS. As someone with a life-long vitamin & mineral deficiency, this is good info to know. I have made some changes, and am now eating foods that are especially high in Vitamin A and B, plus potatssium, calcium, etc.

I need the Vitamin A for my skin as you know; and this may have helped along with lots & lots of prayers; and a few other wise tips, to help the skin on my legs heal better; plus the eczema that I had, which has now gone away also.

That's a good tip to eat some oil and protein rich food about 1/2 hour before meals to encourage the 'stop eating' signals in our bodies. I sometimes have a piece of cheese, or a little fruit or yogurt, or a salad just before dinner and that helps me feel fuller too.

My DH is French and they often would have a salad, or a bowl of light soup, or fruit appetizer before their meals to fill the gap before the main meal. Probably had the same effect too ...

I love gleaming new ideas & tips from other books; thanks for sharing that. Let's keep reading and share our tips with everyone; I'm sure others will find them helpful too. I'm still studying my book; there's so much info in it that is very interesting about how foods can help us be healthier if we choose the right ones. :D

Hi all, just flying in to let you know I am still alive and well and praying for everyone :D

I love the food ideas, and I agree with many of you. I added healthy fats into my diet, more protein and fewer carbs very early in my journey.

It made a big difference for me. I eat far more nuts and nut butters, olive oil, avocado, etc. than I ever dreamed possible - yet I still steadily lost weight :yes:

It is frigid here in MI - windchill will be well below 0F tonight.
:brr:

Blessings to all! and prayers ascending!!!

Laurie

Hello to all. Thanks to everyone who sent links to Christian websites for me. I decided to buy a book of daily devotionals from Joel Osteen. I am loving it so far. :D

Keep warm everyone. Prayers to all.

:wave: HI EVERYONE ~ had a good day; lots of lovely :sunny: but it's very cold out there -20C ... :brr: Got caught up on my laundry and mending this week plus some light housechores as well. Had a good OP on day; hope you did too ...

Have a Fantastic Friday tomorrow ... Rosebud :flow1:

I promise to catch up soon....

Blessings ~ Gary

It's been a crazy January. We have another niece living with us now. So far so good. She's in Wpg. to go to school. Having lived with only men I can't believe the "stuff" she calls essentials. She's not a Christian so hopefully I'll be able to show her that it's a desirable thing to be one!

I've been doing well with my eating and have actually been exercising. I'm still doing just a few minutes a day when my schedule allows it but it's already becoming easier.

It looks like everyone here is doing well also. My prayers are going up for the concerns. Have a great day!

Thank Y'all so much. I have really been so confused lately with my fats and carbs but reading your post makes it more understanding. I loose weight then the next day I may weigh 6 pounds to 10 pounds more. How can that be? My husband says its my scales but,noooooooo..... two scales say the same. Does anyone else have that problem? I loose it within a week but it is still just so discouraging.

BOOTSIE ~ there are two things that I know of that could cause that ... SALT & TOM (menses/hormones). Got to watch what we eat as some things have more salt than we realize; and for me (and many others) I always retain water the week coming up to and during my menses; then afterwards (about a week) that goes away. Tonight, it seems like I have been to the little ladies room at least once an hour, but I know that is what is causing it.

Eating foods with potassium in them helps us to get rid of extra water and so do Vitamin B complex. I am reading about that right now in my book. I have had a retaining problem for some time, so I hope all this info helps me get it sorted out. Putting my legs up for an hour also helps as well.

HI WILMA ~ you are a great aunt to help all your nieces thru school like that; and you will be a great Christian example for them as well! :D

Have a wonderful weekend folks ... Rosebud :flow1:

Salt and not getting enough water (fluids) cause the scale to go up for me. I'm past TOM issues (Hallelujah!)

Also, heavy weight lifting, will cause water retention for me as well.

Hi to all!

All is well here in MI. Still crazy busy and not finding much time to be online. Prayers are continuing for all.

Blessings,

Laurie :scooter:

Maybe I'll try this thead again. It's just hard to keep up. I find it hard just to keep posting on the IE thread. Hi to all.

Carol just post when you can that is what I do. TOM doesn't knock on my door anymore either . Talk about an uninvited guest! Ha! I checked out a site on the potassium level in vegetables & fruits and their salt level and wow did not know that no wonder my weight bounce's around like a basket ball. Through with the appreciation supper for our customers, around 145 people there, so tired.....have house work to do, but hubbie told me to rest, hmmm.... don't rightly know how to do that.
I just cannot express to you how blessed I am to have such good friends,I have a problem asking people for help but have no difficulty seeing where someone needs help and stepping in. My friends I guess have seen this in me and you know they seen I needed help at the party and they just stepped right in and helped me, serve food, tea etc... I had one stay afterwards and help me clean some up but we gave up and she met me back up there this morning and helped me clean up the whole place! No one has ever helped me so much.

Hi Gals ~ :)

I am sorry to be so MIA! I just have been so exhausted from work....I get on here, check in on everyone...say my prayers...go to general chatter for some mindless "fun" nonsense and am off the computer.

However I am feeling well! I did post some concerns in Prayer Warriors though for my family. I won't repeat it here to save time.

Last week-end we didn't go to church, my daughter ran a marathon and Angie and I went and watched, as usual, with the :p kidnapper :p my son an :love: dil :love: and my ex-wife. We had a great time....but...

my sister went to church, knowing I would be there since we hardly ever miss...only to find out no one form our family was there :( It was just uncomfortable for her since she hasn't been in a long time plus with the physical cancer effects...anyway all is well :carrot: She went last night since Angie and I said we were going ...my son came since my dil had some last minute Charger Girl things going on, my sister's husband, her two daughters and sil and my grand nephew came too...just like old times :)

BOOTSIE that was some party :carrot:

CAROL you are always welcomed here :hug:

SCOOTER hello to another MIA ;)

WILMA another niece! Lucky you :)

ROSEBUD thanks for holding us together :hug:

RONNI prayers for strength in your family!

LIZ keep coming back

KAREN keep that pool water warm :D

I am so blessed to have all of you in my life! :hug:

GARY ~ that's awesome so many from your family went to church together; I know that has been a concern of yours ... the prayers of a righteous man availeth much (James?) ... :D

BOOTSIE ~ yes, that's a good friend indeed; cherish them as they are few and far between these days ... you and LAURIE are fortunate that MR. Nasty TOM doesn't visit anymore; he has slowed down his visits but hate them just the same as I have always had a ruff time with them (more than most). Someday, he will just go away and not come back ... :^:

CAROL ~ welcome back -- yes, just post when you can; don't have to be that big either ... glad to have you join us!

LAURIE ~ like I said to BOOTSIE, you are blessed indeed; but hopefully, it won't be long for me too.

It's a bit cold tonight -17C so we cranked up the furnace tonight; DH said he was chilled even with his 3 layers on ... :lol: We had a quiet restful day at home and had leftover turkey for dinner ... Have a great week everyone ... prayers continue for all ... Rosebud :flow1:

Hi all. I am just now losing a little winter weight, probably since my Dh has gotten on the band wagon since he has been seeing a cardiologist for atrial fibrillation. he has lost 16lb in less than a month. He is a veterinarian and very active. Weight just falls off him when he puts him mind to it and now he has a better reason to keep it off. I am happy for him but it has always been discouraging for me because he loses so easily. I have lost about 40lb in the last 2 yr. but have a hard time in the winter when I am less active. (no garden)