Christian Encouragers ~ April
 

CHRISTIAN ENCOURAGERS ~ APRIL

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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

yay! new thread!

i had a really crappy day yesterday but today is much better! i ate right on plan and took a walk around the block with Daisy. i'm going to work on drinking my last liter of water for the day early enough before bed!

:wave: HEY GALS ~ I'll try to move this APRIL THREAD up to the top of the page for ya's; seems some of the ladies haven't noticed it yet!!!

GOD played a nice April Fool's Day trick on us; supposed to be spring, but we woke up to a MEGA-SNOWSTORM; it has been raging all day and night. We have another FOUR FEET + of snow out there; yes, I said FOUR FEET!!! I hope you all feel sorry for us ... LOL!


SUE ~ the pic is adorable; yah, no squeezing the kitty ~ LOL!

SHY ~ I love all kinds of salads and veggies; can't get DH to eat salad, but have been increasing his veggie library since we met; lol!

RE: UNCLE TOM ~ starting NEXT Wednesday, his chemo treatments will be on Wednesdays instead of Mondays. That way, he gets his blood tested on Tuesdays, and goes to the city the next day, instead of the same day; too hectic the other way. His treatments are every other week; so one on April 9th and 23rd according to his wife. She also asks for special prayer for his breathing (and some anxiety too I think); and says to thank everyone; prayers so appreciated.

HELLO TO EVERYONE ELSE; hope you had a good day! Take good care, your fellow encourager :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:^PRAYERS^ for you and yours continue ...

Hi ya'll another great day!

I stayed OP pretty much, I went to Applebees with some ladies for work for a going away dinner but I think I chose pretty well. Supper I was perfect and I'm ready for tomorrow! I've just got to get my water in, that is where i'm lacking.

I hope you all had a wonderful day!

Hi gals........gotta be quick tonight.....just popping in to say welcome to the new "kids" and..

AUNT SUE..."our" niece is getting so cute!!!

gotta go......prayers!

doit - I hear that Alaska is beautiful and is a great cruise but I love the warm sun to much and enjoy laying out on the deck... ahhhhh...

Good Morning!
 

It's a cool foggy day here today. AND there's still a lot of snow on the ground. I am so ready for spring!!!

Today is weigh in day and my weight stayed the same. This is a good thing because I was away last weekend. I did really well at the wedding. They served chicken and baked potatoes with salad. We did go out for lunch after church on sunday and I ate more than I should have. BAck at it now though!

I'm thrilled to see all the newbies here. A huge welcome to you all. You will find great support here.

I still ask for your prayers for the work situation. It's improving but slowly. Thanks!

I am praying for all the requests and concerns I've been reading here. It's so cool that God cares about everything in our lives. He cares about how we feel about ourselves and I feel best about myself when I'm exercising and eating the way I should.

Have a great day!

Hi there!
 

Shy= Luv Celery- I think the crunch helps!!
Lauren- Have to agree luv the sun!!! Great Job staying op
Rosebud- Thanks! Prayers continue for Uncle Tom! Sorry about the snow, we have an ice storm coming Friday- Yipee- NOT!!!
E.Z.- She is getting big, and is just too cute! Pray all goes well with work.
Wilma- prayers for you at work as well, and no gain!
Well gotta run- doing well still at a stand still but haven't had time to exercise this week hopefully tom. morning! blessing all!

Angie and I just spent the last few hours with the recruiter for the United States Navy. We gave our consent and signed for knucklehead nephew to join, something he has wanted now for about 6 months. It was totally his decision, I told him I would support his decision but it was His decision to make and no one elses. I told him to pray and do his research. We are all pleased and proud, he will go to boot camp after high school graduation in June.

Blessings, Gary

ez
had to be hard to let him make that choice. My son wants to go in. They keep going back and forth he is allowed in with the meads he is on he isn't allowed in with the meads he is on. We have been going through this for 9 months. No one can come up with the same answer twice so they have him on hold.

doit
Sometimes you just have to eat. Sucking on a piece of candy or drinking something just isn't going to do it. Celery does it for me lol.


Wilma
Maintaining is great with all you have had going on.


rosebud
Nice going making good choices while out to dinner.

Just
Around here you eat what I make lol. Once a week it is a big salad with chicken mixed in. You eat or you go hungry. Hubby had learned he loves salads more than he loves hunger lol.

:wave: We've had lovely sunshine for the last two days; so some of that snow is slowly melting away. DH finished clearing off the deck for me so that we can go out there for some fresh air. Not much going on here; just doing the usual daily chores and meals; books and bills; and so on ... I can feel spring in the air ... it may be on it's way.

GARY ~ that is very brave of your nephew to join the navy or any kind of military right now with the US deployed in some troubled areas. Will pray for him, just as we do our Canadian fellas who are trying to do something they call 'peacekeeping' today. However, we would prefer it, if they were all back at home.

SHY ~ I have salad almost every day; DH won't eat a salad like that, but he won't starve either: he'd make himself something else, like burgers or hot doggies ~ LOL! And he says, that he hasn't eaten so many veggies in his whole life before he met me ... at least that's a partial compromise. For the most part, he eats what I make; one or two exceptions isn't too bad! If I really want something, I'll just make the meal and change something for myself, that's all.

LAUREN ~ your off to a good start; just keep on, keepin' on ...

SUE ~ sorry for that icy rain; maybe it won't come. We have sunshine and they thought something else. Maybe we'll have a cooler summer this year???

WILMA ~ that's nice they served a good meal at the wedding; and you are back on track now. Glad to hear things are improving at work at bit; will continue to pray for that ...

Have a great evening; your fellow encourager :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours ....

Just
Hubby likes hot dogs. Not really my thing so I went out and bought him the Hebrew 97% fat free beef hot dogs. They actually taste great and I don't feel so bad him eating them.

Hi ladies, just wanted to share my good news. DH and I lost 32 pounds last week! I lost 7 and he lost the other 25! we are on a great start! OP today and for the rest of my life! :D

Hello everyone!
Just wanted to pop in and let everyone know my Dad is still doing wonderful! I thought that I would post this link to some pictures that we took while we were back in MO. when he got his pace maker. It was a wonderful week being with the family and hope to be making it permanent here soon! Still waiting for that one person to come and buy the house!
I hope everyone is doing fine and I will try to get caught up with everyone one of these days!

Have a good night!!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...localeid=en_US

karen
So glad to hear the good news. Hope things go well and the sale happens soon. What wonderful pics of the dogs. You are looking good yourself.

Ladies where are you all at??? we are still at one page. LOL is everyone outdoors now that it's warmed up a tad bit? it's been rainy here all week but the sun is shining now. i hope to get some yard work done this afternoon. but i have to go to the grocery for Uncle Bill first. He went home today and he was really ready to go. ya'll have a great Saturday!

HI all again,
I did have one sunny day to work (weed) in the yard, it was so gorgeous out. I'm still at a standstill, but trying to stay positive. I can picture myself doing better, it's just not happening. I start off great, have yogurt and tea at breakfast, one or two hard-boiled eggs midday, but its the afternoon and evening times that get me - and the time in front of the computer - the mindless snacking. Its kinda like the weeds in the yard. If you want a nice yard, you got to keep the weeds down when they're small or they take over. I had been doing well on the diet, then I let "the little foxes spoil the vine", just like any kind of sin - it starts small, then takes over. Keep me in your prayers please and I will work on this end. Sorry if I rambled on there.

Prayers for PIN PIN and us please ....
 

SORRY, been MIA (esp for our new members); but our PIN PIN has now taken ill too. We thought she was just depressed becuz her mom passed away just three weeks ago today, but we noticed that she seemed to be under the weather and very quiet the last day or so. Today, when we woke up she couldn't walk right. We don't know if she caught something (pneumonia) or had a stroke (she is getting up there too; she just turned 14 y/o). My family says these girls have lived very long lives in human terms; is it true they are 7 years old, for every 1 of their years?

Anyways, we have been very upset (esp DH as she's his buddy); we were hoping to have a little time with her yet. Anyways, have had to look after her and keep an eye on her. She just took some water, but has only eaten a little ice cream (her fave treat) all day.

Please pray for her comfort and that GOD will give us wisdom and strength to get thru this very trying time in our lives. I read in the word today in JOB 12 that all living beings have souls, so that made DH feel better. We appreciate your support and prayers so much; I think that this is one of the reasons GOD directed me to this place. Thank you so much; gotta go check on her. :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

HI GALS ~

Well Angie and I had a busy day. We took our goldens to Starbucks for a 3.5 mile walk, came home did some grocery shopping then went to pick up our chips and t-shirts for a 5K we are doing tomorrow. I watched my UCLA Bruins get beat against Memphis then we went to church for Saturday night service.

Great pictures KAREN!

I am working closer to home so I should be able to pick up my posting.

Have a great Sunday gals!

Blessings ~ Gary

We posted at the same time ROSEBUD ~ Prayers for Pin Pin...I am so sorry!

Rosebud, Sending good thoughts and prayers for your little Pin Pin. And also for you and your DH.

Dora - have you tried journaling? that really helps me know what I've had and what I need to have to make my eating balanced for the day.

Rosebud - i'm sorry to hear about Pin Pin, I know how hard it is when one of the family gets ill. I'm always torn up when Nikki or Daisy get ill and this has to be especially hard since you lost a baby 3 weeks ago. You all are in my prayers.

Yesterday was an OP day! yay!!! today is the day that usually gets me. But i'm not going to let it get me today! I'm going to pack some healthy snacks with me in case I get the hunger bug.

I did measurements yesterday and I've lost inches in several places. I haven't counted it up yet but I'm going to wait for a few weeks first.

Is it just me or does documenting EVERYTHING help you all too? I write what I eat, I keep track of the poundage every week and my measurements. I am OCD about some things in my life and I'm praying to be OCD in this area too. LOL well I have to get off and get ready for church so DH doesn't have to hollar at me to hurry up. LOL

Good Morning!
 

Rosebud: My prayers are with you!! We lost our dog 5 years ago and still miss her. She was also 14 years old and got sick.

Measuring is the best way to track your loss. Way to go!

Gary: Have a great run! I'm impressed with how you've stayed with your activity. It's especially neat that you and Angie can do this together.

Dora: Don't get discouraged about staying in one place. Have you taken your measurements? Sometimes that changes even though the weight hasn't. You're doing great!

My eating is still going well. I need to get back into the exercising again. Life sometimes gets so busy that I forget to and I know I need the energy.

Things are still going on at work and hopefully soon there will be a resolution. Please continue to pray.

Today we're going out for lunch after church with friends and then in the afternoon we're having our kids over for a "make your own" pizza and movie night. Should be fun!

Have a great Sunday!

THANKS EVERYONE ~ for your kind words and prayers of support. Just wanted to drop in and let you all know that PIN PIN passed away this morning just after 10 am; less than an hour after DH and I prayed over her that we would like her to stay, but if it was her time to go that GOD wouldn't let her suffer, and to please take her quickly, as it was torture to watch them both go, and just within 3 weeks of the other.

PIN PIN missed her mother so much (they were like twin souls); and now she can go play with her in playland. JOB 12:10 says that ALL living things have souls (they were talking about animals specifically), as well as mankind. How comforting to know ...

Maybe GOD was trying to be gracious to us in a way, so that our sorrows won't be spread out so much. This has been so hard on us, becuz they were kinda like our kiddies. SWEETIE was my furry baby and PIN PIN was DH's buddy, and he is hammering his sadness into another coffin, as we speak.

It is going to be so lonely without them; it was a bit overwhelming at first and my anxiety was giving me a bit of trouble from the stress of it all, I'm sure. DH says that is quite normal under the circumstances; and that he's never seen this happen before.

ONCE AGAIN, thanks so much for your prayers as we appreciate it so much. I have been relying on you all so much lately; and was kinda wondering why so much was happening all at once, but we must TRUST GOD that in His infinite wisdom, He knows what is best. I can see His grace in this situation in so many ways; so many times, He gave me impressions through His Word and thru songs of all things: I believe He'll use whatever He can to comfort us.

We hope you have a wonderful day; and may the Blessings of life out-number the bruises by far ... and take good care :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: ^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours ...

Rosebud, I'm so sorry to hear that Pin Pin passed away this morning but remember that she and Sweetie will both be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. And until then they will have each other. My prayers are with you and your Hubby.

So sorry to hear of your loss.

HI GALS ~ :wave:

I am so sorry :( ROSEBUD for your loss! I dread the day that my goldens get older. We sure get a lot of love from them!

We ran our 5K this morning. Angie beat me again! She ran it in 31:08 and I had a 33:44. She has been traing though for a half-marathon relay and I have just been training to walk 3+ miles. I did a slow jog today. My daughter and nephew were with us but a few other family members missed for various reasons. I put a couple of pics over in the Weight Loss Support Thread under C-N Nothing But Butt if you want to see us.

WILMA ~ Have a great pizza/movie night with those kids!

DORA ~ Step away from that computer with those snacks! ;)

LAUREN ~ I like to write down my weight every day...and my miles ....it helps me to focus and keep on top of things! I find it easier to get one pound gone than finding out ...oops! I'm 5 up again!

RENNIE ~ I like those Hebrew National hot dogs.

KAREN ~ Glad to see your dad doing better!

COUNTING ~Any new microbrews? ;)

AUNT SUE ~ Still busy at work? Save energy for niece hugs :hug:

Have a great week everyone! ~ Gary

Just a quick note to say that we are back home safe and sound. Rosebud - so sorry to hear about PIN PIN! What a blessing that you had both of the girls as long as you did! You and your DH are in my prayers!

Hello to everyone else - I hope to get caught up on 3FC as soon as I get my laundry and unpacking done!

Thank you everyone that has been praying for mom and SF. We had a good visit, and he is getting stronger every day. So thank you!
God is so faithful!

Blessings to all and prayers continuing!

Laurie

EDIT: LOL - Gary, yes - we were able to find two new breweries in the Knoxville area while visiting. One in particular had some AMAZING beers. We very much enjoyed checking out the local establishments, though - compared to some of the "brewing" in the hills down there - I'm thinking the microbrews were probably a bit tame ;)

momofmany
You are doing great. Will sure keep you in my prayers.

ez
Sounds like you both did terrific. Those hot dogs really are quite tasty lol. Just what I DON'T need. Something easy to make lol.

Justwant
I am so very sorry for your loss. It is a hard time for you I am sure. Please know we all think of you and hope you don't stay sad.

Wilma
There never seems to be enough hours in the day does there.


rosebud
I use fit day to keep track of my foods. YES, it helps me a great deal. I can make sure I am getting in those required amounts of the four basic food groups that way and that I am getting enough calories in, which can be a real problem for me. Losing inches is great, just as important if not more important than the numbers on the scale.

Dora
From your post doesn't sound like you are eating enough. Maybe sit down and make out a menu plan for yourself for the next day. Make sure you are getting the required amounts of the four basic food groups in. You will find you need to eat a whole lot of food to get everything in the body needs. I have found I need to eat food to lose weight.

Did you ever have a weekend you were busy doing nothing lol. That is what my weekend was like. I remember us laughing, I remember us having fun, I remember us getting things done that I can't do myself ( clean the top of the fridge, I just can't reach it all even on a step ladder ) but I swear we really didn't do much of anything lol.

Originally Posted by Shy Moment:

Did you ever have a weekend you were busy doing nothing lol. That is what my weekend was like. I remember us laughing, I remember us having fun, I remember us getting things done that I can't do myself ( clean the top of the fridge, I just can't reach it all even on a step ladder ) but I swear we really didn't do much of anything lol.

Shy - sounds like a WONDERFUL weekend (except cleaning the top of the fridge). Only YOU would consider it a weekend of getting nothing done and still cleaning things that I NEVER seem to get around to. You are an inspiration girl!

momofmany - WAY TO GO! You are doing fantastically! I will continue to keep you in my prayers :)

I hope everyone else is doing well! Prayers continuing :D

Blessings!
Laurie

Counting
My hubby says I put dirt places that I can't reach just so he has something to do. I said how on earth could I put dirt where I can't reach. He said he has no idea how I do it but he knows I do lol. I know he put up new clothes line for me and cleaned out the gutters. I held the ladder, wasn't that nice of me lol.

THANKS SO MUCH for all your kinds words and prayers for DH and I at this time; it is very kind and we appreciate them a lot. With each day, it is getting better; DH says it is very boring around here now, which is very true, so we have been trying to keep busy with stuff around here as well.

Yesterday we decided to spoil ourselves a bit so we went out to lunch at a new restaurant in town; very nice place and brightly decorated with lots of Chinese cultural items and colors. It's a really nice place to go out to dine; and we even had some leftovers to bring home (a mixed veggie dish) for dinner.

Then we drove around picking up odds and ends and stuff; ran into some folks and chatted for a while too. That took a good part of the day and we finished it off with a drive to a favorite lake of ours. Today one of DH's friends came by to visit and encourage us; it was very sweet of him.

The weather was very dull today; they predicted a snowstorm, but it didn't come so now they say tomorrow. We'll just pray that it misses us and that the sunshine will come instead. It was too damp to go out; my lungs don't seem to like the damp anymore esp after that last flu I had which was a doozy: the cold damp air makes me feel conjested. DH and his friend said that they were having the same problem. I think we'll pick up a DEhumidifier as that would help a bit I think.

ANYWAYS, we just busied ourselves at home today and made some plans for our garden and our cabin for this summer. I always read your posts and will pray for each concern or need you have. Thank you for the doing the same for us; and take good care, your fellow encourager :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

Hi there!
 

I am doing great went to Dr.s today got a great check-up doing well! Yeah! Set a goal weight that is more realistic- 170 lbs. so will alter chart to reflect that. Rosebud- so sorry to har about pin/pin prayers with you and yours
Karen- nice pics- prayers that house sells soon! The snow is almost gone Yeah!!!
Lauren - awesome job congrats to you and hubby
Doragone- Keep your chin up!Try a food journal that usually helps!!
Wilma-Pryaers you enjoyed lunch and the make your own pizza sounds like fun...
Counting- Welcome home! So glad to hear SF doing better/Stronger!!!
Mom of many- Prayers that procedure goes well!EZ.- congrats on Nephew joining Navy! great run/Walk you have done awesome!!! Hi to all I missed have a blessed day!!!

Hello everyone, Just thought that I would pop in for a bit tonight. I signed up for Gary's 3Fatchicks 5K and I will probably end up jsut doing a "walk on the treadmill" I was thinking about walking on one the trails around here until I heard on the news that a wolf has escaped from the Wolf Rescue that is about 4 miles from here. They have not caught him yet and I sure don't want to be out there with my 2 little furbabies! PLUS they are predicting another snow starting tomorrow night through Thursday. They are saying this might be quite a bit of snow so it may not be good at all to be out this weekend.

Our realtor stopped by today and we renewed our contract with her. She says that things are starting to pick up a bit around here so I'm hoping that we really get some action going on the house. Still have the 5th wheel RV for sale too but if it doesn't sell at least we can live in it while looking for the special place in MO.

Thanks everyone for the compliments on my pictures. My family has always been close and I can hardly wait to get back there and be close again for all kinds of get togethers!

Have a good night everyone.

Hi all again,
Doing better, added a lot of water, always at my side or on my desk. Trying to make myself aware of why I want to eat, then to think of the consequences of eating the wrong things. If I must eat, I eat nutritious, not necessarily diet food, but good-for-you food. I've lost 4 pounds and feel more in control. Thanks for the prayers and encouragement.

Dora

One more thing,
I went to the Salvation Army and they were having a book sale. i got this book titled "More of Jesus, Less of me" and it is so good. it reminded me that God is the one who asks us to glorify Him in our bodies. "All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food; But God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord is for the body." I Cor. 6:12b-14 There's a lot more to the book, but she also says some of our physical hunger is really spiritual hunger and the only way to satisfy that is in the Word. Well, off my soap box, just thought I would share that (and the book only cost me 25 cents!!!) God is good.

Karen
I hope sales pick up in your area so you can sell the house. the 5k should be fun. We are going to the zoo on Saturday so I am sure I will get enough miles for a few 5k's lol. We don't sit down the whole time we are there except at lunch time. We walk and walk and walk. Our first zoo trip of the year. Only adults. Is going to be fun.

Just
Isn't it great that garden time is right around the corner. I love to go out and get my veggies from the back yard.

doit
Remember a goal weight is just a number. Eating right and exercising has a great side effect....weight loss lol.

Dora
sounds like a good book.

Today is weigh in day and I am down 1 lb. :carrot: Think what I could do if only I exercised more. The sidewalks are almost clear here so no more excuses!!

Things are much better at work. Nothing has been resolved but I still feel a peace I can't explain and know that God knows what I'm going through and that He cares.

We had a great family day on Sunday. We made our own pizzas - mine with chicken and veggies on it. Then we watched the movie "August Rush" - good show!! We also played games. With one couple moving to Ottawa this summer these days are pretty special.

Shy: Getting exercise while doing something you love is a bonus. Enjoy your time at the zoo.

Dora: Sounds like a good book. I agree that some of our eating is because we are lacking something spiritually. Getting closer to God is the answer.

Karen: Prayers that your house sells soon. Enjoy that walk.

Sue: Glad your check up went well. It shows you're doing the right thing.

Rosebud: My condolensces to you and your DH. I hope you find God's peace through this.

I'm doing a picture gallery for my family room and my guys wondered whether I was doing one of Rudy (our dog who died 5 years ago.) I didn't realize how much she meant to them until now. So, I am picking pictures I have of her and doing a gallery of her also.

Gary: Keep running! It's so good to have you back here on a regular basis.

Well, off to a 2 day course on coaching my employees. Have a great day!

Wima
1 pound is great. The zoo might be a scrub for this weekend. Looks like rain so we won't know for sure for a couple of more days :(. The picture gallery sounds lovely. The people and pets we have had through are lifetime are so important to remember. I love the frames that hold tons of pics. I truly believe some people fills their lives with things, food, booze, drugs and what they need is a closer relationship with God to fill up the emptiness.