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HI EVERYONE!! :wave:
Just a quick note to let you know I'm still here and NOT tied up! :D One of the boys is at a birthday party today and DH and I are taking down Christmas decorations :( I never like to do it, but of course we can't leave it up year-round. We keep the lights on through Epiphany and since that is over, and the temps are in the mid 50's, today seems like the day to do it. Will write more when I can!! Love to All!! :grouphug: :welcome: TO ALL YOU NEW PEOPLE!!! |
Sprout,
I am so heart broken for you and your family. We've had some similar things happen to us but not as extensive. I will be praying for God's comfort even though it's been a few years since stuff has happened. I dont' think we ever get over some loses and some are just hard to get out of your brain. I think it's wonderful that you can share your heart here. it gives me much hope that I can be as candid. Another site I was on discouraged anything person on the site, only weight loss and health related issues. I didn't realize until I came here how that ruins so much of the connection. I need this and I need women and men that have God as their center to get me through this long process. Bleesing s to you today! Mel |
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EZ.. You guys did great for walking the marathon in that quick of time. My first one I finished in just around 6 hours and that was with some walking, my second I walked more and it took almost 8 hours. Wish that I had been more athletic in my younger years. It would make things now at 45 a bit easier I think!!! Hope that you all had a good time going out!!!!!!!!!
Diane |
HEY ya'll!
POO! I haven't been getting updates and assumed ya'll were all busy and NOT posting! So whatever' up with the siggy thing must have carried over? I was like 2-3 pages behind!! OH Gary...I liked your enthusiam over TX whipping USC! You were SO sincere! I hope Angie had a wonderful BD and Happy 10th anniversary too! That was SO funny! Your neighbor putting 3 papers opened to the Sports section out! Oh yum.....mac and cheese:devil: I want some! OH NO! 3 second loads! I'd get dizzy with a 3 second page load! LOL! I am BLESSED to even have a computer so will keep reminding me of that..... Hilary! You are a funny girl too! I appreciate the THOUGHT of your being my proxy but I suppose I agree...I'll get more benefits in doing my own! I'd hate to cut into your gym time too...if you did half your time for ME, you'd be feeling cheated after a bit!:p I finished week one with 13.5 miles in (1.92 daily avg.) and 20 minutes daily average on PE. "Pysical Exertion"....LOL!:D AND hooray....down 4.5 pounds! ( actually 6.5 if I wanted to count the 2# fluid gain from Monday...meds related.....or lack there-of) But I don't think I will this year. If I KNOW it's fluid retention...I'll just take steps to get it OFF! Marilyn: Ditto on Mel's post. I too, appreciate the sharing of life's stories here. That broke my heart.....your BIL, carrying his Dad out of the hospital, preparing for his cremation.....the illness that's invaded your family, your precious brother and family's tragedy.....knowing that God is in the midst of every heartache, every trial and seeing each tear that falls.....makes us able to carry on. There is so much pain, turmoil and anger in this world and I agree with Gary....in prayer for safety....for each one here and their loved ones. Hey........8 miles down and counting! Congrats to you!! And 1.5 pounds down too! I'll attempt to update my ticker later.....I may do it once a month, excpt I might "forget" how! LOL! Keeping the faith.....hooray for nephew coming home. I know all are SO glad. Yikes!..three tours of duty there? We rent storage units to a lot of military folks, many serving in Iraq, some lost already.....some of those "kids" look 15.....that hurts me to see. There was one who was so cute, and reminded me of my son so much I almost cried......another with eyelashes so long and so purty I couldn't help staring and was almost laughing he was such a joy to wait on!....my boy is 34 tho.....living in Alabama, and I haven't seen him in over 9 years, since I moved back to Texas. Diane...is it you with the chef hubby and pro cooking experience? My Dad was cook on a ranch for over 30 years...taught me how in the summers from the time I was 13...He'd give me the menu, then take off to grade roads etc, and I'd do breakfast and lunch for the cowboyz and crew! What fun! Now..my method is fast n' nasty.......LOL! Less than 30 minutes from prep to consumption.....I can eat chicken soup 4 times a week and nobody cares! I CAN cook, I just choose to do it maybe 4 times a month. It's the "clean up" phase that hinders me! Beth: So sorry to hear DD was so sick and yes...milk does not bode well for an angry tummy! Hope she's feeling MUCH better. My co-worker missed two days from work with her crud. I was blessed....I got on mine quick with an 11 PM Wal-Mart raid! I had nothing here but some benedryl and tylenol. God was merciful to me and it didn't get truly awful. That's good news...that Mike's wife is doing better. I pray they find nothing really serious. We don't really know how certain things get their start, but if at all possible, staying on top of health issues is vital. OH 20 year reunion coming up! Wooho! Enjoy the planning stages as well as the event. We know June will be here in 11 days! Sue!! Hello! Thanks for prayers in my behalf and for my friend Cecelia. She sounds a lot better, after a nasty sinus infection took a hike. I know God hears and is answering prayer. She goes back to the doc on the 24th. I am praying diligently for more hearing to return and I appreciate yours going up with mine! That is good that Maryanne got to come home. I know this is a very difficult time for her, and for you. Being at home as opposed to an alternate site, will make it a bit easier. I had a friend who passed away at 40 with cancer. She only lived 4 months after dx. Words can't express the sorrow and pain involved in such a thing. Our Marilyn is going on 3 years clean but still has the pain and side effects to deal with. It's a devastating disease......but we know GOD is bigger than anything we face and we can draw on His strength when ours fails. Oh, Kaylee is darling!! Thanks for sharing pics of her! It's a good thing I don't have the tools or know-how to post pics..as I'd never get anything else done, what with my uhh.....blessed computer! I've gotta run and get ready for Church! Time's awasting! Bren |
The Festival Of The Epiphany Of Our Lord
DIANE~ MY family went to church last night, following is part of the introduction to our service (Missouri-Synod Lutheran):
By the shining of a star, eastern sages were led to the toddler Christ Jesus who would be the Savior of the world, taming the tongues of Pharisees, healing, and resrrecting the dead. Jesus Himself by Word and deed illuminates the lives of Gentiles and Jews because He was and is the Son of God. In the world today, neighborhoods, communities, cities, and entire cultures need to be illuminated with the mystery of the incarnate Christ. We, who led by the Holy Spirit possess faith, need to proclaim winsomly the Gospel and the forgiveness that comes through knowing Christ. Christ is the light that dispels darkness, temporally and eternally! We who gather on this day have received the forgiveness of our sins through the light of Christ's Gospel. this alone makes us grateful saints--wise men, women, and children who by the intervention of Father, Son, and Spirit are blessed to know Jesus. January 6th is the day the Holy Christian Church has set aside to observe "The Festival of the Epiphany of our Lord." Like ripples on a pond emanting out from the center; the days of the season of Epiphany ripple out to reveal that Jesus, the baby in His mother's arms, is the Christ, the True Light, that has come into the world. Epiphany is sometimes called the Gentiles Christmas. This day recognizes the time when the Magi, or Wisemen- from an eastern country-followed a star that led them to Bethlehem. There they found the Christ-Child, Jesus, and worshipped Him. Though not Jews, they recognized baby Jesus as a King and worshipped Him as such. In making Jesus known to the Magi, God reveals His Son as Savior of all nations of the earth. It is therefore right and good that all peoples bring to Jesus their most precious gifts to honor Him. The visit of the Magi probably came six months to two years after the birth of Jesus. As part of their journey to the birthplace of the world's Savior, the Wisemen stopped in Jerusalem and spoke to King Herod. Herod told them to return to him after they found the King of the Jews, so he could worship Jesus too. However, Herod wanted nothing to do with worship and everything to do with abolishing anyone with the title of "King". After worshiping the Christ-Child, the Magi were warned in a dream not to visit Herod again. They returned to their country by another route. We, too, after worshiping the Christ-Child today, also return home by another route, in a direction away from the darkness of sin and toward the saving Light of Christ. Arise, shine for the glory of the Lord rises upon you today! The term "Wisemen" is an inadequate representation of the word "magi". However, it aptly describes them, because they saw the light, responded with action, and hastened to worship the newborn Savior of the world. In this, they could not have been wiser. By the Holy Spirit, we share in their wisdom and do the same. I hope this helps you, Diane. The Epiphany is a Christian festival commemorating the revealing of Jesus as the Christ to the Gentiles. Since you are a new Christian I thought I would share a little more of the story with you. Have a great day of Worship! |
Hi Diane,
Gary and I are both Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod so what I would write would be something along the same lines as he has written. I know the Roman Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord also. Not sure about the other churches. Our kids get the "My Devotions" booklet from Concordia Publishing House and this is what their book says on January 6, which is Epiphany. They are to read Philippians 2:14-16 which says, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." NIV The writing from the "My Devotions" book says, "It's Epiphany, a time to see Jesus revealed as God's Son. The Wise Men followed a bright star to Jesus. As Christians, sometimes we picture ourselves as lights in a dark world - like stars in a dark night sky." The writing for "Portals of Prayer" which is the adult devotions book for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has a prayer for The Epiphany of Our Lord which goes like this: "Dearest Father, in Your goodness and mercy toward us, You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sin. And in Your goodness and mercy, You revealed Him to us, that we might confess Him as You have given Him to us. You revealed our Savior to the Magi by Bethlehem's star, and by the Word of the prophets You proclaimed the Messiah, the very Lamb of God. In this Epiphany season, by Your Word and Sacraments, reveal to us anew Your Christ and the greatness of the salvation He has wrought for us. Let Your Word and promises shine in our hearts, that the light of Christ may illumine our confession of Your holy name, through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." I think, then, one could culminate all of this to simply that Epiphany is the REVEALING of Jesus Christ through the STAR that led the Magi to Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Have a BLESSED Lord's Day Everyone!! :hug: |
Family Photo
Here are the most recent family pics, taken last night at church. We had to promise the kids a "fancy" Italian dinner :hun: in order to get them all to show up.
In the pics, from left to right: Ron, Ryan, Gary, Angie, Amanda, Lara (the dogs had to stay home :( ) |
Another new week
Feeling so good today. Sun is shinning, it is the Sabbath and all is well
Must say I am very pleased with last week - the 1st week of the New Year. I started off each day asking the Lord to direct me in different areas of my life. Such as 'Lord, what can I do for my Norm today? Lord, what can I do for my daughter today? Lord what can I do today to improve my health?' And He graciously answered every one of my questions. The results are that I am seeing a change in all areas of my life - small changes but great ones. Isn't our Lord awesome. As for my health question to the Lord. Rather than thinking 'I am on a diet and I am going to lose weight' - well this makes me think that when I am 'finished with the diet' I would go looking for what I lost. And that is not what I am going to be doing. What I want is to become more healthy - and if that means shedding some of this weight and exercising than that is what I will have to do. I have found this past week that wit going to the Lord first thing - not half way through the day - asking what I can do different today with respect to improving my health that He gives me just a small task to do - such as ' go for a little walk, eat less bread' or it might have been, 'go for a 2 mile walk and don't eat potatoes today' The key I have found is to that I have to start the day off asking for his advise and the follow through on what He has suggested. And I must say it has helped in all areas of my life this past week. In the area of weight this is what has happened in this past week: (a) I have walked 8 miles as of January 7 (have not done my walk yet today) (b) I have lost 2.1 pounds in 7 days. This means I am right on target for shedding 30 pounds by April 30. Feeling good:carrot: :carrot: :carrot: Gary / momof5 = thanks for the explanaton. We attend the Christian Alliance Church and have not heard them talk about the Epipany - if they have I have missed it. By the way Gary, happy anniversary. We celebrated ours on December 18 - it was 22 years for us Mel - I don't share the story of all that has happened much but only when it seems appropriate. I know that when we were going through each individual event as a family others would comment on how well we were handling it - and this is only because of our faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But I do take time once a year - between Christmas and New Years - to reflect on all of it to remind me that God is good that He was with me before the different events happened and is still with me. I must say miss these family members greatly - my dear dad and brother never got to met my children - Priscilla and Dom - I know they would have been loved greatly by them. As for all the cancer in the family - and there has been a lot of it I must say - it has taken a toll on us all - but again God is good and only gives us what we can handle - we might not realize at the time we could handle it or why we are having to deal with such a horrible disease - but there is something good out of it all somewhere. I am thankful that I have had 2 1/2 years (praying that the checkup in April will make it 3 years) clean from this disease. I will gladly live with the pain and effects of the treatment as long as the dreadfull disease is under control. And if it isn't under control I will deal with it at that time. Take heart everyone - you are all well loved your your Lord and Savior and no matter what comes your way you will hold up and get through it. Our God is an awesome God - praise his Holy name. |
Bren, Gary and Mom2five!!
I really need to read more folks posts and respond to more of you!! Someone posted pictures. I love to see family picture, thank you for posting them and forgive me for not remembering your name!!!!!:o
Bren.. Yes, I am the one that was pro cook with DH the same. You kinda learned the hard fast way didn't you. Here do this!!!LOL I went to school after a devorice and needed to support 2 kids!! After graduating and starting to work I met current DH (almost 20 years now) Did not get thrown into the fire like you did!!!LOL I still don't care to cook daily and I hate the clean up. DH always tells me that when I was cooking for workin that it spoiled me having someone else to do the dishes!!!:dizzy: Gary and Bren. Thank you for discribing the Epiphany for me. I attend an Assemblies of God and I have never heard of the Epiphany before. Hope that everyone is having a Blessed day!!! Diane |
Hello all!
I'm hopping in tonight before bed. I had dinner....delish...BLT salad and a blow torch, I mean jalapeno pepper. I had like 4-5 nibbles and I was crying and would've been screaming if I was in the country! I don't remember EVER getting one that firey! Whew! Had to have a cup of milk to tame the fire! ( and yep..kept nibblin' thinkin' it could NOT be so hot all over!) I was wrong! I am SO thankful to be getting the patterns of behavior down for postive changes! In dealing with my one day at a time, and trusting God for guidence and input I am on track and wanna stay there! Hey Gary! Great pics! That is SO nice and so what if ya gotta bribe 'em to show up! I'm 52 and my Mom can still bribe me! That was an excellent desription of Epiphany! Tho we didn't celebrate it as such at Church , we are in Philippians this month and the scripture you quoted Lori, was where we were today. My bosse's wife (my Number two boss....I have three) lead SC today. She alternates with another lady. I made a commitment to go this year WAY more often, as I need the dicipline of getting into the Word regularly. Every bit helps. I'm off to bed with my book so will say night night.....rest well and be good to you and yours......Blessings to all.... Bren |
Bren. Have a good night.
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Sunday Night
HI GALS:wave:
I hope you like the pictures ANGIE posted of us. Sorry she can't get them larger, something about too many pixels (?) I don't get it, she did photo bucket too. She also changed my signature for me since Christmas is over and SUNNYD has disappeared and isn't doing her job ;) PLEASE COME BACK DONNA!!. Angie and I took the mutts to a new dog park this afternoon, boy did they have fun! BREN~Hey girl ya gotta stay away from that :flame: hot stuff! Great job on staying up on your bible study and new resolutions! DIANE~ IT'S ME, GARY~~ with the pictures of family. If you go to advanced post and scroll down you can read all the previous posts on the page without having to go back or take notes as you write your current post. Not sure if some of you NEW GALS know that. I can't imagine what my marathon would be now at 51 yrs., even if I trained really well like I did for the one Angie and I did. Your times are pretty good too! MARILYN~Congrats on your anniversary of 22 years! a few weeks ago! I have 20 years in~~between 2 wives though!;) LORI~ Great job on the Epiphany! I get portals of prayer every quarter...humm...however, I don't do daily devotionals like I should:nono: I do read every day out of my Guideposts magazines though...so I do get some ~WORD~ in. Always~~gonna do it ;) AUNT SUE~ Thanks for the congrats on our anniversary and Angie's birthday. We went for Italian after church last night. Of course the special was salmon over a bed of spinach...very good! That was the third time in a row I have been there that it was the special...been awhile since I have had Italian other than :jeno: on the night my world ended! You know~ the night USC lost;) Well Angie just called for dinner~~ Bratwurst and salads tonight......coming babe... |
psyched
Hi...Am glad to read the Epiphany posts, I'm so psyched after Mass that I'm ready to take on a whole week of school. I also saw Narnia with my DH and son (age14) and thought it was great...we are blessed to have the work of CS Lewis.
Does anybody use a pedometer when they walk? I'm wondering if it's worth it, since I'm starting a walking program...have been walking Cinnamon (german shepard mix) almost every day. have a great day tomorrow! |
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