Gary, still sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

Rosebud---Thank you for such a wonderful post. It really makes us all stop and think!

BOOTSIE ~ you're the sweetest lady! I think that is one of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me ... and I copied it into my prayer file so that I can remember it on one of those days when I get a little too critical of myself. Over the years, I believe GOD has shared many things with me that He wants me to share with others; and sometimes, I think that maybe we all are His Angels, and we just don't know it yet ...

KAREN ~ you are all very welcome. My aunt and I have had many discussions about these kinds of things; trying to understand what GOD's will is and why He allows these things to happen. I really believe that these trying experiences are all for a greater purpose, and for a greater good, that we will see and understand sometime in the future. The word says that one of the reasons we go thru these kinds of things is so that we can be comforted by GOD and then, in return, comfort others when they go thru similar experiences ... and BARGOO is a perfect example of this!

In the past, I wondered why I had gone thru so much pain and physical traumas; and today, I see the evidence of why ... I have met so many people who are going thru similar experiences; and now, I can support them and comfort them and encourage them -- only becuz I really know how it feels to endure and overcome pain, sorrow, hurt, sadness, disappointment, fear, loss, abandonment, homelessness, poverty, loneliness, and so on ...

GARY ~ yes, that is awesome news -- that the cancer has not spread! While we would rather that she not have to have that surgery at all, if it means saving her life, then it is worth it; but we will pray for her for peace and comfort becuz she will need that to adjust to the changes in her body. When my mother had cancer, the surgeries left many scars and changes in her body too, but she always told us how much more important it was for her to be alive; and we knew that was true. ^Prayers^ continue for Annie and all of your family ...

PS ~ is Annie's surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday? Want to be able to pray for her and her doctors on the right day; I think I may have the wrong date on the group prayer list ... thanks.

Rosebud we DO love having you here. You are our rock - no matter what is going on in your life, you always say just the right, encouraging, thing in your posts.

Prayers continue for you and your DH.

Gary - prayers continuing for your family as well. It will be an emotional week - keep us posted as you are able.

Hi to everyone else. Hope you had a blessed Sunday.

Having a good day here - I finished my sweater, and wore it to church today. I just love chunky knit sweaters. And the ones in the store are that cheapie acrylic yarn. My virgin wool one just feels great In fact, I like it so well, I think I will start another one this evening

I'm off to cook for the week. Protein bars to make, and a few main dishes. Oh, and apples were on sale so a HEALTHY apple crisp is definitely on the menu

5 days to vacation and counting down

Prayers are continuing for each of you (and your dear ones).

Hope everyone had a blessed day!
This song blessed me today and I wanted to share!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-08YZ...om=PL&index=53

LAURIE ~ Thanks for all those kind words, and right back at ya ... YOU are also an inspiration and solid rock yourself with many, many talents! Now, I have more encouraging words to tuck away for a rainy day ...

I came across a verse today while doing my morning devotions (and I'm sure it was planned by the big guy upstairs too) in Deut 7:6 .. "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy GOD: the LORD thy GOD hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth." I have always believed that we have been chosen for special jobs too, and being a CHRISTIAN ENCOURAGER is certainly one of them, I'm sure!

My mother was also a very talented knitter and would make sweaters for her kids and grandkids as gifts too. You are blessed with a talent that can be used for so much good: here we have places that take donated knitted baby sets and give them to the babies that are born in our local hospitals, esp in the far north. I have seen how much they are appreciated by young, new mothers who are on very tight budgets ...

THANKS, Princess CLE ~ we love to share inspirational stuff with each other on this thread; anything that can lift each other's spirits and spread His Joy ... plus we just love LAURIE and GARY's (and Angie's) recipes too!!!

We had a good day with on and off; so we went up town and picked up some spit BBQ chicken for dinner and that was so yummy and healthy; and we picked up a few things we needed to carry us into next week. So I got a bit of extra walking in today as well (kudos for that). We were going to go for a drive later on, but when DH went to check the oil and antifreeze, he noticed that he has somehow lost a piece off the car that is very important, so he will going on a hunt tomorrow to replace it.

Hope you all have a BLESSED SUNDAY EVENING and a marvellous MONDAY tomorrow as well ... ROSEBUD ^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours ...

HI GALS ~

Well Angie and I had a busy week-end with the Viking Fest...but it was a lot of fun too! We were in the bbq booth for 5 hours yesterday and 4 today, my brother was a big help, he did most of the cooking while we served and did the errands. Yesterday we spent some time in the beer garden listening to a local favorite here, the Highland Way....Angie just loves men in skirts

We had over 20 kids each day work there from our church youth group. They did a fantastic job as usual....you always have your "lazy" ones...but most of them were on their best behavior...a nice example for our church. This was not a church event. The kids work it for my ex-wife every year she has been in charge of food....the last 5 I think it is now. She swears this is her last...we shall see...wink

Today we just came on home....not without spending some $$$ on the way out...Angie found most of the stuff she wants us to wear on Halloween. We now have a nice collection of pirate looking gear...we are having a trunk or treat at church, where you give candy out of your car/truck and dress up and decorate your car if you wish. Gonna be a pirate....if I know what's good for me

Angie is calling dinner soon so I better move on....

I know I have left you with worry about me and my sister. I am sorry for that. As I said she found out good news(?) that the cancer is confined to her breast. That of course is scary and troublesome.

What my biggest issue is, is difficult to explain. One reason why I am having such a hard time sharing. An issue that sometimes "steps on others toes"...which is something I never want to do on this site...unless of course it is all in fun in one of those "smack talk" threads I start or join But those are different.

When my sister was over the other day I just let her talk and didn't say anything to upset her, it wasn't the time. I just let her air it all out...her feelings and scares. Most of what she said is understandable...the pain...the why me...human nature.

However, she also uses the...why did God do this to me?...why, after taking care of mom for all those years did this happen to me?...why does God give me such bad luck?...and on...


She also says things like...I know God loves me and can use His miraculous hands to heal me if He wants to....

Now we all know that God can do anything He wants...

It is very difficult for all of us to call on Him for healing and find it not happening...as we want...

We probably have all done that in our lives.

It is difficult to comfort someone that feels this way. It is difficult to share with them that it isn't God causing the pain...it is the sin we were born into in this world.

Which leads to the why me's...and not you's....why are you so lucky...why are they so lucky...why have I suffered so much when I do all this...

well....I have to go Angie is calling dinner....I will be back...

I'm Back....

As I was saying it is very hard for me to talk to my sister when I know she was in a church that taught the WORD...had people concerned for her health (remember she has had lupus for some time)....

My sister went to church with my ex-wife and I for around 10 years, she taught nursery and kindergarten Sunday school, she taught pre-school for several years.

Her church attendance was maybe 50/50 at best. Always a reason why she didn't go...but she did teach her classes when it was her time.

She never went to a grown up Bible study...has never opened a Bible in her home that I know of...probably doesn't even own one. She never joined in discussions of the sermon we had after church when we went to my folks house to visit.

I guess what I am trying to say is her depth of knowledge ends at the pre-school - kindergarten level...Jesus Loves You....awesome for sure but....

She worked the youth group for several years but there but she was never involved in any Bible study or lessons.

My brother in law went even less but he did come to help with the youth group. He told me once he'd come back to church on Sunday's as soon as God gave Him enough money to support his family. He makes the same money I do most of the time.

I don't know where I want to go with this or end it but it's time to move a bit on...

Some of you know I start threads here that sometimes get a bit heated....sometimes I wonder if I should just stop and forget about it. I start these threads to try and get people thinking...maybe I turn more away with my "sharing"...

I don't know....

I just know I would feel more comfortable about my sister and what she was going through if she were stronger in her faith.

Thanks for you prayers ~ Gary

CLE ~ beautiful song!!!!!!!!!

Gary not long ago I was walking along side your sister, no I did not have a sickness but I had a broken spirit and heart . In other words, I felt the same way but I kept reaching out just like your sister is searching for the answers. I did Bible Studies I was going to two churches even though I did not agree with the people in the church. None of them could tell me how to get my faith back and then I hit rock bottom and said Father you know I love you and you know my anger and sadness for loosing my sister, but you also know I love you even though I am upset with you. Please help me find my way back to you. The phone rung it was my friend , I told her everything and she laid into me! First she wanted to know what the churches had done to help me, I said nothing, she blew a fuse! It was like God was talking right through her. Nothing! Bootsie , most people would of gave up on God and turned away but you did not! You have done several Bible Studies, going to two churches,you have never gave up on God but kept reaching out to him, I would say that is the strongest faith of all! I said but how come I feel Jesus hates me? Bootsie he does not hate you he loves you. I cried because I could feel his love through the phone and the joy of knowing he loves me, well I just don't know the words to express it to you, it's magnificent!

They found your sisters cancer, she could of never known and never had a chance to fight it. Jesus could of kept her from knowing, but he did not, for he loves her and seeked help for her.
Gary your sisters cancer is in one spot, it has not spread ,right? Jesus could of let it spread, but he did not, that is one way of showing he loves her. She has Doctors with wisdom, that is another way he is showing he loves her, Another is having a brother like you, who loves her and cares about her. Right now the poem the Foot Prints in the sand fits her life. Sometimes we feel we are so alone , even in a room full of people Gary, but he is carrying us down that old rough road, even though we don't know he is there.

You know at the end of my friends conversation, my friend had no idea why she called me, this was the first time in weeks I had heard from her.

hello, I am a new member.

GARY ~ I agree with BOOTSIE that your sister shows evidence that she is 'still seeking' ... so all is not lost. She still believes but is questioning which is quite normal under the circumstances. I think most people that get a diagnosis of cancer ask the question 'why me' ... I know my mother did and my uncle did (we've had several people in our family with cancer). And it doesn't just have to be cancer -- it can be anything really (any type of illness or trouble) ...

I don't think it matters how many times she did or didn't go to church; and maybe GOD is calling her to a deeper walk with Him by 'allowing' certain events in her life; and again, as BOOTSIE says, there is evidence that the LORD is helping ANNIE too, which shows how much He cares for her. Right now, it may be hard for her to see that clearly with so much fear in the way.

Sometimes, we feel helpless on how to answer someone in this kind of situation; and maybe no answer will ever be satisfactory (intellectually, that is) ... So many times, we erroneously get the idea that if we are good people that nothing bad is supposed to happen to us. Well, that just isn't true, and could be caused by teachings that didn't come across right, or were misunderstood.

The truth is (like JESUS said) -- we all will have troubles in this life. Bad things do happen to good people! It's the reality of our imperfect world. We are flawed, and our flesh is weak, so we can get sick. The reality of illness and pain, and loss (esp of dear loved ones) can smack us so hard that we almost tumble over with sorrow ... and JESUS understands that too. He loved his friend LAZARUS and weeped when he heard that he had died; but he also raised him from the dead to show us just how much power that GOD has at his disposal.

Yes, HE can raise us and our loved ones from illness, and/or from the brink of death; and even from death itself, and He will someday. He is also looking after them for us on the other side right now. Yes, JESUS sometimes has to carry us during the darkest times of our lives. This is a dark and scary time for ANNIE, and even if you don't have all the answers, just say that ... but also tell her what you do know ...

THAT GOD LOVES HER, and cares about her; and He will help her in some way. He will help her get thru this and so can you. You know, one of two things can happen: either He will help her (and others) get thru this or He will take them home to be with Him. It looks like He is going to help her get thru this ... but that doesn't mean that she won't have some battle wounds, becuz she will, but she will grow thru this experience and she has a chance to get closer to GOD thru this experience as well.


BOOTSIE ~ thanks for sharing your story with us. When our mother died, my siblings were devastated; and it almost seemed like our family just 'fell apart at the seams', but over time (many years) ... we have slowly learned to heal and pick up the pieces. This is one of the hardest lessons in this life: death of a loved one, or facing death ourselves. Until we are actually going thru it -- it is hard to imagine; but I know that this one thing is true ~ GOD is faithful, and HE will help carry us through ...

Have a blessed and restful and peaceful night, friends ...

SYNERGY ~ come on back and tell us something about yourself -- this is a very kind and caring and supportive group of people here ...

Good Morning all!

Hi Synergy...I'm new also!

Synergy! I see you like cats,is that your cat? I have 4 cats now, Rufuss,Harry,Crip and Fat Girl. I am so used to having so many cats but vaccinations cost so much for them! Then if they get sick......doctor bills and you think our doctor bills are high. I think you will love our group I do!

Thank You Rosebud , Jesus is faithful.

Hi all!

Cle -thanks for the link! GREAT song!

Rosebud - thank you for taking the time to compose all of your wonderful posts yesterday You ARE a blessing to this group.

Bootsie - the same - your posts really helped Gary! Thanks for sharing more of your story.

Synergy Glad you joined us! This is a GREAT group - I hope you come back often!

Gary, one of the hardest things we are called to do as Christians is to step back and let God work. It is so "human" to feel helpless when we can't help those we love. Sometimes, God calls us to take action - to say or do the right thing at the right time. But often, God uses us in ways that we aren't aware of.

You are doing everything right - and yet it feels frustrating. Why?

I can't answer that question for you, but when I am feeling that way it is because I am trying to do God's job. I'm trying to change people's hearts and minds. And - while God may use me as an instrument to help the process along - NOTHING I do or say can change someone. NOTHING.

Now - if I am truly doing what God has called me to do - my job is to be faithful. Keep doing what I am doing.

And let God do his job - in his way - and in his time.

"Let Go and Let God" is hard to practice.

My favorite Mother Theresa quote is, "We are called upon not to be successful, but to be faithful.”


Prayers are ascending!

Thank ALL of you so much for your input. I am so blessed....

Out walking my mutts today I kept thinking of things my sister has said...and I know her faith is not strong....but I truly believe she is a Christian.

I am having her over tonight for dinner with our immediate family...and more! Maybe 20 or so...anyway, maybe I will have something tonight to share.

I will catch up on the posts soon! Off to make the carnitas...

Welcome SYNERGY!

Well, our fall rains have arrived here as ususal; a bit late, but we had here all day long. It started to feel chilly, but after putting our dinner in the oven, that warmed things up nicely for us. DH went hunting for car parts; he found two, one to go ... he'll find something for that too, not to worry.

GOOD NEWS FROM NUMPSTER ~ well, the deal is done so I can share what they are up to. NUMPSTER and her DH bought an awesome B & B (bed & breakfast) home/business in a lovely area in southern Ontario. It is on a private lake and the place is stunning; I spent some time tonight downloading pictures and will find a way to show them to you all as soon as I can.

You'd also be interested to know that my father and SM came in as her junior partner and they will be helping them get the place up and running. Now all we have to pray for is that her condo sells in time for the take over set for March 15, 2010; and preferably well before that date. The previous owner just wants to spend one more Christmas there as it is so beautiful in the wintertime too.

Thanks for all our prayer support; I know that they are very grateful, and she expressed that to us more than once. They are very thankful and grateful that GOD worked things out so well for them, and they have some marvellous plans to hold some Christian Retreats there too!

Just stayed home and rested; doing little things around home. Couldn't do much else with it pouring so much outdoors. Have a terrific Tuesday and take good care ... ROSEBUD

PS ~ I did manage to get the pics downloaded; as they had already been downsized ahead of time (see the next 2 posts). As you can see, this is one awesome place; our entire family is tres excited for them and we all plan to visit there often ...