August 1


John 14:18
'I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.'


Joan was such a great friend. Almost every day she would stop by to see how things were going. Joan had been there herself. She had battled her weight for years. It was comforting to have someone around who had made it. Joan looked great. Just knowing it could be done made the whole diet easier, somehow. When we try to lose weight all by ourselves, the struggle is doubly difficult. We all need support in tough times. We can count on God's comfort when we diet. He has promised that He will never leave us comfortless. Believe in that promise. When our diets seem most futile, God will come to us.
Today's thought: With the help of friends, I can lose more pounds!

It's Tuesday and it feels like MOnday Morning to me. I love long weekends but somehow end up paying for it. We had a great weekend. The wedding we went to on Saturday was lovely. It was outdoors and the day was HOT. Thankfully the reception was in an air conditioned place. From there we went on to visit with friends at a National park. What a nice, relaxing day. We came home yesterday and did pretty much nothing. I did cook a nice meal which is difficult to do when you work so that was a treat.

Now, it's back to work and starting to train another new employee. I think it'll go okay but there's always something more to think about. I have 2 weeks until I go on vacation and I'm really looking forward to it.

Wedding plans are really shaping up. It's amazing what these kids can do when they realize that time's slipping away. I'm starting to get excited about the day. We are hosting the rehearsal dinner and having decided to do a whole hog barbeque. We've had it before and its really tasty. That and a few salads and we're good to go. YUM!

Michele: I agree. Friendship is a good base for a serious relationship. My DH and I are best friends. We really do like to spend time together. It's so important.

Gary & Angie: That stuff is amazing! I'll have to try it on a stain I've been trying to get out from the previous owners. I don't know what the stain is from but it's right out there where you can see it (in the family room downstairs.)

Sounds like you had quite the job to do in your garage. Must be nice to be so handy and have the skills to fix it. DH can do those things too but works so many hours that he doesn't have time to do it right away. Fortunately we haven't had any water leaks in this place.

mom2fivesweeties: This is the place to come and whine if you need to. We are here for you. Sometimes we just need to vent and know that someone out there cares and then we can go on doing what we need to do.

Hello to everyone else out there. Have a great day!

August 2


Matthew 11:28
'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'


Sunday was 'anything goes' day. Carol had decided that if she was good about sticking to her diet through the week, she would allow herself to splurge on Sunday. It made the diet so much more tolerable. Interestingly, she never really went overboard on Sunday. She ate something she really liked, but she ate a moderate amount and found herself totally satisfied. Whenever we attempt something difficult, we need to allow ourselves a respite. It is a good thing to take a break, even from a diet. It requires self-control, but it can help us keep a healthy perspective on why we diet in the first place. Once we have rested from our fast, we can return to it renewed.
Today's thought: I am tired of being heavy-ladened physically!

Hello Everyone!!!

I pray you all are doing well. I read some of the posts, trying to catch up! I had a great time in Africa. We spent the first 7 days in Acra, Ghana which is the tourist part of town. We stayed at a really nice resort right on the beach. The ocean was absolutely beautiful!! Then the next 7 days we went about 4 hours out to Cape Coast and that was a totally different experience. That is where the 3 slave castles reside. We went into 2 of them and that was a very overwhelming experience. Cape Coast is also a very poor town so to see all of the poverty really broke my heart. I also got very sick the last 4 days I was there. Oh my goodness that was horrible. I am better now (kinda). I have pictures of Acra and Cape Coast that I will post as soon as I can sort through them. I took approx. 600 pictures so I know I cant post them all. It looks like everyone is enjoying their summer for the most part. I will post individually tomorrow. I am leaving work now.

Talk to everyone soon!!!

Hey look! I lost another 6 lbs over there. I think it had to do with all of the pineapples, coconuts and plantains!! It was wonderful!! Oh yeah and the heat!! : That was the jump start I needed! I am ready now!!

Welcome Home Myisha! Sorry you got ill over there, but it sounds like overall you had a wonderful time. Can't wait to see pics! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your signature!

August 3


John 14:27
'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'


Bill felt it was a no-win situation. If he dieted, he felt lousy because he was hungry all the time. If he broke his diet, he felt guilty. It was hard to tell which was worse, the hunger or the guilt. He wanted to trim down, but he loved to eat. He never knew that he'd suffer through so much turmoil just trying to lose weight. Diets can really stir us up. They make us feel physically and emotionally strained. During periods of dieting, we need to find peace of mind and heart. Ask God for that peace. He promises to deliver it to those who ask Him for it. When we need it most, God gladly gives it.
Today's thought: Better to have peace of mind than a piece of cake!

HI GALS

Just checking in after work...I see that everyone is too busy to "play"

MYISHA So glad you had...for the most part...a great time. Looking forward to the pictures...what a wonderful experience you will always be able to share.

WILMA Glad you had a good time at the wedding..."your's" is coming soon! Are you getting anxious?

MICHELE I hope you have a great time with your friend and her family this week-end. My ex-wife and her sister just flew out to Minn./St.Paul for their yearly family reuinion...not sure what city they will end up at...it changes each year...either Redwood Falls, New Ulm, Mankato...if you see her ...

Boy, it sure is easy catching up these days...where is everyone? Maybe things will pick up when SUE gets back from China.

Well, I sent my nephew to my brother's house for a week to hang out...see his sister, etc. My brother only lives 4 miles away so it's not that BIG A DEAL. I still have my son~24, my daughter~22, one of my neices~21 and my daughter's friend ~22, staying with me and my daughter's boyfriend~24 ....so far they are "loving " my dinners...I think it is because they are "MADE"....I think they all learned a "little" when they had to fend for themselves while I was gone...all I can say is my son is all "real helpful" all of a sudden...(probably won't last )..I think he realized how much Angie and I do AFTER work each day...my daughter has always been a trooper when it comes to helping out...my neice and my daughter's friend are a lot more helpful too!

My step-daughter came by yesterday, after being gone all summer in Europe. She said she had a great time. She will go up to see Angie in Washington on Sunday, then they will drive home 5 days later.

Not sure what is louder: 5 kids between 21~24 watching Jeporday and "ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS"...or...2 golden retreiver's barking at neighbors, each other, bugs, etc...

Doesn't matter which is louder...I love both "noises"! ...and miss my puppies! OH YEA! I miss my wife too...but she "KNOWS" that already! My ex wife has had dinner with us 3 nights in a row...YES! Angie knows that...she is really upset.. ...she owns me...and knows it!

Well, off to make DODGER DOGS ...(MICHELE) for Ryan, Summer and I....my daughter and her friend are off to see the ACCURA tennis tournament in Carlsbad tonight....good time for hot dogs, since they upset my Amanda's tummy.

STOP LURKING AND POST!!!.......MY OH MY...DO WE EVER NEED THE GRAPHIC GODDESS TO KEEP US ALIVE!!!

Later, Gary

It's the weekend!!! One more week until my holidays. I can't wait. I had a really good week at work but can tell that I need to go on holidays.

Training the new employee is going well for which I'm very thankful. We picked someone who knew what he was doing and is learning our system really fast.

Michele: Your evening sounds like fun. I hope you have a great time.

Gary: You sound like you're loving being back in the middle of the kids. It feels good to have them around. I know I'll miss my oldest when he moves out but he's 5 minutes away so it won't be too bad AND I still do have one at home.

Wedding plans are going really well. Nothing like a time line to get these kids to get something done. I'm starting to get excited about it - anxious might come the week before the wedding.

myisha: Welcome back!! I'm glad most of your trip went well. It sounds like you got a real taste of history while you were there. It breaks your heart to see how people treat each other.

I'm so sorry you got so sick. Have you recovered? Or are there any after effects?

I would like to ask for prayer for my youngest son. He has been suffering from mild asthma and hasn't been able to go to work. We're not sure if it's something in the air there or what it is. He can't get in to see a specialist until October and the medication the doc has given him isn't helping a whole lot. His chest is always tight and he is always short of breath. He hasn't been able to go golfing or any other activity becaus of it. It's so hard to see him like this. He's an active guy and to see him hang around the house is really wierd for me.

Well, better go have some supper. Have a great weekend.

I'm sorry all for not keeping up with everyone. Changes at work, summertime, whatever...there really is no excuse. Forgiven?

EZ- Have you moved yet. I have friends who are moving to CA in two weeks.

Michele- What's cookin young lady?

Sunny- I'm grateful you keep up with the structure of the forum.

Sprout- Boy was I happy to read a Dieters Devotion.

Wilma- Are you going somewhere on holiday?

I suspect there are alot of newcomers I don't even know. Sunny, if you have the list updated, would you be ever so kind to post it?

Again, sorry for my absence. I will try harder.

Hugs,
Mary Kay

Wow! Is it ever quiet around here. I sure hope everyone is out enjoying their summer weather. It's been absolutely gorgeous here too. We sure hope the weather holds until the wedding on the 20th.

Plans are going well - just a few minor details to work out. I'm starting to get excited about it.

I have one week of work left until my holidays. I'm really looking forward to them. I need a break from work. It's been pretty stressful and hope I can go back with a fresh attitude.

mkay: Good to have you back. No, we're not going anywhere for our holidays. We have our son's wedding to get ready for and then lots of company during that time. We would love to get away but can't really see how we're going to do that.

Have a great day!

Hi All!

Wilma...When is your son's wedding. Remember, I've not kept up. My daughter is moving BACK in with us next month for 8 months so she can save $$$ for their wedding in June. She's my last one to leave the next...oh wait...Nikki will be with us until death do us part (our dog).

Our friends are moving to CA in a couple of weeks to attend Bethel School of Prophecy and want to live near or around Lake Shasta. Hey, if ANYONE knows of a place (pref a house to rent) affordable, let me know.

Well...work has changed and there are unhappy people. Of course the unhappy ones made it for themselves. I no longer wait on customers or am I first to answer the phones...(I guess that's a reward for me). Some bumping out of a gal took place with not-so-good motives on someone else in the dept.

Anyway, all will turn out good for the gal that got bumped I'm sure.

Is it my breath? Now that I've come back, no one is here.

Gotta jet!

I would love to join you group!!
A place to pray and vent with eachother just what i needed!!
Instead of eating coming here to spend my time dealing with my emotion thanks.

I am trying to remember this week I am an awsome child of God and he loves me.

Try saying this every morning it works!!
Jane

OH~ ALL RIGHT WILMA AND MARY...I'LL PLAY! I'm with you gals~~"WHERE IS EVERYONE?" I am sure that MICHELE has been lurking from work...but then if no one's posting she has nothing to say either!

Had a hard day at work ANGIE ...I will call you later tonight ...just think a week from today you will be home and our vacation from each other will be over ..... KIDDING!..I miss you BABE

Still have 4 22+ year olds hanging around eating me out of house and home ...made bacon burgers tonight... a big hit!

MKAY To answer your question...our house is finished in Washington...Angie and I went up in June...she is still there with REBA and RYLEE...I came home a couple of weeks ago to "GET BACK TO WORK AND MAKE SOME $$$$$!" said MY DEAR WIFE.

Good to see you back posting. I hope work is good for you.

Mt Shasta is a beautiful area...but quite a ways from us, so no help on the rental info.

WILMA PRAYERS for your son...asthma can be very dangerous! I hope is gets better soon! Thanks for staying in touch! Still looking for a "skinny" dress for the wedding? or are you already set?

JANE HOWARD WELCOME! Glad to have you...we usually are pretty strong here...but lately our GRAPHICGODDESSDONNASUMMERD has been too busy to play...so we have slacked off...she is our leader...we go as she goes!

Well, need to shower before the kids kick me to the curb

PRAYERS FOR ALL IN NEED OF THEM!...GARY

Only 4 more sleeps until my holidays. YEAH!! I know I'll be working hard during my holidays but it'll be fun.

Gary: Yes, I got my dress. I just need to have some alterations done on it and I'm good to go. Even bought myself a pair of really sexy shoes to wear with it. I'm very happy with my outfit and can't wait to wear it.

Thanks for your prayers for my son. It's frustrating to have to wait so long to see a specialist. He is noticing a slight improvement every day. He actually went out twice on the weekend with friends and he hasn't done that in a while. He does take it slow though.

Janehoward: Welcome! We are actually a lot more active than we are now. Once we're all finished our holidays you'll get to know a lot more of us.

mkay: The wedding is on the 20th. Future DIL and myself went out shopping for some added decorations last night. It was fun! I don't have a daughter so I'm getting a little exposure to that now.

Have a great day!