[color:"blue"]Show it. [/color]
Use an example or story to show the concept or point in action or at work.

[color:"red"]State it. [/color]
Explain the concept in enough detail that it is not misunderstood.

[color:"green"]Apply it. [/color]
Make it stick by giving a practical application that is relevant to the listeners.

As easy as one, two, three.

Mark

LITW,

I haven't seen anything from you for a couple of days and just thought I'd check in to see how things are going.

How was Resurrection Sunday (don't like calling it Easter, due to where that celebration comes from) around your place? Company? Travel? Anything significant take place?


Mark

Hi Mark,

Never thought I'd see the master writer make a typo ("due to" verses "do to")

How was your Resurrection Sunday, Mark? Lookin' forward to the next fishin' chapter as we've got a possible Salmon BBQ going in the "Hate it here, Love it here on MB" thread.

Ace

LITW,

I was editing it as you were reading it I guess... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I never make mistakes. I thought I did once, but I was wrong... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Let me start again.

How was YOUR weekend? How are YOU doing? Are YOU making any progress in YOUR sitch? (Not letting you off the hook this time) Are YOUR feelings returning?

My weekend was tolerable. Sunday morning was great at church and we had company for dinner all afternoon. BIL got called away to work just as we started sitting down for dinner.

We had some previous A fallout that had to be dealt with this weekend and yesterday, <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> but things are going well, I think.

We have reservations at a church based marriage conference the end of the month and I just made the hotel reservations this afternoon.

Now...back to YOU...

Mark

Sorry to tj, but Mark, what is the issue with the term Easter? I'm feeling woefully ingnorant...

MAZ

MAZ,

How are things going with you, BTW?

There has been a spring celebration with eggs, bunnies and chicks for centuries. All of them were celebrations of the fertility goddess, whether known as Aphrodite, or Easter. the roots seem to be based in pre-Babylonian culture in the area once known as upper Mesopotamia. (This is where Abram - later called Abraham, came from)

In the early days of the church, many pagan festivals were usurped by the church and new names and/or meanings were taught in place of the originals. This even happened when the church came to the new world. South American feasts and festivals are today celebrated as birthdays or other notable days of various saints.

Thus we have our late winter celebration of Christ's birth, though all indications are that it was not in the dead of winter at all. This was once the time of year that Northern Europeans celebrated "Winter Solstice" and Mediterranean cultures celebrated Saturnalia.

The concept of Lent coincides with the day before its start being a celebration, now called "Fat Tuesday" that has its beginnings in the festival for the Roman god Bacchus which was celebrated on March 16th and 17th. It was a cult that had women in places of leadership and was alleged to have committed all sorts of crimes including a plot to overthrow the Roman government. Today colleges across the world use the time to celebrate Bacchanalia, which is used as an excuse for all sorts of excess.

So we raise h377 on Tuesday and give it all up for God on Wednesday by repenting in sack cloth and ashes. (A common custom in the middle east in biblical times)

Which leads us to Easter, the spring celebration of fertility...I have no problem with calling it Easter, as long as the meaning is clear, but Easter was one of those ancient fertility goddesses and I question using the name for something as significant as the celebration of Christ's resurrection. To allow it to become about baskets full of brightly decorated eggs and other early symbols of fertility likens all of the pagan religions with Christianity and gives credence to the naysayers who claim that Christ was just a man and there is no difference between the ancient religions and Christianity. JMO

The reason we celebrate the resurrection when we do has to do with its proximity to Passover. The others were just things that got usurped by the early church so that believers could have reasons to party along with everyone else (Actually so that they could make the pagan feasts a way of proclaiming Christ's birth, death and resurrection, but the people used it as an excuse to party)

Mark

Hi Mark!!!!

First off let me say.... it was Ace not me who caught you.... though i would like to take the credit..... wasnt me <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

As for the whole "easter" term.... are you refering to it being a pagan holiday or is there more to it?

Tolerable is a great word.... i have kinda felt in a funk the past few daysand just dont feel to be connecting at any level anywhere.... Friday night i went out with some of my girlfriends and had a pretty good time....normally i wouldnt even start heading home from one of those gatherings until 2ish at the earliest... but i called my husband around 11:30 and told him i would be heading out in an hour.. so he was happy about that....

saturday.... I woke up and ran off to study group (I am finishing up my bachelors... only a couple more classes to go!!) by the time i got home it was after lunch time and hubby had ran off to run errands and then work in the yard.... that evening we ended up having a double date with my husbands cousin and new girlfriend which went nice.... but rather than joining them for a movie too we decided to head back home....

For some reason Sunday didnt feel right to me.... I am not sure what it was, but it didnt seem like the day of Christ's resurrection celebration... H and I were asked to greet thus we showed up early in order to be there for everyone... church was packed which was amazing!!! we were so full we had to stand in the back!!!! The pastor did a great sermon of how christ died for all of our sins past present and future.... but i didnt seem to connect... it was as if i was there but not... does that make sense? well once service was over we headed out to H's parents house (about an hour away) to spend the day out there.... H is the oldest of three boys which all are married.... middle brother has a son (14 months old) whom everyone just adores..... as the day proceeded it just seemed like any other day.... im not sure what i was exactly expecting as far as it being different but it just wasnt right... sometime as dinner was being put on the table the youngest brother made a comment about the nephew that was not very positive (mind you the youngest brother (YB) is 27).... the baby isnt walking yet and YB thinks that it is weird.... well as i was there sitting with baby making sure he was eatting all his food.... i kinda got upset... I ended up scolding YB and said that he really shouldnt say things like that because all babies are different and develop at their own pace.... when things like that are said it can end up giving the parents a complex..... everything was fine there was no huge discussion about it but i was really bothered..... H and I left that evening and as we pulled out of the driveway i just started crying..... nose running type crying.... poor H had no idea what had gotten into me..... at that point i expressed my hurt about what his YB said and how it was wrong and then went on to say how i felt it was wrong that his MB the father of the baby didnt even defend his own son..... continuing to cry i went on to say how am i supposed to have my own child if i cant even handle small issues with my nephew and what a horrible overprotective freak of a mom i would be... blah blah blah....

well my H was so sweet and just kept rubbing my leg as he drove and started to share how these exact things were going to make me a great mom one day and that at least we are learning from our nephew rather than our own kid... WOW what insight my H has.... and to think i could have lost him!!!!!! well after crying for a good hour by the time i got home i was exhausted and just looked wonderful <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> we ended up doing out nightly devotional and prayer and going to sleep... since the great work week was approaching....
yesterday and today i have still had the same empty feeling that started Sunday.... i just can knock it.... it just seems that something is wrong and i cant place my finger on it.... i have been lurking here all day yesterday and today, but have no desire to add input or help anyone.... i just really dont know what this funk is.....

so you know Mark.... i guess this is my long way or writting i dont know how im doing today....

LITW

LITW,

In Eastern Europe, most names for the day of Christ's resurrection actually refer to it as such, either calling it Resurrection Day or Sunday or simply Resurrection. The word Easter comes from old English and Germanic Oestern, which was the goddess of the dawn or springtime.

As for it feeling like any other day, that was kind of my take on this year. It had more to do with depression over a one year anniversary of sorts surrounding Dday almost a year ago. But that's another story.... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

As for missing the fact that it was Ace that caught my typo....Doh! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

What I said about not making mistakes...Forget that, will ya? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

And regarding your feelings or lack thereof...Have you been checked for depression? Have you had a complete physical recently? I know you still have feelings, you exhibited that Sunday night, right?

Just shootin' in the dark. I don't know what else to say, other just keep working at it and accept the love your H shows you. Eventually, you will "feel" love again. It may never again be Stage 1 love, but you will know it's there.

This took me over an hour to type. I had customers come in and am now late getting home (again...<SIGH>... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Better RUN!

Mark

LITW,

I think that when you feel lost, placing yourself really helps...and you weren't feeling lost...were you feeling differently than you expected to feel?

Seems to me you were staying aware of finding out where you were at...good self-care. And you nailed why you cried...why you had anger...from fear. Wowsers...how cool is that?

What I perceive is that you fought judgment with judgment...and funnily enough, that doesn't nullify...it just doubles. I don't know why. I see YB as being caring and concerned...and brave. I see you as being caring, concerned and brave, too. And if MB wasn't concerned about his son walking or not, he wouldn't need to defend, would he?

Do you really judge yourself as a control freak when you think of motherhood? What you said, about every child developing at their own pace, in their own way, doesn't sound control freakish to me.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

A balance...parents can enjoy their babies so much they don't see with outside eyes...YB's question may have just been that...challenging his own assumptions aloud. No big discussion ensued. Wasn't a day-breaker. For you, it had significance.

You can find that in your future fears, if you choose to be a mother...and to you as you were as a child. Great to ponder...you felt upset...which wasn't nothing...would you say you're being present and pondering?

Empty can be lack of signals...or crossing (nullifying) of a lot of signals. Did you feel something released in your tears? Approached or voiced through them? Received from your DH's actions?

I say--hat's off to your own awareness of not knowing definitively what you are feeling today...are you open to knowing? What if it isn't something wrong or right?

I'm just a gal who loves to ponder...annoying, eh? ROFL...just kidding. I can annoy myself and delight in myself at the same time. Talk about a funny feeling.

LA

Mark and LA,
Thank you for both your inputs.... It is always nice to hear what others perspectives are into a particular situation.
Mark... as far as the depression goes... yes i have been checked... and yes i do have it.... at one point they had me on four times the regular dosage of Lexapro but it just wasnt helping but last summer they switched me to something else and finally about 4 months ago got the dosage right..... this was actually a hard issue for my H to accept and we sure had our discussions about antidepressants... but he has finally come around to understanding that i am not broken, but my body lacks something that this medication helps fill.

I appreciate you taking so much time to respond to me.... and i do know that i need to just keep on with everything i have learned and that as time continue to goes by it does seem to get easier... though all of us have our set backs

LA,
It was really nice to actually know why i was upset and crying and I did see how far i had come as far as being able to pinpoint what was going on with my emotions. as you say what you perceived from H's brothers i can see that too, but because of the abuse i went through as a child i tend to color what people say sometimes.... that is something i do need to work on. i have to take what people say at face value and not put my own opinions and perceptions into what i thought they were saying... and again.... ask clarifying questions <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

as far as me and motherhood... only God knows how i really will be, but i do see myself as being overprotective... and maybe a bit of a control freak lion.... you know... ready to pounce at the instance i feel anyone or anything trying to attack my cub.... but as i shared with my own mom what happened she shared that there are times for everything... time to fight and time to learn... so i pray when that time comes that God molds me into the mother he wants me to be.

you said "Empty can be lack of signals...or crossing (nullifying) of a lot of signals. Did you feel something released in your tears? Approached or voiced through them? Received from your DH's actions?"

I did feel something released in my tears but i dont think that it had to do with the empty feeling i was having... the tears and future fears were expressed and my DH's actions were so caring and considerate it did touch my heart and helped me to feel better... but the empty feeling is still there... i really cant put my finger on it.... i am still trying to figure that part out because it is still lingering.... but i am open to knowing... i just dont know how to figure it out..... but at the same time I do understand that it just could be a calmness surrounding me that hasnt been here for so long that i am not sure what it is..... and if that be the case.... well then i will just need to accept and appreciate this time... right?

Thanks guys!!!!
LITW

{{{{{{{{{ Lost 'n Found}}}}}}}}}}}}

(((((((((Lost in the World)))))))))

I agree with Mark....I think it's time to change your name ---how about LNF temporarily---just until something you're entirely thrilled with strikes your fancy? Just an idea...

I told Mishes about perceptions and expectations that create feelings of happiness within. Identity could have a factor in such perceptions. For instance, I feel better about myself as "Ace" but feel a bit 'draggy' when I think of myself as "Ace in a Bucket". Am I the same person....yes..... does my perception change? Maybe.

Could "Lost in the World" be creating a bit of a 'drag' for you as you consider your involvement on MB forums? Just something to think about.

At any rate, I for one miss your input on the boards and would love to be able to help drive that funk away soon!

Ace

Thanks Ace!!! I needed that hug!!!! I tried to change it to LNF but someone is already using it... imagine that..... so this will work for me for right now... and when God decides to strike me with an Epiphany then I will change it to that.... for all out there... I am still lurking and praying... but for some reason i just dont have any words right now *sigh*
LIC

Be patient, it will come. Glad to hear from you. I like your new name and tag line.

Mishes asked for links to spying threads so I know she could use some old-fashioned encouragement if you're up to it.

Thanks,

Ace

PS What's the significance of "think three" Mark?

LIC,

I like it. And the tag is great, too! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ace,

Just see earlier posts on this thread. It has to do with a teaching method I learned years ago. (Just back up a page or two and you'll see it.)

Mark

thanks guys!!!! I just really dont know what going on with me! But i appreciate the encouragements!
LIC

Mark,

I remember the 3 steps....but it's been a few pages since you changed the title......sorry, I forgot.

(I do remember what the second thing is to go after the mind goes.....I just don't want to say it.)

LostinChrist.....keep on keepin'on....!

Ace

Just checkin in...
Doing pretty good, things going ok...
New IC is good (old one moved)...

Only thing bugging me is I have been dreaming about WW alot as of late, I really don't know why that is...

Anyone else experinece this? It is disconcerning...

I am pertty solidly into acceptance that the M is over it is to bad but such is life.

I think I will be however ok in the long run...


Beleiver is you phone operational?

Jim

jim/ken.... can you help me out and refresh my memory.... are you posting to whom on this thread..... my mind is a bit fuzzy and just dont want you to think you are being neglected.... LIC

okay Mark.... I feel like im yearning to stray! What is going on??!!!?!??!?!?!

I have been doing great! We have been doing great! We have taken up new hobbies and have been enjoying each other... a lot! So what is my deal!!! We are going on vacation saturday and really everything is going great.... i am happy.... or so i think.....

so why all of a sudden and i getting this urge to want to run the opposite direction.... why all of a sudden is the little voice in my head saying oh come on... just a little bit of fun....
I need help being handcuffed in place!!!!! Mark.... what is going on?!?!?!

LIC,

I posted to you on your thread a few minutes ago.

Sorry I wasn't here this morning, I was dressed in a really snazzy set of Nomex coveralls <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> out in the refinery working on radios.

Is this where we do the right thing because of commitment? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Do we ignore the devil because we made a promise to God? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Can we call on our Lord Christ Jesus to deliver us from temptation? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

What about going to our spouse and saying, "I'm having a really miserable day today. Could you just hold me and tell me that it will be alright?" <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

See Jer 29:11.

Just a couple of suggestions...

Mark