Just about a half hour ago, I had to go see a business and talk to a gal they just hired about employee benefits. As I asked her questions, she informed me that she was going thru a divorce. Because I felt so awkward, the first thing I asked was how long she had been married. She said 31 years, and then just balled her heart out. I didn't know what to do. I had never met her before, and felt helpless. It took ten minutes before she got her composure back, but she never did stop crying totally. Her husband left her for another man, and they are already living together. He says he doesn't love her anymore, and really never did. What a shame!!!!

singleguy

SG,

You did the right thing. She needed to get something off her chest. She'd probably been holding that in for a while. You did a good thing.

I'm into funny (stupid things). When we were first married, we were doing laundry and stuff. I was making the bed and my W was in the bathroom. So I said "I'm putting the pillow cases on". Then I said it again and she came in the bedroom. As she was coming in, she going to say "Ok, ok I heard you." but she started laughing because I had literally put on the pillow cases and was lying in bed. (pa dum pump). She still tells that story to people to get them to understand how off the wall I am. I love to make her laugh. Heck, I love to make anyone laugh. I have no shame (well maybe a little, but not much).

Oh, if anyone thinks we're off topic; we aren't. God is into funny, as well as mercy, forgivness, etc. He wants to be involved in every area of our lives.

Bless ya'll.

S&C

Hello Diamonzzz, Single, TTSMM,
Well I goofed uploading too, but oh well just did it again - forgot to change file name!
Yes behave Single! Spring? Yes it is along way away, but I did forget that the bucks are in rutt <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> !
I enjoyed all the pics. Family ones are great. I miss the kids too. I have my grands here tonight and they are fun! I have a total of 15. Nope not old yet either!
The pup is from a solid champion line I bred a few years ago and is a Shih Tzu. I also raise Collies and have now only three of them. Shih Tzu's are all gone to much work on coats, but they are great for kids and everyone. Mine did not bark and they stayed small, real solid for kids, do not shed!

I will be on our call on Thursday.
God Bless you all
LoveNcare

Father, reveal to us your perfect truth.

I had the strangest dream.

I am at a big party and I always seem to be late for the main ceremony. I am Jewish, and so is everyone else. There are Nazis at this party, but they are wearing bright green uniforms. Someone comments at the party that they (those in the green uniforms) believed in Hitler before he turned against the Jews.
I was never fully at the party. I had to leave because I forgot some papers or something. When I return, this once festive party is very solemn. I am sort of outside of it. It feels like a wake. The people at the door won't let me in. Then I hear the name "Joseph De Benedictine <something> <something>" (I forget the rest of the name). That's when I first recognized the Nazis in green uniforms. As I walk around the party, it gets gloomier and darker.
Next, I am in a room that is very dark. A man with a German accent coaxes me into a room where these large machines are; a very nice man, and he tells me that I am to place this towel on my body. I am knid of seeing this from outside my body. I know I shouldn't put the towel on, but he insists. And then are terrible shocks, the machine is a generator and the towel is wet. Then I hear "Joseph De Benedictine <something> <something>, for the crimes of <something>. Do you confess to being a Catholic Jew?"
I am dying, have died for my faith.
I run out of that room only to find myself surrounded by darkness and the smell of death everywhere. Running and running. I start screaming and moaning, and I finally awake.

Dream over.
I woke up at 4:45 AM and felt very much numb with fear.

"Will you die for your faith?" As I wrote this my whole body is trembling and I feel all goose flesh (for lack of a better description).


I sat motionless for about ten minutes, so I know I probably forgot some of the dream. Then I typed. What I typed above is word for word what I typed in my laptop at 4:45 AM. I just redid the spelling and tried not to analyze it when I retyped it.

Today's Purpose chapter is, "Created To Become Like Christ". I read the chapter AFTER the dream.

I am still shaking and confused.

God be with us, ALWAYS,
tryingTOsaveMYmarriage

All,
I know that several of us are upset because the Prayer Request Forum has moved down in the list. In fact, there is a new posting out from "Stung by a Bee" because she finally found it.
Therefore, while waiting for the MB admins to reply, I have sent a new posting to each forum under "Issue" (Emotional Needs, Divorced/Divorcing, etc.) about where the Prayer Request forum is. If you believe in this is right, please post the same to the remaining forums.

God Bless,
TTSMM

Hello TTSMM,
Boy I read your post and all I can see in this my Brother is you are being tested! Please say many prayers and do not have any negative thoughts. If I had that dream I would not have been here to tell about it - I am sure! I could see the good and the bad.
I will say prayers for you.
Dear Lord please take special care of my brother TTSMM and Bless him, walk with him and surround him with a hedge of thorns to protect him and his family. Please Dear Lord do not allow the evil one near him, or in his mind. My brother loves you and is trying to obey you please help him in his walk with you.
In the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

Hey all,
I figured it was time to resurrect this posting again. Not on our free will this time, but on the Apocalypse (The Book of Revelation).

By tomorrow, I will have finished reading the entire New Testament <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" /> , in under 4 months. I am currently reading Revelation. I have the NAB and I have had some concerns about the footnotes added by present day biblical scholars throughout the New Testament (putting thier understanding of the scriptures). It has been helpful at times, and others, they are truly showing thier lving in the 21st century.

With Revelations, the opening notes said that this is a symbolic piece, and not to be taken literally. It mentioned that when John talks about Jesus, it is only symbolic, "One would find difficult and repulsive to visualize a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, yet Jesus Christ is decsribed in precisely such words." When we reach the apocalyptic time, who is say what would be repulsive? It only sounds repulsive now because of our worldly impression and influences. Once we are in God's Kingdom, our minds, souls, and heart will be transformed. We will know (and accept) God's ways fully. couldn't this picture of Jesus be one of those ways of God? Could this picture be one of the most beautiful and majestic scenes we will ever encounter? IMHO <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Another pondering.
When John mentions the seven churches. Has it ever been looked at the instead on these regional churches being within 40+ miles of each other in a circular fahsion, that each church could represent each continent of the world. The last time I checked, we had seven continents: North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antartica (am I missing one?). Is it possible that the descriptions of God's favor (or lack thereof) of each church is a reflection on His favor (or lack thereof) on each continent? IMHO

Lastly. Any thoughts on where the New Rome (the Harlot) that is to fall into the sea is? Is it New York City, or Los Angeles, or outside of the United States? Or are we to take it literall; the City of Rome in Italy? IMHO

Let the debating begin. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

God's Blessings (and Wisdom) be upon us,
Trying....

ttsmm,

I don't know what you are reading, but Jesus never has seven horns and however many eyes. That is symbolic of the antichrist and not describing Jesus. I still urge you to go get the book " All Roads Lead to Rome ". It will teach you the truth and you might be amazed how far we have wandered from it. The seven churches represent seven kinds of people and their attitudes. I would search for books written by the original writers of the original King James version of the bible. I'm a little leary of newer books. Plus you're staying up too late!!!!!

singleguy

sg,
Click this link to see the references and notes to MANY of the Bibles in use, including King James.
Revelation 5:6

QUESTIONS ?????????
If Revelation is symbolism, is all of it symbolism?
Who makes the determination that the symbolism ends and actuality begins?
Are the seven plagues that are mentioned going to happen?
If not, does that mean that then never happened in Egypt either?
Or were the plagues in Egypt real and the plagues in Revelation only symbols of God's wrath?
If the plagues are not real in Revelation or in Moses time, did the Red Sea really part?
Or like many scientist who attempt to discount the Old and New Testaments state the the writers meant the "Sea of Reeds" - having found many old chariot wheels and horse gear?

I am not being nasty, if I am, please accept my apologies. I am looking for answers.

When Jesus was talking with the Apostles and the people who came to see Him, He spoke in parables and He told His Apostles that that was what He was doing. Where in the Apocalypse does John mention that God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the angels, the elders, or anyone else in the visions is talking in symbols and/or parables?

Again, I am new to reading scripture, only three months, and I have a thirst for His Word. When am I suppose to look at His Word as only being symbolic?

I am not quoting, because I don't have the time right now to check it, but, I believe it was Acts.
A couple come to Paul after selling a piece of property so they could offer the money to the church. The husband lies about the money they received. Paul knows this, accuses him of cheating the church, and he is struck dead. As the disciples are burying the husband, the wife enters and lies as well. She is struck dead.

Are these to be taken as symbols?
Does this symbolize that the church (Paul) knew their hearts and that they were lying so he threw them out of the church (excomunnicated)?
But if excommunicated, they could return if they repented, right?
If struck dead, they were lost souls for ever, unless God rose them from the dead so they could repent?


I am on a roll here, but I need to get to back to work.


As for staying up late... I go to bed around 9:30 PM so I am asleep by the time my W comes home from work (less chance for arguing). Unfortunately <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" /> , I awake at 1:00-1:30 nearly every night, so I read the Bible, other books on faith, and do my postings.

God's Blessings,
TTSMM

Hello all. Just passing through to say hello. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

I have not been on this site much at all lately which I think is a good thing. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

My H and I are doing well. But we are having some big time difficulties with our children. We have 4 between us. All 4 are older and living away from us.

I know that divorce was NEVER God's intention and of course no one here would disagree with that statement but it is becoming even more clear to me why God hates it.

It does SUCH damage to kids.

I am trying to focus on the fact though that God is a redeeming God. He can heal. He can touch and change hearts and ultimately He can restore.

This is not a rebuke directed to anyone because frankly I don't know anyone well enough on this particular thread to know if this applies to you or not but I have something on my heart to say here about kids and divorce.

I believe that when the enemy gets in and destroys a home he will do mass destruction.

Often the "guilty" party, or the one the files the divorce or wants the divorce, is seen as the "bad" guy. He or she becomes the one that must forever pay for their sins. Sometimes long past the time that they have already repented and made it right with God.

Sometimes because of anger and resentment and old hurts and bitterness we won't LET our enemies make it right with us. I think we get comfortable in our ways and we like the fact that our offending ex's are the "bad" guy.

This is so destructive to children. Even AFTER the divorce is long over I can see that some parents will carry on the battle. Even people that are still "standing" for their marriages are still quietly dissing their respective spouses to their children.

I believe that repentence needs to start with us. We need to offer up forgiveness and mercy and grace to our ex's, period. Even before they ask sometimes. Even IN their sin. Even IF they are continuing.

God does that with us many times. He says in the word that His "kindness is given to make us repent".

Think about that? If someone is kind to you does it make you want to continue in your sin? Or does it melt your cold heart and make you want to come to your senses?

I can say for me, it makes me want to do the right thing when someone is kind to me even when I am clearly acting out of turn.

I have seen soooooo many Christians fall in my lifetime and fall into divorces only to regret it years later. But I have also seen many ex's that have been betrayed continue EXACTLY the same way as the day their spouses walked out and they feel justified in their own sins.

Yes, maybe your ex has betrayed you and your children and maybe they may never change. But there are a few of them that are desperately trying to repent and the people in their lives won't allow it.

It is just more comfortable for them to keep that man or woman as the "bad" guy to blame for all that went wrong in their lives.

Children will also pick up on this behavior and forever be set up in a pattern of blaming.

This is what we are struggling with in our own kid's lives. Everything that goes wrong in their lives, they blame on the divorce and on one or both of us.

The truth is, the divorce DID happen and it DID hurt them, but THEY are still responsible for their own actions and their own relationship with God, AFTER the divorce.

The kids can't say they have a terrible life, now, after 10 or so years. It is time to let that go and forgive.

Ex spouses sometimes don't WANT their children to forgive because then they may have to also forgive and share some of the responsibilty for the breakdown of the family.

Satan is crafty. When he gets in and destroys a family you can bet he will blind BOTH eyes and those of the children too, if he can. Don't ever believe for a moment that it did not take TWO to break up that home. Not just the "guilty" party.

Ok, sermon over ..... can we take up a little offering now? hehee

OHIT and I need a little holiday to some place really warm, like um .....Florida might be nice" LOL

Blessings All,
DZZZ (Deb)

Revelation 5 Yes, ttsmm, this does represent Jesus and the seven churches from what I understand. Remember, this is a dream that John is having. Could it be symbolism? Many times in OUR dreams, that particular dream does not happen verbatim but very close to it or things in the dream represent something else. Let me give you an example of one of my own dreams - I had a dream about a month ago, maybe a few weeks ago, that I was in my mother's house & my children and BIL were there. All of a sudden, we heard a frantic knocking on the back door. My oldest son answered the door and my SIL ran in screaming, Shut the door! By the time my oldest could get the door shut, a man dressed in black shoved his way in, with a knife in his hand. He grabbed my daughter and held the knife to her throat. I don't remember what he said if he said anything. I grabbed on to my BIL and pulled him in front of me. I cannot remember what else happened after that, if anything, but when I woke up, horrified, I noticed that the downstairs lamp was on. I was a little shaken at first, wondering if there had been someone in the house & I was having a dream warning me of that. So I laid there, quiet, and slowly investigated. Then I remembered that I hadn't turned the lamp off before going to bed.

I thought about what this dream could have meant. I believe the man dressed in black with a knife (I appropriately labeled him a thief), represented Satan & his effort to destroy my family. (He comes like a thief, ready to kill & destroy) My BIL could have represented my husband (they are twins) and my SIL is my best friend (could be my fears manifested through her - trying to run away from Satan and his destruction). Who was he attacking? My children. Specifically my daughter. My daughter & I could pass for twins. They call us the "mother-daughter" twins at her old daycare.

Anyway, the lamp being on when I woke up could represent God's light and that I was focused on that when I woke up, could symbolize that I have to keep my eyes focused on the light at the end of the tunnel (the nightmare).

To connect all of this, when John had this dream, he was shown images representing various things. It was a prophetic dream. Some things were symbols, and we are told when they represent and what they represent. I take Revelation literally to a certain extent, for instance, when they are spewing forth plagues, those plagues could take different forms according to the world we live in now. Not sure if this helps, but that's how I view the book of Revelation.

So how did I do? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

ttsmm,

I am going to try to send you the tapes I talked about awhile back. then we can get into your questions, which by the way, are good ones!!!

Dzzz,
You are right, but forgiveness is very hard for most people, even outside of divorce. It needs to be taught in the church much more that it is. The bible says the sins of the fathers are passed down to the third and fourth generation, not so much by God, but that is how long things sometimes need to be repented of and for real. There are soooo many wounded people walking around today, even in church, maybe more in church! People are better at hiding pain than healing from it. Just so you know I try to do exactly what you posted about my ex. I did make a comment about her anger, but I can tell you a million good things about her too, and mean it.

I have been thinking about my own woundedness and have been wondering what could possibly heal me, and then you say you are going to Florida. My doctor says if you will post ALOT of pictures in your string
bikini, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="images/icons/cool.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> I might survive!!!! If I start to fade, I will have you post more pictures!!!! You don't want me to die, do you???? You are such a good pal. Please tell ohit what a great wife he has!!!!

You know I am picking on you.......

Or am I? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

friskyguy

SG if you really want to die and go to heaven I'll post pixs of OHIT in his bikini!! LOL

SG I suggest lots of vitamin C, a cold shower, and maybe a total lobotomy... hehee

Naww .. ok .. I'll be nice.

I agree with you about the churches not teaching this stuff.

I am not sure the age group you are in but we are in the 40's group and I have served the Lord since I was 19. In the early years you could count on your one hand the number of people that got divorced. Then it seemed over night marriages of 10 or 20 years (like mine) were breaking up all around us.

Gosh it's like it all happened so fast .. and the church couldn't keep up. I read somewhere that the divorce statistics are no different in the church today than in the world. Sad reality.

Well, I say, "Church wake up!!" Get with the program! We have work to do. If we are truly His disciples and we want to be used for the master, it's time we got out those bandages and started to use them.

The church is supposed to be a hospital not a morgue.

From now on I wanted to be called Dr. And Mrs. OHIT .. heehe

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

DZZZ

Dr Dzzz, <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Now where did I imply that I really want to die!!!!! But you got the heaven part right!!! I'll be checking your ticket at the gate girl!!!

Most churches today are made up of broken families. The divorce rate is " higher by 1% " in the church than outside. The reconciliation rate is " lower " in the church than the outside. That ought to tell us something!!!! They say a divorce affects 68 people immediately. It affects relationships [parents and children], finances, the holidays, school, work, insurance, the kids are shuffled back and forth between homes, just to name a few. I used to get along better with my wife's side of the family than she did. But this will be the eighth year that I have missed out on reunions, Christmas, birthdays, etc. it's like I don't exist anymore. They don't invite me, nor do they send any cards, birthday or Christmas. I went from family to "doesn't exist" overnite. I don't feel they hate me, but they are forced to side with their daughter, so I'm out. I'm sure they feel guilty too. I don't hate my ex or try to make her life miserable in any way. I seldom see her. But any guilt she harbors, if any, is strictly self imposed. I do feel I have every right to move on and I can't look forward to a new relationship, if I have to look back at any remnants of an old one, so better that we seldom see each other.

If we are to make things fair, then we have to consider all points. When my wife first left me, we weren't even divorced yet [but she had moved out] when people where coming up to me and saying " Hey, was that your wife I saw at the bar last nite. Aren't you guys married anymore? ". Then she told me the reason she married me was because " I was convenient ". She said she never did really love me!! But now she has "woke " up and wants "peace" and we should all get along. She says we need to learn to forgive and forget!! Interesting concept!!!! Do you see what I am saying. As a Christian I CHOSE to be bigger than the problem. satan would love for me to be chomping at the bit with hate and anger, but I refuse to bite!!! The lobotomy helps alot!!!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Anyway, I just wanted to throw my two cents in. I will start praying for those pictures I requested. Dear God.....

God Bless
Dr.guy

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">The lobotomy helps alot!!!!! </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Well see Dr. Single (who by the way SG is NOT a real Dr. he just plays one on MB) if more men would just volunteer to have the operation.... lol

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

DZZZ

When I was in college (BC), the saying went; "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy". The effect was the same, it just wasn't permanent. Or so I thought. I think back then I killed more brain cells than a lobotomy would have.

Sg, I think you need to go running again. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> Besides, knowing DZZZ; she'd doctor up the photo with her head and someone elses' body (like "OHIT in a bikini") and post the pix just to throw you off. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

Regarding the topic; I personally don't think it is either or. Who's to say that it cannot have both a literal meaning and a symbolic meaning. I think it is possible to have more than one meaning and still be biblical.

While I haven't studies Revelation in depth, I have seen where the use of symblism and literal meaning is used together. Such as when Christ talks about the seven churches. Those were actual churches with actual issues. I also believe he was talking about how symbolic it is because of how each of us individually can be.

Just getting ready to go p/u the W and go home for the day.

BTW - Weekend was pretty good. Rained a lot, got a whole lot of reading in and we cooked dinner for a couple in our church who was celebrating their 7th Anniversary.

Blessing to you all.

Love in Christ.

S&C

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> Besides, knowing DZZZ; she'd doctor up the photo with her head and someone else's body (like "OHIT in a bikini") and post the pix just to throw you off </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Hey Steadfast, I am gonna think on this one!! LOL

When H and I were dating I developed a pix I had taken of him and had it put on disk, and then I played with it on printshop and added dreadlocks on his pix .. I gotta find it for you guys .. it's a scream! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

I could post my pix but I figure I am SURE y'all would die. I don't want to be responsible for that. Imagine the newspaper. "MB participants die from shock from seeing middle-aged, plus sized model,in stringed bikini" Sub caption would read:
"Doctors say the peculiar thing was all the men that died also had, had previous lobotomies.

hehe <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />
Remember all, "laughter works like a medicine".

And *I* am a Dr.-- so take take your MEDS! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" />

Dr. Dzzz

Dzzz,
Too many quotes to put them here.
You are so right about divorce. Even though I am not yet (God willing, it won't happen), I can already see many of the issues that will arise for our children: two homes (apts. because we won;t be able to keep the house); lower life style for both parents and therefore the children as well; schooling, plays, sporting events, holidays, the list could go on for eternity.

I have repented, I know God forgives me, I wish my W would do the same.

Tonight, I worked on the Christmas tree lights by myself <img border="0" alt="[Teary]" title="" src="graemlins/teary.gif" /> while my W helped our D with a school project she is doing. From the living room I kept hearing was, "Can't you do anything right? You haven't learned anything, have you? Why can't you cut in a straight line? Stop sitting on your feet and sit up straight. You just don't care about your work. Well, i guess I am the only one who does care." and more such criticisms.

My heart went out to my D, and there was nothing I could do. Every time I intervene on these things, she always brings up the A and how my parents (mentally ill she says) didn't do a good job with me. And she says this in front of the kids. So I sit back, close to tears, and pick up the pieces of my D's heart when my W goes to work.

My S doesn't fair much better. He was born after I had the A (a year and a half later), but before I confessed to it. She feels and tells me many times, that I should have told her about the A before we decided to have a second child. A child is a precious gift that a W gives to her H (I agree) and I never would have given this to you. I feel/know that he is getting his treatment by her (not abuse - but definitely wrong) because looking at him reminds her of my infidelity.

As for our D. I think she drifts off or gives up sometime, because it is her only way to lash out against the pain and suffering she is going through. Like tonight when my W complained to our D that she must be lazy, our D said she didn't want to do the project any more and that she hated it.
She doesn't understand what I did (A), although my W tells her that she will know fully when she is old enough.

My W uses the A and possible D to blame all that is going on around her. She refuses to take responsibilty for most anything in the M that went wrong. Tonight while working on our D's project, she tells me I pasted the maps upside down. She was already drawing and printing on it the opposite way. I respectfully showed her that I had pasted everything the proper way and that her drawing and printing afterwards were upside down. I tehn went back to the tree. I heard mutter to our D that she (my W) made a mistake. WIthin the next breath she was upset with our D's teacher for giving this project just before the holidays. Nothing is ever her fault. Please pray that God shows her she needs to be responsible and to take a more constructive stand with our C.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn,
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight,
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy,
If shildren live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">The poem goes on.

I'm not angry at my W, although when she does this I do think a lot of negative thoughts and then I look to God and ask for Him to stop her actions, or to lead me in what I need to do.

Before I close, I do some good news. The blurbs are on the prayer post, but I wanted to share them here as well.
In school the other day, my D's class was coming up with a list of "Winter" things. Children said, "snow, the dradel(sp), Christmas trees", and the like. She said, "God's Birthday." This is a public school in NJ, so the teacher listed "Birthdays" instead. But I was so proud to hear my D's answer. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Tonight, I was in Walmart looking for a book my Great Uncle wrote (he was Stefan Zeromski, a polish novelist at the turn of 19th century). I was talking with the book manager and we talked about our heritages. After a bit, I noticed "The Purpose Driven Life" on the shelf. I asked him if was religious and he asked why? I told him I just finished reading "TPDL" and it was amazing. He said that he used to be a Catholic, but left because of all the hypocrisy he excperienced down south (ALL Christian denominations). I shared with him, briefly, my life, the A, my possible D, and my being a "Born Again Catholic". He said he never felt anything from God and with the hypocrisy, he didn't see a need, but he did send his kids to Catholic schools at first. I shared with him a few of my experiences with God (the car license plates with my W's name) and he was impressed (wrong word). He wasn't turned off. I had to run to pick up my D from CCD class, but I told him when I was leaving, he should read the book. I have never shared my faith with a total stranger before. I was always afraid of coming off as a "Jesus Freak", and when I finished "TPDL" and it talked about the Great Commission, I felt ill. But here, the Holy Spirit guided me to talk about MY experience with my faith and what it was doing for me. No sales pitch.

God's Blessings and Good Night,
TTSMM

S&C,

If I didn't pick on Dzzz, she would think I was sick. Besides she likes it, even if she won't admit it. Several years ago on I believe 60 minutes, they had an article about all the Canadian men who went to the beaches of Texas and wore the little Speedo's. They were snowbirds and would be there 3 or 4 months. The guys had these huge pot belly's and you couldn't even see the front part of the swim suit. The local's thought it was disgusting because they would come into the restuarants and such with only a little patch of black on their butt. I can't remember what the women wore. Probably the granny suit!!!!

So you don't think I'm a real doctor, huh Dzzz!!
I've had some women tell me they love how I "operate". They say I'm a "cut" above the rest!!! Anyway, time to continue sewing Draculina together. She's almost finished. She'll look just like Pam Anderson when I'm finished!! Well, almost! Should I put her on "Extreme Makeovers"?

Yes, humor is good medicine!!!! I hope God gets a chuckle out of some of this. I sure do.

God Bless
Dr Single

TTSMM,

Glad to hear that you shared your faith with a stranger. That's awesome! PTL! The more you do it, the easier it should gets. Evangelism is what we're all called to do. I am a bit more comfortable talking to people I know. I haven't quite gotten the nerve to evangelize to those I don't know - YET. I will with the help of God though.

Continue to pray for your wife - she'll come around eventually - remember, not in OUR time, but his. I've always understood it to be that sometimes God hardens peoples hearts until he thinks they're ready to hear the gospel message. That happened with my SIL. I have always tried to spread God's word to her, but she was never willing to listen. "You stick to the Bible stuff - it doesn't interest me." So I showed her the love of Christ through my ACTIONS. When God felt she was ready to listen, he used a tragic incident in her life to open her ears & heart to the word. She started reading her Bible more and prays consistently now. PTL! Also, I took notice that the more love & understanding I give to my husband when he's around, the more he wants to be around! The more friendly he is. We joke and carry on when I'm upbeat, friendly & continue to show him unconditional love. Keep on doing what you're doing. It WILL pay off eventually.

Diamonzzz,

I know what you mean about forgiveness and the children. The children feel so torn right now between both of us. They want Daddy to be happy & they hate to see Mommy miserable. When I asked them how they felt about all of this, my oldest S13 told me that he's a little angry with Dad for breaking commandments, D11 said the same thing. They each told me that God doesn't want this to happen and they feel that when someone promises to love someone forever, they have to try everything they can to keep that promise. My heart breaks every time I hear them speak about it. I told them that although Daddy's actions aren't perfect right now, we must remember to love him always and they need to respect him as he is their father and they must not break the commandment that says, Honor your father. I think as long as the adults (at least one sane adult) teaches the children unconditional love & forgiveness, the children will have an easier time adjusting to the new situations that arise. Yes, they're going to need to talk about it sometimes. Yes, they're going to need to pray with you for patience, but as long as they know that God hears their prayers, and wants to comfort them too, they will be okay.

sg,

So can I come to you for my "ailments" now? I'm tired of having to pay so much for health care!!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />