Well, if good intentions were the end-all, I'd be a happy woman... alas, they are not, and therefore I must make a confession -- I have been visiting and posting all over MB, even though I wanted to stay just here.<P> Now, this is good and bad. I have helped, and hindered too, I think. But my heart is always in the right place.<P>You might notice it's very late (or early, as you see might see it)... 2:26 am here in eastern Canada and I can barely keep my eyes opened [img]images/icons/shocked.gif" border="0[/img] (seemed a good place for that!), but I am trying to wait up for my H, who is still on the horrid graveyard shift. After this week, we have two weeks on days, and then another week back on this horrid shift. <P>Everything is still the same, except my son is now back on the Homebound Program with the teacher coming to the house. That part is good and bad, because he is safe (good [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]) but has no social interaction at all (bad [img]images/icons/frown.gif" border="0[/img]). I have decided, after giving myself a three week headache, that this is best left to his dad whenever possible -- and I'll tell ya -- I hate doing that. But, of course, God is still in control, ultimately, although we do try so hard to rip the reigns from his hands... so I lift my son up to God today for a healing touch and warm peaceful feelings of love that only He can give him -- and if, by chance, God could remind my son that I adore him, well, I will gladly thank Him.<P>There are some very frustrating things happening, as well as some quite lovely things. <P>Immigration is STILL at a standstill [img]images/icons/frown.gif" border="0[/img] and that means no working yet. But, my daughter sent me an email reminding me that this means that God has given me time to work on me, so appreciate it while I can. Yeah, I birthed her, amazing, ain't it [img]images/icons/wink.gif" border="0[/img].<P>A friend I have known here at MB for a year has become a much closer friend over the last two months, and she has sent me a gift in the mail... I haven't received it yet, but in it (she told me because she was bursting at the seams!!) is a book called, Praying with Katie. It's about an unemployed man who sees God in his cat, Katie. He uses his observations of her daily routine to show him how God works in his life. SOUNDS NEATO, doesn't it??? I can hardly wait to read it... and the feeling behind the gift is one of love and comfort. That is truly a wonderful thing, doncha think? We all needs friends...<P>My life is shaping up, despite my confusions and pains and over-reactions and all the other oh-so-human frailties I have allowed to overcome me...<P>I thank God that He never gave up on me... and I thank each of you too!!!

That book sounds like a winner. I hope you give a full review when you've read it! Then send it to me! j/k Seriously though, after just a few posts here in the study forum last year, a newfound cyberfriend mentored me and bought me a copy of "boundaries in marriage." It was the best gift! I love how the internet breaks down geographic barriers and provides a gathering place for people with common interests. <P>Your waiting time on immigration is a precious gift. I hope that anything stressing you out is deflected by your determination to have peace and contentment in each and every day. Is there volunteer work you can do in the meantime (not that I want to see you post less on MB). I know it's tough when you're new to an area to meet real life friends. Believe it or not, there's still people who don't spend time on the internet! I found people locally through the internet when I was new in my area five years ago. I've found my very best friends on the internet, some of whom I've never met. Enjoy that new hubby. It's nice to hear a positive update. I'd love to follow suit with one of my own.

What a lovely message, LH. [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]<P>Oh, well, I can't even volunteer right now because you need a social insurance number for a workman's comp type coverage, and that won't come until this process is complete.<P>Boy, I hear you about accepting this time as a gift... I hear you... but... no, I am sorry to say that my stress is not deflected. My H is working his hiney off to support us, and truly, he has maxed out every credit card and struggles to keep up with Peter to pay Paul... and it would be so nice to contribute to the whole darned thing. Even a job at Taco Bell would help so much!! (Now that's pushin' it, doncha think? There is only one Taco Bell here besides -- this isn't California with a Taco Bell on every corner! [img]images/icons/grin.gif" border="0[/img])<P>I agree with you... in theory... just need to get this head o' mine to follow.<P>And BOY, are you right about friends and the internet. My friend here is sooooooo excited for me to get this box with the book and some other comfort thingys, and I am so excited to get it too! Unfortunately, it is yet another exercise in patience, since Canadian mail is akin to the Pony Express -- only slower [img]images/icons/shocked.gif" border="0[/img]<P>HAHAHAHAHA -- see, I can laugh!!!!!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img]<P>Thank you LH, and have a great weekend!