Christian By Choice

Terry, thank you for your honesty and for the assessment that is true. If you cannot allow personal time to let the Holy Spirit unlock the cage which you are in bonds how can you present the everlasting key to others? Go in peace and allow God Almighty to minister to your needs. His desire is to heal you, fully, completely and with no string attached. When you can forgive yourself for that which He has already forgiven you, then you can move on to the blessed Promised Land.

Terry - sorry to hear of your struggle of late. you are wise to withdraw and seek healing and counsel. Please forgive yourself. The Lord said something to me in church this morning. The pastor had said for us to just ask the Lord to show us if there was anything that we need to lay down and leave at the altar. My mind immediately went to a past failing, with instant regret. But before i could start thinking it over, i heard or had the impresison of the Lord say to me:

"When you keep grieving over what you've been forgiven of, you are saying what i did for you wasn't enough, that i failed somehow. It dishonors my sacrifice, which cost me my life."

I was startled, but quickly agreed to do my best to forget it. I instantly felt lighter.

I'll be praying for you dear brother, and we'll look forward to hearing from you when you are able to come back.

Good day, my dear ones! I have just read over everyone's posts. Nancy although your flowers are suffering from too much sun they sound so beautiful. Keep up the good work. Kelli, good to hear of Suzanne's new development. . . and your step-daughter? How is she? Cinder, you and editor have a wisdom I only wish I had. I miss LanSR, but I am aware this too is part of his development. It is God's work - always - despite our missing him. Terry, you are always in my prayers too. You are so thoughtful and kind. It pains me to hear how you suffer with the demons of the past and I wish I could heal your wounds. I will pray as suggested by Kelli, Hope, Pray, Trust, Wait. It sounds like it's all we can do. Rose, I feel you somehow. You are so gentle and sweet. I also cringe at the pain that cuts you so deeply from your past. I really do. I am glad you share here. This is a healing place and sometimes I think people like Terry are placed in our lives to teach us just as editor is the facilitator of this awesome group. My travels, unfortunately, were not without mishap which is why I have not been around much. My ears took a brutal beating from the 4 flights in less than 24 hours. I have been in terrible pain and trying to depressurize. My ears are still popping, but I feel a little better today. It's hard to believe I will be on another flight on Thursday morning. This time I'll be traveling for pleasure and be with my dear boyfriend, so I should be okay although I do worry about this ear. On a scale of 1 - 10 in the pain category, it was a 9. I didn't get in until after midnight on Thursday and I suffered so on Friday. Work was terribly busy and I couldn't even get a moment for myself until after 6 p.m. It has been rough. Well, I'm due for a nice relaxing Memorial Day weekend at the beach with my beau. I promise to thoroughly enjoy it. I'm not bringing my laptop, so you probably will not hear from me until I get back. I'll check in a couple times before I leave this week. Praying for all of you everyday. Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how grateful I am for your good wishes - all of you. Thank you. You are a wonderful group and I'm glad to be here with you. Regards, LT :-)

A quick check in to say hello and Happy Sunday!

We had an awfully busy weekend with my oldest here for the weekend (from the Air Force), a work day at the church (I still have paint on my elbows and in my hair!), a canoe trip with my youngest, a belated Mom's Day dinner with my parents, and of course, church and fellowship most of this morning. Whew! I am tired but feel good that no one was disappointed and I succeeded in finishing my tasks...well, except the laundry, but it is in process as I type!

I am looking forward to an easier week ahead as I am taking next weekend off and hubby and I are going to go away for an "adults only" weekend with a large group of friends in the mountains with music and fun and food. We desperately need some down time.

Rebecca is okay. We have been let down a little by our justice system (there is no "physical evidence" and they have yet to formally question her attacker and the restraining order expires tomorrow.) We found out that her mother hired an attorney for the boyfriend and Rebecca is sooooo angry. It is justified and necessary for her healing...it is just so hard to see her hurting. She will heal, but not today or tomorrow nor for quite a while. She is safe and the rest is in His hands and that is right where it needs to be.

Rosiebear...I am sorry that you are hurting and I wish I could just walk next door and give you a big (((HUG))). I'm sending you this one, instead. Be Good To You and know that you are so loved.

Cinder...I always smile when I type your name and think of you. You are such a sweet person and a Godly woman. I like to think of you as His cheerleader...always rooting us on toward the finish line with inspiration and hope. You are incredibly loved and we are blessed for knowing you!

editor...Thank you just isn't enough. You are a Godsend and I feel your love and caring every time I visit this wonderful place. Are you sure you don't have angel wings hiding under that shirt?

eltee and nancy and onfire...sisters in Christ's family. We are blessed to share in His love. You are wonderful women and I am glad to be a part of your life.

Terry....Godspeed for your healing. You touch so many of our hearts everyday and now it is time for you to rest and heal your own. I will pray extra hard for you, my dear. Be well and good rest my brother.

I know that Lan won't get this, but I sure do miss him and will continue to pray for him and his lovely wife. I can't wait to trade stories someday when we meet in heaven!

Sending you all hugs and love...Your sister in Christ, Kelli

Thankyou Lt and Kelli hope the beach is nice for you next weekend.Lt.

Good morning ladies of the cross. LT and K presents me with opportunity for prayer, as well as my "bud", Nancy and "My desire" Cinder. Before I respond to posts, I do pray, and then I feel so comforted that God is answering that there is little for me to say. He wants our best, more than we do and I am praying we all come to the full revelation of Christ granting us that abundant life that He has richly promised for those of us that walk uprightly. Keep looking up, friends!

Gayle should be home so we are hoping to hear soon from her too.

Thankyou Bud