Merry Christmas and Goodbye..................

I would like to send a very special thank you to Traci &  Lana for responding to my "I need input" post on 12/10. And also thank you Bec for the e-mail. You all blessed my heart. And I truly do give God all the  glory for me even having this surgery in the first place! Without His blessings I would be nothing and have  nothing. I have stepped back to take another look at why I did  this in the first place. I know I will be alright!!!!!!!!! I have always been mostly a lurker on this sight, I am not  going to be lurking anymore. I find that with my slow dial  up and having to spend so much time reconnecting, that I  am spending way to much time sitting in front of this screen.  So if you would  like to correspond with me about anything  you can e-mail me at  [email protected]  be sure and put  that you are from Obesity Help or Missouri Forum in Subject  line so I don't dump it. I would like to end this post with something I sent out  in some e-mails the other day. This is something I wrote from my heart, and you certainly have the right to not agree with me, but I also have rights as an American that just happens to be Christian first and foremost. It seems in this day and age that everyone  but children of God have rights! I will never push my beliefs on anyone but if you would allow me I would share the wonderful news of my Savior with you.

"This time of year I pray that we always remember  why we celebrate Christmas! It saddens me to know that the world has totally forgotten why we even have a Christmas celebration. When I saw people write Xmas instead of Christmas it made me very sad. Now they are removing the word Christmas from everything and now to be politically correct the world says Happy Holidays. Well I still say "Merry Christmas" and I am proud to say it. Jesus came to this old sinful world as a small baby, he was the very first Christmas gift!  So yes I will say Merry Christmas, in honor of the birth of our Savior!" I pray you all have a Very Merry Christmas this year and remember to thank Jesus for everything He has  blessed you with! I want to leave you with a passage from the Bible about  the very first Christmas. Love Brenda

LUKE Chapter 2 : 6-14

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days  were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped  him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;  because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding  in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and  the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and  they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them,  Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of  great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you  is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which  is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you;  Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,  lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with  the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising  God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest,  and on earth peace, good will toward men.  Amen

oh Brenda i will really miss you on the board but can understand about the slow dial up and OH doesnt make it easy either with all of their new things that they keep adding , myself  i think it was a lot better as it was at first.

You and I and Some of the others started this trip together and now there is only me left on the board. You have been such a blessing to me and several others i know but i will keep you in mind forever. I will continueto pray for you and hope you will remember me in your prayers. Love and hugs your friend, Jan

AMEN, BRENDA!! AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I've noticed for a long time that the only groups of people who are still discriminated against in this country and it is "okay" are Christians and Overweight people.  It seems to be accepted that we are discriminated against. Go to YouTube and type in "Christmas With a Capital C" You will really like it.  A Christmas band created it. Love in Christ our Savior, Lori

{{{Brenda}}} I have been a member of OH since June 2002.  During the years since, I have seen people come and go (including myself for periods of time).  So I certainly understand. And AMEN to the whole Christmas and politically correct issue.  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!  Feel free to email me as well:  [email protected] will get me. 

Brenda; I am so sad to hear you say you are leaving us. I understand why but, am sad just the same. I too am more of a lurker and have come and gone at times too. There is no one on the board from "my day" but, have met so many new friends through this site including you. I tried to keep in touch and sometimes it's hard. Please never say never and maybe you can find some time you can come in and just say hi. I will always have you in my heart. Everyone else...please know from the bottom of my heart that I appreciate each and everyone of you! I cherish the Branson trip and look forward to when we can get together again and  some new ones get to come. I feel a special bond with all of you. No one understands why we had our surgery or what we have and will go through unless you have been there. Love you all!!