Hi Everybody

I just wanted to pop and and say hi...and apologize for being mostly MIA for the past few days until yesterday. As some of you know, I have been in intense pain. I now have several medical issues going on. In addition to my back issue, I also have to visit the cardiologist and am also having left side pain, so I see another doctor for that soon. I am also having eye problems. I don't sit still for long. I try to read the posts, but just can't reply to all of them, because I can't get comfortable. Hopefully, after today, I will be able to at least get a little rest. I finally had my appointment with the pain management doctor. I have injured my back again (DUH) and have to start physical therapy again. He has given me two meds for pain to take, and I have just now taken one, and am FINALLY getting a little relief. That is good, since today is my son's birthday and we may go somewhere if my husband comes home at a decent hour from work. I am so thankful for all of you. You are a big blessing to me. I was reading something Glenn wrote and it is oh so true. He said that we have our own little "small group" here on the boards. I agree. I have not been a member but a few months, but I certainly feel the presence of God within this group, and the bonds that are being made. Each of you are special treasures. I am so thankful I found this board, and all of you. Have a blessed day! Stephanie

I feel the same about you, Stephanie! You must really be allowing the Lord to give you strength through all that you are enduring right now! Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! Love, Cindy

Thanks Cindy! ((((((HUGS)))))) Stephanie

Stephanie you are a blessing to this board. I also want to THANK YOU for your encouraging words to me yesterday. Please know that I'm praying for you. I honestly prefer this board over the main board on OH. It's like going to church. If you to a BIG church, you don't have one on one communication with your pastor because he ahs NO TIME to visit with all members. But, if you go to a small church, then all members know each other and the pastor has more time to visit with each and every one of them...make sense? That's why I prefers this board, because we all know each other and treat each other like what we are...FAMILY! God bless you and I love you, Letty

Amen to that Letty!!!

Dawn, How are you doing? I have been thinking about you. I know you have a lot on your plate. Your new beginning is just around the corner! I am so excited for you! Love, Stephanie

12 more days...can you believe it?? Yesterday at work I was packing up my box of stuff and shutting down the computer and turning off the lights for the last time and it hit me; this is MY year...2006. Here it is, not even the second week of the year and so many changes are happening. I've already submitted to God in every way so I know that all things are going to work together for good. Never in my life have I had such peace. I think it is part of the total surrender. I would challenge anyone to walk in my shoes for a week and be as calm as I am. I'm even surprised by it. I'm just going to continue to ask everyone to pray with me and for me. My guess: About 6 mos from now I will have an awesome testimony!! Love, Dawn

Dawn, You already have an awesome testimony...it is just going to grow...and you will be able to comfort more people...with the incredible adventure you are about to begin in this stage of your life. You are an incredibly strong woman, and have been through a lot lately, but God is faithful. He is IN this with you, supporting you having this surgery, or you would not have had so many people that were able to help you pull this off. I wish I could have helped financially, but I did pray...When God is in something...mountains are moved...and even when it looks hopeless...wow...things happen...and you are proof of that! How's about that for a testimony? The next few months are going to be an adventure...lots of things going on...lots of new stuff....and it will not be easy...but it will be so worth it. I can't wait to hear about your progress! God is so incredibly cool. And yes...this is your year!!!!! Love, Stephanie

Letty, I am so honored to call you friend. I am glad I was able to encourage you yesterday. I know it seems like your world is falling apart and like no one can relate, but girl you are so NOT alone. I know what you mean about the big church thing. Our little church has grown so much recently, that only a few months after moving into our new building we were up to three services, once again...and are now quite a big church compared to how it started...in the pastors garage. Now, the only time you get to talk to him is briefly on the way out the door after service, which is rushed, because there are so many services now. I see his wife more frequently because she serves on the worship team and so do I, but I never get to talk to him...so I understood exactly what you were saying. I also prefer this board. I have stopped posting on the state board for several reasons. Mostly, because here....I am just home with you guys. Hope today was better for you. Love you bunches! Stephanie

Hi Stephanie, I am thanking God that you are getting some pain relief! I will continue to lift you up in prayer because PT is not going to be easy. I am thankful for you, Stephanie and the wonderful encouragement that you give others. God is so good and I feel that this board has been a huge blessing in my life. I so agree with Glen too that this is our own little "small group." A safe place with people who truly pray and love the Lord and are so nonjudgemental - what a blessing. Please keep us posted on your progress! I love you! God Bless, Lynda Phil. 4:8