We want our board back!

WOW !!!!..............I guess I missed a bunch lately......and I have missed you Funny Lady.......I think sometimes people are so concerned about someone they want to comfort them and they say they will pray for them.....although I do try to send a Personal Message when I do that and not post it on the board and perhaps that would work for others.

I do believe that we must be sensitive to other people's relious beliefs. This is such a wonderful country filled with all kinds of Religions, I don't even think there is a majority any more. We need to have a mutual respect for each other. That is what our forefathers founded this country for....religious freedom.

I do remember when I thought this board was addictive....couldn't stay away...but I have been away and lurking more than I ever have in the past.

I have always loved the support and [and yes enlightenment from Darlene]
I have made so many good friends on this board. I doubt if a day goes by that I don't think about Carla or Annette.....and both Karens.....and when I see a pile of rocks ....I always grin as I think about you and Jan hunting for diamonds....
Hugs, Marti

Hey Marti,

This forum was so helpful to me and still has the potential if we all worked to get it back on track. Religion, like politics, needs to be kept to ourselves.  Good to see you again.

You know Jeannie, I don't generally get into discussions of this sort because I don't. That being said, I'm jumping in with my opinion with both feet.
First of all, as I said the last time you posted, I've missed you and your stories.  I've always enjoyed seeing your postings and you write in such a humerous way yet bare your soul in them too so that we all know how you feel and have usually felt that way ourselves. 
You are correct, this is a forum for weight loss in our 50's and older.  You are correct in saying there are MANY religious folk out there that do not post about their particular beliefs - what ever they are.  If they did, I would not mind. If I don't want to read it, I don't.  
If someone who is Christian wants to post, so be it.  After all, isn't freedom of speech one of our very core beliefs?  That being said, I know many many people who tell me of their Christianity, and I do find it bothersome they have to tell me they are Christian, well I'm Lutheran does that make me less of a Christian then you?  Catholics are Christians too.  Heck, I think all Christians are a little Jewish too. 
In this day and age the chance to learn about anothers religion can be interesting, informative and educational.  Not to mention grants us some understanding of each others ideas.  Does that take away from the support I have gotten here?  No. 
I also think as we age we begin to think about after life/death issues and perhaps turn more towards our higher power no matter what or who that is.  For some it's God, for others, Buddah, or Jehovah.  It's ok. 
Do I personally read religious postings?  not usually.  Do I always read about someone's boyfriends mothers cousin twice removed that blah blah blah?  not usually.  Too much drama for too little life.  I also may not read about family issues or children problems or grandchildren issues, it all just depends on my mood that day. 
Generally when I offer support, I PM the person because I don't find it necessary to ditto everyone else saying the same thing on the board.  As I have done in the past with you and numerous others,
I come to see what's going on with people and offer support if I can.  If it means saying my thoughts will be with you, that's what I say. 
I guess my point is, if someone wants to post here about their religion it's ok.  I can choose to read it or not.  Depends on my mood.  If someone wants to talk about their Wiccian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Native American or Buddist beliefs, again I can read it or not.  It is my choice.  I have not noticed anyone trying to force their beliefs down my throat on the board.  I don't appreciate it when someone does, but I do find some talk can be an interesting dialogue. 
So Jeannie as usual, I am not disagreeing with you, but I am not totally agreeing with you.  So be it.  I believe we can still be friends, partners in the WL journey, support and learn from each other. 
I don't talk much about my religious beliefs because they are mine.  If others want to talk about theirs, it's really not a problem to me, I can choose not to read it.  I may get tired of it, but this forum is for people over 50 who have undergone or are undergoing or preparing for losing weight in some manner.  For some religion plays into it.  Does to me to some point. But those are my private beliefs. 
I still want to come down that way, meet in person and do some rock hunting!  I want to meet Karen C in the middle and do some camping, I want to meet Karen S in Hawaii sometime, I want to meet many of my brothers and sisters in weight loss over 50 journey no matter race, color or creed.  In all of our differences many of us are the same.  
I've said my 2 cents work 0.005 now in today's economy and I'm done, said my peice and I'm quitting now!  
 

Ya know, just when I thought I was done, I remembered, I do miss alot of the people that used to be here too! 

Girl, get your ass down here and we'll go rock hunting.  We can disagree or agree, the point is, we have seperate opinons and both are equally important.  While the religion doesn't bother you, read those here who it bothers.  Some don't feel welcome and others are annoyed, it's that is something bothers a few, then good sense says to calm it down. 

I hope you get down here soon.  I'm up for a little excitement.  If you come in the spring, we can hit the hills and find some really cool things. Or, go dig for diamonds.  NIce to see you again.

Hijack ! 
Hi Debbie......I haven't posted a lot lately. Nice to see you here. Its almost been a year since the Pittsburgh get together. Maybe you and Melissa can make another road trip to see us and we can do the "strip" again. I'm sure you're out of your nuts and biscotti by now.

Mary

Aloha Debbie...I just love you! You make me laugh and delight in your way of saying things. You might find your life simple, but I find it, and you, AWESOME!

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

Hello Jeannie, nice to meet you.  I am not one of the old timers on this board, obviously, but you and I share the same surgery month and year.  I spent most of my early WLS time on the VSG board.  I have been coming here for quite a few months though, and have enjoyed the people and their support. 

I've used and enjoyed the good information and good will that I've found here.  I just read what I wish and skip over what does not interest me.  However, I hope I have not been offensive or insensitive to anyone here - that would never be my intent. 

I hope you hang out here more so I'll get a chance to know you!

Ev

It looks like we were both "reborn" during the same month and year.  It has been an experience but I would do it all over again.  I think the hardest thing for me has been the comments people make, but I try to consider the sources.  Christmas eve, my sister said, you are getting to skinny and I think it's time for you to have the surgery undone. LOL.  undone indeed.  Also, today a woman asked me if I had cancer. LOL.  I just laugh. 

 

TOO SKINNY!! Did you ever think that you'd be hearing that?  My sister and Mom told me the same thing at Thanksgiving.  Told me I needed to put a few more pounds on.  LOL indeed!  This is the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Maintaining is an interesting challenge, one I am still fine-tuning and learning.    Now that my weight is stable, I am trying to assure that  I'm making better food choices.  Calories count, but I want to use those calories for healthy/nutritious foods.  I'm doing this for me, but also trying to set a good example for my sons and nephews!