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Steven Barrett
Member
| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Absurdistan, AKA , Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 1566 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 07:57 am |
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 Didi,
What Cheri shared with you is DEAD ON TRUTH when things look so dreary. Take it from guy who's had his bouts with job losses for a wide variety of reasons, some I created, some I didn't.
It just so happened that I caught a few pages from the late Tim Russert's book containing letters about fathers. One of which came from a woman who suffered from manic-depression for almost all her life. One night her father appeared in a dream saying "it's not your fault, but you have the responsibility" to make the best out of it. Yes, even when we think all we have are lemons, God doesn't just give us the responsibility to deal with our problems, but most importantly, His strength also gives us the peace of mind and comfort of knowing He's given us the mental tools to handle these challenges as they come along.
Tell your husband it's not his fault but also tell him it's his responsibility in a way that's positive and makes him want to believe he can grasp and tackle this responsibility -- because he can and you believe he can because your faith in God enables you to do so.
I can't hold down a regular job anymore, but I can take responsibility for the other gifts God has given me and use both responsibility and gifts to help others in ways I'd have never given thought to in a million years when I was younger. Just tonight I was watching Bill Moyers' show about Jack Abramoff and that crowd in Wash. DC and when I was younger, I travelled on the edge of it and wanted in. It was exc iting. (Yeah, too exciting now and thank God He pulled me away from it. I have a much different perspective about many issues, but in a deep crevice in my writer's heart, I've still got a lot of "Potomac Fever" running through me.)
But if you were to predict even a decade ago I'd be building nativity creches and starting up an exotic bird toy business to make a few extra "mad money" dollars to pay off some bills and keep active in addition to writing, etc., I'd be thinking "What on earth!?"
And that's what Cheri's saying: God's got something in the back of His head and so long as we trust Him, He won't string us out so far that we can't meet our obligations; but think of it as His way of giving us time to discern what He'd like us to do in order to bring glory to Him so He can help increase the faith of others who need it too. And it's hard to be that selfless when we're scared. It's also HUMAN and don't be embarrassed to admit it.
It'll be hard as heck to do this, but when I've been down, two songs, both corny, have always picked me up and it never hurts to hum them along:
Maybelle Carter's "Keep on the sunny side of life" and " Happy Days are here again." The latter's obviously more "secular," but it has power that many a spiritual song never packed, especially so many of the dirges listed in the more contemporary hymnals resting in pews. (If I had my way, they'd make a nice bonfire and I'd replace them with old Latin hymns. But I'm a Catholic Curmudgeon in this respect. No kumbaya stuff.) That old Depression song lifted an entire nation and it lifted me out my own depression last fall, and it was awfully deep, Didi, just as your husband's is and to some degree, I'm sure, yours is out of concern.
But you have my prayers and loving support.
God Bless you and also keep on the Sunny Side of Life!
Steven
____________________
James Michael Curley to a young Thomas “Tip” O’Neill -- “Son, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
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Pani Rose
Member
| Joined: | Fri Oct 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
| Posts: | 750 |
| First Name: | Rose | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Ruthenian Byzantine in a Melkite Greek Catholic Parish, raised ... |
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Posted: Mon Aug 4th, 2008 02:23 am |
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Lord of the Powers be with us, for in times of distress we have no other help but You.
Lord of the Powers, have mercy on this family.
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Didi
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| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 252 |
| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Sun Aug 17th, 2008 04:00 pm |
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Thank you, Marcee, for your message and your continued prayers.
I haven't been on the forums much lately. We've had very hot temps in the Portland area and all my health symptoms seem to worsen with the heat, so I haven't been on the computer much.
There's no real news to report. Things are the same, though we are still in our house for now but not sure what next month will bring. We are trying very hard to trust in the Lord and submit our lives to Him. We have a very caring and supportive Church family. We pray that a job comes along for Mark very soon.
Thanks to all of you for your continued prayers!
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1546 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Aug 17th, 2008 04:06 pm |
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I'm still praying, Didi, and I have missed you on the forum.
In his love,
Becky
____________________
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials. . .the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life. . . NAB James 1:2-4,12
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left coast mystic
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| Joined: | Sat May 10th, 2008 |
| Location: | La Honda, California USA |
| Posts: | 167 |
| First Name: | Marcee | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nondenominational charismatic, Presbyterian, long-time lover of the RCC |
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Posted: Sun Aug 17th, 2008 05:57 pm |
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Didi wrote: I haven't been on the forums much lately. We've had very hot temps in the Portland area and all my health symptoms seem to worsen with the heat, so I haven't been on the computer much.
There's no real news to report. Things are the same, though we are still in our house for now but not sure what next month will bring. We are trying very hard to trust in the Lord and submit our lives to Him. We have a very caring and supportive Church family. We pray that a job comes along for Mark very soon.
Thanks to all of you for your continued prayers!
Oh, Didi, my heart hurts for you! Yet at the same time I'm so grateful that God has surrounded you with a supportive community. Whatever is in the road ahead, you'll be able to get through it (moment by moment) because of God's intimate concern for you expressed through His body.
Marcee
____________________
Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim. 6:6)
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength. (Isa. 30:15)
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ChildofGod
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| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 214 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian in the Wilderness |
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Posted: Mon Aug 18th, 2008 06:38 pm |
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Dear Didi,
I have been following your situation and will pray today that the Lord sustains you through this trial.
When we first moved into our present home, we needed a certain amount of down money in order to be able to get the process rolling. A family from church lent us the money without interest, letting us know we could pay it back when it was possible for us to do so. It was because of their giving hearts that we were able to purchase our home.
Is there any family within your parish that you could approach to help you in your time of need? Would you feel comfortable asking your priest to be a liason between some of the parishioners who might be willing to help if they knew of your crisis? Or have you already taken these measures?
Do not give up on your faith in God. Remember - BE NOT AFRAID. God has a crown of life as a reward to all those who obediently suffer trials to the praise and glory of His Name.
Darlene
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Didi
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 252 |
| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Tue Aug 19th, 2008 12:26 am |
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Thank you all so much.
We received a life insurance check from a policy my husband's mother had (she recently passed away in June) that came totally unexpectedly. It is enough to cover another month's mortgage and a few other bills. I am so overwhelmed by the grace of God, Who is getting us through this trial, and so thankful that my mom-in-law is still taking care of us!
When things like this happen, I feel so guilty for even doubting God and how we will get through this. I know the possibility still exists that we may lose our home, but please pray that I can just trust God that He will take care of us, even if it's not the way I want it to be.
Your prayers and support are appreciated more than I can put into words. Thank you for being part of my family. (Tears of joy!)
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Steven Barrett
Member
| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Absurdistan, AKA , Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 1566 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Aug 19th, 2008 12:43 am |
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Didi, you have my prayers and support. Wonderful news about the insurance check. And don't worry about your occasional doubts. It's far better and more encouraging to know that in tough times His love for you is far stronger than any doubts you might think you had or still have.
In His Love and Name,
Steven
____________________
James Michael Curley to a young Thomas “Tip” O’Neill -- “Son, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
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Coach America
Member
| Joined: | Sun Jun 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | St. Johns, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 37 |
| First Name: | Art | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | [churches of Christ /Christian Churches] Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Aug 19th, 2008 12:58 am |
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Didi,
When things seem tough watch this video as many times as it takes while lifting everything to our glorious,powerful and loving Lord.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtatoNr-1pU
Coach Art...
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Lets coach our kids,coach our community,and coach America in the teachings of our Lord.
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Didi
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 252 |
| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Mon Sep 15th, 2008 10:45 pm |
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Mark has an interview tomorrow (Sept. 16) at 10 am Pacific time. Your continued prayers are so appreciated!
We're still in our house for now, but reaching another critical point.
Thanks and God bless.
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1546 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Sep 15th, 2008 11:07 pm |
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Didi wrote:
Mark has an interview tomorrow (Sept. 16) at 10 am Pacific time.
Didi, I have kept you and Mark in my prayers.
Let us know how it goes.
Becky
____________________
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials. . .the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life. . . NAB James 1:2-4,12
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Didi
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 252 |
| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Thu Sep 25th, 2008 06:48 pm |
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers! Mark got the job!!!!
It doesn't start until the end of October, so we still have a month + to get through, but just knowing there's something on the horizon is so comforting. We'll still need to supplement with something else as it won't be quite enough to cover our bills (which are very basic), but should offer the flexibility for another part-time job.
Whew! Feel like I can take a deep breath for the first time in a long time.
God bless you all!
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1546 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Sep 25th, 2008 06:59 pm |
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Didi wrote:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers! Mark got the job!!!!
Whew! Feel like I can take a deep breath for the first time in a long time.
God bless you all!
Hallelujah!
Thank you, Lord, for this answer to prayer!
Rejoicing with you,
Becky
____________________
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials. . .the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life. . . NAB James 1:2-4,12
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Steven Barrett
Member
| Joined: | Tue Nov 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Hadley, Absurdistan, AKA , Massachusetts USA |
| Posts: | 1566 |
| First Name: | Steven | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic, Episcopal communicant, Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Sep 25th, 2008 07:59 pm |
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Didi,
Terrific news. I've been watching and praying for your husband's situation for some time like your other friends and supporters on the Forum. It's a great sensation and experience watching your prayers come through, right?
Sometime our lives can go through periods when and where one bad situation follows another. And of course, the old saying "When one door slams shut, God opens another" often rings hollow when we think of all the other times we were trying to pass through that open door and it closed in on us leaving us stuck!   But fret not, God does hear your prayers and He's looking out for you and your husband. Having gone through more droughts and periods of one job-related sink-holes after another, I know how frustrating and scary it looks -- and for how long.
But He's with you and your family. So's Mary and all the Saints!
God's continued Blessings for all of you!
____________________
James Michael Curley to a young Thomas “Tip” O’Neill -- “Son, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
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Didi
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 252 |
| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Fri Oct 3rd, 2008 06:23 am |
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| We just found out he won't be able to start until the 30th. While we are still very thankful for this job, we have another month's bills to pay without knowing how. Please continue your prayers for us. Thank you!
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Didi
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 252 |
| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 06:20 am |
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I just had to share this with you.
Last night at about 10:30 our doorbell rang (unusual for that time of night). My son went to see who it was and couldn't see anyone out the peephole, so he came to get me. I couldn't see anyone either and was a little unsure of opening the door, but I did.
Outside on our porch were 4 big bags of groceries and a card that simply said "You give so much to others, let us give to you. You are loved by many."
It is so amazing to me how God takes care of us through others. I'm on a special diet, and whoever this angel was, made sure there were items I could eat as well. WOW!
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Free
Member
| Joined: | Wed Nov 28th, 2007 |
| Location: | Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 429 |
| First Name: | Jane | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian, Gnostic, non-denominational, Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 12:55 pm |
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Didi, that's wonderful! Glory to God, and blessings on the saint who gave you the groceries!
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left coast mystic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 10th, 2008 |
| Location: | La Honda, California USA |
| Posts: | 167 |
| First Name: | Marcee | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nondenominational charismatic, Presbyterian, long-time lover of the RCC |
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Posted: Sat Oct 11th, 2008 04:45 pm |
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Didi -
I'm so grateful that God put you in the midst of a loving parish community. And obviously they are equally grateful that He gave you to them!
Marcee
____________________
Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim. 6:6)
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength. (Isa. 30:15)
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ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 214 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Christian in the Wilderness |
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Posted: Sun Oct 12th, 2008 11:54 pm |
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What good news, Didi. Long ago, when my husband and I were in desperate financial straights, someone helped us out with bags of groceries as well. I know exactly how it feels to be the recipient of such generosity.
They will know we are Christians by our love for one another.
Darlene
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Didi
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 3rd, 2008 |
| Location: | Oregon USA |
| Posts: | 252 |
| First Name: | Didi | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Catholic; almost left; Now an On-Fire Catholic! |
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Posted: Thu Nov 13th, 2008 12:57 am |
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Another quick update.
My husband is in training and his benefits will start the beginning of December (Yeah!). The challenge we still have is that they can't guarantee any more than 24 hours a week, which isn't going to support our family.
Your continued prayers that he will get more hours or that another part-time position might work out would really be appreciated.
Thanks, everyone!
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