turtletwo

Usually i don't post in this forum. And in the past, my topics never really took off... for some reason. So i am really, REALLY hoping that this time will be different and i will get responses. Let's please discuss this, ok? Here's the deal. My heart is aching over the way that my family has fallen apart. ( Those of you who have closeknit, loving and supportive families have no idea how very blessed you are! I long so much for this. ) Here's my history: My family has been dysfunctional for as long as I can remember. Even so, there were happy times and sweet memories along the way. Both in the family I grew up in and the married ( longtime now divorced ) ones. However, each year all family members are drifting farther and farther apart. It is like an avalanche! There seems no way to stop it... Can anyone out there share their own experiences with this family disconnect and how to cope? I am weary of daily crying and questioning why I was born into such a self absorbed, distant and even mean family. I've tried reaching out to them in caring ways. But nothing works.. I hate feeling unloved every day. :sad030:Satan even tells me this is a reason to end my life...and how nobody would miss me anyhow. Seriously, sometimes that sounds so very believable, you know? Any compassionate uplifting discussion on this senstive subject of family rejection would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I just posted under prayer requests. I am having nausea and other side effects from an antibiotic called amoxicillin. ( I was able to tolerate this med easily many years ago, for bronchitis.) I have to take 500 mg pills, 3 times daily for a 10 day course. This time I am being prescribed it for the area around my eye ... ( I don't know why the soft tissue in this orbital area is sore, but the eyeballs themselves hurt too. They exhilbit signs of redness and gooiness, etc. I wondered if anyone else out there has had struggles with this particular med. P.S. Please pray for my safety in taking in these pills, as I do have an autoimmune disease they have trouble definitively diagnosing. This one resembles Lupus in certain ways, And amoxicillin can trigger an even worse disease ( life threatening ) in those folks with Lupus...if I have it. Kind of scary!

Dear Worthy family, Maybe this sounds silly. But I feel I owe you all an explanation. I haven't been coming here as much. And when I do, it is usually to request prayer. ( I hope that this doesn't seem selfish. Because I assure you that I still pray for your needs, too...on those times when I do come and am able to read them. ) This change of my being around less ( and not replying under forums as much as I once used to ) is due to having serious family problems, medical reasons, etc. My life's trials are worsening to the point that I am really having trouble functioning and "fighting the good fight", as scripture puts it. I wanted to make it plain that my recent absences and lack of participation have not been due to my losing interest in this site. Or YOU, as individuals , ( as well as collectively.) I didn't want it to appear like I am holding any grudges or intentionally ignoring anyone. I soooo miss being an active part of Worthy! Hopefully, this is only temporary... If things settle down, I would love to be involved in Christian fellowshipping and posting again. How I wish that God would intervene and make that happen! Maybe if we all join together in prayer, He will enable me to. Please remember me, okay? I hope it's okay that I posted this under Discussion. I did so because of my insecurity. Because I thought maybe some responses from my fellow believers might reassure me that I am not alone and that you guys 'got my back.' I desperately need a support system and I am reaching out to you. Worthy is the faithful place I feel safe to come back to. I hope I am missed , even as I am missing you. I know this is a busy time of year and that you have problems of your own. But pleaseee do reply to this discussion. Because to ignore it... would make me feel like I just don't matter... I love you, my brothers and sisters. Sincerely, turtletwo

I very much appreciate your helpful advice, everyone. Blessings and love to each one of you.

Having an intense problem involving myself and a relative that continues attacking me without cause. I truely only wish for peace with this person, but they are determined to hate me and hold grudges on me for imaginary things. I realize it's due to their longterm psychiatric diagnosises, they're clearly acting out from. But the unfounded screaming at me for extended periods has made me sicker. I was advised by someone to distance myself from this person entirely... avoiding any future 'conversations,' as stress is the worst thing for the physical disease that I have. ( It flares it up every time. ) Still, I feel sad to leave us this way after that last arguement. I'd have no problem with calling and saying I feel bad and try to make up. But it just seems pointless... because they never believe anything I say, anyhow. I think of that scripture, " If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. - Romans 12:18 However, I honestly don't believe that it is possible...( I base this on much experience...namely, decades of abuse from this person.) Perhaps sometimes we must unfortunately distance ourselves. What do you think, in your dealings with life and people? I'm sure some of you have been in a predicament like this one. But it is especially tough on you if chronically ill with an incurable disease that reacts violently to quarreling. I really try hard not to argue (2 Tim 2:24), but this family member is unreasonable and yells nonstop...refusing to even listen. So I finally have no choice but to hang up, for continuing with this only hurts me physically and does not accomplish anything in the 'relationship.' In fact, it seems like stoking a fireplace of anger. Any words of suggestion from those of you in dysfunctional families but your own serious illness to consider? Please pray that this person calms down and stirs up NO trouble for me (or my other loved ones), in their state of rage and bitterness! Also, for them to become Born Again. My biggest prayer for them, along with the healing of their mental illness. P.S. Sorry this is so long! Bless those of you who took the time to read it.

First, empathy and heartfelt hugs to those of you out there lacking the togetherness of this season. In my youth, I remember how I'd hear about some people dreading Christmas. Because it only represented bittersweet memories of a happier past ( due to their loved ones having passed on. So now it was instead an occasion of true loneliness and sadness for them.) As a child, I simply could not imagine Christmas as anything but merry... But in time, came my own aging and thus the deaths of those dearest to me. And now I finally understand... So my heart goes out to you who are suffering sorrow at this time of year. Perhaps you might shrug off what I say and point out to me that 'JESUS is the reason for the season.' This is so very true! And I assure you I am doing my best to focus on the TRUE MEANING...Remembering how God actually put flesh on to dwell among us as Emmanuel ( which means 'God with us' ), lived a perfect Life ( which qualified Him as the ONLY One able to die as the Sacrifice Lamb to cleanse us with His Blood shed on the cross ) and arose from the grave victorious. Knowing this causes gratitude and reason to rejoice. But even so, it is still a struggle to not feel cheated somehow about being separated from my family/friends. Silly as it sounds, I do find myself fantasizing and wishing that I could go back in time. Seeing through the wonder of the eyes of a little girl once again. Anyone relating to this? But this in no way minimizes the miracle of the virgin birth and the Atonement of Messiah. It just means I'm a sentimental human who misses the people once such a meaningful part of her life. I hope this brings a sort of comfort to those 'feeling bummed out' to just know that others are going through these emotions, too...And I would sure like this to be food for thought and to spawn a conversation amongst others who are in this situation. But I am asking please for sensitive responses only ( in consideration to those encountering this inner turmoil. Thanks. ) Blessings to you. And wishing you all a merry ( or tolerable as possible, if you are lonely) holiday.

Thanks, Joe. Nice to know someone read the article I copied and pasted. Nicer still to know someone is praying with me about this serious situation. To those of you out there who love Israel ( God calls her 'the apple of His Eye'): I wonder: Have any of you heard updates to this? I have been unable to do searches lately, so any further news you could share regarding this? ...

Source: msnbc.com news services Iran strike may be needed, Israeli defense chief says Ehud Barak: 'We don't need unnecessary wars. But we definitely might be put to the test' JERUSALEM — Israel does not want to take military action against Iran over its nuclear program, but at some point may have no other option, Israel's defense minister said Thursday. The Jewish state at this point did not intend to launch a strike against Iranian nuclear facilities, but retained the option as a "last resort," Defense Minister Ehud told Israel Radio. "We don't need unnecessary wars. But we definitely might be put to the test," he said. He said he hoped that sanctions and diplomacy would pressure the Iranian leadership to abandon its suspected nuclear weapons , but did not expect that to happen. Israel, like the West, is convinced Iran is developing a nuclear bomb, despite Tehran's insistence that its nuclear program is designed to produce energy. Story: Britain, UN to ramp up pressure on Iran. Israel says says a nuclear-armed Iran would threaten the Jewish state's survival, citing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmad Ahmaddinejad's repeated references to Israel's destruction, Iran's arsenal of ballistic missiles and its support for militant groups that fight Israel. The U.N. nuclear watchdog, citing intelligence reports, said last month Iran appeared to have worked on designing an atom bomb and may still be pursuing secret research to that end. Barak was interviewed a day after the top U.S. military officer said he did not know whether Israel would alert the United States ahead of time if it decided to strike Iran, the Jewish state's arch-adversary in the Middle East. General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also acknowledged differences in perspective between the United States and Israel over the best way to handle Iran and its nuclear program. Dempsey said the United States was convinced that sanctions and diplomatic pressure were the right ways to take on Iran, along with "the stated intent not to take any options off the table" — diplomatic language that leaves open the possibility of future military action. "I'm not sure the Israelis share our assessment of that. And because they don't and because to them this is an existential threat, I think probably that it's fair to say that our expectations are different right now," Dempsey told Reuters. Iran is facing new sanctions following the U.N. report. The U.S. — as well as some security experts in Israel — have loudly opposed the prospect of an Israeli military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities, because of its potential for touching off retaliation against Israel and a broader, regional conflagration. Mysterious blasts, computer viruses and assassinations have disrupted Iran's nuclear program, and there has been speculation of Israeli involvement. Barak would not comment on that possibility, but said, "We are not happy to see the Iranians move ahead on this (program), so any delay, be it divine intervention or otherwise, is welcome." The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Hi, Worthy family. Missing you all. Not avoiding ya. Just been so sick. Feeling feverish inside, but it won't sweat out. I am all CLAMMY. I have never had this before! No clue what it is or what brought it on. Has anyone been through this? If so, I'd appreciate tips as to what to do for it. Described my other symptoms under the prayer requests. ( I just posted one for me & others.) Hoping there is someone here who may have some knowledge of what I'm describing from their own personal experience. Please share if you have... OR if you happen to be in the medical field. Would be such a blessing! I am 'clueless on clamminess.' As for my neighbor, to make matters worse there is a long term mysterious disease (undiagnosed) which causes pronounced swelling in one of the legs. Also, a terrible brown discoloration in both legs and sensitivity to even the touch of clothing. Ouch! Sadly, this area of the leg is where that possibly infected wound is located! ( from ripping open the flesh on the top of an unfinished, rugged wooden railing.) Anyone ever have this condition? Advice and prayers would be much appreciated.

Interesting article. Thanks for sharing it.

Wow! That is very serious and twisted! We are sinners, as the hymn so well puts it. ( "Amazing Grace How sweet the sound! That saved a WRETCH like me...) While God is ...well, GOD! Perfect, holy, all the things we strive ( but will never fully arrive) to be in this life... Plus, He is the Creator and Redeemer and Lord and King of kings! Things that we'll NEVER be...even in eternity. Thanks so much, Izzy for clarifying everything. And for reassuring me that I have nothing to worry about ( that you weren't even referring to me. ) I wish that I wasn't overly interspective and especially insecure. That's why I ask. So that I know if it is my crummy self image causing me to imagine things or what is the truth. Make sense? So hope you don't mind & patiently endure me. But I am often a "one-verse-quoter" ( A term that I just coined )...I guess that's because that is how it works with me. Individual scriptures typically pop into my head, rather than entire portions of scripture.) Does this happen with any of you out there? Please reply, okay? Also, still wondering if anyone knows of a Bible study tool that braks down scripture from individual words of the original text in its original language ( Hebrew, etc ) to our English. Is there any such online site? That would be easiest on my eyes and my pocketbook. Though I could slowly save up for a good physical Hebrew to English literal paper Bible. If not too heavy to hold for my weak wrists and tremors. Would Young's Literal translation be accurate? Because I know that one is online. Or is there a better version out there? I'd appreciate any help on this, Worthy family. It's sad. We are told to hide God's Word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him. I tried to do a lot of this, when youung and healthy. But even those verses I am getting sort of rusty on. I guess that my brain disease causes me to forget words here and there. So rather than doing a misquote of scripture or incompletely quoting, I use an internet tool like Bible Gateway, copy and paste. I confess I was never good at memorizing exactly where the scriptures themselves are located. ( Except for a few of my very favorites, such as the one which so nicely relays the gospel...Ephesians 2:8-9 ) For some reason WHERE the verse is found at has always been a challenge to me! Including back in my younger days, when my memory was at it's sharpest. Just curious...anyone else have this issue or difficulty? Maybe I'm just weird that way...i don't know I am grateful to the Lord that I can remember any of the words, however... because otherwise I could not even look them up through the Bible tool computer sites! ( The modern day equivalent of the trusty old...but very heavy, physical... Strong's concordance - which I could once lift and read the tiny print, before this illness befell me.) I really do hope my lengthy pm has not killed this excellent topic and your thread, Izzy. And that YOU (and whoever else wants to) will answer some of my questions. Thanks. I love you all very much. For who you are. And for putting up with 'Rambling Rose.'here. Pardon my big mouth. But this is an interesting and vital subject, to be sure!

Hi, ears. I was typing and just now read your excellent post. And I understand totally your godly venting. No really... I know just what you mean. Because I feel the same intense frustration! With all the intentionally misleading voices out there one could go stark raving mad. Our media is owned by evil these days and I don't trust it. I take much of what I hear with a grain of salt. Much of it is downright sickening, too. All the murders and such. I'm ill enough. I don't need to get my stomach in a frenzy. But I wanted to say that I definitely share all your sentiments you posted..

I agree with you, joi. From my understanding of what seems clearly warned of in the scripture. It tells of the serious time we surely all see coming to us! The obsession with Globalism, the New World Order, or maybe it could even be called by the United World Government...it could and does go by MANY terms. To confuse. But it's all the same thing. Revelation unfolding and a world dictator taking the reigns who will seem like a political answer to problems, but REALLY be Anti-Messiah. The ultimate 'wolf-in-sheep's clothing'. Well, him and the False Prophet who gets him adoration as a 'god' who requires worship or perhaps even a more subtle, worship-like form of loyal devotion... ( Such as pledging allegiance to the New World Order or whatever name it may morph into eventually to trick people.) We must be so careful not to believe the mass deception that is foretold in scripture. Never forget that Satan can easily come as an angel of light..."

Excellent input, everybody! READING God's Word properly is so important! (Yes, it is a seamless flow without breaks in the original scrolls... )How I wish that I knew Hebrew and Greek! I believe that richer understanding of the scriptures is definitely available to those who do so and who are blessed to have the ability to read in the original text. With all the tools for scripture study on the internet, you'd think there would be such a thing available to use. Hey, if anyone out there happens to know of a site on the web that takes you back to the texts in their original form & breaks individual verses down from them to English, could you send me their name? Thanks. I am also all for QUOTING scripture properly. Otherwise misunderstanding of the text and even cults can form. As pointed out, Satan's good at twisting verses! But I sometimes will quote scripture in a shortened form (like one verse by itself or even a partial ) simply because it specifically applies to a situation, though. Is this alright to do? Because my motive is only to edify someone. Say if they're very ill or depressed, a large portion of scripture can sometimes seem overwhelming and not even 'sink in.' Some folks like myself get 'brain fog' (so meditating and even speaking aloud even one verse can be just what is needed at that moment...) For ex:" If someone is experiencing anxiety, "Though wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." Isaiah 26:3 Or for insomnia ( perhaps due to worry or fear at night, when the mind can be overactive): "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." Psalms 4:8 Since I did most of my scripture memory as a child, the Holy Spirit often brings a verse to remembrance and quickens it to my spirit. Then I will share it with someone to help them. Is that wrong? ( Many have told me they've been blessed by this...that it was "exactly what they needed to hear" on that day. For encouragement, etc.) I also know that fellow believers have done this with me and that one verse, (even the partials ) would strengthen me spiritually. Scripture is that powerful! I would appreciate your thoughts on this... Wow, I like the 20/20 rule, Izzy! I never heard of that one before. But now that you shared it, I'll try to put it into pracice. As much as my eyes will let me. (I heard the 'Therefore to find what it is there for.' It makes good sense!) South sounds like a wise woman, Fez. You are blessed to have her in your life, even as she is to have you in hers. But you already know that. I'd like to get to know her. I immediately thought of Psalm 19: 10 when you said, "To South I know, it is more like a mine that she, well, mines every day for gold. Then she gives away what she has mined to those who need it and goes looking for more...." That is so sweet! Psalms 19 7 "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." See what I mean? Verse 10 fits her! Tell her I said that and hi from me. Loved your examples, FresnoJoe! God did make an Old Covenant with His chosen people, the Hebrews. Then it was reverified or confirmed solidly and finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant ( after Jesus ascended and the Holy Ghost descended.) It did not void the Old with all its gems, but it was past this point that those newer scriptures were even written about Jesus, etc. As Joe pointed out through his quotes, they go together like a hand in a glove! Praise God! No work of art or no manmade literature could even come close to comparing to His scriptures! I do understand what those of you mean about scripture being alive & one large flow, which seems too wonderful to be broken up into books and chapters. But I think this does come in handy when witnessing to a lost person. It helps us locate the specific verses that explain how to become a Christian. As to quoting individual scripture verses, I hope I am not one who is guilty in this regard. Am I? If so, please let me know! Like I said, I do tend to sometimes quote just one verse or a partial one. Never meaning to pull it "out of context." But sometimes because of my eyes troubles. And I often quote off memory, which sadly is diminishing due to my disease. Yes, I can look it up on Bible Gateway, copy and paste. I often do that, actually. But realistically I have to stay within the boundries of my eye limitations. I hope you understand? I do want to be the best contributer that I can to this site...even with my medical condition. I started a thread under the Positive Forum which unfortunately fell by the wayside. It flourished for awhile, then wilted away. It was called Encouraging Scriptures. I would love to see it revived. As I liked to say, it was a thread where God's Word was the star. The centerpiece. And its goal was for us to lift up our brothers and sisters in sharing a verse that had significant personal meaning to us and share why. How it has touched our life. Or even just quote the scriptures and let them speak for themselves. Perhaps you can come add some to it and get the thread up and running again? I know that I will be. But right now I must call my mom in the nursing home. She is very ill and could really use your prayers. Thanks, all. Sorry this is so long!

swallow 10 gulps of air, and hold your breathe for 10 seconds.Gone. That might just work. Have you tried it yet, Izzy?

Thanks for bringing your blog to my attention, candice. I was ministered to ( by what the Lord led you to write. ) And I feel that by obeying Him in this, you were practicing the principal you brought out about going through trials for a reason. SO THAT we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have recieved, as 1 Corinthians 1:3-7 says. God bless you. I am glad you participated. Anyone else out there have thoughts on this topic, so we can make it more of a discussion? For I think we all need helpful ideas from our fellow believers on this matter, as it is surely something that we are either currently struggling with, have in the past or will in the future. So come to think of it...that covers all of us.

Praise God! He is always faithful to His promises.

I am far from the poster child for someone to be posting this topic. Since I have a knack for panic and stress. So I surely don't want to come across as a hypocrite or not practicing what I preach. ( I am the first to admit that I need to focus more heavily on trusting God through tumultuous times. I have that desire. Slowly, but surely...I am inching along. I think of an old saying which goes, "Please be patient. God is not finished with me yet." I hope we will all do this for one another. ) But I have been reading prayer request posts tonight and finding my heart very burdened for those out there who are hurting and feeling alone. I just want to say this message to you: Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He Alone can bring it. And so I wanted to leave you with a few scriptures that may bring you what you need to help you along in this life's journey where the waves can toss and turn quite a lot. And I invite any other members to participate in this topic who want to share their suggestions of how they find God's peace in the storm. Thanks. Jesus promised, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:7 P.S. Besides reading scripture, sometimes listening to it in song form like the psalms on CD can be soothing. And spending time praising God and in prayer. Hope that this ministers to someone who was surfing this site and really was in need of uplifting. Throwing ourselves into our Heavenly Father's Arms is all we can do in desperate moments. I would love to hear your ways of dealing with peace in the storms. Thanks ahead of time for joining me in this effort to minister to others.

I thought exactly the same thing. Funny how our minds work alike. Seriously though, I thought that it was an outstanding speech and I was so happy for all those standing ovations he recieved. BTW, I sure do miss you MorningGlory. I have been trying for a long time to get in touch with you, sister. Did you ever recieve my messages? I sure hope that I did nothing to offend you. If I did, please forgive me. I'd love to hear from you. We were corresponding for awhile, but then I suddenly and mysteriously no longer heard from you anymore. Please pm me, okay?

Nebula, I just read your thread and wanted to say how bad I feel that this is happening. It is understandable that this would take its toll on you, sis. I will be praying for you and the situation.

There will be a memorial service for David Wilkerson today. Live streaming. Please see my post under Christian news for details.

There will be a live webcast for all who can't attend in person. Those of you who knew and loved him, can find the information below highlighted in another color. Memorial Service for Pastor David Wilkerson All are welcome to attend the service. Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011 Time: 2:00PM (Doors will open at 12:00PM) Location: Times Square Church Manhattan, New York City General Public

I so agree with Leonard's words about David Wilkerson being a great General in God's Army! I really miss him. If I feel this way, I can just imagine how much his poor wife does. (Even though she knows she will reunite with him in Heaven.) It still hurts inside. I'm sure that she loved her husband dearly and feels incomplete without him now. ( Since when you wed, you become one with that person. )They were married for 58 years and grief is a terrible hurdle to get over. Has anyone heard how his wife Gwen is doing? Emotionally, yes. But also physically. That was a horrible accident! But God can choose to do miracles sometimes. Is she still alive? If so, is she in critical condition? Let's all be remembering her in prayer, okay?

God bless you, dear sister for trying to lift me up. Your kind attempt to encourage me is truely brave and shall be rewarded... For it does not go unseen by our heavenly Father. However, just as I thought...this is being ignored. Only two bothered to reply, though 47 were nosy enough to read it. I think that speaks for itself. Well, do you guys out there still think I am paranoid that I have one (or more ) enemies here who are controlling the rest of you like puppets? If not, would a simple word of encouragement be that hard to throw my way? I don't get it. As the old song goes, where is the love?

I enjoyed it. And you're right. It does remind one of a painting. I had that same thought. Our God is an Awesome God!