turtletwo

MorningGlory, Thanks so much for weighing in on your thoughts as to whether this may have prophetic significance, sister... even if, like myself you can't quite put your finger on it. It was good to hear someone's input. I know your heart is with Israel, but it is always nice to hear it. The scripture Genesis 12:3 comes to mind, " And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." and May blessings from the Lord be unto you, my friend.

You are very welcome. Blessings to you, too.

Amen, Steven. I can so relate to what you said! All of you here have given good input to this topic. Thanks. Shalhevet, I am so proud of you! I think your heart is in the right place. You care about lost souls. And isn't that what we are really here on earth for, afterall? To help as many as possible to hear the gospel. I admire your patience and also the way that you apologized. You could have easily 'acted in the flesh' and chucked this friendship. But you humbled yourself and the very fact that God gave you another chance makes me think He may want you to help your friend come to Christ. I have a feeling by the resistance that it may take some time. But hang in there. I will pray about this difficult situation. If you need to talk, you are always free to write me. But remember that you did the correct thing that would please God's Heart. I hope that this brings comfort and encouragement to you (and all reading it who are in similar dilemas.) Jude 1:17-22 comes to mind,"But, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." This is my prayer for you. (The last part..."Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling...) Oh, and I colorized the verses I think apply to this friend.

Parker1, could you elaborate a little on what you mean about "not letting your guard down against Satan and his illusions?" For I agree with your comment as a rule of thumb in all of life. But I was curious on what you meant specifically in regards to this particular topic? Just interested on your thoughts. Thanks (for more clarification on your remark, regarding this thread.) My opinion? Maybe this is all purely a political thing going down. But when I first saw it happening on tv and the magnitude of it, I couldn't help wondering if there is anything of prophetic significance to it. What do you think, family? I'd love to hear you weigh in on your opinions on this angle or perspective: Could it have to do with the end times? And if so, do you have scripture to support this ? I'm no prophecy scholar by any means, but I learn as I go and it does fascinate me. I'm always interested in world events because of Israel and the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. I agree with Matthitjah and MorningGlory that poor Israel is always being put through the wringer! My heart aches for her, for she is the apple of God's Eye and I have felt a connection with her ever since my teen years. Loved her then, love her now and I always will.

WHY IS IT WE WAIT SOMETIMES FOR SOMETHING BAD TO HAPPEN BEFORE WE GIVE OURSELVES BACK TO JESUS Because we are deaf and hard hearten. We teach ourselves how to turn Him off, and by doing so, we broke communication with Him. It is not until we are convinced we are wrong, and the pride of life is all so strong, that we turn back to Him. to this answer. I'd like to add that sometimes our simply becoming lax is enough to cause us to drift from the Lord. We can lose our zeal we had at the start, without even realizing it... so God will send a wakeup call of sorts, in order to draw us unto Himself. To turn our focus upwards and return us to our "first Love" in Jesus. charliegirl. That was an excellent question you had about why do we wait until bad things happen... In my case, I was unaware that I was. For some, it can take some really intense things to get our attention. With me, it took an incurable medical condition that reduced me to a fraction of my former self. That's what finally opened my eyes to how I was neglecting the Lord. I eventually discovered I was giving Him the crumbs and not my best. I wasn't sinning in ways that were obvious to others (or even me.) I was doing my daily routine of living (responsibilities.) But I was using the excuse that my being busy entitled me to "just kick back" and enjoy myself after a day of hecticness. (That was my reasoning to 'relax' through television.) The shows were cleancut. But I spent too much time on them. Then I'd get sleepy and I'd put the Lord off till the next day, not reading scripture and seeking Him... I wasn't attempting to tell others about Him and share the gospel like I should... (Thus, being selfish by not putting Him first & loving Him the way He deserved.) As to church unity, nebula put it well. The gospel is what matters most. So we must examine any local church's teachings to be sure they are biblically sound in the most crucial doctrines relating to that. But the heart of church unity is that we ought to love one another. Even if our personalities clash, we're still expected to humble ourselves and seek to get along. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Romans 12:18 The world is watching us. Jesus is our perfect role model. Look at how He, being God washed His disciples's feet. And taught them to go and do the same. 1 John 4:7-8. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. The world will be more drawn to Christ by seeing His Kindness flow through us than anything we say. Actions speak louder than words. A good question to ask ourselves: Are we living so loudly (in the wrong sense) that they can not hear what we are saying? (in our witnessing)...Food for thought. Love you all. (Sorry this was long. But I hope it helped someone out there. For all I want is to be an assett to Worthy.)

Prayed. Not eager to dish out advice (as some apparently feel comfortable doing, even when you don't post in the advice forum. LOL But only under the prayer one. That happened to me more than once. I pray never again.) Looking to scripture for advice is safest. This always beats people's judgemental replies. Plus, people sometimes disagree and confuse you that way. Even if they see eye to eye, they could be not led of the Spirit and speaking forth their mere opinions. You can't go wrong with the Lord! He is perfect. God promises to be faithful in giving guidance... James 1:5 says," If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn

Thanks for the article on the earthquakes, MorningGlory. I read it. But I agree with you that it seems like there have been increased earthquakes in the last decade. (Some of them quite close together in time and unusually powerful.) My understanding on the dead dish that turned up ( I think the number was quite large like 100, 000) was that there was to be an investigation done. But the results would take a month to come back. Why so long I'm not sure...Anyone else hear this?

Weather definitely affects animals. And though these are not natural disasters in the same sense as earthquakes, they're still nature-related. I sure hope this doesn't make me sound like I'm a conspiracy theorist, but isn't it plausible they could be a strange sign of the times? ( Please know I don't advocate setting dates for Christ's return, for the record. Scripture says, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 24:36) But Jesus did mention that things in nature, such as earthquakes would precede His return. " For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:7-8 Then again, we as humans on the planet could be doing some damage to our own atmosphere that is linked to this somehow. I'd be interested to hear various theories you might have about what is happening with the wildlife we share our world with. (Serious ones, please. By the way, I have appreciated the input so far on MorningGlory's topic. Because it is something I have been wondering about ever since it first came out in the news, actually) Any more thoughts, Worthyites? Especially from you who are scientifically-minded. BTW, Is it true that earthquakes have increased significantly in recent history?

Thanks for the good topic. Does this mean Worthy is working again? If so, I hope my reply appears.

What a nice message to be starting off the new year with! Same sentiments to you, Joyful. Awww, I will sure miss you, while you are gone. I know you say it's a short absence, but it will feel long to me being that you're such a dear friend. I will keep you close in thought and prayer. God be with you, sis and may He bless you oodles. I hope that you know what a huge BLESSING to Worthy you really are. Your thoughtful prayers that you lovingly post for people and your kind words of encouragement are things that are treasured by me and many here. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

At a time when many lost folks think that Christmas is all about 'the best gifts' and become consumed with material things (and the credit card billls that follow! ) how sad that the most remarkable gift of all, Jesus is not understood by them. ... As somebody who comes from a family chock full of unsaved relatives, my heart really breaks for those whose understandings are darkened. "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." Ephes. 4:17-19 Have many of you found this gift obssession thing amongst unsaved relatives putting a damper on celebrating Christmas in peace and harmony? One year I was doing so bad financially I absolutely couldn't afford to get a close family member a gift. I explained & our relationship was actually demaged severely over this! She is bitter. And I can't seem to erase that year, no matter what! How would you handle this situation? I'd like us to have a closer relationship again, like we once did. I keep reminding myself that they 'just don't GET' the true meaning of Christmas, because they don't know Jesus yet. But I have witnessed to my family many times and I continue to pray for them to come to Christ. Join with me in this, please... "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ." 1 Cor 2:12-16

Have you had the experience of one of your parents dying and the other one grieving intensely for them? You try your best to comfort them, but they are inconsolable... Well, I am going through this delicate situation right now. Made worse still by the fact that this will be her first Christmas ever without him in over half a century! Her heart is understandably shattered... I know that only the Lord can put those pieces back together again. She believes she got saved when she asked Jesus to be her Savior way back in her twentys. I sure hope this is true, but God alone knows... Being she is up in age, her eternal status is an added burden on my heart along with her deep sorrow over dad's passing. I remind her that Jesus loves her and I do too. Sadly, I am unable to travel down to see her ( because I can't drive, with my particular physical disease.) The relatives living in her immediate area have abandoned her since his death, refusing to visit her. I can't understand why they're being such hard-hearted scrooges! I know that we are all freshly grieving... but that's still no excuse. Because she is the one trapped in a nursing home (paralyzed) and being forgotten by her own family, at Christmas of all times! Does anyone have suggestions on how I can ease her loneliness? I call her up daily - expressing my love for her and I am praying fervently for her. I contacted a pastor in her area, who sent a lady from the congregation down to see her once... But I am running out of ideas! Any would be much appreciated. She even told me yesterday that she's been having thoughts of suicide! She has never done this before and it really scared me! Could you all please pray for her? Because I am the only relative who is keeping in touch with her & she needs for this selfish family to stop nursing their own wounds and 'love on her', at this very difficult time. She needs company, from the ones who matter the most to her!

I agree wholeheartedly, MorningGlory! Thanks, Nebula. I hope all of you had a happy Thanksgiving, by the way.

Yes, you have been of help. Thanks to both of you. It's nice to know we have a pharmacist & an LPN here. I'm glad you could explain what the lab abbreviations mean, so I could know what my tests were for. But why is Bun being low a bad thing, I wonder? I hope you two had a nice Thanksgiving, by the way. I do have neuropathy. This was diagnosed by an EMG where I was feeling absolutely nothing (when they were sending out electrical impulses to me.) In a normal person, this would've hurt badly. The dr couldn't believe how bad my readings were. I overheard the technician telling him that she had the machine "turned up to the max." He said to me that he wasn't sure of the cause, so it must be "diabetes related." Even though my local clinic always said my diabetes was borderline. (I was only put on pills for it last year, actually. Even though they knew I had it for 10! They'd said to diet-control it by trying to eat healthy. Anyway, neuropathy is one reason that walking is so treacherous and I can barely do it... even indoors as an invalid. My legs are super weak. And since I can't feel them, they sometimes go out from under me! It's kind of like they "turn to jelly." They buckle if I even stand for a very short length of time. So I must use my cane to stabilize myself, as I tend to lose my balance a lot. It helps me to catch myself... as I tend to tip over. I was sure from the dizziness, weak limbs and other symptoms that I had multiple schlerosis, but they claimed the brain MRI said no. The dr who diagnosed me was a neurologist from out of town. He told me to my face that I had a moderate case of neuropathy...likely from diabetes. Yet he wrote it up in my chart as only being "mild." Go figure! I have had a lot of this behavior from doctors playing down my symptoms. Other folks have told me of similar frustrations with specialists they have gone to and their personal family physicians. So I am kind of jaded on the mistreatment by doctors over these past years. Perhaps this trial of always being in pain and handicapped is the "thorn in the flesh" I am called to bear. Still, I keep praying for healing. Because life like this is so difficult and painful. Especially with spasms and now the electric sensations. I barely can even eat and sleep anymore. The electric sensations feel much different and worse than tingling. I know how that feels, because I have had that for a long time. That's more a pins and needles sensation. This is something brand new. It is hard to describe. It is more like being shocked by a light socket or when you would change those old fashioned fuses. And it fluctuates between my head and body. Sigh. I hate being such a freak.

I am hoping on a site this large, some of you work in the medical field. I am having some serious concerns, (which I just finished posting a prayer request about. If you'd like to go over there to read it, as a preface to this discussion. It is related to electical sensations I keep experiencing. They can last for hours and are getting more intense/frequent.) I hope that some of you will participate in this discussion and be able to give me some much needed info. I am also concerned about discrepancies in what I am being told at my local clinic. M dr told me last visit that my blood sugars looked excellent! Yet, when I personally signed a medical release for the lab to mail me that bloodwork, the results didn't synch with that. My glucose read 142 mg/dl High (55-112 is the normal range) (Bun is 8 mg/dl , which is Low and HGB A1C 6.1%, which is High. ) I understand that glucose is my blood sugar, but don't know what those last two even are. And I definitely don't get these contradictions with him claiming my labs were excellent... If he and I had a good relationship, I'd confront him. But we always clash and he only wants to see me every 6 months now. The blood pressure medication he just put me on is propranolol. I took it in the 1990's for migraines and tremors which were brought on by a devastating blow to my head. But I wasn't on other meds back then, so no interactions to worry about. But the propranolol (also known as inderal) he prescribed recently, this time had the side effect of extreme dizziness. So I went off them. But after tonight being the worst ever time with those electrical sensations!, I'm going back on them and giving them a second chance. Is anyone familiar with this med? Have you had good or bad results in your own times using it for high blood pressure? I was surprised to read online that it contraindicates with diabetes meds ( which I'm on ) and valium (which I have to use as a muscle relaxant for my spasms.) I'm wondering why neither he nor the pharmacist caught this! Just one more thing that I don't like about living in such a small town. Anyway, can someone help me... pleassse? Thanks Worthy family.

I really like your Thanksgiving message, MorningGlory. Very nice and fitting for this time of year. Happy Thanksgiving to you! (a day in advance.) And it's appropriate for any time, really...as scripture says we are to be thankful year long. Flee to where, I wonder? Isn't Islam setting out to have world control?

The evidence in how many Messianic Jews now exist ( compared to virtually none decades ago ) and continue to increase matches up with what nebula says.

You and RGR mus be peas in a pod.

My elderly mom has serious diseases. She is in a nursing home and sadly, is caught in the middle of family feuds that developed following the death of her husband. The drama right on the heels of her trauma is not allowing her to deal with the shock of her recent loss. I feel so bad for her. Two days after his burial, she was being swamped with paper work. How insensitive! I believe there are some shady things going on in that nursing home! Unfortunately, my own disease prevents me from traveling to look into it! I am very much concerned. They keep on bringing in complicated paperwork she does not even grasp, expecting her to sign it (without them even explaining what it is that she is signing!) Her dr came in and he is suddenly doping her up on psych drugs. This sends up a red flag to me when you couple it with the mysterious paperwork. It seems like suspicious timing. I feel this is not appropriate, as she never requested any such meds (and admits that she is unhappy feeling all zombie-ish and groggy.) My mom is always in her right mind and their choosing to confuse her through potent drugs is not what she needs to mourn the loss of her husband. She simply wants time and prayer! My question is this...Do any of you have advice on how I can help her in this mess? I really believe funny business is going on in this facility. I have already requested to be mom's power of attorney. But the social worker clearly did not like me. She was very snotty when I called her. She admitted mom had chosen me as her power of attorney. But she was quick to add that mom could change her mind at any time (as though she hoped she would...) She claimed the papers had been drawn up. But without the document in my possession, I have no proof of that and without valid signatures, I am not legally her power of attorney. The nursing home's social worker promised to mail me the papers weeks ago, but has not. I feel that this is a case where I might need a lawyer to fight for mom's rights, but have no money to hire one. Any advice, Worthy family?

I am still unsure as to whether it is okay to not attend my dad's funeral. I know for a fact that God understands and so would dad. My mom said she did (she is also unable to attend for medical reasons.) Dad knew how very difficult it is for me to travel and the severity of my condition. Last trip 'knocked the stuffings out of me' physically. Causing terrible flares of this disease I have. But the rest of the family is another story entirely. I know they will condemn me and perhaps never forgive me. I hate to cause such feelings, but I honestly don't have a good relationship to speak of with any of these persons, anyhow. I want to do what is right. But that has to be for myself, as well as for others. It's a tough decision! I thought that I had come to peace that the Lord was leading me to just stay home and remember my very recent trip to dad's and the happy memories that were created there. I would like to remember dad like he was then...alive. (God in His Goodness knew that dad was about to die and gave me that blessing of a final visit. In less than one week, dad was taken from this earth.) I have been to two funerals in my life. Both were traumatic for me and actually prolonged my grieving process. The funeral is very soon and I still have nagging thoughts that it is expected of me to attend. Even though another sibling is not, without a real excuse like my serious health causes. I keep praying God will give me direction. A clearcut sign. Like a phonecall from the hostile family members, so we can make peace. I have been made to feel very not welcome. (This is another reason that I hesitate to go. A friendly call would do wonders to reassure me...) I have no money for a motel. I feel awkward staying at the house of my brother, who was the caregiver of dad and resented my 'not helping'...even though I can barely function daily with this disease! My brother's ongoing bitterness over that is evident in that he refuses to even speak to me on the phone. Meanwhile, another close relative with a violent temper has screamed horrible things at me on the phone for hours and even threatened me. I am scared to face this person. Plus, my disease causes me to make loud involuntary noises which I can not control. Like belching and hiccups that make me sound like a seal. This would be disruptive to the funeral and embarrassing to my family. For they have not yet witnessed me in my full blown distorted face twisting spasms or these sounds, because my visit to dad was so brief. So all would be shocked and I'm sure they'd be then wishing then that I'd never come. Please give me your thoughts on what you would personally do in this complicated predicament I'm in. Thanks. Time is running out and I'm mentally exhausted from the relentless indecision.

Thanks for your compassion in saying you wish you could be there for me physically. That means a lot, ladypeartree. I believe that you have gotten to the heart of the matter. Dad is obviously not there to see me anymore. I know that he would not have expected me to attend the ceremony with a disease as serious as mine. Neither would mom. Because I asked her yesterday and she was very understanding... So the others in my family may think whatever they will. But I've had no true relationships with them, anyway (their choice, not mine.) Other than argueing. God is my Judge. And He is kind and just. Besides, my last time with dad alive is what counts. (I, by God's Grace was able to bring him much happiness that day. Even as he did for me... It is a special memory I will always treasure. That is the way I personally wish to leave things. So that is what I will take away with me... and always cherish. I am leaning strongly that it is better to end on a happy note. ) I don't think funerals bring all persons closure, anyhow. Sometimes, they can do the opposite. Cause trauma. At least, with me. What going to this event might do is just stir up a hornet's nest. The person who is furious with me will be there, so it might even make them happier if I not attend. The Lord says as much as it lies within us, we should strive to be at peace with everyone. In this case, that could mean not being present at all. This most hostile relative has severe mental illness and filies into episodes of violent outbursts. I was actually recently threatened by them in strong terms, (so I fear for my safety, as well as for the funeral not being disrupted by a confrontation between us and a fit of rage.)

Please help me! I am very confused. I have been under heavy satanic attack through two close relatives, who should be supporting me, rather than being downright cruel to me. I am heartbroken and bewildered... As the funeral draws nearer, things are really escalating with the crazy family feuding. Today this second relative has started in. I just can't believe this. It is so wrong! This is a time to honor my dad's memory. He was such a kind man. Thank God, he is in Heaven now and can't see all of this awful fighting! But I do worry for my poor mom. She is in the nursing home ( paralyzed and unable to attend the funeral, for physical reasons) and therefore sheltered from what is going on. So I have not mentioned any of this to her. But eventually somebody else could 'leak it out.' It would break her heart to see this family at odds with each other right now, of all times. This is Satan's way of keeping me from attending my own dad's funeral. Though it would be so hard on me physically and emotionally (especially so soon after my last trip), I was still willing to make the long journey... But not if there is going to be a bunch of ugly hostility swirling about. I'd rather remember my last visit with dad and him alive, than looking down at him as a corpse in a casket, anyway. But if I don't come, the family might never forgive me. This is unfair. I have a disease that can not handle high levels of stress. And I have nobody at the funeral for a support-person to even grieve with! What should I do? Any helpful suggestions from my brothers & sisters in Christ would be so appreciated. Time is running out and I just can't seem to decide whether to attend the funeral /burial ( due to all this family hatred.) I have been praying for God's wisdom, but the heavens seem silent. That is why I am reaching out to my fellow believers. Your input is badly needed, along with your prayer covering. Thanks to each of you who seeks the Lord and shares godly counsel and advice.

I-yi-yi...I am such a computer dummy!! (Don't know if anyone else out there feels that way about themselves?) Could somebody please direct me on a couple things regarding my profile? I accidentally deleted my last 5 comments on there! So is there any way to get them back? I know this may seem silly to some, but I really wanted to save them. When you are an invalid, ALL acts of kindness help give you something positive to do and dwell on. Because I go over to to re-read them sometimes and I find them uplifting. Also- when your dad is dying and you are battling depression, things like nice comments and PMs can definitely cheer you up a bit. Plus, I don't want to hurt the feelings of the people who were kind enough to put them on my profile page. I'm sure they can no longer remember exactly what they wrote, or they'd fix the problem for me by reposting them. So my question is: Do the Moderators or Servants keep copies of the comments, so they could put them back? Who could I contact about this? 2nd question...How do you go about changing your interests? (I just need to make a slight modification in mine, because one part is misleading and probably confusing to those reading it.) It makes it seem like my dad and I need a reconciliation. When actually, that would be my brother and niece who want nothing to do with me. My dad and I did have a brief misunderstanding, (which was caused by a cousin. Yes, I have a highly dysfunctional family.) But praise God, that was taken care of long ago... Shortly after posting a prayer request for it. (Thanks, guys. ) But I would like to clarify this part under my interests. So please tell me how to do it myself or who to contact by PM. Who is the moderator or servant who usually helps instruct those like me, who are not computer savvy? I have tried asking George questions on other problems since the upgrade, but he doesn't always answer. I'm sure because he's a very busy man, which is understandable. Thanks, Worthy fam.

Thanks for your faithfulness in how long and hard you have prayed about this, MorningGlory. That really means a lot. I agree with you wholeheartedly about putting our differences aside. And that's exactly what I told my brother. I pleaded with him that we make peace with each other...if only for dad's sake. Because nothing would make our dad happier. But he simply hasn't budged. I am getting stressed out and depressed over this. (Which is bad for my health.) I miss dad to the max. It's hard to say the particulars on an open forum, lest my brother discover this post. That would make him madder still. So I'll put it this way: this situation of dad living with him is definitely not in his best interest. I know personal things that could actually incriminate my brother and mess up his life...and that's the main reason he wants to keep dad & I apart, from talking on the phone. So dad can't tell me anything bad about his poor care. His other reason is revenge, (since his ego is hurt.) My brother views me as a threat and has grown to hate me. There are many things I could have reported him for, but have chosen not to. To keep the peace, so dad can go out of this world (hopefully to Heaven!) without an outright family war. But I worry for dad's well-being in that home with him. He needs prayer for safety and even a Hospice Center.

I appreciate that. You are a good prayer warrior. If there are two ministries I think the world of ( & are sometimes underrated) it is that of the intercessor and the missionary.