Adiaphora Alehaus (2)

[Jim47]

This thread was split automatically after 1000 replies and this thread has been automatically created.
The old thread automatically closed is here: "Adiaphora Alehaus" (http://www.christianforums.com/t4648575)

[porterross]

Woo Hoo. We did it!!!

[QuiltAngel]

We did not change the name either! Oh my.

[Jim47]

LOL, you gals sure get excited about a name. ;)

I think keeping it the same is a good idea, for one thing we will never lose the previous Pub cause all you have to do is go to post 1 :)

[RedneckAnglican]

for news on Andi and the new baby...

http://www.christianforums.com/t5015862-thomas-charles-michael-stansbury.html

also pictures...

[C.F.W. Walther]

I keep encouraging my kids to have more munchkins but they have stopped..........for the time being.

I wish I had twenty grandkids.....love everyone of them. I guess 'cause they love grandpa with no conditions...........'course I don't have to be around them all the time either.

[Flipper]

I keep encouraging my kids to have more munchkins but they have stopped..........for the time being.

I wish I had twenty grandkids.....love everyone of them. I guess 'cause they love grandpa with no conditions...........'course I don't have to be around them all the time either.


I think that's why I love being an Aunt and a Godmother. :)

Hope you aren't encouraging too hard - I received some encouraging that was so hard that hubby had to have a talk with the encouragers.

[LilLamb219]

for news on Andi and the new baby...

http://www.christianforums.com/t5015862-thomas-charles-michael-stansbury.html

also pictures...

Awesome! Congratulations!

[C.F.W. Walther]

I think that's why I love being an Aunt and a Godmother. :)

Hope you aren't encouraging too hard - I received some encouraging that was so hard that hubby had to have a talk with the encouragers.Not really------if all I have is five that's allright. They're all totally different, unique individuals. The eight year old gdaughter draws caricatures that are really unique and then makes small story books. She's the drama queen. My fridge has her drawings all over it.

[Jim47]

I'm not stupid enough to buy that movie....













so says Al Gore, cause I want all the money its m aking me :yum:


Woops, I posted in the wrong thread :) Had too many browsers open.

[QuiltAngel]

for news on Andi and the new baby...

http://www.christianforums.com/t5015862-thomas-charles-michael-stansbury.html

also pictures...
Congratulations to you and Andi. He is a special gift from God.

[LilLamb219]

Not really------if all I have is five that's allright. They're all totally different, unique individuals. The eight year old gdaughter draws caricatures that are really unique and then makes small story books. She's the drama queen. My fridge has her drawings all over it.

That's so awesome (I'm an artist!). Keep encouraging her :) My parent's fridge had my artwork all over it when I was growing up!

[porterross]

Not really------if all I have is five that's allright. They're all totally different, unique individuals. The eight year old gdaughter draws caricatures that are really unique and then makes small story books. She's the drama queen. My fridge has her drawings all over it.
Consider yourself fortunate, Rad. My parents have only my daughter. My sister has never married and I had so much trouble maintaining a pregnancy that I am grateful to God for my little angel. She was actually born dead.....we were both in God's arms during her birth.

[LilLamb219]

I was born not breathing...I have something in common with your daughter :) I always use that against the pro-abortion people who say we aren't human beings until we take our first breath...I ask them what I was then at birth? ;)

[C.F.W. Walther]

That's so awesome (I'm an artist!). Keep encouraging her :) My parent's fridge had my artwork all over it when I was growing up!
Yea my parents posted mine to but they finally took them down when I reached 50..........ok that was dumb......just joking.

[porterross]

It's amazing, isn't it? Without modern medicine, she would have never made it. Thank God for emergency C-sections, but I'll tell you the time that passed before they got me sedated was torture. I could hear her heart stop every time I had a contraction thanks to the monitor, but I could do was cry and beg them to hurry and get her out.
I didn't know she was lifeless for a while until many weeks later....the OB-GYN kept following up with the pediatrician about her development. They were shocked she had no brain damage. :eek:
She's very bright actually (#3 in her class) and quite the little artist herself. Maybe there's something to that. ;)

[C.F.W. Walther]

Consider yourself fortunate, Rad. My parents have only my daughter. My sister has never married and I had so much trouble maintaining a pregnancy that I am grateful to God for my little angel. She was actually born dead.....we were both in God's arms during her birth.I'm eternally gratefull. They put a smile on my heart.

My second boy called and wanted to take the kids camping in the next few weeks and invited me along.............heck yea ! The twins got their first bikes so gramps gets to teach them how to ride :)

I'm so glad it came out allright with angel.

[dinkime]

what sweet stories about kids!

we have a family at church who had twin girls -- they had a rare condition (twin to twin transfusion syndrome) and so their cords were fused together -- one sadly died, and hannah was born at 25 weeks! she is now almost 3 and despite being small (very!) she is super smart and developmentally on track!

[dinkime]

red -- he is adorable!!!

[dinkime]

i like keeping the same name :) too much discussion over a name when we could be discussing better things...

[porterross]

what sweet stories about kids!

we have a family at church who had twin girls -- they had a rare condition (twin to twin transfusion syndrome) and so their cords were fused together -- one sadly died, and hannah was born at 25 weeks! she is now almost 3 and despite being small (very!) she is super smart and developmentally on track!


There are so many things that medicine has not learned about reproduction and the good docs will admit this. Hmmmmm.
Yay for Hannah! :clap:

[dinkime]

hannah is in my sunday school class (toddlers) and she knows the alphabet, colors & shapes -- including shapes like trapezoid!

[seajoy]

My.....we are on page 3 already, and I haven't gotten in on the fun!

Huge congrats to Ken and Andi! What a beautiful boy.

All this grandchild talk is making me yearn all the more for a grandbaby. I'll keep praying!

[Edial]

I was born not breathing...I have something in common with your daughter :) I always use that against the pro-abortion people who say we aren't human beings until we take our first breath...I ask them what I was then at birth? ;)
And here you are ... :amen:

[Edial]

It's amazing, isn't it? Without modern medicine, she would have never made it. Thank God for emergency C-sections, but I'll tell you the time that passed before they got me sedated was torture. I could hear her heart stop every time I had a contraction thanks to the monitor, but I could do was cry and beg them to hurry and get her out.
I didn't know she was lifeless for a while until many weeks later....the OB-GYN kept following up with the pediatrician about her development. They were shocked she had no brain damage. :eek:
She's very bright actually (#3 in her class) and quite the little artist herself. Maybe there's something to that. ;)
These are amazing stories.

Thanks, :)
Ed

[porterross]

God is amazing, Ed. ;) It's all part of His plan. :amen:

[KagomeShuko]

Eeek. . .we changed by not changing! LOL I get confused eventually with these things because too many just numbers after the name thread. Seeing as we're posting here, we can save the results of the poll until the next time the thread closes - and as chatty as we've been, that'll be quickly!

[seajoy]

I'm kinda gabby tonight...what else could we talk about?

I'm on heavy-duty pain meds tonight, so no ale for me!:(

[KagomeShuko]

I'm kinda gabby tonight...what else could we talk about?

I'm on heavy-duty pain meds tonight, so no ale for me!:(
wish I could stay and chat, but I've got resumes to print and put in envelopes and then I need to get to bed so I can bring other resumes to places. . .still would really love that job at the children's museum, though.

[seajoy]

resumes to places. . .still would really love that job at the children's museum, though.
Well, I hope you get that job then! :)

[seajoy]

These are amazing stories.

Thanks, :)
Ed
I was in such severe depression while pregnant with my son, that many times I could no longer walk. I could also no longer eat. The only thing left to try were shock treatments. I had 9 of them. You are under anestesia for those. There was much concern about the outcome of my baby.

Well....God willing, my son will be in the teaching ministry after he graduates from our WELS college in May. It seems God had plans for both of us...and never let go of His children.

Hope you don't mind me sharing that story.

[Edial]

I'm kinda gabby tonight...what else could we talk about?

I'm on heavy-duty pain meds tonight, so no ale for me!:(
That's that shoulder pain that you had when fell some time ago?

[seajoy]

That's that shoulder pain that you had when fell some time ago?
fibromyalgia, and shoulder pain. It's no fun...but life is what it is.

[C.F.W. Walther]

I was in such severe depression while pregnant with my son, that many times I could no longer walk. I could also no longer eat. The only thing left to try were shock treatments. I had 9 of them. You are under anestesia for those. There was much concern about the outcome of my baby.

Well....God willing, my son will be in the teaching ministry after he graduates from our WELS college in May. It seems God had plans for both of us...and never let go of His children.

Hope you don't mind me sharing that story.You're a trooper sis :)

[LilLamb219]

Maybe there is something to it afterall...I always did well in school; no brain damage here :)


It's amazing, isn't it? Without modern medicine, she would have never made it. Thank God for emergency C-sections, but I'll tell you the time that passed before they got me sedated was torture. I could hear her heart stop every time I had a contraction thanks to the monitor, but I could do was cry and beg them to hurry and get her out.
I didn't know she was lifeless for a while until many weeks later....the OB-GYN kept following up with the pediatrician about her development. They were shocked she had no brain damage. :eek:
She's very bright actually (#3 in her class) and quite the little artist herself. Maybe there's something to that. ;)

[LilLamb219]

Hey, it's Da Rev's Birthday today...we owe him a party :D

Who's celebrating with me? :tutu:

[dinkime]

as long as cake is there, i am willing to party!

[seajoy]

Happy Birthday DaRev! May your day be blessed! :clap:

[filosofer]

Happy birthday, DaRev!!

:clap: :wave:

[Flipper]

Not really------if all I have is five that's allright. They're all totally different, unique individuals. The eight year old gdaughter draws caricatures that are really unique and then makes small story books. She's the drama queen. My fridge has her drawings all over it.

My 8 year old neice just won 2nd place in a county wide art contest. She is a lot like your granddaughter.

Five is a good number. I'm one of 42 grandchildren on my mom's side. Grandpa (who passed away a couple weeks ago) couldn't keep us all straight.

[Flipper]

Gosh - listening to these stories, maybe I should quit the inseminations and just go right to adoption.

[LilLamb219]

My 8 year old neice just won 2nd place in a county wide art contest. She is a lot like your granddaughter.

Five is a good number. I'm one of 42 grandchildren on my mom's side. Grandpa (who passed away a couple weeks ago) couldn't keep us all straight.

Whoa...42. Must have been some Christmas dinner...pass the bread (What? Can't hear you from this end of the table!)

:)

[Flipper]

Whoa...42. Must have been some Christmas dinner...pass the bread (What? Can't hear you from this end of the table!)

:)


LOL!

Yep - depending on whether you count blood, or marriage (I usually count both), I'm either the 5th oldest, or 11th oldest. My youngest first cousin is 3. My youngest aunt is only 5 years older than me.

We're spread out pretty far (mom is the second oldest of 12). Christmas dinner was rather small, but it was nothing for me to not know half the people at the family reunions. My husband doesn't even have a chance to remember who is who.

[porterross]

Gosh - listening to these stories, maybe I should quit the inseminations and just go right to adoption.
Don't take it that extreme, Flipper. I had my worst miscarriage after my daughter was born, but that was enough for me. My body simply wanted out of the baby-making business so I let the docs take what they wanted out of fear of there being some worse problems later. I'm blessed to have my daughter just as I was to be able to raise her brothers.

The pastor of my church here when I was growing up and his wife had similar issues to yours, were told they should give up and they finally adopted.....2 years later she got pregnant and they eventually had more children. We just never know what God has planned.

[seajoy]

Gosh - listening to these stories, maybe I should quit the inseminations and just go right to adoption.
Pregnancy was not the cause of my depression Flipper. :)

I'm sure you've spent much time in prayer over this situation. May God grant you a child in His due time...and may He give you the strength to wait for His answer. :prayer:

[dinkime]

my parents were married 12 years before my brother was born! they tried & tried & had started the process of adoption when he was concieved -- i came along 3 years later

[Flipper]

I don't have to worry about conceiving naturally. If it ever does happen, you can all call me Mary. I know God works miracles, but I also trust modern medicine, and modern medicine says it isn't going to happen. The main problem in this is in my husband, and with men, doctors can determine with greater certainty that it isn't going to happen, if you know what I mean. I'm only saying this because the first thing people tell me is that when I relax it will happen - I know they are trying to help and be kind, but it just can't happen here. There are two things that need to come together to make it happen and one of those things is non-existent.

I'm dealing with insemination with donor sperm, so I have to ovulate at a time when I can go to the cryobank and pick up the tank before heading to my doctor's office for the procedure. We did this 4 months, and it was fine, except that it didn't work. Since October, either I haven't ovulated, or it's been on a weekend when I can't get to the cryobank. I've been on fertility medicine since September.

Here's my frustration - We planned to try this 6 times, and skip IVF and go straight to adoption. So, theoretically, in 6 months time, I would either be pregnant, or we would be starting the adoption process, which I understand takes years, but we would at least have started it and had some sort of direction.

I don't mind it taking a long time as long as I know we're moving in a direction. We've been married 8 years, and knew about this 4 years already. I spent 3 of those years dealing with my husband who didn't take the situation so well - understandably. Since I can't seem to get in for the inseminations, we are in a weird sort of limbo - and I don't like it.

I've been considering just giving up on the remaining IUIs and making an appointment with Lutheran Family Services, before I read the posts here. It's not a set number, just something we decided on our own.

The sad thing is that Raddio hit a nerve with me - not on purpose and I don't blame him. I don't mind talking about this - in fact the more I've talked about it, the more I've heard from others going through the exact same thing, or something similar - and I've learned a lot. The problem is that the people who don't know what we are doing are certain family members (his parents and sister), who thought we should have gotten pregnant right after we got married - and wouldn't understand that our problem has nothing to do with age. As far as they know, we decided to never have children. If they knew we were going through this, I would be getting calls daily about it, and literature shoved in my purse (happened on my 30th birthday).

The good thing in all this is that I totally dig prenatal vitamins. My hair is so silky (and grows so fast), and my nails are the hardest they have ever been, and my skin is even softer. I'm just going to keep taking them, no matter what.

[porterross]

People are sometimes the most insensitive when THEY think are being helpful and showing concern. It's hard for some to understand how private many of us are. My family can be very intrusive as well and I do not tolerate it well either. There is no way to change them, though. It's but one of our burdens in this world. :sigh: I was actually told that my daughter and I were too close and relied too much on one another. :eek:

Fertility is so confusing, but it's something that only you and your husband know can deal with in your situation. God has His reasons and your prayers will be answered. You have to trust that.

I hope your husband realizes how special you are and what a blessing you are to him. It is frustrating when loving, capable, responsible and financially able couples seem to have such issues and yet there are those who have no problem producing child after child with no way, knowledge or concern about caring for their little lives and souls. :cry:

[Flipper]

Thanks for the kind words.

The cool thing about my husband is that he's in the medical field, so he can look at the clinical aspect of it - it's just a minor physical defect, and he's no less of a man for it. Still, first and formost, he is a man, and it's a pretty devastating thing for men. So, it's been kind of a jump back and forth with him between the clinical nature, and the masculinity. Still, I just have to keep reassuring him, and that's really not hard to do. He also doesn't mind me talking about it, and he'll even talk about it (when he puts his mind in clinical mode).

Actually, he has a couple of male patients going through different infertility issues, and has struck conversations with them - it's almost like a little impromtu support group, which I know has also been helpful.

It's not as much a privacy matter - but I don't go announcing this to everyone of course. It's just simple understanding. One thing I've learned is if someone says they are going through infertility, simply say they are in your prayers, or ask if they have found out their options or what option they are considering. Everyone's situation is different, and what they decide to do about it is different for everyone. Right now, I'm very much against IVF for me, but I have a friend who is going to be trying it - and I completely support her. Her and her husband's situation is also different than ours.

I've also stopped asking people when or if they are going to have children, unless they specifically bring it up.

[QuiltAngel]

Flipper, thanks for sharing. That must have been hard for you to share here. Know that you and your husband are in my prayers as you make your decisions on how to proceed.

[C.F.W. Walther]

My 8 year old neice just won 2nd place in a county wide art contest. She is a lot like your granddaughter.

Five is a good number. I'm one of 42 grandchildren on my mom's side. Grandpa (who passed away a couple weeks ago) couldn't keep us all straight.42 !!! I don't think Einstein could keep that many names in his head either. Betcha granpa loved them all to, :)

Well it's over :( I'm nauseated and sick in my guts. I signed the papers and she's out of my life. Dear God.........sigh :cry:

[LilLamb219]

Flipper, I don't ask people when they'll have children (or more children) because I know others who have similar issues going on in their lives. It's none of my business...so I don't ask the question.

I went through times of anovulation (not ovulating for anyone who doesn't know what the term is) throughout my 30's. I'm fine with it really. I do have one daughter who is so precious to us and I'm looking forward to menopause LOL Just my luck God will give me a child when I'm 50 and I'll be too tired to want to do all the things I did with my daughter! Plus, I gave away almost every baby item we still had left with the exception of one container of clothing from the flood in September. My mom always told me that once you give everything away...watch out! You just might need it again! Yikes.

Anyway, I've dragged on enough.

If you want to adopt a baby of a different race, it doesn't take quite so long (months instead of years) to do so :)

[LilLamb219]

Awww, Rad :( I'm sorry! I think they're serving beer in another thread...it might cheer you up a bit!

I think you're going through mourning...it's a loss of relationship. But just remember that with any sort of death (even the death of a marriage) there is always some sort of resurrection (maybe not another marriage) but there will be some kind of resurrection later in your life (besides Christ's coming). I got all that from a book called Mourning into Dancing...awesome book!

[C.F.W. Walther]

double post

[C.F.W. Walther]

Awww, Rad :( I'm sorry! I think they're serving beer in another thread...it might cheer you up a bit!

I think you're going through mourning...it's a loss of relationship. But just remember that with any sort of death (even the death of a marriage) there is always some sort of resurrection (maybe not another marriage) but there will be some kind of resurrection later in your life (besides Christ's coming). I got all that from a book called Mourning into Dancing...awesome book!

Thanks for the info and thoughts but I don't drink and if I did I would be a total mess right now, but thanks anyway. Nothing worse than a depressed drunk. They cry and slober all over you.:D

[Flipper]

Flipper, I don't ask people when they'll have children (or more children) because I know others who have similar issues going on in their lives. It's none of my business...so I don't ask the question.

I went through times of anovulation (not ovulating for anyone who doesn't know what the term is) throughout my 30's.

That's how we found out actually - I had that problem when I went off the pill, and at the time we didn't know it was because I needed to adjust from going off of it. My doctor then gave me the choice of either going back on the pill or going on fertility medicine - that's when we decided that it was as good a time as any to start trying. So to go on the fertility medicine, he needed to be tested, and that started years of more testing for the poor guy, and meanwhile, I straightened out for the most part.


If you want to adopt a baby of a different race, it doesn't take quite so long (months instead of years) to do so :)

Now I can ramble on for a while on this subject. Being realistic about everything, I've been doing research. Lutheran Family Services also put on a 1/2 day seminar a couple years ago that I attended, and boy did I get an eye opener. I've researched further since then.

In Missouri, you can most certainly get a child of a different race faster if you want to foster first and hope to maybe adopt later. To adopt a child in Missouri, the parental rights of both parents have to be terminated by the state, either voluntarily by the biological parents or unvoluntarily, with the appeals process passed. With unvoluntarily termination, you are looking at many years, and a very high possility of it not happening, and having bonded with the child before the child is taken away from you and given back to the biological parents.

Actually, I dislike Missouri's laws on domestic adoption so much that we will go international - I'd like to go to China or Guatamala. Maybe even Vietnam (not because of Angelina Jolie - thought about it for some time). No Russia or Eastern Europe. If LFS opens up in Africa, we might consider it, but I don't think they do. Catholic Charities does go to Africa and I don't think you have to be Catholic to adopt through them.

[Flipper]

42 !!! I don't think Einstein could keep that many names in his head either. Betcha granpa loved them all to, :)

Well it's over :( I'm nauseated and sick in my guts. I signed the papers and she's out of my life. Dear God.........sigh :cry:

:groupray:

[seajoy]

Flipper thanks for sharing...you've helped us, and I hope you feel better too.

[seajoy]

Oh Rad...I'm so sorry :prayer:

[C.F.W. Walther]

That's how we found out actually - I had that problem when I went off the pill, and at the time we didn't know it was because I needed to adjust from going off of it. My doctor then gave me the choice of either going back on the pill or going on fertility medicine - that's when we decided that it was as good a time as any to start trying. So to go on the fertility medicine, he needed to be tested, and that started years of more testing for the poor guy, and meanwhile, I straightened out for the most part.




Now I can ramble on for a while on this subject. Being realistic about everything, I've been doing research. Lutheran Family Services also put on a 1/2 day seminar a couple years ago that I attended, and boy did I get an eye opener. I've researched further since then.

In Missouri, you can most certainly get a child of a different race faster if you want to foster first and hope to maybe adopt later. To adopt a child in Missouri, the parental rights of both parents have to be terminated by the state, either voluntarily by the biological parents or unvoluntarily, with the appeals process passed. With unvoluntarily termination, you are looking at many years, and a very high possility of it not happening, and having bonded with the child before the child is taken away from you and given back to the biological parents.

Actually, I dislike Missouri's laws on domestic adoption so much that we will go international - I'd like to go to China or Guatamala. Maybe even Vietnam (not because of Angelina Jolie - thought about it for some time). No Russia or Eastern Europe. If LFS opens up in Africa, we might consider it, but I don't think they do. Catholic Charities does go to Africa and I don't think you have to be Catholic to adopt through them.

I've been asked to be involved in the LFCS is Columbia since I can lend a unique perspective to the adoption proces. Basically it involves the lifelong proces of the adoptive parents and the adopted children and there genetic makeup.

The perspective comes from adoting children that are not from the same social class as the parents. I know that this is a touchy subject since everyone is supposed to be created equal but unfortunately that is not allways the case. It is also very important to the perspective parents. My perspective comes from personal experience since I was adopted. My biological parents were total derelicts. Rampant alchoholics with ho moral values at all. The perspective is approached from the formula that every adopted orphan is influenced 50%+- by their genes and 50%+- by their inviroment.

It's controversial because the child is somewhat confused when the mores of the parents are fostered which are totaly contrary to what their genes involk. It can be totally frustrating to the adoptive parents when they see how contrary the child is to his upbringing. There are so many variables to how this affects the parent/child relation but it is a problem. This was noticed by me and also the case workers hence they want input form adopted children to express their opinions at the seminars.

[filosofer]

We adopted our two children (older children from overseas). For the older one (he was 8 when we adopted him), it had been pure hell with him for more than 18 years, and we haven't seen him in 9 years. It nearly tore our family apart, and almost led to my death. Our faith and love were sorely tested. It was the loneliest time of our lives, and the pain is still there from 25 years ago. One time when he was coming off drugs and I prevented him from committing suicide, and stayed up all night with him, he broke down and said "How can you love me?" Every thing he did was to try to push us away. And this is some of the milder stuff we went through with him.

So, Rad, I understand what you write.

In Christ's love,
filo

[Jim47]

People are sometimes the most insensitive when THEY think are being helpful and showing concern. It's hard for some to understand how private many of us are. My family can be very intrusive as well and I do not tolerate it well either. There is no way to change them, though. It's but one of our burdens in this world. :sigh: I was actually told that my daughter and I were too close and relied too much on one another. :eek:

Fertility is so confusing, but it's something that only you and your husband know can deal with in your situation. God has His reasons and your prayers will be answered. You have to trust that.

I hope your husband realizes how special you are and what a blessing you are to him. It is frustrating when loving, capable, responsible and financially able couples seem to have such issues and yet there are those who have no problem producing child after child with no way, knowledge or concern about caring for their little lives and souls. :cry:



What a shame that all parents aren't like you ladies. Its very uplifting the way you support each other.

We used to go out to eat fairly often and one of the things I remember most is how some parents treat their children, as though they were excess bagage. Children are only what you make them, the more love you put in the more they learn the important things in life and the more love and respect they show for others.

I would have to be the first to admit that I wasn't a perfect father and I only wish I could do it all over again, but I would probably make some of the same mistakes if I were given another chance.

One of the things I deeply regreted was I started going to night school after a full days work in the factory, and this all took place when my daughter was only 3 monthes old. It broke my heart to not have been close to her at the time when she was growing the fastest, but on my meager factory wage it was pretty necessary. Thankfully the night school was only 9 monthes but it was a long time because of having to be a distant Dad and husband.

So I am always thankful when I see parents that are willing to invest time in their children. Time more then money shapes their lives for ever. Put Love in and you get Love out.


Flipper , I hope this all works out for you and your husband.

[Jim47]

Well it's over :( I'm nauseated and sick in my guts. I signed the papers and she's out of my life. Dear God.........sigh :cry:



Sorry to hear that buddie. I know you were praying that it might not happen. I hope you recover quickly.

[seajoy]

We adopted our two children (older children from overseas). For the older one (he was 8 when we adopted him), it had been pure hell with him for more than 18 years, and we haven't seen him in 9 years. It nearly tore our family apart, and almost led to my death. Our faith and love were sorely tested. It was the loneliest time of our lives, and the pain is still there from 25 years ago. One time when he was coming off drugs and I prevented him from committing suicide, and stayed up all night with him, he broke down and said "How can you love me?" Every thing he did was to try to push us away. And this is some of the milder stuff we went through with him.

So, Rad, I understand what you write.

In Christ's love,
filo

Oh filo...I'm so sorry. So much hurt in the world.
Do you know where he is?
If only he could see your love, and his Father in heaven's love.
:hug:

[Jim47]

We adopted our two children (older children from overseas). For the older one (he was 8 when we adopted him), it had been pure hell with him for more than 18 years, and we haven't seen him in 9 years. It nearly tore our family apart, and almost led to my death. Our faith and love were sorely tested. It was the loneliest time of our lives, and the pain is still there from 25 years ago. One time when he was coming off drugs and I prevented him from committing suicide, and stayed up all night with him, he broke down and said "How can you love me?" Every thing he did was to try to push us away. And this is some of the milder stuff we went through with him.

So, Rad, I understand what you write.

In Christ's love,
filo



So sorry about this Filo. This makes all my problems look rather small. Prayers for you friend.

[C.F.W. Walther]

What a shame that all parents aren't like you ladies. Its very uplifting the way you support each other.

We used to go out to eat fairly often and one of the things I remember most is how some parents treat their children, as though they were excess bagage. Children are only what you make them, the more love you put in the more they learn the important things in life and the more love and respect they show for others.

I would have to be the first to admit that I wasn't a perfect father and I only wish I could do it all over again, but I would probably make some of the same mistakes if I were given another chance.

One of the things I deeply regreted was I started going to night school after a full days work in the factory, and this all took place when my daughter was only 3 monthes old. It broke my heart to not have been close to her at the time when she was growing the fastest, but on my meager factory wage it was pretty necessary. Thankfully the night school was only 9 monthes but it was a long time because of having to be a distant Dad and husband.

So I am always thankful when I see parents that are willing to invest time in their children. Time more then money shapes their lives for ever. Put Love in and you get Love out.


Flipper , I hope this all works out for you and your husband. I know this doesn't happen all the time but it does seem to be prevalent in many cases. LFCS does try to initiate certain safeguards but, to me, it is still a money making process no mater who you go through. The safeguards are not thorough enough. It's very big bucks now days becasue the qualifying adoptive pool is very low because of millions of abortions.

filo I actually feel you pain for all I put my parents through growing up. On behalf of all us adoptees I apologize.

[Flipper]

I know this doesn't happen all the time but it does seem to be prevalent in many cases. LFCS does try to initiate certain safeguards but, to me, it is still a money making process no mater who you go through. The safeguards are not thorough enough. It's very big bucks now days becasue the qualifying adoptive pool is very low because of millions of abortions.

filo I actually feel you pain for all I put my parents through growing up. On behalf of all us adoptees I apologize.

All I can say to your earlier post, is wow! I would like to think if we adopt that we would take their genetics into consideration in raising - without making it an excuse either. (i.e. kid is unruly at restaurant, and we chalk it up on genetics and not lack of discipline).

About this - the qualifying adoptive pool would be much higher if Missouri wasn't so keen on keeping the kids with the biological parents when the biological parents have been found unfit. Just in the last 6 months alone, there have been two separate court precedents that favor the biological parents over the adoptive parents.

If you want to adopt from a teen mother giving her child up for adoption, the teen mother can choose the family, meaning you basically have to sell yourself. I'm not selling myself to a teenager. Plus the natural father has so much time to appeal for custody, and according to the last precedent, if he exceeds the time limit, he can still apply.

Go to another country, you are matched with a child, you go home. May cost more, may mean paying money under the table, but I'm thinking less heartache.

If Missouri changes their laws, we'll reconsider.

[Flipper]

We adopted our two children (older children from overseas). For the older one (he was 8 when we adopted him), it had been pure hell with him for more than 18 years, and we haven't seen him in 9 years. It nearly tore our family apart, and almost led to my death. Our faith and love were sorely tested. It was the loneliest time of our lives, and the pain is still there from 25 years ago. One time when he was coming off drugs and I prevented him from committing suicide, and stayed up all night with him, he broke down and said "How can you love me?" Every thing he did was to try to push us away. And this is some of the milder stuff we went through with him.

So, Rad, I understand what you write.

In Christ's love,
filo


Also, wow. What can one say to that. Obviously you did the best you could. I'm so sorry.

I hate to sound selfish, but this is why I think I want a baby.

[C.F.W. Walther]

About this - the qualifying adoptive pool would be much higher if Missouri wasn't so keen on keeping the kids with the biological parents when the biological parents have been found unfit. Just in the last 6 months alone, there have been two separate court precedents that favor the biological parents over the adoptive parents.
I also agree with you assesment since I've also gone through many battles with DFS. They are on a total power kick. For some reason they are of the opinion to keeps the kids in a total dysfunctional family. To me, most case workers and supervisors in DFS are unqualified and overworked in their position.

[Flipper]

What a shame that all parents aren't like you ladies. Its very uplifting the way you support each other.

We used to go out to eat fairly often and one of the things I remember most is how some parents treat their children, as though they were excess bagage. Children are only what you make them, the more love you put in the more they learn the important things in life and the more love and respect they show for others.

I would have to be the first to admit that I wasn't a perfect father and I only wish I could do it all over again, but I would probably make some of the same mistakes if I were given another chance.

One of the things I deeply regreted was I started going to night school after a full days work in the factory, and this all took place when my daughter was only 3 monthes old. It broke my heart to not have been close to her at the time when she was growing the fastest, but on my meager factory wage it was pretty necessary. Thankfully the night school was only 9 monthes but it was a long time because of having to be a distant Dad and husband.

So I am always thankful when I see parents that are willing to invest time in their children. Time more then money shapes their lives for ever. Put Love in and you get Love out.


Flipper , I hope this all works out for you and your husband.


I bet you were a better provider for your family after that 9 month sacrifice. That's how I see it.

It's hard to go back to school after having children. That's why I wanted to wait a couple of years - I was still in school. Still, I know moms and dads who do it, and do it well, and I really admire them for it.

It will work out, I know that - I just get frustrated sometimes, and after talking about it, I feel better and go on. Actually when it gets like this, I start thinking about how much I love to sleep in on Saturday mornings, and go on impromptu trips.

[Flipper]

I also agree with you assessment since I've also gone through many battles with DFS. They are on a total power kick. For some reason they are of the opinion to keeps the kids in a total dysfunctional family. To me, the case workers in DFS are totally unqualified in their position.

or overworked, or underpaid, or a combination of the three.

[C.F.W. Walther]

I retyped my post prior to your post.

[filosofer]

filo I actually feel you pain for all I put my parents through growing up. On behalf of all us adoptees I apologize.

No need to apologize to me. I will say this. We still love him, as hard as it is to say. As I told him that one time, the only reason I can is because of God's love for me.


Despite the pain, God has used these experiences to minister to other families (not just adoptive ones), far more than had I not gone through it. Did I want to? Absolutely not. Did I think it would happen to me? Never. Did I expect it to end after 1-2 years? Yep. And the longer it went on, the worse it became. So I undertsand exactly when parents or children are at the end of their rope and it seems hopeless, and endless. "When will the pain end?"

God is an amazing God. I would have crawled into a hole (and emotionally/spiritually did) and avoided the entire mess. But God wouldn't let me stay there. And I truly thank Him that He didn't leave me there. He used a beat up, crumpled, at times angry, despairing father to reach others who have been beat up, crumpled, angry, and despairing. I've been there, done that, and been redeemed and restored by a loving, gracious God.

Sadly, many churches don't do well in this area. And I have found generally that pastors are even less willing to help than lay people. It seems that they don't recognize the silent hurting people in their midst. It takes a heart for the hurting. It takes time, and the problem isn't always solved by "good Law/Gospel preaching" (which I have people tell me), nor by "do this, or don't do that" advice from people who have never been there. I can visit a congregation, and within 2-3 weeks I can begin to sense who is really hurting, but no one seems aware of it. I guess my ministry has focused on the fringe, hurting people, who desparately want someone to listen and cry with them.

Isaiah 41:10 and Lamentations 3:19-32 took on new meaning over the years.


In Christ's love,
filo

[Flipper]

I retyped my post prior to your post.

you forgot underpaid :D

Seriously - if it paid well enough, qualified people would apply there instead of applying to the hospitals. While there are good ones out there, there are some that prove the saying, "you get what you pay for."

[DaRev]

To lighten a rather depressing thread...

When I was finishing up my undergrad degree, there was a guy in my class who worked for the county children's services. One day in our public speaking class, he got up to talk about some aspects of his job. He started with an encounter he had with a 7yo boy in a group home on one of his first days. This boy came up to him and out of the blue said (and forgive my French), "Your mother's a whore!" He was quite taken back by this comment, but he went on to describe the situations that he dealt with, and this one was rather mild. It is amazing what some people do to kids. There are those who can't have children, but would love them dearly. Then there are those who do have them and treat them like rubbish. His whole presentation had us transfixed and dazed (he did not go into any real details, but what he did tell us was heartbreaking).

At the end of his presentation he said, "Oh, and by the way, that little boy who called my mother a whore... well now he call's her 'grandma'... and he calls me 'dad.' And he just graduated high school."

There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

[Flipper]

To lighten a rather depressing thread...

When I was finishing up my undergrad degree, there was a guy in my class who worked for the county children's services. One day in our public speaking class, he got up to talk about some aspects of his job. He started with an encounter he had with a 7yo boy in a group home on one of his first days. This boy came up to him and out of the blue said (and forgive my French), "Your mother's a whore!" He was quite taken back by this comment, but he went on to describe the situations that he dealt with, and this one was rather mild. It is amazing what some people do to kids. There are those who can't have children, but would love them dearly. Then there are those who do have them and treat them like rubbish. His whole presentation had us transfixed and dazed (he did not go into any real details, but what he did tell us was heartbreaking).

At the end of his presentation he said, "Oh, and by the way, that little boy who called my mother a whore... well now he call's her 'grandma'... and he calls me 'dad.' And he just graduated high school."

There wasn't a dry eye in the room.

Lighten the thread??? Now I'm really :cry:

Great story. There are good ones out there.

Happy birthday!

[filosofer]

To lighten a rather depressing thread...


Sorry about making this thread depressing. It wasn't meant to be depressing, but realistic about the topic. And even more about God's love and mercy in the midst of bad circumstances.

Thanks for sharing that story.

In Christ's love,
filo

[seajoy]

I hate to sound selfish, but this is why I think I want a baby.
Not selfish at all, flipper. :) That's the way kids are supposed to come.

[C.F.W. Walther]

It wasn't meant to be depressing just instructive.

[seajoy]

I didn't find it depressing...but perhaps what Rev was getting at, is that there are happy endings.

Sometimes those endings just take way longer than we think they should. Sometimes it makes us think God has forgotten us, or that He doesn't care about us. That somehow we are different in His eyes than the people He "truly" loves.

Well we aren't different...each one is special and important...each with our own struggles in life. The struggles that God allows us, so He can draw us to Him.

That is what we were born for...that is why He died.

[seajoy]

Hey....what's everybody doing? :confused:
I see lots of names, but nothing happening!
I'm feeling all alone in a room full of people. :sigh:
like a wallflower....:cry:
just kidding :)

[seajoy]

Actually...I'm not kidding now.

[Flipper]

:angel:

[C.F.W. Walther]

I'm here sis :)

[porterross]

Crazy, busy, FULL day. I'm sure glad it's almost over. I'm beat.

[seajoy]

I'm here sis :)
Hi Rad, and Flip, and Porter!!!

[C.F.W. Walther]

Went and took a nap. You know how us junior gezzers are.

Had a fast day at Habitat------as soon as stuff came in it was bought up fast.

[dinkime]

i did some shopping today....nothing to exciting...

[seajoy]

I saw my psychiatrist...always a good time!

[dinkime]

I saw my psychiatrist...always a good time!

lol, an interesting way to say it lol

[seajoy]

lol, an interesting way to say it lol
Hey, he's a cool guy...we've been Buddies for 14yrs!

[seajoy]

Went and took a nap. You know how us junior gezzers are.


Whatever....not even a jr. geezer! :)
Uh...you're as young as you feel....:sorry:
In my case, I'm older than you some days! :doh:

[LilLamb219]

I'm here...I was working on Girl Scout stuff after my daughter's concert tonight. She sang a duet (part solo actually) and was AWESOME! :)

Now I need to log off and take a shower and get to bed. It's been a long day!

[C.F.W. Walther]

I went to a pshchiatrist one time and he said I was nuts........got my moneys worth :)

He said that if anybody would take their motorcycle up to 135 MPH had to be out of his mind. 150$ for ten minutes----I never went back.

[seajoy]

I'm here...I was working on Girl Scout stuff after my daughter's concert tonight. She sang a duet (part solo actually) and was AWESOME! :)

Now I need to log off and take a shower and get to bed. It's been a long day!
Cool for your kid...and you, proud mom!

Sleep well friend!

[seajoy]

I went to a pshchiatrist one time and he said I was nuts........got my moneys worth :)

He said that if anybody would take their motorcycle up to 135 MPH had to be out of his mind. 150$ for ten minutes----I never went back.
LOL :D LOL

[seajoy]

Time to hit the sack! I'm really tired. Probably from laughing so hard, Rad!

Good night everybody :wave: and, rest in the Lord!

seajoy :hug:

[C.F.W. Walther]

ni-night

[QuiltAngel]

I miss out on all the good stuff lately. My son came home and for some strange reason, he thought he should use his computer! Imagine that! Can't wait to get my own back.

[ctay]

I think I need some Ben Gay this morning. I took my 6 yr old granddaughter to this place called Hurricane Creek park, I'm paying for it this morning. Its a long nature trail with a creek running at the bottom of the place. The worst part was having to get back out of the bottom. The state had condemned the cable cars a few years back. So now you have to walk out instead of getting a ride out. Here's a little more about the place http://www.hurricanecreek.homestead.com/

[C.F.W. Walther]

We have something like that here in Mo. Somewhere in the distant past a huge cave collapsed and they made a 321 acre state park out of it.
http://www.mostateparks.com/grandgulf.htm

[synger]

Went and took a nap. You know how us junior gezzers are.

Had a fast day at Habitat------as soon as stuff came in it was bought up fast.
Had to read this twice. I was thinking of fasting, the spiritual discipline. *laughs*

Probably because lately I've felt like the fasting forum (http://www.christianforums.com/f371-fasting.html) is a hidden gem on CF. I don't think many people even know it's there.

[C.F.W. Walther]

Had to read this twice. I was thinking of fasting, the spiritual discipline. *laughs*

Probably because lately I've felt like the fasting forum (http://www.christianforums.com/f371-fasting.html) is a hidden gem on CF. I don't think many people even know it's there.Sorry---Some of my choices of words aren't clear.

Very interesting subject about fasting. I think the term you were looking for in fasting for more than 3 days and the process of tearing down the organs and muscle is Ketoacidosis. Can be harmfull if extended to long.

I would also sugest that if someone does go on a water fast that they should take electrolytes to keep the body in balance. Water that people drink now days does not have hardly any electrolytes in it like they had in biblical times from wells and stream water. Distilled and filtered water only dilutes the electrolytes in the body and can lead to muscle weakness or severe muscle contractions (cramps) and also sever lightheadednes like your young man you mentioned in your post. If nothing else advise sport drinks. They don't have everything in them but it will help somewhat.

Electrolytes stabilize the clectrical nerve impulses in the body (muscles and organs) to make it function correctly.

[seajoy]

Morning everyone! I just felt like saying that.:blush:

[C.F.W. Walther]

'morning sis :)

[LilLamb219]

Hey guys!

Those parks links were fun to look at!

I live not too far from the Indiana Dunes! http://www.nps.gov/indu/

[dinkime]

i have never heard of any of these parks! now i want to go "park hopping"!!

[C.F.W. Walther]

i have never heard of any of these parks! now i want to go "park hopping"!!
There's a book at the librarys and also at the Climatrom about the geological places in Mo. They also include a lot of parks. It's a small know fact that we have several natural rock bridges in Mo. Not as spectacular as the ones out west but interesting anyway. One of them was destroyed when they put the highway in between Hillsboro and Festus. Can't remeber the Hwy number.

[C.F.W. Walther]

Also years ago I went with a buddy of mine up to a park in nothern Mo below Kirksville and panned for gold. THe last ice age left deposits that you can pan right from the creeks. Also on the Peabody Ridge in Mark Twain national forest you can sluice or pan for silver.

[Flipper]

I think that would be Highway A between Hillsboro and Festus - you can see how far it was dug.

My favorite is Onondaga State Park in Leesburg, MO. There's the well known Onondaga Cave, and to not so much known Cathedral Cave. The Parks people are trying to preserve the ecosphere inside Cathedral, so they only allow visitors during certain hours one or two days a week. However the "cathedral" look inside the cave is spectacular.

I used to love camping there because they had a wooded area for tent camping, and clean latrines. I understand they cut out most of the wooded camping areas and it's all open now. :(

[C.F.W. Walther]

Yea----Hwy A----I was gonna say AA but wasn't sure.

Right down the road from Onondaga is Meramec Cavern and the state park. You can rent these really rustic log cabins with old fashion fireplaces in them. Really romantic.

There's also a cave across the Meramec river just opposite Meramec Caverns that you can walk back in for miles. I gues it still has public access but years ago it wasn't marked and you had to know how to get there by the gravel road. It's right on the river. Can't remember the name either. Something like...............uhh sorry.....just can't remember. Anyway we took the scouts in there since it it is easy to explore. We used carbide lamps and had to be carefull becasue previous explorers would dump their carbide lamp contents on the ground and the carbide would still generate gas and collect in the upper part of the cave. Very explosive. No place for the gas to disipate. It would stay there for years.

[Renatus]

Hello everyone!

Synger had called my attention to this forum.

I really don't know, what this thread is good for, but I hope what I do is right. :)

I also don't look through the many denomination forums, who is allowed to post and who not. Even here I think I am right as a Lutheran. ;)

[porterross]

I think I need some Ben Gay this morning. I took my 6 yr old granddaughter to this place called Hurricane Creek park, I'm paying for it this morning. Its a long nature trail with a creek running at the bottom of the place. The worst part was having to get back out of the bottom. The state had condemned the cable cars a few years back. So now you have to walk out instead of getting a ride out. Here's a little more about the place http://www.hurricanecreek.homestead.com/

That's a nice park, right up my alley. I have never in my life seen tent platforms, though. How in the world do you erect a tent on a wooden platform? There's no way to stake it down. :scratch:

[seajoy]

Hello everyone!

Synger had called my attention to this forum.

I really don't know, what this thread is good for, but I hope what I do is right. :)

I also don't look through the many denomination forums, who is allowed to post and who not. Even here I think I am right as a Lutheran. ;)
Hi Renatus! :wave: And Welcome!
We are a friendly lot! (most of the time :) )

[porterross]

Hello everyone!

Synger had called my attention to this forum.

I really don't know, what this thread is good for, but I hope what I do is right. :)

I also don't look through the many denomination forums, who is allowed to post and who not. Even here I think I am right as a Lutheran. ;)


Hi, Renatus. :wave:
You are definitely in the right spot. Welcome and feel free to talk about anything. This is a social thread where nothing very serious is discussed most of the time.

[LilLamb219]

I believe for tent platforms there are eyebolts that you tie the tent to for securing it down.

[LilLamb219]

Hey there, Renatus!

[QuiltAngel]

Hi Renatus,
Welcome.

Are you a member of a SELK church or a State Church?

Where are you located in Germany? My DD is studying over there this semester.

[DaRev]

This is a social thread where nothing very serious is discussed most of the time.

And here's an example...


Porter, I saw your CF character a few minutes ago and it was only half dressed!:blush: You need to be more careful...

and a tad more modest...;)

[Melethiel]

I'm off to Jacksonville tonight for an organ competition tomorrow. Wish me luck! I'm playing:

J.S. Bach ~ Prelude and Fugue in f minor
Nun Danket
Karg-Elert ~ Improvisation on Nun Danket
Messiaen ~ Le Verbe from La Nativite

[synger]

Hello everyone!

Synger had called my attention to this forum.

I really don't know, what this thread is good for, but I hope what I do is right. :)

I also don't look through the many denomination forums, who is allowed to post and who not. Even here I think I am right as a Lutheran. ;)

Glad you found your way here, Renatus! :clap: This is the thread where we talk about our day and just hang out and have fun. If someone has more serious questions or concerns, they usually post a separate thread.

The congregation forums are just places where people of like history or theological background and beliefs can discuss together. I usually read about five of them, but primarily post here. You can't "debate" doctrine in other congregational forums unless you're part of that congregation, though you can ask questions.

There are also "life stages" forums, for men, women, teens, etc. And forums for hobbies. And discussions of theology and apologetics. And forums based on what part of the world you live in. And.. well, just about everythign. It's a huge site.

So we're very glad you're here.

[synger]

And here's an example...


Porter, I saw your CF character a few minutes ago and it was only half dressed!:blush: You need to be more careful...

and a tad more modest...;)

A tad more modest? Like this, for her avatar, perhaps?

http://www3.christianforums.com/images/items/afghanistanscarf.gif

[LilLamb219]

Da Rev! You're supposed to look away when a lady is changing her clothes!!!

:preach:

[Melethiel]

There's an easy way to get around the clothes problem. When you remove the character's hair, the character disappears. Then you can change clothes without anyone seeing. ;)

[QuiltAngel]

Thanks for that tip Mel.

I would love to hear you play organ. Do us proud at your recital and know that we are there for you, even though we can't actually be there.

[Melethiel]

Thanks for that tip Mel.

I would love to hear you play organ. Do us proud at your recital and know that we are there for you, even though we can't actually be there.
My recital is a month from now, and I'm getting it recorded. Going to see if I can find a way to post it online. Tomorrow is a competition. This is the proposed program for my recital:

Toccata Prima ~ Frescobaldi

4 Choral Prelude settings
Christ lag in Todesbanden (I) ~ Boehm
Christ lag in Todesbanden (II) ~ Boehm
Christ lag in Todesbanden ~ J.S. Bach
Christ lag in Todesbanden ~ Pachelbel

Suite Medievale ~ Langlais
I. Prelude
II.Tiento
V. Acclamations

Andante ~ Mozart

La Nativite ~ Messiaen
VII. Dieu parmi nous

[Edial]

My recital is a month from now, and I'm getting it recorded. Going to see if I can find a way to post it online. Tomorrow is a competition. This is the proposed program for my recital:

Toccata Prima ~ Frescobaldi

4 Choral Prelude settings
Christ lag in Todesbanden (I) ~ Boehm
Christ lag in Todesbanden (II) ~ Boehm
Christ lag in Todesbanden ~ J.S. Bach
Christ lag in Todesbanden ~ Pachelbel

Suite Medievale ~ Langlais
I. Prelude
II.Tiento
V. Acclamations

Andante ~ Mozart

La Nativite ~ Messiaen
VII. Dieu parmi nous
A friend of mine had problems with his Todesbanden.
Doctor asked him to watch his intake of Frescobaldi - too much salt.

[porterross]

And here's an example...


Porter, I saw your CF character a few minutes ago and it was only half dressed!:blush: You need to be more careful...

and a tad more modest...;)

:sorry: I didn't see anyone else online so I changed as quickly as I could. Just don't tell my mother, she'll have you roped and at the altar. :eek: Oh, wait. ^_^



A tad more modest? Like this, for her avatar, perhaps?

http://www3.christianforums.com/images/items/afghanistanscarf.gif

Forget that! Ain't happenin'.



Da Rev! You're supposed to look away when a lady is changing her clothes!!!

:preach:


Really and Heaven knows he could use some color in his wardrobe! :D

[DaRev]

Da Rev! You're supposed to look away when a lady is changing her clothes!!!

:preach:

At first I though it was a bath robe...

...until the jeans appeared...


...then I was a bit embarassed.:blush:

[DaRev]

Just don't tell my mother, she'll have you roped and at the altar. :eek: Oh, wait. ^_^

Yeah, but on which side of the rail?? :P ^_^ ^_^

[Renatus]

Hi Renatus,
Welcome.

Are you a member of a SELK church or a State Church?

Where are you located in Germany? My DD is studying over there this semester.

I'm a member of a State Church.
I live in the Lüneburger Heath, if somebody knows that. Close to Lüneburg, 60 km south of Hamburg. A nice Region with a long lutheran tradition.

Glad you found your way here, Renatus! :clap: This is the thread where we talk about our day and just hang out and have fun. If someone has more serious questions or concerns, they usually post a separate thread.

The congregation forums are just places where people of like history or theological background and beliefs can discuss together. I usually read about five of them, but primarily post here. You can't "debate" doctrine in other congregational forums unless you're part of that congregation, though you can ask questions.

There are also "life stages" forums, for men, women, teens, etc. And forums for hobbies. And discussions of theology and apologetics. And forums based on what part of the world you live in. And.. well, just about everythign. It's a huge site.

So we're very glad you're here.

Ah thanks, so I didn't something wrong by posting here. :)
Maybe I post in other denomination forums.

[porterross]

Yeah, but on which side of the rail?? :P ^_^ ^_^

The one that would only require commitment until death. :D

[dinkime]

we got our placements for Ukraine!!

the 3 from my church will be going to the city of Chernihiv

when i googled the town i found some information -- one of the oldest cities in ukraine, lots of old cathedrals, churches, etc

[porterross]

That's wonderful, Becky. I know you'll enjoy it.

My ex had 2 doctoral students from Ukraine. They were a married couple, incredibly sweet and innocent. Babysitting my daughter was one of their favorite "assignments" and she loved their Russian Setter.

[Jim47]

:) Hello everyone!

Synger had called my attention to this forum.

I really don't know, what this thread is good for, but I hope what I do is right. :)

I also don't look through the many denomination forums, who is allowed to post and who not. Even here I think I am right as a Lutheran. ;)


If Synger sent you, then you must be alright :thumbsup:

Welcome to our forum

[Jim47]

I'm off to Jacksonville tonight for an organ competition tomorrow. Wish me luck! I'm playing:

J.S. Bach ~ Prelude and Fugue in f minor
Nun Danket
Karg-Elert ~ Improvisation on Nun Danket
Messiaen ~ Le Verbe from La Nativite



Good luck Mel. I hope you record it so we can all listen :)

[DaRev]

The one that would only require commitment until death. :D

Yeah, but on which side of the rail? :P ^_^

[porterross]

Yeah, but on which side of the rail? :P ^_^

The obeying and vow taking side!

[DaRev]

The obeying and vow taking side!

Yeah, but on which side of the rail? :D :P

[porterross]

Yeah, but on which side of the rail? :D :P

The same one I'd be on, of course, passing out!

[QuiltAngel]

I live in the Lüneburger Heath, if somebody knows that. Close to Lüneburg, 60 km south of Hamburg. A nice Region with a long lutheran tradition.


That region definitely is in an area of Lutheran tradition. I have changed trains in Hamburg, stayed a few days in Kiel and a few days Bremervorde. A nice area.

My daughter went to Gymnasium in Bremervorde while in High School as an exchange student. She participated in a choir from Tarmstadt that year. Can't think of the exact name of it though.

[DaRev]

The same one I'd be on, of course,

Ah, that side.

passing out!

Passing out??!?? Am I THAT bad?? :scratch: :(

[Renatus]

That region definitely is in an area of Lutheran tradition. I have changed trains in Hamburg, stayed a few days in Kiel and a few days Bremervorde. A nice area.

My daughter went to Gymnasium in Bremervorde while in High School as an exchange student. She participated in a choir from Tarmstadt that year. Can't think of the exact name of it though.

The Lüneburger Heath is more in the west of Lower Saxony. Kiel and the area at Bremervorde are more costal areas. The Lüneburger Heath looks more like purple filds with some junipers, but only in august to october, when the Heath is blooming.

(Here would be a photo or link, if I could do that)

And a lot of these sheep are walking around the fields.

(Here would be a photo or link, if I could do that)

We call them "Heidschnucken", my dictoniary says nothing about they are called in English.
It's a very beautiful region, but I think a bit different to Bremervorde or Kiel.

Where I live it looks more agricultural, not like on the photos, but those landscapes are just a few kilometres off.



I would had post links and photos, but I cannot do that, becauso of my posts. What a mess! :mad:

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

Thomas is coming home today!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jim47]

Thomas is coming home today!!!!!!!!!!!!


Wonderful Andi :clap: I'll bet you and Ken are anxious to have your family all together.

[ctay]

Went to Bankhead National Forest yesterday, granddaughter played in the Sipsey river then went looking for one of the many waterfalls in the forest and seen it. I got some pictures, need to resize them and put them on my webpage. I told hubby when we got home I sure could use a hot tub right now, he told me to fill the tub up with hot water and get in.

[seajoy]

Thomas is coming home today!!!!!!!!!!!!
Woohoo!! :clap:

[porterross]

Ah, that side.

Yes, the one where you have to listen. :D



Passing out??!?? Am I THAT bad?? :scratch: :(

Nope, but the magnitude of the duties to be fulfilled, which I am now more aware of, might cause my mental hard drive to freeze. I'd have to really, REALLY behave....ALL THE TIME!!!!! :swoon:

[QuiltAngel]

Thomas is coming home today!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations and enjoy!!

[QuiltAngel]

The Lüneburger Heath is more in the west of Lower Saxony. Kiel and the area at Bremervorde are more costal areas. The Lüneburger Heath looks more like purple filds with some junipers, but only in august to october, when the Heath is blooming.

While visiting your country, we were also in more places. It is a very beautiful country and I know we did not see nearly all of it. When we were up near your area, we had taken a train to Kiel, drove to Bremervorder and Bremen, then took the train to Munich. We also visited Eisenach, Leipzig, Wittenberg, Berlin, Augsburg, Munich and flew into and out of Frankfurt.

I know I want to go back and visit many other places.

[synger]

The Lüneburger Heath is more in the west of Lower Saxony. Kiel and the area at Bremervorde are more costal areas. The Lüneburger Heath looks more like purple filds with some junipers, but only in august to october, when the Heath is blooming.

(Here would be a photo or link, if I could do that)

And a lot of these sheep are walking around the fields.

(Here would be a photo or link, if I could do that)

We call them "Heidschnucken", my dictoniary says nothing about they are called in English.
It's a very beautiful region, but I think a bit different to Bremervorde or Kiel.

Where I live it looks more agricultural, not like on the photos, but those landscapes are just a few kilometres off.



I would had post links and photos, but I cannot do that, becauso of my posts. What a mess! :mad:
I know the post limit for links and images can be annoying at first. They do it to cut down on spam from people who aren't going to actually stick around to participate in the forums.

But the more you participate, the more quickly you'll get the required posts to be able to add links and images. There are some forums, like New Members (where I posted to you) and Prayer Requests, where if you participate you can increase your post count and blessings pretty quickly.

[DaRev]

Nope, but the magnitude of the duties to be fulfilled, which I am now more aware of, might cause my mental hard drive to freeze. I'd have to really, REALLY behave....ALL THE TIME!!!!! :swoon:

:scratch: :eek:

Just how "naughty" are you??

Do we need to make an appointment?


;)

[Renatus]

While visiting your country, we were also in more places. It is a very beautiful country and I know we did not see nearly all of it. When we were up near your area, we had taken a train to Kiel, drove to Bremervorder and Bremen, then took the train to Munich. We also visited Eisenach, Leipzig, Wittenberg, Berlin, Augsburg, Munich and flew into and out of Frankfurt.

I know I want to go back and visit many other places.
I haven't even seen many of those places you posted yet. My family didn't travel much, so I have been at home the most time in the holidays or in our boathouse in Schwerin, also a nice place. ;)
But I am still young and have much time to see many things in the world. The U.S. will also be a travel destination of me, in the future.

In the nearer future I want to go the The Way of St. James and do an internship in Angola 3 month. I hope I have enough time and money for that.

I know the post limit for links and images can be annoying at first. They do it to cut down on spam from people who aren't going to actually stick around to participate in the forums.

But the more you participate, the more quickly you'll get the required posts to be able to add links and images. There are some forums, like New Members (where I posted to you) and Prayer Requests, where if you participate you can increase your post count and blessings pretty quickly.
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind and look in these forum you wrote.

[porterross]

:scratch: :eek:

Just how "naughty" are you??

Do we need to make an appointment?


;)


:o :eek: :swoon:


Might be just the ticket.....;)....although, I'll be all good and absolved tomorrow morning about 10:15 your time, sorry. :D Make the same offer tomorrow evening. I'm sure I'll need it!

HEY! Maybe God thinks I need my own full time confessor. :D ^_^ :thumbsup: Wait.....would I have to vow to obey? :help:


I'm certain by some standards, I'm quite boring these days, but I can be quite the stubborn little stinker and instigator. Shocking to those of you know me here, I realize. :P

[seajoy]

:o
I can be quite the stubborn little stinker and instigator. Shocking to those of you know me here, I realize. :P
Instigator :confused: ...not you porter :swoon:

[Melethiel]

Good luck Mel. I hope you record it so we can all listen :)
No recording allowed.
I didn't win anyway. Nerves got the better of me, and I didn't play the Bach very well.

[LilLamb219]

No recording allowed.
I didn't win anyway. Nerves got the better of me, and I didn't play the Bach very well.

I'm sorry about that :( I didn't expect you to ever get nervous though for as often as you play!

[Melethiel]

I'm sorry about that :( I didn't expect you to ever get nervous though for as often as you play!
I don't actually perform very often.

[C.F.W. Walther]

No recording allowed.
I didn't win anyway. Nerves got the better of me, and I didn't play the Bach very well.

Don't let it bother you Mel. Even professionals get stage fright.

[KagomeShuko]

Thursday night, I went to a presentation on zymurgy.

[Jim47]

No recording allowed.
I didn't win anyway. Nerves got the better of me, and I didn't play the Bach very well.


Knowing you, I bet it was excellant. You'll be a winner some day. :thumbsup:

[seajoy]

No recording allowed.
I didn't win anyway. Nerves got the better of me, and I didn't play the Bach very well.
Sorry Mel :( . Next time! :)

[DaRev]

Might be just the ticket.....;)....although, I'll be all good and absolved tomorrow morning about 10:15 your time, sorry. Make the same offer tomorrow evening. I'm sure I'll need it!

As do we all. ;)

HEY! Maybe God thinks I need my own full time confessor. Wait.....would I have to vow to obey?

I wouldn't have it any other way. ;) ^_^


I'm certain by some standards, I'm quite boring these days, but I can be quite the stubborn little stinker and instigator. Shocking to those of you know me here, I realize.

Boring??:eek: What are you like when you're not??

[porterross]

I wouldn't have it any other way. ;) ^_^

I was uh-feared of that. :sigh: :D


Boring??:eek: What are you like when you're not??


Most likely a hyperactive catalyst, referred to as a persistent irritant by some....I'm not sure exactly why. Oh, well. :tutu:

[RedneckAnglican]

I Love Reading This Stuff...makes My Night...

[C.F.W. Walther]

There are some of use that are opinionated and outspoken. So just join the crowd. My one trait for myself is obnoxious to add to that.

One thing some of us share is an abiding love of Christ and we can be somewhat adament about it. Unfortunately sometimes the "love" doesn't shine through to well.

I am chief of sinners.

[porterross]

Howdy, Ken. :wave:
How's the family tonight? Is everyone tucked in, safe and happy?

[DaRev]

I was uh-feared of that. :sigh: :D

;)


Most likely a hyperactive catalyst, referred to as a persistent irritant by some....I'm not sure exactly why. Oh, well. :tutu:

I don't believe it.

[porterross]

There are some of use that are opinionated and outspoken. So just join the crowd. My one trait for myself is obnoxious to add to that.

One thing some of us share is an abiding love of Christ and we can be somewhat adament about it. Unfortunately sometimes the "love" doesn't shine through to well.

I am chief of sinners.

None of us is perfect, that's for sure. Being opinionated is perferrable to being liberal and tolerant of error for sure.

I have a lot of energy and ideas and/or possible solutions that many people can't reconcile without proof or more time to see what is blatantly obvious to me. It's annoying from both perspectives.

[RedneckAnglican]

Howdy, Ken. :wave:
How's the family tonight? Is everyone tucked in, safe and happy?


AS FAR AS I KNOW...WE GOT tHOMAS HOME TODAY...ANDI HAS HAD A SMILE FOR 2 DAYS...I AT WORK...SHE SAID THAT SHE HAD FEED HIM AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE ALSEEP...FOR AWHILE ANYWAY...

[The Princess Bride]

http://www3.christianforums.com/images/mood/Angry.gif<< This is my favorite smiley on CF...not sure why! ^_^

So, how's the weather where everyone is at? :wave:

[porterross]

;)

I don't believe it.


Well, I just bought you a beer. How brazen is that? :blush: ;)

[dinkime]

it was like 82 today -- so it is pretty much springy weather here!! chance for storms all week...

how is your weather?

[porterross]

It was almost 80 here today as well, with 90% humidity! Mowing the lawn was not fun and the mosquitoes are starting to appear. We need a good rain.

[The Princess Bride]

it was like 82 today -- so it is pretty much springy weather here!! chance for storms all week...

how is your weather?
It has been warm during the days...but perfect in the evenings...and now that pine pollen is settling...and I am no longer dependent on anti-histamines, I can actually enjoy spring time!:D

[QuiltAngel]

I think around 60, cloudy and rainy here. Suppose to have big storms Sunday afternoon and evening.

[Renatus]

It's sunny about 16 to 18 C° and a bit windy in Lower Saxony. A perfect day to watch a soccer game as I will do this afternoon. :)

[ctay]

Its been in the 70's here may have hit 80 here yesterday. Been out doing a lot of walking in parks and stuff. Need a hot tub or a couple of tubes of Ben gay right now.

[C.F.W. Walther]

AS FAR AS I KNOW...WE GOT tHOMAS HOME TODAY...ANDI HAS HAD A SMILE FOR 2 DAYS...I AT WORK...SHE SAID THAT SHE HAD FEED HIM AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE ALSEEP...FOR AWHILE ANYWAY...
Aint's life grand:thumbsup:

[seajoy]

One thing some of us share is an abiding love of Christ and we can be somewhat adament about it. Unfortunately sometimes the "love" doesn't shine through to well.

I am chief of sinners.
Sorry Rad...you can't take that title alone...I have to join in, standing next to you. :)

[C.F.W. Walther]

'Morning sis :) Getting ready for church. Met a nice lady a couple of days ago. Gotta watch myself. Anyway---talk to ya later.

[seajoy]

'Morning sis :) Getting ready for church. Met a nice lady a couple of days ago. Gotta watch myself. Anyway---talk to ya later.
We went to church last night. Have a wonderful worship!
God Bless! :)

[dinkime]

i need to finish getting ready to go teach power hour, but it is not moving too quickly!

[seajoy]

i need to finish getting ready to go teach power hour, but it is not moving too quickly!
power hour :confused: Do tell...what's that? (fellow wels girl :) )

[ctay]

Sorry Rad...you can't take that title alone...I have to join in, standing next to you. :)
Me too

[ctay]

'Morning sis :) Getting ready for church. Met a nice lady a couple of days ago. Gotta watch myself. Anyway---talk to ya later.
Yep be careful of us women............

[Jim47]

i need to finish getting ready to go teach power hour, but it is not moving too quickly!



Yeah, what in the world is power hour? :) Are you one of those TV preachers? :P

[DaRev]

Well, I just bought you a beer. How brazen is that? :blush: ;)

You're just a sweetheart. :thumbsup:


I'm headed down to Ambler, near Philly, this afternoon to take in a Lost and Found concert. See y'all on the flip side. :D

[QuiltAngel]

Ah Lost and Found concert! Always an enjoyable time.

[porterross]

I have no idea who they are. :scratch: Glad DaRev is getting out, though. :thumbsup: Philly traffic...I can't even begin to imagine. I sure hope he leaves the beer at home.

[dinkime]

lost and found -- check them out at www.speedwood.com (http://www.speedwood.com) -- folk/rock/whatever band! 2 Lutheran guys :)

[dinkime]

power hour is a sunday school class for toddlers!! a wels church by us does it during the week one morning, but we do it during sunday school time....we do 2 story books, a craft, music, a prayer, a letter & some other early learning thing (we have done 11 colors & 12 shapes)....

[seajoy]

That's great Dinki! Get them started young...and get those parents to church.
Great outreach!

[KagomeShuko]

You're just a sweetheart. :thumbsup:


I'm headed down to Ambler, near Philly, this afternoon to take in a Lost and Found concert. See y'all on the flip side. :D
I'm going to Houston on the 30th to catch one of their concerts!

For those of you who don't know (the majority of you???), zymurgy is the art of brewing beer. I even tasted some hops.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Jim47]

power hour is a sunday school class for toddlers!! a wels church by us does it during the week one morning, but we do it during sunday school time....we do 2 story books, a craft, music, a prayer, a letter & some other early learning thing (we have done 11 colors & 12 shapes)....


Anything done for children is done for The Lord and His kingdom. :clap:

Mt 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
Mt 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

[synger]

Anything done for children is done for The Lord and His kingdom. :clap:

Mt 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
Mt 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
That was our lesson today. It was Preschool Sunday, and our church had twice as many people as usual, because preschool students and their families were invited to worship with us.

It was strange to teach my daughter the parable of the vineyard (today's lesson) and have Pastor teach on another lesson (let the children come unto me), but he worked in both of them after all. It was great to see so many new faces in the service this morning. I pray that some of them will end up participating in our congregation.

[DaRev]

lost and found -- check them out at www.speedwood.com (http://www.speedwood.com) -- folk/rock/whatever band! 2 Lutheran guys :)

I believe at least one of them is Lutheran.

It's always a great show. They're hilarious. ^_^

They only bad part of the show is that I had to sit through the "ELCA Song." :sigh: Perhaps they'll do an LCMS version for the youth gathering in Orlando.

[Jim47]

That was our lesson today. It was Preschool Sunday, and our church had twice as many people as usual, because preschool students and their families were invited to worship with us.

It was strange to teach my daughter the parable of the vineyard (today's lesson) and have Pastor teach on another lesson (let the children come unto me), but he worked in both of them after all. It was great to see so many new faces in the service this morning. I pray that some of them will end up participating in our congregation.



Great Synger :clap:

Its always good to see church's that have sucessful childrens programs.

[porterross]

Acoustical guitar can be wonderful, a la Shawn McDonald. Right now, I'm really enjoying Todd Agnew's older stuff and Josh Groban is always good even without translation!

[dinkime]

I believe at least one of them is Lutheran.

It's always a great show. They're hilarious. ^_^

They only bad part of the show is that I had to sit through the "ELCA Song." :sigh: Perhaps they'll do an LCMS version for the youth gathering in Orlando.


not sure.......i love "the Lutheran Song"

[dinkime]

Lyle Lovett, John Mellencamp, Ace Frehley of KISS
St. Olaf, Henry Muhlenberg, and Gustavus Adolphus
'89 and 1992's Miss America
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William Rehnquist, we swear-ica
Bruce Willis, Lonnie Anderson, and David Hasselhoff
William Hurt, William H. Macey, Kris Kristofferson are Lutherans
And on the late night TV screen, Andy Richter could tell somebody "what does this mean"
Steve Jobs of the Apple computer, Gary Larson of the Far Side cartoon
Three different astronauts who flew shuttles toward the moon
Dave Winfield and NASCAR's Dales, Earnhardt and Jarrett, each had an acolyte gown and were happy to wear it
Tim Johnson, Fritz Hollings, Paul Simon and Ed Meece all have been known to sing a little "this is the feast"
You know who likes his potluck dinner? Troy Aikman the Super Bowl winner
Governers of Indiana, Minnesota, Wyoming, Kansas, Idaho, Montana and Tennessee
And Pachabel, you know, with a Canon In D
And Woody from Cheers and Cindy McTee these all sing a little Lutheran liturgy
Elke Sommer, Martin Marty and Lucas Cranach, The Old
Albert Swietzer, Soren Kierkegaard and Dag Hammerskold
Sally Struthers, Anne Margaret, and J.A.O. Preuss
Mary Hart, Garrison Keiller, Lake Wobegon's voice
Liv Ullman, Tom Landry, Professor Pelliken whose name is Jaroslav
Pauls -- Gerhardt, Manz, Meir and Stormin' Norman Schwartzkopf
Robert Cade, the Gatorade maker, Johannes Keppler and Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Martin Luther wasn't born a Lutheran and that might be a shock, but Mark Hansen was, April Larson and Johann Sebastian Bach
There are foods that Lutherans adopt, for example, the pretzel
Dana Carvey is a Lutheran, now "isn't that special?"
Yes, these all are Lutherans but still only just a few
The most notable Lutherans of all are every single one of you

[The Princess Bride]

There are foods that Lutherans adopt, for example, the pretzel
That is one good reason to become Lutheran....I ADORE hot pretzels....:yum:

[porterross]

Many of the mustard covered pretzels I've consumed are still with me.

[HighLonesome]

Okay Shakespeare, either you've been nursing that same beer since last night or you have been on a 24hr. drinking binge - what is it?

[KagomeShuko]

I believe at least one of them is Lutheran.

It's always a great show. They're hilarious. ^_^

They only bad part of the show is that I had to sit through the "ELCA Song." :sigh: Perhaps they'll do an LCMS version for the youth gathering in Orlando.
Well, they both have Lutheran roots - grew up Lutheran, won't say anything else.

Who knows about an LCMS song? All I know is that the ELCA commissioned them to write the song, so I mean, they got paid to do it. It'll depend on if that's what the LCMS does. They didn't do it of their own volition.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

Acoustical guitar can be wonderful, a la Shawn McDonald. Right now, I'm really enjoying Todd Agnew's older stuff and Josh Groban is always good even without translation!
Perhaps you'd like Greg Adkins?

www.gregadkinsmusic.com
www.myspace.com/gregadkins

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Renatus]

I used the nice weather for jogging. Just a little training for the military service in three month I have to do.
You don't have this in the US, I think, not any more.
You notice that it became spring, some flower and some trees begin to bloom and the birds come back. Just nice. :)

[QuiltAngel]

Renatus,
Belonging to the military is voluntary here.

Don't you have an option of doing some other service besides military? Is that a choice or if you are not physically able to?

[Renatus]

Renatus,
Belonging to the military is voluntary here.

Don't you have an option of doing some other service besides military? Is that a choice or if you are not physically able to?

We could more or less choose, if we go to the military or do our civillian service, but if someone is phisically good able, he has do do the military service. I had the choice, but by any reason I don't want to do civilian service, so now I have to do it. I already get the writing of enlistment.
But the military service in Germany is another one as in the U.S., it's not so hard. It's only for 9 month and I will be in an office the last 6 month. Only the 3 month of basic training could be hard.

[porterross]

Okay Shakespeare, either you've been nursing that same beer since last night or you have been on a 24hr. drinking binge - what is it?

I'm not putting the beer down until after my birthday, &y.
My clients don't seem to mind as I do share, but it makes balancing on the treadmill a bit more challenging. ;)

[DaSeminarian]

I'm not putting the beer down until after my birthday, &y.
My clients don't seem to mind as I do share, but it makes balancing on the treadmill a bit more challenging. ;)


What you really need is to have a second beer in the other hand. Keeps the weight proportioned properly when walking on a treadmill. It also means you don't have to get off the treadmill when the first beer has been properly consumed. :thumbsup:

[LutherNut]

Hi.

Thought I'd pop in and say 'hello'. :wave:

[seajoy]

Hi.

Thought I'd pop in and say 'hello'. :wave:
HI !!!!

[LutherNut]

HI !!!!

How are you, Seajoy?

[synger]

Hi.

Thought I'd pop in and say 'hello'. :wave:
Good to see you, LutherNut! *hugs* Hope you are doing well.

[DaRev]

Hi.

Thought I'd pop in and say 'hello'. :wave:

It was good to hear from you again, old bean. :)

[LilLamb219]

Hi.

Thought I'd pop in and say 'hello'. :wave:


Hi yourself! How's life??? We miss you here!