Re: Faith and Loneliness - AL

[Guest guest]

Al, I have no doubt that your religious experience occurred! It's funny

that very basic things we take on faith. For example the belief that

government works the way we trust it to (for the most part.). We don't see

elected officials working on a day-to-day basis. We just see the outcome.

We don't always see the Lord in our lives, but if we look we can see the

outcome of His presence, too. Why people can believe almost anything

secular, but when someone talks about a spiritual experience people become

an instant skeptic, is beyond me. Don't be dissuaded.

I didn't grow up in a religious home, either. My Mom did believe in God,

but we never went to church. Although I can't put into words the depth of

my love for my Mom, I do wish I had the benefit of knowing I should live up

to higher standard. I made some mistakes that could possibly have been

avoided. But then again, I guess everything I've gone through is part of

what makes me who I am.

I'll bet your Mom is compassionate and caring. There are a lot of people

who are good and caring and aren't religious. Unfortunately, there are

plenty of people in churches that aren't so caring. Who could blame your

mom for losing faith after all she went though. My husband's sister died in

a car accident when she was 18. Two of his brothers left the church

afterward and have never gone back. Although they both are successful

entrepreneurs, they're also both functional alcoholics. It's hard to lose a

loved one and keep your faith intact. What your mother went through seems

unimaginably difficult. Be sure to give her an extra hug next time you see

her, and one from me.

In another post, you asked about the prednisone and said you're feeling kind

of weird. From an emotional standpoint, prednisone makes me feel awful the

first few days. I feel depressed and agitated at the same time. I also get

headaches. But after the first couple of days my body adjusts. On the

other hand, the prednisone certainly helps the pain! And you don't even

need to watch for weight gain, since you just lost 10 lbs. Food tastes so

good to me when I take prednisone! I automatically go on a strict diet when

I take it to avoid the weight gain.

I hope your chest pain/breathing situation is resolved soon. We are all

really worried about you. Enjoy your weekend!!!

Love and hugs,

Carol

[ ] Re: Faith and Loneliness

((((((((((((((((((((Stacey)))))))))))))))))))))))

I am sending you a huge cyber-hug. My love and thoughts are with you.

It's interesting that you mention faith. I was brought up by a mother

who was an agnostic which is surprising considering she is 100%

Greek. She was Greek orthodox, but when her dad died when she was 9,

her mother became schizophrenic when she was in her early teens, and

she lost her older brother to cancer, she lost her faith, which I can

understand. The interesting thing is she is the most compassionate

person anyone could ever meet and would do anything for you.

Because I was not raised religiously, I found out about it on my own.

I went to a Jesuit University, Loyola, and became very interested in

religion and moral theology. Than, in 1995 when I was sick with

pneumonia, I had what can only be described as a religious

experience. It's going to sound maybe corny to some, but for a brief

instance I felt like I was in the presence of God and knew that the

answers to everything lie ahead. The peace that I felt for that brief

instant has left a lasting impression on me. That was just the tip of

the iceberg healthwise and I almost wonder if God was preparing me.

Believe me, it's kind of hard to put this down because I have been on

the receiving end of some very strange looks and snide comments when

I say that. I take it for what I believed it to be.

I do know that our faith and hope is tested all the time. And,

unfortunately, bad things happen to good people but I do believe

everything happens for a reason. And no, you are a great and

wonderful person who has a lot going for her. The inspiration and

encouragement you provide, as well as the laughs and smiles, make us

all better people for knowing you.

I am sorry that you are lonely, but please know that I love and care

for you. I am very fortunate to have you as a friend and have faith

that things will be better.

Try to hang in there, Stacey.

With love,

Al

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

I agree about you regarding the things we take on faith. I was

brought up that you should never take anything for granted. If I did,

I would probably be agnostic. What was great about my folks was that

they never imposed their wills in regard to religion, politics, etc.

I made my discoveries on my own, to a large extent and I think that's

good. My parent's did impress upon me to live to a higher standard,

and to be mindful and compassionate to others. It's the lessons I am

instilling in my children today.

Believe me, I am old enough not to be dissuaded because of opposing

opinions and beliefs. The beauty of us all is that we come from all

walks of life, are molded by our experiences, and all have something

valuable to offer.

Yes, there are a lot of people who are not religious but good. I

would also like to think that God looks at the totality of one's

life. Their words and their deeds. I have haard many people

say, " it's a shame a good person like your mom won't go to heaven. "

Religious literalism aside, who says that's really going to be the

case? I'll give my mom a hug for you and for me.

I am sorry about your Husband's loss. It must have been extremely

difficult.

The prednisone gives me a rush and seems to be keeping me awake at

nights. I was shocked to only get a few hour's sleep after I took the

Ambien. Maybe I need to take the last dosage of predisone earlier. I

am sure I'll need a nap today.

Gee Carol, you have me writing a novela here. Thanks for you post and

comments.

Hope you have a great weekend also. I hope you're still feeling

better on the Remicade.

Love and hugs,

Al

[Guest guest]

Al, the Pred did me the same as you describe. I switched to taking it

around Noon. Because I take my hormone in early a.m. and did not want

those close together... though you don't have to worry about THAT (I

hope!).

But it did keep me up at night, and gave me a terrible " rush " . And I

don't like that feeling. Was the reason I never " drank " or anything

(therefore being called NERD all my life!)

After about 2 weeks, the " rush " stopped. And also I have noticed that

when I " forget " to take it around NOON... and have to take it late

evening when I remember, it no longer keeps me " up at night. " So I guess

it all levels off.

Susie

kb9vrq wrote:

> Hi Carol,

>

> I agree about you regarding the things we take on faith. I was

> brought up that you should never take anything for granted. If I did,

> I would probably be agnostic. What was great about my folks was that

> they never imposed their wills in regard to religion, politics, etc.

> I made my discoveries on my own, to a large extent and I think that's

> good. My parent's did impress upon me to live to a higher standard,

> and to be mindful and compassionate to others. It's the lessons I am

> instilling in my children today.

>

> Believe me, I am old enough not to be dissuaded because of opposing

> opinions and beliefs. The beauty of us all is that we come from all

> walks of life, are molded by our experiences, and all have something

> valuable to offer.

>

> Yes, there are a lot of people who are not religious but good. I

> would also like to think that God looks at the totality of one's

> life. Their words and their deeds. I have haard many people

> say, " it's a shame a good person like your mom won't go to heaven. "

> Religious literalism aside, who says that's really going to be the

> case? I'll give my mom a hug for you and for me.

>

>

> I am sorry about your Husband's loss. It must have been extremely

> difficult.

>

> The prednisone gives me a rush and seems to be keeping me awake at

> nights. I was shocked to only get a few hour's sleep after I took the

> Ambien. Maybe I need to take the last dosage of predisone earlier. I

> am sure I'll need a nap today.

>

> Gee Carol, you have me writing a novela here. Thanks for you post and

> comments.

>

> Hope you have a great weekend also. I hope you're still feeling

> better on the Remicade.

>

> Love and hugs,

>

> Al

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

<< I have heard many people say, " it's a shame a good person like your mom

won't go to heaven. "

Religious literalism aside, who says that's really going to be the case?>>

Ouch! It would be really hard to have to listen to someone say that about

your mom. Like , I'm a member of the LDS church. We don't believe in

" fire and damnation " , but in different degrees of glory in heaven. I've

never been able to accept that if someone doesn't say a certain prayer, they

will go to hell. How could a loving God do that to one of his children? We

definitely believe that the Lord looks at the totality of one's life, and as

said that we are constantly growing in our life here.

About the prednisone, it made it hard for me to sleep too. I was told to

take the entire dosage in the morning, and if you continue to have problems

you might want to call your rheumy and ask if that is an option. In the

meantime, moving up that last dosage is probably a good idea. I'm curious

if the systemic prednisone will help your chest pain. Is the rheumy hoping

that it might?

As for me, I'm still feeling better than I was but I'm sore from the " wild

time " with my family. I have the house to myself today, and I'm doing a

whole lot of nothing! I've got some DVD's to watch, a book to read, and I'm

just resting my joints. Later I'm going to do a mini " spa day " at home,

too. Stan gets home tomorrow night, and I want to be rested and pretty.

;-)

I hope you're having a good weekend with your family.

Love and hugs,

Carol

[ ] Re: Faith and Loneliness - AL

Hi Carol,

I agree about you regarding the things we take on faith. I was

brought up that you should never take anything for granted. If I did,

I would probably be agnostic. What was great about my folks was that

they never imposed their wills in regard to religion, politics, etc.

I made my discoveries on my own, to a large extent and I think that's

good. My parent's did impress upon me to live to a higher standard,

and to be mindful and compassionate to others. It's the lessons I am

instilling in my children today.

Believe me, I am old enough not to be dissuaded because of opposing

opinions and beliefs. The beauty of us all is that we come from all

walks of life, are molded by our experiences, and all have something

valuable to offer.

Yes, there are a lot of people who are not religious but good. I

would also like to think that God looks at the totality of one's

life. Their words and their deeds. I have haard many people

say, " it's a shame a good person like your mom won't go to heaven. "

Religious literalism aside, who says that's really going to be the

case? I'll give my mom a hug for you and for me.

I am sorry about your Husband's loss. It must have been extremely

difficult.

The prednisone gives me a rush and seems to be keeping me awake at

nights. I was shocked to only get a few hour's sleep after I took the

Ambien. Maybe I need to take the last dosage of predisone earlier. I

am sure I'll need a nap today.

Gee Carol, you have me writing a novela here. Thanks for you post and

comments.

Hope you have a great weekend also. I hope you're still feeling

better on the Remicade.

Love and hugs,

Al

[Guest guest]

Hi Susie,

Thank you very much for letting me know. Other than using a dosepack

when I was having intense flares, I only took 5mgs every morning.

This 30mgs is all new to me and I am still physically becoming

acclimated.

Hopefully, it will taper down soon enough. Almost defeats the purpose

of taking the Ambien.

Thanks again,

Al

>

> > Hi Carol,

> >

> > I agree about you regarding the things we take on faith. I was

> > brought up that you should never take anything for granted. If I

did,

> > I would probably be agnostic. What was great about my folks was

that

> > they never imposed their wills in regard to religion, politics,

etc.

> > I made my discoveries on my own, to a large extent and I think

that's

> > good. My parent's did impress upon me to live to a higher

standard,

> > and to be mindful and compassionate to others. It's the lessons I

am

> > instilling in my children today.

> >

> > Believe me, I am old enough not to be dissuaded because of

opposing

> > opinions and beliefs. The beauty of us all is that we come from

all

> > walks of life, are molded by our experiences, and all have

something

> > valuable to offer.

> >

> > Yes, there are a lot of people who are not religious but good. I

> > would also like to think that God looks at the totality of one's

> > life. Their words and their deeds. I have haard many people

> > say, " it's a shame a good person like your mom won't go to

heaven. "

> > Religious literalism aside, who says that's really going to be the

> > case? I'll give my mom a hug for you and for me.

> >

> >

> > I am sorry about your Husband's loss. It must have been extremely

> > difficult.

> >

> > The prednisone gives me a rush and seems to be keeping me awake at

> > nights. I was shocked to only get a few hour's sleep after I took

the

> > Ambien. Maybe I need to take the last dosage of predisone

earlier. I

> > am sure I'll need a nap today.

> >

> > Gee Carol, you have me writing a novela here. Thanks for you post

and

> > comments.

> >

> > Hope you have a great weekend also. I hope you're still feeling

> > better on the Remicade.

> >

> > Love and hugs,

> >

> > Al

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

Yes, it's hard to hear it, but people are definitely entitled to

their opinion. I belong to an Evangelical Free Church, although it

took some demoninational shopping around to get there. Long story.

What I like is the church preaches love and tolerance, two traits

that many seem to have lost these days.

Thanks for telling me about the prednisone. I may have to call about

taking it in the morning but I'll wait a few days and see. Yes, my

rhuemy is hoping it will help with my chest pain and fatigue. I am

doing okay.

I understand all to well overdoing it when you feel good. I am glad

you have some rest and relation planned before Stan gets home. Sounds

like you'll need it...

and I are hoping to get a sitter for a few hours tomorrow so we

can have some quiet time together. She broke down a bit due to the

stress and is nervous about my tests this week. Although I tried to

be as comforting and reasssuring as posssible, it's hard with two

little ones and their friends roaming through the house.

Love and hugs,

Al

[Guest guest]

Hi Al...if I was closer I'd love to watch the munchkins so you & your

wife can get out together. I hope you have a lovely time.

Some good friends of mine go to the Evangelical Free church. Steve was

the superitendant for several states including Montana. (Steve & Donna

Watkins) Some of the most gentle, loving people on this earth. They

did missionary work in Mongolia for several years as well.

I miss church. I used to be so active. I've kind of hidden away for

quite a few years.

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday.

Love & Hugs....

Tess

[Guest guest]

Hi Tess,

Thank you. I would be more than happy to entrust them to your loving

care. It would be nice if we were closer.

I used to go to church much more than I do now as well.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Love and hugs,

Al in IL