He does work in mysterious ways. Good story.

A couple of months back, my 12 year old Lhasa Apso named LT had a mass found in one of his anal glands. I was told it was almost certain it was cancer.
He underwent surgery this week to remove both anal glands.

After I got home from the church this afternoon, I checked the answering machine. It was the vet telling me that while they are looking at slices during the biopsy, so far it appears it is not cancer.
That's great news.

I do understand that the religious things I post may turn some off.
It is not my intention to do such.

Wonderful news! The Lord works in mysterious ways!

Lbj, that is a great story. I have followed your thread mostly in the back ground and enjoyed your writing and stories. You are a blessed man and it shows in your family and faith.

God bless.

Great news. Very thankful that your daughter decided to join you today.

Miles is covered too until he is much older and can make his own choice.
I am so relieved.

Yes, her and I are still responsible for all of our past acts in life as we all are. That has not changed.
But we are forgiven for our pasts where it counts.
I had decades of things to be forgiven for, countless things in fact.

I have spent a lot of time the past year and half sorting through my life's memories.
Often times I would find something really bad I had done. They are very numerous.
When they would come up, I would ask forgiveness of those. We're talking dozens and dozens, maybe even bushels worth.
It was gnawing at me a bit because there is no way I can remember everything.
That is now cleared up.

However, as I said before, these memories of past bad acts are still coming forth in my mind, and as they come, I know I am still responsible and on the hook for them.
But I am forgiven.

On a totally different note, The Great Escape is working well for me.
It's easy to steer, light on it's feet, and the automatic tailgate foot motion sensor is wonderful.

Yes, The Great Escape has really helped me given my physical limitations these days.
It has improved my quality of life for mobility and travel.
The Great Escape is just another of all the fine choices I have made with regard to automobiles.
And I do like to ride in that automobile, as the song goes.

Always have, always will.

I've also watched this thread from afar for and haven't chimed in to date, but totally agree that assurance of your own faith while navigating difficult circumstances is a blessing - seeing your loved ones making those same choices and being assured of their faith is comforting beyond words.

Good news, indeed.

Another of the quiet ones here, always keeping prayers and good thoughts. What a wonderful thing to read, first thing in the morning. So glad for Miles, Mommy, LT, and you, friend

God bless !

Youngest, grandson and I will be attending church starting tomorrow.
Fortunately and coincidentally, the church is less than a 4 minute drive from youngest's apartment, so it will be very convenient for her and Miles.

Thanks for the well wishes.

On a side note, youngest daughter had put on a DVD she owns for us the night before we took the plunge. It's called God Is Not Dead.
I really enjoyed the film.

She has been telling me for a long time she believes, but I just wasn't certain of it, though she was.
I see now she was correct and the proof is what she did yesterday without hesitation.

I am so tired this morning after a very emotional day yesterday.
Me crying and praying for her and Miles as she went underwater just plain wore me out.

Services tomorrow will be a bit odd to me tomorrow as unlike Episcopals, the parishioners don't just sit there in their seats.
There will be folks with hands in the air and probably some swaying as well.

I used to be a confirmed Epsicopalian, but now that has changed.
I just could not bring myself to remain in the church of my youth. It left me a long time ago and I had quit going. That was more than 30 years ago.

I am so Happy for you and your family, You are my "Bob".....

quote:

Originally posted by lbj:


I used to be a confirmed Epsicopalian, but now that has changed.
I just could not bring myself to remain in the church of my youth. It left me a long time ago and I had quit going. That was more than 30 years ago.

Good grief ! ! !

I had no idea that we had such a thing in common. It left me then as well.

quote:

Originally posted by lbj:...
I do understand that the religious things I post may turn some off.
It is not my intention to do such.

You will not find me in that line.

Your honesty and openness are inspiring and I am humbled that you share them with a stranger such as me.

^^^^
THIS

Every part of it.

Yes, the Episcopal Church left me.
They changed the liturgy for one thing.
It was a big political left turn.
The Bible interpretation seemed more opinion than Word based.

Perhaps I am in error on that but I don't think so.

I have to say that yesterday, I could feel the Holy Ghost enter me and fill me with the love of Jesus and God.
I had never felt quite like that before.

Tears of joy running down my face as my one of my daughters literally took the plunge?
That her baptism covers Miles until he is old enough to make his own decision?

Yes, it is real, it happened.

Yesterday began as any other day.
It did not end like any other day though.

I find great comfort that one of my main worries about one daughter is over. She is on her way to a rewarding life and will have the strength needed to go on after I am gone.

Older daughter is not there yet, but I think she will get there too over time.
We are all different and things have to come to us in our own time.

Religion cannot be forced. It must be voluntary and from one's heart of hearts.

I also wish to add that I did not do what I did to be healed of my terminal disease.
I did not do what I did to live a longer life.

I did what I did because I believe.

quote:

Originally posted by lbj:
I also wish to add that I did not do what I did to be healed of my terminal disease.
I did not do what I did to live a longer life.

I did what I did because I believe.

With all the genuine sincerity I can muster, you can be comforted knowing that those of us who have followed this thread from the beginning, knew that. It did not even have to be said.

God absolutely works in amazing ways.

quote:

Originally posted by golfrjd1:
I am so Happy for you and your family, You are my "Bob".....

Quite an honor to be like Bob, thanks a whole bunch.

I've tried multiple attempts at capturing my joy in reading your post today. I simply can't put it into proper words. The single most awesome thing any person can ever experience is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that you've described. I've been present and a part of a lot of people when their faith truly became real for them, and everything "clicked". It's better than anything that can be expressed in words, and to see how people's lives change afterwards is indescribable.

Congratulations seems cliche, minimal and stupid...but I've got no other words. It is simply awesome. I will partner with you in prayer that your older daughter experiences this as well. You've nailed it, it cannot be forced, it must be voluntary and of one's own choosing.

quote:

Originally posted by lbj:
I do understand that the religious things I post may turn some off.
It is not my intention to do such.

Matthew 5:13-16.

You're living it, brother. Your faith is a blessing and encouragement to mine.

I truly look forward to meeting you, and I know I will.

-Rob