Mature chat thread..... (2)

[Gwenyfur]

dayhiker: Happy belated B'day dude...hope you had a great one

Michelle: *hugs* I know my family still worries that I'm not a believer, and this may or may not be of comfort....but most people go through a period of travelling different paths...perhaps it's just his time to explore and learn...and if the Christian path is what is meant for him to travel then he will find his feet back on that path. Sortof like the Prodigal Son ... continue to love him...and be prepared to slaughter the fatted calf. *hugs*

Given his age I would suggest not preaching or nagging at him...late puberty is the time of greatest rebellion in development...preaching/nagging just makes them more determined to be brats heh...

Hang in there...I know you're hurting, but life has a funny way of working things out the way they were meant to be.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

Thanks Gwen, Yeah I know. I try really hard not to nag and I really don't preach at them because I know it won't bring them any closer to God and may just drive them away from me. Some of my friends think I should demand that both my boys go to church cuz the younger one hasn't wanted to go since his brother doesn't have to go and he said he's not the worshipping type lol. So instead of taking my friends advice I decided to ask the younger one to go to church with me and that we would shoot for 2 Sunday's a month. At first he said "how about one?" and I expressed how much it meant to me and could he just "try" a couple times a month and.....he agreed! He just didn't want to go on New Years so I said that's fine and he said he would go on the first and third Sunday. So that makes me happy and as far as the other one. I just keep praying for him. It IS time for him to figure out on his own what he believes and why and who he is or wants to be and I am completely OK with that. God is my source and my strength so I will count on Him for what I cannot control.
BTW it is sure GREAT to have you back posting again!

 

[Gwenyfur]

Thanks...it's good to be back...

Sounds like you didn't need my input at all LOL but well...I'm good at handing out my 2 cents here and there

I've missed being here y'all are sweet people with good hearts...always nice to chit chat

the holidays were extraordinarily hectic this year...and more onerous than usual as well...but at least theyr'e done with...and I'm fast awaiting Imbolc and the beginning of the return to warmth and spring

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

What is Imbolc? I guess I could google it.

I was half heartedly looking forward to Christmas, but it never lives up to what I expect it to be so....I just don't think anything will ever be the way it used to be when I had a husband. Not much to look forward to. I talk to my 95 year old aunt about once a week and she said whoever decided to call getting old the golden years didn't know what they were talking about. Her hearing is getting bad and her eyesight and she took a fall last year and now she walks with a cane. I mean she's 95! Her mind is still sharp and I love hearing her stories and having her fill me in on that side of the family. I feel like I would be lucky to make it to 75 let alone 95? Not sure I want to live that long on this earth lol. Just want to be able to see my boys get thru college and get married etc.

 

[dayhiker]

I'm sure you make it that far ,,,

 

[Gwenyfur]

You'll make it as far as you're meant to Michelle ...and I agree ...the holidays are much better spent with a partner than alone...perhaps that was part of my holiday grinch this year...or perhaps it was the year of negative happenings repeatedly...oy vey....
2012 will be better...

as for Imbolc: pardon the copy paste and is less than 10%
The First of February belongs to Brigid, (Brighid, Brigit, Bride,) the Celtic goddess who in later times became revered as a Christian saint. Originally, her festival on February 1 was known as Imbolc or Oimelc, two names which refer to the lactation of the ewes, the flow of milk that heralds the return of the life-giving forces of spring. Later, the Catholic Church replaced this festival with Candlemas Day on February 2, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features candlelight processions. The powerful figure of Brigid the Light-Bringer overlights both pagan and Christian celebrations.
In most parts of the British Isles, February is a harsh and bitter month. In old Scotland, the month fell in the middle of the period known as Faoilleach, the Wolf-month; it was also known as a’ marbh mhiòs, the Dead-month. But although this season was so cold and drear, small but sturdy signs of new life began to appear: Lambs were born and soft rain brought new grass. Ravens begin to build their nests and larks were said to sing with a clearer voice.

In Ireland, the land was prepared to receive the new seed with spade and plough; calves were born, and fishermen looked eagerly for the end of winter storms and rough seas to launch their boats again. In Scotland, the Old Woman of winter, the Cailleach, is reborn as Bride, Young Maiden of Spring, fragile yet growing stronger each day as the sun rekindles its fire, turning scarcity into abundance. Of her, Alexander Carmichael wrote:

Bride with her white wand is said to breathe life into the mouth of the dead Winter and to bring him to open his eyes to the tears and the smiles, the sighs and the laughter of Spring. The venom of the cold is said to tremble for its safety on Bride’s Day, and to flee for its life on Patrick’s Day.
link: The Wheel of the Celtic Year: Imbolc

however it's a more clear description than my circular ramblings

 

[dayhiker]

Ya, that natural cycle sure brought a lot of hope to peoples who lived close to the land for many millinium. Now that I work in an office and buy my food in well stocks stores its not so obvious and meaningful.

 

[Gwenyfur]

I admit, I live in a rather large town, and forage for my supplies at the local grocer this time of year...
With my little gardens they do supplement, but they aren't going to produce enough to supply the family the entire winter.
I have friends who hunt so I do get wild game here and there...
But being a nature based Celtic Witch I'm in tune with the cycles of nature fairly well.

I admit I enjoy the thought of retiring on my dad's place when I finally reach that age/ability and having a larger garden, and a bit of livestock, but for now...it's the city life and what little nature I can manage to grow in my yards

 

[dayhiker]

Today was another sign that I'm moving up in age.

I got my shingles vaccination, which they only give to those over 60. Several people in my family have gotten shingles in my family. 1 Million each year in the US get it. So its a good thing to get. My Grandmother got it at least 15 years before she passed. Her face itched till the day she died from it. Only 1 in 5 have it last past the initial bought. But its not fun!

This has been a public service announcement ...

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

Today was another sign that I'm moving up in age.

I got my shingles vaccination, which they only give to those over 60. Several people in my family have gotten shingles in my family. 1 Million each year in the US get it. So its a good thing to get. My Grandmother got it at least 15 years before she passed. Her face itched till the day she died from it. Only 1 in 5 have it last past the initial bought. But its not fun!

This has been a public service announcement ...

Hmmmm interesting! I've never heard of a shingles vaccination. And I'm not big on vaccinations period because I just don't trust our government. I did get all my childhood ones, but I don't get the flu vac or any other thing. My mom got shingles once but it went away with medication.

 

[Jere209]

Morning everyone.. School starts for me tomorrow..back in the saddle again ! lol. Moving from this house to another one in a couple of weeks, so we are beginning to pack this weekend..
Sunny and 50 here today..snow on Saturday..Typical WV weather..
Watching Joyce on TV and finishing my first cup of coffee. I went back to bed because of a bad headache, and slept 2 hours..Still hurts though..
have a great day all

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

Good luck at school! And I hope you have good weather for your move too. Today I am dealing (by text) with my daughter who's husband just told her that he is not happy and has not been for the past year. She is a stay at home mom and doesn't have an income and he doesn't think he needs to help her with money even if he doesn't want her anymore. What is wrong with people these days? Makes me very glad I am not married at the moment. I have enough to worry about without worrying if my husband wants to throw me out or not on a whim.

 

[Bridgit]

Yes, life is tough. I'm sorry to hear about what is going on with your son and your daughter, Michelle. I have learned to hand my worries to God and trust Him to have a good purpose and plan for me and my kids. I often pray: "Lord I believe, help my unbelief."

May God pour His grace on you and the kids. May He give you the strength and the courage you need to walk the path He has put you on. May He fills your heart with joy that can only be found in Him.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

Thanks Bridgit, good to see you (in writing lol).

 

[dayhiker]

Got to spend some time with my parents and sister last night. Occasion isn't the best .. My sister's mother-in-law passed. The funeral for her is today. Glad the weather is to be very nice here for Jan.

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

It's always sad when someone dies. Sorry for your sisters MIL

 

[peacechild4]

Got to spend some time with my parents and sister last night. Occasion isn't the best .. My sister's mother-in-law passed. The funeral for her is today. Glad the weather is to be very nice here for Jan.

Sorry for your loss..

 

[dayhiker]

Thanks.
The family got together today for a Russian Orthodox service and then a meal at a local restaurant. It was good to see some friends I'd not seen in a while and of course my family.

 

[dayhiker]

Now this afternoon, I'm off to the dentist. Get a post put in where I had a tooth removed 40 yrs ago!

 

[memoriesbymichelle]

Is it for an implant?