MY beautiful grandson, my blessing. Fighting evil that is trying so hard to keep us apart.

Hi Gwen

How are you? I read about your profile and i wanna be your friend. I know that you have passed difficult times. Just believe that Gos will never leave us. He will gives the best for you at the right time. I will pray for you.

Welome Gwen!!!
Greeetings in the Lord!!! Its soo awesome you have joined us!!
Im Paige, a moderatot here on the TheNet. Welcome! This is a community of loving,and caring individuals that are here to support and encourage eachother as we walk with the Lord.

Be sure to check out all the wonderful groups we have available to learn and grow while you get to know other believers and fellowship with them. You can even start your own discussions and groups if youd like as well.

I also want to invite you to join the womens group which is a great way to meet other women and share with them. I found it soo encouraging in my walk and a good place to go for advice and support in my walk with Christ.

Once again, thanks for joining TheNet. I hope you make lots of riends here and keep growing in the wisdom and knowledge in the Lord.

Im your friend, and if you have any questions, or need help I am there.
God Bless,
Paige
Network Moderator

Hello again Gwen,
I want to encourage you my friend, that u r not alone. That is why I came here because I felt so alone. I still have those moments where I get really depressed that I am, but I have to discipline myself and stand on Gods promises. I have lived through years of abuse, neglest, rejection, and being an outcast most of my life.
I was self abusive if no one was abusing me. I didnt feel like I could ever be truly loved or love. (I tried commiting suicide 3 times, I cut, I was in and out of many hospitals and clinincs. I was put into seeing therapists since I was in kindergarten) While I was doing all that in the course of 25 years, I started an eating disorder . I was anorexic and bulimic.(You can read my "story, or a part of it in the womens group) I am 5'8 and weighed 86 ibs. When I was married in 1999, being that I was soo sick and depressed, no friends, and no family, I drove my husband crazy most of the time and nearly divorcing me. I had nothing, knew no one, had no one,and absolutely had no hope. I didnt care at all anymore. and there was no reason to live. Well, long story short, God had a reason, God cared. God loved me soo much that he had to practically scrape me off the pavement. If I could be loved by God, anyone could. I came to Christ in 2002 and mt life has done a complete turnaround. I am not waht I used to be, I have alot of dear friends (alot of them here too). and all my family back, and my marriage. BUT, I still struggle. I still can feel alone. I still have that "outcast" mentality, and I still feel like people dont like me. But, its a daily trust in God. Its a trust in a God that loved me stilll soo much to save me from where I was when No ONE would even approach me.
I could go on and on, but my point here is, sweetheart, you and I are not alone. You and I are special. We are beautiful, loved and blessed no matter what people say, or what is going on around us. You are a rock to those you love. You have the power of the Father in you, and the Father wishes, NO ONE to perish! He wants all his kids to come to Him. You are a wonderful Grandmother, mother, and friend. You are here and that is another step in getting that love and support you need as you walk in the personal walk you have in Him.
A really awesome book to read is one Im reading right now, and that is "Lord, Where are you when bad things happen?" by: Kay Arthur.
That book is incredible when you look around you and say, "Lord? Where are you? Cant you see this? Why dont you do something?" I lover it, and I know u would too.
I have endured alot like you, and still have bad days, bad weeks, bad months, bad years. But we have a hope now. We have a purpose to keep going. We have a love that can never be taken away from us when all the other times it has. God will never leave us, nor forsake us. Please sister, I want to help. I am here. Im no counselor, but I have the "life" experience".
There will be a chat group in the womens group today with a Christian therapist. I encourage you to join me there.
I love you, and I hope to hear from you soon.
God Bless,
Paige

Hello Gwen!!
Just checking in to say "hello"!
How are you my blessed friend? I hope you are doing good. Jesus is with you and pouring his love unto you and your precious grandson. You are always on my heart. Be encouraged you are loved here.
If I can be of any help or encouragement, let me know. I would love to pray for you or just "hang out" and talk.
God Bless you!
Paige

Gwen May the peace of God rest with you,
I welcome u on this exiting site and i believe that God through this site will bless u real good.I read ur story and what i am led to tell u now is that God will turn all the mess u've gone through for a testimony of joy and ur pease will be that of the overfowing of the sea all through the earth,u are blessed and i believe that the challenges u went through were foe a blessing.i am a friend indeed and u can post ur prayer request to me at anytime and i will agree with u in prayers,Stay bless

Sister Gwen,

Thank you so much for reaching out for my hand in friendship. Though I am coming in a little late, I thank God for the numerous advices the other brethren have gone out of their way to give you. I was particularly touched by Miss Paige’s narration for going by looks, nobody would imagine the pains and trials we individually undergo! My word to you is one loaded with hope. I post it here deliberately for you never know who else it may help.

Gwen, it is unfortunate that only times of intense trials tend to move people to seek God, but such has been often temporary. You will be surprised but, too often, this is due to the church not being what it should be. Yet the quiet, internal desperation, worry, frustration and uncertainty you are experiencing may continue to prevail. Most of us are all good at keeping secrets (and stupidly dying in silence) lest others think we are weak or "lacking faith" as if it is sin to feel desperation, anger, worry, fear, or panic. These things are normal human experiences my sister, to echo the context of Paige’s advice. What defines whether they are sin or not is based upon how we handle them and what we do with the thoughts and emotions that flow from them. I sincerely thank you for finding the courage to lay your heart bare for all for therein, is hope!

Let me start by rehearsing what we know from Scripture. First, you must remember that whatever our circumstances God will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Second, you must remember that God will never tempt you beyond what you can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). Third, please stand reminded that in this life we do have trouble-because it is a fallen world…and in the hands of the devil-but NEVER FORGET that Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33)!! Yet just knowing these truths is not enough. We must BELIEVE them. Faith is BELIEVING the promises of God and acting upon them whether we feel like it or not. This is the challenge…perhaps it is the one thing that needs fine-tuning in your circumstances.

As believing Christians, never can we say that we cannot have victory because we HAVE IT already…by faith (Mark 9:23, Philippians 4:13). Never are we justified to say that we cannot have hope or joy as the devil is pushing you to believe (Philippians 4:4) because that is the right of every child of God you and me included! Never are we justified to stay in a state of desperation, though external circumstances could be very desperate indeed as your case appears to portray: no money, no love, no caring family ad infinitum!. We must believe that the Scripture is truth when it says "the steadfast of mind…will keep in perfect peace.” We must believe that statement, and then we must act upon it by setting our minds upon Christ. So faith is not passive, but it is active. This is why the Scripture says that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Faith that is true faith leads to change, and faith is what is needed to break us out of a state of desperation and frustration.

Sister Gwen, all I would choose to advice you is to cast your eyes on Christ and to start living from today as your DAY ONE! Forget about the past: the failures, the betrayals, the denials, the rejection etc. Lastly, You will be surprised to know that perhaps I understand you better than you would really think. Please open up your Bible and read GENESIS 37 - 41

Then, let me know these:

1. What mistake did JOSEPH do to be sold into slavery by his own brothers?
2. What mistake did he do to be thrown into prison?
3. What mistake did he commit to be forgotten by the butler?

If you can answer the above sincerely then you will know why it is not by chance that you are where you are…and in the circumstances you are in and now decry. Let the potter mould you dear, the finishing will be a master-piece! Will be glad to hear from you dear.

Be blessed and stay focussed for He loves and cares for you!

Your friend from Kenya-Pst. Bernhard

Hi Gwen
Miss you.
Been thinking of you. I miss you.
Please let me know how u r.
Paige

HI GWEN,
I AM NEW TO THIS SITE SO I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS HOW ITS DONE BUT I'D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO YOUR FRIENDS.
I AM REALLY FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I HAVE SPENT ABOUT 3 HOURS WRITING TO YOU BECAUSE I AM NOT GOOD AT TYPING AND I ERASED ITS ALL ON ACCIDENT. I'M NOT THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY!
I'LL HAVE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN BUT NOT NOW. I GOTTA GO REFEREE MY 2 GIRLS. THERES ALWAYS SOME KIND OF DRAMA AT MY HOUSE. THERE'S ONE THING I KNOW FOR SURE IS THAT GOD WILL NEVER GIVE ME MORE THAN I CAN HANDLE.
LOVE,
DEBI

hi gwen
i just wanted to say that while i was looking thru the members photo's i came across the picture of you and your grandson, and i thought i was looking at a picture of myself! i went to your page to see if there was a picture of your face straight on because from the picture of you, you look like me ( or i guess i could look like you? ) anyway i read about all that you have been going thru and i just wanted to connect with you. of course our stories are unique unto ourselves but ours are similar also from what i gather. i myself have been living thru a dark valley for the last 10 years. i have been blessed many times over throughout the 10 years also but my circumstances of the many many trials have been very intense and have pushed me to the point of not knowing if i can take anymore. i just want to encourage you with the FACTS: God will not give us anymore than we can handle, and the trials that we go thru now will be used to grow us even more than we can know. Roman 8:28 tells us that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him. that has been my one scripture that i have clung to at the times when i can't see Him in my life. i have been blessed with a wonderful church with a TRUE family who have shown me more love and compassion in the last 3 years than the last 10 with my worldly family. i just wanted to also share with you about the Celebrate Recovery program that God has planted in my church. i would strongly encourage you to seek out in your area any churches that are involved with that ministry. it has been such a blessing to myself and my children. it's whole purpose is to help us let God help us to recover from life. it's about the hurts, hangups, and habits. i myself need it so much and God IS faithful. HE IS here to help us and love us and that all things ARE possible. nothing is too big for HIM. it has truely help me keep and grow my faith more than i thought was possible. i believe you can search the website WWW.celebraterecovery.com for any groups in your area. my prayer for you is that God will lead you to a local group that will be available for you, your parents and your grandson. just remember that HE is your true father and we are all your brothers and sisters and we are suposed to do life together. you are not alone and you need to find your true family in the faith that can surround you and love on you the way that we were made to love and be loved.
God bless you and your family. you are wonderful and i will keep you in my prayers.
love from your (twin?) sister in Christ,
Debi

Hi Gwen!!!
Isnt Hippmom cool? I love her. I have alot in common with her and you. We should all run away together for a spa treatment in the Caribeann right? Lets go!!!!
I am here for you and Hipp mom and I know you are there for me. We can do this life thing one day at a time!!!!!I think I will check out the celebraterecovery.com place too. I feel I need it and I know others will too. I also like the Romans scripture that Hippmom added too. Again, I love her. She can really help.
"God is the One who sees the whole,
His knowledge is complete;
We see but portions of the Truth
As lines that never meet.--D. De Haan
In a world of mystery, its a comfort to know the God who knows all things.
I love you!!!! Hope to hear from you soon sister.
Paige

HI GWEN
I WAS HOPING TO HEAR BACK FROM YOU TO SEE HOW YOU ARE DOING AND TO GET TO KNOW YOU BETTER. I AM FACINATED THAT YOU LOOK LIKE ME, I LOOK LIKE YOU PROBABLY SOUNDS MORE LIKE IT TO YOU. I'D LOVE TO SEE A PICTURE OF YOUR FACE IF YOU ARE ABLE TO PUT ONE ON. I WILL SEE IF I CAN FIND ONE THAT IS A LITTLE OLDER, I'VE GAINED A FEW POUNDS IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GIVE UP OLD COPING HABITS THAT AREN'T GOOD, LIKE SMOKING AND DRINKING, AND I'VE REPLACED IT WITH FOOD. IN MY YOUNGER DAYS I WOULD STARVE MYSELF WHEN LIFE GOT TOO TOUGH, BUT I NOW HAVE A COMPULSION TO EAT! I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WORSE. THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SIZE 7 AND 11! I'LL BE 43 IN APRIL SO IT'S NOT SO EASY TO LOSE A FEW POUNDS ANYMORE. AGING'S NOT ALL THAT NICE. IT'S SEEMS THINGS REALLY STARTED TO CHANGE AT 40, IT'S AMAZING HOW IT SEEMED TO JUST SNEEK UP ON ME. IT'S TIME FOR ME TO ASK GOD FOR HELP WITH THE EATING ISSUE BEFORE IT GETS EVEN MORE OUT OF CONTROL. HE HAS BEEN FAITHFUL WITH HELPING ME WITH MY ADDICTONS OF CIGARETTES, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS SO IT'S TIME TO MOVE ONTO THE NEXT THING. IF IT'S NOT ONE THING IT'S ANOTHER, I AM BLESSED TO BE AN ADDICT, NOT!
I WILL KEEP PRAYING FOR YOU AND IF YOU CAN, PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW YOU ARE DOING. YOUR FRIENDSHIP MEANS SO MUCH TO ME.