I need a mentor

ebann

MoodyK13;

I was just coming in to explain the Trinity. Well you did such a great job in explaining it.  So bump!

moodyk13

Why thanks but I think you should go for it.  I am sure I missed something, and I think we can never have too much info!!!!!

EWB

hmmm. okay, I understand the analogy you used of different roles, different responsibilities but one person/entity. So what I am reading is that Jesus is the human form of God --what humans could see and touch, follow his actions, sort of do what I do vs do what I say or responding to different learning styles?

Two bible questions/thoughts. So if the versions of the bible  are so close why so many versions, why my version is better than your version?  Secondly- it seems that for every view point you can find, there is at least one countering it. Its like if you look hard enough- the bible and religion can support whatever view you like (like statistics).  Is this about figuring it out for ourselves like the earlier discussion of religion vs spirituality?

EWB

I love having more than one person offer their opinion, view, thoughts, understanding.  I have gotten so much from this thread....more than yrs of sunday school, church services, bible study, service to the church etc.  Thank you all!

Elaine 

moodyk13

YES EWB! Jesus IS God in the flesh!!!!  Your analogy of "do what I do vs do what I say " is perfect!  Christ definately lead by example!

Im gonna explain your other questions/thoughts in seperate post because I forgot to explain the no more "sacrifices" mentioned earlier.

This is a simple subject but soooo detailed.  I am going to give you simple and provide some links that I hope you will take the time to explore.  If I try to "sum it up" not only will you miss the same "WOW" I had these pleasure receiving, I might leave something out that could be an additional "WOW" to you!

Simple:

Sacrifices in the Old Testament were required by God as atonement for man's sin.  It started right away as you know, leading to Cain killing Able.  Sacrifices continue but after Moses brought Israel out of Egypt, God gave Moses EXPLICIT instructions for the tabernacle and sacrifices.  This begins in the Book of Leviticus.  Animal sacrifices as atonement continues rest of the way through the Old Testament.

Why did this stop?  EASY  Christ was sacrificed on the cross as the "final atonement" for all sins for all who believe in Him

Hebrews 10:9-10 " Then He says, "Here I am: I have come to do Your will." He does away with the first to establish the second. By His will  we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. "

The "first to establish the second" is refering to animal sacrifice to Jesus sacrifice.

This also made animals that were once considered "unclean" and forbidden "clean" .  If you would like to know where this is, let me know and I will find it. 

Please visit:

www.arkofthecovenant.co.uk

www.discoverysecrets.com

www.anchorstone.com

www.pinkoski.com

EWB

so its Christ (aka God) leading by example? God=Christ=Holy Spirit?

Sacrifice, I need to digest and ponder this before commenting. 

Time for bed- best to all, sweet dreams and hope tomorrow is a good day 

moodyk13

"So if the versions of the bible  are so close why so many versions, why my version is better than your version?"

Wow!  That is another excellent question.  I personally think that the translation in which you can MOST understand that bring YOU closer to God is the right one for YOU!!!!

I belong to a baptist church in Georgia and it is a member of the "Southern Baptist Convention"  They encourage baptist pastors to use the "Authorized Version" of the "King James Bible"  a.k.a. "AV" or "KJV".  But see pastors have a better understanding of the "Thou's" & "thou not's" LOL.  I used the NIV for 10ish years and just last December I went and bought  the "New King James Version".  But I also have an "AV"- that I use for reference too.

Here is a great site that explains each translation, history, etc. so if you get a chance check it out:  http://bible.christianity.com/bibles/

The second part of your question I am gonna post seperate on that in just a little bit.

Held

Saint - I love you so!  Your gentle words always make me smile.  Thank you. Give F&F hugs from the rest of us.

Barbie - I am not sure why my signature saddens you.  Why do you think it is a negative?  I post that verse because when I was first diagnosed, my pastor's wife called me.  She was crying for me.  As we sobbed together, she told me that the Lord had given her this verse for me.  I find it comforting that I don't HAVE to be afraid, because He is with me all the time.  I just have to REMEMBER that.  I don't have to be afraid or discouraged.  I have a choice.  I can cast my cares to Him.  Easier said than done..........

Moody (does your name indicate you are cranky?!?!?  LOL - just kidding!)  Thank you for all that information.  I like the translation of the bible that is the simplest!   I need a "Bible for dummies".  There have been lots of times I have been reading along and find myself going "WHHHAAATTTT??????" 

PS - I was at the store yesterday where I buy 2 prepackaged salads (each week) for lunch for the upcoming week.  Something made me look at the nutritional information at the bottom.  Guess what!?!?!  The salads I was eating because I thought I was being healthy have 31 grams of FATeach!!!  UGH!  No wonder I am porking out!

moodyk13

EWB wrote:

so its Christ (aka God) leading by example? God=Christ=Holy Spirit?

Yes, absolutely.  And remember Christ loved everyone, even those who nailed Him to the cross, He never sinned, He is perfect and the only way that is possible is if He is God, filled with the Holy Spirit, in the flesh.

Boy EWB you are challenging my brain!......But I LOVE it because having the opportunity to share strengthens me also!

Your second thought: "it seems that for every view point you can find, there is at least one countering it. Its like if you look hard enough- the bible and religion can support whatever view you like (like statistics).  Is this about figuring it out for ourselves like the earlier discussion of religion vs spirituality?"  

Yes and yes.--LOL

People will take verses out of context to make them either seem as if they are contradicting or to justify something.  Here is my thoughts regarding this:  If anyone is trying to contradict you with regards to the bible, what is their motive?  If their motive is to clarify something that may have been misunderstood, then that person will look at a whole passage.  If their intent is of God, then there should be no "argumentative" undertones to the conversation.  And when the conversation is over, both should be at peace with the final understanding.  Kind of "I get it!"

If their intent is to simply argue or justify, then it is probably best to "walk away".  Then I would go and research the scripture myself to see what is the context of an entire passage.

God speaks to us through His word using many styles.  Somethings are just black and white.  It means EXACTLY what it says.  Then He speaks to us using poetry, prayers and songs.  Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon are great examples. 

He speaks to us through parables.  All through Matt, Mark, Luke and John are parables spoken by Jesus: "Parable of the lost sheep", "parable of the lost coin", "parable of the lost son", etc. 

See God is so beyond intricate that He provided every way to communicate with every man.

So if someone is trying to use scripture to justify something they know is wrong, walk away.  If someone is trying to use scripture to confuse you and cause you to doubt, walk away.

2 John 1:9 "Whosoever transgresses, and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."

2 John 1:10-11 " If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house, nor greet him; For he that greets him shares in his evil deeds."

Isnt it so cool how God has answered all of our questions before we were even born!

If someone is using scripture that is bringing your relationship with God to a higher level, stop and listen to them, then go study your bible. Because that is definately as you put it so perfectly earlier "about figuring it out for ourselves like the earlier discussion of religion vs spirituality? "

Springtime

Hi All,

This is a web site that has many different Bible translations with the click of a drop down list! - it is sometimes fun to compare the versions. We do this sometimes in Sunday school class. For instance, King James Version vs. The Message - two really different sets of prose...

The verse in my closing with different translation...    http://www.biblegateway.com/

Psalm 91:14-16 (King James Version)
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. 

Psalm 91:14-16 (The Message)
14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"  

I like the part about throwing us a party!!!  And holding on to God for "dear life"!!

Springtime

badboob67

Wow,

Thank you all  so much for these posts! 

I go to an independent baptist church and we use the KJV Bible. I have found that even though some of the wording was difficult for me in the past, it is easier now. I attribute that to the Holy Spirit imparting understanding as I read and also more familiarity of the text. I think whichever version you use, it is always good to say a little prayer before reading, asking that you gleen from the text that which God would have you understand. The Bible is God's love letter to us; you can be sure he wants you to understand it and will help you in that regard!

There are Bibles that contain a couple of translations side by side (so you can compare yourself) and there are numerous Bibles online that allow that too. Prayerfully asking God for his guidance when choosing which version of His word is right for you is a must!

You all have blessed me today; I thank the Lord for each of you!

(((HUGS)))
Diane

faithandfifty

Just a quick fly-by to let you know that SAINT and I have had a successful rendez-vous in Chicago.... she met me this morning @ Midway Airport and we've worn each other out!!!!

We literally spent the entire day @ the Art Institute (museum) and then had an incredible dinner.

We've had several conversations that have returned to our delight at this thread -- the acceptance and sharing that has gone on here, the knowledge and concern expressed by everyone. Hope that we can continue to nurture each other.

duh. i forgot my camera back here at the hotel -- so no documentation to share from today.

sleep well ..... all those who are sleep-challenged.

barbe1958

Moody, I LOVE your description of the Trinity! Too funny, but oh, so accurate. I remember when my young kids were flying to Vancouver to visit my mom. This was just after that flight from Vancouver blew up or crashed or something (I'm talking about 20 years ago). She said "Mommy what if the plane crashes." As this was not her first flight from Toronto, but their first without me I didn't want her to be worried. I said "Well, if I thought it was going to crash I wouldn't let you go. And if it does, well then, you'll be in Heaven before me." "Oh, okay," she said. So simple really.

Held, I re-read your signature and see your point. I guess I thought it was admonishing you to not be scared.... 

moodyk13

barbe1958 aren't children wonderful!  My daughter (she is 12) holds me soooo accountable!  We had a similar conversation as you and your daughter did.  One day, riding down the road, we saw a truck that had run off the road. No one was hurt, one car accident, but my daughter said "mom, I hope we never have a wreck.  But lets say we slid off the road and hit a tree, when I open my eyes, if I see we are still on earth I'd be like 'aww man! I wanted to see Jesus' " 

Of course my response was  "But Olivia, I wouldnt want us to die!"  She said "I dont want to die either, but mom, it would be way cooler to be in Heaven."  I said "Yeah, I see your point!"

Then she said "Being a Christian means we win either way!" 

I dont know about you, but her wisdom at 12 is way ahead of mine at 42! 

Thanks barbe for your encouragement regarding my previous post regarding the Trinity.  This thread and these women have blessed me so much in these past 4 days that I have been here.  Held was looking for a mentor and isnt it sooooo of God that we are mentoring each other!!!!! 

moodyk13

barbe1958 aren't children wonderful!  My daughter (she is 12) holds me soooo accountable!  We had a similar conversation as you and your daughter did.  One day, riding down the road, we saw a truck that had run off the road. No one was hurt, one car accident, but my daughter said "mom, I hope we never have a wreck.  But lets say we slid off the road and hit a tree, when I open my eyes, if I see we are still on earth I'd be like 'aww man! I wanted to see Jesus' " 

Of course my response was  "But Olivia, I wouldnt want us to die!"  She said "I dont want to die either, but mom, it would be way cooler to be in Heaven."  I said "Yeah, I see your point!"

Then she said "Being a Christian means we win either way!" 

I dont know about you, but her wisdom at 12 is way ahead of mine at 42! 

moodyk13

Held wrote:

Moody (does your name indicate you are cranky?!?!?  LOL - just kidding!)  Thank you for all that information.  I like the translation of the bible that is the simplest!   I need a "Bible for dummies".  There have been lots of times I have been reading along and find myself going "WHHHAAATTTT??????" 

I am cranky!  But only in the evenings when I have to cook dinner!  I HATE to cook---LOL---

I have the "Nelson's NKJV Study Bible" and I LOVE it!!!  It explains just about every verse, has charts and references, a subject index and a concordance.  I also would recommend "Billy Grahams' Training Center Bible-NKJV".  (I had decided on it, but it wouldnt fit in my bible carrier/cover thing I had bought)  But I am very pleased with the "Nelson's" one.

I am sure others reading can recommend their favorites too.  I spent probably about 2 hours total (not on the same day) at Lifeway Christian Bookstore looking at all the study bibles looking for the one I thought could help me the most.

EWB

I am still trying to figure out Sacrifice and the importance of it (I have not yet gotten to the sites you suggested Moody) and I don't quite understand why Jesus' death is so important. I think it is along the lines of a parent letting their child die for the greater good? I don't know what to think about that.

Questions regarding bibles and bible study--

1. is it better to do on your own or as part of a group and if as a group what is the best way to find a group

2. Does it matter where one starts? is it better to start at the begining and go in order of the books and chapters or just jump in at what ever page is open.

3. how do you find answers to questions in the bible? How do people just open the book and find what they are looking for?

Thanks for the info about study bibles--I think that will make it easier. I agree with Held- I need something really simple and easy to understand Bible for Dummies sound good. Any one know if there is a plain language (less thees and thous) bible available? Think I need to take a field trip tomorrow.

Springtime

I persoanally like the NIV version of the Bible (New International Version) BUT the one that speaks in the most basic, easy to understand terms (my opinion), and certainly no thee's and thou's, is "The Message" translation.You can chech out different translations here: http://www.biblegateway.com/

I like Bibles that have "notes" all over the bottom, so you can read a verse and go, "wha?" and look down and get all sorts of help understanding it. I have a friend, though, who think this is "cheating" and that you should never look at notes or "someone elses thoughts" on it, and only let the Holy Spirit work on you to interpret it.

Maybe I am too impatient for that!   :O   Anyhow, I find the "notes" or a Bible with "Study Version" on it good for me!

Spring.

EWB

I want all the help I can get with understanding  the bible, bible language, bible words etc.  Thanks Spring.  I have planned field trip to bible store tomorrow.  All suggestions and insights are most certainly helpful!

 Elaine

moodyk13

I agree with Springtime the NIV is really easy to understand.  I have never read out of "The Message" but I'm sure that since Spring says it is the most basic, then it is. 

One thing I urge you to do when you go look:  no matter which translation you are looking at turn to Isaiah 7:14  It should read "...the VIRGIN shall conceive..."  if it says "young woman" then it takes away from the miraculous conception and in MY opinion not a valid, reliable translation of the bible.

Most "study" bibles will have notes to help you understand, so go the the "study bible" section in the store.  They are easier than "reference bibles" for people just beginning to "dive in"

As for as bible study classes, you can call you church office and I bet they can tell you of any in your area.  Some benefit more from group classes because of  Q&A's that can happen right then.  

Here is my PERSONAL experience:  I have tried to follow the reading charts included in the front of my bible and I didnt stick to that, then I have tried studying different subjects, didnt work either, so this past January I started with Gen1:1 and read all the way through.  I have 4 diff color highlighters and I would highlight stuff as I read.  I SAW SO  MANY things I had NEVER seen before it was amazing!!!!  I finished the bible all the way through Aug 16!!!!

Now I am able to go back and study various things that peaked my interest and better understand them. 

There are a couple of websites I use in my studies and have found them to be the most reliable.  In other words the answers arent based on someones opinion, they are based on the actual scriptures.  Or opinions that are supported by the passages in the bible enabling me to "get it" myself.

www.bible.org

www.biblestudy.org

www.gracethrufaith.com

www.gotquestions.org

are some that I use- but I use them WITH my bible not INSTEAD of my bible.

AND you can keep asking here!  

Im getting ready to "dive" into your "sacrifice" question.  It is the most important question you could have asked!  It is the foundation of our forgiveness of sins and thus our salvation!  stay tuned......... 

Held

I was really just kidding about the bible for dummies comment, but guess what?!?!?  There REALLY is such a book!  Who knew????????????  I might have to go get one myself!

Several years ago my parents gave my dh the Life Application Study Bible - New Living Translation. 

EWB - Let us know how you make out.

moodyk13

Okay, here we go SACRIFICE:

1st mention of sacrifice or offering is in Genesis with Cain and Abel.  Gen 4:3-4.  Since there is nothing mentioned yet about forgiveness of sins, it is thought of more about worship.  Bringing your best to God the Father.

Cain obiviously didnt bring his BEST.  Abel brought the VERY BEST he had.

Exodus 13 God gives Moses instructions regarding the first born males both human and animal.  God claims ALL first born males concencrated (made holy) and are His.

Exodus 13:12 - 13 God tells Moses that all first born male animals (except donkeys) are to be sacrificed to Him, but that all first born human males shall be REDEEMED (spared from sacrifice).  And that sacrificing the male animals is recognizing  God brought them out of Egyptian bondage.

Are you beginning to see the correlation yet?  First born, male, no more bondage

Leviticus 1:1-5 God gets VERY specific in what type of male animals He will accept for sacrifice as atonement for sins.......Lev 1:3 "let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own free will...."

This is good stuff isn't it!  So now God has "upped the ante" (Jesus is without blemish and God offers His son on His own free will!)

Lev 4  God now identifies how sacrificing as He has commanded will cover ALL sins intentional & UNITENTIONAL 

Lev 4:2 "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them.."  Lev 4:3 "...young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering"

Then all this changed and Hebrews 9:12 - 10:18 gives full detail of how Christ's crucifixion is the ultimate sacrifice for all who believe in Him and animal sacrifices are now insufficient.

9:12 "and He entered once for all into the Most Holy Place not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood, and so He Himself secured eternal redemption. 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow sprinkled on those who are defiled consecrated them and provided ritual purity, 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.

9:15 "And so He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance He has promised, since He died to set them free from the violations committed under the first covenant. 9:16 For where there is a will, the death of the one who made it must be proven. 9:17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it carries no force while the one who made it is alive. 9:18 So even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood.

9:19 For when Moses had spoken every command to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats with water and scarlet wool and hyssop and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 9:20 and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded you to keep."

9:21 And both the tabernacle and all the utensils of worship he likewise sprinkled with blood. 9:22 Indeed according to the law almost everything was purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 9:23 So it was necessary for the sketchesof the things in heaven to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves required better sacrifices than these.

9:24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands - the representation of the true sanctuary - but into heaven itself, and He appears now in God's presence for us. 9:25 And He did not enter to offer Himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the sanctuary year after year with blood that is not his own, 9:26 for then He would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But now He has appeared once for all at the consummation of the ages to put away sin by His sacrifice.

9:27 And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment, 9:28 so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await Him He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation.

You have to go look up Hebrews 10: 1-18 for yourself LOL 

Anonymous

I honestly could not get through one day of this treatment without my church family and their unconditional support and prayer...I've had not one serious side effect from treatment aside from losing my hair and some righteous heartburn on occasion. Even with the current heart issues I'm having, cancer and chemo is a piece of cake. I know that I might catch some flak from some people about that, but it's how I feel... It's a piece of cake because I have God, my church family, and I know that God's put every single doctor and nurse in MY path to help me get through this.

Don't be afraid to talk to your church family. 

EWB

Wow Moody- thank you for the spring board! I am just checking in before I head off in search of bibles with notes in hand.  I feel really excited about this (almost like the first day of school- one of my most favorite days)

Held- I'll let you know about the bible for dummies

Spring- seems to me that the Holy Spirit works in many ways including thru people to get the information out-i'm all for notes and discussion to help me understand, I guess I am also impatient, or maybe clueless

Hope all are having a good day. 

Held

EWB - anxious to hear how you made out..... also, you are NOT clueless!

PinkyLee

Good evening Ladies:

It has been a while since I posted, and I am glad I came here tonight and read and got some inspiration.  I am in the healing stage from surgery and the last few days have been difficult.  I am trying to keep my head up and some days i do okay at that, but there are days when I question why I had to go thru this again. 

I  read so many post, but I think it was somewhere back that Held said she couldn't get into the exercise class.  That made me think about how hard it has been to move beyond being a cancer patient.  I am so tried of being described as a cancer patient.  I am not receiving any cancer treatment so why do I have to be listed as a cancer patient!  I had cancer and I had surgery.  Now I am a woman who is healing.    But back to my questions about why me? 

I have always been told that god only gives you what you can handle, well I want to know how I am suppose to handle this.  I don't think this burden is one that God would give to anyone.  I feel more like Job once he had been turned over to the devil for testing.  I don't want to fail my test, but I keep wanting to know when the test will be over. 

My church friends and family have been supportive of me, but I don't think anyone can understand the sadness I feel when I look in the mirror and see two square expanders with plugs that are not aligned where nipples use to be and wonder if I will ever look like a normal woman again.  I have not taken off a teddy in three weeks. 

As soon as I get out of the shower or bath, the first thing I do is pull a cammi or teddy over my chest so I don't have to see what I look like.  I want to not be angry with God or anyone because of this, but I am not feeling that right now.  I am tried of being what I am at this time.

this may not make any since to anyone reading, but I needed to write this to feel better in my heart.  I know it is wrong to question God, but I feel so sad right now.

Please pray that I will do better with my attitude about this disease.

saint

Hi all-I am back from my short visit with F&F--was it wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!  So is she-more than you can imagine-

Having bc sisters to discuss things---wonderful. Talking in the flesh late into the nite-priceless!

I'm going to try to catch up here without filling the whole page---First & last--I do NOT believe that God "gave" anyone cancer--or any other ill for that matter. He is a loving father & as any "daddy" he only wants us to be well & happy---"would a father give his son a rock when he asks for bread?.... If you read back a few pages I addressed how the free will of humans play a huge part in the ills that befall us.......

When working with children there are 2 simple illustrations of the Trinity..... the shamrock: 3 leaves/one stem...and an egg: the shell, the yolk, the white all make uo the one egg. There are MANY more, but you get the drift.

As for translations of the bible--there is a difference between "translation" & "version"   The example given earlier is all in English--that would be -version, but the bible is made of many books written in different languages over time--some of those languages are no longer used--If you ever studied a foreign language you understand that SOME words/concepts have no actual translation into another language----THAT can make it a difficult issue when you talk about interpretation..........

Jesus was wholly human AND wholly divine--now THAT is one we can bounce around for ages & still not "get"........

My suggestions for bible study--you can find a good compendium to use on your own--but again, Christ's message was one of community-so I think, like this thread, it is preferable to have someone to discuss things with. Find a group you trust is made up of "like minded" people. I don't think you can just begin at the beginning & read to the end--a good study is set up to address a theme or pattern & usually takes you thru the bible bouncing around.As for "opening the book to find what you need" I have always found that when you just let the book fall open it will invariably give you the answer/comfort/ponderings you need--so just let it oipen -NO trick to it!

As for Questioning God---I don't think that is ever wrong! As children we question our parents. If we extend that example, we know that kids can NOT learn for themselves if they only follow their parents guidelines blindly! Besides, it is NOT human nature--we must question. It is in questioning that our faith is strengthened! If we find answers to the questions it helps lessen doubt! One further defense of questioning is all the holy people in the bible who question God----another example for us!

So, fire away----it's all good! Be well & stay strong...F&F I miss you!! HUGS 

barbe1958

PinkyLee why do you still have expanders 4 years after dx? Your post saddened me so. Does your face still look like a woman? Do your hips and hair? Why do we define being a woman with our breasts? Or is it just more obvious now...

 I don't have a uterus anymore and therefore can bear no more children (they're 25 & 27 anyway), but that doesn't make me feel like less of a woman. At least you can still bear children with no breasts.

I think your issue may not be the "woman" thing but the "image" thing. You are still human but you have parts missing. I wonder if this is how men feel when they start to lose their hair? I know our situation is quite a bit more extreme, but I wonder if they feel the sense of loss of manhood/sexiness.

Maybe that's what we feel. We feel less sexy and assume everyone else thinks of us the same way. To be honest, the people I work with don't even have vaginas and penises and breasts! I communicate with their eyes and their minds and their words. They are sexless to me anyway as I am sure I am with them. But I bet if you are single or young you would feel differently...

I hope you feel better today. 

moodyk13

Pinkylee, reading your post was almost as if you had been writing my own thoughts!  Bless your heart it kills me to know that ANYONE would feel as sad as I feel sometimes.  I can see that your faith is strong and I promise you will start to feel better.

My girlfriend and I have a saying when we start having those "bad" times:  "It's okay to 'go there', just DONT 'stay there'!"  What we mean by that, is having these feelings are normal and we need to feel them rather than try to ignore them.  Just we dont let ourselves get so consumed in them that we "wallow" in them.  I hope that makes sense.?.?.

It is funny you mention Job.  I had read that book before but I didnt like it because I saw a man that was faithfull to God and went through "hell" !  But I read Job again (totally a God thing!) and had just finished reading it the week I found out I had cancer.  But the cool thing was that this second time of reading it instead of seeing a man who suffered, I saw a man that perservered NO MATTER what satan through at him.  It was the same book and the same story, but what I got out of it the second time was SOOOO different!  It HAD to be of God that I would read it and have this "new" insight" of it the same week I was dx.!!! 

You wrote: "My church friends and family have been supportive of me, but I don't think anyone can understand the sadness I feel when I look in the mirror and see two square expanders with plugs that are not aligned where nipples use to be and wonder if I will ever look like a normal woman again."

You are right, unless anyone has been through what you have been through they cant possibly understand.  Fortunately all of us on this thread do understand!  I have felt EXACTLY the same way.  I DESERVE to feel those feelings!  The key is getting past those feelings.  It gets easier, but they still come and go.  We all do.  I have a friend close by to me going through same things and when she told me she had felt the same way, it was all I needed to hear, and I felt all better.  For me, just knowing that I wasnt alone, someone did understand, and she had gone through same emotions, helped me understand I was NORMAL. 

So sweet pinkylee you are NORMAL!!!  And you will feel better!!!!!!

It would really make me mad when people would say things like "your still a woman"  or "breasts dont make a woman" or "I had a hysterectomy"  you cant SEE your uterus, you cant SEE your ovaries!  I want to pull my shirt up and say "how about waking up to this everyday!"  or having tucked away in your mind that mortality becomes reality when you are diagnosed with breast cancer!

Of COURSE we know we are still women if we have no breasts.  Of COURSE we would rather be cancer free than to have breasts that could kill us!!!!!!!!  But we are going to have these feelings and the best thing is knowing your not alone, we all have them at some point and we all get past them.  You will be okay!!!!!  Go there----just DONT stay there!!!!!

Its just like women that dont have to endure chemo cant understand what it is like to be bald, and I cant understand what it is like to have mets because by the grace of God, mine was found early!  Women who have lumpectomy cant understand what it feels like to look in the mirror after a mastectomy.  It is all relative to what you have had to go through.  It doesnt mean any woman diagnosed with breast cancer only as rights to certain feelings depending on her type or stage, it just means, we all have DIFFERENT feelings we can relate to.

But as you know our Jesus will never leave us or forsake us, and through His blood we are able to take a "stinky" situation and turn it into praises to our King!  I dont give satan credit for my cancer,  I give GOD the glory for my early diagnosis!  I dont give satan credit for my bald head, I give GOD the glory for the doctors, and the science that He allowed so that I have the best treatment!  And I dont give satan credit for my negative feelings I have sometimes, I give God the glory that I CAN FEEL and sing His praises when He brings me through the storm!!!!!!!!

 I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Love you girl!

faithandfifty

Wanting all gathered and reading at this monumentally significant thread to know that I'm here, praying for "us" to gather strength from one another, courage from one another, hope from one another. What a wonder this site has been to me in my journey -- what a wonder this thread has already become, with the potential for so much more.

My. My. My. The heavens must be rejoicing at this conversation and it's many tangents, arising from a common denominator, yet zinging here and there as needed.

Pictured below are the two of us: Saint and Faith. (My we think highly of ourselves, don't we? LOL)

This was taken right before Saint started her trip back to her house & I started my second day of presentations -- (this time to preschool teachers).

If you look very closely, perhaps you can read Saint's nametag. It says "My People." This was a sort of joke between us..... me having 'people' for the first time.

For this very big opportunity -- which is completely exhausting and adrenalline filled, Saint acted the part of "My People" ...... fetching, reminding, prompting, plugging things in, taping things up, telling me that all would go well, sharing, encouraging, hugging, scolding, motivating, focusing me..... well maybe you get the tip of the iceburg.

What a treasure to have 'people.' We are each other's 'people.' I'm passing out nametags to everyone at this thread..... from the heavens above. The name tags are simple. They say: "MY People."

Edited to add: I think that a pretty swell picture of the two of us..... again, with the big heads! LOL