I know lets bailout California now!

[god_chick3]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/...oan/index.html

[mattfivefour]

And so it the trickle starts!

[Ruth]

And so it the trickle starts!

LOL Actually, her suggestion kind of gave me a 'tickle' instead of thinking trickle. But either way, it is better to laugh than let it take away our joy.

There obviously isn't a darn thing we can do so we might as well find the fun in it.

I love to look for the fun in things. When my grandmother developed dementia, while it saddened me greatly, I realized that I could tell her the same joke over and over again and she laughed every time!
I could take her shopping for her own birthday present and she was still surprised. :hyst

[mattfivefour]

LOL Actually, her suggestion kind of gave me a 'tickle' instead of thinking trickle. But either way, it is better to laugh than let it take away our joy.

There obviously isn't a darn thing we can do so we might as well find the fun in it.

I love to look for the fun in things. When my grandmother developed dementia, while it saddened me greatly, I realized that I could tell her the same joke over and over again and she laughed every time!
I could take her shopping for her own birthday present and she was still surprised. :hyst

Oh man, you are BA-A-A-A-A-D!!!

But, yes, life is too short to spend it being unhappy. In Christ we can all rejoice ... every single day of our lives ... no matter WHAT happens ... because ALL things work together for good to them that love God to them that are the called according to His purpose.

(And there are a LOT more verses than Romans 8:28 to back up what I just said.)
.

[Ruth]

Oh man, you are BA-A-A-A-A-D!!!

But, yes, life is too short to spend it being unhappy. In Christ we can all rejoice ... every single day of our lives ... no matter WHAT happens ... because ALL things work together for good to them that love God to them that are the called according to His purpose.

(And there are a LOT more verses than Romans 8:28 to back up what I just said.)
.

Oh - you had to know my grandmother (you will meet her in heaven).
She had an amazing sense of humor. If her mind was right she would have been laughing right along with me.When her mind was starting to wane, we were standing in my dining room and she had just asked me for the third time 'Where are the dogs?" and I patiently said one more time "They are outside gram"

She got a tear in her eye and said "Why doesn't God just take me home? I don't want to live like this" I told her "Gram, you told me once that we are here as long as God needs us to be here because we still have things we need to do" She responded "What use could God have for an 83 year old woman?" I told her, "Gram, God even used a jackass once so I am sure He can find something for you to do too" She broke out in a laughter I had not heard come from her in a very long time. We laughed until we cried. Finally, reality returned and she took me in her arms and gave me a big hug and whispered in my hear with a smile on her heart and said, "What ever God needs me to do He knows I am at His service 100%"

I whispered back “I need you Gram” and she said, “Sweetheart, I will stay here and go through whatever is necessary as long as you need me. I love you”

She didn't know what plans the Lord had for her but they were tremendous. She would literally be involved in freeing me from the greatest burden life had put onto my breaking heart.

I also didn't realize, until it was all over, the very reason He was taking her mind away to protect her. He didn’t want her to suffer in any way for what she was going to go through, for my sake.

Over the next 8 years, her mind slowly became nothing more than functioning to get her up in the morning. She was able to perform all the normal functions as a human, all the normal responses as someone who loves everyone with hugs and smiles and winks. But it became necessary to put her in a facility where she could be looked after 24/7 and away from stoves and things that she could endanger herself or others. So my mother put her in an assisted living facility.

I went to visit her almost every day and she always had the twinkle in her eyes. Each day she became less and less attached to reality and had become child like. She didn’t know who I was anymore and that broke my heart.

One day I was told that my dad had been arrested. He was arrested for being found molesting our grandmother. It had been going on for over 4 months before it was discovered, investigated, and proven. She had become child like and he was the purest form of pedophile who will act on any opportunity with a defenseless, innocent life.

I had never told my grandparents of what he had done to me.
I don’t think my grandparents did knew because my grandfather would have killed him. That would have been a bigger tragedy for my grandfather. But my, grandmother never spoke ill about anyone in the world except my dad. She had always hated my dad because she could see the evil in him. Maybe she knew but we just never spoke about it. She was my dad’s senior by only 16 years. Since she had stopped recognizing people, she didn’t remember who he was either and as he flirted with her, she responded.

Long story short, I had never been believed by my mother. She called me a liar and the tragedy of what he had done and her defense of him carved the path of my life.

This situation with my grandmother finally vindicated me. He went to prison and in many ways, my grandmother had truly been used by God to give me a brand new start and to finally be free from the chains of being labeled as my mother had.

Looking back on the whole situation, I can see God’s hand in it all. He took her mind away so she wouldn’t endure any pain. He knew she had a willing heart and He used the situation to expose my dad’s perversion and set me free.

My grandmother went home to be with Him not too long after that. His hand in the whole situation was truly amazing.

So next time something bad happens in your life and you think God isn’t paying attention, look for the God sized wisdom and purpose in it and trust Him. God’s ways are not our ways but His purposes are eternal.

[mattfivefour]

Ruth, your beautiful testimony in this matter has brought tears to my eyes. Literally. I do not know what words to utter now... other than what a glorious, awesome God we serve!!!

Everything that happened with your grnadmother, everything that happened to you, was and is and shall be used by Him for the help of another. We are able to comfot one another with the comfort with which each of us has been comforted by Him. I know that already your words—both on this forum and out in the world—have been used by Him to touch others.

Abuse is an ugly, ugly word. And it stands for even uglier, evil thing. So dark, so black, so perverse. But God is greater than all our pain and can heal and save those who are its victims. And you know what is even more amazing? He can even heal and deliver and save abusers!!!

Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life. It has touched me DEEPLY ... and I glorify God for what He has done in you.

God bless you, sister. May you always walk in the knowledge that—rain or shine, calm or storm—He is with you, before and behind you, and will never, ever let you go.

:praise

.

[Ruth]

Ruth, your beautiful testimony in this matter has brought tears to my eyes. Literally. I do not know what words to utter now... other than what a glorious, awesome God we serve!!!

Everything that happened with your grnadmother, everything that happened to you, was and is and shall be used by Him for the help of another. We are able to comfot one another with the comfort with which each of us has been comforted by Him. I know that already your words—both on this forum and out in the world—have been used by Him to touch others.

Abuse is an ugly, ugly word. And it stands for even uglier, evil thing. So dark, so black, so perverse. But God is greater than all our pain and can heal and save those who are its victims. And you know what is even more amazing? He can even heal and deliver and save abusers!!!

Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life. It has touched me DEEPLY ... and I glorify God for what He has done in you.

God bless you, sister. May you always walk in the knowledge that—rain or shine, calm or storm—He is with you, before and behind you, and will never, ever let you go.

:praise

.

God bless you. Even when I share this story (only as God leads, which is specific, in other words, I don't do it often)
I am truly ministered to again by Him to remember.

You know how in the old testament God has Israel do so many things so they would remember? That is what happens when I share what happened and am awed at His love for my grandmother and for me.

There are other aspects to this story, such as what happened between my mother and I and also how He healed my heart to forgive my dad and my mother.

If you search for a thread of mine called "Forgiveness, I finally learned how" You will see exactly what you speak of in your post. My ability to truly, truly want to see my dad come to a saving faith.

While all this happened almost 10 years ago now, the situation continues. While my dad was in prison, the Lord worked on my heart a lot. Because of his age, my dad was only sentenced to 5 years. When he got out of prison, he learned he had colon cancer.
He contacted my sister to tell her (hoping this would trigger her to include him in her life out of sympathy)

She rejected him outright. She called and told me. I called him and he agreed to see me. I went over and shared the gospel with him. I told him what I had learned that many people never hear the true gospel but a lot of terrible versions (such as the TULIP one) and I told him what I had learned. I needed to be sure that he had actually heard the true gospel before I could let it rest.

He said, "You are one of those 'born againers?' You need to leave."
He showed me to the door and I left.

He had his surgery, I was in the waiting room praying even though he didn't really want me there. He came through fine and last I heard he is doing good (as well as one can with a colostomy bag)
I keep praying for him and do hope I meet him in heaven so I can know the man whom God sees as a broken child rather than the one I have known, consumed by evil.

[Carl]

Thank you for your story Ruth. A great example of the truth setting you free. Without freedom you would never be able to comprehend those Acts of God in your life. Without freedom you would never have been able to have the courage to tell your story. God Bless You and keep you safe from here on out!

[mattfivefour]

God bless you. Even when I share this story (only as God leads, which is specific, in other words, I don't do it often)
I am truly ministered to again by Him to remember.

You know how in the old testament God has Israel do so many things so they would remember? That is what happens when I share what happened and am awed at His love for my grandmother and for me.

There are other aspects to this story, such as what happened between my mother and I and also how He healed my heart to forgive my dad and my mother.

If you search for a thread of mine called "Forgiveness, I finally learned how" You will see exactly what you speak of in your post. My ability to truly, truly want to see my dad come to a saving faith.

While all this happened almost 10 years ago now, the situation continues. While my dad was in prison, the Lord worked on my heart a lot. Because of his age, my dad was only sentenced to 5 years. When he got out of prison, he learned he had colon cancer.
He contacted my sister to tell her (hoping this would trigger her to include him in her life out of sympathy)

She rejected him outright. She called and told me. I called him and he agreed to see me. I went over and shared the gospel with him. I told him what I had learned that many people never hear the true gospel but a lot of terrible versions (such as the TULIP one) and I told him what I had learned. I needed to be sure that he had actually heard the true gospel before I could let it rest.

He said, "You are one of those 'born againers?' You need to leave."
He showed me to the door and I left.

He had his surgery, I was in the waiting room praying even though he didn't really want me there. He came through fine and last I heard he is doing good (as well as one can with a colostomy bag)
I keep praying for him and do hope I meet him in heaven so I can know the man whom God sees as a broken child rather than the one I have known, consumed by evil.

Again, so beautiful the works of our God in each of our hearts. No wonder I weep in His Presence!!! What could be more beautiful than He?????

[Ruth]

Again, so beautiful the works of our God in each of our hearts. No wonder I weep in His Presence!!! What could be more beautiful than He?????

Amen! Every day I think of heaven and surrounded by that level of love all the time. Just being away from all the ugliness of the evil in this world will be heaven in and of itself. And we will get to live in paradise to boot! Wow!

[Carl]

Ruth you are one tough lady. I don't know if I would have the courage to do what you have done. God Bless You. And fill you with His Love.

[WKUHilltopper]

Maybe California's Terminator Governor ought to change the state motto to "Hasta La Vista, Baby".

[WKUHilltopper]

God bless you. Even when I share this story (only as God leads, which is specific, in other words, I don't do it often)
I am truly ministered to again by Him to remember.

You know how in the old testament God has Israel do so many things so they would remember? That is what happens when I share what happened and am awed at His love for my grandmother and for me.

There are other aspects to this story, such as what happened between my mother and I and also how He healed my heart to forgive my dad and my mother.

If you search for a thread of mine called "Forgiveness, I finally learned how" You will see exactly what you speak of in your post. My ability to truly, truly want to see my dad come to a saving faith.

While all this happened almost 10 years ago now, the situation continues. While my dad was in prison, the Lord worked on my heart a lot. Because of his age, my dad was only sentenced to 5 years. When he got out of prison, he learned he had colon cancer.
He contacted my sister to tell her (hoping this would trigger her to include him in her life out of sympathy)

She rejected him outright. She called and told me. I called him and he agreed to see me. I went over and shared the gospel with him. I told him what I had learned that many people never hear the true gospel but a lot of terrible versions (such as the TULIP one) and I told him what I had learned. I needed to be sure that he had actually heard the true gospel before I could let it rest.

He said, "You are one of those 'born againers?' You need to leave."
He showed me to the door and I left.

He had his surgery, I was in the waiting room praying even though he didn't really want me there. He came through fine and last I heard he is doing good (as well as one can with a colostomy bag)
I keep praying for him and do hope I meet him in heaven so I can know the man whom God sees as a broken child rather than the one I have known, consumed by evil.

Ruth! You're my hero! You're a real credit to God's mercy! I'm not sure I could ever meet your standards.

[Glory to God]

Oh - you had to know my grandmother (you will meet her in heaven).
She had an amazing sense of humor. If her mind was right she would have been laughing right along with me.When her mind was starting to wane, we were standing in my dining room and she had just asked me for the third time 'Where are the dogs?" and I patiently said one more time "They are outside gram"

She got a tear in her eye and said "Why doesn't God just take me home? I don't want to live like this" I told her "Gram, you told me once that we are here as long as God needs us to be here because we still have things we need to do" She responded "What use could God have for an 83 year old woman?" I told her, "Gram, God even used a jackass once so I am sure He can find something for you to do too" She broke out in a laughter I had not heard come from her in a very long time. We laughed until we cried. Finally, reality returned and she took me in her arms and gave me a big hug and whispered in my hear with a smile on her heart and said, "What ever God needs me to do He knows I am at His service 100%"

I whispered back “I need you Gram” and she said, “Sweetheart, I will stay here and go through whatever is necessary as long as you need me. I love you”

She didn't know what plans the Lord had for her but they were tremendous. She would literally be involved in freeing me from the greatest burden life had put onto my breaking heart.

I also didn't realize, until it was all over, the very reason He was taking her mind away to protect her. He didn’t want her to suffer in any way for what she was going to go through, for my sake.

Over the next 8 years, her mind slowly became nothing more than functioning to get her up in the morning. She was able to perform all the normal functions as a human, all the normal responses as someone who loves everyone with hugs and smiles and winks. But it became necessary to put her in a facility where she could be looked after 24/7 and away from stoves and things that she could endanger herself or others. So my mother put her in an assisted living facility.

I went to visit her almost every day and she always had the twinkle in her eyes. Each day she became less and less attached to reality and had become child like. She didn’t know who I was anymore and that broke my heart.

One day I was told that my dad had been arrested. He was arrested for being found molesting our grandmother. It had been going on for over 4 months before it was discovered, investigated, and proven. She had become child like and he was the purest form of pedophile who will act on any opportunity with a defenseless, innocent life.

I had never told my grandparents of what he had done to me.
I don’t think my grandparents did knew because my grandfather would have killed him. That would have been a bigger tragedy for my grandfather. But my, grandmother never spoke ill about anyone in the world except my dad. She had always hated my dad because she could see the evil in him. Maybe she knew but we just never spoke about it. She was my dad’s senior by only 16 years. Since she had stopped recognizing people, she didn’t remember who he was either and as he flirted with her, she responded.

Long story short, I had never been believed by my mother. She called me a liar and the tragedy of what he had done and her defense of him carved the path of my life.

This situation with my grandmother finally vindicated me. He went to prison and in many ways, my grandmother had truly been used by God to give me a brand new start and to finally be free from the chains of being labeled as my mother had.

Looking back on the whole situation, I can see God’s hand in it all. He took her mind away so she wouldn’t endure any pain. He knew she had a willing heart and He used the situation to expose my dad’s perversion and set me free.

My grandmother went home to be with Him not too long after that. His hand in the whole situation was truly amazing.

So next time something bad happens in your life and you think God isn’t paying attention, look for the God sized wisdom and purpose in it and trust Him. God’s ways are not our ways but His purposes are eternal.

Thank you for sharing Ruth..
This is something I really needed to hear, as my Mother has dementia as well. I have been basically looking after her since my Dad passed away 3 years ago, although she still lives in her own house. I am sadden as I see this slowly take over her life.
I always try to see the funny side of things....maybe a way to help keep away the tears I feel like shedding.
I know we don't always see what God's plans are or even understand why. But it is so good to know He is in control and to be able to put our trust in Him completely.

[RyanMac]

If California gets bailed out, can Canada be next? lol

[Ruth]

Thank you for sharing Ruth..
This is something I really needed to hear, as my Mother has dementia as well. I have been basically looking after her since my Dad passed away 3 years ago, although she still lives in her own house. I am sadden as I see this slowly take over her life.
I always try to see the funny side of things....maybe a way to help keep away the tears I feel like shedding.
I know we don't always see what God's plans are or even understand why. But it is so good to know He is in control and to be able to put our trust in Him completely.

Amen Sis! Amen. God is truly amazing.

[Ruth]

Ruth! You're my hero! You're a real credit to God's mercy! I'm not sure I could ever meet your standards.

Thank you for the kind words but it really is all Him.
All I did was bend my knee and my heart and He did all the rest.
We truly serve and amazing God!

[Ruth]

Thank you for your story Ruth. A great example of the truth setting you free. Without freedom you would never be able to comprehend those Acts of God in your life. Without freedom you would never have been able to have the courage to tell your story. God Bless You and keep you safe from here on out!

Thank you and God bless you too! And yes, I pray everyone knows the true freedom He offers us. It is beyond words.

[god_chick3]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,432841,00.html

[RyanMac]

Sheesh. Learn how to balance a budget. Here's what I don't get and maybe someone can clarify.
The article says, "The state's borrowing problems come as it deals with a $223 million shortfall in projected tax collections during the first quarter of the state's fiscal year."
So it wants to use federal tax payers money to cover up for a shortfall in its own tax collections. I just don't see the logic.