Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

I am asking for prayers on behalf of Carol duBois.  Carol is a friend
of mine, Bonnie Reinke's, and possibly others here.

For undisclosed reasons, Carol has gone on short term disability.

O Most Holy and Sovereign Friend,
I ask You to hold and comfort my beloved friend, Carol, in Your
everlasting arms.  Be infinitely close to her.  Heal her where
healing is needed.  Deliver her from all pain and despondence.
In Your own precious name I pray.  So be it.

Peace,
Richard

    Could you please pray for my mother, who is  going through major
    surgery today.

    Thanks
    Jim

    One of the guys in my group is now on STD. At the end of the month
    they'll be removing what they are calling a large mass. It's apparently
    about the size of a softball and has "eaten" some or all of one 
    adrenal gland. They will not know for a while if it's benign. He's
    in some pain as well.

    			Alfred

    RE:all
    Just to let you know. My mother made it through surgery in 1/4 the time
    it was suppose to take, and made it home in half the time as well. 
    She  is doing great! The doctor can't believe it.


    Thanks for the prayers.


    Jim

    
    That's good news Jim!
    
    Carole

    Jim,
    
    re: your mom
    
    Yes, wonderful!!
    
    Karen

    Re: .5
    
    I raise my voice in praise to the Divine Healer!
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    
             A good friend of mine needs your prayers.  He's feeling like
    he needs to get his life together after 40 years of being into things
    that he no longer feels comfortable about.  
    
    
    Dave

    Requesting prayers for a friend of mine, a person living with AIDS.
    
    Richard

    He's there Richard

    Please pray for a dear friend who is living with an incurable disease
    and who is experiencing a considerable amount of job-related pressure.
    
    Richard

    Healing light through you to your friend, Brother Richard.
    
    
    DR

    My God protect and heal your friend.
    
    Jim

    May God's love fill the heart and bring comfort to your friend Richard.
    
    Karen

    
               I'm asking for prayers for my Daughter, Cheri.  She went to
    the doctor's for a normal checkup and it seems he found some things.
    I would relate them but she would not speak to me for the rest of her
    life....tempting though it may be.  It most likely is nothing but there
    is the possibility it could be serious.  As a family we are trying to 
    stay calm and support her....its *VERY* hard.
    
    Thank you,
    Dave

    Re: .16
    
    My prayers for benign results for Cheri, in the name of the Most Holy.
    So be it.  Amen.
    
    Richard

Dave - 

You, Cheri and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.  I affirm health 
and wholness for all of you.

Nanci

    I received this note from Nanci yesterday and asked her if I could post
    it verbatim for her.  She said yes.  
    
    Nanci - please know that healing prayers are being sent to you for a
    speedy recovery.  You are loved and missed!  
    
    xxoo,
    Kb
         
Hiya, Sis!

I suppose (hope) somebody out there has been wondering where i disappeared 
to last week and I've taken it upon me to elect you as Nanci-news central.  
Hope you don't mind.  I went out last week with a high fever and horrible 
cough.  The diagnosis was flu complicated by bronchitis.  The fever kept 
going down and spiking and finally reached 104.4 on Sunday morning and i 
panicked.  I went into the ER and they put me on an I.V. and respiratory 
treatments and then sent me home.  My Dr. finally sent me into the hospital 
again yesterday for chest X-rays and it seems i have pneumonia.  I'm still 
at home.  They'll hospitalize me if I don't seem to be getting any better 
pretty soon.  But my temp has been close to normal for almost 24 hours!
Yay!  :-)  Hopefully it won't come to that.  Could you put a note in  
C-P asking for prayers, positive thoughts, medicine dances or anything 
else that might be of use?  

Thanks a lot, Sis.  i'll keep you updated but communication may be sort of 
sparse.  This is the first time I've felt well enough to log in since 
Thursday.

Lots of love,

Nanci

    Uncommon Prayers.
    
    DR

    Most Holy Healer,  I ask that you enfold our beloved Nanci within
    you everlasting arms and there may she find the strength and peace
    to conquer the infection afflicting her body.  Amen, (and A-women!)
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    Please pray for our minister and his wife (Bruce and Dana)
    their third child was born last night and lived only three hours.
    
    BJ

    "Father God,only you can 'comfort' Bruce,Dana & their family at this 
    present time,dear God wonderfully share their grief & sadness at this
    painful time,& bring them through...in Jesus's precious name I pray..amen!"

    My prayers for comfort and support for Bruce and Dana and their
    family in this very sorrowful time.
    
    Richard

I am requesting prayers for a friend who is in the hospital and suffering from
one of the life threatening diseases that result from having AIDS.

Peace,
Richard

    praying....

    Richard,
            Praying for your friend with aids!!
    
    chris

Re: .20

	I spoke with Nanci earlier today.  She's feeling pretty much on the
puny side, but much better than last week.  Her voice is a bit raspy from
all the coughing she's done (and will continue to do until her lungs are
clear).  It is a blessing that hospitalization was not required.

	Though she didn't request it, I would urge that we keep Nanci 
snuggled in our prayers for wellness.

Peace,
Richard

    Snugglin' with you in my thoughts and prayers Nanci. :-)
    
    Karen

    Praying you will be 'up and about' soon Nanci!!

    
                     I am asking for prayers for the anonymous noter is
    236.0.  Please prayer for an "unspoken" request.
    
    
    Thanks,
    Dave

Thank you all for your prayers and kind thoughts.  I am back at work
and though I'm not at 100% yet it's sooooo nice to be back!  :-)

You are a wonderful group of people!

Many thanks and hugs to all of you,
Nanci

    Glad to have you back Nanci and feeling better.  You were missed!
    
    
    Dear anon member,
    
    	May the healing presence of the Divine One and our prayers
    gently hug you in warmth, fill you with comfort, and help you 
    on your continuing journey.  
    
    Healing hugs to *you*,
    
    Karen

        One of our children is going through one of those typical
        childhood crises -- I'd prefer not to be more specific.  My
        wife and I could sure use your prayer in handling this with
        wisdom and love.  As with so many childhood crises, this
        could be an opportunity for substantial growth, but it could
        also cause a lifetime scar if not handled properly.

        Thank you, Lord, for the prayer and compassion of your
        people!

        Bob

    Bob, 
    
    You, your wife and your child have my prayers in this challenging
    time.  May the gentle, yet direct wisdom that so often shines through
    your notes be gathered and focused around this situation by Divine
    Grace.
    
    Peace & many blessings,
    Karen

    Bob,
    
    	Your family is being supported in prayer through this time of
    difficulty and growth.  God be with you all.
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    Prayers for the whole Hoe family.  See Note 249.1 for details.
    
    Richard

I enter this request with no small anxiety.  I am asking for your supportive
prayers.

I plan to be present this coming Saturday afternoon in the first (Lesbigay)
Pride March ever to be held in Colorado Springs.  I have no doubt there
will also be present an organized, emotionally pumped and highly vocal
opposition.

Doubtlessly, some will believe falsely that I am gay.  When I recently
informed a woman I know merely that I joined the MCC, her face went into an
exaggerated convulsion of alarm that would rival those of any Roger Rabbit
cartoon.

Doubtlessly, taunts and slurs will be hurled.  I pray nothing else will be
hurled.  I pray that Christ will fill me so completely that I may love even
those who spew insults, jeers and 'loving, righteous correction.'

Peace,
Richard

    
    Supportive prayers on the way Richard!
    
    Love and hugs,
    Carole

    Courage and Peace, brother.
    
    DR

    Dearest Richard,
    
    May your love, compassion, and 'chutzpah' inspire all toward peace and
    reconcilliation.
    
    Divine blessings,
    Kb

        Richard,

        You're heeding Christ's call to "take up your cross and
        follow me" REALLY seriously -- I'm grateful to have your
        example here.

        You have my prayers.

        Bob

	Good luck Richard! I hope that things will go well for you. My prayers
are with you! :-)


Glen

I have been entrusted with the high and holy honor of preaching on
July 21st at my church.

I'm excited about it because there is a good possibility that I will
be able to include a brief dramatic presentation performed by 3 talented
women whom I've invited to participate (who are not members of this church).

If it can be arranged, it will be electric with power, I just know.
Please, pray that it will all come together and that God will be glorified.

Peace,
Richard

    I feel your excitement Richard - I'm with you in spirit
    and joining you in prayer!
    
    Karen

    
                A friend of mine and co-worker just told me that his very 
    young son fell from about 7 foot last night and upon taking him to the
    hospital, found out that he has a skull fracture with a blood clot
    behind it.  He needs our prayers.
    
    
    Dave

    
    Healing prayers on the way.
    
    Carole

Dave -

Sending prayers to your friend and his son.  

Nanci

    Healing prayers surrounding this child and prayers for his caregivers,
    also.
    
    Praying,
    Richard

    
             *MANY* thanks to all of you.  I have another request.  There
    is a young man of 15 who is into drugs and alcohol and is trying to get
    into satanism.  He needs our prayers very much right now.  His mother
    is concerened and asks for our prayers...to heal Patrick and to heal
    their family.  This is a special request and I don't ask lightly.
    
    Dave....who is hurting for all the dear young souls who need love.

    
    I will keep this young man in my prayers.
    
    Carole

    Prayers for his release from addictive and codependant behaviors.
    
    Richard

****** This is an immediate and urgent request for prayer ******
****** support in a matter of Spiritual Warfare against   ******
****** SEVERAL demonic forces attacking my family.        ******

Three months ago my 15 year old daughter Angela became involved
with a young man 'claiming' to be a Christian. Since that time my
wife and I have had numerous spiritual attacks and just strange
occurrences happen which I will not go into here. My daughter has
become uncontrollable in ALL family matters, especially discipline
and rebellion. Her outbursts in reaction to discipline include
violent rage (she threw a chair at her mother two days ago), this
is also new. 

Yesterday, we were told that this young man claims to be a median
with more than 13 different spirits. My daughter confirmed this
and even had a list he had given her. He has CONVINCED her that
these spirits are Angels of the Lord and are only there to do
good. But she also admits that they have told her, through her
boyfriend, that they have caused many things all of which have
happened. Nasty evil things, not good.

Last night we rebuked each of the spirits by name from the list he
gave her and called upon the Lord God for protection and guidance.
My daughter cried and wailed during the prayer session. We have
prayed nearly constantly since. 

The boy called this morning and convinced her we were wrong AGAIN.
This is getting serious Brother and Sisters. Please take a few
minutes or an hour or whatever to pray for this matter. 

Here are the specifics: We live in Colorado Springs, my daughter
is Angela Gavin. the boy's name is Terry Morgan. 


In Christ Love;

Paul Gavin

        Paul,

        You and your family -- especially your daughter -- have my
        prayers.

        Bob

	Your family is in my prayers.  At the same time, I would urge you
to consider getting family counseling.  And, if the first counselor you
work with proves unsatisfactory, seek out another.

Peace,
Richard

I would echo Richard's advice.  Your family and Terry are in my prayers.

Nanci

    
    Yes....I echo all the others....God Bless.
    
    
    Dave

    
    Paul,
    	I have replied in the other notesfile as well but more specifically 
    and I am sure that you already know you can not deal with the
    'spiritual in the physical realm'.
    
    _ed-

    
    Paul....I will be keeping this family in my prayers.
    
    Carole

    re: .60
    
    Paul,
    
    	I'm certain _ed- was not advising you against seeking family
    counseling.
    
    	From the little you've shared with us, I sensed that the pattern
    your family is experiencing would likely repeat itself or be manifested
    in some other way unless preventative measures were set in place.
    
    Peace,
    Richard

re:62

    We have pursued and will continue to pursue counseling.

It would be difficult to include or describe the whole history of
the demonic attacks against my family. This is just another
chapter, the worst to date, and it is repeating itself. My own son
displayed the same characteristics as my daughters friend three
years ago which lead a suicide attempt. 

To all who have replied here and who are praying for us I want to
express much gratitude. You have made a BIG difference, the
situation has not changed but a definite feeling of peace and
coming good has spread through my family. My the Lord bless you
all! 

    In Christ,
    Paul

    
    	Sorry to belabor the point.  But as Paul has mentioned counseling
    has been pursued.  This is (imo) a SPIRITUAL problem not a mental or
    emotional one, Although there is bound to be 'symptoms' but the
    'problem' remains a spiritual one and MUST be dealt with in the
    spiritual realm.
    
    
    I am,
    still praying.

	I need some prayer for my wife. This spring we finally convinced
	my wife's grandmother to come north for the summer. We'd talked 
	to her about moving into a retirement home up here and she seemed
	amenable. Once here problems started. Her health is not great
	and she really can't take care of herself as she used to. But
	she refuses any help. We were advised to seek guardianship of
	her and get her into a hospital for evaluation. This we did.
	The doctors agree that she can not live alone any more but are
	divided on whether or not she should be allowed to return to
	Florida. We don't want her 1,800 miles away where there is no
	family to look in on her.

	We have to go to go to court again next Monday where the judge
	will evaluate the doctor's report and determine the future of
	the guardianship. I have no idea what the best outcome of this
	is because, quite frankly, the toll of all this is wearing my
	wife very thin. My mother in law is also staying with us. She
	and her mother do not get along very well and this places a 
	considerable additional stress on the household and my wife.

	My wife's health is starting to feel the effects of all this
	stress. Please pray for strength for my wife. Also for guidance
	for the doctors and judge so we can get things resolved and
	stable soon. We are very concerned for the health and well being
	of my wife's grandmother but the impact on my wife, my son and
	myself of having her with us and with my mother in law is very
	great. Please pray that we can find a good place for her to live.

			Thanks,
				Alfred

    E:Alfred
    
    I'll be praying !

    Alfred,
    
    You, your wife and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
    May God bless, comfort and guide all involved in your family
    situation, present and future.  
    
    peace,
    Karen

    God grant you and your family both vitality and endurance from God's
    inexhaustible resources, Alfred.
    
    In Peace,
    Richard

    special prayers addressed to St. Anne and St. Joachim on the behalf
    of you all...
    
    peter

Alfred - 

Your family is in my prayers.

Nanci

    
    Alfred...I will keep you and your family in my healing prayers.
    
    Peace to you,
    Carole Z

    Prayers for all those who have requested them.
    
    I would just suggest that spiritual and psychological help are
    not mutually exclusive. There is often more than one dimension to
    a problem, and it's not as if any of us can dictate what form God's
    help may take.
    
    Eileen
    

    Please pray for my son Robbie, who will be having surgery done
    tomorrow, to replace a shunt tubing. He is ten years old, and
    doesn't remember the upteen times he went into surgery before he
    was two, so as you can guess, he is scared. So is my wife and myself.
    
    
    Thanks In Advance
    Jim

    
    Holding you all in my prayers, Jim.
    
    Carole

    Jim - 
    
    I'm praying for you, your wife and Robbie.  
    
    Nanci

    Jim,
    
    Your son Robbie, you and your wife are in my thoughts and prayers.
    
    peace & blessings,
    Karen

    Jim,
    
                Robbie is in my prayers.
    
    Dave

    Robbie came through fine. He is home now, but is still sore, and is
    hoping his hair grows back before school starts.
    
    
    Thanks For All Your Prayers.
    
    Jim

    
    Good news Jim!!!
    
    Carole

    That's great Jim!  Thanks for the update on Robbie.  I bet the issue
    with his hair is probably bothering him more than the soreness. ;-)
    
    Karen

Please keep Nancy Smith in your prayers.  She will be preparing for speaking
from the pulpit (preaching) at her church on Sunday morning, August 18th.
The title of her sermon is: "Muddy Eyes."

Peace,
Richard

	Please pray for my step-mother. She is having a lump removed
	from her breast this afternoon (2:00 PM Easter US time). They
	will not know if it benign until after it is removed. Please
	pray that it is. Also pray for her and my father. They are
	optimistic but it's scary. 

				Alfred

    Alfred,
    
    I will be praying for your step-mother and father.
    
    peace & blessings,
    
    Karen

    Praying !

Adding my prayers too!

Nanci

    I'm in there too...

    
    Me too, Alfred.
    
    Carole

    Thanks to all who have been praying. The operation went very well
    and all of the lump was removed. We still will not know for a while
    if it was benign but my step mother  has faith and is praying,
    expectantly, for full recovery and no further problem.

    		Alfred

	RE: My step mother.

	The biopsy came back as malignant. A rapidly growing malignancy.
	She'll know on Monday how much and what they have to take out
	when they operate again. After that there is radiation and/or
	chemotherapy to deal with. Probably, God willing, she'll live
	a long and healthy life afterwards. But it's never easy to deal
	with cancer.

	This is also hard on my father. 28 years ago this fall my mother,
	my fathers first wife, died after a long and painful sickness.
	Medicine is much better now and there is more hope but emotionally
	this is tough for him (and me too) to deal with. 

	Please pray for healing for Sheila and strength for us all.

			Alfred

    
    Continued prayers for Sheila, you and your family Alfred.
    
    Peace and strength to all of you.
    
    Carole

God of miraculous healing, I call upon your power to rid Sheila's body of
all malignancy!  In the name of Jesus!  So be it!

Richard

    Healing prayers being said for Sheila and your family, Alfred.
    
    God bless,
    Karen

    
                  I need your prayers today and during the next few weeks.
    I have decided to leave my Church and seek another place to worship. I
    pray God is in this decision and will direct my path to a new and more
    rewarding walk with him.
    
    Dave

    Dave,
    
    I know God is already walking very closely with you in this.
    
    peace and many blessings to you,
    Kb

Dave - 

I know that God is guiding you to the perfect place for you where you can 
grow into the highest level of spiritual joy.

bless you!

Nanci  

    
    Dave, I too believe God is strongly by your side at this time.  I
    know that these times of 'shattering' can be painful, but please know
    that God is clearing the way for a deeper truth to take root.
    
    Love to you,
    Carole 

    Unless you have definite impressions as to where you should go
    plan on visiting as many different groups as time permits. Many groups 
    will "set out the bait", but you don't need to rush into anything.
    Sometimes, the best group for now isn't always the best forever. Its
    fairly common for someone to find some Truth and stop looking,
    overlooking BS. 
    	Beware of groups that make various humans the ultimate
    authority....someone who ordinary mortals can't question. Would you
    rather have a constitutional government    or a dictatorship? In my
    view the Bible should be the Christian's constitution. 
    
    God Bless!
    
    john

    Re: .90  Alfred, any word on how Sheila's doing?  And how are you and
    your father doing?
    
    Richard

>    Re: .90  Alfred, any word on how Sheila's doing?  And how are you and
>    your father doing?
 
	I've been meaning to get back to the group. The latest word is that
	they are going to be able to treat Sheila using chemotheropy. So no
	more cutting and removing. We all feel good about that. Sheila went
	through a couple of real panic type days at first. But in a several
	hour period several people from several areas of the country recommended
	the same doctor for second opinion. This was a real answer to prayer
	as this guy is a top specialist and is a believer as well. Chemo
	started last Thursday and I was waiting to hear how it went. Since I
	haven't heard anything I assume it's off to a good start.

	Everyone is a lot calmer about things now and feels God's hand at
	work. Thanks to all for their prayers. 

			Alfred

This may seem relatively minor in comparison to some of the health issues that have been 
brought up here in the past but I'm going to enter it anyway.  

On Wednesday I'll be flying east for training in Merrimack on Thursday and Friday.  Saturday I came d
down with a nasty head cold and I've heard that flying with a cold can be utterly miserable.
Could I request some prayers for a very speedy recovery and an easy flight?

Thanks,
Nanci

    Prayers for a rapid recovery for Nanci.  A cold in the head can be a
    pain in the tookas.
    
    Richard

    Healing prayers for you Nanci.  Healing hugs to be administered when
    you arrive!
    
    :-)
    
    Kb

    Healing Light to you, dear Sister!!!  Hoping your head clears before
    your flight.
    
    Love,
    
    Ro who is so looking forward to our lunch on Thursday!!!  Catchup
    time!!!
    

    
    Surrounding you with Light, Nanci!
    
    Cindy

        I request prayers for a sister-in-law who is undergoing
        surgery today for cancer.

        Thank you,
        Bob

    Holding your sister-in-law in my healing prayers Bob.
    
    peace & blessings,
    Karen

Bob,  Holding your sister-in-law close in my prayers.  

Judy

	This may sound trivial compared to many but it's a serious concern
	for me.

	Tomorrow I fly to Florida. If all goes well, on Friday I start driving
	north pulling a trailer and with my mother in law for company. Please
	be in prayer for a safe trip. This is a bit of a haul for one driver
	and a trailer. Also that my mother in law and I get along. Usually
	we are great together but we both have very different traveling
	styles. She likes to start early and stop early. I like to start
	a bit later and finish up very late. We'll compromise and do it her
	way of course but there will still be some tension as the trip wears
	on. I plan for 3 days but have allowed for an extra if need be.

			Alfred

	PS: One open item is getting the trailer. Please pray for that as
	well. Thanks.

Alfred, I know what it's like to travel as one driver since I did that from 
Washington, DC to Colorado (after learning of my father-in-law's death).  You 
will be in my prayers.  If you feel tired, please don't drive any further.  
Stop in a safe spot and take a quick nap.  

This will be a journey you won't forget very soon.  Enjoy if at all possible!

Judy

    Prayers of healing and wholeness for Bob's sister-in-law.
    
    Prayers for travel mercies for Alfred's journey.
    
    Prayed in the Name of Christ Jesus.  Amen.
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    I made it home. Thanks for your prayers. I believe they helped.
    It was a long and tiring trip but I truely felt God taking care
    of me. 
    
    			Alfred

    
    Please pray for my Ann who has been diagnosed as schizophrenic.
    She thinks she is the "true Eve" and has been simplifying her life in
    preparation for bringing in an era of peace. This means she quit her
    job, sold her house at a loss, and now has no income and no health
    insurance.  (She is in her late 40's.)
    
    She is on medication and the psychiatrist recommends hospitalization,
    so her family is trying to get her on public assistance and find an
    appropriate hospital.  (This is not in New England.)
    
    I hope to get a progress report within a couple of weeks.  
    
    Ann has had at least one previous episode (about 16 years ago) and was
    able to return to a functional (and professional) life, even without 
    psychiatric treatment.
    
    Thank you,
    Nancy

    Dear God,
    
    	Be with Ann.  Be with Nancy.  Be with all those who love and care
    for Ann.  Bring healing and hope into these precious lives in such a way
    that is unmatchably Yours.  Shed light in the shadows.  Restore and
    reclaim your own.
    
    Recovery has already begun to the glory of the greatest of all Healers.
    So be it, in Christ.
    
    Amen.
    

    Nancy,
    
    I am holding Ann close in my prayers.
    
    Karen

    I'm requesting prayers for 2 of our noters: Alfred Thompson, who is having
    a surgical procedure performed on his arm; and Ron Francey, who will be
    appearing tomorrow before a review board with the UCC.
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    Prayers and well wishes to both Alfred and Ron.
    
    peace & blessings,
    Karen

    Prayers for Josh O'Neill, editor of the Mench, and his wife and three
    children - Josh suffered from layoff status at Digital yesterday.  Josh
    is a Messianic Jew living in Worcester with his family - he has nothing
    currently lined up for work and his wife is the family housekeeper, ie.
    not income producing.
    
    Josh's work on the Mench over the past two years has been very
    informative and interesting.  
    
    If you wish to correspond with him, contact me and I'll give you his
    home address and phone number.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

    Until Richard notified me that he moved my prayer request (.-1) to this
    base note, I wasn't aware of its existence.  When I checked it out, I
    found a few prayer requests for me during my recent UCC exam.
    
    There's something special about doing something on somebody else's
    behalf - without even lettting that person know it was done.  But
    that's what the "real" stuff of life is really about, isn't it?
    
    And it is that we are praying to God and not to each other.  I think
    God likes that a lot!
    
    Thanks for your intercessionary prayers - and for God's response.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

    re: .113
    
    Ann is now enough in touch with reality to realize that she is ill and
    needs help and to worry about the fact that she has no money.  (That
    statement won't make sense unless you recall, or refer to, .113.) She is
    spending the winter with her sister and was to have her first session
    with a local psychiatrist there recently.  Please pray that that
    relationship is therapeutic and that progress continues.
    
    Nancy

    Good news!  Praises to the Great Physician!
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    
    My best friend from college just called to say that his sister-in-law,
    Donna Paetzold, was in a serious car accident just over a week ago and
    is currently in a coma.  
    
    Your prayers for the best possible outcome would be most appreciated.
    
    God bless,
    
    Cindy

    Praying on Donna's behalf.
    
    Peace,
    Richard
    
    PS Coincidentally, my best friend in college was a member of the
    opposite sex.  I wonder how frequently that happens.

	... a DECie from the TOPS-10/20 world, Kevin, I think.  Is your friend formerly
of DEC?

    
    Re.-1
    
    Yes, same person...although Kevin now works at Stratus.
    
    We go back a long ways...pre-DEC!  (;^)
    
    Cindy

    Prayers are asked for Ed Dunphy, a bartender working one day a week in
    the Lithuanian Village in Brockton.  Ed suffers from cancer.  He has most 
    of his intestines removed, can barely eat food, has been in great spirits 
    for the past few years - and this past Monday found that he has an 
    inoperable growth choking his optic nerve and can expect to loose sight in 
    one eye within six months, lose it in the other within 1 1/2 years.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron

Prayers are requested for 3 friends of mine who were arrested yesterday
for protesting Star Wars by planting wildflower seeds and tree saplings
on the SDI research property at Falcon Air Station, just outside Colorado
Springs.

What a way to spend Lent.

Peace,
Richard

    And you weren't there Richard, you insurgent you? :-)
    
    I'm holding your friends in my prayers.
    
    Karen

.129 & .130

Well, my spouse, son and I visited our incorrigible Christian friend in jail
last Saturday.  Peter (See Notes 172.1,.3 &.4, 124.27 and 295.4) is well and
in indefatigable spirits.  Though I know he'd had a long succession of visitors 
that day, he was no less than exuberant about seeing us.  His trial is
scheduled for April 8th.

Please, keep Peter bathed in prayer.

Peace,
Richard

    
    Thanks for your prayers for Ann (requested in .113).  She is much
    better.  She is on Lithium and is greatly improved.  The latest
    diagnosis is manic-depressive, (with the schizophrenic-like delusions
    occurring during the manic phase).
    
    Although she may not yet be ready to function completely alone, she
    recognizes how ill she has been, is grateful for the treatment, and is
    trying to plan for her future (in terms of work, where to live, etc.).
    
    I hope to be able to visit her next month.  Please continue your
    prayers.
    
    Nancy
    

    Prayers offered to God for Richard's friends and for Ann and her
    continued therapy.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

My friend Peter (Note 213.129) has been found guilty.  Sentencing is tomorrow
afternoon.  They still punish prophets.

Peace,
Richard

    May his undeserved suffering be redemptive for us all.
    
    Nancy

    Requesting prayers for a member of this conference who is suffering
    severely with sinuses.
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    Prayers and healing energy to 'anon'...
    
    Ro
    

    Prayers and heartfelt wishes for your speedy recovery, my friend.
    Trust God, your Self, and the process.
    
    Love,
    Karen

Prayers for a friend (who occasionally peeks in here) who is recuperating
at home from a chronic physical conditional which fluxuates in the severity
of its symptoms.

Peace,
Richard

    Prayers to those in need.
    
    Nanci

	I've been asked to preach next Sunday at my church.  This is
the shortest notice I've ever accepted to prepare and deliver a sermon.
Please pray that I may be guided by the Spirit of the Most Holy.

Peace,
Richard

    Richard,
    
    Peace be with you, and may the Spirit guide you to be open 
    to the spiritual needs of the people and the necessary
    inspiration from the Most Divine.
    
    blessings to you,
    Karen

    Richard,
    
    Prayers for your response to God's call.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

    Prayers for God's guidance of you in your sermon, Richard.
    
    Speak with the voice of the divine!
    
    Nanci

Requesting prayers for my pastor.  He has started receiving threatening
phone calls.

Peace,
Richard

    Prayers for your minister.  Threats can be thoroughly draining or worse
    - they can come true.  Let us pray that they don't!
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

   Add my wishes of support and safety also.
   	
   Why would anyone theaten a minister?

   Allison

    My thoughts and prayers are with your minister also Richard.  I too, as
    Allison, am curious as to why he is being threatened? 
    
    Ro
    

Allison & Ro, .147 & .148,

My pastor is highly visible is this community.  He is an opponent of the
amendment outlined in 91.844, which incidentally is due to appear on the
ballot in November.

Peace,
Richard

PS  My spouse suspects we're receiving harrassing phone calls.  Someone
keeps calling about the time the kids get home from school and then
hanging up.   I suspect it's just kids fooling around.

    Holding your pastor in my thoughts and prayers Richard.
    
    Karen

    Richard - 
    
    Praying for strength of conviction and peace of mind for your pastor.
    
    Nanci

    I defended Jamey Nordby (three times) in note 91.  Please pray for me.
    
    Bubba

    
    
    I certainly will!
    
    
    Jamey  ;)

    Prayers for both Bubba and Jamey.
    
    Peace,
    Richard

This past weekend our group secretary died hours after giving birth to her 
daughter.

Please prayer for John, her husband, Danielle (sp?), her daughter, and Sheila, 
that she may have a place in God's eternal kingdom, and for our group here in 
Shrewsbury, which is in a state of shock.

jim

    
    Including all who are in need in my prayers.
    
    Carole

    Oh Jim, how awful.  My prayers to the family, especially the baby who
    has her lost her mother before she even had a chance to know her.
    
    Sadly,
    
    Ro
    

    .155,
    
    How utterly devastating!  How my heart hurts just thinking about it!
    Prayers for the mother and prayers for those she left behind.
    
    Richard

    Jim,
    
    I offer my prayers for John to help him get over this very sad
    period, for Daniella to help her in the future and for her to be
    a help for her Dad and for Sheila that she will have everlasting
    peace in God's kingdom.
    
    
    Bernie

    Jim - 
    
    How devastating for this family and their friends!  Prayers are on 
    the way for John, Daniella and Sheila.
    
    Nanci

    Asking for prayers for my children's father Don who is in the
    hospital for observation for chest pains. As far as I know now
    he's alright.
    
    Bonnie

.161 Prayers for Don's health and well-being.

Richard

    
    and a prayer to St Jerome who looks after scholars to help
    dr. don..
    
    and to St Ann for don's children's mother
    
    peter

   Bonnie,

   I'll ask my HP to watch over Don and you.

   Peace,
   Allison

    
    Holding Don in my healing prayers.
    
    Carole

    Is Don accepting visitors?  What hospital is he in?  And yes, prayers
    for Don.  I'm wondering if the pains have anything to do with his
    employment status; often, these things go hand in hand.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

    Hi Ron,
    
    Don should be released some time this afternoon.  They are just waiting
    for the results of one more test to be negative before they allow him
    to go home.  I agree that one of the major factors is stress due to his
    job search among other things.
    
    I'm sure he would enjoy hearing from you Ron.  He really enjoyed
    meeting you at the dinner.
    
    Ro
    

    Thanks Ro

    
    
    Roey,
    
    Please let us know how all this turns out, and let Don know that so
    many prayers are being said for him and much healing energy is being
    sent his way and to you.
    
    Love to you both,
    Carole

	My wife's grandmother has been living with us for the last year. It
	has been a difficult year to say the least. She is in the early stages
	of Alzheimer's. Last summer the courts appointed my wife and I the
	legal guardians. So we have both legal and moral obligations to take
	care of her. She can not life alone. Things like cooking are too much
	for her and forget her being able to do any serious shopping. But I
	start to drown on.

	We also have my mother in law to contend with. She's been on a disability
	retirement for the last 8 years or so (Stroke) and her health both
	physical and mental is not so good. And not only is she living with
	us for the summer she and her mother have not gotten along in years.
	Why wife is of course in the middle. This is not a good situation.

	My wife have been suffering stress induced illnesses since last fall.
	I'm on medication for stomach problems. And I've had a "cast iron"
	stomach for years. Things are not going to get better unless something
	changes.

	We've been searching for a residential care facility for grandma for
	the last year. Her physical health is much too good for nursing home
	care. At 86 she is on *no* perscription medication at all! Most places
	we've looked at cost more than her income and she has nothing to sell
	and no large savings. Yet her income is too high for Medicare/Medicad
	to help out. But we've found a place. Maybe.

	We are bringing her there Monday so they can interview her. Please
	pray - that we can get her to go - that the place is nice - that the
	place will take her. Also pray for my wife and mother in law. "Putting
	someone in a home" is a very emotional thing. It doesn't feel good.
	However, I truely believe that if this doesn't happen both my wife and
	mother in law will have seriously shorter lives. And that the quality
	of life for them, grandma, and even my son and I will continue to be
	unhealthy. Thank you.

			Alfred

Alfred .170,

	These situations are really tough.  They're the kind which seem to
evade any thoroughly satisfying solution.  They're the kind which seem to
tear at the heart no matter what you do.

	My prayers are with you and your family.

Peace,
Richard

    Alfred,
    
    Your family is in my prayers.  Elderly care is a major problem as the
    life span increases and something the baby boom generation is facing
    and will continue to impact us all in the future.  Having had to help
    place an aunt in a home a few years ago and have her beg me to kidnap
    her out of there, I know what a painful situation it is.  Sometimes it
    gets past the point of being able to provide for them at home, yet
    it is heartbreaking to have to see them live in a facility.
    
    As Richard says there are no satisfying solutions.  Strength to you
    and especially your wife as you work through this situation.
    
    Ro                                   
     

    
    Alfred, holding you and your family in my prayers.  Don't know if
    I could handle all of that.....I give you and your wife a lot of
    credit.
    
    Just as a suggestion, your wife (and you) might want to consider some
    form of stress reduction therapy for yourselves.  There are alternative
    therapies available that could really assist your and your wife's well-
    being at this time.
    
    Carole

    Alfred - 
    
    I'm praying for you and your family.  I know how difficult this kind of
    thing is and I'm keeping in mind the best outcome for all of you.
    
    I agree with Carole's suggestion.  Maybe some stress reduction therapy
    would do both you and your wife some good.
    
    comforting thoughts,
    
    Nanci

    Prayers asked for the little eight year old boy of forty years ago, on
    the day his mom died and on the vision he carries seeing her being
    taken out of the house.
    
    	Peace to Mom.

    Ron,
    
    Prayers, love, and warm healing hugs to the innocent little boy who was
    so young to have to bear the burden of such a great loss. 
    
    Peace to both your Mom and you.
    
    Ro
    

    I've read .175 twice now, and I can't read it without my eyes welling
    up with tears.  In my heart, I'm holding and gently rocking that little
    boy in my lap and crying right along with him.
    
    Richard

    Prayer requested for my 24 yr old son whose wife
    left him and left their 4 yr old son behind because
    she "can't be a good mother."
    
    I pray for them.
    I pray for me.... to do what I can and 
    to let go where I must.

    So much pain for everyone!
    
    Dolores

    Praying for this ruptured relationship and all who are affected by it.
    
    God's peace,
    Richard

Mary Nelson asked to be remembered in prayer especially on Thursday,
June 25th, her day of pilgrimage to Medjugorje.

In Mary's words:

	   "Please offer God a prayer of thanksgiving and as an
	offering of thanks, please be a blessing to someone in
	your life in a special way, too."

Peace,
Richard

	RE: my own .170 Grandma went with me to check out St Frances House.
	She really liked it. While she was there. Now she's saying she will
	not go and makes up excuses. I'm schedualed to take her there to stay
	tomorrow but I fear she'll be difficult about it. I know that once
	there she'll settle in fine and in a month be as reluctant to leave
	there as she is our home. But tomorrow will be difficult. It's very
	difficult these days. Please pray for the whole family. Especially
	tomorrow. Thanks.

			Alfred

    You and your family has my deepest prayers Alfred.
    
    Peace and comfort,
    Karen

    What a hard thing this must be for you to do, Alfred.  May God be with
    you.
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    Alfred,
    
    There's no way to make it easy.  My stepmother put my father (with
    Alzheimer's) in a nursing home about 2 weeks ago.  They had to lie to
    him to get him there; otherwise, he would have become violent.  While
    the Dr. was looking at him, they left (she and her daughter), and it
    broke their hearts.  (They're in Tennessee and I'm in MA, which is why
    I wasn't along.)
    
    He became violent that evening -- kicked one nurse in the mouth when
    she reached for his shoes and hit another one.  They phoned for
    permission to restrain him till medication took effect.  That was on
    a Thursday.
    
    I called him on Father's Day and he had calmed down a lot.  His
    sentences are not coherent, but he said something about "four, maybe
    five days" and something about the army.  I guessed that he thought
    he'd been put in the army and had been there 4-5 days!
    
    Dad will be 86 this coming Sunday.
    
    We keep our loved ones with us as long as we can -- which usually means
    longer than we are really able to care for and cope with them.  Their
    confusion makes the separation especially painful.
    
    God bless you in this very, very difficult time.
    
    Nancy

    
    Will hold you and your family in my prayers, Alfred.
    
    Carole

>    There's no way to make it easy.  My stepmother put my father (with
>    Alzheimer's) in a nursing home about 2 weeks ago.  They had to lie to
>    him to get him there;

	Quite right. Not an easy thing at all. I wanted to avoid lieing as
	much as possible and was able to get her to go without any lies. But
	it wasn't easy. She was quite upset for a while but became calm all
	of a sudden and cooperated. I believe it was prayer and God's help.
	There have been a bunch of people praying for/with us on this.

>   We keep our loved ones with us as long as we can -- which usually means
>    longer than we are really able to care for and cope with them.  Their
>    confusion makes the separation especially painful.
 
	Yes, the confusion does make it worse. We're used to making decessions
	for our children because "we know best." It's very hard to do the same
	for our parents and grandparents when diminished capacity renders them
	unable to care for themselves. And hard to give their care up to 
	"outsiders." In many cases a family can care for such people at home
	but not always. Ours has been a 4 generation home for most of the last
	year. Two of the generations are in poor health (either physical or
	mental). Caring for the elders has meant we couldn't care as well for
	our son or each other as we'd have liked. There comes a time to admit
	that you have done the best you can for as long as you can and get
	help. 

			Alfred

    Praying with you Alfred.
    
    My mother (88) is in the same position.  She does not know us at all.
    
    But, praise the Lord, she is well looked after.
    
    Love,
    
    Brian.
    

Prayers for our own Bonnie Reinke-Powers, who I understand is under the
weather at the moment and in need of some TLC.

Peace,
Richard

(Yes, TLC means "tender, loving care")

    Prayers for Ken Olsen as his recent decision and the vibrations within
    himself connect, as reality touches him in areas he's not yet aware, as
    his future becomes linked and integrated within the "stuff" of his
    being.  Prayers that he listen to the song being sung to him from the
    Divine One and that he might be able to continue to "become" and "be
    calmed".
    
    Thank you, dear God, for making us instruments of peace and for your
    loving us in all our days.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

    Ron,
    
    What a touching and powerful prayer.  I found it inspiring and would
    like to use it for others, may I?
    
    Bless you!
    
    Ro
    

    What's the meaning in a Christian context of "vibration"?

    Think of vibrations (or better yet, feel them) as that special contact
    or resonnance that quickens the heart, that clears the mind as you and
    your Holy One come into tune with togetherness.  It is the experience
    of spirituality as the "is-ness of self" in concert with the Yahwistic
    "I am".  Vibrations - an experience of the Divine and Intimate Kiss, an
    inward connectedness with the Grand Revealer of Truth, Life, Love,
    Peace, Hope and Joy.
    
    Surely, one who ventures forth in life with a grand entreprenurial
    fervor needs to feel and be able to interpret those distant beating
    drums, those beckoning sounds guiding one's ways, one's
    "yet-to-becomes" that God resonnates within our souls.  And so may Ken
    pick up on that which we all know is that undeserved gift, the gift
    that exceeds our understanding, that exceeds ...  May Ken know of God's
    Love.
    
    And sure, Ro, we all share here.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

    I adjoin my prayers to others praying for Ken Olsen.
    
    Peace,
    Richard

       <<< LYCEUM::DISK$NOTES:[NOTES$LIBRARY]CATHOLIC-THEOLOGY.NOTE;1 >>>
                             -< Catholic Theology >-
================================================================================
Note 691.33                      Prayer Request                         33 of 37
SDSVAX::SWEENEY "Will I make it to my 18th Anniversa" 7 lines   6-AUG-1992 17:49
                                  -< update >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Well, things happen fast.  My son John Daniel (the one born in January)
    became dehydrated and developed irregular respiration and heartbeat so
    he went to the Emergency Room on Tuesday, was in the ICU until today,
    and will probably be discharged in a few days.
    
    It was another opportunity to meet other parents of young babies with
    serious medical problems to pray and share experiences.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       <<< LYCEUM::DISK$NOTES:[NOTES$LIBRARY]CATHOLIC-THEOLOGY.NOTE;1 >>>
                             -< Catholic Theology >-
================================================================================
Note 691.38                      Prayer Request                         38 of 40
SDSVAX::SWEENEY "Patrick Sweeney in New York"         7 lines  13-AUG-1992 07:51
                                  -< update >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Things didn't work out as we planned.  God planned something else for
    him.  A tumor was discovered and there will be a biopsy attempted when
    he's strong enough to tolerate the surgery.  He's been on intravenous
    solution since Sunday and he doesn't like that one bit.  Otherwise he's
    not in pain and smiles.

    I see God's power, mercy, and infinite love for us in that smile.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peace and prayers for Patrick Sweeney and family,

Richard

    May God's healing power flow through those caring for John Daniel
    and restore him to health and to your loving arms and hearts.  In
    Jesus' name.

    Pat, if I were a praying person, I would surely pray for you son and
    your family.  As it is, your note just struck me right to the core of
    my heart.  With all the differences we have had in notes, I hope that
    you will accept my heartfelt wishes that your son recovers, and my
    fervent hope that you and your family will be able to rejoice in his
    homecoming very soon.

    It is times like this that I wish that there was something more I could
    do to help.  Words seem so inadequate, somehow.

    Mike 

    Patrick,
    
    My thoughts are with you and your family.  Gentle healing energy and
    prayers to little John Daniel.
    
    I'm really sorry to hear this news Pat, as a mother I know how scarey
    it can be to have a child be ill.
    
    Peace,
    
    Ro
    

    Dear Patrick,
    
    My most heartfelt prayers to John Daniel for his healing and 
    recovery, and much comfort and deep peace to you, your wife 
    and family.
    
    May you all rest gently in the palm of God's hand.
    
    Karen                        

    Patrick,
    
    May you feel God's tears, God's love, God's caring for your family and
    yourself.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

    
    Holding John Daniel, you, and your family in my healing prayers.
    
    Carole

    How is John Daniel doing, Patrick?
    
    Richard

    He's still in the hospital arecoveing, and he'll be able to come home
    when he can handle 420 cc.� or 14 oz. of formula per day.

    Still holding John Daniel in my prayers...
    
    Ro
    

    May the Divine Pediatrician enfold John Daniel within healing and
    nurturing arms.
    
    I pray it so, in the blessed name of the Most Holy.  Amen.
    
    Richard

    
    		I am asking for prayers for my daughter, Cheri. She was
    confirmed as having Mono this morning after 3 episodes of fainting.
    She was warned by her Doctor that if she doesn't get better soon they
    will need to put her into the hospital.  The doctor said that she has
    a very bad case so she could be in some trouble if she doesn't take
    very special care.  Ever ask a "boy-crazy" 16 year old to slow down?
    
    Dave

    Dave,
    
    Sorry to read the news about Cheri.  Healing prayers and energy being
    directed her way.  Now with two teenage girls in my house, I can
    empathize with that 'boy-crazy' stage.
    
    Love,
    
    Ro
    

.205

Prayers for Cheri's recovery.  Funny how those who have the most time seem
to have the least patience, eh?

Peace,
Richard

    Dave,
    
    Offering my prayers for Cheri.   By the way what is Mono, excuse my
    ignorance, I never heard of it.
    
    
    Bernie

    Dave,
    
    Holding Cheri in my healing thoughts and prayers.  May she be
    comforted, strengthened and blessed with a speedy recovery.  
    
    Karen

Bernie .208,

Mononucleosis, sometimes called "the kissing disease", typically begins with a
sore throat and causes its victim to become chronically physically exhausted
and sleep a lot.  Its symptoms can last for months beyond the actual infectious
stage.  My mother had it one year.

Peace,
Richard

    Prayers for John Daniel and Cheri.  May they bathe in the divine flow of
    perfect health.
    
    Nanci

    Richard .210
    
    Thanks for clarifying Mononucleosis for me.
    
    
    Bernie

    RE: Richard & Bernie,
    
    				Thank you Richard for your note.  Bernie, I
    am sorry I didn't get back to you.  My daughter took a sudden turn for
    the worse so I have had my hands full.  Today will tell if we have to
    put her in the hospital or not....its real iffy right now.  With her
    strength at about 1/4 and her constant vomiting, it was becoming
    dangerous for her.  The doctor said that there are degrees of this
    desease and she has the worst of them.  And thanks to all for your
    prayers....I know they are helping!
    
    Dave

    May God strengthen and heal Cheri.  May the power and wisdom of the
    Great Physician work through those who minister to her, and may the
    peace of the Comforter be with the Dawson family.
    
    Amen.

Prayers for a dear friend in the loss of her father on Friday.

Prayers for dear friends in the birth of their second child on Friday.

Peace,
Richard

        At church this Sunday one of the songs was taken from Psalm
        91, which says in verse 7:  "A thousand shall fall at thy
        side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not
        come nigh thee."

        I was reminded that software engineering is likely to lose up
        to 20% of its ranks during the next few weeks.  There will be
        a lot of sorrow and misery at the start of Advent this year,
        compounded by the appearance of the software engineering
        captain's having jumped ship prior to the "wreck."

        Please pray.

        Bob

My prayers too, are with the software engineering community.  For all 
the stunned engineers I work with and for all of us impacted by the 
decision to cut many of the software products, may we we pray that Thy 
will is being done.

Ro

    I'm taking a pause from work for just a few minutes and have come to
    this notesfile as I often do as kinging like going into the sanctuary
    late at night seeking God'd presence.  I've got a really wrenchingness
    going on in my stomach right now as I just heard (pleae do not pass
    this on to anybody as nothing is definite) that my old group may be
    downsized by approximately 50%.  This is a group that I thought was
    going to be pretty safe because of the type of work it does.
    
    It really hurts a lot when trying to come to grips with the anquish,
    the anxiety, the fear that so many people have or will have - and I can
    offer my prayers, and I do, and hope for the best for these and so many
    other people.
    
    I feel as though I'm witnessing leagues and leagues of people all being
    sucked down into the swamp of life.  I cannot hide the tears.
    
    	Peace,
    
    	Ron
    

    I heard on Tuesday that my group will be being downsized as well.  I
    ask for prayers for the people in my group and their families.
    
    On a more practical note, if any of you use the 1-800-DEC-SALE hotline
    and don't want to see degredation of the level of service, please
    contact me.  (Are you listening Bubba?)  Since they've cut Sales
    Support so heavily in the field our call volume has doubled and taking
    away 20% of our group would be devastating to the level of service we
    can provide.
    
    Nanci    

    I expect to get TFSO'd this time.  *Not confirmed*, because they can't,
    but I believe it strongly enough to be cleaning out my office.  (Being
    a bag lady at heart, that could take awhile!)
    
    Nancy
    

    Yep, I'm cleaning out too Nancy.  It's as definite here as with you -
    all the "signs" say I'm going this time.
                                                                         
    Karen

    My prayers are for both of you and for the others who have already been
    tapped.  Peace to you and I hope you both are wrong in your assessment
    of your job security.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron

This is very disheartening.

I've known Nancy and Karen both now for quite some time now, thanks to the
medium of Vax Notes.  I've grown in appreciation for the wisdom, sensitivity
and compassion which flows so lucidly through the words and thoughts of both
women.  The thought of their permanent absence here is painfully sad for me.

Richard

    I have to admit I've cried a few tears already about this, amidst a
    host of mixed feelings.  So much is going to change.  It's difficult 
    to even fully comprehend, and therefore "prepare" for it.  When you're
    a vaxnoter, you're not just blessed with a job everyday, you're blessed 
    with a family -- and all the heart stuff that entails. :-) 
    
    But with the cancellation of the training program I've supported these 
    last two years, frozen reqs, and a resume-flooded internal job market, 
    the hand-writing is on the wall.  I know I will be guided to other 
    meaningful and rewarding opportunities by the Most Divine, as I am 
    already receiving much needed comfort and encouragment in this regard.
    
    It's a bit of an understatement to say your thoughts and prayers are 
    especially helpful and appreciated at this time.  For they are, more
    than words can say.  *Thank you*.
    
    Peace and many blessings,
    
    Karen

    Nancy and Karen,
    
    Praying with you and for you.
    
    With Love,
    
    Brian.
    

    
    Nancy,
    
    Your voice will be missed here (and has been).  Stay well and
    many blessings on your continued journey.
    
    
    Karen, you *know* no matter where you go, there I'll be on some
    level.  No goodbyes for us.  And....your real work is just about
    to begin! :^)
    
    
    Love,
    Carole

Nancy,

My prayers are with you and as a fellow member of IDC, I know that my 
chances of being hit on the 7th are high too.  Whatever happens, I 
want you to know that I've enjoyed your notes here and you have been 
an inspiration for me.

Kb,

Tears come to my eyes at the thought of your departure and that we may 
not have contact on a daily basis.  I do believe however that you will 
be a life-long friend and somehow we will remained connected through the 
years.  You've given me so much through your love, support, and 
insight and the encouragement to embrace the shadows as well as the 
light.

Love,

Roey

    This may be it for my group.  I'm off to a TFSO meeting.  Will let you
    know when I get the word officially.
    
    much love to all,
    
    Nanci

    
    
    Nanci,
    
      Praying for you.. You have my home number, correct??
    
    David

    Carole and Ro,
    
    Thank you, soul sisters.  You are both most uncommon women. :-)
    
    Love,
    
    Kb

    Thanks, David.  You too.
    
    Nanci

    It is official.  They're doing away with the entire district.  We'll
    get the formal announcement Dec 14 and the last day will be Dec 18th.
    
    Time to regroup, eh Jerry?
    
    Nanci

    RE: Nanci....
    
    			You *MAY* be the lucky one.  I am sorry!
    
    
    Dave

    Nanci,
    
    I'm on my way out to see you (and check out the southwest) after the 
    first of the year -- glad you'll have more time to visit! :-)
    
    Hugs,
    Kb

    Oh Nanci, I'm so sorry...

    Warm hugs,

    Ro
    

Nanci .232,

	This is an unexpected shock and sad beyond words. :_(

Skweezes,
Richard

   Nanci and Kb,

   Part of me knows that this dysfunctional place may actually be
   bad for us.  Though the changes may be unsettling it truly does
   bring opportunity.  I pray you will have a better life where ever
   it takes you.

   Huggs,
   Allison

    Nanci,
    
    I'm really sorry to hear the news.  I pray that things work out for you
    in the future and that you might find better conditions soon.
    
    	Peace,
    
    	Ron
    

    I was really in the pits last week, but this week I feel so much
    better!  I increasingly realize how dysfunctional our organizations
    and corporation are and how much less stressful it will be *in that
    respect* to be not here.  
    
    But I also realized that I have been supported in prayer by this 
    community since entering .220, so I must surely acknowledge that that, 
    too, must be helping!
    
    So, thank you dear sisters and brothers!
    
    Nancy

    Nancy:
           
           I am glad you are feeling much better. I am going to miss you
         in this conference. 

           I am sure that wherever you go and whatever you do after DEC
         you will have the same positive and enlightening effect that
         that you have had here in CP.

                                                               Mike
      
            

    Hi, Nancy.
    
    Sorry to hear that you have joined our (increasingly less) exclusive
    club.  Look forward.  We're all praying for you.
    
    with love,
    
    
    Brian.
    

    God Bless you Nanci!
    
    jeff

    Nancy - 
    
    Support and prayers for the best possible direction for you in your new
    life.
    
    David Dyben - I seem to have lost your home phone number.  Could you
    send it?
    
    Allison - 
    
    I'm just glad I got a chance to meet you in person before I left.  You
    are one special woman.
    
    Kb - 
    
    I can't wait to see you.  :-)  Watch out Colorado, here we come!
    
    
    
    Thanks for all of the support.  Although some of us have had our
    philosophical differences I know that I can always find love and
    support here.
    
    blessings to all of you,
    
    Nanci 

    
    		I just got off the phone with Karen Berggren.  Her cousin
    and her cousin's baby were murdered yesterday by the baby's father.
    Karen had just seen them this last weekend.  Karen is in deep pain and
    anger.  Any thoughts and especially prayers would be greatly
    appreciated.
    
    
    Dave

Dave,

My prayers and thoughts are with Karen and her family.  Dave if you should
talk to her again, please tell her to call me if she needs to talk.  I don't
want to intrude as I know each of us handles grief differently.

Ro

    Tell Karen that I'm praying for her and her family!
    
    jeff

.245

Dear God.  This is awful!  This is beyond my capacity to be objective.  This
is too close.  This is too personal.  I understand Karen's shock and horror.

I don't understand what goes through the minds of people who do this kind of
thing.  It is incomprehensible.

God, be with Karen.  Wash her in warm and soothing life-giving waters.  Grant
Karen your peace.

Richard

Oh God.  How do we teach your people to respect your gift of life.

    John,
    
    		Your prayer is both timely and appropiate.  I left out the
    gruesome details but they were/are horrendous.  Thank you.
    
    
    Dave

    Dave - 
    
    My thoughts and prayers are with Karen and her family.  If you talk to
    her let her know.
    
    Nanci

    Dave - 
    
    Every time I hear of such things a little voice says:
   	
   	God, why do people kill?

   My prayers and support for KB.

   Allison

    
    Dave,
    
    Tell Karen my prayers are with her.  It's hard enough to lose someone
    you love through natural circumstances, but something like this has
    got to rock your whole world.
    
    Our Father, give comfort to the families involved; that of the victims
    and of the murderer.   No doubt both mourn the loss and both are
    grieved that this man they thought they knew would do this.  Give 
    them peace in the midst of their pain.  It's in the precious and 
    holy name of Jesus that I pray.  Amen.
    
    Jill

Adding my prayers...

Jim

    All my prayers, thoughts and hugs for Karen and her family.
    
    May God give them peace and grace to help them at this very sad
    time.
    
    Bernie.
    

    
    my sincere prayers for Jeff Benson and his family at this
    time. i am especially praying to our St. Mary and St. Ann
    to help them.
    
    peter

    Bubba wants to receive a phone call on Monday ... Bubba would like very
    much for the person on the other end of the line to tell Bubba what
    Bubba would like to hear.  Bubba wonders ... if he asks God .. and
    Bubba promises to be real good for a long time to come .. would God let
    that phone call happen?

    Aw .. forget it .. I'm gonna' talk to Him anyway ... y'all may just
    put in a good word for me if you feel so inclined.  I hear God likes
    fried catfish, fried okra, and a good mess o' collard greens.  I'm
    gonna fix up a batch tonight - along with some good home made
    corn bread -  and invite Him over.  Wish me luck.

    Bubba

    Praying for you Bubba. I know God is listening to both of us.

    		Alfred

My prayers are with you Bubba!

I would like to request prayers for my 15 year old stepdaughter, 
Jessica, as she works through a difficult time in her life and I ask 
Father-Mother God that she blossom into the wise-knowing woman that 
God intends her to be.  Prayers too that I have the strength to be 
there for her with whatever guidance she needs from me.

Thanks,

Ro

    RE: .257
    
    I would also abb to the list...hoppin john.
    
    God is listening Bubba.
    
    Marc H.

I add my prayers to those on behalf of Bubba Beeler, Ro's step-daughter
(Jessica) and the Jeff Benson family.

Peace,
Richard

I'll be delivering the sermon this coming Sunday at Pikes Peak MCC,
5:00pm, 730 N. Tejon (the Unitarian building), Colorado Springs.

Please pray that I may be an a good and faithful instrument of God.

Richard

    You got it, Richard!
    
    I'd also like to request some prayers for my daughter, Emily, and
    myself.  Emily broke her arm falling backwards in a dining room chair
    on Jan 22.  I was in Boston for a seminar and didn't know until the
    next day after she'd had surgery and had been in the hospital
    overnight.  I flew back immediately and was with her in the hospital
    until she was released 3 days later.  
    
    It's a very bad compound fracture but she seems to be doing fairly well
    now.  She has had some unusual pain lately because they capped the pins
    on the outside of her arm and the swelling has gone down in the arm
    causing the pins to rub against the inside of the cast.  She's a little
    trooper, though, and is trying to do as many "normal" things as
    possible.  
    
    Meanwhile I'm trying to cope with some major things that have come up
    here at work and with the end of a relationship of which I had great
    expectations.  I'm doing all right (mainly because I've doubled my
    prayer/meditation/communion time with God) but could use an extra boost
    or reminder from time to time.
    
    Thanks everyone,
    
    Nanci

    Richard,
    
    Are you using the lectionary?  If so, I wonder how you will be led by
    the scripture and how that may differ from how Dot may be led by it.
    
    She is now the Sr. Interim and is working 40+ hours per week and will
    be preaching every Sunday thru the end of June.
    
    The lectionary fits right into "A love like no other love" - and this
    on Valentine's Day!
    
    	Peace to you!
    
    	Dot and Ron
    

Note 213.264

>    Are you using the lectionary?

Not this time.  I usually do though, given enough notice.

On short notice, I sometimes dust off an old sermon and try to update it a bit.

The title is "Putting it (one's faith) on the line."

Peace,
Richard

    Richard,
    
    So, who's drawing the line?  Is the line already drawn and if so how do
    we recognize its constraints?  
    
    Is, as Kierkegard says, a "leap of faith" necessary to approach but not
    step over the boundaries implied by God?
    
    Example suggestion: the game of hop-skotch.  The line determined by us
    or determined by God?  How can we tell the difference?
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

Prayers for a friend who is experiencing depression.

Peace,
Richard

I'm asking for prayers for guidance as I work through decisions concerning
the course of my life that I anticipate making between now and when Sharon
expects to have her degree in December.

Peace,
Richard

    May clarity be yours, Richard.
    
    Nanci

    I'm asking for your prayers for when I return to Ohio to visit with my
    family the first week of June.

    My father has been suffering from severe panic/anxiety attacks and
    depression for some time now and has had much medical intervention,
    including high-levels of drugs and electro-shock therapy.  As a result,
    he has huge memory losses.  

    My mother has become his caretaker and is very stressed out.

    I love them both dearly, and it is difficult for me to know how to
    *be* when I am with them.  I get all caught up in my judgments of what
    I think they "should" be doing, and forget to remember my connection
    with my Source.

    This is my prayer, I ask for those of you who are at peace with joining
    me to do so.

    	"Parent Creator,  I am faced with a situation that seems difficult. 
    I feel fear and apprehension when I think about going home to visit Mom
    and Dad.  I'm afraid I'll say stupid things, and be unloving with them. 
    I'm afraid that I'll regress to when I was a child and be surly with
    them."

        "Source of my very Life, I am willing to see this differently.  I
    turn this situation over to You, for healing.  With all my heart, I
    truly want to be loving.  I let go of all the thoughts I hold that keep
    me from seeing my parents completely with eyes of Love.  I ask for Your
    help."

    Amen.

    "Ask and it shall be given".
    
    God has set you free.
    
    	Peace to you and your family!
    
    	Ron
    

    .270
    
    Ruth,
    
    Your prayer is my prayer for you.
    
    Richard
    

    
    Hi Ruth....as long as you don't mind me praying to God the Father...
    I'll lift you and your family up in prayer as well.  
    
    Jill

    Jill,

    Thank you so much.  I welcome prayer on my behalf from people of all
    faiths and all persuasions.  

    Ruth

    And so it is!
    
    Nanci

    689.69
    
    Praying on Bob Fleischer's behalf.
    
    Peace of Christ,
    Richard

Bob, keeping you in my prayers - may all turn out for your highest 
good.

Ro

    
    RE: Stuart....
    
    It makes you wonder about this company, doesn't it?  I will hold
    Stuart and his family in my prayers.
    
    Carole

    I don't wonder anymore........I know.
    
    Marc H.

    I've been requested to place a prayer request here on behalf of
    Stuart Brook, a DEC employee from Canada who had arranged to relocate
    at his own expense to Colorado Springs.  His home in Canada has been
    sold.  His home in Colorado Springs is due to close on the 28th, next
    Monday.  Stuart was advised on Sunday that his employment with Digital
    was ending.
    
    The timing of this event has made the situation especially difficult.
    
    Richard

Re: Stuart

It's examples like this that don't exactly make me teary-eyed about 
leaving this company.  The DEC I knew and loved is no more.  Sad.


Sandy
 

    I'd like to ask for prayer. I'm going though a bunch of stress right
    now. A number of large things (cars for example) that I can not
    afford to be without nor spend too much to fix are breaking. Also
    work is not fun. Between some scheduling crunches, friends getting
    TFSOd, and other things the stress of Digital is getting to me. At this
    point TFSO would be a relief. Until the money started running out
    before I found the next job.

    	Thanks,
    		Alfred

re Note 213.283 by CVG::THOMPSON:

>     and other things the stress of Digital is getting to me. At this
>     point TFSO would be a relief. Until the money started running out
>     before I found the next job.
  
        It is good that this is summer (thinking hemispherically, of
        course) and that Q4 is almost over.

        A lot of people need a vacation.

        (Whenever I've thought about TFSO, the package first seemed
        like a great bonus, which it would be if you could find a
        comparable job right away.  However, I quickly realized that
        I was at the age and stage where finding a comparable job
        could take many months.  I've gotten very close to
        experiencing this, this time, but I have a verbal agreement
        on a transfer within Digital.  I don't know if I could take
        the stress knowing that by a certain time the money would run
        out.   Yet the reality is that further layoffs are a definite
        possibility;  in reality being employed is only slightly more
        secure than living off a fixed sum of money, and in the later
        case you KNOW when the crisis will hit.)

        Bob

    Adding Alfred to my prayers.
    
    Lord, these are the times that try men's (and women's) souls.
    
    Peace be with you,
    Richard

    I'm praying for God's perfect solution and clarity to be yours, Alfred.
    
    Ruth

    You're in my prayers, Alfred.
    
    Nanci

    More news, none very good. Last night my cousin called me. His father,
    my uncle, has just been diagnosed with Lou Geherigs disease. There is
    about at 20% chance that his body will kick it on it's own. Otherwise
    he's looking forward to 2-4 years of degeneration of the nerves
    controlling his muscles. His mind will be fine but his body will
    rapidly stop working. There is no cure or even treatment.

    My uncle is a retired Methodist minister who has always been blessed
    with good health before now. Please pray for my uncle's healing and
    for his kids. My cousin is having a hard time with this as they've 
    been in some conflict that he'd like to see resolved.

    	Thanks,
    		Alfred

    You really have my prayers on this one, Alfred, also your cousin
    and uncle. My mother died of that disease at Christmas 1989, and 
    it is terrible. She lasted two years and could not do anything for 
    herself for the previous 9 months or so. It's awfully hard on the family, 
    too. One of the things we were advised to do was to plan on getting
    other caregivers for after the first year. It's good to think of this
    early, because you really do need it.
    
    Prayers to everyone else, too. Quite often I pray for whoever needs
    help at the time, and everyone dealing with layoffs has been in my
    prayers a lot recently.
    
    Eileen
    

    
    
    My friend Bill is on a business trip to Europe.  He called me last
    night from the hospital in Florence, Italy.  It seems that a couple of
    months ago he ate some "bad" shellfish and has hepatitis-A.  He's very
    sick and very alone.  He will be in the hospital for a few more days,
    at least, then into a hotel for a few more 'til he has the strength for
    the plane trip home.
    
    Please include him in your prayers.
    
          Greg

Well, it looks like I'll be preaching this coming Sunday.  Please keep
me in your prayers.

Richard

    Richard,
    
    Please post your sermon if you wish.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

I appreciate your vote of confidence, Ron.  I just wish I had a sermon already
prepared!

:-)

Richard

    Gen29:15-30 		(On Jacob, Laban & Leah)
    Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; or 128
    Rom 8:26-39			(Nothing can separate us ...)
    Math 13:31-33, 44-52	(on  the "small to large" parables)
    
    
    "On tricking the trickster & where was God?"
    
    Look at Gen and notice that Jacob (the trickster from even before
    birth) is tricked by Laban.  Develop along the notion of "greatness" of
    names, honor, of those in scripture and use several references.  In
    this text note that God wasn't present at all - perhaps God was more
    concerned for other things going on.
    
    It was when God saw that Leah was hated, that God opened her womb.  A
    message that God takes care of those who suffer, those who are
    oppressed; yes, even Leah.  God honored her by opening her womb.
    
    Use the NT parables of small-to-large (mustard seed, pearl) to show
    thatGod develops, nurtures, sustains form the very least so that we can
    become all that God fully means for us to become.  That nothing,
    nothing can separate us ...   that God overcame all that could destroy
    thru Christ's death, resurrection; that we are a resurrectiuon people
    ...
    
    Richard, above all else - have FUN and delight in the Lord and in the
    tight timeframe!
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Dot & Ron
    

    I would like to ask the community here to hold my little daughter in
    your prayers.  

    She was born with 2 big heart defects (ASD and VSD) and over the past 3
    years we've watched the VSD heal and the ASD remain open.  This past
    week we took her to her cardiologist and he said that he'd wait another
    year before doing heart surgery to mend the hole, but that if she has
    not healed by this age it probably wouldn't happen.

    If you like, please join me in my prayer...

    Jesus, I know you love my little lamb, Bridgitte, and delight in her
    beauty and child-wonder.

    I also know that you already understand my need and what I think the
    problem is....
    
    I would like to simply turn it over to You.  

    I acknowledge that I do not know what the right solution to this even
    looks like...maybe I don't even really understand the problem.

    But I trust your Love and I know that your gift of healing occurs on
    many levels; mind, spirit, body.  I also know that none of us heals
    alone. If my child has a broken heart, I know that mine must be mended
    as well.

    I let go of my preconceived ideas about how this situation should work
    out.  I ask for your perfect solution.  I ask for your guidance each
    moment of each hour of each day.

    Ruth

    Ruth,
    
    		I share your beautiful prayer...now and until God resolves
    this.  
    
    
    Dave

        I need a new job. No, I'm not being TFSO'd. I just can't take the 
    current one anymore. The boss is impossible to work with and the work
    has become boring as all get out. I've been in the same group for over
    8 years now and the accumulated "stuff" is really getting to me.

    Please pray that I find something before I go completely out of my
    mind. Thanks.

    			Alfred

    Echoing your words to the Creator, Ruth.  I know that Bridgitte is
    whole and healthy and in the loving, healing hands of God.
    
    Alfred - I know how you feel.  You're in my prayers.
    
    Nanci 
    
    
    

    Prayers offered up for two very beautiful young women, Bridgitte and Ruth.
    
    Praying for a quenching change for Alfred, who is sounding a bit burned
    out.
    
    Peace,
    Richard
    

    I join with you, Alfred, in your prayer for the perfect solution
    (Spirit's) for your job situation. 
    
    Ruth

    My situation has deteriorated since my last request for prayer. Let's
    just say that I need a new job soon, if for nothing else, my own
    piece of mind. I have an interview tomorrow. I pray it works out. I
    am also going to look outside Digital, which may just be what God is
    pushing me to do. I don't know.

    		Alfred

    .301
    
    My heart goes out to you, Alfred.  May God lead you and give you
    peace.
    
    Richard
    

    I need your prayers.  Domestic problems which I don't care to
    chronicle.  Please pray for me and my household.
    
    Richard
    

    You and your family are regularly in our prayers!
    
    	May God grant you peace!
    
    	Ron
    

    Richard,

    Let good things happen when they want to.

    Peace.
    Tom

    On the way, Richard.
    
    hugs, 
    Nanci

Please keep Carole Fretts, a former member of this conference, in your prayers.
She had a biopsy done today.

Peace,
Richard

    Richard,
    
    She's in our prayers.  Please let us know the outcome.
    
    	Shalom,
    
    	Ron
    

I may not hear the results myself.  But I'll relay what information I can.
I only found out about Carole because Ro Reinke, another former Digital
employee and member of this conference, asked me to post a prayer request
on Carole's behalf.

Ro says Don, her spouse, is once again between gainful situations (as our
British friends say).  So it would appropriate to keep their household in
our prayers, too.

Peace,
Richard

    Jerry Beeler is taking his certification exams this Saturday
    (tomorrow). It's a full day of written and oral exams and he's
    a bit nervous about it. He's asked others for prayer and I'm sure
    his friends here would like to join me in praying for Jerry.

    			Alfred

Jesus, you know the significance of being a rabbi; a teacher.  You
know how engaging and thought-provoking our friend Jerry Beeler
would be as a teacher.  Help Bubba over this hurdle.  Smoothe the
wrinkles of his anxiety so that he may answer quickly, clearly and
imaginatively.

Bubba is a natural salesman, God.  I hope you won't mind me saying so,
but if there's anything you could stand a lot more of, it's good and
decent sales reps.

Amen.

Richard

PS  Thanks for the update about Jerry, Alfred .310.
PPS  For those who don't know, Jerry "Bubba" Beeler is a former co-moderator
    of CHRISTIAN-PERSPECTIVE and well-known Limbaugh Dittohead. 8-)

    
    RE: .310
    
    Certification for what Alfred?  Where is Jerry anyway?  I miss him.
    
    Jill

    Certification as a teacher. He's in an alternate certification
    program. He can be reached by EMAIL at US2RMC::"[email protected]"
    
    			Alfred

    Please pray for John, a friend of mine in the hospital with pneumonia.
    He's expected to be in the hospital through Thanksgiving. :-(
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    
    
    		Yesterday there was a fire at a certain house here in
    Lubbock.  The next door neighbor rushed over and in the midst of
    horrendous fire went in time after time to save several children in the
    house.  When he couldn't move anymore and colapsed on the front lawn he
    told the firemen where the rest of the children were.  He died last
    night.  "Greater love hath no man...."  We knew him.
    
    
    Dave

    91.3324  May the living God embrace Len with a mother's love
    in arms everlasting.  May God be with Len's partner, Randy, who's
    grieving is to be in isolation from the comfort and acceptance
    of Randy's family.  May God enfold Greg Diercks in his grief and
    anger.  May God tender all our hearts.
    
    Amen.
    
    Richard
    

    Amen,
    
    Patricia

Bridgitte, Ruth's daughter, has been putting up with a nagging, miserable
cold for weeks.  We need to keep this youngster in our healing prayers.

Peace,
Richard

I'm having some micro-surgery done on my hand tomorrow morning.  Nothing major
(I have "saddle syndrome", a rare form of tendonitus located near the web
between my middle and ring finger), but it is invasive, and so there are some
potential risks.  (the worst case is I get converted from decimal to octal .-)

And it's my left hand that has the problem  .-( I'm left handed. )

And I'll probably be out a day or two.  I hope it doesn't make my typing any 
worse!

Praying for one and all,

Jim

A friend of my families was in a car accident last night (Tue around midnight).
Mike is in critical condition at Boston City Hospital. At this time they
don't know if he's going to make it or not. He has serious internal injuries
including heart and lung damage. Please pray for God to get involved in
the healing process.  It's a miracle that he's alive but it will take more
for him to fully recover. Mike is 18.

Mike's brother was my son's classmate for 7 years of grade school and our
two families are very close. Mike's father lost an Aunt, who raised him
in his mothers place, this past year so this a tough blow to all.

		Alfred

Alfred .320,

	I've been keeping Mike in my prayers.  Let me know of his condition,
if you will.

Peace,
Richard

Please keep me in your prayers all this week.

	"Our God is merciful and tender.
	The Most Holy will cause the bright dawn of salvation
	  to rise on us and to shine from heaven
	  on all those who live in the dark shadow of death,
	to guide our steps into the path of peace."

The peace of Jesus,
Richard

    You're in my prayers Richard.  May God grant you the peace and path on
    which you will find it.
    
    In His Love,
    Nancy

    Our friend Mike is doing much better. His vital signs have stabilized
    enough for them to start working on putting his leg back together.
    He opened his eyes and seemed to recognize people Saturday. I haven't
    heard a report from Sunday yet.

    		Alfred

update:

My hospital visit went well.  My left hand and arm is currently in a large 
splint.  Since I'm left handed this make certain thing, like typing, slow, 
difficulty, and painful.  (codeine doesn't quite take the edge off.)

I see my surgeon tomorrow, and should know better then how things went.

Thanks for your prayers.

Jim

    .324 & .325  Thanks for the updates.  These concerns will remain in my
    prayers throughout this week.
    
    .323  I appreciate your prayers, as well as those which have not been
    expressed.
    
    Richard
    

    Your welcome... and let me make it very clear... whilst I may disagree
    with you rather strongly at times, it doesn't mean I don't love or care
    for you Richard.  I give you a lot of credit for being an overcomer and
    knowing adversity and not letting it conquer you...  
    
    God Bless,
    Nancy

Further update...

I braved the elements (a "nor-Eastern" snow storm) and met with my surgeon.
Everything went well with the surgery, practically a "textbook" case.
I've got a line of stitches down the palm of my hand, and I have to do range 
of motion exercises--dare I say it?--religiously, so the ligaments & such 
recover their elasticity.  But YOW!! it hurts when I do them.

As they say for highway construction, temporary inconvenience, permanent 
improvement.  In the meantim, any mis-spellings I'll blame on my sore hand.  
.-)

Peace,

Jim

    Jim,

    	I still have the scar down my right palm from my hand surgery
    of a couple years ago so I can painfully relate to what you're going
    though. I'm praying for you.

    		Alfred

    Friends Shirley and Ren lost their son due to an accident over the
    New Year's holiday.  Any prayers will be much appreciated.  Thanks and
    may God bless you all during 1994!

    An update on our family friend, Mike. He is home now. His leg is in
    a cast of some sort and he appears to be doing well. Thanks for all
    your prayers.

    			Alfred

I've accepted an interim position of Sunday school teacher on short
notice for an adult class entitled "Through the Scriptures."  Please
keep this class and me in your prayers.

Richard

Please pray for the spouse of former C-P member, Cal Hoe.  Cal's wife,
Judy, was released from the hospital a couple days ago.  She's fighting
an infection of some sort and she has an ulcer.

Peace,
Richard

    A friend and former neighbor of my family,Lisa, has been in the
    hospital since last week with a serious viral infection. Over the
    week end they moved her to Brigham and Women's Hospital for more
    treatment. They are telling her husband that she may not make it.

    She has two small daughters and a husband. The husband has has 
    hemophilia and a degenerative arthritis condition that has left
    him disabled. His condition is such that it's a miracle that he's
    lived as long as he has. Several in his family with similar conditions,
    it's hereditary, have not lived near as long. This is not a family that 
    can easily survive the loss of the mother. Please pray for healing. Thanks.

    		Alfred

    
    Today in church, a member of our parish - Susan - told us that she was
    having a partial masectomy done this Tuesday morning.  Please pray and  
    send healing energy her way, and to her family as well.
         
    Cindy

    Remembering Susan in prayer.
    
    Richard
    

Please continue to keep my adult church school class and me, the temporary
teacher, in your prayers.

This coming Sunday will be my last committed Sunday to teach.

The class is called "Path through the Scriptures."

Richard

    Prayers for all who requested them. There seems to have been so
    much sadness in the lives of CP people lately.
    
    I would like to request some myself as well. I have a reason for
    not having been in here much in the last month or more: 
    I have developed tendonitis in both wrists. This is frightening in 
    that it is usually impossible to cure without voice software to keep you
    from typing so much. With the company going down the tubes,
    it's hard to ask for something so expensive ($1500) just to do your
    job.
    
    I will try to still read even if I can't write much or eventually
    anything.
    
    Eileen

    Will pray for your Eileen... there is much sadness in your note...
    Be courageous Eileen, our provider isn't Digital, it's someone much
    bigger, God.  Don't be afraid to ask for the instrument you need to do
    your job... A lady here in my office had such a need  [different, but
    similar] and it was given to her.
    
    In His Love,
    Nancy

re: 213.339

	This past year I've undergone surgery on both my wrists to allevite CTS.
Of course, this happened after nearly a year of medicines, workspace studies,
etc.  Then, as luck would have it, after my last surgery I saw an article in the
VNS about a new treatment for CTS - a small, low-intensity laser.
	The laser is not used to actually cut the skin or tendons, etc., but
rather stimulates the production of endorphin in the wrist area.  This allows
the tendons and such to "relax" and cause much less pain.  I wish I had known
about this *before* I was operated upon, but I don't think the technology was
available.  If I remember correctly, the method is being tested on GTE or GE
workers who perform repetitive tasks.
	Another alternative that others I know have touted is the use of
chiropractors or sports masseurs/masseusses(sp).  I have been told it helps a
lot, but have not experienced it for myself.

	I wish you a lot of luck. 

George
 

    
    Please pray for my friend, Margaret deacon in Rhode Island.  (Yes, 
    small 'd'.)
    
    She has a degenerative disease and is now in a nursing home because 
    she fell at home, hurt her back, and realized that she can no longer 
    live alone.  She's only in her early 60's.  It's been difficult as 
    she used to 'go everywhere and do everything' before this disease 
    struck about 2 years ago.
    
    Cindy

    Will pray Cindy...
    
    May God also grant her the gift of helps through one of his servants.
    
    

    Sovereign, Savior, Spirit,
    
    	Be with Margaret.  Help her to cope in her new and perhaps troubling
    environment.  Give her inner strength and resiliance.  Give her support
    through the caring attitudes and actions of those who surround her and
    maintain their friendship with her.  Amen.
    
    Thy humble servant
    

    Please keep me in your prayers.  I've accepted an invitation to
    preach at my church next Tuesday evening.  That's April 12th at
    7:00 PM MDT.
    
    Richard
    

    
    		I would ask for prayers for an unnamed person of our 
    community.  There is a health issue and a personal one.   
    
    
    Dear heavenly Father,
    
    				I ask for your healing hand on this person 
    both for the body and for the spirit.  I know that all things are yours
    and its your will that will be done....even so I ask.  In the Holy name
    of Jesus. Amen.
    

    Reach out and caress this loved one, dear God, with your healing
    touch.  Restore and revitalize and refresh as only you in your
    power over affliction can.  This I ask in the name of your
    own precious and holy Child.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

I'm asking for your prayers.  I've be plagued by a series of negative and
costly surprises as of late.  It's gotten so I shy away from answering the
phone or looking at the mail, which I know is sort of silly.

Further, my step-daughter is visiting.  Things tend to be tense when she's
around.

Shalom,
Richard

    Praying for you.

    
    Lord,
    
    please give strength to Richard 
    and stay Your hand from Justin and strengthen his mother Carol
    
    Amen

    There will be cuts in my group. No one will hear until Friday but
    I figure that my job is at risk. "All things work together for good
    for those who know the Lord." But I'm pretty nervous anyway.

    		Alfred

    Praying for you Alfred.
    
    There will be cuts everywhere.

I've been asked to make a prayer request for the Brooks family.  One daughter
in particular is having a great deal of difficulty adjusting to two recent
major moves (relocations) that the family has undergone.

Peace,
Richard

I would appreciate your prayers for the next few weeks.  Please pray for
my strength -- physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Also, pray for a special series of Tuesday evening prayer and communion
services a woman and I are co-preparing for the month of July at our church.
Our focus for the month will be "Healing of the Nations."

Shalom,
Richard

    
    		Praying for you Brother Richard.
    
    
    Dave

		Nancy Morales is going in the hospital for a hysterectomy
and a possible removal of at least one ovary today.  I would ask for 
special prayers for her today.  In the best of circumstances,  this is
a hard operation.  

		About 10 years ago I went to visit a close Church friend
who was going to have the same operation.  We, my visiting partner and I,
visited the night before the operation.  As we left we both realized  that
we forgot to pray with her.  It was the last time we saw her alive as she
hemorrhaged and died shortly after the operation was done.  This has haunted
me since, so I ask for these prayers in obedience to God.


Dave

    O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in
    darkness for the godly:  Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties,
    the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us do, that the Spirit of
    wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may
    see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus
    Christ our Lord.
    					Amen

    Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers,
    and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of
    everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this
    mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy gracious and ready help;
    through Jesus Christ our Lord.
    					Amen

    Daystar and Healing Light, guide the hands, eyes and minds of Nancy's
    surgical team that they may bring about a quick and successful recovery
    for Nancy.  Be with Nancy and her boys that they will rest assured in
    you.
    
    This is asked is your own most precious name.
    
    Amen and so be it.
    
    Richard
    

praying...

Jim

    I want to share this with you:
    
    Dave, thanks for entering the note about Nancy.  I read it early this
    morning (Australian time) and it made me feel very upset and sad that
    she was sick.  I stopped a couple of times this morning to pray for her
    but the burden of concern would not leave me.  I had lunch with a work
    mate and his only comment was that "You seem like you're a million
    miles away".  The truth was that I was on the other side of the planet
    worrying about Nancy.
    
    In the afternoon I still couldn't shake it.  I decided to take some
    work home and leave early so that I could go down to the ocean and sit
    on the beach and specifically pray for Nancy before the sun went down. 
    (It is winter here so it is getting dark early.)  I went down to the
    rock pool and looked out over the ocean - it was beautiful as the waves
    came crashing in.  Away from the noise of laser printers and PCs I
    bowed my head and began praying for Nancy and her sons.  I prayed until
    the burden went away.  
    
    When I opened my eyes there was this big huge pelican sitting there in
    front of me!  I have lived on this beach for 10 years and I have never
    once seen a pelican on it.  It was so beautiful and peaceful.  It was
    like God saying to me "special things happen when you pray".  I felt
    then and there that God was with Nancy at that moment.  I felt really
    happy for the first time all day.  I don't know why it happened - I'm
    just glad it did.
    
    God bless you Nancy.  Get well soon.
    
    Rob
    

 Just talked to Nancy...(I asked the person answering the main number
 to let me talk to her nurse so as not to disturb Nancy, but alas, she
 didn't)..she's doing fine, though she didn't have much of a voice, and
 she sounded tired and weak..

 However, there is good news, for those inclined to be interested in the
 technical details as she was able to keep her ovaries..they did a 
 laproscopy..(hopefully the reader will know what that is, as the writer
 most certainly does not).


 Anyway, didn't talk long, but she is fine and is happy with the outcome
 (re: Technical details above) and says thanks for your prayers.



 Jim

re: Note 213.362 by Jim "Be there" >>>

I'm glad that Nancy is doing well.

I believe a laproscope is a tube with miniature tv camera or coherent 
fiber optic bundle that can be inserted into a body allowing a direct visual
view within the body.  Sometimes surgery can be executed this way (for
instance using a laser to vaporize a tumor). 

The "old fashioned" equivalent is to cut someone open to see what's what.
Laproscopy is far less invasive and because of this the patient has less 
post-procedure pain.

Peace,

Jim

p.s.  Hurry back, Nancy!

    
    	Just talked to Nancy and it seems there gonna release her tomorrow.
    
    *note:  all noters are hereby warned to expect her back on the net
    	    sometime later this week.  I am teasing! :-)
    
    
    Dave

    Praise God!
    
    Richard
    

    And all God's people said...
    
    
    Amen.

    -1
    
    I certainly expected Patricia to come back with Awoman! :-)
    or Cindy!
    
    I'm logged on for just a few moments.  I must admit the prayers were
    felt and very comforting.  While I was under anesthesia the only thing
    I really remember is peacecomfort and being held... Rob thanks for your
    concern... I oftimes believe that the burdens God gives us for others,
    serve to help ourselves grow in some way, shape or form.  He has been
    good to me...  My church has been the best!  My Pastor and His wife,
    and two other couples and another single adult female were all at my
    bedside last night and I asked my preacher to have a service, but he
    grinned and read me some scripture.  How comforting to hear my Pastor's
    voice fill the room with God's word.  We prayed together and again I
    slept with much peace.
    
    Nancy

    Awoman Nancy,
    
    
    Welcome back.
    
    Patricai

    -1
    
    Thanks for the Awoman, Patricia.
    
    Now let me ask you,
    
    What would you do without this narrow-minded, fundamental, Bible-holding,
    flash-tongued female in here to keep you all focused? :-) :-)
    

    I have to admit, it would be a lot less lively in here.
    
    I'm glad your back.
    
    Patricia

Please pray on behalf of my brother, Bob, who finally came around to seeing
that booze was messing up his life.  He needs all the support and encouragement
he can get right now.  Bob lives two mountainous states away, so we haven't
seen each other in years.

Shalom,
Richard

    
    I just found out that a dear friend and former colleague, Margaret
    deacon (with a small 'd') died a few weeks ago.  We worked together 
    at GIA HQ. about 10 years ago - she was the voice comm manager there 
    until she retired. 
    
    Earlier tonight I called her, hoping to go to visit her this weekend,
    only to find out from the nursing home staff that she had passed       
    away a few weeks ago.
    
    She was suffering from a degenerative disease, and it was difficult 
    for her to cope with it all.  I know she is much better now, but 
    still I'll miss her and was really looking forward to seeing her again.
        
    Please hold her in your prayers and surround her with Light and Love.  
    She was a Catholic Christian, and particularly close to St.Margaret, 
    her namesake.
    
    Cindy

Oh no.  When you first mentioned that she was dying, I had thought of
going to see her.  But now we have both missed our chance.

    
    That's unfortunate, John.  I know she will appreciate and receive your 
    prayers now though.
    
    I did go to see her 8 weeks ago.  She was in the nursing home, and they
    were taking very good care of her.  It's been difficult on her though,
    from being so energetic and traveling all over the world on a moment's
    notice, to not being able to get up from her bed without assistance.  
    
    I was surprised to hear that she had died too, since she seemed to be
    doing fairly well (all things considered) only 8 weeks ago.  But I knew
    too that it was not the kind of life she could cope with for very long. 
    She wasn't that kind of person.  So ultimately I know this is for the
    best, even though she will be very missed.  And she's with her husband
    again too.
    
    Cindy 

    My prayers for Margaret, her family and friends.  May she now regain
    the freedoms which were stolen away from her during her final earthly
    hours.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

         <<< HUMANE::DISK$CONFERENCES:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DIGITAL.NOTE;1 >>>
                        -< The Digital way of working >-
================================================================================
Note 2702.30             GIA HQ, from Acton to Singapore                30 of 30
TNPUBS::PAINTER "Planet Crayon"                      24 lines  10-JUN-1994 14:34
                           -< in memory of Margaret >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    You're very welcome.                          
    
    In fact, your note just gave me an idea.  
    
    I was going to write to her daughters to express my regrets and include
    some great memories I have of knowing Margaret for so many years.  If 
    any of you would like to write an email of your own (as short or as long 
    as you like) and send it to me for inclusion, I would be delighted to do
    this.  Given her work with communications and networks, somehow I think
    it would be both fitting and appropriate.  Margaret was highly regarded
    by so many here, and I'd like to see that her daughters know this too.
    
    Or, if you would prefer to express your thoughts to them directly, then 
    send me a note and I'll provide the addresses to you directly.   I still 
    have to track the addresses down as I've never met her daughters 
    personally, though over the many years, I feel I know them quite well.  
    And her grandchildren too. (;^)  If that's not possible, then I'll
    provide the address of the nursing home to you, and they will forward the
    mail on to them.  
    
    Their names are Kim and Roberta.
    
    Cindy

    I would like to request your prayers for former president Jimmy Carter
    as he travels to North Korea this week. Although he is not going as an
    official US government representative, he is going as a citizen of the
    world. He is working to defuse the rather tense, militaristic
    chest-thumping that's been going on recently.

    For our sake, and that of our children, let us pray that God guides him
    with Wisdom and Peace.

    Eric

    .377  Amen to that.
    
    Richard
    

Just dropping in long enough to request your prayers on my behalf.  I
have a court appearance today. (930.105)

Shalom,
Richard

    May the Lord be with you, Richard.

                  -< Just dropped by to request your prayers >-

Please, keep me in your prayers.  I'm preaching this evening.

Rev. Ron Francey (a former member of this conference) and his
spouse, Rev. Dot Francey, are going to try to be there as part of
their vacation.

Shalom,
Richard

	Please keep a former C-P noter in your prayers.  Ruth Fannin has
pneumonia.  10 days of antibiotics haven't touched it.

Shalom,
Richard

Please keep me in your prayers.  I'm serving as one of the preachers
on "Laity Sunday" (this coming Sunday morning) at my church.

Shalom,
Richard

    I would appreciate being remembered in your prayers for the rest of the
    month.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

Note 180.59

>  Actually Richard, we are blessed.  But Michele is going in for an operation 
>  this Tuesday....malfunctioning liver.  

I would ask our readership to join me in prayer for a clean and successful
operation for your wife, Michele, and for a speedy and comfortable recovery,
Jack.

Shalom,
Richard
    
PS  Let's also hold up Jack in prayer.  These things are often as hard
    on the patient's spouse as they are on the patient.
    

    Thanks very much Richard.  Just to give you a better idea:
    
    1.  Michele's colesterol climbed to 386 and all the other readings show 
    a malfunction of the liver.
    
    2.  She's had multiple tests...Hepatitis A,B,C,D..., a test for
    Cirosis, an Ultrasound, and EKG...all negative.
    
    3.  This test involves a scope down the throat into the bile ducts. 
    Kind of like a roaming snake camera.  
    
    Pray for a stone or some benign obstruction.  If this is negative, it
    is most likely a liver disease she will be stuck with for life.  
    
    But Richard, I do agree that we are more blessed than many people in
    this world.  These diseases/handicaps are controllable.  I rejoice that
    she still has her sight, legs, arms, etc.  
    
    Thanks for the prayers everybody!!  Thanks for posting it Richard!
    
    God Bless,
    
    -Jack

Jack,

Let us know what you know when you know it.

Shalom,
Richard

    Thanks.  It is now Wednesday morning.  The good news is there is no
    cancer.  The bad news is there is no stones.  Therefore, the test was
    inconclusive.  Michele will be having a liver biopsy next Tuesday. 
    
    It is suspected that the problem is related to the diabetes.  She will
    most likely have this the rest of her life.  We'll see what happens!
    
    Thanks again for keeping us in prayer!
    
    In Christ,
    
    -Jack

    Jack,
    
    Thanks for the update.  You and Michele and your lovely family  will remain
    in my prayers.
    
    Patricia

.388 Jack,

I, too, will remain in prayer for Michele and your family.

In your situation, I might be filled with both a sense of relief and,
at the same time, some frustration.

Thank God for good medical coverage at least, eh?

Shalom,
Richard

    Absolutely.  You can't beat a $3.00 copay.  Actually, this one was free 
    so yes, I do count my blessings with that situation.
    Michele will be biopsied next Tuesday.  The results won't be back for
    another week after that.  
    
    Thanks,
    
    -Jack

Reminder: to keep Michele Martin and family in prayer especially on
Tuesday, January 3rd.

Shalom,
Richard

    I am happy to say Michele went through the biopsy just fine.  Now we
    need to wait about a week for the results.  
    
    Thanks for keeping us in prayer!
    
    God bless,
    
    -Jack

    Update on Michele...her biopsy showed she has what's called...
    Auto Immune.  In short, like when you get a cut on your hand the
    antibodies attack any foreign element to fight off disease...
    
    Well, Michele's liver is being attacked...so in essence, one part of
    her body is attacking another part of her body.  This is quite rare...
    especially with the liver.
    
    Please pray for her that the doctors will be able to control this with
    medication.  They still have to determine why the body is doing this!!!
    
    Thanks and God bless,
    
    -Jack

Prayers for Dan Smith, son of former C-P noter Nancy Smith, currently
serving with Habitat for Humanity International in Papua, New Guinea.

Shalom,
Richard

        I ask for prayer for guidance for me and my family in the
        next few months for a number of important decisions we may
        need to make.

        I personally have an an increasingly strong feeling that it
        may be time for me to change jobs, or even change companies. 
        One problem I have is that it is hard to describe what I
        really do.  Actually, I have been incredibly successful in
        this current position (for the past 18 months, ever since I
        was a TFSO candidate) -- far beyond my expectations.  Yet
        what I was successful at was being a technical revolutionary
        in a large, technically-conservative group approaching
        problems in a ponderous, complex, way.  I (and a team of two
        others, aided and abetted by our manager who actually hired
        me to do this) completely changed the direction of this
        group.  As a result, unlike many "overhead" functions, we
        have more work than we can do and might actually grow!

        But the revolution is over, the battle is won -- what do I do
        next?  I have considerably less interest in the continuing
        work of the group, even though I helped define it.  In some
        ways I need another place to be a revolutionary.

        This is not the kind of job you find in the classifieds.

        My wife is also considering going back to work after spending
        an extended time as home maker, chauffeur, and tutor (due to
        the special educational needs of our youngest daughter, now
        in second grade).   Quite frankly, we need the money, are
        quite deep in debt.  (This is another thing that might be
        helped by a change in jobs, but not a move within Digital,
        unfortunately.  Although my performance has been outstanding,
        and my manager concurs, the budget in the group won't support
        much of a pay raise, and Digital's policies make it drag out,
        anyway.)

        My son John, the oldest child, is a sophomore in high school. 
        He'll be going for a driver's license in four months -- need
        I say more?

        But there is more to say.  John is a semi-finalist in a
        high-school exchange program between Germany and the U.S.  He
        is excited, and I agree that this is a wonderful opportunity
        for him.  Nevertheless, I am extremely concerned that it
        would not be best for him (or most any child at that age) to
        be away from home and parental guidance for nine months.  I
        would hate to discourage him, so I'm thinking of
        alternatives.

        One of the things that would interest him (and the two other
        children) tremendously would be for the family to spend say a
        year abroad.  I wouldn't mind such a change either, but I
        have no idea how to go about investigating if such is a
        possibility.  Does Digital abroad need any revolutionary
        application of World Wide Web technology?  Advice (send mail)
        would be appreciated.  Because of our finances it would have
        to be something with no net financial cost to us.

        Our middle child and older daughter, Anne, is a
        nearly-straight-A (one nagging B+!) student who wishes her
        grades were better.  She works hard.  She gets along great
        with everybody but really has no close friends (her first
        year in junior high, in a school were most of the other
        students went to elementary school together).

        The youngest, Beth, has been a special needs student since
        age 3 but has just formally ended most special programs at
        the school.  She is a delightful daughter, and really loves
        to learn, but has a lot of learning difficulties still.  We
        pay for a tutor, Nancy tutors her more.  She is the only one
        in public school, but since she really isn't getting any
        special needs service from the public schools any more, we'd
        like to move her to the private school Anne and John went to
        (but the finances, again!).

        The cars are getting old, having almost two thousand dollars
        repairs apiece last year, and I have an 80 mile a day commute
        (another reason to change jobs -- but many jobs would be
        farther!) and we spend over $300 a month on gasoline (ouch!).

        Thanks for letting me dump my troubles on you.  If you will,
        please pray so that I won't do this again -- because I won't
        need to! :-}  I suspect that a lot of you have the same
        kinds of troubles -- or worse.  Please let me pray for you.

        Bob

I'll be holding you and your family to the light, Bob.

Shalom,
Richard

    Bob:
    
    I am also praying as I type!  I know the feeling, believe me!!
    
    -Jack

Please pray for my 14 year old son, Rick.  His academic performance
continues to decline.  Aggravating the situation, Rick has inherited a
bit of his father's stubbornness.

Yesterday, we met for the second time this school year with Rick's high
school counselor.  We're running out of strategies.

Parental incentives and restrictions are having no perceptible influence
on Rick's motivation or habits.

Rick is disinclined to see the "big picture," the long term, even at the
expense of privileges.  He reminds me of the bulldog on that beer commercial,
the one who says, "I don't jump through hoops for nobody!"  (Obviously
appealing to the same mentality)

Damned puberty!  Damned hormones!

On the positive side, Rick is not involved with drugs or gangs.

Please pray for Rick's parents, too.

Shalom,
Richard

    Praying for Rick - and praying for his parents too!

    Also praying for Rick that he will begin to develop a vision for his life.  
    It can be difficult at that age!!
    
    Rgds.,
    
    -Jack

    I will be praying for Rick and his Parents.
    
                                    Patricia

    I would like your prayers for my two children Mark and Diane as well.
    Mark will be 16 in March and Diane 14 in Feb.
    
    It has been a struggle for both of them these last couple of years.
    
    As I am planning on getting married and moving 45 minutes away, both
    must decide whether they will move with me or stay with their Dad in
    Andover.
    
    Neither of them has been doing well in Andover or in the Andover
    Schools.  
    
    In one sense I am comfortable letting them make this decision for
    themselves even as I know it is a very difficult decision for teenagers
    to have to make.
    
    Please pray that they make the decision that is best for them, and that
    they find meaning and motivation, and that they continue to develop
    good relationships with both me and their father regardless of what
    decision they make.
    
    Thanks
    
    Patricia

    Adding Mark and Diane to my prayers.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

    Jack,
    
    Any update on Michele?  Any medical determination since .394?
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

    Patricia, I pray that your children find the inner guidance they need.

	Sovereign God, source of life and all the gifts that add meaning
to our days, we rejoice in your goodness and give thanks for your saving
activity among us.  You guide our decision-making when we seek your aid.
Make us conscious of your presence in this time and place, that we may be
for one another channels of your righteousness, deliverance and peace.
Amen.

Shalom,
Richard

    Amen!

    Hi All:
    
    As you may remember, my wife Michele had elevated liver functions. 
    After six months of various testing including a biospy, MRI, Catscan,
    and various blood tests....and three opinions from some of the best
    medical centers in the country, we have finally determined the problem.
    
    Michele has a disease called Primary Biliary Cirrohsis of the liver. 
    What does this mean?  Well, on the lower lobe of our liver are numerous
    bile ducts.  The disease is basically a deterioration of these
    ducts..which slow down the drainage of bile and other components. 
    Consequently, the blood contains high levels of colesterol, copper and
    the like.  Eventually, these ducts will be totally ineffective.
    
    Michele will be taking a medicine called Octagol for the remainder of
    her days...three times a day.  Octagol is a harmless drug...it is
    actually bile from a polar bear.  This will not cure the disease...it
    does prolong the lives of the patient.  This disease is not really that
    rare from what I understand.  Eventually, Michele will require a liver
    transplant.  I hear there doing wonders with this and maybe in 15 years
    or so when she needs it, things will even be better.
    
    I want to thank everybody for thinking of her.  Please pray for her
    perseverence in dealing with this.  She already has diabetes and has
    been a real trooper...by the grace of God!
    
    God speed,
    
    
    -Jack

Thanks for the update on Michele, Jack.

Michele remains in my prayers.

Peace,
Richard

    And for your whole family, Jack.

Please keep in your prayers my goddaughter, Chris, 25, presently in jail in
another state awaiting court proceedings.  She's made some very poor choices
with her life and fell in with the wrong people.  If I'm not mistaken, she's
accused of being an accessory to homicide.

Shalom,
Richard

I'm requesting prayers for former US Secretary of Defense Robert MacNamara.
It takes a lot of courage to admit error and wrong thinking.

Shalom,
Richard

    Prayers are in order for all affected by the disastrous explosion at
    a federal building this morning in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

    Michele was taken of the medication for her liver last week.  She was 
    experiencing an allergic reaction (Just scratching and blemishes).  The
    Doctor told her that they will start her again with 1 per day and
    hopefully her body will become accustomed to it...then two a day...then
    three.  
    
    If she doesn't get accustomed to it there is an alternative
    (Coltracine).  If that doesn't work then I'm afraid we are out of
    options.  The doctor mentioned chemotherapy real quickly in a sentence 
    but I'm quite hesitant about that!  I would think she'd rather itch a
    little.
    
    Please pray that her body becomes accustomed to the mediication.  The
    doctor is concerned that it could possibly lead to anaphallactic shock
    and that's why he takes this itching seriously.  
    
    Peace,
    
    -Jack

    .415
    
    Thanks for the update, Jack.  Keeping Michele and family in prayer.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

>Note 213.412

>Please keep in your prayers my goddaughter, Chris, 25, presently in jail in
>another state awaiting court proceedings.  She's made some very poor choices
>with her life and fell in with the wrong people.  If I'm not mistaken, she's
>accused of being an accessory to homicide.

Chris has been charged with negligent homocide.

I've been writing her a couple times a week, usually just a few words on a
postcard.

Shalom,
Richard

    Richard:
    
    I grew up in a neighborhood with many many kids.  One of those kids was
    about five years younger than I nevertheless he was part of the gang
    you might say.
    
    Mark was a good student...and a nice guy.  Mark made the mistake of
    drinking and driving which he consequently got into an accident killing
    the passenger...another young teen under the influence.  Mark was
    charged with vehicular homicide which in essence could be construed as
    the same.
    
    Mark ended up not serving time because of his previous clean record.  
    It may be that Chris is afforded the same luxury.  The bottom line is
    that Marks life changed from that point on.  I will be praying that
    Chris' life will also change and that God will use it for good.
    
    God bless,
    
    
    -Jack
    I am 

.418  My Lord, Jack.  That's the most merciful reply I've ever read from you.

:-)

Shalom,
Richard

    It must be the magazines!! :-)
    
    -Jack

| <<< Note 213.419 by CSC32::J_CHRISTIE "Unquenchable fire" >>>

| My Lord, Jack.  


	Richard, when I first saw this, I saw it as Jack Lord! :-)  Guess my
mind must be in Hawaii!!!!! :-)


Glen

    Actually, I thought he was first calling me Lord Jack!! :-)

| <<< Note 213.422 by MKOTS3::JMARTIN "You-Had-Forty-Years!!!" >>>

| Actually, I thought he was first calling me Lord Jack!! :-)


	Wow... pretty funny Jack! (and no, I am not calling you funny Jack!)

I'm asking for all to bathe CHRISTIAN-PERSPECTIVE former noter Ruth Fannin
in prayer.  This woman has faced more than her fair share of difficulties
in her young life.

Shalom,
Richard

Please keep in prayer with me:

	Christina, jailed in connection with a homocide.

	Ruth, dealing with a number of difficult circumstances and decisions.

	Bob (Neither of ours), alcoholism.  Fell off the wagon.

	Michele, Jack Martin's wife.  Liver disorder, diabetes.

	Me.  I never decline prayer offered for my benefit.

Shalom,
Richard

    Thanks for mentioning Michele.  She is now doing the medication thing
    three times a day and her numbers are improving!  Thank you all!
    
    Richard, how are things going with your nephew (?), regarding the
    vehicular homicide possibilities?  
    
    -Jack

>    Richard, how are things going with your nephew (?), regarding the
>    vehicular homicide possibilities?  

Huh?

It's possible you mean Christina, my goddaughter.  But there was no vehicle
involved.

Richard

 Z   Please keep in your prayers my goddaughter, Chris, 25, presently in
 Z   jail in
 Z   another state awaiting court proceedings.  She's made some very poor
 Z   choices
 Z   with her life and fell in with the wrong people.  If I'm not mistaken,
 Z   she's accused of being an accessory to homicide.
    
    Ahh...sorry about that.  I knew a young man in a similar situation and
    got the two mixed up!
    
    -Jack

.426/.428,

Christina was released from jail about a week ago.  She remains under house
arrest pending trial, which has been delayed until the end of the year.

Richard

Please keep in your prayers:

The Michele and Jack Martin family.

Dan Smith, son of former C-Per Nancy Smith, currently serving in Papua New
Guinea with Habitat for Humanity International.

Dot and former C-Per Ron Francey, currently pastoring a UCC congregation in
North Dakota.

Former C-Per Ruth Fannin.

    Yes and thank you very much for mentioning it!!!
    
    -Jack

"I've started looking for a Doctoral program. I'd like something connecting
computers with education. I've a few leads but nothing solid. One program
looks sort of interesting but at $7,100/year for three years it's a bit
pricey. Especially with a son headed for college next Fall. Pray for me as I
                                                            ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
keep looking. I'd like to teach technology for education to student teachers
^^^^^^^^^^^^
some day."

Please pray for my 14 year old son.  He's having another poor year
academically.  It's nothing a little consistent effort (in subjects
he doesn't particularly enjoy) wouldn't fix and he knows it.

Shalom,
Richard

    Am praying for him now Richard.  My oldest is in first grade and this
    is a phase of my life I haven't had to taste yet.  I'm sure the trials
    will approach soon!
    
    -Jack

    
    Praying for him, Richard.  That's a tough transitional age, remembering
    my own situation at that time.
    
    Cindy

    
    I'm pray for your teen if you'll pray for mine :^)
    
    Eric

Please pray for ex-Digital, now ex-Quantum employees.  Please pray for
former CHRISTIAN-PERSPECTIVE participant and moderator Jim Kirk, whom
I hear is one.

Shalom,
Richard

    I think we need to remember in our prayers those for whom the holidays
    are a rough and painful time.
    
    Peace,
    Richard
    

Please pray for my son, Rick.  He's made some very poor decisions.  He's
fifteen year old.  That's as charitable as I can be about the situation
at the moment.

Shalom,
Richard

 Knowing what I experienced with my eldest, at the age of 15 many years
 ago, and now my youngest, at 13, I sympathize and will pray.



 Jim

    .440
    
    Thanks, Jim.  And pray for me, too.  I'm afraid this child's father is
    not handling the situation any too well.
    
    Richard
    

 will do.

Pray for the people of Israel, grieving the deaths and injuries
from the recent bombings, and for the people of Palestine,
suffering blockades and closures for the actions of a few.

        A cousin of mine has just undergone major surgery for cancer,
        and will soon be undergoing chemotherapy.  She is the mother
        of four.

        My cousin's husband is an engineer for Digital in Colorado
        Springs, he too will need support.

        They are both Christians and would certainly appreciate your
        prayers.

        Bob

Broken right ulna (forearm bone).  In cast until mid-May.  Typed this with
left hand only.

Humbly welcome your prayers.

Shalom,
Richard

    Will be praying for a speedy recovery.  Hope all is well with you and
    the family!
    
    Rgds.,
    
    -Jack

    Sorry to hear about the injury.  Will pray for a quick mending.

        Almost four weeks ago, my wife was involved in a car
        accident.  In spite of a rather tense evening in which she
        was airlifted to the regional trauma center, and received
        extensive tests, she was given a clean bill of health the
        next day and came home.

        (This was really good news -- more than once she was told
        that people usually don't survive the kind of accident she
        had.  Our ten year old daughter was also with her and
        received just a couple of scratches.  Thank you, Lord!)

        However, over the past few days jaundice has set in and her
        doctor is concerned about possible internal injury. 
        (Alternatively, there could be another cause having nothing
        to do with the accident.)  She is undergoing extensive tests
        again.

        Please pray for her, and her doctors.


        I also ask your prayers for me and my colleagues.  Up to a
        week ago our management was reassuring us that our immediate
        group would be exempt from this round of layoffs.  Today,
        however, we learned differently:  there probably will be
        major cuts by the middle of May.

        I've been having the feeling that it may be time to leave
        Digital, anyway.  Things have been stressful over the past
        year.  I really don't know of any place in the company where
        I'd like to be.

        However, I've been here nearly 18 years, and I'm nearly 50 --
        I'm not sure what my chances on the outside would be.


        My oldest son also needs your prayers.  He's a high-school
        junior, and thus is entering that ultra-tense time in which
        he needs to plan and apply to colleges, get the best grades
        he's ever got, take lots of tests, and yet keep his wits
        about him.  (And, as you know, there are probably about half
        a dozen other common concerns of someone his age, also
        weighing upon him.)

        Thanks,
        Bob

    Bob:
    
    Michele and I will be lifting you up at this somewhat tumultuous time
    in your life!!!!
    
    Rgds.,
    
    -Jack

    .448 Bob,
    
        My prayers are with you, your wife, and your co-workers.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

    .448 Bob,

    You are surrounded by love - and prayers.

    Tom

        Another bit of bad news came just in -- my brother in law
        (two years younger than me) died this morning of a heart
        attack.

        Please pray for my sister Fran and their 5-year old son,
        Mike.  (I'm also concerned for my parents, who are both
        physically and emotionally very close to my sister, and for
        whom this will be a hard blow.)

        Bob

        P.S. As far as Nancy is concerned, they have narrowed the
        problem down to a blockage in the bile duct.  It seems to be
        something unusual (not the very common stones).  A
        non-surgical procedure is planned for tomorrow which may
        discover what it is and possibly even remove it.

    It's amazing how at times calamity seems to all hit at once.  
    
    Praying for your various situations Bob.  Please give my regards to
    your wife.  She is a very warm individual!!
    
    Rgds.,
    
    -Jack

>                        -< I thought I had troubles >-

    I see what you mean.

    The prayerline seems to be working overtime for you.

    I am sorry for your brother-in-law and pray for your
    sister and nephew.

    I also pray your wife is up and around much sooner
    than later.

    Does your sister live nearby?

    Tom

re Note 213.454 by THOLIN::TBAKER:

>     Does your sister live nearby?
  
        In New Jersey.

        Bob

    My prayers are with you and your family, Bob.
    
    Dolores

    
    I need prayer support right now for
    some decisions I have to make.
    
    Thanks,
    Dolores

    .457
    
    May Adonai guide you clearly, Dolores.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

    Best Friend's father is dying.  Prayers requested that he have a
    peaceful passing among family, he has had a good life and is not at war
    with his diety, contrary to popular rumor among some family members.
    
    

    Sorry to hear about that, Meg.  I'll remember him in my prayers (what's
    his name?).

    Definately prayers for a peaceful passing.

>    Best Friend's father is dying.  Prayers requested that he have a
>    peaceful passing among family, he has had a good life and is not at war
>    with his diety, contrary to popular rumor among some family members.

    This sounds like it would be appropriate, while in mourning for
    ourselves, to celebrate his life with thanks to God, or Gaia or
    Whomever.  S/He hears us whatever we call Him/Her.

    Just a thought..

    Tom

        An update on Note 213.452:

        The Lord has been gracious!

        My entire group has been moved, thanks to the heroic efforts
        of our manager, from ABU to SBU, where we are safe -- for
        now!

        Nancy's procedure cleared up her immediate problem, the
        jaundice.  We got quite a scare early on from the doctors who
        seemed to be talking as if the only likely cause were not the
        accident but a tumor, probably cancerous.  However,
        subsequently the surgeon seemed to give more credence to the
        possibility that the accident caused it.

        We and the doctors still need to see to what degree the
        injury heals itself, and to what degree some action is needed
        to repair the damage.  At a minimum, it would seem that Nancy
        needs to undergo another of the same procedure (not entirely
        comfortable, but a lot better than surgery!).

        We were able to attend my brother-in-law's funeral last
        Saturday.  Your prayers are still requested that she and her
        son can handle this.

        Thanks,
        Bob

        A "down"date on Note 213.462:

        Only Digital could be this screwed up!

        Several levels of management of the SBU have agreed to take
        our whole group, with support from VIPs such as Strecker. 
        However, Digital has made the transfer process so complicated
        and so convoluted that the right people could not be reached
        at all this week to approve the transfer!

        We'll probably be getting our notices on Monday.

        Bob

So sorry to hear this Bob.  I hope things still work out & that you'll
not be "down-sized", "out-sized" or layed-off.

Leslie

re Note 213.464 by CPCOD::JOHNSON:

        This morning our group met with our manager who laid out for
        us what our final week (next week) would be like.

        As the meeting broke up, the realization hit me that "this is
        it."

        A half-hour later our manager gets a phone call from his
        manager saying that the layoffs certainly won't be next week,
        and the group probably will be transferred, intact, to
        another business unit!

        It's good news, but you can tell we're all exhausted.

        We take our manager out to lunch.

        Bob

    Praising God with you, Bob!  He's still in control!
    
    >                     -< will Digital always be like this? >-
    
    I think so.  I've been playing "dodge the bullet" for 7 years now.  It
    is only by the grace of God and His divine will and mercy that I'm
    still employed here.  Of course, it's done wonders for my faith too! 
    God is so good, and He provides for His children.
    
    In the last 7 years, I've survived several project cancellations,
    reorginizations, and 3 plant closings.  I give God the glory!
    
    Mike

    And were one actually laid off, I think they would find God still
    provides for His children.  Though it was a stormy, trying year
    we went through after my husband lost his job at Digital - 7 months
    unemployment followed by a few months of 2 hour commutes to a 
    small company that was in dire financial straits - now I find it all 
    has worked out better for him and us than if he was still at Digital.
    It was not easy though.

    Leslie

    Bob, this is great news.  I hope for the best for you.  
    
    Rgds.,
    
    -Jack

 Speaking of layoffs, sorry for the digression, but I'm just returned
 from Augusta, Maine having visited the former Digital facility as part of
 my new job.  While there is less management there, the plant looked and
 felt much like a Digital facility, and most folks with whom I met, who 
 are former DECcies, seem happy with SCI.




 Jim

re Note 213.444:

>         A cousin of mine has just undergone major surgery for cancer,
>         and will soon be undergoing chemotherapy.  She is the mother
>         of four.
  
        My cousin has been in the hospital ICU the past three days
        fighting severe complications of chemotherapy.   Thank you
        for your prayers.

        Bob

    My daughter, Mary, is going into the hospital this Thursday for
    surgery. Mary was born with several orthopedic birth defects, the
    most serious of which is a sever curvature (scoliosis) of the
    spine. On Thursday the surgeons will be performing an anterior
    spinal fusion. This involves making an incision on her left side,
    moving her kidney out of the way and fusing the front part of her
    spine. By the way, the kidney they'll be working around is one
    that was repaired after near failure four years ago.

    This will be Mary's tenth operation and her fourth spinal fusion.
    She will be twelve in August. 

    Mary's going to have a rough week and about six months of healing.
    We don't yet know what type of restraint she'll be in after the
    operation, but after her first serious of fusions (three over a
    six month period about 5 years ago) she was in a body cast for six
    months. No walking, no privacy on the toilet, no bathing except
    for sponge-baths. We are hopeful, for Mary's sake, that this
    procedure will require only a brace and that she'll be able to
    walk around.

    We could use your prayers... not just for a successful outcome,
    but for strength of spirit.

    Peace,
    
    	Eric

Are we having fun, yet?

I have a rough idea what you're going through.  I have a son
with seizures.  Twice we've ended up in the hospital when
they went out of control.

May your entire family grow to become exceptional people.
And may Mary decide she'll come through this come what
may.

Bless you.

Tom

    Eric:
    
    We'll keep Mary, you and the family in prayers!  What a situation that
    is.  Hopefully Mary will be able to persevere!  It can be tough as they
    get older I'm sure.  
    
    Sorry to hear of her situation!  
    
    God's best,
    
    -Jack

    I'll remember your family in my prayers tonight, Eric, specifically
    that Mary's operation goes well and that she recovers quickly.
    
    -steve

    .471 Eric,
    
    	May the Great Physician be at work healing Mary from the inside
    and out, guiding the surgical team's hands snd granting them clear
    heads and wisdom.  Most Holy Adonai, give this precious patient and
    her family a wealth of grace and peace.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

    
    Thank God! And thank you all for your prayers. 

    Mary made it through the operation without incident or complication. It
    was a lengthy procedure, about six hours. She spent about 20 hours in
    Pediatric ICU before being moved into a regular room. The doctor is
    very pleased with here rate of recovery. 

    Mary is stronger, more resilient, and more stoic than most adults I
    know (when it really counts, that is. She can be a real whiner when it
    comes to homework :^)) Not once has she complained. Not once did she
    say, "Why me?" I'm so proud of her! 

    Peace,

    Eric

    Alleluia!
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

    Great news!!

    Eric:
    
    That is wonderful to hear.  Give Mary a hug from all of us!
    
    Rgds.,
    
    -Jack

    
    Mary continues to do well and should be home this Thursday. At this
    point I think we're out of the woods with regard to illness and
    infection (at least I hope so). The problem now is that we need to wait
    for back brace to be molded for her... In the mean time Mary cannot
    walk (big deal, right Richard) or even sit in a full upright position.

    The hospital, for those who are unfamiliar with Dartmouth-Hitchcock, is
    located in central New Hampshire near the Vermont border. It's
    more than a two hour drive from our home so I can't see her every day.
    Bonnie, my wife, is staying up there with Mary. Between you and me, I
    think the "girls" are having a good time together, considering the
    circumstances.

    Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. 

    	Eric

    Thanks for the update, Eric.

    Hospitals have gotten much better over the years.  When we
    had our go-rounds with Silas, they actually went out of their
    way to see that Kate was comfortable.  I guess they've
    realized that kids get better, faster with their parents
    around.

    Thanks goodness for more flexible hospitals.
    
    I'll bet you not only miss your wife but Mary as well.  I
    *feel* it when one of my children isn't home.

    Tom

.480

>   In the mean time Mary cannot
>   walk (big deal, right Richard) or even sit in a full upright position.

The loss of the ability to walk has a greater impact on one who loses it
suddenly.  To become disabled is to join the only minority one can join
overnight and at any stage of life.

Surgery for scoliosis has improved by great leaps in the past twenty or
so years.  Will Mary have to wear a "halo"?

Peace,
Richard

    
    > Will Mary have to wear a "halo"?

    No. Mary is fortunate, if that's the word for it, in that she has one
    curve to the left an another to the right, essentially balancing each
    other so that here head-hip alignment is fairly straight. We've never
    had to deal with the halo, but my understanding is that it is used in
    cervical procedures, whereas Mary's fusion is in the lumbar region.

    I just got off the phone with Bonnie. Mary has had a rough couple of
    days. She has been plagued with near-constant migraines and nausea. The
    orthopaedic surgeon, in whom we are quite pleased, will be consulting
    with a neurologist today. Personally, I think it is due to stress and
    anxiety more than anything else. The worse she feels, the more her
    imagination gets the best of here; "Do I have a tumor causing my
    headaches... will I become bulimic because I'm vomiting after I eat?"
    The more anxious she gets, the sicker she becomes. I am sure once she
    is in her own bed, with her little Chihuahua, Waldo, curled up beside
    her she will begin to feel much better. Perhaps she will come home
    Thursday.

    Thank you all for your prayers, and for listening...

    Peace,

    	Eric 

.483

>    I am sure once she
>    is in her own bed, with her little Chihuahua, Waldo, curled up beside
>    her she will begin to feel much better.

It's amazing what power pets have to lift our spirits and encourage healing!

Richard

I could really use your prayers right now.

I have a job interview this afternoon.  This is in an internal Digital job.

Layoff day will almost certainly be 2 weeks from now, otherwise.

We found out yesterday that my wife Nancy will almost certainly need 
major surgery to correct whatever the problem turns out to be.

Another internal job prospect fell through today.

I need to begin serious external interviewing, but my mental state is
trashed by all these events.

Thanks,
Bob

    Have faith, Bob.

    I hope things turn out as you'll like.

    Tom

    
    ... just as my problems wane, another's become acute.

    Bob, my prayers are with you and Nancy. May the healing spirit of
    Christ be with you both. 

    Peace,

    	Eric

    .485
    
    May the obstacles be lifted by the One who is the Way.  May Adonai escort
    you.  So be it.  Amen.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

        Thank you so much for these prayers.

        The good news so far is that all but 2 members of our group
        will be "saved" from this round of layoffs (I don't know who
        they are).  I additionally will probably have an internal job
        offer today.

        The bad news is that I hardly care.  The reason I hardly care
        is that the doctor thinks he found cancer cells (well, he
        called them "suspicious") in the latest procedure.  He
        scheduled an operation for early this week.  My wife frankly
        does not trust this doctor and we are seeking a second
        opinion from a completely independent team.

        I feel like we're under attack -- even the exhaust system on
        our van, which has lasted 190,000 miles, broke over the weekend!

        Thanks,
        Bob

	Bob.... you and your family will remain in my prayers. Hopefully a new
team of doctors will help with your concerns. 

	And you got 190,000 mile out of your exhaust system??? WOW!



Glen

re Note 213.490 by BIGQ::SILVA:

> 	And you got 190,000 mile out of your exhaust system??? WOW!
  
        Yeah -- but three months shy of 10 years. :-}

        (Counting one's blessings can be helpful, but it seems that
        certain blessings are far more important than others.)

        Bob

	Now watch the replacement muffler last only a couple of years. :-(

    Bob,
    
    You and Nancy are in our prayers; for hope, healing, and protection. 
    
    In Christ's love,
    
    Michael
    

        Well, the second opinion, which was prefaced by a much more
        thorough biopsy and imaging, is in.  Nancy does have a growth
        that must be removed by rather complex surgery.

        I fell like cursing AltaVista for bringing me a web page
        which would indicate that her chances of seeing our children
        reach adulthood are slim.

        I'm also having a personal crisis right now with verses such
        as Luke 7:1-10, Matthew 14:14, 14:36, Luke 8:41-56, and Mark
        5:22-43.

        Bob

         Z   I'm also having a personal crisis right now with verses such
         Z   as Luke 7:1-10, Matthew 14:14, 14:36, Luke 8:41-56, and Mark
         Z   5:22-43.
    
    You mean like...wishing Jesus was walking around town right now and you
    are a Centurion with the greatest faith in the land!!
    
    -Jack

    Bob,
    
    I am praying for you, Nancy, and your children as well.
    
    
    Perhaps note 3.18 might provide some inspiration.
    
    
                                           Patricia

    .494
    
    	Most unnerving news, Bob.  The anxiety must be excruciating.
    My very soul would be cursing.
    
    	Know that you and Nancy are being lifted in prayer to the
    light of Christ.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

    Bob,

    Needless to say, you and Nancy and your whole family have been in my
    prayers. I personally know the frustration you feel with regard to the
    verses you cite. 

    I pray that the Holy Spirit will fill your hearts. May you find the
    peace, faith and healing that you and Nancy need.

    Eric

        Last night we had a prayer-and-anointing service at our
        church.  Nancy felt incredibly uplifted by this (I did, too). 
        We also included a renewal-of-vows for our 20th anniversary.

        This week we went out of the HMO system to get a second
        opinion, including a more exhaustive second set of tests --
        all negative for cancer!

        (However, that doctor agrees that it's hard to shake the
        results of one of the earlier tests without complete excision
        -- the upside of these second opinion tests was better
        imaging technology that actually located whatever it must be
        and obtained its size -- less than an inch -- but they can't
        say what it is other than "an area of reduced density" which
        they assume must be related to the cause of the bile duct
        blockage.)

        Nancy probably still needs the big operation to repair the
        blockage permanently and find out what the thing is, but edge
        has been taken off our worry -- it could still be cancer, but
        it could also be an effect of the accident.

        (I must admit we like the manner of the second set of doctors
        and their clinic much better, but to continue using them will
        cost us a lot).

        Bob

	Great news, Bob!!!!

    Whew!

    As someone once put it:  Like a rollercoaster ride without
    a seatbelt.

    Hang in there!

    Tom

    
    Praise God! I will, of course, contine to pray for a complete
    resolution. May God keep you both in his embrace.
    
    Peace,
    	Eric

    Bob, it is certainly more encouraging than it was last week!! :-)

    A quick "Hallelujah!" and back to praying.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

        Nancy's surgery is scheduled for the 13th.

        I've been reading more medical literature -- I'm depressed.

        Bob

        Another prayer request, fresh from wondering about my job for
        the past two months:  Digital needs healing -- all 60K
        employees will now be worried about their jobs, given the
        recent news.

        Bob

    I have Saturday marked on my calendar for special prayer, Bob.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

re Note 213.507 by CSC32::J_CHRISTIE:

>     I have Saturday marked on my calendar for special prayer, Bob.
  
        Thank you so very much (it starts at 8:00 AM -- eastern
        time).

        This evening I went out for a drive with my son (who has his
        learner's permit).  I told him that while I hoped for the
        best on Saturday, that I would be worrying all day because it
        had the potential of being "the worst day in my life."

        I then remembered the day, eight years ago, when he was
        rushed in a two-hour ambulance ride from Rocky Mountain
        National Park to Denver, with appendicitis, on a day that
        also had the potential of being "the worst day in my life."

        People have been praying for me to "be at peace".  Certainly
        there is a sense in which I may "be at peace".  But even
        Jesus, with knowledge of what was to come, and the eventual
        victory, agonized in the garden over the next day's events. 

        I know not what may come on Saturday, please understand that
        I will be in agony -- I hope it is brief.

        Nancy is indeed flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone.  We've
        been celebrating our 20th anniversary a week early this week,
        and have had some truly beautiful times.

        On top of this, part of me is not convinced that this
        operation is necessary.  At least, one possible outcome is
        that the surgery's objective could have been accomplished
        non-surgically.

        Thanks,
        Bob

    Bob,
    
    It is sobering to recognizing that in spite of all the verbal arguing
    and jockeying, that the real stuff of life is the agonies and joys that
    are part of every life.  Both the big agonies and the small.
    
	 
    I will be thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
    
    
                                         Patricia
    
                                                 

  Z   It is sobering to recognizing that in spite of all the verbal arguing
  Z   and jockeying, 
    
    Patricia, as long as nobody's feelings are hurt, consider it like a
    game of Chess!

Thanks for all your prayers -- Nancy came through the operation
sore and weary but OK.

No cancer was discovered.

I was more than a little bit upset that the surgeon did not do
what he and Nancy agreed upon in this case -- he did a far longer
and disruptive procedure.  I hope Nancy doesn't pay for this
in complications and longer recovery time.

Bob

	Glad to hear she made it through surgery. And glad that cancer was not
detected! 




Glen

 Indeed!  Amen.

				yes!








You might consider bopping down to a health food store and picking
up some Arnica (30x).  This quickly helps people who feel like
they've been "run over by a truck."  This is often the case with
people just out of surgery.  Take as directed.  If you have any
questions about that, lemme know (RANGER::TBAKER).

Tom

    Glad to hear this Bob!  I wish her a speedy recovery!!!

    Bob,
    
    What wonderful news.  I hope things continue to go well!
    
    
                                Patricia

    
    I am so happy to hear the good news, Bob. I am certain that with God
    grace Nancy will recover full. Please, let her know we have all been
    praying for her and thinking of her.

    Eric

    To God be the glory.
    
    Richard
    

        Continued good news:

        Pathology report came back completely negative for cancer.

        Nancy started drinking liquids -- which seem to settle with
        her well.

        She had a good "movement".

        We celebrated our 20th anniversary with plenty of good
        friends.

        We are elated with this news, and very thankful to God, but
        the operation she had has a lot of potential for
        complications and side-effects, and she still needs to do a
        lot of healing and milestones even to come home, so we thank
        you for your continued prayer.

        Bob

    I am very happy for you.


    Thanks for the good news.


    Tom

    The families of flight 800.  Father, be with them in their grief and
    draw them to you.

    .519
    
    I've been continuing to lift Nancy and you in prayer, Bob.
    
    Richard
    

    .511
    
    Great news, Bob!  Glad to hear no cancer was present.

    Any update, Bob??  How's Nancy feeling?  Is she out of the hospital?
    
    Might a "get well card" brighten her day?  Where might one be mailed?
    
    Richard
    

        Nancy came home from the hospital last Saturday -- just a
        week after the operation.  The official diagnosis is
        "fibrosis of the bile duct".  She's in good spirits and
        recovering rapidly, although she still carries tubes and a
        bag for the next several weeks (a bummer -- no showers,
        baths, or swimming in the middle of summer!).

        This operation still carries a lot of potential for long-term
        side effects -- your prayers are still welcome.

        I'm sure she would welcome correspondence:
        	119 Nashua Road, Groton, MA 01450

        (I will have my own personal struggle coming back to work soon
        -- the two months of job-in-limbo was devastating, as were
        the layoffs of some people who were close to me in the
        Internet Software BU, both personally and professionally
        since my work is downstream of ISBU.  I realize I have to
        leave Digital, and probably within the next year.)

        Bob

    
    Hi everyone.  Haven't been here much in the last 6 months due to lack
    of time mostly, and Bob, I was so relieved to come into this note and 
    read that things are much better than originally thought for Nancy.
    
    I have a prayer request - a dear friend of mine, Brian, who lives near
    Melbourne, Australia, has some negative and manipulative forces around
    him at the moment, and your prayers for him and for us as well would 
    be most appreciated.  I've been saying the Lord's Prayer, and that has 
    helped greatly.
    
    Thanks so much.
    
    Cindy

        My sister-in-law Mary will be undergoing surgery today
        (Monday) -- I'll be waiting with my brother.

        Your prayers are most appreciated.

        Bob

    We're there!!

    I hope my prayers are still in order.
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    

re Note 213.547 by CSC32::J_CHRISTIE:

>     I hope my prayers are still in order.
  
        Thank you, yes.  The operation went well.  Mary expects to be
        going home tomorrow.

        Another request:  two good neighbors of ours are grandparents
        of 8-week-old twins who are both in the hospital suffering
        from a virus -- one of them is on life support with breathing
        difficulty.  The twins are Isabel and Max.

        Bob

    Heavenly Father is coming to you in request of your protection over
    these two children.  May you guide them to restoration of health and
    may they be a blessing to their parents in the years to come.  We
    acknowledge your sovereignty and seek your grace in this.  In the name
    of Jesus Christ we ask it!  Amen.
    

    Father God, I come to you in agreement with Jack and through Christ's
    name.  We request that you also guide the physicians and give them
    wisdom.  We also request that you give the parents peace and draw them
    closer to the knowledge of your mighty hand.  Please show these twins
    your awesome grace and mercy.  In Jesus' Holy name, Amen.

    Like Christ and all of you, there is a special place in my heart for
    children!!