Hey, Doug, a 66 ford truck aint bad.... I got an 85 ford p.u. that I tinker with. May be that you could build a buford like some here on the board have done. Just remember,pard that it aint over till the fat lady sings. God created life and meant for us to enjoy it.....this thing is bigger than both of us know....Like I said, test the Master, He said that if we would walk toward him, he would run toward us.....I am praying for you and dont you forget it.... he he
I HATE being so public about all this but it's killing me. It's now official - she's done, no matter what I do. That sucks because I'm NOT done and I can't stand the idea of being without her. I'm not sure what's next. I have an apppointment with our counselor today at 3PM so hopefully I can find some relief there. I can't say enough thanks to all who've responded to this thread - what's been said here really helps. All the support is appreciated.
Don't worry about being 'public' we all have problems sometimes and need people to talk to. I am sorry to hear that it sounds like it is over. Hang in there!
Doug, I am sorry to hear that things are done between the two of you. Please know that I have taken your name and situation before the Lord in prayer. I have been a pastor now for 18 years and I have seen the Lord work in many ways. Whatever happens, do not give up or give in. I know that you are "not much for religion..." but if you seek Him, God will be found and He can and will guide you through your difficult and good times. Praying for you, Pastor Les Wallace (new to V8 Buick)
Thanks again to all who've helped and continue helping. After some VERY dark days Tuesday and yesterday, I'm finally accepting the fact that it's time to move on. Though it SEEMS as if I'm just buried in pain and adversity right now, after talking with some friends, my counselor, and hearing the strong support here I realize I'm a very "blessed" man. My goal now is to stay connected, stay present, and begin working toward being on my own. Believe it or not, two of the most supportive and caring people in my life right now are my ex's parents. With 8 years of history they've decided no matter what I and my Son are part of their family. I'm staying at there place for now until I can find my own place. Their support and encouragement, though somewhat awkward considering the situation, is really making a difference. I'll return to my ex's house probably next week to pack all my stuff and temporarily store it in the garage until I have a place to go with it. That will likely be the last time I will be there. Don't get me wrong - I'm still in a LOT of pain and beginning the grieving process. I've lost it more in the last few days than the whole combined last two years, but the "suffering" is beginning to alleviate. As I look and begin to move forward I know it will get easier. I was given a book today that, though ridiculously SIMPLE, has really made a difference for me. I thought I'd share it here - maybe it will make a difference for someone else. The book is called "212-The Extra Degree (How to Achieve Results Beyond you Wildest Expectations)" by S.L Parker. Here's the metaphor: "At 211 degrees water is hot. A 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And with steam, you can power a train." Basically, the difference between average results and exponentially GREATER results is a matter of a LITTLE extra effort - 1 degree! "Small things make tremendous differences." Granted it sounds a bit "RAH RAH", but it's had an impact on me. There you go - my little "extra" contribution for the day. Again, thanks for all the support, encouragement, and prayer that has been given here - it too has REALLY made a difference. :beer
I just want to make sure that you understand there is a big difference between a self improvement book and surrendering your life to Christ. In the words of Elmer Fudd, "be careful, be very, very careful" (or something like that!) Self improvement books focus on the power YOU have. The Bible focuses on the power God has, and if we ask Him he will provide more for us than any other book can. I hope that makes sense. God is waiting for you, just as He did for me and just as He waits for everyone.
Pard, God is very good at taking something that is very bad and turning it around to make it very good........ just make friends with him and see what he does..... dont rule anything out, because the Master thinks on a much higher plane than we do.....usually the answer comes from a direction that we have not even considered or thought of.......Lord , I pray your blessings and protection on this man and those close to him.....may he find peace beyond all understanding and healing for his wounded spirit.....
Carl that has to be a first - referring to Christ and Elmer Fudd in the same paragraph! Point taken, well taken. I'm of the belief that I have to find some of both - prayer and divine intervention, plus a dose of greater self awareness and conscious change in my behavior. Thank you for your words. And doc, thank you for the prayer. I may have to borrow that for some others I know in need.
Doug, keep your head up. Ive been seperated/divorced for the last 2 years and it kills me. We split the kids 50/50 and i kept the Buick, I still cry about it, hell Im teary eyed right now thinking about it. I miss her so much, but I would not take her back (she had a boyfriend when I came back from Iraq), we were married for almost 10 years and I had no idea until I got home. Good friends and prayer definatly help and it does get easier, but takes time. Michael
Doug: I too have been through this ordeal: bad 10 year marriage that led to an unintended affair that ended badly as well (which was more painful than the divorce, but that's another story), 2 years of antidepressants and therapy (that didn't help very much),near bankruptcy and a major health scare to boot! It DOES get better, I just can't promise you when though; it takes as long as it takes and it is not an easy journey, as you are finding out. I would advise the following ideas: 1: find something(s) to keep your mind occupied. Tinker with your 66, join a bowling league, whatever looks like it could be entertaining. Just don't sit on the couch in front of the TV saying "my life sucks" 2: A book that helped shed a LOT of light for me is "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen. He writes about all of the issues that you are facing, even your reluctance to rely on God for help. Believe me, I felt a lot better after reading. Parts of it are a little too "don't worry, be happy" but a very uplifting piece of work overall. 3: You have many supporters and friends here..don't be afraid to use them! Anyone of us is a mere PM or email away, and I'm sure all are willing to help, even if it's only by listening. The only other thing I can say, and this too is based on my own experience: even the most vile sinner among us is worthy of God's mercy and favor. All you have to do ask Him. Best wishes for your journey.
Thanks for the comments michael and kshrek - every little bit helps. I went back to work Tuesday and things are beginning to turn around (externally AND internally). I do some "chatting" with God every morning, a bit of thanking and a bit of asking. I'm beginning to get the hang of listening, too. Compared to a week or two ago, today my life is MUCH calmer, more centered, and heading in the right direction. I can't say enough "Thank You's" for all the support, encouragement, and direction I've been given here.
That book is part of Gods answer to Dougs prayers. He works in subtle ways. He is helping Doug help because Doug WANTS to help himself. Gods power is OUR power if we truly believe and communicate with him. He will open our eyes to his creation, so we will see the beauty of it. As I said before, the Lord helps those that help themselves, and it sound to me like the Lord has opened your eyes to what you have to be thankful for. Don't give up! Another great book is the Holy Bible. The book of psalms has some very uplifting material. Best of luck(although you won't need it with Gods help):TU:
I am glad to see that your life is getting better.....keep on doing what you are doing.....God is real and He really cares about us.....
Keep swinging. Sometimes I think God puts people through a little bit of hell so that they can help others through bad situations once they are through their own. Just look at all these folks offering support based on their own similar experiences. You'll be there soon, too, able to lend a helping hand to somebody else who is at their wits end. I've been blessed with a pretty good life thus far, but my wife has been through some crap in the past and I believe God uses her to help others through similar situations. It's not easy for her to have to relive that stuff in helping others, but she does it, and I always feel like God has a special role for her in life. Maybe that's what he is thinking for you, too. I said a prayer for you. God Speed, Nick p.s. at least you can find lots of replacement parts for the 66 pu, I imagine.
