Friday, May 22, 2009, Nashville, TN., 10:32 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

I said I wasn't going to write in here until after the Cleansing Stream retreat (which begins tonight and then runs all day tomorrow at our church); however, I have some issues pressing upon my heart, that I need to get rid of, before they drive me crazy.

I hope you understand.

Louie here.  Louie Sandusky.  I suddenly find myself trying to figure out people.  Just yesterday I got a very nasty e-mail from a woman in California, who said, "...if you don't stop bothering us, trying to be a goody-two-shoes, I am going to have to take action, take matters into my own hands.  I don't need your sympathy, let alone your money.  Just leave me the h*** alone; I don't need your 'religion' or your self-righteous platitudes."

The woman has two children, ages ten and five, and it is obvious that she isn't a believer in Christ.  (She's Hindi.)  Her youngest child (a boy) was left severely brain damaged by an accidental hanging over a year ago, and she's been angry, bitter ever since.  She blames God for all that's happened to her, and she obviously hates those who believe in Him; she isn't afraid to attack anyone at will, including myself.

The woman in question is struggling financially, or if she isn't, she isn't far from it.  It seems any money they do make mostly goes towards the care of their disabled child, and I have only offered to send them money ($20 to $50, no more), as a way to help them out a little.  Just enough to where they could get some extra groceries or other necessities.  Nothing more, nothing less.

This woman has told me in her e-mail that if I bother her again, she will contact the local police department and have me thrown in jail.  I don't know exactly what this woman's "problem" is, but I seem to think that she has a lot of issues with anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness of something that was totally not her fault.

It seems that ever since I got this troubling e-mail I have been on the verge of tears.  I don't know why some people have to be so malicious towards others just because they happen to be going through things; if they are that miserable, then why do they have to bring others down to their level??  It really doesn't make much sense, especially since all I was trying to do was be a caring friend!

It's bad to get something like this in my e-mail box anytime; however, it's worse just before our retreat.  The timing couldn't have been worse.  It's like Satan is trying to do all he can to bring me (or my family) down, and I am going to have to do some heavy-duty praying so I can get rid of this thing before it eats me alive!

In other news, as I just mentioned, our church retreat starts tonight and then goes again all day tomorrow.  My husband, myself, and many of our (older) kids will be attending; we feel we have "more junk in the trunk" that needs to be addressed, then get rid of through worship and prayer.  The healing that comes afterwards is incredible; it's like nothing you have ever experienced!  We went through Cleansing Stream last year, and it was totally awesome!

And on Saturday night, after the retreat, Johnathon has a date with Rebekkah, his little girlfriend.  They may go to a movie or out to eat if they aren't too tired from the retreat.  Or maybe they may just come over and watch a movie here and have pizza.  :)

Johnny has been walking on a cloud (that is, if he *could* walk!) ever since; he's madly in love with Rebekkah Cohen!  I don't blame him; Rebekkah is a very sweet young lady with a compassionate heart and a gentle spirit!

Ronee' was in the hospital overnight (she got out yesterday); she had a bit of an asthma attack, but she is getting over it.  Something in the air set her off; this was the first time in quite a long time since she last had trouble with her breathing.  Bill had to take her to the ER, and the doctor popped her in overnight.  We knew she wasn't feeling good when she didn't fight back; usually when admitted to the hospital, Ronee' will raise a fuss to end all fusses. 

She has been taking her new medication and it seems to be helping.  Or at least we are hoping it does!

Steffi started physical therapy this week; she fell about a month back at her school while going to class and suffered a hip fracture.  It will probably be a little while before she's back to speed.  She will just have to take it nice and slow as her hip continues to mend.

And yesterday afternoon my father cut the end of his finger off:  he was trimming the hedges, and he got his finger instead.  Back to the hospital, back to the ER, after we just had gotten Ronee' home.  *sigh*  He got about ten stitches in his mangled finger, and now it's all wrapped up in a huge bandage.  It looks like he is flippin' someone off.  Really looks charming--NOT!!  LOL  So he's out of commission for a while, too, until his finger heals.

He also owes the cuss jar about $75 dollars.  You should have  heard the colorful (French) expletives issuing from his lips!  My!!  LOLOLOLOL

This coming weekend is the Memorial Day holiday.  Our church will be feeding the veterans (including the injured Armand Pierre Moliere, my father) and having a special military-themed service for the veterans.  Our park will also have doings and our city will have a parade honoring our proud men and women who donned a uniform in service to our country.  It promises to be a wonderful celebration!

Well, I am going to go.  Stupid e-mail is bonging again; hopefully it's not another letter from that woman in California!  If it is, I don't know what I am going to do!  Just keep me (as well as her) in your prayers; we both could really use them!  I'd greatly appreciate it!  And pray our retreat goes without incident! 

Thanking you in advance~

~As always, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May.  :(

God bless and take care!  Talk to you soon!