Happy Thanksgiving Day (retroactive) . Today I am celebrating Saint Andrew's Day. He is the patron saint of Scotland. Though I am not Catholic I embrace them as brothers and sisters in Christ and I celebrate Saint Andrew's day for ethnic reasons. I have said a prayer for all of the patients that you help minister to and I wish you a good day.

 CountAngus

Hello Gina,

Being healthy is precious. When you get a sick there seems to be nothing more than that you want to. I have experienced. Your entry is so beautiful as usual.

The pic you post here is  beautiful ! Probably we can see this kind of one next early month. It is late this year.

Have a nice day !

Hi Gina...I REALLY needed this reminder today, makes me realize how I have given up being thankful lately and reverting back to old ways.  You have such beautiful faith and walked out truth in your life.  Thank you for all the prayers you have said for me...I do feel them.  I hope someday my faith is as strong as yours.

With much love...M

Dear Sister Gina,

  I wnated to let you know that I read this beautiful and moving entry...It made me teary...a beautiful reminder to us all of how very much we have to be Grateful for! 

  Know that I count YOU among my Blessings daily!

   I have a letter herew to mail to you and another started! I should be selling some books soon so should be  getting the postage...I'll continue writing in Faith until then..so you may get several letters at once..Only God knows!

    Know how very much I love you!

  Please tell Summer and Chuck that I wish them a Happy Thanksgiving!

    Love always,

        Jewel

Hello Gina,

I prefer to drink coffee to tea !  You daugter are a dancer both of ballet and jazz. Sounds great ! Keke my teacher also have learned about ballet before so that's why her movement is so beautiful.. I guess.

It is warm here inside of the office. I have to sit here until 1pm then the time comes it is the lunch time for me.

It's not hard to have your heart stolen by a furbaby, and Creamsicle is gorgeous!  "Creamsicle" is such a cute name, too!

Wow, from seeing the Autumnal shots, I am not surprised that you love to spend time out there on your porch. You have a lovely house and the leaves changing colour are so very beautiful. That's one of the things I loved about an English Autumn. Most of the trees were deciduous but here in New Zealand (where I live anyway) it's windy all year and I don't see the same colours, but summer here is a cracker, so I've traded off one good thing for another.

Nice pictures.

Great pics as always I look forward to your Halloween pics...very kwel costumes

*hugs*

Autumn and the changing of the seasons is so different where you are.  We don't get any of that in Brisbane really.  The only thing that mark the changes of the seasons for me are the temperatures and whether the days are getting longer or shorter.  I loved this entry with all the pictures of your Halloween costumes!  Halloween isn't as big a thing here as it is where you are.  Here it passed with never a mention, even though some of the shops were selling Halloween stuff.

With regard to your work, I have been praying, but last night I realised that I hardly knew how to pray regarding it.  Should I pray for you to change?  Should I pray for the hostile staff to be moved somewhere?   So I decided to pray for God's will in the whole situation, and for His Name to be glorified.  I thought that this would probably be in line with what He wants regarding everything.  Earlier I had been praying for courage and determination for you.  How I LOVED the a....ogy of the wheat!  What an awesome and inspiring story!  What an awesome God we serve, and don't you just love it when He's got a message custom-made for you?  I am greatly encouraged by this!  I love you!

Thank you for your kind words my friend and your prayers.  I need them.  I really feel like I am in the midst of a battle and it is wearing on me.

This was a beautiflu entry, I loved your jewel colored discription of the trees.

I am so glad things are going better at work and you are lifted up, you have been in my thoughts and prayers.  Are you losing weight?

God's message is worth more than all the gold and silver in the world!

Love you my sweet sister...M

Hello Gina,

It is the funny story .. hehe You called the shop " THe chicken store " in honor of Hector.

My speaking English probably close to American English. So when I met an American pen pal several years ago we were able to communicate well. A lot better than that when I met my English friends the other day. When she pointed out to the sky as saying " Big bird ! " To me it sounded like " Big booth ! " I was confused. haha

I haven't found yet what my goal is with studying English. The first dream that making friends from all of the world is actually coming true already. Maybe I can find it later. I just feel I know it at the bottom of my heart unconsciously. It sounds a little strange though.

I am now studying English as watching the movie with english sound and English subtitle. I bought the DVD of " Autumn in New York " the other day. I can watch it again and again. The ending is not happy though. But it has something I really love to. Yes, Richard Gere is in there but not it is the only reason. As there are some movies with him I don't like to.

Have a nice day !

[masako]

Hello Gina,

No good poop yet. haha  

Our company offer us to take the health check twice a year. In spring and in fall. In spring our company pay for all of expenses of it but it is more simple one to compare to one in fall. All of employees are a little over 100. About 400000 yen is total cost. And in fall it would be about 600000 yen but some money get back from the heath insurance association. For each person 5000 yen should be back.

My ex-English teacher always say. What is benefit to live in Japan is having a good system of the health insurance.

I wrote a little more about Richard Gere in my last entry. hehe  Yes, as you said He and her are like cat and dog. The book also tell me so. But his act has been not like that to other actresses by some reasons. It is mystery.

Your Shot Your Photo in National Geographic Take your best shot and send it to us. Submit a favorite photo of your own for possible publication in National Geographic. Come back daily to see the editors' selection of photographs in the Daily Dozen. Solve a puzzle, download wallpaper, and vote for your favorite.

Just go to web site to post one of your sky shots!!!

Just a thought...or any other picture you like.

Well done for managing to say what you needed to say without losing your cool. I felt for you reading this. A very unpleasant encounter. Here's hoping that maybe what you have said is what others haven't been able to say and the gentleman in question might get an attitude adjustment!

It sounds as though you are going through some very rough times, but you know it takes a special kind of person to be able to stand as an anchor when the rest of the boat is rocking about. I hope (and will pray) that your time in prayer, your time with Chuck and your family can sustain you through the worst of it all.

  Oh Gina,
The image of you fleeing that building in tears brought them to my eyes without even getting past that first line............

  Well, at least the situation with Mark sounds improved. I agree with you that it's hard to say if it was out of sincerity or necessity he emailed; but let's take the high road and go with the first of the two. Time will tell if that is the case, either way.

  I cannot imagine your work environment. You have a heart of compassion, and you are gifted to be involved in those people's lives Gina. I will be praying for you to be renewed, and strengthened like never before. Again, I cannot imagine how hard that must be.........prayers will be sent on your behalf my friend.

  It was nice hearing this closing visit, that was very sweet. See how much you affect others my friend.......that is why God has you caring for those who need someone with your compassion. You are a blessing to them all my friend..............

(((((((((((((((((((Gina)))))))))))))) I am so very sorry to read that you went through this..I am so proud of you for speaking up and handling yourself as you did! 

   You are faithfully in my prayers each morning and will continue to be.

  I thank God for YOU daily!

   I will be praying over our work environment as well...It's very sad to have to work in that condition.

  Thank YOU for always being there to show me unconditional love and support.

  KNOW that my prayers and Love ARE with you!,

                Jewel

Oh, I forgot to tell you I wathced " An officer and a gentleman " again last night ! I found I have been forgeting most of scenes in the movie as it was long time ago I watched it at the first time. So last night was the second time.

Maybe I can't watch " Raise the Red Lantan " it must be beautiful but sound very scary to me...

Hello Gina,

Thank you for your nice comment ! Yes they are funny brother and sister. They are only one year different from each other. They are look alike. But both of Chikashi and Eri don't want to be taken photo by some reasons then I can't post their pics here. Maybe someday...  

You seem to have been tough time with the doctor. I would give him an " Akkan be-" ( pull down my lower lid of one of my eyes) It is a gesture of rejection.. hehe

I would love to see your costume for Hallowe'en if you are ok.

I hope you have a nice work days ! I will tell you more episodes of my life in my diary.

Thanks, my friend !  

My dear sweet friend... I soooo know how you feel and this hosility you write about has kept me up more than one night on occassion.  I really liked your anology of Dorothy's slippers and flying monkies!!!  Oh how those monkies frightened me when I was a child.  And that is exactly how these kind of circumstances can reduce us to unless we pray continally and have others pray for us.  I will keep you in my prayers my beloved Gina...I am so sorry you are going through such pain.  God calls us to walk a very fine line and sometimes it does break us for a time, but I have no doubt the Lord will protect you and continue to fill you up to fight this fight.  Know that you are not alone my friend...I wage these battles too.

Love you and thanks for sharing with us how you are doing...M

gina i will NOT delete any word of what you wrote!!!!  ever.  and i thank you so much for taking the time to explain what you did.  it helped me.  and i can use all the help i can get...lol.  i'm working very hard to learn and understand God's word.  and i'm really enjoying it actually.  i "feel" joy....i feel an urgency to read, if that makes sense.  but...there is so much that is hard to comprehend.  thank you for helping in that area...lol.

i'm curious now, what others mite think too...if they share.

You've always been that one that never gives up on me an always comments.  U know I begin to realise that you are christlike in many ways and I LOVE THAT.  I think thats why I always see you and go to you for motherly advice cause thats how you are to me.  Thankyou so much for your words tonight I absolutely felt that resinate in me.

I was in the movie theathre an there was a killing scene.  An the people behind me were laughing it wasnt funny.  I gave them a weird look.  The girl behind me said 'that was the best dirty look i've ever had'.  Then she said 'look how big she is though'.  I actually smiled at first an thought this is an opportunity for the devil to work. But the thing is i know I'm not small I accept that.  But i laughed at the fact that tahts all she could say.  She knew she was in the wrong for laughing at a killing scene its not something to laugh at gosh.  So thats all she could do was attack my appearance.

Thats exactly what the devil does doesnt he?  If its not something it'll be something else.  He'll go at you from every angle.  I suppose that is why god tells us to be bold with no regrets and with godly confidence not worldly confidence.  The world will attack the things of this world. But the spiritual world is a little different in the fact that you absolutely need total surrender in order to understand that you cannot do it alone.  Man it must suck to not know god hey?  God Bless Love B

Thank you Gina,

You have no idea how good it feels to be back in touch with you. I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye, It wasn't intentional, Time just seemed to fly by and before I knew it 2 years had gone by. Please don't think this is a refelection on my feelings for you. You are very precious to me.  xxxx

Emmaxx

Hello Old Friend, Remember me?

You have been in my thoughts lately, I've been drawn back here and I'm so very happy your still here.

I've missed the words you write, I didn't realise until now how much xxx

Emmaxx

  I don't mind telling you that my eyes went like this when I read your comment to young and precious Allie.....you are a wonderful woman of God Gina...I'm so thankful to have you in our family.

  Your friend and brother forever, and how awesome is that!!!!Michael

I pray with you that a cure is found....and give thanks to God for the people He's placed here to help those in need....

I LOVED the picture of you....it is just amazing....it really brings out YOU....on your porch....early in the morning......just love it!!!IT SPEAKS!

Take care and God Bless, Love, Alice

Hi Gina...thanks for all you do my friend, it must be hard to work yourself into exhaustion every day.  Sometimes I find myself restentful for all the energy my job takes from me.  It helps to know you are in the right place and doing what the Lord has called you to do.  I felt a sharp pain in my throat and a sting in my eye when I read how much you miss your Mom...cuz I know I will be the same way.  God is so kind to bless you with a dream filled with comfort that you can wrap your heart and mind around.

My laptop is down, I am mailing it in today to get repaired....I miss it already I haven't been able to get online at home for a week!!!

Take care my friend....Love you...M

i've always loved how you write about your time in the early mornings with chuck, so vividly that it feels as if i'm there with you.  so peaceful.  like time stops for just a bit, and that's so precious.  you've given me sunrises i don't get to see...lol.

i love the picture of you to go along with your words on the porch. 

i can't imagine what you do gina.  i can't imagine the hours of tired, and never stopping because of how you "feel" for these people who struggle so deeping and so fearfully.  it seems depressing in a way, and i'm sure that it is on many levels.  but to do what you do...for "them"...for them, you make things easier.  there aren't many like you.  that truly care, and are doing more than a "job".  tho they fight for their lives, and that's NOT a lucky thing...they are lucky to have you in on the fight with them.

[terriberri]

Hey Gina! I'm back! And it seems you are too. I had a great time in Dubai and Thailand. I needed that. Now back to reality. At least it is cooler here now. Today (after the sandstorm yesterday) is just 27^oC. But the dryness in the air made my lips and face chapped again as soon as I arrived. Gotta need that moisturizer more often now. I have not touched it when in Thailand. Already I am missing the tropical climate and sceneries!

I posted a couple of pics about my travels. Hope you will enjoy a glimpse of my part of the universe.

Got lots of catching up here at MDD...

Star

I love the sound of your early mornings, Gina, with the coffee and the early morning wildlife sounds. Maybe you aren't an artist who can paint with colours but you can craft beauty with your words and weave a compelling story which is an art in itself and a gift which touches many who read you.

I haven't heard from you since I sent you the email saying "I never received the email" and I'm wondering if hotmail is playing up. I am sure I am meant to hear whatever it is you are wanting to tell me, even if much time has passed, so perhaps you could try my other email address which is nicreinvented@yahoo.co.uk to see if we don't have a better shot at communication!

Take care,

Nic xx

This is the most beautiful entry that I have ever seen on MDD.com. I pray that God will bless you and all of your's. I am not a morning person ( simply due to my circadian rhythms) but on Mondays I get up at five or six A.M. to take out the trash and have experienced moments of beauty like you have described.

CountAngus

I haven't yet had a chance to read your past three entries, including this one, but I will have time later tonight, and I greatly look forward to it.

Your children's drama sounds wonderful! Any chance that us non-Aussies will get to see it?

 There is a chance, but it is only slight.  The show would have to be a hit here to reach American shores.  But, if the show should get no further than the pilot episode, I will send you what we do, even if it is a low-budget production.  Without a deal, we won't be able to do more than one episode.

I love you, dear Sissy.

Minty.

Hello there Gina;

Long time not hearing anything from you. Me, too, being soooo busy these days that I simply have not the time to write. But the least this very morning I got a little time to check on everybody and leaving messages. I wish you a good Monday and a nice time. Enjoy this life and restore beautiful memories with love - remember the Lord always and been missing you.

How are you anyway? Been busy too? Yeah ... I think so. Hope to write some things here soon and updating. See ya! 

What a beautiful entry..I really enjoyed it.

Sorry I haven't been around as much, work has really cramped my style when it comes to MDD.  I do think of you all very often and hope to be back more soon.

With love...M

Hello Gina,

Of course I have watched " An Officer and Gentleman " before. He is damn cool in there. I mean Richard Gere. I am sorry to hear that what Debra said made you feel disappointed. I guess he was like than back then.Looks like any of movies showed what his true character was when he was young.

Dina Lane is in the movie I watched yesterday and I bought a brochure of it. She said he is nice man but she sometimes feel lonely becasue Richard Gere is such a good father for his son. Whenever a chance comes he try to teach his son how to play a baseball. Maybe people can change as getting older. He might be one of them. So no need to be disappointed for him ! hehe

As watching this movie I actually was thinking about you and your husband. You are such a lovely couple !

Hello Gina,

Thank you so mcuh for sharing all of your memories with cars. It is so precious.. Without them you couldn't take that adventure and you still have with it . I came back in one piece.

oh gosh gina....this is such a beautiful entry.  you have such a way of turning everything into something so absolutely beautiful!!!!  i know what "that way" is! 

i've said before, but it's worth saying again....you are such a sweet inspiration.

  Hello Gina, this isn't Michael...it's Denise.

WOW WHAT GREAT PICTURES. MICHAEL AND I ARE SITTING HERE READING HIS FAVORITES AND HE READ YOURS. ALL I CAN SAY IS HOW AMAZING I THINK YOU ARE THAT YOU JUST GO OUT ON YOUR OWN TO SEE THESE SITES. WHAT GREAT MEMORIES YOU MUST HAVE AND NOW CAN SHARE THEM WITH US . LIKE ME WHO WOULD LOVE TO SEE THESE MANY PLACES YOU HAVE BEEN BUT WOULD NEVER DO THIS ON MY OWN. THANKS AGAIN FOR SHARING.

AND JUST TO SAY THIS IS MY VERY FIRST TIME EVER WRITING,PERIOD THANKS TO MY MICHAEL..

  Me again, just wanted to add that we both look forward to seeing you on that day when we are all taken home...if not someday sooner. You're a lovely lady, and a great sister in God's Family. Take care Gina, and we'll be seeing you. Thanks for encouraging Denise to think about joining us here............Michael.

So your husband knows about Japan.. Probably having a better knowledge about typhoon than me here in Japan.hehe Houses in Okinawa are made to be stronger than ours to against to Typhoon. That's why we seldom hear their house got broken by typhoon.

You can eat Okinawa food here where I live. Because we have many Okinawa people live here and some of them open Okinwa's restaurants.

Hello Gina,

Thank you for your comment.

Hurrican Ike must be really huge ! Otherwise you wouldn't have gotten a damage by it. Thank you for the map of USA. Now I understand where you live completely.

I think I am ok with the trip. Only what I am worried is about Leo. I hope this typhoon won't scar him even a bit while I was gone.

 The USA is really huge and however that why Hurricane can be created very strong.. I hope everyone get being ok as soon as possible.

Have a nice weekened !

Underwater basket weaving?  Goodness me!  Is there really such a thing? 

Nah, I'd have enough trouble doing basket weaving above sea-level, let alone below.       

It's okay for polar bears though. . .

Or smart alecs like this guy. . .



Or even those who are into X-boxes. . .


But me?  I'll stick to making Timmy shudder under my bescissored touch. 

Love you, you precious, inimitable dag!!!

Minty. 

Another beautiful entry...so blessed and fortunate. You are an example of a loving and caring God.

Hello Gina,

I posted my comment in your entry here but it didn't show up then I think I should write it again.

Thank you for the website about the book. I will search it after reading books I have here.

I have leaned some of Christians helping jews people to survive. i think it is great ! You and me believe the different religion though. You are my friend and I reslect your religion,too.

Hoping you have a nice work days !

I am sooo glad your power was restored so quickly!!! 

Even more thankful you are ok and did not inccur any damages to your property.

Praise God!

Love you my friend...M

I had already added you to my favorite list long ago. God bless you in light of the hurricane. You have written such a beautiful post...

[HurtingTruth]