Do you ever wonder if there is a "greater plan?"

[Milims]

I have thought of that - quite frankly if I complained about everything that went on here the authorities would be very busy sorting it all out! I guess at the moment I'm just going to keep quiet and watch what happens.
It is good to know that there is support out there. Oh and BTW - that bit in your other message is one of my fave quotes - thank you

[KellyB]

Mrs F: I was a nanny for 14 years kids teach you a lot

[shell]

yes i believe everyone has a plan,the mean bloke you have encountered as well,i would try and forget the way in which they got to cut your hedges and just think well,they have done me a service, and i would write 4 thankyou cards and post them through their doors,and mentioning that if only your dh had been in good health as they themselves are, he would have gladly done the job himself ,and that you apprieciate their efforts,
i think its called heaping coal on their heads,if they did it to demean you,and if not you`ve shown appreciation
shell

[Rod in Japan]

shell's advice is very good I think. There are lots of theories of karma, but I think that shell's advice will be the surest path to present and future happiness, whatever anybody else does.

[Wombat]

Sorry to hear about that crap!

Yes I believe that there is a plan, I can see it looking back but rarelylooking foward. I like the cChurchill quote, makes sense to me!

I'm sure that things will pick up soon, prayers and hugs coming!

Nev

[Bluemoon]

Oh, Milims, I have been wondering the same thing. The last year for us has been horrendous, so much awful stuff has happened that when rarely something nice has happened I've been convinced that it's only to give us a quick taste of happiness before it's taken away again and as a result I haven't allowed myself to enjoy anything. I then decided that if I carried on feeling like that the idea that we're having a bad time becomes a sort of self fulfilling prophesy. Life is still awful, but I'm determined to try and enjoy the little things - I know it's easier said than done. I'm also attempting to think as a friend does, everything happens for a reason, she says, and if you lose your job this week it might be because you were going to be involved in a serious accident on your way to work next week.
Hugs. Bluemoon.

[old tree man]

So sorry to hear about the crap, but i'm a firm beliver of what goes around comes around and these so called nieghbours will get theres eventually, i know how you feel when someone you love is in pain, i see the same with Jane it makes you so angry when people say things and they have no bloody idea of what really goes on, i remember watching an old programe about native american indians, there philosophy in life is great a quote from a white haired elder said you cannot always move your teepee but be carefull of what you talk about as you look to the sky an eagle may s**t on your head, it made me laugh in tough times , Jane and i are sending positive waves to you, be strong and think of the eagle circling their homes,

all the best

Russ and Jane

[pumpy]

Hi Milims, unfortunately there are some ignorant people outthere. (before voicing a opinion,find out the facts). Is there a greater plan? Dunno........guess we'll find out,the day we move on.

[eccentric_emma]

I definitely agree with Shell's advice, it is the sort of thing that would completely floor them and shouldnt create any further negativity and also won't bring you down to their level. If they are being so petty then they cant have very interesting or happy lives, or even much of a brain to think about what really matters in life.

I hope your situation gets better or at least you feel better having talked about it!

[Rosendula]

I think it's sad that the most stupid people have the loudest mouths. Please remember that those who criticize do not speak for everyone - they don't even speak for a majority, just themselves.

I am sorry that you are having personal difficulties, and that these are made worse by thoughtless neighbours. I know what that is like having been there myself in the past (we seemed to be the only ones in the area that suffered theft, vandalism, and even attempted arson. My children couldn't go outside without being violently attacked by other kids. It was awful).

When what you are going through today becomes a part of your history, you will be able to see the good that comes from it. You won't be able to imagine it now, but it will happen. That might sound strange, but I look at it this way, for example: I can't regret my first marriage (a major negative), even though I broke it off, because without it I wouldn't have had my son (postivie #1). Without my son, I wouldn't have given up a daytime job and gone to work in a pub where I met Richard (positive #2). Then I wouldn't have had my two daughters (positive #3 & 4), gone to uni (5), learned to think for myself (6), got a job working with some incredibly positive thinking people who have been a source of inspiration (7), dumped my nasty, horrible, negative parents (8), taken on the allotment (9), started cooking (10)............ It's easy to do this when it becomes hindsight, and one day that's exactly where your troubles will be.

Take care. Best wishes,

[Milims]

I knew I could rely on you guys to be the calming voice of reason and positivity! Thank you all for your kind, supportive and very sensible words. It is so good to know that when everything else is raging around and on the verge of total mayhem, there are lovely people like you to help make sense of it all. Big hugs to all!

[QuakerBear]

Hello,

I've been wondering the same lately so a friend has told me to read Job. So far God has told the Devil that he has faith in Job's faith in God and that the Devil can test him if he wants. The Devil has killed Job's crops, animals, servants and children and has covered him in sores. Job's friends have come to see him and they are talking about why this has happened.

The friends have pointed out that Job's silly to think he can know why God does things because God is and knows so much more then Job: Fair point. The friends have pointed out that bad people get their come upances in the end, even if we don't see it e.g. they're never with God: Fair point. The friends have pointed out that no one is perfect and all that Job recieves in woes is probably less then he deserves: Fair point (ish, he sounds like a pretty rightous bloke to start with but anyway).

I'll let you know what happens next when I've got further.

In the meantime please recieve a big hug.

[StripyPixieSocks]

I didn't want to read and run, I don't really have anything to add to the wonderful advice you have been given except to stay strong and ignore the righteous idiots who open their mouths before engaging their brains... THEY are the lesser people not you and your OH!

One day when they are less able bodied it will all come back to them three fold.

I was in a different but difficult situation for many years and only just managed to get out of it and looking back it was preparing me for something better that I would appreciate when it came along so I do believe everything happens for a reason even if it's tough at the time and has no real meaning at that point in life.

Be strong, smile and say hello to them and just generally give them enough rope to hang themselves with!

Warm hugs and bright blessings heading your way!!