Bob's Blog

A wonderful new beginning has begun...It is all about God!

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:55:39 -0500

New beginnings in our life style of how we live is what I am trying to put on paper (or computer) here. You see this is exactly what we have been going through. I am not talking about just a little transformation here or there, I am talking heavy duty change!

How did it start you might ask? Well it all started when we chose to attend a little church very close to our home, a "new" one at that. We have been searching for over four years for a church that would fit like a glove, you know....one that we can snuggle in with and feel .....yes, at home. I am not at all trying to say it is easy to sit through a sermon now without knowing something is happening, as our hearts have been opened so wide for new change that the inevitable has occurred.

It begins with a thankful mind and spirit that just wants to bust out of your being. One that makes you want to hollar from a mountain that God is indeed real, He is right here and He is working in so many peoples lives, even in such tough times. The blessings He has given to us for the last four years have been so real, and yet so hard to get through.

It came as a surprize for Cyndi and I as we sat through the first church sermon, and once we met which is now our new Pastor, we both walked out of the church and was in such complete agreement that we had found a new home church. Unreal....God brought the church into our community just a few minutes away to us. Now that is something to talk about.

So what is the big deal and hoopla about all this? Well it seems God has plans for this community we live in. He started a new church, with attendance over 100 wonderful God seeking poeple who love Him and wish to serve Him in any way they can. Below are just a few things we have done on a daily basis to impact our walk with God.

We started having morning devotions together (Cyndi and I) before we are off to work.

We study together in the evenings instead of watching the re-runs on T.V. (we no longer have cable/satelite) Savings of about $60.00 dollars or more.

We are praying for so many people in need as we now more fervently listen to our co-workers or friends around us.

We both are thanking God for all He is doing. We are working so hard to love our jobs, the ones that we had to take because we had lost our positions we had loved so much due to our economy down turn.

There are so many more "things" we are not doing as well. But now I would like to leave you with a special passage that is meant for all of us. The last verse in Mattew 6:...34 reads "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." I have to add that you really need to read the entire 6th chapter of Matthew to get the whole picture here.

This post is dedicated to our New Church...."Living Streams Community Church" and all our new brothers and sisters in Christ, and all of our same right here on Active Rain we have met and come to love for the past several years. God bless you all, will keep you posted on more of the changes we are still working on daily. God bless.

Unemployment figures, how correct are they? Lets see....

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:29:46 -0500

We have all heard about the staggering unemployment figures and it does not look good. The figures are not showing all the numbers though, at least not in my book. Why are they not taking into consideration those who have lost their jobs, and had to take on a less paying job with companies such as Manpower, Kelley's and so on. Most people who were in a profession for years worth of experience in their field have been thrown by the way side, and it does not look as though anyone really gives a hoot.

What about all the Realtor's and Mortgage Lenders who are now doing whatever job they can manage to land? Most are not even making half the income they use to for the past six years. I think we ought to show the numbers as they really are. What we are being told now, is way off. I suggest we make a list of others that have lost jobs, such as; Automotive workers, Police Officers, Nurses, Health Care workers, Restaurant Hostesses, Hotel staff, and the list can go on and on. Think about it... are we getting all the facts?

Are homes selling, at higher prices than you would expect, or what?

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:19:27 -0500

Today was a nice day to get out of the house and go to a couple open houses within our neighborhood. We found both homes were over priced by at least ten thousand dollars. Our neighborhood is holding strong on sales, but not within the price range they are listed at. Most homes have sold very quickly as they were priced accordingly. Priced to sell in this market we are competing in. People are still out there looking for "the best deal" and not over priced real estate.

The analysis of homes selling within our area is at the price they sold for three to six years ago. I know the market is believed to be coming back, but it is not even close to the listed prices now being offered.

Now...on the other hand if we are wrong in our thinking, we will be placing our home on the market and take advantage of this wonderful gain of equity that has come back. I just don't think I am going to hold my breath too long.

What is happening in your communities, we would love to know.

Family life, verses work, and more work, makes for a bad situation

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:02:16 -0500

I was discussing hours at work with lots of overtime being offered or actually made mandatory to my wife last night, I became pleasantly surprised. Cyndi said she was glad that I wanted to be home instead of working a tone of overtime for the sake of the almighty dollar. I was taken back at her statement and ask her if she ever felt I would rather work, and she said no, which I was happy to hear.

Time spent at work verses being with family does not bring quality time within the marriage. We men and women are now being told we have to work over, and we are thinking yes, I have to do this to bring in the money before the business goes under. I have been there done that, just as so many of you are doing now. My suggestion is to continue to talk with one another, and tell each other how you feel. Ask questions and be sincere when you make suggestions. If at all possible try and get as much out of debt as you can. Make sure you pay more on the bills that really make life unpleasant, and plan to pay it off.

All this takes a little patience, but you both can do it together much better than doing so by yourself. If your employer makes you work overtime, I suggest you pick a special time to spend with family, and make it special, even a pic nic in the park becomes one of the best times, at least for me it is.

A working situation does not have to rule your life, only if we let it. I hope this year brings more jobs into the market places, to replace the ones we have lost. I hope we who have lost our careers can some day pick up where we left off, and again do what we do best. In the Real Estate world we all know how hard it has been. I hope we can look forward to a new beginning, soon.

I am thankful for my family, here at home, and the one at Active Rain. God bless.

How do I choose which post to read? There are so many, what do I do?

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:54:10 -0500

With over 141,175 members strong, and so many people writing posts, do you ever ask yourself how you ever keep up? I try and come here everyday or every night to read as many posts as possible. I find myself wondering which ones to read and not read.

To my surprise, if I click on one that just seems a litte different, I get a real blessing out of it. It may be a story with thanks giving in it, or it could be a concerned writer asking for help, even someone to just take a minute to pray for a loved one. This has happened to me so many times I can't count them. How do I account for this? Well you know I think our Father is directing me to these posts. He usually knows best, and I don't question Him doing so.

I know you all have been here, done that, and I would like to hear your story about a post that really hit home for you. Feel like sharing? Try it, you might just like reading it. I know I will.

Appraisals are changing, loan officers will not have control....

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:57:02 -0500

So far fourteen states have passed legislature to restrict Loan Officers from discussing or even being able to hire their own Appraiser. Some think our Government has gone too far with this, but if think there are some good ways to look at what is happening.

Years ago our Appraisers would come into the L.O.'s office and tell us how good the "service" would be. Now being the good L.O. I would ask if he would be able to bring the numbers in for us. "Sure" would be the answer, and here ya go, we now have a solid relationship. Not such a great idea in the real world these days. Now the Appraiser will not have to step up to the plate as before. Now he or she can simply rely on doing their job, which is a tough one these days. Finding comps now are harder than ever to make a sound call on the appraisal, to make the numbers fit the purchase agreements purchase price.

We are traveling down a different path now. The Loan Officer can no longer discuss with the Appraiser any figures before and during the transaction. This protects both, the Bank, and the buyer. There is much more to all of this, and as time progresses I will share with you more information on an Appraisal Management Company and what they are all about.

I hope this helps some one out here with a piece of information that is going to hit home hard soon. In fourteen states, it has already happened. Take care.

I needed prayer, so I went to my best friend, I knew I could count on her

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:27:25 -0500

I needed prayer, so I went to my best friend, I knew I could count on her, and she didn't let me down. I have been torn apart this last few weeks. I have been seeking an opportunity to work for a company that would put me back into Real Estate.

I loved my job where I would help so many people to regain their ability to take care of a defaulted loan. This was not an easy job by no means, and it takes a person with listening skills, and know when your being taken for a ride by the client in most cases.

I was in the middle of accepting an offer that would pay me for the hours worked, with overtime as this is a new start up business. I was torn between walking away from friends I had made over the last year and a half, and I am always scared to death of change, and start into a new job. I thought it over yesterday morning and really knew I could not go to work without knowing my best friend would be praying for me. I couldn't sleep that morning so I wrote Cyndi (my wife) a note to please pray that I could have some peace on making the right decision. I came home last night and she said thank you for the note, and assured me she was praying.

Long story short, I made the decision to take the job. I hated giving notice as this company will literally give you an exit interview, and at the same time have your manager box up your belongings from your desk, and you would then be ushered out the door.

I was given the opportunity to talk to both my manager and supervisor, and an HR person, along with the President of the company. They all stated that if things do not work out, the door is always open. My heart really was in pain at this point. My two supervisors were teary eyed, and I could not stand what I was going through. I hate making others hurt.

I was questioning my decision as I walked out the door. Once in my truck to come home, I chatted with my wife, who assured me I had done the right thing, you see she too had worked there with me, and had left six months ago. She knew what it was like, and she also feels we did make the right decision. Over dinner I knew it was the right way to go. A heavy lift off my shoulders happened and I felt like I had lost ten pounds.

Monday I start my new job. I will be trained to do one thing, not a multitude of duties as I was doing up till today. I am excited and also scared, LOL.

Just wanted to let you know that I cannot do this stuff alone, nope, cannot do it, don't want to do it that way, and I am thankful for having my best friend with me during this time.

If you have been following my blog you all know what Cyndi has gone thru, and I am here to tell you all, she is amazing. God has allowed her to get back up on her feet and started back to work and is doing well.

I hope to be as good of an asset going to the next job, as the one I left. I give God the praise for allowing me to do my best for Him.

A time for change, hum, I have heard that before, I know I have

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 08:42:41 -0500

I like Titus 2:2, but didn't always understand what it was all about..."Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance." Now the verse before this one says to teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. And then it goes on and talks about how the older women should teach the younger women, and even further down the chapter it talks about teaching slaves to be subject to their masters, to please them, and so on.

I don't know about you but when I was growing up this passage did very little for me as I thought I knew it all then. LOL, well times do change and I don't think I know it all now, and I certainly realize I did not know all that much then. So I guess there was reason to this teaching that I wish as a young man I would have understood more so than I did years ago.

I think back over the years as to how our society has enabled "change." In our world of Real Estate, we were given the right to file for bankruptcy and not repay our debt. In many cases for no reason other than not wanting to pay the bills we had piled up. In our social lives we were taught it was ok to be a Hippy and be care free, and "love" everyone we can, and sometimes not the one your with. Gee I think they wrote a song about that...? Your getting the feel of this post by now I am sure. So how has God opened your heart, and brain these days?

For me, I prefer to go back to Titus and put into place the teachings we were brought up with. I hope people now see me as a person that is not as hard, non caring, or care fee as it were, but a person that loves God, and puts trust in Him.

During our time of "Change" just look back a few years in your life and ask, "what would I have done differently?" I should have made a list.

Just some food for thought, I hope you have a good change coming your way, as we all really do not "know it all" like we use to. LOL

Do you "dig" to find the right post to read here on Active Rain?

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:13:50 -0600

Do you "dig" to find the right post to read here on Active Rain? Or do you read whatever stand out? I have noticed lately when I read posts here I am finding so much good material it is hard to keep up with. I am glad I can come back and pick up where I left off many times. I am still reading posts where lenders are not honoring their "pre approvals" which just infuriates me. I know times are hard but lenders need to stand by the pre approval process, after all you were the lender telling the Realtor and client they were good to go.

I also find many hurting people here as well. Prayer is much needed for a family member or loved one. What a place to ask for help, Active Rain is it.

All in all what we write here is coming from your living rooms, homes or offices. When you write you give of yourself, many times not even knowing how your touching someones life.

Long story short... Keep writing, and have fun doing it. You just never know who your going to help.

God bless and have a great week.

There is a time for prayer, and a time for Praise

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:44:50 -0600

Writing this post seems almost like a dream. This last December was to be as all other years, Christmas time and a month of celebration. This December was not to be so for our family this year.

Cancer. This word came into our lives off and on throughout our lives from other members of our family, or from loved ones we grew up with through the years. We never believed we would be connecting this word cancer, to our lives directly, not with my wife. As most of you know it did indeed happen.

Now, as we are half way through February I can tell you we are desperately trying to give thanks and praise to our God for allowing the cancer to be removed totally. There was a price to pay physically and mentally. Much pain was and still is connected to this cancer and three surgery's later. We often wonder about Jesus and the physical and mental pain he endured. He knew as the time came closer to finish His Father's work there would be pain of all kinds. He would be ridiculed. He would be spat on, he would be beaten beyond what any man could endure, and he would be tested mentally. He would wonder why His Father turned his back on him for a split second, but in the end, He paid the price, He rose the third day to settle the cost. He paid the price, paid it in full for you and I.

As you have kept up with my post regarding Cyndi and her recocery, you know we all were in prayer, many of you were fasting, asking for your churches to join in with prayer. We were all able to do this through our God, that indeed sent His Son to pay the price, so we had an advocate to come to, to ask for help, to pray to Him for healing, complete healing.

We also have a time now to go to Him for thanks giving, a time for me to give God the praise He so deserves for answering prayer. I do this daily, I have a beautiful reminder to do so, her name is Cyndi, my wife. Each time I look at her, I splendor in His greatness to allow her to be here, cancer free.

Give our Lord the praise even when we do not feel like it is so important. I have learned the hard way to do this. I use to think I was doing so....I know differently now. As I wept before Him throughout this ordeal and ask Him why, all I could hear was His soft words...."it's ok my son, keep asking me and I will answer you."

God bless, and know your all in our thoughts and prayers and will be here for you as well.

WE WAITED TO HEAR TWO WORDS, "CANCER FREE" AND WE DID HEAR THEM TODAY

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:29:24 -0600

OK, if you think I am yelling in the Title Line, YOUR RIGHT. All we can say is thank God for His grace in allowing the surgeon to do his best to remove all of the cancer from Cyndi's body. Today we heard the words were praying to hear. The words you were praying and upholding Cyndi with. Cancer free.

Cyndi was not sure she heard the doctor right and wondered if she heard him wrong. I got on the phone and called the doctor and no there were no mis-communications, she heard him correctly. They got it all.

We both feel very relieved and yet we are still in disbelief too. You know when you think of it, we ask for
God to intervene and take care of things. To guide the doctors to remove the cancer, specifically to heal Cyndi. Now we have our prayers answered, and it seems hard to accept. This may seem odd to some, and even to me. But I am so grateful and thankful, I feel like I can never repay God for what he has done for her, us. Which brings us to another question, or statement. How do I repay God for giving us His only Son to allow you and I into heaven? I feel so selfish at times asking God to take care of an issue, especially when I know what He gave up for me. The pain my Lord paid for me, physically and emotionally, what a thought that I cannot get off my heart.

Thank you all for your prayers. Your prayers were answered, our prayers were answered. Now we can only do one thing. Lets give God all the praise for it, without Him, I would have been lost. How do people ever go through these ordeals without Him? I don't want to ever find out.

God bless you all.

Bob and Cyndi

Hum, whinning, while healing, just deal with it!

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 17:03:56 -0600

During the past two days I have had the pleasure, and I do mean pleasure in hearing what my wife Cyndi calls "whining." I have to tell you that it is nice to hear the "whining" as she calls it. She is doing remarkably well. Yes there is much pain. Yes there is things she has to go through to heal. She is having to contend with drain tubes, medications and feelings deep within. I know this has been one of the hardest things she has had to contend with ever. She and I know we could have not have done this alone, which brings us to the next paragraph of this post. Neighbors.

Yes neighbors. The support we have been given is almost overwhelming. Prayers, thoughts of best wishes and meals cooked with a special love brought to our door. How does anyone repay neighbors like these? The only answer I have is as to be there when your neighbors need you. Little things help so much. Removing snow in a drive where someone has no snow blower and has to shovel, or a grass needing cut when they are gone, and the list can go on and on. But the most important of all of giving back is the praying and time spent with each other during the hard times. That is irreplaceable.

I am thankful for our tight knit community sub division we live in. We tend to look after each other when we can. I hope this never ends.

You might ask where can I find a place to live like this. My answer is right where you are as you have the ability to make your community into a wonderful place to live in. We are all a part of where we live, and we are all a part of His great plan of serving others, helping others, and loving others.

So back to that whining. Men, just three words, deal with it. Cyndi said that while smiling lovingly at me, how can I not deal with it? :)

Last note; Active Rain is another community we call "home." You are also our neighbors too. God bless.

Cyndi and I want to say thank you, and here is her update on surgery

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:56:06 -0600

Cyndi and I want to say thank you, and here is her update on surgery. Her surgery went well yesterday morning. She is home resting now. I am able to take time off work to help her, which I am so thankful for. She has the normal drain tubes that have to be cleared and emptied four times per day, and meds to keep her pain down.

She is a remarkable woman. And you are remarkable believing people that have spent your time praying for Cyndi. We want to thank each of you so much, thank you all.

I will keep you posted on her condition, as we are praying for all to be clear of cancer on her next report. If things do not turn out well, she will then go through radiation. This is not a fun thing to do, so we are really hoping and praying for the best results.

Thank you Alexander, for posting today our conversation, you and the group are awesome, and we do have an awesome God. God bless, will keep you all posted. Promise.

With all our love,

Bob and Cyndi Sloop

Cancer free day, is tomorrow, Cyndi's third surgery,

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:15:41 -0600

Today is Tuesday, early in the morning, when normal people are sleeping. It is funny how our body and mind reacts with situations in our lives. I woke up this morning at 1:10 A.M. as if it were time to get up and head off to work. I know the anticipation of tomorrow is on my mind and heart.

How do people make it through these times without God in their lives is a question I have wondered about for a few weeks now. Sharing this with Alex (founder of Christianity and Real Estate here on A.R.) he suggested I write a post about it. I just don't see how I can bring myself to write the post now. Maybe later when I know how to put it together.

Other people have been here in Cyndi's shoes, many right here on A.R. for that matter. This battle can be won. The fight these women endure is unreal. The steadfast spirit is also, unreal. All I can say is Gods promise to never leave us, and that He is always here for us is how we are making it through this roller coaster ride.

I hope the next post I write will be one of good news, that Cyndi is cancer free. I hope and pray she will make it through with no complications, and when it is done, we can both give God the praise He is so deserving of. What love He must have for us, to listen to our every thoughts we have.

Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts for your support and prayers. God bless.

Bob and Cyndi

Come follow me my son, my Father said....and I trusted him...

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:20:57 -0600

One part of my life I remember and cherish so much is a simple time spent with my father, as he said to me, "come on, follow me" as my dad took my hand and pulled our sled behind him as we walked to the park not far from our home. I was about three then, and I will never forget the feeling I had as we came to the park and looked down the hill that seemed so steep. We both were going to ride the sled to the bottom. As my dad got on the sled first then he told me to jump on his back as he pushed off....wow, oh man was we moving down that hill. I remember seeing the snow coming up beside us both as we were laughing and having the time of our lives.

I loved that time spent with my dad. I will never forget it, and have told him so many times.

I know our Lord wants us to trust in Him in all we do. It might not seem like it is a fun thing to do as He is telling us to follow him, but in the long run I know we are much better off if we just decide to take the ride of our life, and just trust.

Will there ever be Mortgage Company's again as we knew them?

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:08:46 -0600

Will there ever be Mortgage Company's again as we knew them? So are you asking yourself if you ever really "knew" them? If you are don't feel bad as others out here I am sure don't either. I am talking about the Mortgage Company that would be located somewhere downtown, usually close to the middle where it would be visible. Inside this building is a Mortgage Banker, Mortgage Broker, or Mortgage Lender who was always available for you if you ever had a situation come up that you as a Realtor needed help with. You know, those questions you use to have when selling a property and had to have an answer right now to see if you could put your perspective buyer in a specific home? Sure you do. So, do you think this reputable person you use to call upon at a moments notice will ever return as we knew him, or her a few months, years back?

I fear those days are not coming back any time soon. The reason is our Government is stepping in and trying it's best to stop the last three administrations desire to see every American have a chance at the dream of their life, owning their own home.

Years ago bills were passed to allow lenders to loosen the requirements to qualify a borrower for a mortgage loan. As we now know, this type of lending is not what the administrations had in mind. But the Mortgage Lenders, and Builders of new cookie cutter homes who placed "their own good ole boys" at a desk within the subdivisions to lend to any person who walked in the door with no money down. Hey that is no problem, we will give them a zero down loan, the home is worth it and later it will gain in equity at an almost magical rate of increased value. That new homeowner can refi the loan and be in great shape and even drop that PMI off the loan.

It didn't work. It is impossible to turn back the clock, and start over. Now we are having astronomical amount of foreclosures in almost every subdivision in every town. I am not telling you anything you already don't know. You as a Realtor have a tough job ahead of you to try and sell these homes, and still try and salvage the reputation within that subdivision, now filled with repo's.

There were good lenders out there. There were good sound loans being made. There were not government entities put in place to watch the lending practices of the Banks, and Mortgage Companies making the loans. All in all, what has happened to us these past few years now brings us to a realization that this can never happen again.

The problem we now have is even greater than before. Jobs are being lost. Income is dropping, and the cost of living is out of this world. But, now is the time to buy. If only the Banks would lend the money, and if the buyer has enough confidence in the company they work for, it can be done. And it will be done the right way this time. The perspective buyer by now knows to ask for a fixed rate mortgage. And the rates are the best they have ever been, right now.

So back to my original question. The answer is simple. Yes, you will see a reputable lender again in you town, and yes he will be there to help you with any question at any time. It is just going to take a little more time, but he will be back. By the way, I am one of those who will be back, and I will be more than happy to work those many hours, just like the Realtor does. It will happen. God bless, and have a great 2009. Things are going to get better.

Cyndi has her surgery date scheduled, in one week, prayer request for her

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:05:15 -0600

Cyndi had gone to the Surgeons office yesterday and today. She was retaining fluid after her last surgery, and today she returned as it was not any better. After taking care of this problem, Cyndi ask if the surgery was scheduled yet, and to her surpriseshe was told they have a spot for her next Wednesday, one week from tomorrow. She was originally going to have this surgery within the next six weeks. She made the decision to have it done then.

Please keep her in prayer as your are now, that God will take care of her, and make her well and cancer free. Thank you for your support and prayers and I will keep you posted on how things are going.

Her date of surgery is February 4, at 8:00 A.M.

How does God work in your life, because of an email? Your kidding, right? No way!

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:45:45 -0600

This morning as Cyndi and I were getting ready to head out to work and go our separate ways, I felt compelled to ask Cyndi what was she going through right now, how was she feeling? She replied she was needing to do something in the mornings to get her back in the swing of things, and put her in the mood to head out the door and get to work. I thought to myself there had to be something we could do that would help her.

Well, I had sent an email to my cousin to bring him up to speed on Cyndi's condition. He wrote me back an email that will stay with me for the rest of my life. And in this email, he spelled out the prescription of how to get Cyndi back on track. Read on please, here is your answer.

"This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

I sent the entire email to Cyndi so when she got to work, she would see the email. I called her and ask her how she was doing, and she said that is just what she needed, she said this is a scripture that is so easy to remember, and it is so comforting. She told me she had emailed my cousin back, and told him what what she and I had talked about before leaving for work, and how much she appreciated his email, and thoughtful passage of scripture.

Cyndi is a remarkable woman. She continues to amaze me as to how she looks at things in life an beyond. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, and please continue to keep her in mind. She will win this battle, because of your prayers. God bless.

Do you ever take time to smell the coffee, before you drink it?

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:09:05 -0600

Do you ever take time to smell the coffee, before you drink it? I can hear it now...what kind of question is that, sure I do!

Well, I don't, at least not every time I make coffee. But....today I did. I took time to do so, savoring the fresh smell of the coffee grounds. I enjoyed it so much. (sorry if your not a coffee nut like me) but lets go on here.

My point is, while I was taking in the aroma I had a chat with my friend that knows me all to well. I cannot get anything by him. He knows how I feel, my ups and downs, and when I am hurting and most of all, he knows when I need him the most.

I know your way ahead of me on this post already, aren't you? Your right I am sure. My friend has been carrying me along this life's journey, during some tough times. I remember my first tour overseas, first year in the Marines, away from home and the people I loved. I remember talking to him then too, everyday, every night, and mostly asking for help, guidance, and how to make it through my ordeals.

Today just like then, I am still asking, but not as much. I was thinking of this as I was standing at the coffee pot this morning, I am now at a level of thinking differently about this friend, I am now doing what he wants most of all. My attitude is now of worship. To give him the praise he deserves is what I am doing much more of these days.

So why is smelling the coffee so important in this post then if we are talking about my friend, my Lord, God, Jesus Christ, my Savior? God speaks to us in different ways, today just happened to be the day, that God used my sense of smell to get me to "stop" and think of Him, and in doing so gave me something in return. He gave me the message loud and clear, slow down, take in all you can Bob, do what you can for others, and take the time to worship me, and I will be here for you, and your family.

Amen, thank you Lord, for this day, and for all your doing for us.

Update on Cyndi, this cancer is a tough one.

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:40:20 -0600

As you follow this post from a husband who cares so much for his loved one, his wife, best friend in the world, I want to talk about her condition to up date you as I promised. I also want to make you aware of what type of cancer this is, as it a rare form that not many doctors know much about.

First Cyndi and I met with a plastic surgeon on Thursday. He was a pleasant doctor that was encouraging and Cyndi feels he will do a good job, and she said he and her would be seeing a lot of each other. He just smiled and said yes that was going to happen. She is trying to schedule the two surgery's at the same time. This would be to remove the breast, and to start with reconstruction as well. There are still questions as to what to do. Radiation may have to be administered, as this cancer is not visible to the human eye. During surgery when a doctor removes the tissue, he actually does not know if he is getting all the cancer or not. This is why Cyndi has gone through two surgery's. One to remove the tumor, which the doctor felt was not cancer at all when he noted the shape was round. This is a good indication it is not cancer. Not so....it was. The second surgery was to remove more tissue, and sending it to pathology it came back with four margins not clear, and were still cancer. The other two margins came back questionable.

This cancer is called "Adenoid Cystic Carcenoma" and is usually located in the head, throat, or lungs. It has been seen in the breast as a tumor as well. If the tumor was not detected with Cyndi, she would have not known it was even there.

Now for the best part. Cyndi is doing well. Her spirits are high, her mood is very good. She has her days, don't get me wrong, but I think she is one lady that will win this battle.

We want as many people to know what this cancer is all about as this is a new type that doctors just do not know enough about. The only thing they know for sure is it cannot be killed with chemo. Radiation and total removal of the area that has cancer is the only way to remove it.

We are praying that the surgeon will be able to get all the cancer this time, which should be in a month or so from now.

Your continued prayers are so much appreciated. Will keep you posted as things come along.

Thank you for your support, prayers and best wishes for Cyndi.

Friends at times like these, unreal, and hard to describe the feelings

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:14:22 -0600

For those of you wonderful people following this post, Cyndi and I cannot thank you enough for all your support. It is so unreal to have friends we have not physically met, but have come to know and love to share our experiences with. It is sad that we are sharing the news of Cyndi and her cancer situation presently. Friends at this time in our life are so real to us, you are people we can count on for support and prayers. Your thoughts, phone calls, emails, but most of all prayers are more than a person could ever ask of a friend.

This post is dedicated to my wife Cyndi, and to her friends here on Active Rain, we love you all very much. Stay with us on this roller coaster ride as Cyndi calls it. It is a ride God will take us on together. Just think of all the prayers our loving Lord is listening to all over the country. It is unreal to think of this but it is real, it is awesome, it is all about you.

Thank you.

Update on Cyndi, Not what we wanted to hear

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:05:45 -0600

Update on Cyndi, Not what we wanted to hear. As I started out the door today for work I turned back to my wife Cyndi and said to her "today is the day your going to hear good news." I really felt down deep good news was coming and we would hear her surgeon saying, "we have clear margins." Unfortunately the phone call Cyndi took today a little before 11:00 was not the news we were hoping for. The surgery of last Thursday was not successful, cancer is still in her breast and the only option left now is removal.

So what is the story with how I felt this morning as I told Cyndi today was the day for her good news? I cannot get this out of my mind. I am talking to God, asking what is going on, talk to me Lord tell me what is happening, how do we get through this now, please God would you scream the answer into my ears!

He is telling me it doesn't work that way, that the good news is coming, one step at a time. The next step is to remove the cancer. Yes, removal of part of my wife and her body never to be the same as she knew it, must change too. But in the end, the good news will be here, she will be here, and she will be cancer free. My prayer does not end here, not today nor tomorrow. I will continue to do what God is commanding me to do. Pray fervently, ask and believe, and it will be done, it will be ok. Our God is good, he speaks with a soft voice, and I hear Him loud and clear.

Thank you all here on Active Rain for your prayers, they were not unheard, they will continue to be heard.

God bless you, God bless my Cyndi...we both love you all very much.

Bob and Cyndi

100,000 Points on Active Rain, when does it hit home?

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:57:17 -0600

I find it hard to believe I am at the 100,000 points level here on Active Rain, and I find it hard to imagin. It started here with my first blog, then a few more and I knew I was hooked. I continued to write and can you believe on my first few posts I had no one reading and commenting. LOL, yes that is true....Ok, I have to admit my wife Cyndi did read and comment some I really felt passionate about. It took some time to make friends, and associates but it happened. I was trying to help as many people here as I could, and I loved it.

Well time has passed and I have seen many people come and go. I was one of the ones coming and going, but always came back and read posts by so many. I wanted to keep in touch with the business I was about to leave behind. As a lender, I was the happiest person you could ever meet at his job. I loved helping home owners to purchase their first or second home. I made friends with those families, kept in touch and continued to grow my business. Then, as we all know now, the bottom fell out, and I saw the handwriting on the wall. It was time to get out and find a job that paid a salary, or at least an hourly wage, with health benefits.

So many of us have had to move on, take on different work than we are accustomed to. But, we did it , and are surviving. But there is one thing that did not change. We can still write our posts, and keep in contact with the business we love, and continue to help each other.

I think we will be able to see better times, but not for a while. Till then, hang in there, continue to add your points and still be a vital part of your business, the wonderful business of Real Estate.

God bless, take care, always....Semper Fi

What does Active Rain do for you? Here is our perspective.

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:30:22 -0600

This should be an easy answer in most cases, but you know Active Rain is unique in the sense that there are so many communities within it's own structure. Take Christianity and Real Estate. This is the group of Christians that follow the principals our Lord God has ask us to be. Being fair in the practices of selling or funding Real Estate properties, for the home owner and buyers. This is only one aspect of what this group is all about. The other is the sharing with other believers your happy and not so happy experiences with one another. This is a place you can come and share your dreams with.

When things go wrong, someone is here to pick you up. When things are going great, they are also here to smile and accept encouragement with.

As you all know that come in contact with my blog, and Cyndi's too, you know that we have had our trials, let downs and most importantly, we have also been blessed beyond anything imaginable. We both were Lenders for Banks, Mortgage Company's, Mortgage Brokers, and finally, Cyndi became a Realtor.

Our health issues have been something we could not predict. We have gone through Cyndi having a brain tumor, and now cancer.

The bottom line or this post is this. You Active Rain, have been here for us both. We have made friends that will last for decades to come is our prayer. I want to take this time to thank all of you for being here.

God bless, we love you all.

Bob and Cyndi Sloop

Church, the right one, tough choice, why?

Bob Sloop, Consultant, Indianapolis, IN (RS Mortgage Consulting) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:54:04 -0600

Church, the right one, tough choice, why? This is a question I have been asking ever since we came back to Indianapolis over three years ago. Why can't we find a home church that makes us feel like it is home? Each time we attend a new church, the members either smother us to death with kindness beyond the norm, or question us for fifteen minutes before we get out the door. Then there is the church that has the right music, but the wrong setting, and it seems too much like a staged act for our intertainment.

Are we just being too picky or what? We had a home church in Michigan, the people there were not at all clickish, and we fit right in to the point we became a part of the church body, and helped so many others as they did us. It is hard to replace a church your comfortable in. It is even harder to attend a church that just does not fit. Being spiritually fed, is so important to us, and we enjoy and thrive on digging into theology and asking ourselves questions, like what if? That remark is going to have to be explained in another blog, sorry.

Well, we are still searching, but we do know one thing for sure. God is good, and we have Him in our hearts, and home, and we know He will make sure we find that church we can again share in with other believers. God bless, and make every day you have count.