Annette443pink

Should a person stay in a dead marriage?

I don't want very much to have a bunch of friends. Sometimes it would be nice to have just one person I was super comfortable with that could come drink coffee or I go drink coffee at their place, but I just don't feel like the hassle. The times that I resolve to get involved where I should with people....it never works out....and it's always with people where it ought to work out!!! A homeschool mother among homeschool mothers.....a christian mother among christian mothers at church etc. So, I give up and mostly don't care. I often feel like an alien....like I don't belong, but it doesn't really depress me. I like being alone a lot. I do have a husband and kids still at home.

Checked into kajeet, which is supposed to help parents control internet on phones, and they said they cannot control wifi. Claimed there's some app. you can get, but they couldn't tell me the name without getting in trouble for it. I have a Nokia Lumia 520 smart phone for my son. I would need to be able to do something that the teen can't just undo while he has it in his possession. I've spent a lot of time researching this and getting very frustrated. People either don't know or they think they know, but are wrong. I'd like to see someone try to apply these apps to their phone and see if they work. I, personally, do not carry a cell phone. Had gotten one for my son without data, not realizing that those can access free wifi or wifi with a password. I've had someone tell me that this particular phone won't work with these apps (it's not the latest and greatest). I did try to load one and could not get it done. I'd buy another phone, but have no faith that I'd be successful in blocking the wifi. I don't need a lecture about how I can't control my kid or about trusting them etc. I'm only interested in hearing if anyone has some answers for what I'm seeking. To me, handing him that phone is like handing him a porn magazine or some videos etc. It is an at&t gophone.

Is anyone else here concerned with blocking free wifi from their teen's phone? Seems that I try to find information on the subject and can't find any good answers.

When I read about the people of the Bible, I don't think they trusted that much. I think they were still pretty much like us. I mean, the people of Exodus were led out of there by numerous miracles, yet they murmured and complained over and over again and showed their distrust in God over and over. So much so, that they didn't get to enter the promised land until the older generations had passed away. It was a punishment for their disbelief and murmuring and complaining etc. Jesus told his disciples what was going to happen to him, yet when it did, they acted like they had never been told and were scared out of their minds and thought all was lost. I think it's kind of like today. The ones who have strong, active faith do get discouraged and they do question God, yet they hold on through it. The people who have weak or no faith walk away. Sometimes I'm only holding on by a thread. My husband and kids help keep me going. But, in those times of discouragement and as I get past, I know that I love and trust God. I know that He's in control and His will is best. I know He's there for me. Thoughts?

It was a hard choice, but there was about a 100% chance that if she kept him, he would be killed.

It does seem that many problems have to do with leadership. Possibly the pride within leadership (yea, and how many of the leaders don't really know God, but are good at putting on the show). Good thing to pray about regarding our churches.

Do you think you can fast and it won't make a difference (that God won't honor it)? Maybe because God doesn't feel that your heart is really in it??? Maybe you've just heard a sermon about fasting and think maybe I should fast for such and such, so you do, but maybe you aren't passionate enough. Get what I'm saying? I used to fast for a specific person to get saved every week. Not sure how long I did that. But, I wonder if it was for nought. Anyway, just interested in any thoughts on the matter.

I like your honesty. I am the same way. I think about some of the stupid ideas I've had in the past and wonder why. These were things that I thought I was doing for God, then much later I figure out it wasn't right. Then I think maybe it's because I wasn't asking for wisdom. If we think we know anything at all, we need to pray for wisdom, because we'll never know enough. Someone said many things are our choice. Maybe sometimes it doesn't matter to God if you keep your current job or move to another (because one is not any better in His eyes than the other). Just some thoughts. Ask for wisdom and discernment daily. Read the Bible daily.

Do you think that maybe one reason that there is so much trouble in the church is because our brothers and sisters in Christ aren't really brothers and sisters?? Jesus even mentioned the tares among the wheat. It could be challenging because "what fellowship hath light with darkness?" Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matthew 13 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep

Very good poem. http://my.homewithgod.com/lanell/SameOldFlag.html I'm Still the Same Old Flag Hello, remember me? Some people call me old glory, others call me stars and stripes; I have been referred to as the star spangled banner. But whatever they call me, I am your flag. Or as I proudly state....the Flag of the United States of America. There is something that has been bothering me, so I thought I might talk it over with you....because it's about you and me. I remember some time ago, I think it was Memorial Day, people were lined up on both sides of the street to watch the parade. The town's high school band was behind me, and naturally, I was leading the parade. When your Daddy saw me coming along, waving in the breeze, he immediately removed his hat and placed it against his left shoulder so that his right hand was directly over his heart. Remember? And you, yes, I remember you. Standing there straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat, but you were giving the correct salute. They taught you in school to place your right hand over your heart. Remember little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you. Oh, I was very proud as I came down your street. There were some soldiers home on leave and they were standing at attention giving their military salute. Also some V.F.W. veterans with their caps at jaunty angles were saluting smartly. Ladies as well as men, paid me the reverence I deserve. Now, I may sound a little conceited. Well I am. I have a right to be, because I represent the finest country in the world.... the United States of America. More than one aggressive nation has tried to haul me down, but they all felt the fury of this freedom loving country. Remember... many of you had to go overseas to defend me. What has happened? I'm still the same old Flag. Oh' I've had a couple more stars added since you were a boy. A lot more blood has been shed since that Memorial Day parade long ago. Dad is gone now; the town has a new look. The last time I came down your street, I saw that some of the old landmarks were gone, but in their place, shining majestically in the sun, were a number of new buildings and homes. Yes sir, the old hometown has changed. But now....I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets and give me a glance. Then look or turn away. When I think of all the places I've been...Anzio, Guadalcanal, Battle of the Bulge, Korea, and Vietnam, I wonder what's happened? I'm still the same old Flag. But now I see children running around and shouting as I pass by. They don't seem to know who I am. I saw an old man take his hat off, and then looked around. He didn't see anybody else with theirs off, so he quickly put his back on. Is it a sin to be an American anymore? Have you forgotten what I stand for? Have you forgotten all the battlefields where men fought and died to keep this nation, your nation, free? When you salute me, you are actually saluting them. Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls sometime. Look at the names of those who never came back, and are resting 'neath white crosses on a far away shore. Some of them were friends or relatives of yours, maybe even went to school with you. That's who you're saluting...when you revere me. Well, it won't be long until I come down your street again. So when you see me standing straight, place your hand over your heart, and you'll see me waving back.My salute to you, .. I'll show you that I too remember! Author Unknown

It makes perfect sense.

I was reading Exodus today and got to thinking about Moses' mother. She put Moses in that basket & pharoah's daughter "happened" to see him & take him in. She (the mother) must have been so pleased & been praising God. He was safe. I wonder, did she live to hear of him killing the Egyptian and running away? She must have been sad & scared. She probably didn't live to see God bring him back to set the captives free. What did she think in those 40 years that he was gone? At least my son is safe from his crime? Maybe my son is dead? Why did God save him as a baby only to allow this? She did not know on this earth - at least I assume not. Someone said she may have lived long enough since people lived a little longer then. If I'm remembering correctly, he was around 40 when he left and 80 when he returned. How old would that make her? You can think "oh, she probably had faith enough". We're talking about a human being here, so I wonder. Interesting for us moms who wonder if God hears our prayers about our sons (or daughters or husbands) sometimes. If God even cares. Yes, I know he does, but sometimes it doesn't feel like it.

What is it that you are looking for dear sister? A friend in Him. Lou F. I'm not looking for anything special. Just wanted to see if there were any books you all have read and found really good.

I have not heard of this author. I'll have to check her out some time. Maybe my church library has it. I love our church library. Awesome thing. We live in a small town, so our Christian section at the library isn't too big. I want to get the book His Brain, Her Brain. Can't remember the author's name right now, but I heard him and his wife on the radio and the book sounded really good. No, I haven't read Shack either. Thanks for your input. Good stuff.

Yes. With me it took a lot of time, but God has worked a great deal of love and compassion toward other people in my heart. It was strange, but it seemed that I just woke up and noticed it one day. In truth, I didn't used to care much about anyone. Now, I can find good in practically anyone and I care about them.

I don't like how the doctor presented it like that was the only thing to do. Some uninformed person would just follow those instructions. Very sad. Doesn't that doctor know what he/she is doing?

The latest book I've read that spoke to my heart about a lot of things is called Created to be his Help Meet by Debi Pearl. Very challenging!!! Have any of you read a book lately that has been very thought provoking in a helpful way? Yes, I know you've been reading your Bibles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

very good encouragement. married people might want to watch the new movie called Fireproof. it's awesome!!! about a rough marriage.

Interesting that Satan was originally an angel and in the very presence of God, yet he turned against God. Then men were created. For some reason, men choose hell over God. I can't explain that kind of choice.

I agree. it's a WONDERFUL movie. A lot better than I expected.

Here's ALL of what was said. Jesus Christ was beaten and died for sin. How do we think we're going to be sinless? I mean, why did he bother if we could? I don't know. Some things are only understood through experience. There are dead children, diseased people, prisoners who are sons, dads, mothers; soldiers at war, divorce, hunger, abortion, depression...............so much more to focus on. The Holy Spirit is capable of convicting of sins. A close Christian friend may discuss your sin in the right way.... Why would someone who is full of sin dare set foot in this perfect, sinless church? This church that hasn't known of anyone sinning in forever? Think about it. Again, some things can't be taught or understood without experience.

Oh my...what is this tragedy in which Churches expect Godly behavior from its members? I didn't realize legalism had reached such monstrous expectations... Isn't it just as legalistic to try and force someone into the view of being accepting of other people's shortcomings? Isn't it just as legalistic to try and force people into a ministry better than what Jesus and the disciples had. Isn't it just as legalistic to judge someone for not believing in your belief that we are somehow moving into the "final chapter" and should be healing, prophecying, etc? You can't accuse the church of being overly legalistic...and then start complaining that the church is in peril because they don't follow your rules..lol. I believe in trying to be Holy. I believe in following God. I don't believe in unloving church members condemning each other. It seems that some people in churches make their sole purpose as a christian to watch others with a microscope and find a way to convict and hang them. They don't do it in love. I've seen most people not obviously caught up in great big obvious ugly sins, yet someone will find a way to tear people down and stomp on them if they are already down. These very same people who are pointing out the faults of others have got their own. They just aren't easy to see. What do they do when they are alone? I don't know, but God does. I don't recall laying down any rules. Just ponting out legalism and lack of love. Jesus Christ wasn't constantly reprimanding when he was on this Earth and it was typically the LEGALISTIC that he reprimanded. Thanks for being such a smart alleck. Another example of the great love of the church.

I agree so much with the original post. We are so, so busy banging each other and others over the head with the Bible and stabbing each other in the back with the "Sword". It is so pititful, so wrong. We have no idea what love is, what grace is, what mercy is. It makes me sad, mad, discouraged. I mean, there are so many things that are so much more important that we could be focusing on, but instead the church is often just looking for the correct behavior from it's members. Behavior that is much what the Pharisees and Sadduccees would have expected. Not bothering to care about the circumstances and needs of their own members, let alone the needs of the lost. The love of the church tends to be extremely conditional. It's sickening. I have been so discouraged that I've said that it's a good thing that I have a husband and children or I think I'd just walk completely away from tge organized church. I've got a whole lot of stress in my life and the church shouldn't be an added stress. The church seems to think that the Holy Spirit is incapable of convicting a person of their sin. Most of the time I imagine He is already at work and people sticking their legalistic noses into it tends to hinder His work.