chrysalis09

I usually try to leave 20%-25%. I've been on the receiving end as a server when younger and while I really enjoyed it, it could be taxing. Many days of split shifts where you work lunch, go home during slow hours, and come back for dinner shift. I made $2.13 plus tips and then tip share to the bartenders. It looks like those numbers haven't changed although upon searching it looks like there's a stipulation that the server must make at least min. wage. I guess the restaurant would compensate up to that min. wage. There are people who don't tip regardless of the quality of service. They were rare but I could see that being more common today. So sometimes as a server you're left wondering if you did something wrong when you probably didn't but have to take it in stride in that job.

That was fun. My result is the Reformed churches.

Amen brother! We should all strive to do this every day. God bless

Thanks for this, I'll have to look into these things. I guess my takeaway from this thread is that there are many different opinions and experiences on some matters. We know Scripture is the Truth but some of us interpret non-essential salvation topics differently based on our walk with God. I'm glad to see all the views and see where it takes me in the future.

I really appreciate you going into your experience. Quite the rollercoaster, my goodness. I guess it's fortunate for me to have been profitable over the last few years with very careful planning and so I tend to miss alot of the downsides. They are there. Oh yes, we do take a gamble on many things in life. I guess my really narrowed in focus is the definition of gamble and the philosophy behind categorizing gambling and investing together in a way that is absolute. This would perhaps take a pages long essay. I'm not sure lol. But I agree, we take a gamble on things in life and this doesn't make them sinful depending on their nature. Amen We do need to keep our focus on the Lord and know our priorities are on Him. Material wealth can be a blessing and a temptation.

I don't particularly see how it is always gambling, however if someone could explain I'd be appreciative. All in all, it looks like this is just one of those topics where people differ.

You make a good point about residential real estate.

I agree with JohnD that some sort of evil can be found in almost every human activity. As far as investing in the stock market, I believe this falls under a Christian's freedom. If one does their due diligence, an investor would evaluate financial statements or receive what is believed to be well informed guidance regarding choices in investing. In my opinion, this takes it out of the realm of gambling. As with investing I could make a comparison to starting one's own business. The person makes sure they have all the necessary inputs and then makes the decision of what will be profitable and where. As an investor you own a share, however large or small, of the business and thus you own some of the profits/losses of the business. As it profits or loses, so do you. If a Christian has ethical concerns about a business then that may be grounds to find another opportunity to invest.

A beautiful tribute, thank you Turtletwo for sharing such sweet words. Prayers for everyone, God bless you

Just want to mention for those who don't know that Bible Hub is a great internet reference tool where you can look up a verse and it gives a comparison of many translations. Completely free, how nice

Hi Figure of Eighty, I know how you feel. I experienced loneliness for a very long time. Long story short, after what became years of loneliness with very little friends here or there, I went on a long US road trip excursion alone. Then I discovered a completely new loneliness. The remaining members of my family were now miles away and I was surrounded by thousands of people in new cities who were enjoying their lives with eachother. And there I was alone. When I made it back to my home I had an extreme emptiness and sadness. The trip that I had so looked forward to and planned had made things even more dismal. I had to do something soon so I tried to meet people again. Believe it or not, the first person I met became my husband. Keep your faith strong and your hope alive. The Lord is faithful. If you ever feel desperate, forget about suicide as an option. I believe what you are going through is temporary and so hang in there every day. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Hi cantakerous5, I think the devil is capable of causing these images. I think he's probably also the mastermind of Mary sightings. He's a wicked genius of the extent we don't really know, so it would be pretty cunning for him to use a well respected man such as Lincoln in his devices.

Deuteronomy 31:8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.

I think you're asking about leaving and cleaving in relation to closeness in relationships (?) As we see in Genesis 2:24, scripture describes leaving parents and cleaving to the spouse. Thus the terms leaving/cleaving would best describe the marital relationship. I'm not sure this is a process of connect/disconnect, though replacement may be seen as the spouse leaving the parental household and becoming a new household with the other spouse. The spouses now honor their relationship together above all others. Something else you may also be talking about are feelings of closeness or distance in a relationship, which I think would be categorically different than leaving/cleaving. I can see how that connection could be made though. I could share thoughts on this too, but I'm not sure if that's what you're asking.