rockswillcryout

It's not so much about being more "qualified" to me. I mean, in reality, someone who is 12 years old and may know nothing on the subject could post there simply because they have posted 100 times in the Story Game thread in Fellowship Hall. I think the restriction is more there for the "newbies" so they can get a better sense of the board, how it works, and well, for the moderators to get to know you. It's not a punishment or a elite club or anything like that, but it's a good way to keep out trolls. (or those who just want to post mean and terrible things in topics that are worthwhile but controversial.) Most trolls aren't going to stick around long enough to post 100 times so they can post in controversial issues. Most trolls are only around for the night (or I guess sometimes day) and will give up if they are restricted in some way. Because Worthy is a Christian Ministry, there are many types of people who come to the board to cause trouble and stir up anger. And many will only do it for their night's entertainment. And I think the 100 posts is a good way to deter from that. So take this time to get to know who we are and we will take that 100 posts to get to know who you are (that always a good thing!). For me, I guess, the more posts I read from a person, the more I feel like I know them, so that when an debate DOES start, I will think twice about saying something that may have a little bite to it, because I do have a sense of friedship with them This may not be the offical stance from the moderators - it's just how I feel about it, and my unxerstanding of the reason. Welcome to Worthy. We look forward to getting to know you!

We love you Beth! "Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage." as Joshua said. We are all praying for your safety!

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! -Hebrews 9: 14

I just finished "The Yada Yada Prayer Group" by Neta Jackson. Good book. Reminded me that I'm a sinner just like everyone else and I need grace!

I think all of us know the "invisible person", don't we? The one who you notice, but not really. The one you see working in the kitchen at church, or herding their kids to school. Sometimes looking a little disheveled because they were running late. Sometimes you notice them staring straight ahead as they scan your groceries and bag them. Maybe you see them walking along 3rd Ave, by themselves, head down, hands in their pockets. Or what about the person sitting in the back row at church, who you've seen before, but you always forget to look for them afterwards so you can introduce yourself? The invisible person can be found everywhere. They are the ones who doesn't feel good enough, or worthy of companionship, worthy of love, worthy of anything. Inside that invisible person is a heart that beats just like your heart. It's had it's share of joys and sorrows, failures and successes. That invisible person may seem fine on the outside, but may also be broken on the inside. And if you feel like an invisible person, be encouraged! There is a God who knows you. You are not invisible to Him. If you listen closely, you can hear Him whisper, "I see you. And you are my child." And He will heal your broken heart.

"Him" is Jesus. My life should be about Jesus. Not about me.

Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD the God of Israel, and give him the praise. -Joshua 7:19

There seems to be a common theme I am continuing to hear throughout the Christian subculture. Perhaps it's a trend, like the the WWJD? bracelets or the "My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter" phase. Perhaps it's a reflection of the time we are living in - one of selfishness, conceit and materialism. Either way, it's certainly a truth. It's not about me. I keep hearing it - from pulpits to women's conference, from worship music to Max Lucado books. It's not about me. Any catechism student would say our purpose is to "serve God and enjoy him forever." But what does that involve? Many things. I see them as fitting into two basic areas: 1.) Humilty. On your knees before the Risen and Reigning King. Knowing you have nothing to offer him that he needs. Knowing that all he wants is you. 2.) Excellence. Not perfection, but excellence. Not being better than the next gus. Just striving to be the person God wants you to be. Every once in a while, I remember the words of Oswald Chambers and ask myself "Am I striving to be my utmost for his highest?" And when I honestly look at my life, my day to day activities and responsibilities, I am my own worst critic. We all are. "No," I say to myself. "I'm not being my utmost for his highest. After all, I was crabby with a co-worker, I felt jealous when my friend told me she bought that purse I'd been eyeing at my favorite department store, and I said a bad word when that driver cut me off." I want to be my very best, but I often come up short. However, wanting isn't enough. I should be more than wanting, I should be doing. Striving through the sanctification process is what being a child of God is all about. It's about continuing to accept his grace through all your graceless times, and never forgetting to praise him when "ya done good". I'm never going to be perfect. But I don't have to be. Jesus made sure of that. But I still want to strive to be my utmost for his highest glorification possible. Because it's not about me It's about him. I want to be a reflection of him. I may not always be, but I'm trying. And I think that matters to him. So I will continue to ask myself "Am I being the best I can be to glorify him the most? Am I my utmost for his highest?" After all, it's not my highest. It's his.

Wow. This must be really difficult for you. I pray the Lord will give you wisdom each time you speak to both your son and your daughter in law. You said you feel like your dauighter in law wants you to fix the situation. Has she asked you to? If it were me, I would make it clear that the issue is between her and your son and that your involvement will only make things worse. Offer to be a mediator, but not a counselor, if they decide to meet and talk at some point. Otherwise, the best you can do for now is just listen. Does she have a mother? Is so, perhaps she feels closer to you and it's easier to talk to you.

LadyC... I knew there was a reason you are royal red. Thanks for the thoughts. :il:

I had a friend from college that attended that church and I was with her the Sunday service after he gave that prayer. He was very humble about it and probably had no idea his prayer would circulate through email years and years later. He said it's the only time he's ever written a prayer down, and he did it the night before the session, in his Topeka hotel room. He said God gave him every word. He's a man of God, a very good preacher and God has blessed him with some wonderful leadership gifts. The church still thrives today and if you ever get the chance to go, you should. It's a very warm and welcoming church.

I wonder if wiccans refuse to celebrate the secular version of Christmas because the holiday has it's roots in Christianity? Or if they refuse to leave a present from the Easter Bunny for their kids? Now I'm curious. It's kind of an interesting thought. Many of the holidays we celebrate today have "secularized" versions created of them. I'm not entirely sure why, perhaps to give an alternative to those who don't believe in the roots of the purpose of the celebration? I personally, do not celebrate Halloween because of it's roots. However, I was brought up wearing costumes and trick or treating. I don't remember any harm being done, because my parents taught me well. May I ask this? Is there harm being done in celebrating the secularized version of Halloween? (i.e.: carving pumpkins, dressing up, getting candy, bobbing for apples) If there is, I think it's best not to celebrate the holiday. But otherwise....??

As Billy Graham has said, "I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out okay."

"If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat" by John Orteberg has been very inspiring to me. It's helped me identify my fears and my comfort zones and it challenges you to step out and follow God's will.

Perhaps getting rid of your internet access would help. That way, you'd have to go to a public place to do your surfing. That would probably help deter the temptation.

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4: 7-9

May I recommend a book to you? "Not Even A Hint" by Joshua Harris. It changed my life and how I understand what lust is and what it does to people. You can find a great support system here at Worthy! Keep posting - the people here will embrace you and do what they can to support you. They will also pray hard! Post some request in the Prayer forum and let us pray for you. I'm glad you are seeking help and what you are going through is one of the most difficult additions out there. Keep perserving and God will help you through this.

Well, my thoughts still aren't clarified... No offense. Anyone else? Please?

How's that?

That is such great news - another to add to our family of believers... Dave - speaking of shock value, Alice Cooper will always be the biggest shocker conversion story for me!

A while back a friend and I were talking about the expectations we have of people. My friend was a little frustrated at some things in her life and in the heat of the moment she said, "We should never expect things from other people! That way we won't be hurt." So that got me thinking... the only time in our life that we become disappointed is when we expect something and it does not work out. I think it's good to expect things of ourselves, because in a sense, that's like setting a goal. And I'm a firm believer in setting goals in life, especially when they involved becoming a better person. But what about having expectations of other people? Like the expectation of a kind or thoughtful word? The expectation of an email in reply to yours? The expectation of time? (Of getting to spend time with a person?) Or the expectation your wife will have dinner on the table or that your kids will want to talk to you about their day? These things are normal things to expect, wouldn't you say? But is it okay to expect it? Is that borderline selfishness if you want something back from someone you gave something to? Like time? Thoughtful words? An email? It almost does seems selfish. Am I wrong? Okay, so then I got to thinking about what I expect of God. And I don't expect things from Him. I want Him to answer a prayer, but I don't expect Him to. Because He knows better than me. I want Him to be blessed by what I try to do for Him, but I don't expect Him to. I don't expect Him to make me wealthy, I don't expect him to answer my emails....well, okay, now I've gone a little too far. But you get what I mean. And I don't expect God to spend time with me like I would expect that from my family or friends. Because I know He will. Because He is always there. So, are our expectations of people wrong to have? Is our desire to get back from someone what we give them (or just get something period) wrong?

THank you, Called. That was a verse I needed to hear today.

My cross is my selfishness. I am the baby of my family and self-admittedly spoiled. I grew up in privilege and have never lacked for any material thing (although my parents wouldn't let me have the Barbie dream house I wanted so badly). I don't like being ignored and being the center of attention is a place I feel comfortable. I'm selfish. Getting over me is my cross. What does it mean to take up your cross? It's about putting it all aside and remembering my purpose in life is to glorify and serve the living God, not to glorify and serve myself.

On God