DonnaPs25

The grandparent's are raising the young girl. They have talked to her, but she sort of gave them the 'of course you are going to say that, you are my parents' attitude, so they thought reinforcement from me, would help. I did get the James Dobson book recommended here by Lady Kay (Desi, he is the Focus on the Family founder) and reviewing it before giving to grandpa to give to the young girl. They aren't asking me to have a talk to her about the 'birds and the bees' so much as reinforce what God intended for marriage, and not take dating lightly. I wish I would have had someone I respected guide me in this more when I was younger. Thank you all for your input. LadyKat thanks for sharing your story. God bless.

Bopeep, agreed the parents should talk to the kids. This parent did, then approached me, because even though the child will listen to him, it sometimes comes better reinforced by an outside influence. I know I thought my parents were not smart on that topic when I was a teen. Didn't realize how smart they really were until I grew up and had my own family. LadyKay, thank you for your suggestion! I'll definitely look that book up. Dobson is always a great source. I appreciate both of your responding.

Hello all, I am a Sunday School teacher for grades K-5th. One of the parents approached me Sunday asking if I could mentor his daughter on 'boys', because she's starting to find interest . She's only 10 (eek), but I figured I could try to come up with some type lesson that was not too in depth but Biblically sound. I know Rebecca St. James has put out several books, but don't know if they are too mature for what I need. Has anyone had to teach youth groups or hit on the topic of purity or even abstinence to youth? And if so, do you have curriculum or lesson material / study books/ authors to recommend? At this point I don't know if it will be just a one on one study, or if some of the other parents would like their girls to join and do an actual study. I want to get material together to present to them first. I'd appreciate some input. God bless, Donna

Such beautiful Christian marriage and love as God intended. Reminds me of the song 'He was walking her home' by Mark Schultz. What a true blessing the Graham's have been to the Christian community for so many years. My heart hurts for the family as they will grieve, but wow! She'll be dancing with Jesus soon.

One of the things I love about living in Arizona. We don't play the changing clock game. We never have to spring forward or fall back. Just leave them clocks and watches alone! While many of you are losing that hour sleep, I'll be just doing my normal ol thing. Of course, it gets mighty confusing when you have to tell someone that was used to talking to you at a certain time, that they have to adjust. Like now my Cali friends and I will be back on same time, but my sister in Abq, NM will be bummed, as she moves forward and will be in bed before I get online at nights. Chances of me seeing the chatters in the eastern states grow more slim, as they'll now be 3hrs ahead of me. Then there's my friend Shazza in Australia where Perth wasnt changing times, and now they are. SOOO we're really gonna get confused at our chat time. Hmph, now that I've confused even myself trying to word all this, i'll just bid you all adieu.

I love how God changed your own heart through the experience. How many times I've prayed for God - asking a specific request, but ooooh He has other plans, and things I'd never imagine. God used this situation for you to learn to use that agape love for your spvsr, and also for you to be a tool for Him to show her grace when you could have shown vengeance. May He continue to use you to show her the path back to HIm. Praise the Lord for this wonderful thing! And for your wisdom and patience, Beka. GBU.

I've met several online friends, at Spirit West Coast, but several I met from Christian music forums. As for ppl from Worthy, I've met Omegaman (and his wife), Hubertdorm and Viggystar from chat. The saddest thing, is Jade and I live in the same state, and have talked of meeting several times, but it's just not worked yet. As Shazza mentioned she's coming to visit me in May (already has her ticket!) and we plan to see Time-Out Girl while we are in Cali, and I'm trying to talk other chatters into meeting us at Spirit West Coast in DelMar.

I had not heard this before, in regards of OT 'baptizing'. And I was thinking it over all day. But now have a question spinning me around. -Baptism definition is "to immerse".- Why then would the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea be considered baptism? The water parted, and they were not immersed. Now I talked to a friend earlier who said: According to Webster, to immerse means to plunge into something that surrounds or covers. Well if surrounding someone with water is baptism, then pouring would be accurate. My brain just trying to grasp this idea still, Ovedya.

Thank you Smalcald. Your words are my feelings. Floatingaxe, my current church pastor mentioned what you did. But my thought is, just because the baptisms that the Bible talks about were by immersion, that does not mean all baptisms exclusively were. (John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.) I've sought this with much prayer and thought, and have not taken it lightly. Were there always rivers close by? Water was scarce in areas. And if a bedridden man couldnt' get to a river, they just didnt baptize him? If the woman at the well, had said to Jesus 'will you baptize me'? I can envision He may have pulled the bucket up and poured over her. Anyway, I definitely don't see that the Lord who has led my life for the past 11yrs would make it a crucial matter. I have attended the current church for several years now. Thankfully I am in childrens ministry and I volunteer and function as a regular attender and have not let it affect me that I'm not a 'member'.

I know there's been threads on this topic before of baptism methods and that isnt the purpose of this thread, but more another angle on this topic. At the church I now attend, I can not become a member unless I am re-baptized. This is because I was baptized as an adult, but with the method of pouring in my old Mennonite church. That was 11 yrs ago, and I took the baptism very seriously and committed my life to Christ and have not waivered from that faith. I have felt the Holy Spirit move powerfully in my life over the past years. To me, the fact that the current church I attend wants to "invalidate" that first baptism is not acceptable to me, and that's how i'd feel to have to go through the re-baptism to satisfy their rules. They feel that the pouring was not sufficient, even though the words spoken were the same as an immersion, and my heart and dedication were the same. Our Mennonite church just did not have an immersion tank, and it was Feb. so too cold for the lakes.

Well I think that is great that you are into that stuff, thank God we are all different. I will praise the Lord on a different level than you, why imitate the world. Love not the world nor the things that are in this world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. that is all i have to say on this topic. YSIC Josie I'm with you Akiko. I think any music that is written to glorify God is a good thing. Anytime you listen to words that are written for our Savior rather than the world, is positive, as I wrote earlier in the thread. I understand everyone has different music tastes, but they should not put down the others tastes. I also love P&W music, and Contemporary Christian songs. ...as for Demon Hunter, they are very hard and screamo, and not for me - but hugely popular. RED on the otherhand I think is amazing. Their song Breathe into me is great, and the guys are really playing for the right reasons. I can say i'm very blessed to know them.

Music has always been a passion of mine. I did not come to knowing the Lord until 93ish. I did not give up secular music until about 1999. It was a very hard transition for me, but I felt that the secular music dragged me down. Even if it didnt include foul words, the content was normally based on wordly accepted things, not of God. SOOOO I turned to Christian music. I am SOOOO Thankful for the variety in Christian music, the talent of the many artists and their love and compassion to reach the world with God's love and to help the hurting Christians out there. AND to help us as we praise the Lord of all creation! I love all types of Christian music from Hard rock, to contemporary, praise and worship to Hip hop and even some gospel. I have been to so many concerts where maybe its a screamo artist that was not appealing to me, or someone more mellow than my taste enjoys. But a singer gets up there and opens his Bible and shares w/ the audience about how he overcame a drug addiction (Day of Fire), or overcame a suicide thought when he was younger and how he'll stay til whatever hour it takes to talk to each person in the audience that needs help (like Seventh Day Slumber), or even that they grew up in the church, yet didn't know how to have a real relationship w/ Christ until older (newsboys). Then there are bands like Kutless, Casting Crowns and Disciple who's lyrics glorify our Savior so deeply they can bring me to tears. I also am VERY Thankful for bands who are strong enough to head into the secular music arena and share God's words to an uncaring people...that takes guts. (Skillet, POD, Switchfoot). How can people judge that this gift and talent is not of the Lord?!? I've stayed and met many band members after shows, and they are always humble and gracious and give the Lord ALL the glory and praise.

Amen sister Sadat. We have so many wonderful people in our worthychat and on the boards. I am always so happy to come in and see familiar 'chat faces' and the wonderful love we share. Also to welcome the new comers into our family. I dont have time to post individual thoughts now, but Sadat, we value your caring ways, integrity and wisdom.

But doesn't God's word call us to do it? Doesnt say 'if you are comfortable with it'. Same goes for more than just hair coverings in the Word. I belong to Mennonite church, but even the congregation I attend when I can (it's 100 miles from me) many no longer wear coverings. My grandma still does. I'd love to hear a valid reason why God has decided it's no longer necessary. I'll have to try to remember to email my pastor that question.

Well, Lake Havasu is pretty, but not recommended, unless you like 120f in the summer! ugh. Tucson is over 100 in the summer also. For AZ I'd pick other places with more climate variety. But I also still think Albuquerque wouldn't be bad idea. May the Lord direct your path.

Nick's Girl, I LIVE in Prescott, AZ!!! Wow, wonder if i'd know your husband or his family. I've lived here since I was 4. Catsmeow, I love it here. It's not too hot or too cold, and we get all 4 seasons and have a dry climate. But real estate is so pricey, and wages are not comparable. They consider it a 'retirement' place. We are growing by leaps and bounds so that might help, and they DO have a VAMC in town. My sister and best friend live in Albuquerque. My sister has been there about 4 years now and loves it. She moved there, as she found that weather-wise it was very similar to Prescott, yet she could get work there that fit her field. She just picked it by random act, and has been so thankful it's where the Lord led her. If you want more info on either, let me know. Best wishes on your search. Donna

Interesting to see this thread. I have a dear friend who is from Church of Christ. He indicates they do not believe spiritual gifts are still active today. That the coming of Christ eliminated the need. That there is no longer a need for tongues, or interpreter, etc. Sorry, I don't remember it all, but wanted to pass on this tidbit. Personally I think all believers are given spiritual gifts still today. God bless, Donna

I'm the 'other' Mennonite moderator from worthychat. First off I hope you all realize that Amish and Mennonite are completely different and separate. Although my Mennonite church is not Conservative like Chief and Papasangel's church. My grandmother was raised and in turn raised her children in the conservative way. I was not blessed to have this tradition carried out in my generation. I respect those who do live modestly and with such focus on Christ rather than the World. I would like to just post parts of the info from the website of my homechurch: By seeing this statement you can all see, that from what I've seen of the AZ Mennonite churches, there is emphasis on reaching out to the world with the message of our Lord. In fact, in my own life, I take it very seriously to witness to those around me who don't know Christ. As chief stated, the non-resistance is a strong belief of the Mennonite faith. Other than that, we believe in the Bible as the living word of God. We believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Food restrictions? Mennonites are famous for potlucks God's blessings to u all

I was also a smoker. Started when i was 17. I too was convicted about it, For me it was in 1995 after accepting Christ as my Savior. It took me about a year after feeling the conviction to finally try to quit, but once I listened to the voice, and had the faith that God wanted me to quit, I did. Cold turkey. It helped that I brought it up to my church family and they all prayed for me. Only with the help of the Holy Spirit could that have happened. Now, on the opposite end as in Lady C not feeling the conviction..... I have a Grandma that felt the conviction to wear a head covering. She heard a clear voice from Christ to her to do so. Scripture does have the vs. that talks of women covering their heads when they pray. For the longest time, she was horrified all the rest of us in the family would not also wear one, and don't feel strongly about it as she did. But u see, we all did not get that same conviction. I also know, that if Christ expected us to be saved, and we were immediately convicted of every piece of imperfection in our lives, we'd feel we failed so miserably, and would just give up. He takes piece by piece, and changes us, slowly as we trust and grow in relationship with Him.

Believer, My Grandma prayed over her many lost children and grandchildren for many, years. Her dedication was fruitful. All but 2 of her children and 2 grandchildren have accepted Christ as their Savior! Prayer is a powerful tool. You have a compassionate heart not to see your friend lost, and to restore a relationship. I would say that is from the Lord. I have that for my co-workers and my dad. Such burden when the ones I love turn their ears and hearts from knowing Christ, and I pray I may be a light in their lives to be used by our Father to reach those we care for to find a relationship with Him. I hope you soon see the fruits of your prayers for your friend. GBU.

Praise the Lord, for the love He shines on me thru our friend Beth. What a wonderful story Beth, and I am thrilled you were re-baptized, with indicating the first time you didn't fully understand it, and had not really dedicated your life to Christ. YEAH!!! I'm glad you went under again for the pic!!! FOFL! I would have been bummed to not get to have the pic. What a joyous event, and I'm sure the angels were rejoicing. My baptism...i'll share another time. Right now I have to work. Ugh. Bless ya sista Beth! I'm soooooooooooo glad u are a part of the family of God. :hug:

Wowsa, Gotta post on this one! As you can see I'm a chatroom admin. I love it there! It helped me when I was in a time of depression, and meeting to just chat with other believers, pulled me out of a very bad time in my life. I thank God daily for that place!!!! The healing I experienced. I have learned from Bible Trivia and Bible studies, and have shared prayers and praises daily with my fellow brothers and sisters there, and formed long lasting friendships. As for the boards, I do post here, but not often as you can also tell by my numbers. The reason? I just don't have time to do both. My daily pleasure computer time is limited to about 2-3 hours per day. I read the discussions, but don't want to post just frivilous thoughts, and to research and answer with depth, I'd need more time. By then, normally someone has already answered in a way I feel covers my own thoughts. No sense posting a 'ditto' just to boost my post numbers, right? I'm just praising our father for the Worthy ministry all together. How blessed we are that no matter if it's the boards or the chatroom, that we can all come together as one body of CHrist and be ministered to and help others in their walks with the Lord, who is our focus. Our Rock, Saviour, Father, Redeemer, Friend. Blessings to you all, :hug: Donna

I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. I love chatting here, with all my brothers and sisters who love the Lord. No matter their denomination. As long as we all love the one true God and live for Him. I am a bit mixed up like Leonard! Started in a Mennonite church as a child, then my dad changed us to an exuberant Pentacostal church. Wow, it was like night and day and scared me out of worship after an experience there (will share another time) but then dad decided we couldn't go to church anymore, so from about age 14 until my grandma (bless her soul) got me back to church at age 26, I was far from the Lord. I came back to my Mennonite roots, and I felt so at home there, and everyone showered me with love and kindness and guidance in my accepting Christ and following Him in this world. But sadly, that church closed it's doors in 2000. At the time I didn't realize how that would impact me. I thought no problem to 'church shop' and that it would be fun! But came to realize it's not such an easy task. At this point, I will say you who don't have a church body to fellowship with, don't be discouraged if the first one does not fit your needs. To top this off I'm in an unequally yoked marriage, but PTL! He is coming to church with me now, and the Non-denominational church I am now attending was decided on because it's one he feels comfortable with. Thankfully there is a Mennonite church about 100 miles from me, that accepted me as an assoc. member, and I attend there as I can. It helps me keep in touch with my roots, and the people accepted me with open arms, as church body should. Ok, so I just don't know when to stop typing sometimes! lol

Wow Brad, Thanks for so many great posted verses. I will print and keep these handy. I know for myself I memorized Psalm 139, as it is a great one to pick me up and realize how much God loves me. Also Psalm 25, because God is the only way to find relief in this world. Job too. I know when I'm having a pity party, there's nothing like reading Job to realize my life is pretty great compared to his! Yet, he held steadfast and firm to loving Christ even in his sorrow and confusion. Oct 02 when I went through depression, I found writing diff. verses out on verious headings (peace/joy/hope/comfort) helped me SO much. Blessings to you all in the name of our Mighty Lord and Savior!

Dear work in progress, I can't begin to tell you the experience at Creation. Just imagine a hillside with that many ppl sitting/standing/worshipping together. I saw so many youth groups, where they were washed over by the Lord. There is a baptism area on ground also, and last year my sister dedicated her life and was baptized along with over 200 others. Maybe your sons' friend will be in that position. You just don't leave those events the same. I look forward to going for many years. The only 'rough' part is the showers. The lines are LONG, and such a great experience, to be using the port-a-potty's. lol I look forward to hearing about your son's experience when he returns.