Willow

Sorry guys, I don't have time to read the whole of the thread. I have caught glimpses on the way, however I did want to mention a few things regarding this 'Holiday'. My grandfather was into some....err......well satanic stuff. This night of the year - when so many people have used it for evil, how can I celebrate a Holiday hailed by witches and cultists? When their activities are anti-God? Please note I didn't say that the origin of the day was evil. I am sure you could find some kind of evil on just about any day of the year. If people's concerns are the children and that they are missing out? You know what I missed out on? The candy. See, my mom and dad let me go one time trick or treating. I dressed up as an angel. And they felt sick the whole time and never allowed me to go again. You know what? I don't even miss it. I don't look back on them as being too strict or mean. You know what my mom did instead? She told me if I wanted to dress up, we would have a New Years party with my friends and make it a costume party. Then, if i wanted candy, she took my to our local grocery store, gave me $10 and put me in the bulk candy section. I could get as much candy as that $10 would buy. Then I would take it home and put it in a pillow case (cause anyone who went trick or treating put it in there to hold all the stuff). If it was candy I was missing out on - mom got me the candy. If I wanted to dress up - she would have a separate party some other time. But she always told me the reason I was not trick or treating wasn't because she didn't want me to have fun, but because this was a day that evil was celebrated, and as Christians, we don't celebrate evil. What fellowship hath light with darkness? Christmas is a pagen holiday too-correct? Or at least aspects of it are. Yet - we are not now-a-days celebrating evil things on this holiday. And I am sorry for all those who have made it commercial that the nativity is being recreated in the images of snowmen dressed up as the various characters. Just as sorry as I am that Oct 31, a day like any other day of the year (this is the day that the Lord has made - I will rejoice and be glad in it), has been given to the evils of the spiritual world to celebrate. God calls us to be salt and light. If I have kids one day and I don't teach them how to be in the world yet not part of it - how will I equipe them to understand that believers are to show their lives worthy of being called a Christian = someone following Christ? Would Jesus go trick or treating? I don't know, it is only candy and costumes some say. But the whole reason for the holiday - probably would drive him to a place of prayer. Just something to think about. I know some of the reasons may seem small and insignificant. But things usually start small before they get big. I guess it comes down to a matter of conviction? hmm.....

Have a look in Fellowship Hall Forum - there is a topic just for that!.....Marilyn777 does them!! Blessings! Wills

My friend did a road trip through the states about 2 years ago. Along the way, she took pictures and notes of city names she passed through, and put them in her scrapbook. Other than State names, y'all have some funny city names. So do we......Go Home, Saskatchewan for example.... One thing I always wondered......someone once said there is a North and South Dekota, but no Dekota to be north and south of. Same with Carolina......

Proudly Canadian Here!! I found this on a web page. Puts it better than I can....

At my church we actually recorded our choir singing this on our CD. I was in the choir that night........during the last verse - all there was playing was drums......a strong steady beat thumping on as we sung: No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life

A little manna from heaven and water from a rock would help......but we know God is able!! He told us so and showed us so!!!!

I have heard this for many many years.....but it isn't one pope....it is the POSITION of the pope. The title, the role itself. The reason I say this is because there have been instances where in history there have been popes who have said exhaulting things, for example pardoning sins. They have no right to pardon sins except for forgiving the offenses done to them personally. Only Jesus is the mediator between God and man. i just stumbled across this thread, so I will go home tonight and find some references. AMEN! .....well no matter who he is or where he comes from........it will be very descriptive of scripture....."the great and terrible day of the Lord"........ I could not imagine being an unbeliever on the day Jesus comes back....... Mocha? Coffee with a little cream in it? :x:

Well, Hollywood or not, celebrity or not, it comes down to a matter of the heart doesn't it? With TV and all kinds of information and ways to track people, there will always be the good, the bad and the ugly in terms of role models. From any point of view - you will have opposing opinions yelling at the top of their lungs at each other. And bad models that will amplify the target practice at Christ's name. A few years ago, God impressed upon me to pray for the music people. To pray for people like Eminem. I think he will get saved. And I think the absence of faith on many Christians hearts will keep them cold in their prayers. Praying forces change. It activates faith. And faith is the currency of the kingdom of God. We don't receive salvation except by faith. So........I may have sounded off topic here, but I wanted to draw your attention to something. Let's not lump these celebs in any category. There are only 2 kinds of people in the world: those that know and are saved from sin through Christ, and those who don't and aren't. We need to uphold these people (the ones saved) in prayer as much as the person in the coffee shop accross the street you would like to see come to know God. Doesn't matter what they do for a living, just how they are going to spend eternity. It is a long time to be in the wrong place. Remember, the bible tells us we may be surprised when we get to heaven, there may be people there we thought for sure wouldn't be, and vice versa.

Steve! How wonderful to hear brother!! Welcome to a new family!! That is one of the perks of the 'family of God'. You get new siblings and a Daddy like you never have had before. We are all here for you and here to help you along, encourage you, strengthen you, and guide you in any way we can. You will find this path very interesting. Being a Christian will be anything but boring!!! Praise the Lord we serve a creative and wonderfully loving God. He will be with you always. Call on us Steve if you have any questions. Anything. You have new family. And we are here for you!! Welcome to the family Steve!!!! Heaven is not only rejoicing, but your name is being written in God's book of life. PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!! :hug: Willow Amen. Divine appointment or God thing. The only phrases I have for things like this

Bethy!! oh sis I am crying right now..... this is sooo timely considering my situation right now. I am broken. My parents.....are getting shattered. Pieces are flying everywhere. I am going to print off this topic and give a copy each to my parents. I think they could use it right now. Thank you bether.....I may have more input when I am not so broken..... :il: :hug: Willows

Hey Steve, sorry I joined this kinda late. Adam sinned. We know this because of the account in Genesis. Do you think before this point, Cain and Able would have turned out to be there story it was? Would there have been jealousy? Would Cain's sacrifice been unpleasing towards God - through his attitude? Would jealousy then still be present in order to drive him to kill his brother? In the garden, before man fell, Adam and God were in communion together - unblemished by sin. When the fall happened 4 relationships were broken: Man with God Man with Man Man with earth Man with self God, in his judgement makes it clear the punishment for this. The deliverance of Israel was Jesus. He was called the Deliverer. He put an end to all the sacrifices in the Old Testament. He was the new covenant. If we weren't, that would completely nullify why Jesus came and died on the cross. It would make 3/4 of the bible useless since everything that is warned against, struggled with or had a bad outcome was a result of sin. If we didn't get it from Adam, where did it come from? Why would God go into detail about Adams fall if he was just telling us a nice story about how man was created? If one sin could taint mankind, then one perfect sacrifice needed to happen to undo the effects. Since Adam willingly entered into sin, we must willingly enter into the freedom from the sacrifice. God gave us the chance to choose.

lol - okay okay so I wasn't great at grammer. What I was trying to say was a hurt from one you love as opposed to someone you don't? Hurts worse since you are caught generally off guard or expect more from them. People who love you aren't supposed to hurt you. And when they do.....that is where the scars of mistrust can begin. Mistrust can be the first wall.... *makes an analogy

True love scares many people. Cause it looks past our issues, our imperfections, our limitations and accepts us anyways. Love is there, even if the person isn't exactly standing beside you at the moment. Perfect love drives out fear. And at some point aren't we all afraid? Afriad of rejection, afraid of judgements, afraid of exposing ourselves to the chance of being hurt? You notice it really hurts when someone you love does something to hurt you. To not feel love? You won't always feel it. Love after all isn't just a feeling - it is a choice, a committment, a covenant. The bible says God is love. He is the definition of love. God is not a feeling. But those who cannot feel love? I would tend to agree that somewhere there has been something that caused them to close off. Like a house with a broken water line.....water is trying to get in.....but there is a break in the line....someone has to fix it first.

:) That is good yod!! lol "you would all KNOW that I'm crazy if I told you...." I know exactly what you mean. I have 2 other dreams that are like that. You'd all know which nut farm I was from! lol Oh Bethy!! No wonder you are my little sis!! :hug: I know what you mean. My mom has told me off and on that my dreams are not rooted in reality. That I spend a lot of my time dreaming and not enough time on the ground. To some extent she is right. Dreaming is an escape. And escape to a better place where I am making a difference in a way that suites me. Some dreams are out right selfish. Many I don't think are. For I am like you dear Beth, my dream is helping people. Helping people fulfill their calling. Helping people find God in everything they do. Leading them to worship him and understand him better. Alecia, the greatest thing you have each and everyday is time. Whatever time God gives you. My mom is 55 years old, and she still hasn't started, but has brainstormed what I believe could be one of the best children's books to be written. I would read it all the time. I asked her to make sure she has at least written it before she dies. Even then I will get it published. I want to have a little girl one day and read it to her. Mom is working on it and hopefully she will get it done next year or 2. She loved writing in school too. She thinks like a writer. If your passion is writing and you love to do it, then even if it isn't what you do as a profession, you are still...a writer. You don't need years and years of schooling for it. Editors can help you. Just begin to write. Put something down. Try it. Sometimes the acting out of one dream can spawn another one..... jcm? Welcome to worthy by the way!! I noticed you were new here. Hope you enjoy it here. When you say threw away your engineering degree.....did you actually get it and are not using it? Or did you only go so far and then not complete it? your answer doesn't necessarily determine mine. When you give yourself a base, something else you were interested in, if God chooses to use that later, he will! You never throw anything away! You will always like it (that is - if you were pursuing it for you and not because someone maybe made or forced you on that path). You will always have that to come back to if need be. Everything is temporal anyways. If your dream included at this moment anything to do with Engineering, don't you think you would have stuck with it or would be doing it? If something falls through in life, what would you do? I know I would go back to one of my first loves: either Architecture or Biological Science - especially genetics. I studied both. I still love them. I am sooooo not doing either of them right now. But that is a long story... Either way, dreams are important. Think about that.....a longing fulfilled is a tree of LIFE. There is a great deal of happiness in seeing something come to pass in your life that you hope for. There is a wonderful ability to get up in the morning and smile because you feel happy in what you do, or fulfilled because you are living out the wonderful purposes of God. I am not saying unless a dream is realized you can't live that way - but it is nice to have that in addition to everyday life! Dream fulfillment is a special blessing from God. It takes courage to walk through it, faith to believe it, and obedience to stay in God's will in it. These dreams are awesome guys!! Keep them coming!!

A dream in my heart.......... Dream #1, has always been to design my own camp. Christian camp. I used to take Architecture, so I would love to design the main hall, and all the cabins, as well as the whole layout of the site. I actually have preliminary drawings of a site, with a lake, and where each area is designated to. Cabins, tuck shop, boat house, fire pits, archery, stables for horse back riding, field for football, baseball, etc. And of course the main buildings which house many many rooms for lodging, a conference centre style room, kitchen/dining-mess hall, workers quarters, etc. And then there would be another building, the chapel/church, with multiple rooms for multiple events. This would be like a retreat/Conference centre. During the non-camp season or when available, we could book weddings and receptions up there, conferences, and other special events. I even have the name of the Camp.... (top secret though :x: ) I have always been huge into hospitality and dreaming of a place where people can come and get away from it all for a while - and get back to nature - to hear from God without the distraction of the city life. Dream #2, would be to have an obscene amount of money. I would have enough to live on, but I would follow people around and listen for needs. I would pay for stuff or leave them random envelopes with a gift inside. I would fly to countries that need assistance, like in Africa (I don't remember which country) but it only costs $5000 for a village to get their own well for cleaner drinking water. I would go to and fro not only sending the $$ needed to help with a project - but I would go there myself to help as well. That's all the dreams I have time to write down right now.

Ever wondered if the longings in your heart to do something are from the Lord? Ever sit and feel discouraged that they aren't happening?? I have struggled with this all my life. In fact - I would like to meet someone who really and truly have never struggled with this. I know we all dream dreams. But do we dream realistically? Are we dreaming God's dreams - his will for us? Or are they selfish? Is it wrong to dream something that will make you happy??? I realized years ago that the closer I got to God, the more I would know His heart and His will for me. I would begin to dream His dreams and I asked that mine that were not of Him would die away. They wouldn't fulfill anyways. But then began the process of weeding out the useless dreams, to the good, to the maybes, to the ......it was like sorting laundry. So I am starting the book called The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson . I have heard it is a good book. And I am thinking back on all the dreams I have had since I was little. Writing them out and praying for each of them. I want to see where they are going. Is it yes, no, maybe so? I thought if anyone was interested, you could post dreams you had here. Things you have always wanted to do. Someone once told, me if the dream you have you could carry out on your own strength or resources, might not be from God. He usually requires big faith action in Him to realize your dreams. About a year and a bit ago, I attended a retreat, where we all played a game. It was if you could do one thing in this world and be guaranteed success - what would you do? It brought about some seriously awesome dreams being shared!! Then, just this past Spring, God told me I was about to enter my Promised Land next year. I got excited!!! Fulfilled promises from the Lord!! Ones I have been praying about for years??? WOOOHOOOOOO!!! Then I considered the Israelites. To get them to the Promised Land was a dream - and a gift from God. However, it required action and faith to get there. They had obstacles to over come. That sobered me up a bit....... so what is your dream (s)? if you were guaranteed success for one thing - what would you take that chance on?? Just thought it may be interesting to hear. Also, a great place to encourage. Nothing is worse than having a dream and feeling that nobody is behind you. I know some families out there aren't the most encouraging. Blessings, Will

I am not sure I have offended anyone on here - I don't think I have posted enough! :x: All kidding aside, I would rather make peace between people than argue or put someone down. If I have offended anyone, I do sincerely apologize. I would like to apologize for not always praying when someone asks me too. I say I will definitely pray! And as a dear sister reminded me in chat last night, this happens all to often in the Christian community. I have good intentions, but struggle in my own laziness. Please forgive me. I honestly will put forth a better effort to pray.

These are my hobbies, which change depending on the time of year and the business of my schedule....and in no particular order..... Singing Writing: poetry, songs, a book Photography Memory Album Making/Scrapbooking Cooking and baking Reading Craft making - all kinds really. Needle work Growing things!! (I am working on my first real vegetable garden) I organize banquets, help with weddings, decorating...(I am kind of a Martha Stewart homemaker when it comes to design and doing it yourself to make things pretty) Taking care of animals - I house sit and now I am going to try an volunteer at our local SPCA and my last hobby....helping my mom with all her hobbies!! LOL

Tess, You remind me so much of a girl I went to school with. She was your age when I knew her. Tess - short for Tessa. Wonderful person to know. And I have yet to really get to know you, but you are a good at challenging me even in the way I view things!! (the tithing thread!) I am glad to know another 'Tess' Trust me when I say that even Senior members have doubts many a time as to why they are here, if they are welcome, and maybe they should be moving on. Sometimes, things that happen here are just a small patch of unpaved road on a freeway. They are being worked on. Please stay - even if you just want to observe for a bit. Some of the best fellowship in the world (literally, people here from all over) is found right here on these boards. (((((((((((((((((((((((((TESS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))) that is a Worthy hug :hug: I hope you stay! Willow

Hey godsmartian, First of all, welcome here. I hope you do find many friends here. There are very cool awesome people that come to hang out here and talk about Jesus. You know, I know EXACTLY how you feel. In grade school, I would say grades 4-7 I for many times, and many years, ate lunch alone. There was nobody in my class who either thought I was cool enough to hang out with them, or the ones that did, were absolutely people I had trouble with (oil and water). So I ate alone. And you know what is crazy? I ate with Jesus. There are many people who wouldn't understand that. But I did. I went and sat on the back baseball diamond, on the benches, and I ate, sang, and Jesus sat with me. Some days I didn't feel anyone there, but most I did. I never felt alone, cause it was always okay cause he was there. That didn't take away my need for other people, rather, showed me it was okay to not be with people and that Jesus was their. I was okay anyways. I am also an only child. Not much chance outside of school for me to make a ton of friends since I thought all the kids at church were snobs. It really toughened my skin. I enjoy people now as much as I enjoy my quiet times with nobody around. And I get lonely. And I ask God to come and be with me and sit with me. And I still feel him there. I still ache to have closeness around sometimes, but God is there. God understands loneliness. Think about it. For a moment in time, he was separated from his son - the 2 which had always been one - he had to turn his face from a part of himself. Absolutely must have broken his heart. We can trust that God understand loneliness, and he can fill that void - if we let him and believe that he can. God hears your prayers and will send you people also that you can be friends with and that will surround you with encouragement and love. My mom....even at the age of 50 prayed, "Lord, I want a friend. Someone who likes what I like, whom I have something in common with. Someone I can have fun with and talk to"....a year after that, she got to know a woman who is an antique collector like her. 4 months after that, she got to know another woman, same name ironically as the first, also at the antique auctions. Then as they all hung out and chatted, single handedly, mom changed the face of the auctions. People just stood around and put up their papers and bid on stuff. They never talked. Before you know it they were all taking turns baking and bringing in food for the times inbetween when they weren't bidding. My mom, her prayer, and a whole new set of people to witness too changed the face of the auctions here. And she has dear people she can talk to and have fun. Do not worry my friend. God is out there and will cover those moments. Seek him, read the word, and you will find a new best friend. One that will never leave you nor forsake you and will always be there, no matter when!! :hug: :il:

I hear ya Steve. I also here Seas. It can be very frustrating to be in a room when people are talking and someone needs prayer and the mood and thoughts are interrupted by other people chatting about whatever. They have the right too.......but we do need somewhere we can focus. As for people relying on online forums too much - yes it most certainly happens. But it is so nice to have a need and login to chat and have someone right there, instantly to pray. I know I have needed it at times. And praise God for those who were in there to love on me and care for me. I would be the last person to ever argue that point with someone!! AMEN!!

Interesting how even the mention of the topic causes people to divide and things get a little heated! I wonder why something like money, principles, and attitudes can cause such conversations when mixed!! And this is a 'nice' debate compared to the ones I have seen!! I think we should take a breath away and find the commonalities on how we all agree....(in no particular order..) Does that cover it?

Hello Seas!! Nice to meet you!! I would like to apologize for that occurance on behalf of all the chat moderators. I know we have seen that happen before and usually if one of us is there we will encourage people to go to another room. You are perfectly right and I will mention it to the moderators that may not see this if they don't read the boards often. Prayer rooms are for prayer. I would not find that in my prayer room here at my church, so why should an internet place so clearly labelled be any different. If you see this happening and a moderator isn't in that room but is in chat (names are in blue), please message them to come and help you. Thank you Seas for bring this up. Your comments and observations have not gone unnoticed. Bless you and I hope you will come back and chat again!! :hug: Willow

ahh brother Rick- I have heard this too. I would venture to say then saints - let us try to encourage those we meet, believers and unbelievers alike, with our lifestyle and our own forms of generosity that God works inspite of our money as well as with our money. And help out those in practical ways, that need help so desperately, they are even willing to treat God as a lotto machine. Put a little in, get a lot out. Have we, by not sharing or being generous, created in some cases the need that drives people to accept such teachings?? shame on us! I hope I can become a better more generous giver, whether it is money, time or some other resource. Part of loving the widow, orphan, hungry, homeless.....etc.