Shelby

Kate, All will be well, he is a great kid, with great parents. Sure it won't be the same for him as some other kids, but he can still live a great live. Think of Erin, my Sis-in-law, she has had cancer 3 times, is totally blind, has a prosthetic eye, leg, hip, and knee, and about to enter her 2nd year of Law School. He is a strong kid, if he wants to do something, he will figure it out. Just support him, we just will try hard not to treat him like "the broken one". I think that is where parents of disabled children go wrong, they label their kid as broken, and that child feels like they are unable to be independant. He is quite independant, you are doing a great job. It will be hard to see what he has to go through, but you know as well as I , what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Much love sis!

This may sound weird, and I could be speaking for someone, but I know she wouldn't mind. Keslc is my best friends since we were kids. She had a friend who was living with her family, and I began to date him after visiting her for a while. I truly felt I loved him. After 8 months, he broke it off with me. It did hurt, but I knew what was going on, and I knew that God must have someone different in mind for me. So one night, (Keslc and I had an apt. together) Keslc came to me and we were chatting, and I just looked at her, and asked if she liked Chris. She said yeah, but she wasn't planning on doing anything about it. She said she didn't think so previously, but felt lately that God was giving her feelings for him. He had previously liked her, and she didn't have those feelings. So I told her to go for it. They have now been married almost 9 years with 3 wonderful kids. I think God honored both of our honesty. Then as I entered seminary after surrendering myself to possibly being single for the rest of my life, placed a simple prayer in my Bible. Little did I know that I would meet my future husband that week. We were friends for a year, I had no attraction to him at all, but after my summer internship, I returned to campus and all feelings changed. We will be married 6 years in a few weeks. I know that I would have never met my husband had I not gone to seminary at that time, and I know that God allowed me to see with Keslc and Chris's relationship that he is the one who ordains marriages, and he was in control, even of my feelings and attraction to my husband. I consider that God has arranged and ordained our marriages, he has to, how else would we make it our whole lives with the same person and all their idiosyncracies if not?....... MHO

The question wasn't do you have a religion.......it was religion is?..... And Religion I think speaks to the liturgy and traditions of those who believe alike. I think it has somewhat of a sour connotation with it now. Because partially of non believers and many external sources deem religious people tend to go over the deep end being "religious" and not checking their beliefs and practices with God's Word. We are partially man made..... I mean my parents had to do something.....but religion is governed by people, faith is governed by God.

I have a relationship, not religion. Some would like to put it in such a small box, but religion like said by many others, is man made. I am not religious, I am in a relationship with a very personal God. MHO

Here is my newest favorite. I know it is kind of old, but it has gotten a come back at my church. How Deep the Father's Love for Us How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That he should give his only son To make a wretch his treasure. How great the pain of searing loss, The father turns his face away, As wounds which mar the chosen one Brings many sons to glory. Behold the man upon a cross My sin upon his shoulders, Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers. It was my sing that held him there Until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished. I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom; But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from his reward? I cannot give an answer, But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom. Stuart Townend 1995

We used to have those on the sign outside at my home church, my mom used to be the one to fill it. I love these little tidbits of wisdom!

"Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as a basket case" Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you try to sit in their pews. Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one. The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes and gnats come close. When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there. People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church. Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever. Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong. If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has. God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you? Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. Peace starts with a smile. I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from? A lot of church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises. We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them. Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. Don't put a question mark where God put a period. Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church. Forbidden fruits create many jams. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. God grades on the cross, not the curve. God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!" God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. He who angers you, controls you! If God is your Copilot - swap seats! Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty! The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you. We don't change the message, the message changes us. You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him. The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

SOOOOO Many, but here are a few. I See the Lord Passion All That I Am Reign in Me Total Praise Primer Amor

I started to read it about an hour ago, and after the first paragraph or two I was disgusted. So I took the poll that was offered. Such a shame, to be so disrespectful at such a time for Christians. You know when Yon Kippur comes around, No one goes around making fun of the Jewish cleansing of sins for the year. It is such a double standard for Christians. WE have to be so tolerant of such blatent disrespect meanwhile being sensitive to everyone else, whilst they stone us verbally. God will reign. God does reign.

1. Are you married? How long have you been married? Yes! 2. How large of a family do you have? Just me and my hubby for now. (My family of origin is HUGE!) 3. How many adults live in your home? 2 4. How many children live in your home? 0 5. Would you class yourself or the major wage earner in your family a a blue-collar worker, a professional worker, or a clerical worker? Professional 6. Is your total family income per year below $30,000, from $30,000-$50,000, or above $50,000?$50+ (which just happened, because he got a new position) 7. What kind of car do you drive? Audi (Don't let the name fool ya, it's a 1991, or a Dodge 1999 Dakota) 8. Are you Republican, Democrat, an Independent, or some other party member? Republican! 9. Would you classify yourself as conservative, liberal, or moderate? Conservative, but very loving and compassionate. 10. How long have you lived at your present address? How long have you lived in your community? 1 year, 4 years. (We move alot due to our jobs) God Bless you! I hope this helps!

Yeah, lets not pick, from what I have heard (so I am not a scholar) the Message Bible is actually more accurate than many thranslations. Because he took into mind along with the original text the cultural implications and setting. BUT My favorite verse is Matthew 6:34. 6:33 is Seek ye first...... but often people leave the verse following, which I think goes hand in hand with it. I think God has and does lead those whom he chooses to help His children have a better understanding. It is up to God to guide each of us to His word, and to discern what He feels about that.

Sorry Angel it took me so long to get back. Virus issues. But I would just encourage you to just talk to God. I do when I am driving or thinking. It can really start to open the doors. It will help alot with the loneliness. GBU

I am not sure what this has to do with this subject, but there is no one here condemning any type of movement. Benny Hinn claims to be a prophet. He claims to be the vessel of God and that God speaks to him, and he basically doesn't need the Bible. HE is a false teacher, and if you read the link I posted and the scripture pertaining to False Prophets, then you would understand. I would suggest you go a read some more. I am not against you giving the man a chance seeing that you don't know anything about him, but I would venture to say that you will soon see the truth of the matter that this man is on the brink of something really bad, and he is taking a VERY large group of followers with him. He doesn't say he has different views. He has unbiblical and self serving views. He blasphemes, and claims divinity himself. People aren't blasting Mr. Hinn, they are calling a spade a spade. He is a liar, and a thief, according to his own followers and former followers. He is NOT preaching the word of God, but he is saying that he is. HE claims to receive all his "divine power" from God and that he is a prophet. This is one dangerous wolf in some very expensive sheeps clothing. We are to hold eachother accountable. I do not consider him a fellow Christian, I consider him and his following a cult. God calls us to hold eachother accountable. If you are wearing the badge of a Christian, it is the duty of other Christians to hold you to the responsibility of that badge. One is serving God and not yourself. This is ver speculative. The people who attend his meeting are so caught up in the moment. They are in dire need of some supernatural spiritual charge. They will take even his charasmatic mumbo jumbo. I say no. I have not seen one person who after the service is over, and they are back to work or life a week or two later are still "healed". I have watched many documentaries on it. All of the ones who still hold out hope say they have "less pain" and those who are still skeptical state "they thought they were, but it is back to normal." There have been many instances where he has claimed on stage that God is speaking to him and that he is giving him the power to cure them. One man died the next day. So I would say there are many to the contrary. I have never seen a person who still claims. Because this man does not heal in God's name, he heals by his own little show he puts on. He slam dunks Holy Spirit "air" and throws it at the audience and the whole section falls out. He blesses and heals people by blowing on them. Many people claim that the assistants that stand by you "in case you fall" that they actually sometimes push a person down if they don't fall. INSANE and SO OBVIOUS! (atleast to me) I don't watch TBN solely because he is on that channel.

Yomo, You don't believe that ministers won't be held accountable for purposely leading people astray? That is one thing when I graduated seminary and was ordained, that was the most weighing of my covenant with God. In my seminary, we actually sign a covenant that is a visible sign of what we have dedicated our lives to, and on that covenant, it speaks on the weight of those who lead are spiritually responsible for those they come in contact with. Just like the husband is the spiritual head of the household, he is responsible for the spiritual upbringing of his family. He can't make their choices, but he can live and create an atmosphere that leads his family to Christ. It is the ulitmate responsibility of a minister (which Hinn isn't really since he has no formal training, he is just like an elder or preacher, but no "prophet") to ensure that their teachings are in accordance to God's Word and Will. And if they are not doing that and creating their own agenda, ie money, fame, notoriety, etc, then they will be held accountable for having open and willing hearts to the Word of God, and the received "The Word of Benny Hinn". It is a very very serious thing to purposely lead God's Children astray.

I haven't had a chance to read every single post here but I think I got the gist. Here is a sight, which I have found sums up all the other research sites I looked at. I do believe that Hinn is far from where he says he is. I encourage you to check out this sight, and read the whole sight. This man has some very strange and unbiblical theology. He claims to be given all of his messages by God, and when asked if it was through scripture, he stated that he didn't need to, that scripture will line up with what he said because it was directly from God. Also here is a littl bit from the site below. http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/exposes/hinn/general.htm I would also like to state that Hinn has never had any formal bible training. I can't ignore the things the man says, I am saying this to judge him, and I saying this to state the truth, and warn people of his heritical theology. It can be very dangerous. Please go to the site and read the whole thing, you will understand more, and there are direct quotes from him. Not to mention he has raised millions of dollars for a "HEALING CENTER" which was supposed to be built years ago, and because of his claims of "divine revelation that it is not time yet" this center is yet to be built. GBU

Well Angel a couple things. You ARE doing a good job. You are working with what has been given to you. Your son has made a choice, and it is the best choice for him. Your younger son will understand, he won't think it is strange unless he is told it is. Your daughter has some special needs, so you do need to focus on her, and your older son needs attention too, so he has found it. Do take it so personally. He, God, has never left you, you just let go of his hand. I challenge you to read the footprints poem. It could really explain to you what God's role really is. He doesn't leve we turn our backs and lose faith. Don't get down on yourself, I had a rough upbringing, but we don't have to be defined by our upbringing. Your husband isn't used to getting in touch with emotions and bonding, but you can create those moments, just going together to a sporting activity, playing a family game, it really is the small things that matter. Don't judge yourself so harshly. God is waiting for you to let go of your self anger and hatred, and trust him to iron the rough spots, or to just guide you through them with less bumps and bruises. It may not seem like it, but no family is "normal". GBU

Angellight, You are a hurting soul, and no doubt God knows your true heart. I would say all that you said in your original post to your son. Sit him down this weekend, just you two go out for lunch or something, and tell him, that it is hard for you, and you love him and want him to be happy, but you wanted to let him make the decision. You will respect it, but you HAVE to let him know he is still wanted. I think it will help him, and it will help you two to have a deeper connection. Even if he doesn't come home, he will know that you do miss him, and desire him to be with you. That will make any kid feel better. But respect his decision. Explain that you know you have made some critcal decisions that have affected him, and then listen to how he feels about it all. GBU

I apologize for not providing scripture verses. I do not scripture pick. And I do not come into this forum very often so I know that most of you would not know that. But I don't like to pick and take scriptures to mold them to my understanding. I know that if you pray and read your Bible and search God's heart, you will see that he will meet you where you are. So if scripture is what you need......

I answered Yes, because truthfully I have lied for less. And I know if it came to saving someones life, I probably would. I just know me, and I know that God knows my heart, that I would be seriously troubled and torn, but he knows that I would do whatever it takes to save a person, and I would definitely spend time in prayer before and after. But really, I have lied about alot more stupid and menial subjects than of a life. And no one here can say they have not.

You can be baptized by the Holy Spirit. It is not necessary to have a physical baptism to receive the Holy Spirit. It is not necessary to Salvation. It is an outward sign of an inward working. You can sit where you are right now and Pray that God will baptize you right now, and that His Holy Spirit will come over you. You will receive the Sanctification of God. Your Salvation does not depend upon your physical and public baptism. Not to say that public Baptism isn't an amazing experience. It will show those in the congregation that you publicly announce your sold out for Jesus. And it will testify to your beginning the process of sanctification.

I praise God he saved me from this awful habit. Both of my parents and my brother are addicted. I know I have an addictive personality, so I made sure to steer clear. For a long time both of my parents had quit. My dad did it by chewing gum. He always had a pack of trident on him. When I got married, he started lighting up again, I guess the pressure was too much. But none of my family are Christians, so you have an extra boost, and cheerleader cheering you on. GBU

I am no expert, but I would venture to say it is very harmless. I know of a person who lost their memory because of trauma, and so they had hypno therapy to help her find memories in their mind that they subconsciously hid. It can be very theraputic. It is not a time for the therapist to fill your head with anything. You are aware, and able to answer questions. I wouldn't be too worried, it is just a form of therapy.

I would just say, that it is that inkling in the pit of your stomach, that thought on your mind that pulls at you until you recognize it is something you will have to deal with. I would say it is my conscience. I believe that is the Holy Spirit in me. Now I wouldn't go into speaking in tongues on this issue, but I would say that I am sure you already know. It is hard though sometimes to dicipher your own thoughts from the guidance of God. I just ask God, and if he brings it up again, then I know for sure. This is a hard one to answer, but in one short easy way, I say he is your conscience.

It is how I feel, but it is also what I believe to be true about holiness. I do think that God is a personal God, but I also think that he wants us to have some type of accountability to the people we come into contact with, because it is Jesus that they are to see in us, and if there is something that we are doing that might possibly hinder that view, then I believe it is every believers duty to abstain from it. Also, I am not about legalism at all. I have not been taught any of what I feel and believe on this subject from anyone. I have totally and solely been led by the Holy Spirit within my heart and mind regarding this. The point being, this isn't really about rules and regulations, it is about living freedom. Absolute freedom. And I think it is the delivery and intention behind the discussion and witness of this type of lifestyle. Maybe your bad taste is because of how it seems to come from man, and that is where the perspective has to be changed. It is not motivated by man, but by God. I do understand though the frustration of extreme legalism. But I think the church has gone to the other extreme and become accepting and watered down the gospel so as to include all people with all their personal hang ups and habits. But that is not what we are called to be. We are called to be set apart. There is a way we can accept and love all people because God created them, but there comes a point when we need to make sure that all who come through our doors know that we are serving up PURE GOSPEL, nothing watered down, to fill our pews, or dressed up to seem more attractive. I think people under estimate the the Beauty and Chrisma of Christ. He doesn't need to be dressed up. He needs no help from us when it comes to the delivery, we are called to just love and serve people into the kingdom. We have become more and more sensitive to people, rather than the Holy Spirit. So, I came to this revelation and confrontation. And that is why I posted this. I want to see Jesus, I don't want to see other peoples views of Jesus, or a multi media presentation of who he might have been. I WANT HIM! And I think we fail to recognize and give God credit that His Word is attractive in and of itself if we would preach it and live it without compromise of, revising, and dressing it up. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. I am still working through this step in my journey. GBU