Catsmeow

I had someone do something very evil to me and against me....and over time, she realized what she had done and how wrong it was and called me. She very honestly admitted she was wrong and confessed her sin...and asked for forgiveness. Of course, I forgave her. I can and do ..... but I do not TRUST her. She has a habit (sort of a demonic stronghold) of talking evil behind people's backs....and then later regrets it. (Don't we all have our own area of weakness). She reminds me of that guy who used to be a drunk but quit...but ocassionally decides to sneak into a bar now and then and falls off the wagon. She struggles with her tongue. She bad mouthes people but then feels conviction and remorse later on. I know she talks badly about me, then ....I believe she truly feels sorry about what she said. Naturally, I have to forgive her each time (seven times seventy).......but boy, when a person is caught up in the sin of slander, you can forgive them....but you sure don't entrust yourself to them.

Botticelli: Good point about Hitler. I wondered if anyone would remember how he emptied out the crippled-children's homes for slaughter and we're on the same path.... But we're more "politically correct" these days.. We don't call it murder. For instance, "Partial Birth Abortion" is politely called "Dilation Extraction". Uh-hem.....

Suicide is out. I made a promise to the Lord. I assure you, if I didn't know Christ...I would have already purchased a hand gun and finished myself off. Guaranteed. My fear of the Lord and trembling at His Word keeps me from doing anything foolish. However, if and/or when I am well in body, I am hopeful God will promote me to do volunteer work with Hospice and be available to love and care for the sick and dying. That's how this has affected me.

I mentioned in the post my "experience" with a local pastor. So, the answer is...there are pastors but nobody cares about widows. They're big on the "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves..." but completely forget the widows and orphans verse. I have felt terribly forsaken.

About a week ago, I brought in my cat to the vet. As I stood in line to pay my bill, I overheard a poor, single Mom and her little girl worried about how they couldn't begin to afford to pay the high bill of their little dog. Since they couldn't pay the bill, the Vet kept the dog day after day, running up additional kennel charges (probably about $15/day). So, these poor souls couldn't pay the cost of the medical bills and now they had the added cost of kennel costs to boot. They were there making another "payment" on their balance, so eventually they could get the poor dog out of the kennel and home with his loving family. I leaned over discreetly and asked what the bill was. It was about $368.00. Cool. I said, "Put their bill on mine....I'll cover them." The woman at the desk seemed baffled and said, "Are you sure?" I said, "Yeah, I'm sure.....these folks can't afford to pay ....someone has to." The Mom heard the good news and broke down crying; the little girl was jubilent that she could take her little dog home where he belonged.....and that was that. I didn't do it to be a saint or score points in heaven or any of that nonsense. I was embarassed at the accolades I received, preferring to simply be ignored. Why? Simple: IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. Period. Simple. End of subject. There's nothing spectacular here....it's what we should ALL DO. You help people who can't help themselves and expect NOTHING back. Period. It's what Jesus taught us. It's our reasonable duty. Nothing more. Now, a week later...I called this same office crying and hysterical because my cat couldn't stop vomiting and I was very fearful of something seriously wrong. I begged these same people to see him on emergency but the Vet was going on a 3 HOUR LUNCH HOUR....from 12 to 3. They take LONG lunch breaks - end of subject... I begged. I pleaded. I said, "Can't the lunch wait just a minute?..I live 5 minutes away and ....." Forget it. My kindness toward their other patient was quickly forgotten and they didn't give a hoot if it was an emergency or not......lunch time is lunch time and we sure wouldn't want to disturb the vet's lunchtime, even in an emergency.... Why oh why wasn't there a backup doctor there to cover during this 3 hour lunch break? So, I finally go to a normal Vet clinic where the kitty was seen promptly. I told them to spend all they wanted, run all the tests they wanted ....(I have a TON of Pet Health Insurance) so they took me up on my request and ran up a rather handsome bill. (I'll be reimbursed). Joey (the cat) has abnormal liver enzymes and other problems so he's on antibiotics and they're watching him closely. Point is: you can do the right thing (I did) but DON'T expect anyone else to do the right thing. People think of themselves. That's ALL they think about.....3 hours lunches. I ran into this same attitude with doctors with my sick and dying husband. Same with my very sick cat. Or,----------- there's the Baptist preacher who'd stopped by my house (at Hospice's request), when he saw my sick and dying husband and NEVER bothered to call me, send a card or letter or visit me. Never made the slightest effort to comfort a grieving widow. Patient died; oh well, too bad. Incredulously, what I have found ....has been that in my limited circle of people here, the unbelievers have shown more compassion and sensitivity toward my husband and me during my distress. When I cry and need a shoulder to cry on, I realized I got no where with the local church.....but I was able to call a secular hotline that be comforted. I've received a few PM's from some folks here from time to time. Maybe that's why the bible says to, "comfort those who mourn...". I'm just so very, very disappointed witht this world. I'm losing weight like crazy (I can't eat), the Prozac isn't helping much and I just try to sleep my life away (Oh, how I love my sleeping pills ) and then I forget the world exists. "Wow, she sounds depressed..." (Duh). Yeah, that's pretty much it. I'm so tired of the parade of pretenders who say, "Oh.........just call us if you need anything." When someone is down for the count and among the walking wounded, maybe it's then the Christian world needs to take action.. I'm so FAR down for the count: I've paid for my funeral, brought then funeral home my bible, the dress I want to be buried in, the cross necklace I want around my neck and the music CD to be played when they show my body. . I've paid for my flowers and the chaplain to do the funneral service. Done. Paid for. Nobody has to do anything. Heck, they don't even have to show up...for that matter. I've hired the Trust Department at the bank to meticulously settle my estate (admiinistrate the will) and that way I'll know my wishes will be carried out. I've found someone to adopt my cats and monetary provision in the will has been made to them for their ongoing care (including the health insurance of the animals). God forgive me....God has given me great joy, too but NOBODY can even begin to know or understand the pain of losing your mate till it happens. I thought I could handle this....I can't. I'm not. I'm tired and weary and hope the Lord's use of me on this earth is shortened. I have no purpose. But I'm too low to see past tomarrow.

I can't begin to express my thanks for the kindness of George, Rivka (and family) and the entire Worthy Ministries family for the kindness in sending such a lovely floral arrangement to my husband's funeral. The flowers were so beautiful....the flowers, cards and prayers have been such a loving and honorable tribute to his memory and I am forever grateful to all.... After the service, my husband's body was transported to the gravesite at Fort Bliss (in El Paso, TX), where he was received by an honor guard, a bugler and a chaplan. The brief sermon was moving and very appropriate....stressing the ETERNAL significance of the event and my husband's permanent estate in heaven. I rejoice at his passing for that reason....he's with the Savior now and forever. My sorrow is selfish...missing my closest friend and companion...my husband and mate. I will miss him terribly but I know I will see him again soon.

I only know I don't want to go down as the "rich man" who abandoned Lazarus, the homeless man. Here, the law declares me a lawbreaker for helping poor, desperate souls who need food and warmth.

In El Paso (Texas) it's ILLEGAL to give money to homeless individuals. This is for the entire city. Their reasoning is that the homeless only use it to buy drugs. The city has public service announcement billboards which CLEARLY post that it is against the law to help the homeless in order to prevent them from promoting illegal activities such as drugs. Does this make sense? Not to me. I was stunned the first time I read the billboard . The local news WARNS people that it's ILLEGAL to help the homeless. There's a lot of homeless people standing around at street corners. I broke the law and gave money to a man who's legs were amputated. I figured if he had no legs, drugs weren't the issue with this poor fellow...

Amen, KatyAnn. My husband is 85 and believe me, I see people ignore or "blow off" the elderly all the time, especially doctors. I have to take a firm stand and protect him or heaven knows what would become of him. He simply cannot defend himself. He's so overwhelmed....I can see why some are forced into nursing homes. Without a strong family support, they're easy prey by those who'd gladly take advantage of them.

Marnie, we live in a world of thoughtless, insensitive people. I'm disabled and walk with a cane. People slam doors in my face, barge in front of me because I can't walk as fast...and mow me over at the store. Dear one, the fact that they "rebuked" you for not doing their bidding reveals their own embarassment and maybe, just maybe they'll think FIRST before they volunteer people first without asking.

I'm offended when people sit in a restaurant next to me and talk as loud as they can on their cell phone.

Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. I recognized "the spirit of a man is the candle of the Lord" (lamp or candle, depending of bible version used). The word, "candle" or "lamp" appear to be synonomous with "spirit". This also ties in well with the analogy of "oil" in the lamp.

Our friend, Mohammed hasn't returned. Perhaps he felt that instead of being received with gentleness, he would be "blasted" for his beliefs. Until Christ comes and changes our hearts...we're all in darkness. No exceptions. Each of us responded to the kindness of a stranger who showed us the love of Christ. I'm saddened that people are more interested in tit for tat arguments that reaching out in love to Mohammed, so that he may see first hand the goodness of the Lord we serve.

Perhaps this thread should be focused on our guest, Mohammed. Hopefully, he will be back to reply to this thread. Mohammed: I am extremely happy to see a Muslim visit our website. Thank you for being willing to share your heart with us. It is always best when people come together in the spirit of friendship and understanding. As Christians, our best witness is a "living one". I hope you are made to feel welcome and not afraid to share your thoughts with us. I met a taxi driver earlier this year. His name was Mohammed also...and we spent hours in his taxi discussing our respective faiths....and our conversation was filled with gentleness and peace. I was greatly suprised to hear him share with me the remarkable differences among Muslims. He personally had NO animosity towards Christians and Jews at all....but felt very differently from some Muslims who have violent ambitions. He explained to me that many of his fellow Muslims are swept away by subversive groups whose focus was more centered on the Haddith rather than the Koran itself. This can cause many divisions among Muslims, including the ones who cause violence and destruction (I.e. Wahabe, for instance). Mohammed, I worked in missions in Muslim country and lived and worked among Muslims. I became their FRIEND first. And yes, indeed...they want you to be their friend...to understand them, their culture and how they live and work. We must be "people first" before anyone can hear or listen to us. I learned about their foods (and how I couldn't order Pizza unless it was halal (non-pork) . I experienced Eid al Fitri and the experience of gift giving and the season of Ramadan. I remember watching people eagerly watching their watches to see when 6 o'clock would come so they could break their fast and enjoy their evening meal during Ramadam. I remember developing relationships with Muslims...and learned that it is only through kindness and friendship that we will first cultivate mutual understanding. With some people groups, peace is not possible. With others, their is a spirit of friendship and willingness to learn about one other. What I have learned is that Muslims are like any other people on earth...all people want to heard and understood on a personal level. They want to be treated with kindness and respect. There's nothing overly spiritual about this...it's human nature. We're people with basic human needs. . Mohammed, again, may you feel richly welcomed here. Cats

Thank you for this. I need to step up to the plate and support these brave missionaries with prayer support...

What troubles me are the numbers of naive young people who don't have strong, solid roots, who will defect from the faith or never grow to maturity because they lose faith, believing the lie..

Copper, this is hard question...I've wondered it myself, in all honesty. During the Lewinsky scandal during the Clinton era, I remember teaching 4th grade at a Christian school. One of my little students expressed how they felt such "shame" (having heard about the president's affair). *( out of the mouthes of babes...). When innocent children are troubled by this dilemna, how much more are we, as adults? We recall that the Lord Jesus lived under Roman occupation yet did not rebel against the laws of Caesar, (Render unto God that which is God's and render unto Caesar that which is Caesars). Perhaps, it is our duty to obey those laws which do not conflict with God's moral laws and otherwise honor the laws of the land, in which there is no conflict.

I know he's in paradise and filled with the joy of the Lord...but my heart is saddened and heavy for the sakes of his loved ones. He will be deeply missed on this side of paradise.

Hey, Kathy...you know, I am experiencing this myself with my husband. I love him dearly and he's precious to me but I'm afraid the "fruit" is a bit sour. I recognize that he's often not feeling well and make allowance for that. Still, it troubles me also when I don't see any evidence of spiritual growth. From my experience, it seems that if a person never spends time praying or in the Word, this corresponds with a soul that's disinterested and at the very least, immature. It could be that your friend is just simply not mature and needs greater fellowship with stronger, more established believers. A good bible study might also help. All I can do with my husband is pray for him and encourage him to pray and read the Word. I await God's intervention in his life. I can plant and even water but God gives the growth.

Amen. The point here is a dear brother in the Lord has shared an intimate experience between himself and the Lord. He's not trying to convert anyone or start a new religion... Folks, we can get a bit ridiculous at times, calling someone onto the carpet for sharing their "heart". It makes some folks feel inhibited from sharing. I hope we can lovingly embrace one another's deepest experiences. Let us lift one another us and build each other up in the body.

Dear JCKDuboise: I agree, it sounds like the Lord is speaking to you. He's done likewise to me, as well. God is alive and well and speaks to us all the time, if only we would listen. You have. You learned not put your heart into the riches of this life but to focus on Him. I would hope that EVERY Christian has heard God speak to him or her through various means, including dreams or visions or through His Word and through His servants. He speaks to us in various ways and means...we need only incline our ears. Thank you for sharing.

Deuteronomy 28 Blessings for Obedience 1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God: 3 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. (read Deut 28:4-14 for all the blessing God gives to those who obey Him): Curses for Disobedience 15 However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: 16 You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. 17 Your basket and your kneading trough will be cursed. (read Deut 28:15-64 for all the CURSES God gives to those who do not obey Him): I find this interesting among the CURSES: Deut 28:49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a fierce-looking nation without respect for the old or pity for the young. Deut 28:43 43 The alien who lives among you will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower. 44 He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him. He will be the head, but you will be the tail.

Fed Ex will do and oh, btw...I charge by the pound.

We gotta a big, front loading, industrial strength type. We're thinking about opening a laundry mat in our home... Ron, just send your laundry over this way. I'll just throw it in with the rest of ours....(*LOL).

I started on the Maker's Diet about a month ago and feel substantially better than before but it's too soon to tell how much effect the supplements are having on me. I take all of the supplements and am hoping to see substantial improvements in my health. I believe Rubin's is a godly Christian man seeking ways to help believers get healthy. I'm sticking with it. He encourages a healthy, Jewish kosher diet and encourages people to avoid processed foods, foods with preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, et al.... I feel much better since I went "organic/kosher"....so I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. Rubins was extremely ill himself and came back from the dead, basically. I bought his book, "Maker's Diet" at Amazon.com for a dollar. Best money I ever spent. If you don't even touch the supplements, just the healthy change in lifestyle is enough to show the benefits of the diet. He's a messianic Jew and has eaten kosher all his life, which is what he encourages for health reasons (not for legalistic purposes). He explains why the Jewish kosher diet is so much healthier and better for people...and I tend to agree. My husband and I are both on it and can tell a big difference in the way we feel.