sierra21

I don't kids yet LC- though I'm expecting and hoping santa will bring me an early christmas present LOL (sorry I couldn't resist). And you're exactly working on my point. I don't think it's ever going to be necessary for me to sit down and tell my kids: "Yes, theres a santa, you should believe in him and everything that goes along with it!!!" All I'm saying is that if my kids choose to believe in it, I'm not going to ruin the fun of the story. It's as simple as that. Last time I checked, that wasn't lying to your kids. And if God ever spoke to me and told me that it was wrong of me to do this, then I would handle the situation at thus time. As of now, I think Santa is no different than any other fairytale I will likely sit down with my kids and read to them before bed.

It's one thing to say, "well, before we knew better we did...", but it's ANOTHER thing to say, "I'm going to do it anyway, even though the Bible says not to." How can you justify choosing to ignore this Biblical command and choose to sin? How can you justify choosing sin and Santa over G-d's will and His Word? If you saw someone posting here that they were committing adultery because it wasn't "an issue" and they weren't going to stop until G-d "directed" them to, you would, as a Christian, love them enough to tell them the truth that G-d WAS directing them to stop because He said it in His Word that adultery is a sin. That's what I'm doing here Sierra, I'm loving you enough to tell you that G-d said in His Word that lying is a sin and if you lie to your children by telling them Santa is real, you are choosing to sin. And that is wrong my friend. And yes, I have not only the right, but the responsibility to tell you that, as you would to tell another Christian G-d's Word said not to commit adultery. James :5 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. James 4:17 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. 1 Timothy 5:9 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 1 John 1: 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and) the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Oh I'm not upset Vickilynn- annoyed might be a better word. Do you really think, in our society, that I'm going to have to sit my children down and tell them to believe in Santa?? There is more than enough on television, books, toys, etc. If my kids choose to believe in a character that I believe to be much like "winnie the pooh" or "Shrek"- I'm not going to sit back and crush their precious imagination. Kids aren't stupid. They know that the whole idea of Santa doesn't really make much sense, but they choose to believe it anyway, because it MAKES THEM HAPPY. If you want to be a scrooge to your children, or grandchildren, then go right ahead. But as I said before, I am going to foster my childrens imagination and include a special present from Santa under the christmas tree each and every year. You can continue to try and continue to persuade me to do otherwise, but trust me, it won't make a difference. You're wasting your time.

Shalom Sierra, No one is calling you anything, no one is ridiculing, so please don't play that card. The point is though... you ARE being directed by the L-rd not to lie and it IS an issue - an issue of willfully choosing sin over G-d.. To Christians: How can A Christian justify ignoring Scripture and say they can CHOOSE to lie to your children when G-d says it's a sin? What other sins are OK to do? Adultery? Murder? Stealing? Why is it OK to CHOOSE to lie about Santa being real, when lying is a sin? Why is it NOT OK to lie according to the Scriptures? Why is there a clear defiance of G-d's Word in favor of a make-believe character? Why are you choosing Santa over G-d? Because it's "fun"? This is what I need for you all to explain to me. It's not a matter of conviction, it's a matter of clear Scriptural mandate. Can you show me how it is right for a Christian to knowingly, willfully sin? It's one thing to say, "well, before we knew better we did...", but it's ANOTHER thing to say, "I'm going to do it anyway, even though the Bible says not to." Actually I wasn't directing my statement at anyone VickiLynn. This is my personal decision and you have no right (along with anyone else here on WB) to tell me what the Lord is directing me to do. That is between Jesus and I, and frankly I find it "holier than thou" (oh yes, I said it) for you to assume it is appropriate for you to make such statements. Shame on me? No, shame on you.

For me, it depends on who let me down. If it was my husband, or other family member, I would sit down and have a discussion with them about it. If it was someone else who I didn't know that well, I would probably just let it go. But if it happened on a constant basis I would have a discussion with them as well. I find it works best to keep your emotions out of it though.

Very interesting article. But I have to say I'm lucky that we have a vet that doesn't push every medicine or procedure. We live on a native reservation with many stray dogs, so it's important that we stay up to date with all of Jade's vaccines just because I am terrified of what she would pick up if we didn't. We give her heartworm tabs from april to november. The only thing that I don't like about vaccines is that Jade seems to get swollen no matter where they administer it. BUt it usually goes away in a day or so.

meh- when everything is said and done, our kids are still going to get gifts from santa under the christmas tree. Ridicule, admonish, call me a bad parent- I really don't care. To me, I can't see the whole Santa fantasy ever getting out of hand, so it's not an issue. If it became an issue, and I was directed by the LORD to do so, then I would talk with my children about IMAGINATION. God bless!

mmkay.

Shalom Emily Anne, This is something the anti-tree people forget. G-d CREATED the tree. Just because people take something of G-d and use it for evil purposes does not make the THING evil! http://www.christmas-tree.com/where.html CHRISTMAS TREE HISTORY Did a celebration around a Christmas tree on a bitter cold Christmas Eve at Trenton, New Jersey, turn the tide for Colonial forces in 1776? According to legend, Hessian mercenaries were so reminded of home by a candlelit evergreen tree that they abandoned their guardposts to eat, drink and be merry. Washington attached that night and defeated them. The Christmas tree has gone through a long process of development rich in many legends, says David Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture, with the Springfield Extension Center. Some historians trace the lighted Christmas tree to Martin Luther. He attached lighted candles to a small evergreen tree, trying to simulate the reflections of the starlit heaven -- the heaven that looked down over Bethlehem on the first Christmas Eve. Until about 1700, the use of Christmas trees appears to have been confined to the Rhine River District. From 1700 on, when lights were accepted as part of the decorations, the Christmas tree was well on its way to becoming a tradition in Germany. Then the tradition crossed the Atlantic with the Hessian soldiers. Some people trace the origin of the Christmas tree to an earlier period. Even before the Christian era, trees and boughs were used for ceremonials. Egyptians, in celebrating the winter solstice -- the shortest day of the year -- brought green date palms into their homes as a symbol of "life triumphant over death". When the Romans observed the feast of saturn, part of the ceremony was the raising of an evergreen bough. The early Scandinavians were said to have paid homage to the fir tree. To the Druids, sprigs of evergreen holly in the house meant eternal life; while to the Norsemen, they symbolized the revival of the sun god Balder. To those inclined toward superstition, branches of evergreens placed over the door kept out witches, ghosts, evil spirits and the like. This use does not mean that our Christmas tree custom evolved solely from paganism, any more than did some of the present-day use of sighed in various religious rituals. Trees and branches can be made purposeful as well as symbolic. The Christmas tree is a symbol of a living Christmas spirit and brings into our lives a pleasant aroma of the forest. The fact that balsam fir twigs, more than any other evergreen twigs, resemble crosses may have had much to do with the early popularity of balsam fir used as Christmas trees. Written by: David Robson Extension Educator, Horticulture Springfield Extension Center. bump I didn't ask for historical evidence...I asked for biblical evidence.

Shalom, Nope. The celebration of the birth of Messiah is very Scriptural. Luke 2 The Birth of Jesus Christ 8And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" Bump Gosh I almost hate to do this.... but I'm gonna do it anyway. What about Christmas trees? Gift giving? Decorations? Wreaths? Where is that in the bible? I am not against christmas by any means...but it is largely influenced by pagan ideal. Just needed to point that out...

Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him. OH, COME LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD How is an active imagination "foolishness"?? seriously.

Out of your whole post LadyC- this is what stuck out to me. If anyone can miss the power in the above couple of words...then you need to stick in some kids dvd's and experience the fairytale world in which they have a RIGHT to live in. They are CHILDREN...they deserve to believe in flying fairies, animals that can talk, and a man whole will bring them a present at Christmas. If you are one of those people who are ruining that dream for your children, then I suggest you go into your movie and book collection right now and throw out every single piece of material that deviates even minutely from reality...because afterall- are you not just continuing to support belief built on lies??? and yes, that was sarcasm.

Yes thank you for this post. Last night a neighbour of mine was going through some things (mostly marital problems) and she really needed someone to talk to. I was SO tempted to brush her off, and ask if we could do it tomorrow instead of right then because I had a million things to do for work (I'm starting mat leave at the end of next week) and have sat listening to the same things many a night before...but something inside me told me to not brush her off, invite her over with open arms and listen to her. So that's just what I did. She was over for at least 4 hours and as it turns out, more was going on than I realized, and I am so thankful that I was there for her. If I hadn't been, she may have spent the whole evening crying alone in her room, taking prescription drugs...and well, just an overall bad situation. Instead, we had a good discussion, I tried to help her in whatever way I could (last night it was mostly just listening, getting her a much needed meal, and offering many hugs). As Christians, there will be times when we have to set aside what we would 'like' to do, and offer the hand of love...even when it is sometimes the last thing we want to do. Today I will have to work twice as hard, but I feel blessed because of it.

That sounds like a lovely Christmas wayne. Am I invited??

You are a good woman LadyC. And you're right- that IS what Christmas is all about.

lol Mike you know deep down you are ALL CANADIAN! And EmilyAnne, the Canadian dollar is wonderfully high at the moment. Which is part of the reason why my husband and I went on a little trip to the states to buy all of the baby things we needed. We saved hundreds of dollars! But I think it will come down again soon....

Since I've come across a few threads where people are attempting to hijack in an attempt to discuss the subject of christmas, and what it does/should mean to them and others, I'm just going to go ahead and open a new topic about just that. What does the Season mean to you? How do you celebrate, or do you choose to not celebrate (and why)? Personally, I love Christmas. I've always loved it, and I believe I always will. It's a wonderful time to share your faith with others, and it's wonderful to feel the warmth and love that comes along with the season. I love that everyone makes more of an effort to visit eachother, and share the experiences they've had throughout the year. I also love all the decorations, movies, and special gettogethers at the church. Anyways, enough about me- what about YOU?

Okay I suppose I will add my 2 cents. As children my brother and I believed in Santa, but it wasn't this overwhelming thing that my parents encouraged or anything like that. It was just a fun thing that we talked about, and sure enough, every year until I think we were 18, a present from santa would be under the tree. I think for the most part, we knew Santa wasn't real. But it was FUN. We also did all the other Christian activities that went along with Christmas...but having the element of the illusive santa, made the season just a little bit more magical. I know that y'all will probably attack that statement, but being a child is all about fun, fantasy, and imagination. As long as it doesn't get out of hand, I don't think theres anything wrong with it.

Well seems like this thread is a bit old, but I will share my dog experience! We bought a golden retriever/siberian husky hybrid from a breeder in april. She's a pretty big dog (60 lbs at 6 months and STILL growing) but I have never had such a gentle dog. She has a very sweet disposition, and is usually pretty content to play around the house, and occassionally go for a run in the backyard. As far as housetraining goes....she was less than a dream to say the least! I'm not really sure why it was so hard to train her because everyone told us that both golden retrievers and huskies are smart dogs so it shouldn't be too tough, but I guess she had her own agenda. All I can say is that I am SO THANKFUL that she is finally trained and I don't have to worry about her peeing everywhere! When we were getting a dog I read a book about "choosing the right dog for you" and it talked a lot about being realistic about your expectations in a dog. For example, if you aren't too active a person, don't choose a large sport breed. And likewise don't expect a pug to want to go on hikes 3 times a week with you. I think no matter what dog you choose, just be ready to roll with the punches because they have their own routine and often times it's YOU that needs to be trained, not the dog. Oh, and did I mention getting your dog "fixed". We got Jade done about a month ago and she honestly seems like a happier dog. I don't think it's too easy for animals to be in heat and it causes them a lot of anxiety for nothing a lot of the time. And of course you don't need to worry about unwanted puppies. It's deffinitely worth the $100 to get it done...your dog will thank you for it (in big wet kisses lol).

And as for "Tasers", I really don't know how anyone can joke about something that is used for electrocuting people deliberately. I have never been the victim of a 'taser' but I have accidentally electrocuted myself, and it was absolutely horrible, and I wouldn't ever wish it on anyone for any reason. To deliberately electrocute someone is usually considered TORTURE! I really don't know why people insist on giving policemen such weapons and encouraging them to use them. With all due respect- it's caled SAVING LIVES. Yes you read that right- TASERS SAVE LIVES. The reason i say that is because when police officers (or other law enforcement officers) are given a taser to use as a form of physical restraint, they will use it in place of GUNS. So that means when somebody decided to be an idiot and pull a knife or other weapon on police or the general public, instead of getting shot in order to control a very dangerous situation, they are tasered. I used a taser for two years while I was employed as a federal law enforcement agent, and I will tell you right now there are three men still alive because I had that taser and did not have to use my gun.

Ok here are my feelings on the matter. I prefer a smaller church because in the past I've experienced great things, grew spirtually, made friends, and it was a great experience. Then I had to relocate because I married my husband. We go to a small church but don't really like it because it's in a small town and everyone already seems to have formed their "cliques" and are not willing to let us in! I think this can be the possible drawback of a small church, along with the gossip. Big churches can be good if they're run right...and they do have less of a risk of falling prey to gossip and cliques. I also have a bit of an issue with a pastor that wears all the bling and designer clothing...somehow I just don't get it. It gives people the wrong idea- that their money isn't going where it should be and is going into the pastors pocket instead. I don't think this post made much sense...but really its a personal choice and I think that can change depending on where youre at in life.

I'm not one of those people that "participate" in halloween exactly, but I have nothing against it. My husband carved a pumpkin and I'll be handing out candy. Most likely I will watch a scary movie with my friend while my husband works. When we have kids, I will not hold them back from dressing up for fun and getting candy. Evil is only evil if you let it be. Tomorrow is just another day for me, except I had to spend $30 on candy to give out to the kids.

(Sinning just means you made a mistake? )hum...Interesting response. I wonder if the Jews who crucified Christ thought that "they just made a mistake?" (You will sin everyday? )hum....So try not to sin everyday. Sure, if you've made an error in judgement.....That's understandable. But if you can stop a direct, purposeful sin from happening.....why not think through it with God's help? What ever God puts in your heart that you have wronged someone or even wronged God......IS SIN! (You can try sining less, but you'll never stop sinning altogether) hum? Which would you choose if you had a choice, sinning less or sinnning all throughout the day?....That's what I thought! Try it......It just might work for you....It does for me! First of all, you should try taking things less personally. You asked for peoples opinions, and that's what I gave you. Since you didn't like my opinion you chose to tear it apart. It's funny because you clearly CHOSE to react this way, when in fact, it wasn't the most Christian way to act now was it? It kind of goes against what you're saying in this thread doesn't it? i stand by my post. Have you ever done something really stupid, by choice, and then thought about it after and said "WOW, that was a really huge mistake on my part". Well, this is exactly what I'm talking about. You chose to sin, but it was still a mistake. Even murder is a mistake if the person looks back on it and realizes what they've done and asks for forgiveness. Every single thing we've done wrong prior to becoming a christian was (yes you guessed it) a MISTAKE, or a SIN. Ma'am, nothing personal taken. However, I was searching more for Biblical structure more than man social opinions. Please refer to "Topic!" You said, "Even murder is a mistake if the person looks back on it and realizes what they've done and asks for forgiveness. " Not sure what Book of the Bible you pulled that one out of, but that's not what God acknoledges as a "mistake." And while you may be forgiven by God for committing murder, YOU MAY NOT BE FORGIVEN, if your hearts not right, and that's something only God can see! Thanks anyway? My post does have biblical structure. I'm not going to reply anymore to your topic because its quite obvious that you only want responses which fit what YOU think is right. That might be a good idea. If you don't understand why I post these type of topics to begin with, like a few others here, then you'll never understand me. Please allow me to try one more time to explain my position here? If you disagree, then I will immediately remove myself from the forum. Ma'am, I a bit older than most of the youth here and God has seen me though some pretty unpredictable and what would seem like impossible comebacks even to the average Christian and in particular impossible paths in life to the secular person. This is not about US! All that we should be doing here, those of us that are positive in our salvation with God, is helping others. The ONLY reason I post these type of posts if first , I experienced them personally as many of you well-versed Christians have done as well. My main focus is always that someone out there viewing our posts, might be too shy to respond or think themself unworthy before God and when they might see something that they themselves can relate to , my deepest heartfelt hopes and prayers is that this will give them courage and strength to GO TO GOD on their knees and humble themselves as many of us have, and give there repentance request knowing that if God has seen us through these what seem impossible matters, he can do the very same for all of them. If this is not what were here for and to give support to fellow brothers and sisters here on the board to give testamonies and experiences where God got us through life and to this point, then I really have no place here and I will leave you all here to do what you feel you are trying to accomplish. I'm not here to shun or put anyone down but you better be ready to explain your comments if I don't understand where you're coming from when addressing mine. I was of the impression that we had that right here. And I expect that I will have to do the same if you are not satisfied with my responses as I have had to defend on several occassions. It's just impossible for me to believe that you know that things like "murder" can be a mistake in many cases when only God can know any given criminal's heart. Of course, once a criminal is incarserated and he knows that he might be in prison for the remainder of his/her life, he will seek God. His only other alternative is to stay on the side of sin, and many will "play their hand" to appear righteous to any councel that might be pardoning them in the long haul. Now, I don't mean to say that there are not some who will truly be sincere in their repentance to God, but that is why I originally told you that only God knows their true intentions/heart. Sorry, if we got crossed but some of these posts are dear to my heart and take a lot of effort to reveal. It's quite difficult for most men to open their hearts out to the world and allow others to take shots at them at their expense. But I am willing to do it only because of my deep love and devotion to God and for the sake of HIS people in the event that it might bring someone else closer to HIM who created us. In God Cajunboy First of all, I am not a "youth". Your issue seems to be more of my choice in words than anything. I am not saying that every murderor can claim his choices to be a "mistake". All I am saying is that if he/she in fact repents, comes to christ, and asks for forgiveness, he WILL be forgiven. That's how God works. It's irrelevant if someone is in jail or not, if they ask Christ into their heart, then He will be there for them. It's not up to us to judge whether or not someones heart is pure....we just have to live our lives according to Christ and hope for the best (the best being of course that they have in fact accepted christ as their saviour). i really don't think I was so difficult to understand in my last post....but oh well.

I do think you make a great point, but the only thing I can see wrong with it is that they are going to a hospital in Philadelphia that specializes in these sort of things. I believe that their vet said that he didn't feel comfortable with doing the surgery because the dog has a heart murmur -- a serious one, I guess. So now they're going back and forth from Harrisburg to Philadelphia because these guys are the best in the state. They're student vets, so they're doing at a lowered price. I think you're right about vets wanting what's best for the animals, though. I think that's why a lot of them got into the business. Anyway, thanks so much for your advice; Lord bless you through and through. Okay, so are you saying that the vets think that maybe just putting the dog down would be a better option? I have a dog myself that I absolutely adore and would hate to see suffer and would probably do anything to keep her healthy, but I also think you need to listen to the vet. They wouldn't tell you to do something like that unless they thought it was honestly the best decision. If you look at it this way- they would make a lot more money (and gain valuable experience) by performing the surgery, but if they're advising against I think that's a pretty good indication that the dog maybe just shouldn't have the surgery. After all, if it's just going to prolong the inevitable- is that really helping anyone? Such a tough situation for everyone involved....I will pray.

They should see if the vet might allow them to pay monthly for the procedure. I know at our vet if you can't pay the full amount they let you set up some sort of financing plan. They should also "shop around" and see if they can't find a vet who will do it for cheaper- and perhaps finance. Most vets are sympathetic to peoples situation and ultimately want the best for the animal, so they will try and help you in whatever way they can. Thats my advice. period.