blackbeauty

What is a hanging chad? It's a reference to the Presidential election of 2000 where Gore had multiple recounts in Florida...google it; you'll find it.

Maybe I'm oversimplifying things, but God knows the heart of people. It might now make something "right" or "ideal", but I just don't diminish the blood by saying that people can get themselves into situation that God will not be always working on/working with. I guess I consider that He always seeks to bless us - but that the Word is full of instructions about how to obtain "the peaceful fruit of righteousness." I think that people really can be happier and even BETTER people with someone other than their spouse...for a million reasons, legitimate or illegitimate. But, it would seem to me that there would always be just a piece of self-condemnation lurking about to show it's head from time to time. God doesn't want that for us and He's not implementing it. But - you know, that's just how it works down here. But not blessing people? I mean, God IS LOVE IS GOD IS LOVE IS GOD, etc. ------------------------------------------------- Scenario #2 is a slam dunk easy one - that marriage, if entered into in love and good counseling about the potential snags in the path...Gosh, I know a couple of marriages that I would be LUCKY to have their relationship and they started that way. Typically, and this is fine, men feel trapped and sometimes the woman can, too. It can be worked through, but is often times, not. You know, I've known CHRISTIAN HUSBANDS who were ticked off when their WIVES got pregnant. Real jerks. Not a slam dunk answer about that - if people love and are unselfish - it's got a better shot than even people who "follow the rules"...really, I've seen it all. For the record - I believe getting married, then having a child is the best...but if I *HAD* to choose (which we don't) b/w a strained unchristian "Christian" marriage, and a loving relationship where people actually treated each other in a Christlike manner and a baby came before the wedding, I'd choose the latter. Those are NOT the only options and I'm not implying they are...just making a point.

Are we going to have to start counting hanging chads?

Prophecy, is rarely on target - but I have received shockingly accurate assessments of what was going on in my head, heart and physical body on a couple of occasions. God is ALWAYS encouraging even after He convicts. If something makes somebody feel like they are a creep in God's eyes - TRASH IT IMMEDIATELY!

Let's play it safe and make meekness all of the above! It's a great thing with great promise.

My SSRI changed my life. I still have lousy days - as in part of being alive and on this earth - but I am no longer out of my mind with irrational fear and blowing snot and tears 6 hours a day. I tried EVERYTHING EVERYONE has mentioned on the board - properly prescribed medication + willing to be honest about yourself with a professional, non-judgmental counselor = putting a person at a level playing field emotionally.

When it comes to "Christian" catch phrases like "God is Doing a NEW Thing..." That can be one of several things: A non-seasoned pastor or shepherd of the flock who wants to, for lack of a better phrase, "suck up" to God...there can often be a subconscious (but often outwardly denied) message of, "You'd better get on board, or you'll miss God." "Do what I/we tell you to do with your life and focus, etc." Mind control. But, you know what - if the pastor's larger, consistent message is one of God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and His love knows no boundaries - and He even RELATES TO OUR CURRENT CULTURE and is speaking to it and reaches out to it in its current language...that can make a person feel closer to the Lord and that he understands not only our sin, but our present time in history. God doesn't do new things - He does the same things he always has: Loving Saving Intervening Comforting Providing Encouraging Speaking Convicting Wooing Fellowshipping with His Creation He just may be doing the same things He's always done in a different way...to him who has ears to hear. By the way - I used to be involved in "full gospel" churches - and have found peace and a deeper level of communion with God in the Anglican church - tradition and progression...

I noticed that as well. I clicked on the story - and it seemed to be saying that McCain was happy about Hagee's endorsement...