lisah25

Some people need hard and fast rules. They can't tolerate gray area or uncertainty. I'm not saying that is Ron, I don't know him, but I know people who fit what I am saying. I heard a sermon once comparing faith to those bars on a playground, where you swing from one to the other, hand by hand. That faith is the between times, when you don't have a firm grip on either and there is uncertaintity. Learning to trust God during that time.

LOL-no I was told to avoid carbonation as well. So, bloody Mary's for everone!

But Ron, you have said more then once that it's not always literal, when common sense and context make it clear it's not. You have used the Bread/body example if I remember correctly. I still don't understand how you reconcile that when you make statements like you do above.

OK, I'm kind of thinking as I type this, so it may not be clear, so ask if it's not. To me, the point is that I want to take communion to remember Jesus and the sacrifice He made for me. Whether or not the bread is His body doesn't matter to me, it's not the main point for me. Does that make sense? (remember, it's Friday afternoon and I may not be thinking well! )

Happy housecleaning - and I don't feel attacked at all. I just feel like you have an underlying question and I'd like to answer it if I can. I don't understand salad-bar Christianity either, which to me means someone chosing to follow that which is easy or convienent for them. I tried my best to explain in my earlier post how I read the Bible, I can't think of another way to put it. I don't just pick things to follow I want to, I think about what I think God wants from me.

Actually, I like how you put this.

Gadgetlady, I feel like I answered your questions the best I can, and honestly I don't see the point of your continueing to ask more and more. What are you trying to get at? Maybe I can answer whatever that is.

I agree. The minute I think I have it down is the minute I stop being open to learning. I'm trying to not let that happen. Even reading Ron's words has made me think about some things, and research a bit. And Gadgetlady I'm sorry, I meant to comment on that as well and deleted, so forgot.

I had one in a post earlier on, that when I take communion I don't believe the bread is actaully the body of Christ, nor the wine His blood. I do it in remberence of His sacrifice. I'm not sure on Noah's ark. But regardless, it's a story with a point for us. I guess that's the best way to put it now, that I believe some things are allegories, if that's the right word. They may not be word for word true, but they are there to make a point and teach me something.

I know that as much as I love and value the women in my life, I don't want to have sex with them. But you didn't answer my main question. Why is it being a choice a reason to deny rights?

I disagree, big surprise I know. I don't get why choice makes a difference in this debate(setting aside for now my belief that being homosexual isn't a choice). Why would it matter in deciding who to grant rights to? How would allowing gay civil unions affect anyone else, infringe on their rights?

It is, isn't it? I plan to spend as much time at home this weekend as I can and get caught up on some housework/paperwork stuff, including filing our taxes. I'm hoping it's rainy and cold so I don't feel like I should be outside!

So you can stay inside and play here on LBT with us all!?

Us too. I'm the major breadwinner in our marriage, and if we'd had kids, DH would have stayed home to raise them. I believe God gave me the skills I use to earn my living, so why not use them? I think it's cool that you recognize your wife is still beatiful!

I don't treat my faith like that at all. And the reason it's hard for me to answer you definitivly is that I don't have black and white rules for deciding what to take literally and what not to. I never said I don't believe the account of Noah's ark, so I'm not sure why you are asking me that. I've done a lot of reading, talking, listening and prayer in my faith. I have core beliefs about God, and so when I read the Bible I keep those in mind. I don't filter it based on what I want it to mean, I try very hard to be honest with myself and follow what I believe God wants. I may get some of it wrong, but as long as I'm being honest in my heart and mind and trying to follow Him, I believe His mercy will cover whatever I might miss.

I have a nice portable gazebo I can bring. Along with some camp cots. Would suggesting S'mores with the campfire be bad?

WOO-HOOO :clap2: :clap2: And what better way to celebrate a bandiversary then a good PB!?

I heard a rumor the Dixie Chicks will be playing a concert for us all there...:high5: :peace:

I agree. She is a hateful woman.

Most liberals realize the big bad terrorists aren't going to be nice to us no matter what we do.

I have been reading that thread, and you have a point.

What I remember being told is that when the diaphram has had some trauma, like surgery near it, the pain is referred to your shoulder.

I think doing it now, and avoiding many more years of being obese, would be wonderful. I wish I could have some years back. Don't worry about what other people think. This is not an easy way out, just a way that actually works. We start by deciding to have surgery. We research and pick a surgeon. Do all the pre-op testing and diet they may require. Have major surgery. Recover from it. I was on liquids for 2 weeks, mushie foods for 2 more weeks. Now, I have to think about what I choose to eat. I have to make healthy and band-friendly choices. I have to get my butt moving. Sound like an easy thing? Would we tell someone who got a pacemaker that they should have just worked harder to keep their heart healthy?

Oh yeah. And I still have almost 100 lbs to go. I think a big part of it is body language on our part. I'm not longer trying to just get through the day not being noticed. I'm looking people in the eye more, smiling more, and then of course I get feedback for it, and want to do more. I think it's not only that I'm looking better, but that I no longer feel ashamed. I am doing something about my body and health.

That sounds good Surby! I'll look for it next time I'm there. I got some almonds at Target last night I like, they have a salty/sweet/herb coating. I just have to leave them at home, and only bring in a small portion, or I'd be eating them all day.