Comments on: Needja help… http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html Sun, 14 Mar 2010 02:32:30 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: Dawn http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-17891 Dawn Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:22:48 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-17891 I was raised in church, until I was 16. I had a very close relationship with my youth leaders. They had been basically "my second parents" from the time I was 7, until I moved away when I was 15. I would travel with them when they went on mission trips or to minister at other churches. For Christmas one year, I went with them and spent a couple weeks around Christmas a few states away with their family. I looked up to them, and had so much respect for them, and I wanted to have a relationship with Christ like the one that they had. I'm now 21, married, and I'm the mother to an amazing little girl. I don't attend church there anymore. I decided to visit my old church with my little girl, and I got really excited when I saw this couple there (they had recently taken over pastoring a church a couple states away and were visiting). However, when I went to talk to them and introduce them to my daughter for the first time, they literally turned their backs on me and acted like I wasn't there. They wouldn't even acknowledge me, simply because I no longer lived the way that they believe is right. I don't understand how such devout Christians could behave in such an un-Christlike manner. It devastated me. I know it's petty, but I haven't been able to go back to that church since. I was raised in church, until I was 16. I had a very close relationship with my youth leaders. They had been basically “my second parents” from the time I was 7, until I moved away when I was 15. I would travel with them when they went on mission trips or to minister at other churches. For Christmas one year, I went with them and spent a couple weeks around Christmas a few states away with their family. I looked up to them, and had so much respect for them, and I wanted to have a relationship with Christ like the one that they had. I’m now 21, married, and I’m the mother to an amazing little girl. I don’t attend church there anymore. I decided to visit my old church with my little girl, and I got really excited when I saw this couple there (they had recently taken over pastoring a church a couple states away and were visiting). However, when I went to talk to them and introduce them to my daughter for the first time, they literally turned their backs on me and acted like I wasn’t there. They wouldn’t even acknowledge me, simply because I no longer lived the way that they believe is right. I don’t understand how such devout Christians could behave in such an un-Christlike manner. It devastated me. I know it’s petty, but I haven’t been able to go back to that church since.

]]> By: donna http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15486 donna Tue, 23 Dec 2008 05:41:20 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15486 the world has watched us judge and devour our wounded....and stand as whitewashed walls and empty tombs the world has watched us judge and devour our wounded….and stand as whitewashed walls and empty tombs

]]> By: Amalee http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15220 Amalee Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:27:51 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15220 What bugs me most is the people who can't see fantasy from reality. The Christians who won't go see certain movies or read books like Harry Potter. A "Christian" tried to tell me that playing World of Warcraft was a sin because I was practicing witchcraft since the character I played was a warlock. Playing a video game does not mean I’m a witch and neither does reading Harry Potter. What bugs me most is the people who can’t see fantasy from reality. The Christians who won’t go see certain movies or read books like Harry Potter. A “Christian” tried to tell me that playing World of Warcraft was a sin because I was practicing witchcraft since the character I played was a warlock. Playing a video game does not mean I’m a witch and neither does reading Harry Potter.

]]> By: Laura http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15209 Laura Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:31:50 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15209 I'm not Christian myself, but I am totally down with the idea of being good to one another -- what higher purpose, regardless of who/what/where it is from, could we have before us in our time on Earth (because, let's face it, we all seem to be here for at least the time being) than to favorably impact the lives of others? While that is a Christian message, it's a non-Christian one as well. The Christians whom I dislike are the ones who act like I MUST CONVERT. I realize that one of the beliefs of Christianity is that your way, your beliefs are the only "true" ones, and while that may be (who am I to make such a decision?), I don't feel that it is your place do push that upon me. I have no problem with missionaries sharing their message, especially if they are also involved in the communities that they are living it -- people focused on goodwill can do a lot of good! It's the ones who are relentless, who look down on me for not being Christian, the ones who are adamant (even quietly so) that I am wrong in what I believe -- those are the ones who bother me. You may feel that I would be better off your way. But I do not give you permission to tell me that my very being is wrong. I do not feel that that is your decision to make. If there is a God, isn't that his call? If I'm happy with who I am, I'd like for you to accept me, just as I am, as well. I’m not Christian myself, but I am totally down with the idea of being good to one another — what higher purpose, regardless of who/what/where it is from, could we have before us in our time on Earth (because, let’s face it, we all seem to be here for at least the time being) than to favorably impact the lives of others? While that is a Christian message, it’s a non-Christian one as well.

The Christians whom I dislike are the ones who act like I MUST CONVERT. I realize that one of the beliefs of Christianity is that your way, your beliefs are the only “true” ones, and while that may be (who am I to make such a decision?), I don’t feel that it is your place do push that upon me. I have no problem with missionaries sharing their message, especially if they are also involved in the communities that they are living it — people focused on goodwill can do a lot of good! It’s the ones who are relentless, who look down on me for not being Christian, the ones who are adamant (even quietly so) that I am wrong in what I believe — those are the ones who bother me.

You may feel that I would be better off your way. But I do not give you permission to tell me that my very being is wrong. I do not feel that that is your decision to make. If there is a God, isn’t that his call? If I’m happy with who I am, I’d like for you to accept me, just as I am, as well.

]]> By: Cecilia http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15199 Cecilia Sat, 06 Dec 2008 18:23:16 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15199 The thing I hate most is something I've seen personally in my own family: lived the wild life, found Christ, became holier than thou and then won't forgive and love on anyone who's life you don't agree with. I've recently started trying to see people as if Christ was standing next to them with his hand on their shoulder, pleading with me to forgive THEM like HE had. Very powerful stuff. The thing I hate most is something I’ve seen personally in my own family: lived the wild life, found Christ, became holier than thou and then won’t forgive and love on anyone who’s life you don’t agree with.

I’ve recently started trying to see people as if Christ was standing next to them with his hand on their shoulder, pleading with me to forgive THEM like HE had. Very powerful stuff.

]]> By: Heather Jenson http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15195 Heather Jenson Sat, 06 Dec 2008 14:27:46 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15195 What concerns me most is the people that complain all the time, yet never stand up and try to be part of the solution. We are supposedly the body of Christ and yet many times we fail to even move. We would rather place the blame on someone else. However, I know there are times when other Christians fall short, sometimes during crisis and heartache. Something that I learned from my husband being gone to Iraq for 13 months is that when you need help you need to ask for what you specifically need from your family, friends, and church. I learned that after being hurt because others weren't doing what I thought I needed, I talked to my sister in law and found out that holy crow she couldn't read my mind. It was the same way with those at church. Once I made it clear what would help, my church family stepped it up a notch and I will be forever grateful to them. I've seen too many people at church who fall away because of something someone else did. It's really sad because the very doctrines of Christ are about forgiveness and mercy. If we expect him to forgive us of our tresspasses, should we too in turn forgive others. There should be more love and service, less criticism and backbiting. What concerns me most is the people that complain all the time, yet never stand up and try to be part of the solution. We are supposedly the body of Christ and yet many times we fail to even move. We would rather place the blame on someone else. However, I know there are times when other Christians fall short, sometimes during crisis and heartache. Something that I learned from my husband being gone to Iraq for 13 months is that when you need help you need to ask for what you specifically need from your family, friends, and church. I learned that after being hurt because others weren’t doing what I thought I needed, I talked to my sister in law and found out that holy crow she couldn’t read my mind. It was the same way with those at church. Once I made it clear what would help, my church family stepped it up a notch and I will be forever grateful to them.
I’ve seen too many people at church who fall away because of something someone else did. It’s really sad because the very doctrines of Christ are about forgiveness and mercy. If we expect him to forgive us of our tresspasses, should we too in turn forgive others. There should be more love and service, less criticism and backbiting.

]]> By: Julie http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15169 Julie Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:20:22 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15169 I think the thing I hate the most is our lack of being able to just love others. I wish we could wash away the need to fix, judge, talk about and criticize and learn to just love others. I have found that pain is the only thing I have found that allows us to love others when they are in the "yucky places". No wonder there is so much of it allowed in our lives. I want to love better. Be a light to others and to show them the love of the man who I call "my Jesus". Julie www.homeschoolblogger.com/juliestew I think the thing I hate the most is our lack of being able to just love others. I wish we could wash away the need to fix, judge, talk about and criticize and learn to just love others. I have found that pain is the only thing I have found that allows us to love others when they are in the “yucky places”. No wonder there is so much of it allowed in our lives.
I want to love better. Be a light to others and to show them the love of the man who I call “my Jesus”.
Julie
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/juliestew

]]> By: Carolina http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15134 Carolina Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:13:14 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15134 I'm so late finding this blog, thus very late answering this question, but I feel a need to do so nonetheless. I haven't read the other answers yet, as I wanted to say what I'm feeling without the influence of others. Probably many have said already what I'm about to say. Here goes: Hypocrisy. People who claim to be Christian, but live a life of hatred rather than love. They *think* they know the Bible, and are all too willing to quote from it to *prove* they are right on any given topic. However, what they quote is almost always out of context. These people hate everyone who does not believe exactly as they believe. They promulgate hatred. Worst of all, they feel entitled to judge other people. The Bible clearly says "Judge not, lest ye be judged." and "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" and "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" Of course, these people will quote scripture back at you, defending their right, as Christians, to judge others. However, these verses speak of 'judgment' as in making good choices in their own lives, not as permission to invoke danmation on others. I know that many people, possibly even yourself, might agree with the 'other side' of my argument, however MY God is a God of love, who sent His only son to die for our sins. So many atrocities have been enacted in the name of "Christianity", but when one points this out, the reply is usually, "Yes, but that was in the *Dark Ages*". Not all of them. And, it is my fear that we are once again entering the *Dark Ages* Not that we've ever really left them. Most KKK members, from my understanding, are to be found in Church nearly every Sunday. Or, what about The Rev. Fred Phelps? Or, Jeremiah Wright? The list is endless. No wonder so many people are leaving church. No wonder so many Christians are almost embarrassed to admit that they are Christians? Even though I am NOT ashamed to be a Christian, many times I feel obligated, nearly, to explain that I'm not one of *them*, meaning the *radical right* or whatever they're called. I don't understand how they cannot see that they're just as bad as the radical Shiites. I only hope that people can see through these *false Christians* (as I call them) and realise that most of us aren't like them. Unfortunately, they are the ones who get most of the publicity. They can be found on nearly every board and forum, (usually posting as *anonymous*). They are the ones that, regardless of the topic, will say that all of our ills are caused by women in the workforce, homosexuals, Obama being elected as President, and on and on. Really, the article to which they are responding could be about the opening of a new restaurant, or an article on flu shots, it really doesn't matter WHAT the topic is, you are likely to see them spewing their hatred on things which don't relate in any way to the topic at hand. I don't see how we, as Christians, can do anything but pray for them. We are Americans, (most of us here,anyway) first and foremost, and as such have the right to our opinions, and are allowed to publicly state them. I must grant them that right, although they don't willingly grant the same to me, or to others who might disagree with them. I only hope that Christianity can survive their invective and hatred. I do have faith, but at times it is sorely tested. OK, I hope I have been able to express what I find *frustrating* about SOME Christians, and that I have not *preached* nor *bashed* anyone in the process. I thank you for this opportunity, even though it is late. It just felt good to express it. I’m so late finding this blog, thus very late answering this question, but I feel a need to do so nonetheless. I haven’t read the other answers yet, as I wanted to say what I’m feeling without the influence of others. Probably many have said already what I’m about to say. Here goes: Hypocrisy. People who claim to be Christian, but live a life of hatred rather than love. They *think* they know the Bible, and are all too willing to quote from it to *prove* they are right on any given topic. However, what they quote is almost always out of context. These people hate everyone who does not believe exactly as they believe. They promulgate hatred. Worst of all, they feel entitled to judge other people. The Bible clearly says “Judge not, lest ye be judged.” and “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” and “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” Of course, these people will quote scripture back at you, defending their right, as Christians, to judge others. However, these verses speak of ‘judgment’ as in making good choices in their own lives, not as permission to invoke danmation on others. I know that many people, possibly even yourself, might agree with the ‘other side’ of my argument, however MY God is a God of love, who sent His only son to die for our sins.

So many atrocities have been enacted in the name of “Christianity”, but when one points this out, the reply is usually, “Yes, but that was in the *Dark Ages*”. Not all of them. And, it is my fear that we are once again entering the *Dark Ages* Not that we’ve ever really left them. Most KKK members, from my understanding, are to be found in Church nearly every Sunday. Or, what about The Rev. Fred Phelps? Or, Jeremiah Wright? The list is endless. No wonder so many people are leaving church. No wonder so many Christians are almost embarrassed to admit that they are Christians? Even though I am NOT ashamed to be a Christian, many times I feel obligated, nearly, to explain that I’m not one of *them*, meaning the *radical right* or whatever they’re called. I don’t understand how they cannot see that they’re just as bad as the radical Shiites.

I only hope that people can see through these *false Christians* (as I call them) and realise that most of us aren’t like them. Unfortunately, they are the ones who get most of the publicity. They can be found on nearly every board and forum, (usually posting as *anonymous*). They are the ones that, regardless of the topic, will say that all of our ills are caused by women in the workforce, homosexuals, Obama being elected as President, and on and on. Really, the article to which they are responding could be about the opening of a new restaurant, or an article on flu shots, it really doesn’t matter WHAT the topic is, you are likely to see them spewing their hatred on things which don’t relate in any way to the topic at hand.

I don’t see how we, as Christians, can do anything but pray for them. We are Americans, (most of us here,anyway) first and foremost, and as such have the right to our opinions, and are allowed to publicly state them. I must grant them that right, although they don’t willingly grant the same to me, or to others who might disagree with them. I only hope that Christianity can survive their invective and hatred. I do have faith, but at times it is sorely tested.

OK, I hope I have been able to express what I find *frustrating* about SOME Christians, and that I have not *preached* nor *bashed* anyone in the process. I thank you for this opportunity, even though it is late. It just felt good to express it.

]]> By: Maleia http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15112 Maleia Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:15:03 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15112 I am a Christian. Have been all my life. My views have changed dramatically through the years, but I still have faith in Christ. There, having said that, here's what bothers me about Christians: First, if I meet another Christian and they find out the I believe even slightly different than they do, it's like they've dismissed me as a believer and I'm their new "project." So, if I drink, I can't be a Christian. If I believe that evolution could be true, I can't be saved. If I vote anything other than Republican, I can't be a Christian. That's my main bother. Second thing that bugs me (and I'll give an example): I have had the week from hell this week. I called my mother in law to ask for prayer and she gave me a mini-sermon on tithing. What? I didn't call her financial advice. I didn't call so that I could be put down and told I'm doing something wrong if I'm not tithing, and that's why everything is falling apart. I called for prayer. Encouragement. Compassion. Someone to cry to. I needed support and she decided to preach. Why must Christians always preach so much? Why not just love, as Christ did? I am a Christian. Have been all my life. My views have changed dramatically through the years, but I still have faith in Christ. There, having said that, here’s what bothers me about Christians:

First, if I meet another Christian and they find out the I believe even slightly different than they do, it’s like they’ve dismissed me as a believer and I’m their new “project.” So, if I drink, I can’t be a Christian. If I believe that evolution could be true, I can’t be saved. If I vote anything other than Republican, I can’t be a Christian. That’s my main bother.

Second thing that bugs me (and I’ll give an example): I have had the week from hell this week. I called my mother in law to ask for prayer and she gave me a mini-sermon on tithing. What? I didn’t call her financial advice. I didn’t call so that I could be put down and told I’m doing something wrong if I’m not tithing, and that’s why everything is falling apart. I called for prayer. Encouragement. Compassion. Someone to cry to. I needed support and she decided to preach. Why must Christians always preach so much? Why not just love, as Christ did?

]]> By: KellyJean http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15102 KellyJean Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:51:13 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15102 Personally, the intolerance for other religions, or simply other belief systems, that Christians have bothers me the most. If we are supposed to love unconditionally, why can't we respect others as well? Humiliating another person because they aren't followers of Christianity seems to be the most un-Christian thing to do. If you want to believe your faith is the true faith, that's fine with me. But please, be kind and respectful of others as well. God made us all different, and all special, regardless of nationality and religious belief. Personally, the intolerance for other religions, or simply other belief systems, that Christians have bothers me the most. If we are supposed to love unconditionally, why can’t we respect others as well? Humiliating another person because they aren’t followers of Christianity seems to be the most un-Christian thing to do. If you want to believe your faith is the true faith, that’s fine with me. But please, be kind and respectful of others as well.
God made us all different, and all special, regardless of nationality and religious belief.

]]> By: Jeromy http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15095 Jeromy Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:18:44 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15095 I find it sad when we act like and claim that we have nailed God and God's ways down...as if we could know. Worse is when we judge people based on our "God" knowledge...as if we should judge. Even worse is when we tell people what God is going to do to/with them when they die...as if that's our place. The absolute worst is when we bask in the joy of what God will do to/with us when we die. The funny thing is that I have yet to meet a person/christian who thinks THEY are going to a place called hell...it is always the OTHER person/people who are going there. I find it sad when we act like and claim that we have nailed God and God’s ways down…as if we could know. Worse is when we judge people based on our “God” knowledge…as if we should judge. Even worse is when we tell people what God is going to do to/with them when they die…as if that’s our place. The absolute worst is when we bask in the joy of what God will do to/with us when we die. The funny thing is that I have yet to meet a person/christian who thinks THEY are going to a place called hell…it is always the OTHER person/people who are going there.

]]> By: Anna Murphey http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15092 Anna Murphey Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:48:29 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15092 I have problems, I will be the first to say it, but I desperately love Jesus. Do I read my bible everyday? Do I go to church every Sunday? Nope. Does God still love me? Amazingly, yes. I dont deserve it. My background: I went to a christian school for 13 years and saw a lot of all this crap that have to do with Christians--in fact it made my brother run away from the whole Christian thing. After I graduated I realized all the religious mumbo-jumbo that the school was teaching me. It has taken me more than a year to find my own way and breaking down all the religious crap that they taught me. If you look at the gospels, Jesus gets upset with only one group--the religious people. I decided I would not be religious. I am just a lover of the Lord and want to make everyone feel loved, because those are the most important things. I hate it when bad Christians ruin the whole attitude towards the people that are really trying to be a light. I have problems, I will be the first to say it, but I desperately love Jesus. Do I read my bible everyday? Do I go to church every Sunday? Nope. Does God still love me? Amazingly, yes. I dont deserve it.

My background: I went to a christian school for 13 years and saw a lot of all this crap that have to do with Christians–in fact it made my brother run away from the whole Christian thing.

After I graduated I realized all the religious mumbo-jumbo that the school was teaching me. It has taken me more than a year to find my own way and breaking down all the religious crap that they taught me.

If you look at the gospels, Jesus gets upset with only one group–the religious people. I decided I would not be religious. I am just a lover of the Lord and want to make everyone feel loved, because those are the most important things.

I hate it when bad Christians ruin the whole attitude towards the people that are really trying to be a light.

]]> By: ConnieC http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15088 ConnieC Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:07:11 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15088 I'm here because of your post today Dec 3. My husband and I don't attend an organized church. We live in the South, in a smaller city. Don't get me wrong, I know that there are a lot of true Christians out there, but more and more, we run into "faux Christians". You know the ones that attend church on Sunday, so they can do whatever they want the rest of the week. The ones that donate money to the church in very public ways, but cheat their customers to pay for that donation. The ones that judge others and cover for other lying church members. The ones that feel that if you don't attend church you aren't following God's word. It's pretty disheartening. I wish we could find a church that fit. But until then, we'll just do the good things we can and leave the churches to the "faux Christians" Now I'm off to listen to the sermon you posted today (dec 3) I’m here because of your post today Dec 3.

My husband and I don’t attend an organized church. We live in the South, in a smaller city. Don’t get me wrong, I know that there are a lot of true Christians out there, but more and more, we run into “faux Christians”. You know the ones that attend church on Sunday, so they can do whatever they want the rest of the week.

The ones that donate money to the church in very public ways, but cheat their customers to pay for that donation.

The ones that judge others and cover for other lying church members. The ones that feel that if you don’t attend church you aren’t following God’s word.

It’s pretty disheartening. I wish we could find a church that fit. But until then, we’ll just do the good things we can and leave the churches to the “faux Christians”

Now I’m off to listen to the sermon you posted today (dec 3)

]]> By: Carm http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15082 Carm Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:37:57 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15082 Politics in the pulpit. The Christian right has done, possibly irreparable, damage to my desire to be part of a Christian community. This recent election and the way "good Christian" friends handled their views made me ashamed to be considered a Christian. I hadn't thought of it before I read a few of the comments but the "lingo" and the "in crowd" feel to things in particularly evangelical churches is something that I think people need to fight against. I grew up in a Presbyterian church and when I went to college and got involved with campus ministry it was like people were speaking a different language even though looking back now, I realize much of my hometown church experience was VERY real and full of authenticity. Still, somehow, I was fooled into believing I'd been missing out. Awww... well, it's a long spiritual journey I've been on and while I love the Lord. I don't much like Christians... at least not the ones I seem to encounter in recent years. Politics in the pulpit. The Christian right has done, possibly irreparable, damage to my desire to be part of a Christian community. This recent election and the way “good Christian” friends handled their views made me ashamed to be considered a Christian.

I hadn’t thought of it before I read a few of the comments but the “lingo” and the “in crowd” feel to things in particularly evangelical churches is something that I think people need to fight against. I grew up in a Presbyterian church and when I went to college and got involved with campus ministry it was like people were speaking a different language even though looking back now, I realize much of my hometown church experience was VERY real and full of authenticity. Still, somehow, I was fooled into believing I’d been missing out.

Awww… well, it’s a long spiritual journey I’ve been on and while I love the Lord. I don’t much like Christians… at least not the ones I seem to encounter in recent years.

]]> By: Shawna http://www.thisisreverb.com/2008/11/needja-help.html#comment-15081 Shawna Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:27:08 +0000 http://www.thisisreverb.com/?p=3513#comment-15081 When people don't seize the opportunity to grow. I wouldn't say that it drives me crazy, it more saddens me than anything else. God gives us chance after chance after chance to grow every single day. I can't even really point a finger because it took me years to realize this simple truth. It took me years to figure out that God wanted to refine me, if only I would allow him to move me close enough to the fire. The truth is, spiritual maturity brings a new, less aggravating kind of christian. The more that I grow, the more forgiving/tolerant I become. The more forgiving/tolerant I become the more upset I am with the Christian that I have been for the past 9ish years. Ryan, for what it's worth, a post you did a few months back has propelled me forward even further. I had never heard the phrase "love wins" but what you said made me want to know more. I finally looked into it a few weeks ago. I listened to the Rob Bell sermon and spent a little time with God ruminating over what it means. I have embraced the mentality and am trying to face every situation with Love Wins in mind. My house has been a much happier place. Much happier. I have been a much happier person. I have decided to devote Wednesday's to a Love Wins rundown on my blog. (I am hoping the fire will catch on) Thanks for that post that lit the spark so God could really set me on fire. My mom even told me a week ago that she could see a change in me. She could tell that I was more at peace then I had ever been. My reply? I am more at peace because Love Wins. It's been awesome. http://momofonefornow.blogspot.com/2008/11/love-is.html When people don’t seize the opportunity to grow. I wouldn’t say that it drives me crazy, it more saddens me than anything else. God gives us chance after chance after chance to grow every single day. I can’t even really point a finger because it took me years to realize this simple truth. It took me years to figure out that God wanted to refine me, if only I would allow him to move me close enough to the fire.

The truth is, spiritual maturity brings a new, less aggravating kind of christian. The more that I grow, the more forgiving/tolerant I become. The more forgiving/tolerant I become the more upset I am with the Christian that I have been for the past 9ish years.

Ryan, for what it’s worth, a post you did a few months back has propelled me forward even further. I had never heard the phrase “love wins” but what you said made me want to know more. I finally looked into it a few weeks ago. I listened to the Rob Bell sermon and spent a little time with God ruminating over what it means. I have embraced the mentality and am trying to face every situation with Love Wins in mind. My house has been a much happier place. Much happier. I have been a much happier person. I have decided to devote Wednesday’s to a Love Wins rundown on my blog. (I am hoping the fire will catch on) Thanks for that post that lit the spark so God could really set me on fire. My mom even told me a week ago that she could see a change in me. She could tell that I was more at peace then I had ever been. My reply? I am more at peace because Love Wins. It’s been awesome.

http://momofonefornow.blogspot.com/2008/11/love-is.html

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