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Hi Nancy...

I'm sorry that you've missed some past posts from our dear sweet Mieka.

Mieka has been in the USA to further her education and her visa is now up and she must return to China.  

She's leaving in the first week of November and we're all crying!

We love her so much but we all have hope that she will be back very soon.

Right, Mieka?

(I'm sure that if I'm wrong in my facts, she'll set me straight!)

Sonja ~ You don't know how happy I am after reading your message....I didn't see it this morning.  You must have posted while I was composing.  Maybe my little purpose in life was to encourage you to get the book...hmmmm!  I can't remember if it is in the book or on a video that I saw at the small group meeting, but Rick Warren says that our life on earth is preparing us for eternity in heaven.  If you took a tape measure and stretched it from New York City to Los Angeles. only a quarter of an inch would represent our life on earth.  The rest is eternity.  Well, when you think of it like that...why are we sweating the small stuff!!!  But doesn't it feel comforting to think that God created us to love us and for us to love him in return?  Last evening we all agreed...it is soooooo simple!!!!

Heather ~ It is Fully Rely On God!  I have a T-shirt with FROG on it.  Also a coffee cup.  Did have some stickers but used them all up!  

JudyB ~ Didn't you say you were reading "The Purpose Driven Life"?  If not, do!!!  

Well, I got engrossed in reading all the posts...I forgot to continue making notes.  

I, for one, would love to have a Revelation Bible study.  I have read it several times and get a gist but a study would be very welcome.  And you people that have studied the Bible in seminary schools use BIG words that I can't even pronounce, let alone understand!  

Mieka ~ I try not to think that you will be gone.  But bless your heart, you sure give this person a smiling heart when I think of you.  You are a blessing.

Okay...I have done 4 PSP lessons today.  Some by the instructions and some, I had to improvise to come up with the same results.  My neck and back are burning because of sitting here for so long!!  So..........GOODNIGHT ALL!  I am not going to get horizontal....just getting my feet up!

I have been reading over in SN. Lady Zinnia posted to me that the fire is expected to go through  Hesperia, and Apple Valley into Lucerne Valley and meet the other fire that has come over the mountain down Hwy. 18. I am so praying for all my friends there. I am so glad that I am not there. I had a email from the library where I used to work that even the library is filling with smoke and that they are expecting  the orders to close, I sure hope so.

It is cold here today and the wind is blowing from the north. Looks like I will have to put that extra blanket back on my bed that I took off last week because it was too warm. It sure is cold in my car with the window down and the plastic off. Gotta go put the plastic back up.

TTYL

Thanks for the devotional Pat.  I just got home and have been reading, and reading.....

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY  KATHY

Interesting talk about Revelation and agree it is much to controversial for a group discussion.  Spent years studying the subject when it was being taught in churches and still find it fascinating.

All this talk about Christmas!  I had a long look at it one year and wrote the following, then decided to also post it on the Condo Bulletin Board with my handpainted Card.  Make one every year....now get Amanda to do one ...

CELEBRATION

How strange that people put on such a show
To celebrate the birth of someone they
   don't know.
The stores are gaily decked and manger scenes
Displayed, by folks who scoff at Christ...yet
   celebrate HIS day!
Does a potent, mystical power, permeate the
Christmas air; filling the hearts of mankind
   with an urgent need to share?
Will God touch the world in this season
Of joyless mirth - that all might seek
   the reason for this sacred birth.
HE WALKS AMOUNG US STILL....

                           -Liz W.


They liked the card!

That is beautiful, Liz. You write beautiful words.  I would love to hear more of them.

Marilyn~cold?!  Girl you don't know what cold is till you visited Wyoming.  Want to trade homes?  hehehe

Nope Sonja, don't like the  cold that comes from the snow.

About Daniel and Revelation, I have also done a lot of reading  on both those books and Both Daniel and Revelation several times, and heard a lot of lectures and sermons too. David Jeremiah has a great book called "The Handwriting on the Wall" a study of Daniel. Anne Graham Lotz (Billy Grahams Daughter) has one out on Revelation, But I can't remember  the title and the book is still packed. I would like to have a study on Revelation by Lee as we are like minded.

But to respect all our family here, I don't think it would be appropriate (spelling). So we will have to do our studies of Revelation  in the privacy of our homes or in our churches. It is a controversial subject here.

Last (and probably least) is my reaction to Santa, St. Nicholas.  I have felt very strongly that attributing the ability to know our hearts and lives to "Santa" is blasphemy against our Lord Jesus Christ.
However, that being said, I don't say much anymore about the tree, the songs, the commercialism, etc.  I try just not to be drawn into the discussion any more.  It seems better to me to love people and wait until they ask me.  If they do, then I'll simply point to Christ
Relative to the study of Revelation - I've written a book called "Comfort From Revelation," and it was sold for about 2 years through Christian Discount Book Service, which doesn't exist anymore, I think.  I'm very slowly rewriting the book, and maybe someday I'll have it available again.  It's a wonderful book in God's Word, and I personally believe that it is we ourselves who have made it difficult to understand with our preconceived notions about the meanings of "prophecy."  I am also aware of the major views on eschatology and how they differ.  I think the old arguement between a-millenial and pre-millenial will go on until our Lord returns.  It's really quite simple: I'm right, and everybody else is wrong! (hehe)

Quote

It's really quite simple: I'm right, and everybody else is wrong!

And I guess that's the big problem!  HAHAHA!

  Oh Oh Al are you THE problem.

Quote from: Al Moak on October 29, 2003, 07:51:17 PM
Relative to the study of Revelation - I've written a book called "Comfort From Revelation," and it was sold for about 2 years through Christian Discount Book Service, which doesn't exist anymore,

You mean I have been chatting with someone famous all this time and didn't know it?  Where have I been.

That is so cool, Al. I would love to see if I can find the book somewhere.  I wonder if our church has it?  hmmm...I will have to do alittle investigating.

When people debate their stands on "pre-trib" "mid-trib" or "post-trib", <trib=tribulation> our pastor says he believes in pan-trib ... it will all pan out in the end!

Pat, I love that hymn Amazing Grace.  Believe it or not I sing the first verse over and over to myself and others, if in ear shot, each morning when I get out of bed.

Al, I appreciate your post and comments on a-millenial and pre-millenial as an on going discussion.  I will not ever get into an argument about these things, although in certain company I would express my opinion.

I have a saying something akin to yours...
"you believe your way and I will believe HIS way"  (big grin here)

HELLO TO ALL THE POSTERS AND HAVE A GOOD EVENING  

Boots

Hi Boots!  Great to see you here.  Don't be long till you're back!

Al, I say "You don't have to agree with me--you have a right to be wrong!" VBG

I am watching a program on prophecy right now--bye!

FROGFully Rely On God! right??! that's what i learned it as! we sang a song about frogs at camp that year! i'll sing it later! hi everyone!hope your day was great! i'm just here trying to catch up and read lots of reading!
Sarah

Hello all, Pat, one of my alltime favorite songs!  I love Amazing Grace!

Sonja, your son had the exact same thing happen as what happened to me Sunday night.  I just went through all those tests today.  The paramedics that treated me said it's happening all over the place, likely to a new strain of the flu bug.  I'll be praying for him, let me know how it goes.

Mieka, we're going to miss you so!  

I'm sorry I missed such a full discussion today.  God bless you all.  Jen.

Wow!

Look at what Lee drives!

CLICK HERE

Quote from: Jane Walker on October 29, 2003, 08:16:03 PM
When people debate their stands on "pre-trib" "mid-trib" or "post-trib", <trib=tribulation> our pastor says he believes in pan-trib ... it will all pan out in the end!

My take on the pre-mid-post tribulation debate is this:

Hope for the best - prepare for the worst!

Oddly enough, I was on a mission trip one time with a Pastor that taught Pan-tribulation.  he believed there would be a pre-trib rapture, a mid-trib rapture, adn a post-trib rapture.  To this day, I still can't figure how he rationalized that one.  After that experience, this is one topic that I realize I am just happy if you will just choose one!  

The Book of Revelation..........

I'm not about to bring discomfort to this forum, and thus will not discuss Revelation unless asked.  I will say this though:  There was a time during the dark ages when man didn't dare discuss the Word of God.  If he did he'd be labled as a heritic and would lose his head.  The Book of Revelation was given to us by God to be read, studied, discussed and understood.  (And not to be shelved).  Anything less is to return to the dark ages.  Christians should be able to read chapter and verse and discuss them intellegently without taking offense toward one another, regardless of preconceived beliefs.  When reading a verse that may appear difficult, then a thorough search of all Scripture and all prophecies regarding the verse in question would in fact be revealed by God.  This is why we have His holy Word.  Why else do we have it?  Are we to say to God I don't understand you, so I'm not going to discuss it?  I disagree with this.  I have written several posts in this forum regarding "Christian love", and it is this love that is supposed to  seperate us from those who do not have it.  Argument?  Never.  Learning together, yes.   Mutual discussion, yes.

I guess we could discuss the resurrection of Christ and His ascending to heaven bodily.  Some might disagree.  Do we then not discuss it?  Ok my friends, I shall not bring this up again.  I promise.

Pat...........

Yah sure, and I take Vivian on the back seat to church in the winter as well (All 229 miles)

Just checking in for a few minutes tonight.  There are fires in our state ,Colorado,also and our youngest son is staying at his in=laws in case they need to evacuate.  We can see the smoke from our house as there are four fires.  The good news is that the temperature dropped more than twenty degrees in the last few hours and there is a possibility of rain/snow coming.

We have made some committments to do some Good Works and feel pretty good about it.  I just hope that the load won't get to be too much.  I have been praying that we might be asked for something to fill our time and sure enough, the answer came.

Prayer answered this week is that our oldest son went to church after almost two years of being away.  He went to see our grandson sing - so happy for the news as it is the first step and now I am totally secure in feeling that this is a big turning point.  Our oldest son has always given money to the church but has not participated sometimes for work reason, etc. etc.  I just love these small miracles.  

Oh, I am sad to hear that our charmer Mieka may be returning to China.  I had no idea that she was here on a VISA.  

Best to everyone tonight.  Carol

Love that Frog.  Can we have a mascot??

Have finished reading a disturbing article about two Australian Pastors who may face prison for preaching about the dangers of Islam.  Can be reached using Google:  http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s03100121.htm
 
I hope that works.  Looks like the days of religious freedom of speech are coming to an end.  

Glad we have all agreed not to disagree.  In a perfect world, Christians could discuss controversial subjects with love....This site is about as close as it gets to achieving that state.  But we live in a stressful world and even God's children have frazzled nerves.  We are fortunate to have someone like Pat, who is able to view issues with clarity and send out large portions of Christian love.

God Bless.
     

Awww...  Liz, thanks so much...  

And thanks everyone for understanding.  I've seen such turmoil over the years with regard to eschatology which I've studied for over 40 years.  It's divided many families (almost Jack's) and it's divided churches often and we don't want it to divide our beloved CP.  

Now, have you all gone to see what Lee drives?  What a view he has!

I have some photos of the fires in California from Mieka.

I'll work on them later.

So MAny different views on Santa Clause through to End Times.  I say Amen to lee, I enjoy discussing without dissagreement.  As long as there is love . . . .I believe that is the key.

I have not had the opportunity to check out the news since I came home, I will go to KTLA as soon as I post.

The weather is mild for the season.  Marilyn the temperature change will be a shock to your systen after living in the desert for so long!

Meiks.  Here are two of my favourite verses.  The last 2 verses in the book of Jude.  It is my prayer for you.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,  To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Quote from: JudyB on October 29, 2003, 11:40:22 PM
 I say Amen to lee, I enjoy discussing without dissagreement.  As long as there is love . . . .I believe that is the key.

"discussing without dissagreement"...That's fine in a private home or your church, Judy but it's impossible in an internet setting.  Been there, done that!  And all we would need is for one of our many guests on here who maybe tends to being Pre-millenial Dispensational coming in and saying that what he or she is reading from someone like me who doesn't follow that to start an argument.  And unless I have it in my policy statement that this is or isn't a site for discussing eschatology, we don't have a leg to stand on.  To study eschatology without disagreement or with only love all of the members in the setting would have to be in agreement, right?  Well, there are at least three major divisions in Eschatology and many subdivisions and there's no way that everyone can agree and have no disagreement.  

We have about 350 to 400 hits a day on our site of unique internet addresses and that's a lot for a site our size.  We only have 115 or so members so we have about 250 to 300 people viewing our site who aren't members.
They can all read our posts.

I have found, in my short time on earth, two kinds of people -- Peace makers, and Peace keepers.  Peace makers are the ones who don't mind a little controversy, but they have a tendancy to keep things stirred up, even after the time to let them die down has long passed.  Peace keepers keep the peace at whatever cost.  They don't want any controversy, and they are important because they are the ones who keep the makers rational, logical, and calm.

Is one more spirtual or a better Christian than the other.  Absolutely NOT.  It takes both, for without the other, nothing is ever corrected or solved.  

As far as Revelation is concerned, it doesn't matter to me one way or the other.  That is not a statement of apathy, just a realistic look at life.  I have seen too many people hurt because people weren't mature about it.  On the other hand, I have seen fear taken away because it was studied (that was me).    If we were to discuss Revelation because someone had questions about it, that would be one thing.  Even then though, I think it would be necessary to make everyone begin their post with "Of course, I think I'm right."  or they would have to sign a waiver agreeing to be detatched from the conversation and take nothing personally.  hahahah

If it is discussion just to discuss, or to persuade others to your view, I am reminded of what Paul told Timothy (I think), though I can't find the scripture right now, I will get it later.  -- (Rough paraphrase)  If two brothers disagree on something regarding "Christianity" (or faith or doctrine), and neither will change their mind, do not even discuss it."

I, for one, though I am all about learning new things, and deepening my understanding, can join in a debate at almost any church I choose to go to.  Whether I want to or not.    (Is that a sad commentary about our local churches or what/?)

So, continue on, I have a song to post for Mieka, but I gotta find it first.  

Hi Sonja.......  I read what you said that God cannot lie.     That is so true.    Sometimes I will tell a new Christian or a Christian who needs assurance that there is something that I can do that God cannot do!   They will look at me and try to think about what God cannot do that I can do.    Then I will say " I can tell lies, but God cannot lie, and when He says in His word that you have eternal life if you have trusted in Christ and received Him as your Saviour and Lord,  then He means it and His word is true, and you have to believe that you are His child forever!"

The same goes for the older Christian who has to trust and rely on God's Word and believe every word of it.    God's promises are trustworthy.  Praise God.


God bless



Ruthie

Locking the door.  I hope I don't bonk Lee on the head again!

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