Got Comedy Central

[Overcomer]

I have worked in a Christian business for 14 years.  The people who I get along with are those who are "Real."  Some are real straight laced.  Some are real funny.  Some are real and drink a glass of wine.  Some are real and do not.  Those that do not spiritualize everything they say and do.  Do not get me wrong-we ARE spiritual and we pray everyday before we open-but we do not ACT like Christians-we just ARE.  we have put aside our differences and focus on our sameness.

[Hopalong]

Hi Lollie,

Not uneasy, but I do have a hard time with it sometimes.

I have learned a lot and found unexpected love from
people I would have feared or assumed things about before
though, so I accept it because the people are so valuable to me.

It's just a default language that excludes me.
(Not that anyone intends to. I don't take it personally,
When people quote and trade God-talk, I sometimes feel a sense
of differentness and "minorityness"...so I watch that come and go.)

Other times, I hardly notice it because the person themself is
touching me. Other times, I love the verse.

Such good hearts here. For me, that's the bottom line.

Hops

[Leah]

Lighter

Leah.... WWJD? 

I always picture him hanging out with hookers.....

embracing needful humanity...

trying to make connections. 

Exactly that, Lighter,

I am not a Sunday best Hat and Coat Christian, but rather, in touch with people where they are at, in life.

Which makes the 'Tea Circle Ladies' aghast, hence, I am not an invited member to the 'tea circle' 

And, that's okay with me.

When I talk with people, as part of a support group; whether it's a 'bag lady' or whoever in whatever circumstances, my words are (hopefully) real to them and not empty superficial cliches ....... as they have most likely, endured much of that in life.

Well that is my real hope anyway.

As for my relationship, it is personal and real, evident by my everyday behaviour, is my true hope.

Not much for pedestals, they rock too easily, and many have fallen off them.

Love, Leah

[lighter]

I hear you, Leah: )

[Overcomer]

I am with you, too.  I was raised in the church but boy, I need authenticity.  We go to a church and the pastor is soooo awesome.  It is the first time in my life a pastor said "too much drinking is bad..."  Not "drinking is bad." 

It was like I was spiritually abused...............so much legalism..............no grace........

I love the Bible and it's verses but I do not like verses to be used as a club.......................that is the difference between an authentic Christian and a legalistic Christian.  IMO

[reallyME]

just fyi

I do drink wine occasionally, so I'm not a legalistic type of person either.

Happy New Year, All!

[Leah]

"Happy New Year" ((((( Laura )))))

[Certain Hope]

just fyi

I do drink wine occasionally, so I'm not a legalistic type of person either.

Happy New Year, All!

That's good, Laura... since even the apostle Paul wrote to his young protege Timothy, advising him to take a little wine for his stomach ailments.

The Bible does not name the consumption of alcohol as sinful... only drunkenness.

Love,
Carolyn

[Overcomer]

Oh but the way I was raised it was a SIN!  It took me years to understand how brainwashed and manipulated I was growing up.  The humor I enjoy is just me laughing at what I consider funny and if my perspective is skewed we can blame my major N mom!

[changing]

Hi Lighter-

No french bread or salty butter- yet- I had a last minute errand, went to 3 post offices and a Federal Express, etc, finally had to go all the way down to the airporrt... I actually got the postmark I needed as a very nice woman opened a little pepphole and accepted my item for mailimg and postmarked it herself! What a hejira!

Because of New Years closures I will probably do the baking Wednesday because I want the best ingredients!

I did find out that our president signed a bill that gives public policy lawyers a break on interest on student loans and wipes them out completely if they work in defined public policy concerns for 10 years- so I am going to try for my first student loan (I have paid cash previously) and have sent the paperwork, etc! Wish me luck and Happy New Year to you and your family- you are very dear to me and I appreciate your tremendous help with the Bagworm!

Love,

Changing

[Hopalong]

Hi Changing,
Any chance you know an URL about that law pay-back thing?
My daughter might be interested...

thanks!
Hops

[alone48]

Kellly,

I throughly understand what you mean. I worked with two women, both Christians, who handled their faith so differently. One was in your face, praise the lord and very judgemental. The other lived as I thought a christian would. She was the one that brought me closer to my faith. Just living it.

[lighter]

(((Changing)))  You're so proactive and smartly on target...... I'm happily smiling my way through so many of your posts.

I can't express enough.... how heartened I would be if you got involved in that type of law. 

What a perspective you have for grasping and addressing these types of problems. 

Nice to hear that woman helped you, when she could have just kept her peephole shut, lol.

There are good worthy people in the world... and you're one of them.

Let me know how the bread baking goes. 

Don't you have to spray Fwench Bwead with water while it cooks? 

I'm not much of a baker, lol.

[changing]

Hoppy and Lighter-

Hoppy I am tending to the hurt kitty so I will send the info on the new law to you tonight. I read it in the law school newspaper!!!I believe the changes were made is specifically for public policy lawyers, but will read it in detail before I send it...

Lighter- Thank you for your encouragement, you plucky soul- I just may bake my bread in the bread -maker, as it takes a long time to give the cat meds, and I have to prepare special broth for feeding him etc- but he is doing so much better than that wacky vet predicted!I will check in though and report, mon general!No matter what I know I will enjoy!!!!

Alone, Overcomer, Leah, ReallyMe- Happy New Year and love to all!

Love,

Changing

[Hopalong]

How amazing it is that the universe sent you a hurt cat, Changing.

xxoo
Hops