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Hello.  I haven't posted much lately.  I have been a wreck the past few weeks.  Just up and down and out and everything.  I had been doing a little better since school got out, but now its almost time to go back.  I still feel like I am drifting away from the Lord.  I cannot figure it out.  I think I may have let my pride get the best of me.  Maybe I have gotten too full of myself.  I don't know. 

I also work with my mom and there are a lot of issues at work too.  My mom and our boss don't get along the best in the world.  I, on the other hand, love my boss to death.  He is really the only person that I talk to about anything; he treats me like his own children.  Anyhow, him and my mom are always aggrivated with one another and I hear it from both sides.  When I get home all I hear about is how he made her mad.  And when I am at work sometimes I hear about stuff that she was suppose to have done that she didn't do.  I am tired of being caught up in the middle. 

The next thing is that my entire family has gotten out of church.  I don't think my dad has stepped foot inside of a church in 6 months.  That really scares me.  I have never seen either one of my parents on fire for the Lord.  And what makes it so hard for me is that I can't seem to witness to them.  I don't know why, but I just can't.  I don't even know where to start.  I think you would just have to know my family to understand. 

The last thing that is just killing me inside is that my boss, who I love like a father, and who is probably about my best friend and the only person that I can talk to is about to sell the store where I work.  He and his wife are selling out to one of my grandpa's cousins.  (Its a very small community!)  I am going to miss them so much.  I have had an extra family for the past year, and now I am losing it.  I won't ever see them anymore.  He keeps telling me that I can call him anytime I need to, and that he will be coming in all of the time.  It just won't be the same.  I couldn't make it without them.  I can't keep going the way I am going without someone to turn to and to lean on.  I can't make it on my own.  I know that God is with me all of the time, but I know that he sent me to these people to help me and them.  I just don't understand why He is taking that away.

So now I am fixing to have to go back to school, for another year, and be super stress out all of the time because I am overloaded, and I am losing the  people who helps me get through it all.  And on top of all of that, one of my horses is down!

Y'all please pray for me.  I am just a huge mess.

Perhaps it is because it is time to rely completely on Him and not on the people that are around you??

People come and go but He is with us at all times. Sister, my prayers are with you and will stay with you. Stay strong in the Lord and He will see you through it all.

maybe so.

thanks for the prayers.

Hi mjc, we have missed seeing you here.

What comes to me is that you should just concentrate on your walk with the Lord day by day.  Leave everyone else and everything else in the Hands of God....He is omnipresent and omnipotent and well able to handle them all.  Once your own walk with the Lord is alright, you will be led if you need to say anything to your family or others.

If your dad has ever trusted Christ as his Savior, the Holy Spirit is still working in his heart and will lead him.  Hopefully, he will find a church that he feels is right for him.

I know it can be hard to go through trials..I use to wonder why I had to face so many of them and there were times I thought I could not make it..I remember being a new christian and faced trials by doing it my way until I came to the knowledge how each trial made me more dependant on Him instead of on me...This is the biggest lesson I learned in my walk...to trust Him no matter what...because I grow with each one as you will and one day when you are mature in the Lord..you will thank Him for every trial you face for you will become dependant on Him and know in every situation you face...God is in control especially in control of what you never can be in control of...If there is one thing I can tell you..He loves you and He knows how you hurt and he alone knows how to comfort you...May you be comforted this very hour and rest in His love for you knowing you can put complete trust in Him in all that you face...

One thing that is really bothering me about my dad is that I know that the only way I am going to get him back into church is to move to a different church.  He is disabled, he broke his back years ago, and someone was talking about how he didn't have any reason not to be working.  Daddy overheard this conversation between two of our "deacons".  The other one actually stood up for my dad.  But, it doesn't matter.  He got all mad and decided that he wasn't going to go to church any more.  He didn't even talk to the guy about it.  When you have conflicts you are suppose to talk about it and work it out.  This happened several months ago and to this day that man still doesn't even know that my dad heard what he said.  I feel like the Lord had brought us to this church for a reason, but now, the only way daddy is going to go back is if we go somewhere else.  The same thing would probably happen elsewhere too though.  I just don't have a clue where to start.  And my horse died. 

I'm really sorry to hear about your horse. As for your Dad, this can be a difficult situation for anyone. Are you able to discuss the Bible with your Dad? If so perhaps you could ask him about Mat 18:15. Not in a manner that is judgmental nor in a way that purposefully connects it to this incident that you speak of.

How serious is your Dad's injury? Does it cause him severe pain to sit in an upright position for very long? Does it cause him problems to travel to church? Has people from the church come to visit him?

Hi MJC, yes I'll be praying for y'all, and for your dad. Be strong in the Lord and remember that you are not alone in your struggles, Jesus is with you.

Sorry I missed this yesterday, when I was on.

I'm very sorry to hear about your horse, too.  Try to remember the happy times you had with her or him.

I'm also very sorry to hear about the incident that caused your dad to leave church.  This is why all of us should be careful not to gossip.  I'm sorry that your dad got mad about it, instead of forgiving the deacon.  Hopefully, your dad will realize in his heart that forgiveness is always best, like Jesus taught us.....if possible, maybe you can suggest he go and talk the matter over with the deacon and tell him how much it hurt him (your dad)?

Also, like Pastor Roger, asked....has anyone from that church visited your dad?  Or have they asked you why your dad stopped coming?

I really don't like discussing the Bible with him because it always ends up talking about how the Bible that we have isn't what was actually written but a translation and its not exact and a whole other line of stuff.  That same deacon and our pastor have come over a couple of times I think while I was at work.  Everybody asks me, "What's happened to your family?" or "Where has everyone else been lately?"  I don't really know what to tell them. 

As far as his injury goes, I really don't know.  You can never know how someone else hurts.  He has his good days and his bad days.  When he would go to church before it usually depended on what kind of night he had Saturday night.  Some nights, when he does too much during the day he cramps up real bad and gets really bad muscle spasms.  That is understandable.  He has said that he doesn't want to go to church there anymore.  I think the devli is attacking my family.  I am trying to stay strong.  I just don't exactly know how.  thank you for praying for us.

I am a rather blunt individual and would have told them the truth of the matter although I would do so in loving, pastoral sort of way. Don't get me wrong, I am not suggesting that you do that. That sort of method does not work for everyone and can get a lot more problems stirred up because of it.

Yes, the devil is working hard in our churches and effecting the lives of Christians.

I will be praying for you and your family in this as well as for your Dad's health.

I also believe in telling the truth about what happened...but like Pastor Roger says, one must do it lovingly and in order to explain what happened.  You must feel led to do this, of course.

I'm sorry your dad is having such a battle with his faith.

Something went wrong with my last post.  The whole thing was not a quote.  I added some of that to what Pastor Roger had said.  Anyhow, I am just going to have to let God work it all out for me, that and another problem that has started.  I almost fell out at work Tuesday night.  I ate a piece of pizza and about five minutes later I felt like I was going to be sick and I got really hot and started running a fever and I sat down right before I fell down.  There wasn't anything wrong with the pizza because my boss and his son ate all of it but a couple of pieces.  And I only ate one piece.  Anyhow, I had a really high fever and I got dizzy and I had a bad headache and my heart felt like it was about to beat out of my chest.  Mr. Marshall was just about to take me to the ER.  After about an hour I stood up and I almost hit the floor.  It was like my head was heavier than the whole rest of my body.  I started feeling bad around 6:45.  Mr. Marshall (my boss) wouldn't let me drive home until I got over all of that so I didn't get to go home until about 9:00 Tuesday night.  He followed me home then to make sure I got there okay.  Anyhow, he seems to think that it is my sugar but together with a little stress.  And daddy seems to think it's my sugar too.  If anyone has any ideas of what's going on, I am open to them!  I really haven't felt quite right since.  And I've lost almost 3 pounds since Tuesday morning.  It seems like everything is happening to me!  Thanks for your continued prayers.

It is possible that your sugar levels are off sister.  I would see a doctor, if I was you.  I will keep my prayers going for you, and family members.

It is possible that you had a severe anxiety attack since you've been under alot of stress.  But you should go to the doctor and get a checkup...just to make sure that everything is ok.  If the doctor doesn't find anything wrong with you, it might have been from the stress of everything.  If so, try to take things easier in order to let your system have a rest.

Are you a diabetic?  Stress can raise sugar levels, too.

3 pounds is not a lot to be concerned about. A persons weight can vary up or down as much as 5 or 10 pounds every day. There are a lot of things that could cause this problem sister. You have been under a lot of stress lately and that can cause some very real problems. Like DW  said, I suggest that you see a Dr and let him check you out on this.

In the meantime my prayers will be with you.



 

Yes, or lower them which can also give the same symptoms.

s
I don't know, that's what everyone else seems to think too.   I can't stand going to the doctor though.


I think that's kind of what Mr. Marshall was saying.  I don't know though.  As far as I know I am not diabetic.  Mr. Marshall said that my sugar had probably dropped because his does the same thing, so I ate a jolly rancher and some crackers and like half of a fudge round.  Everything made me feel sick though.  When I finally got home, I tested my sugar and it was 196.

Last year I passed out and fell in the pond while fishing.  Thank God I wasn't by myself that day.  I would have drowned.  I went to the doctor and the didn't find anything.  They found a very minor heart defect, but they don't think that's what made me pass out.  They said not to worry about it unless it started happening a lot.  But that was a year ago.  

And I forgot to mention that I haven't been able to sleep and I haven't hardly had an apetite for the past week.

Dear MJC..

I know it is hard to go through trials and especially that with your family as I have been there...but I have never been alone and you are not either...God never slumbers and He is always with us..It is comforting to know especially when we feel so alone..You are in my prayers and your family...I think it is wise to have a check up with your doctor...
I wish i could just hug you...Thank God for the brethren who are filled with the love of God that extends towards the brethren in times like these...

Sister, I am a diabetic, with your blood sugar at 196, that is diabetic levels.  Please see a doctor sister, I'll be praying for you.

Bob

My dad is diabetic too.  I used his meter to test my sugar.  He has to take to insulin shots a day.  But I didn't think too much of it because I had just eaten, even though I really didn't eat that much.  I really am trying to avoid going to the doctor though.

Those levels are considered to be what is called pre-diabetes. Unless they go over 200 they don't treat it with insulin shots anymore. If a person suspects low sugar level they should try eating an orange. It is better than candy for it. Sister a Dr does seem to be in order. It is best to get these things early as the treatment is less difficult.

Diabetics can pass it from generation, to generation.  I was found passed out, when I was found by a Church member.  Sister, I pray you don't have this happen to you.  Before that happened though, I was normal, no sign of being a diabetic. No I don't take insulin shots though.

By the way, I dislike going to the doctor as well.

You are definitely right about the insulin thing.  My dad was on pills for his diabetes for a couple of years before he started taking insulin.  I reckon I do need to go to the doctor, as much as I don't want to, its probably the best thing for me to do :(

Thank you sister, I'll be praying that you can control it like I do mine, through diet.

Edited to add;  I should said; if you have diabetes being able to control it through diet.

I don't like going to doctors either.  :)

My mom was found to be diabetic about a year and a half ago (after we were almost mugged by two men).  At first her blood sugar fasting level (after sleeping all night and taking the blood sample in the a.m.) was low 200s.  She started on 3 Glyberide pills a day.  Now she is down to one pill a day and her blood sugar levels are great!

I mentioned a  possible anxiety attack because you mentioned your heart pounding like crazy, you being dizzy, hot, and your head felt heavy.  If your doctor does not find anything wrong with you, stop drinking caffeine, no sodas (too much sugar affects a stressed nervous system) and eliminate chocolate (the chocolate, at least until you are feeling better  :) ).  And, please try to reduce your stress levels.....try to get some relaxation.  I know you've been going through alot with your family and job situation.

Well, I really don't think that this is an option at the time.  I found out Tuesday morning that my preacher is leaving.  Next Sunday morning is his last service.  He is moving to a church about 40-50 miles away I think.  He said that it wasn't anything that happened here, but he felt like God was just leading him elsewhere.  I understand and I don't hold it against him or anything.  But this is just one more thing.  I also just bought a truck from my grandpa.  I am working every hour I can get right now to pay for it and the insurance.  Insurance for a 16 year old is not cheap!!!  The boy I used to work with quit so I am taking up my hours and his too.  I also need the money so I can get some tires, and the transmission serviced and a few other things.  And school started back Monday.  I can't stand it.  I am not going to quit or anything, but I just can't stand it.  The only class I really like is Chemistry and my computer class.  Please just keep me in your prayers.  It seems like a soap opera.  Every time I post its something else!  Thank you all so much!

MJC

Sister you are in my prayers, I will keep praying for you.

Don't lose heart...If there is anything i can testify to is that God answers prayer at the right time...I know it can be so hard to be in a situation and to wait on the Lord...but it is best for He brings the best in everything...and it all comes to the good...You are in my prayers....

MJC, if the doctor didn't find anything wrong with you and this attack was stress related....well, your body can only take so much stress and will find it's own way to protect itself by "shutting down".  So this is why I am hoping you will try to reduce your stress levels somewhat.  I realize all of us have some stresses in life, but overdoing it is definitely not healthy.  Most people do not know something like this can happen, but it can, if the body is getting too many stress hormones going off all of the time.
God bless.

I am trying to just trust God.  I still haven't gotten a chance to just sit down and talk to my pastor.  We are going to talk tomorrow.  I know that he's doing what he feels the Lord wants him to do.  I would rather him do God's will than be here just to keep me happy.  I still don't like the idea of him leaving, but its not for me to like.  I just have to get used to it.  It'll all work our however its meant to.  Thank you for your continued prayer.

MJC

Sister you will find when you trust God 100% in everything, you will feel better.  Yes theres everyday things in life, you will have to deal with. Follow how God leads you and everything will turn out right.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

Yes I will continue to pray for you.

Yes, I believe this, too.  But we are also told to take care of our bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit. 


MJC, can your grandpa give you smaller payments to make?  I am concerned about you working too many hours with school starting, too.  God bless and guide you.

Well, my dad just bought him a vehicle too, so when he took out the loan he got the extra money for my truck too.  Now I am paying my dad back.  I don't know about the work situation.  I think I will be able to handle it.  If I can't I reckon I will have to cut back some.  They are going to let me take off on Wednesdays so that I can go to church.  And we are closed on Sundays so that will help some.  My boss will find out tomorrow if the woman can buy the store.  If so, it will probably all happen within the next month.  The lady that wants it is married to my grandpa's first cousin.  They live like a quarter of a mile from me.  I don't have anything against them but things just won't be the same.  And Sunday morning is going to be Bro. John's last service.  I reckon I am just in a rut right now.  Is it possible to be in a spiritual rut?  I don't know what I'm talking about...it'll all work out sooner or later.

I think everyone goes through a time of spiritual dryness at some time or another.  InterVarsity Press has a good little booklet called Spiritual Dryness....maybe your Christian bookstore carries it.  And, yes, the Lord does work it all out.  :)

The best way to get out of a spiritual rut is to praise the Lord and to Thank Him for the very day He gives you and the opportunity of that day to live for Him..

Amen! As David said from the time we rise to the time we lay down, Praise His wonderful name.

I went to church tonight.  Everything went well but I still can't believe that we only have one more service with Bro. John.  I am really going to miss him and his family.  My boss never heard anything from the woman he is planning to sell to.And I gained a little more debt today.  I had saved up just enough money over the past two weeks to get the transmission in my truck service.  Then next week I was going to try to get a muffler.  Well, today my dad took it and got the transmission serviced and when they backed it up off of the lift at the mechanic shop the muffler fell off!  So now I owe my dad almost two hundred more dollars plus my truck payment at the begginning of the month, and my insurance, and I owe someone else 100 dollars!  I know that God will help me through it though.

Welcome to the adult world of bills, sister. I know that it is tough and it may seem unbearable but as you said God will get you through it. Both of my sons have been going through similar situations. The oldest one is finally getting a handle on things but the younger one is only about three years older than you. I just had a talk with him tonight about his finances and showed him that things are not as bleak looking as they seem. Believe me when I say that they aren't and that things will brighten up for you.

I will be keeping you in prayer daily.

I will keep you in my prayers as well sister.  Speaking of which, I felt a urge to pray for you last night for comfort.  I don't have any idea why, but I did as I was lead by Christ.

hmmm....that would have been Tuesday night.  I don't know what was going on.  I have been pretty down all week though.  I am really sad that my preacher is leaving. Tomorrow morning is the end of the line.

It doesn't look like my bosses are going to sell after all; not to the same woman anyhow.  It looks like they won't lend her the money to buy it.  Whici for me is great, but maybe not so much for my boss.  He seems pretty confident that God led him to buy the store and God isn't ready for him to get out of the business yet, so hes pretty well okay with it. 

Speaking of my boss, one of their twin daughters has got to have tubes put in her ears, so please pray for her too.

Thank you all.

MJC

Dear Mississippi,

Find comfort in God's Word! 
Psalm 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

When we don't feel closed to God, someone has moved, but it isn't God!   ;D

Some resources that have blessed me tremendously:
www.biblegateway.org (search for any bible verse!)

May these bless you as well!

We all go through periods when we are "on the mountain" or "in the valley."  Try to be consistent in your relationship with God... He is always consistent with us!  His love to you!
c

Thank you for that.  I use that website some when I am preparing my lesson for my Wednesday night class.  I try to find simpler translations of some verses every now and then.

I have not been online much lately.  I have been so busy.  Now that school has started back I never have much time for anything.  I go to school all day and then I go to work.  I am getting 26-30 hours a week even while going to school.  I have just about got it all worked out though.  Now my bills are finally in order.  I've got a truck payment at the beginning of the month.  Then insurance falls somewhere in the middle, and any repairs I need can kind of work around that. 

I am kind of in the middle of a decision making process now.  I have been working where I am at right now for a year and two months.  In the past month I have had three job offers.  One from a NAPA dealer nearby, one from the gas station my mom works at, and one from another gas station about 6 mile from the house.  I found out about the last one today.  The owner talked to my dad.  I really didn't consider the other two because they are about 13 miles away in a nearby town, but this one is close to home and I would actually be making more money that I am right now.  I don't really want to move because I love it where I am and my bosses have been so wonderful to me.  I want to stay loyal to them.  They were the ones who went out on a limb for me by hiring a 15 year old girl they hardly knew.  I don't want to leave them.  There are a few other reasons too.  I think my dad wants me to move though.  He doesn't care much for my current employers.  I am worried that he will try to make me move or make me feel bad about not moving.  I am just trying to make the right decision.  I could use a little prayer in that situation.

I also have a praise report.  Sunday before last my eleven year old sister got saved.  And my dad has gotten back in church.  That is two answered prayers.  I am really excited about that!

Thank you all.  You have been so wonderful to me since I came on here.

MJC

Praise God that is great news on your Dad and sister.

I will be in prayer for you on the job situation. That is a difficult decision to make but I am sure that God will lead you in the right direction.



It's been a real pleasure to have you here and I hope that you continue posting here as time permits.

Amen MJC!

It sounds like GOD is richly blessing you and your family. It many times just takes prayer, more prayer, and the patience to wait upon the LORD. It's true that trials many times bring us closer to GOD and make us stronger in CHRIST. GOD is equipping you for the future, so just keep yielding and let HIM work in and through you.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Wonderful news about your dad and sister, thanks for letting us know!  Also, about the job offers!

AMEN!!


MJC I will keep you in my prayers.

Mississippi, I will keep you in my prayers that all continues to improve in your life, as well,  as your families lives. God Bless You.  :)

I am not so worried about the job decision right now.  I feel like I need to just stay where I am at, but I am afraid that I am going to be forced into moving and I don't want that.  I am capable of making my own decision sensibly.(so says every other 16 year old, too)

I have enjoyed being on here a lot.  I haven't been treated as a crazy opinionated teenager!  I don't get taken seriously as much as I feel I should. 

Thanks for your continued prayers.  I need them and so does my church as we look for a new pastor.

MJC

Sister I will continue my prayers for you, and your Church.

I have enjoyed getting to know you here....as I'm sure the others have as well.  :)

Hello MJC,

First, I want you to know that you will remain in my prayers. I give thanks for young adults who are trying to live for the LORD. You have a lot of Christians in your corner wanting the very best for you, but you also have GOD with you every step of the way.

I'm chuckling a little bit about my thoughts about older people when I was your age. People over 30 were over the hill. Considering that I'm almost twice over the hill, I'm curious about what you think about older Christians. It is somewhat funny about how we think about issues of age. SO, it really does go in both directions. It becomes somewhat funny when we apply stereotypical thinking and neglect considering the specific individual.

Christians are especially interesting because they accept CHRIST at all different ages. As an example, a 70 year old person accepts CHRIST and they are a babe in CHRIST. A person of your age might have been a Christian most of their lives and be 10 times more mature in CHRIST than the 70 year old example. The point is that the world's stereotypical thinking many times doesn't work with Christians. In fact, stereotypical thinking fails frequently whether we are talking about Christians or non-Christians.

SO, what do you really think about older Christians? Before you answer, please consider that some of us already have indoor plumbing and electricity.   ;)

Love In Christ,
Tom

Aren't all teenagers crazy and opinionated?   ;) ;D ;D  I hope that you know that I am just joking here. Brother Tom said it well. There is a difference between maturity in physical age and that of spiritual age.

lol...this is kind of amusing to me for some reason!  I don't have a problem with older people at all.  I especially like to talk to older Christians sometimes because I feel that they have a good bit more experience in life than I do.  I'll be the first to tell you that I am clueless.  But I will say that some older people, as well as young people are a little too set in their ways.  They aren't as open minded as they should be.  Things are their way and that's the only way it could ever possibly be; but as I said that is the same with older and younger people. 

There is a huge misconception about older people being so much closer to God.  A lot of people think that way.  I think that no matter what age people are, you can look at the way they live their lives and the fruits that they sow to see just how close to God they really are, whether they are 15 or 50.  That's just another one of my opinions though :)

MJC
I must add that the stories about having a pee-pot under the edge of the bed in the winter time, and bathing children in a wash tub do kind of amuse me!

 ;D   ;D   ;D    ROFL!

Hello MJC,

Sister, only the rich folks had the wash tubs, and the rest of us used barrels catching rain water from the roof.   ;)   I'm kidding - that was before my time. We were poor, but we did have electricity and an indoor bath, but it was for two families - 4 adults and 6 children. It was a 1 bedroom mansion and we were spoiled.   ;)  HOWEVER, it is true that many of our friends and family members didn't have electricity or indoor plumbing.

I do agree completely with your post. Age doesn't have anything to do with how close we are to GOD. That depends on our individual "Walk In The Spirit". It's also true that many older people are closed-minded. BUT, some of them tried being open-minded many times, and their brains fell out.   ;D  Older people have had more opportunities to learn from the "School Of Hark Knocks".

You made an excellent and true observation that GOD will judge Christians by their fruits and living testimony, not their age. Christians shouldn't use stereotyping with other Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Hebrews 10:19-23 NASB
Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

Does that answer your question about my thoughts on older Christians?

Well, my job dilema is over.  I got all upset Sunday night at the church I went to.  I was invited to go to a nearby church that was having a sing night.  So I went, and I got to talking to a woman that I know pretty well.  She and her husband are customers at the store that I work at, but anyhow, I their family to death and I just felt like I needed to talk to her.  I told her what was going on, and for some reason I got all upset.  Finally I got up the nerve to go talk to the man that made me the latest job offer, who is also a member of that church.  Daddy said that he told him if I would go talk to him and his wife I had the job.  So I talked to him, and he informed me that they had already hired someone else the day before. If I had been two days earlier I would have had the job.  I am so glad that I was late!  I don't think he quite understood why I was so happy not to get the job.  I was worried that I was going to be forced into moving and I didn't want that.  I am just as excited as I can be!

Also, we are traveling to Pensacola, FL tomorrow.  I lived there until I was almost 13.  I still have a good bit of family there and one of my cousins is getting married.  I am excited about the trip.

I will post when we get back!

MJC

Hello MJC,

Sister, I'm glad to hear that everything is working out so well. Enjoy your trip and be careful! Wear your seatbelt. Did I do my old guy duty in nagging you about seatbelts?   ;)

YES - I think that we understand each other on age issues. I'll just give thanks that age and other small differences aren't an issue with most Christians. After all, we have more important things to concentrate on.

Love In Christ,
Tom

 

Amen.

Add another AMEN!!

Glad it worked out about the job!  The trip to FL sounds great....have fun!

We had a good time in Florida, and I DID wear my seatbelt (partially because I drove part of the way :) ) My little sister fusses about me nagging at her to wear her seatbelt when she rides with me.  She'll be okay, better safe than sorry!  The wedding went great and I was greeted warmly when I got back to work 15 minutes late this afternoon, so everything worked out fine!

MJC

Good to hear you had a great time.  Yes, wear those seatbelts!  :)

It's good to see you back safe and sound. I have a daughter that is 21 that does the same with me on the seat belts. I make her wear one anyway.

Welcome Back MJC!

We're glad to hear that you're home and had a nice trip. It's really good for friends and family to nag each other about wearing seatbelts. In my 25 years of police work, I can't count the number of people who probably would have died if they weren't wearing their seat belt.

One of my dear friends, age 76, was in a horrible accident this week, and his seatbelt saved his life. He was treated and tested at the hospital several hours and sent home to rest for a couple of days. His truck was a mangled mess. He's a sweet Christian who has given me encouragement many times, and I give thanks that he's still with us.

I'll get off of my seatbelt soapbox now and end by saying that it's a matter of love to make everyone in your car wear seatbelts.

Just keep in mind that the seatbelt isn't what saved your friend, the Lord just wasn't ready for him yet.  Its amazing how you can see these horrible wrecks that don't even leave scratches on people, but sometimes people lose their lives in little more than fender benders.  God is in control no matter what!

MJC

AMEN!!

Amen! Not wearing a seatbelt though could be said to be tempting God.

I definitely can't disagree with that statement!

Hello MJC,

You are completely right. I did mention giving thanks, but I didn't give GOD any credit in my post. I SHOULD HAVE! It was one of those wrecks where looking at what was left of his truck would make someone believe someone had to die - seatbelt or not. Regardless, my friend would be upset with me for mentioning seatbelts and not GOD. In fact, I'm upset with myself and know that we should never take anything for granted. GOD gives us all good things, and GOD deserves all the Glory and Thanks.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Colossians 1:9-12 NASB
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

I'm glad that God is in control instead of me.  I am a wreck sometimes as it is, I would hate to see how bad off I would be if I was in control of my every move rather than God!  I am thankful that he has and is helping me through some of the issues I have been and still am dealing with.

MJC

Amen MJC!

Well said Sister! It is a good thing to trust GOD with all things in your life, regardless of how small or big they are. Our GOD is the ALMIGHTY and there's nothing too big for HIM to handle.

Love In Christ,
Tom