New Thread Time.

Colleen

ME FIRST!!!
YAY!!!

*does a little victory dance*

3rd.... Wow. In the top 3 twice in a row

My post before I was locked out:

Hey All

POV - Firstly JW's are not Christians, as Skip has already stated they don't believe in the deity of Christ and have some other weird ideas like only 144,000 get into heaven or something like that, they're very works orientated too I believe. Also, they're very narrow minded when it comes to "evangelism", it's almost as if they have a script they need to go through and aren't willing to deviate from that.

Secondly, getting into heaven is not based on how good you are, it's based on whether you have a working and growing relationship with Jesus. The Bible says that "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (emphasis mine), it doesn't matter how good any of us are, we are all sinners. Sin isn't just the "bad" things we do, it's the deliberate rebellion of turning our backs on God.

The only assurance that any of us are getting into heaven is that we have a growing and working relationship with Jesus and that we have repented of our sins (I know that sounds old and preachy). Repentance is a 180 degree turn from living a rebellious life. It could be compared to going cold turkey on smoking. Repentance isn't a one off thing either, it's a continual thing, it can really be seen just as one big self improvement drive to become a truly better person.

Anyway, Revelation is a challenge, even for the most knowledgable theologian. But that doesn't mean it should be ignored or even be feared. There is some great stuff in there, particularly the part where God is triumphant.

I was one of those people that was really into End Times Prophecies, books, the whole works, right up until I studied Eschatology at Bible College (it comes from the Greek word eschatos which means last). The whole subject did my head in and I have steered clear of all of that stuff with a 10 foot pole up until recently. We've been studying the first part of Revelation at church and subsequently in our home groups where I've had the challenge of leading the studies. If anything, Revelation should inspire us to stay on our guard and to not compromise the truth that we know.

Anyway, enough said.

There are a few Christians in this years Idol by the looks of things. I had a sneaking suspicion that Mutto was one when he sang Meant To Live by Switchfoot for his Final 12 performance, it was kinda confirmed when he had "hope" written on his hand.

Well, I think I should get some lunch.

Take care all.

Still praying for you Ruth *hugs*

Christy

WOW!!! I post and go away for 10 mins and we have a new thread

[quote]If anything, Revelation should inspire us to stay on our guard and to not compromise the truth that we know.[quote]


That is true. We did Revelation in our Bible Study group and it took us over a YEAR to do...it was pretty heavy

A Christian by definition (not by mine - check it out in the dictionary) believe that Jesus is "the Christ".
To be a Christian you need to belive that Jesus is the Son of God (or part of the Trinity).

It is not alienating people to make the destinction between who is Christian and who isn't. It's a fact of life. I think it's more important to be truthful to those who ask, than to dodge the question or even lie about it to keep the peace and to make everybody happy.

Matthew 15:12-14
Then the disciples came and said to him, "Do you realize that when the Pharisees heard your statement they were offended?"
He answered, "Any plant that my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted.
Leave them alone! They are blind leaders. When one blind person leads another, both will fall into the same pit."

The truth is offensive to those who don't want to hear it. The truth cuts deep -
Hebrews 4:12 God's word is living and active. It is sharper than any two-edged sword and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet, the place where joints and marrow meet. God's word judges a person's thoughts and intentions.

Preaching the word of God or speaking the truth about certain matters is going to be offensive to many in the secular world, no matter how loving we are when we say it. We cannot expose darkness without making those who love darkness cranky and offended.

I don't want to approach the throne of judgement when that day comes and say to God, "Sorry, I had the chance to speak truth into people's lives, but I didn't because I didn't want to offend anyone."

Before I post, I think "What would Jesus do?"
Would Jesus hold back?

This is MY belief.


I won't stop speaking the truth and shining light into the darkness unless I have scriptual evidence to tell me to stop.

Fair enough. You do what you think is right, and so will I. It is wrong for me to not speak out. I won't be silent.

Skip, I just had to post & say I get a giggle everytime I see your sig - your little boy is so cute!

I wish I could get a giggle right about now... The attitude monster has hit and he is screaming in rage because he doens't want to go to sleep. He has been screaming for ages....

Remind me why I did this again???

yep sure makes up when they say mum,dad and runs to you with open arms for cuddles... Nate runs up and cuddles and says ahhhhhh....there are more good points then bad.

DD and I were just playing "Ready steady .... [runs to mummy] .... HUG!!!!" THAT'S why we did it

Re. JW, mormons etc I think anyone should be welcome in this thread if they so desire to be here (just like POV!).

But I'm with Skip in terms of us not denying the truth of the gospel just because other people don't agree with it. I see that as no different to what I would say to someone who is agnostic or atheist or Wiccan or Pagan or whatever if asked ... our beliefs are different, we don't believe in the same God.

It saddens me though that there are some variations that obviously started out as the gospel and then someone came along and changed things and a lot of people are being deceived by false gospel. I hate that actually.

But I also understand people of whatever belief are offended at being told their 'gospel' or what they believe is false. So I'd only talk about it if someone asked me, not just for the sake of it. At least, not unless I had a close relationship with them and felt like it would be right to broach it.

BG#11 already ... every time I blink it's a new thread!!!! Will we catch the Goddesses?!

Thankyou Bondia. I am the same. I won't be putting this stuff out there unless asked. I believe that God gives us opportunities to share - and when they present themselves I will grab them!! If I bring up this stuff without being invited, then I may as well grab my bible and shove it down their throat.

POV - isn't flying about on broomsticks a little old fashioned? Isn't about time you upgraded to an Electrolux?

LOL

I could lend you my Kirby in the meantime...

Vaccuum? What's a vaccuum?

(And how on earth do you spell it anyway! )

Thinking of you DOnna, keep us posted.

I think Vacuum is the correct spelling.

POV - How bout I send the lot over with the instructional video and you can learn how to use it yourself.... though I didn't see a flying manual in there.

Donna....am praying for you and for Sam xxx


Skip and Bondia - I think the same as you


Skipper - What is a Kirby and POV - why do you want her Kirby?? ROFL

Ooooh, for a Dyson...if we could get an airborne squad of those we could HEPA filter smog and pollution! My only question is - because they suck, would that propel us backwards or forwards? Would we ride them hose to the back or hose to the front? Because I personally like the hose to the front look, it kind of has that mythical, Mother Goose quality to it. Oh, and yes - this could be a problem... Perhaps drag racing instead?

OK...totally serious now:

More of the Bali 9 have been sentenced to death-by-firing squad. I know the prospect of life in a Bali prison would be horrible, but life - even convicted criminals lives - are precious in God's sight. Please pray for them and their families...pray that they could trust in Jesus and face their execution with assurance of his total power to save them from the eternal grave. And pray that our politicians will pull out all stops to change what they can.

patscat - praying for Sam!

I dunno, that sounds a little phallic to me

Death penalty .... grrrrr Very sad situation.

Hi girls, just catching up!

re steve Irwin being Christian. I have no idea if he was but I know his wife is. They played an old interview with her on Light fm. In it she spoke about how she explained death to bindi when she asked. I certainly found it comforting to know that she is Christian and that she and the kids will have the comfort of their faith in this horrible time and into the future.

reIVF. here's the Cahtolic take on it. besides the obvious problem of too many embryos(human beings) being created and then frozen(is it right to freeze people?) and the possible loss of those lives when too many are created, the Catholic Church also teaches that procreation is to be a part of the loving union between a husband and a wife. to take the creation of life out of the context of a loving union between a married couple is to work outside His plan. I know it is a lot more complicated than that, but that's it put simply. (the church also teaches that every life created whether within God's plan or outside it is still a precious soul with the potential to live eternally with God. I guess its all a part of the mystery!!)

Donna praying for your little fella!

Funkychick - a kirby is the most expensive vacuum cleaner I have ever laid eyes on, and I don't know HOW I got suckered into buying one! It sucks really really well. You can suck dead skin cells and dustmites out of your matress, you can shampoo your carpets with it, heck you can change light bulbs with it.

When it vacs, it vibrates the carpet, shaking the dirt that may have gone deep down, loose so it can be sucked up.

It's excellent for asthmatics, because nothing goes back out into the air like regular vac cleaners.

That's it in a nutshell.

Shell 12,
I love reading your posts, you seem so wise. I have also read a post of yours in Relationships which I found very useful.
I am a youngish mum of 3, you are obviously "slightly" ahead of me in the marriage/motherhood dept.
I am feeling very undisciplined in my life and was wondering if you could share with us how you manage your life, you come across as very organised etc..I guess you have had lots of practice.
Anyway, I love learning things from women who are more mature than me, do you have any wisdom to share with us. Maybe a new thread dedicated to this would be good.
Please..... Jo

Thankyou but I just have to rofl!!

Its amazing how a person can give a false impression on the net! I am so sorry to disappoint but I'm afraid that I sit amongst mess, I have weeks worth of folding to put away, Dinner tonight(after a day at school for me) was a combination of oven stuff(nuggets and chips) and ravioli_We did manage chicken and veges last night though! and before I could serve that up I first had to pack away the breakfast dishes. Oh and I have no milk for the morning and not enough bread for school lunches, so I'll be at the supermarket early!!

That being said everyone is healthy and everything seems to fall into place eventually, they even manage to get to bed on time most nights, mind you sometimes its not in pjs. Actually the primary aged ones worked out the other night that if they put on their school clothes before they went to bed we were more likely to get to school on time in the morning

I guess my only wisdom would be to not get too upset about life if things seem out of control. I figure if everyone is fed, healthy and fairly clean then things are going alright. The important thing in life is love and we have bucket loads of that!!

Skipper ~ Your vacuum cleaner sounds COOL. No wonder POV was envious

Shell12 - I think you are an inspiration. I know some days I have trouble organinsing 2 children and then DH says "And you want another??" ROFL.




Amen

Well its a wet and wild day here in Sydney this morning. Been pouring all night and blowing a gale. Wish I could stay curled up in bed

Have a good morning girls and I will be back later

Hi all ... just a quickie as DD is downstairs watching a dvd and I don't want to leave her long! She's watching "Wiggly Safari" the Wiggles dvd with Steve Irwin ... we needed to stock up as our collection is getting a bit boring ... and I found it today in K-Mart for $12.99 (incidently it's selling on ebay for $40 reserve - can you believe that?!?!)

Anyway it's very sad to see him so alive and passionate and think he's no longer here. Almost surreal, actually.

Thinking of you all. I need to have a sleep tiday as we had a wakeful night (DD has a cold, and DH couldn't sleep for some strange reason) ... so I won't be online during my usual lunchtime DD-break, but you guys are in my thoughts.

Good morning lovely ladies!!

How are we all today? Hope everyone is feeling ok. Good luck for the testing today patscat.

Mel - thinking of you as you wait for your BT results.

I've just gotten back from the doctors - a very frustrating visit. Bubs still isn't fully engaged, he thinks maybe the throat infection has put me off a bit because my body is focusing on getting rid of the bugs instead of pushing out a baby. Grrrr. At least bubs is still happy & healthy. I go back on Tuesday (due Monday) and see what's happening then. He reckons he won't let me go much past the 18th, so at least I have a definite goal now!

Hello all

Just a question for those of you who have kids. Does anyone have a strong willed child? How to you cope with them?
My son is 16months and likes to do everything himself, eat, and walk so far.

Was in the supermarket needed a few thinsg and no trollies so l carried him. Let him down as he was getting heavy and l am 6 1/2 months pregnant. First he was happy to wlak with me, but then wanted to do his own thing. Would not walk with me and not hold my hand, So l had to pick him up as he was running everywhere. So here is me with a basket, pregnant and carrying this child who does not want to be carried. He slapped me in the face to tell me so. I tried talking to him but did not work he slapped me again (not hard) and so l had to smack him. We usually don't smack unless needed but it has no effect on him.

What do you do?

Also we have a DVD series on Raising Boys by James Dobson and DH suggested we watch it now. Hopefully there is somehting on there. My son is usually well behaved but very Mr Independant.

Any ideas.

Renee

Hello girls,

I am finding it quite difficult to get in here...life is fairly hectic for me atm,and it is hard enough keeping up with my pg
I would really like to try and get to know you all,as you all seem such a lovely warm supportive collection of women...so I'll keep trying...

Bec,Your post to Renee is excellent and I'm sure will be a great help to her,I would add my support to those suggestions,its pretty much what I do with my three too.My DD#1 has and still is very strongwilled,but I also agree there are age appropriate times when it seems to peak.Goodluck Renee!

Sheel12;Life must be no doubt very special at your home with such a large family.I too love all your childrens names.

Patscat;hope things are going ok there today with your little Sam.

Mel;How awful your baby has been sick.I hope she gets better very soon.
Congratulations on your pregnancy too!
MS I woud nibble on gingernut biscuits which really helped me.Was also good with a hot cup of tea before getting out of bed...

Thankyou to those who have been praying for my friend,she is home from hospital and staying with some friends,but still has a long road ahead,so continued prayer would be really helpful.

cloudy x

Donna;I had tears welling up as I read your post...its soooo heartbreaking to have to see your baby suffer in any way,that must have been very traumatic for both you and he.
I agree with Bec,he would have felt such love,strength and comfort at having his mummy with him...I will pray for you as you rest now and try to forget that awful experience,and for patience as you await the results.
xx

Ruth;I only just read your post..I know its late,but how devestating for your friend and you and your children on your loss I pray for comfort and great strength for their family and you and you family..

{{{hugs}}} Donna ... what a tough day! I can't even imagine ... It's so hard to see our kids suffer even though we know this is what is best for them. I suppose God must feel that way a lot - when we go through things he needs us to learn from, but that are so hard at the time; and we just don't undertand and we cry out to Him - why why why - like your poor little munchkin. So hold onto that knowledge that this is the best thing for him, even though it's so hard.

I didn't get my sleep. Got about half an hour and then thought I heard DD wake up. Didn't want to try again in case she DID wake up - you know when you feel worse if you have half a sleep, than having none at all? She did wake up soonafter so I'm glad now. Sigh ... kids with colds aren't fun huh?!

Okay, so I've lost track of you all again!! I've scrolled through and prayed over the issues that have been raised. There for you too Donna!

Just wanted to ask whether you could cover me with prayer tonight. I am driving from Canberra to Bendigo tonight (leaving at around 4.30-5.00pm so I'll be on the road until 1 or 2am. This trip is without the kids so I'll be on my lonesome too. (I will then be driving home tomorrow (towing a trailer and be with my Dad).

Please also pray for my Dad as he comes to stay for a week. He has had depression for over 10 years and I know he'll be okay whilst he's here but will probably hit rock bottom when he goes home to an empty house again.

Thanks in advance!

Oh Donna, your poor little man. I hope he is ok now. 3 weeks must seem like an enternity to you at the minute as you wait for the results.

The Source - praying for you. Travel safely & make sure you take plenty of breaks.

Renee - have you come accross any of Ross Campbell's stuff?

Dobson's Focus on the Family stuff (check out their site) is actually quite good, but TBH I found his Bring Up Boys (the book, I've never seen the video) and The Strong Willed Child (in particular) way too politically reactive and way too punishment oriented (especially SWC, which left a really bad taste in my mouth in parts ).

I actually found Steve Biddulph's secular Raising Boys much more practical and positive (and you can take or leave the bits that don't quite sit right with Christian beliefs). And Mazlish's 'How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk' (which is also secular) is BRILLIANT. I keep giving away copies of this because the (Christian, LOL) mums I've lent it to don't want to part with it! Here's a blurb on it.

But yeah, if you're after a specifically Christian book definitely check out Ross Campbell's How To Really Love Your Child and - if you can get your hands on it - his Relational Parenting one too.

How to Really Love Your Child was first published in 1977, but try and get an updated copy, LOL. Actually, the fact that it's still in reprint is a testament to just how very good it is. And, of course, the Five Love Languages for Children is really good too - says particularly great stuff re boys and the physical touch love language in particular.

If you want to avoid spanking entirely, I've heard really great things about Grace-Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel and Heartfelt Discipline by Clay Clarkson (also Christian resources). I've not read them yet.

If you really want to rock your world, try Families Where Grace is In Place try by Jeff Van Vonderen...this is particularly good because it focuses on the marriage relationship first - and then looks at how 'curse' filled attitudes at work there can spill over into your relationships with your kids. I found his use of the Bible (coming from a reformed theological position) spot on...blurb

Gotta go, children awake

Hey Sue

Linda,Thats a awful feeling,when you're groggy like that,and your body needs so much more slepp.Hope you get an early night.
Just wanted to say how gorgeous your sig is.What a cutey!

The source,Praying for travelling mercies...drive safely especially if its raining there.

I'm going to keep this short and sweet as I have a little bub on my lap laughing at all the letters coming up on the screen LOL.

I agree with Skip and Linda, I am not willing to compromise the Gospel. Christianity is defined by recognising Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour regardless of religious titles. I will be held accountable for my words and actions before God's throne and I will not present a watered down Gospel just to make other people feel better.

Anyway, that's now said and done .

The weather is completely crazy here today. I had coffee with some friends from Church this morning, it was so good to have some adult time, even with kids in tow.

Linda - I hope you get some good rest tonight.

DH and I have decided to start praying together once a week and tonight is the night. I'm really looking forward to it and seeing what God will do.

Christy

Hi everyone

Apologies upfront for not going back and doing personals for everyone, I am really tired from a few weeks of sickness as well as DD2 not sleeping so great. I do want to comment on a couple of things

Donna - its horrible isn't it. We had DD1 in hospital last year and took so many to hold her down. I pray that you can feel God's peace in this time of waiting. Remember Phil 4: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus". Thats from memory so its probably a few different versions mixed in LOL.

Renee - I thought I had a strong willed child. Then I realised she probably isn't, just age. I read the Strong Willed Child by James Dobson and realised I had nothing to worry about LOL. I also like Personality Plus by Florence Littauer - it helped me realise my personality and hers, so that I can identify where we are likely to have love and war! Shoshoi - must have a look at some of your references.

Ruth - prayers continue for you.

OK - I need to have some lunch before its tea time. I am going to have a lurk while I do so.
TTFN
Narelle

Yeah, Personality Plus is quite good, hey Narelle. Although - my SIL is big on it and me and my DS1 have her stumped.

Man, this thread moves so fast - I was in between doing thing when I last posted and I've had to go back and reverse read...

Watched Colin's take-off of Steve on the '10,9,8...God is Great' DVD and felt the same - and that wasn't even the 'real' Steve!

Renee - I second Bec's advice too

patscat Your poor little bunny, praying for Sam's healing *hugs*

and Ruth, you're also in my prayers...(good idea about the backup photos.. an updated password protected Photobucket site is good backup too (just incase anything happens to your DVDs).

This thread is moving faster than my currently at snail's pace brain, so sorry if I've ignored anyone - hard to keep up to date with personals

Prayer request chookies...

My DH is flying out on the weekend to spend a fortnight in Translyvania ("as you do" ) and stopping over in Holland to visit relatives on the way. It's going to be a whirlwind trip really and because of that (and because we're all suffering to a greater or lesser degree from this dastardly flu) he's a bit stressed out about it.

So, anyway, if you could pray that he'd have a safe and relaxed-as-possible trip. Despite his wife's better (*ehem*) logic, he will be driving an 8 hour journey over the Carpathian mountains in a clapped out old soviet vehicle, with his other brother who actually wanted to to change their stop over to Germany just so he could drive on the autobarn (the man is tragic rev head)...hmmmm <_< So, perhaps pray he will actually make it there and back too!

Love to you all! And to our lurkers...come and say hello, we're not that weird...really! (except for Skip, who wants - has? - a vaccuum cleaner that vibrates ;P )

Hi everyone....Its still a rotten day here in Sydney...cold and we have cricket training soon.

Donna ***hugs*** It is hard to watch your children go through things like that. Praying for you all xxx

We have 2 very strong willed children as well, and one with ADHD so I do understand where you are coming from.

Renee ~ I would recommend Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel as well. It has a study guide at the back which is good. Families where Grace is in place is also awesome.

We have just done the Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline book and workbook (Becky Bailey) as well. The books I have mentioned are not punitive and do not advocate the use of spanking (hence why I read them )

You could try these as well

Raising your spirited child - Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Living with the active alert child - Linda S Budd
Raising Difficult Kids
The Edison Trait ,Saving the spirit of your non-conforming child - Lucy Jo Palladino
You can't make me, but I can be persuaded - Cynthia Tobias


Just a few for thought

LOL I'm not sure. I once thought someone had posted that they give their toddler beer "just sometimes" ... and wrote an irate response ... only to realise I had completely missed the word "ginger" in front of the "beer". Sigh...
Aarghh. Perhaps I will stay away from the computer, just in case I go crazy and offend someone. Are there
any pagan beliefs associated with a full moon?

Sorry but I like the insanity - especially when I am bored and have nothing better to do LOL. Not that I participate, just sit back and read. But Friday night is really inconvenient, I have a online scrap class. Mmmmmmmmm which might be more entertaining LOL

Interesting stuff POV. Does it work?? Have you tried growing your hair or toenails or whatever, and has it worked??

LOL @ Thur!!!

I wonder what she classifies as "Spiritual" Not game to ask....

Oh-oh ... me too!!!!

ROFL at Ruth not being spiritual enough!

Oh my word!!!!

LOL at POV and your quip about us being able to read and having brains too. Thanks, I needed the encouragement . Glad you feel at home enough with us.

LOL at Ruth and not being spiritual enough LOL. What the????? POV, I loved your response to that one too. Hmmmm..... honestly. Ruth, have you asked her what she classes as spiritual? I'm assuming that she just didn't like your answer . Have you read Angels by Billy Graham, that story is in his book, or something very similar.

Thanks for cheering me up ladies, had a bit of a bummer of an afternoon and it's nice to come in here for some joy .

On a lighter note, DH and I spent some scheduled time together tonight praying, it's not something I think we've ever done and if we have it's been ages. I'm glad that we did though, it's a nice way to end the day.

Speaking of ending the day, I really need to go to bed. Must feed my youngest first.

May you each have restful and peaceful sleeps.