To Hairtamer

Has it ever occured to you that some of us are not Christians?  This is not a religious website.  Neither is the United States a Christian country, and we all know that the world doesn't have a Christian majority.  When you sign your posts in Jesus' name, you're offending those of us who do not believe in his godhood.  Save it for home and church, please.
Thanks,
pigeon

[hairtamer]

This is a hepatitis support site.  I have hep c and am in treatment.  I am Christian, and it is part of who I am, when did not being Christian become the only way in the U. S.  I thought I lived in a free country.  I was born in Phx, AZ in 1954.  I am sorry that my being Christian offends you, your not being Christian does not offend me.  I am thankful to have that right in this wonderful country we live in.
Many Blessings to you and yours,
Rose

[pigeonca]

I think your being a Christian is wonderful; it doesn't offend me in the least.  But when you insert your religion into a secular website, it is bothersome to those of us who don't have the same beliefs as yours.  This is why we don't allow prayer in public schools.  I'm old enough to remember when we did, and Christmas was misery to us non-Christians.  We can't celebrate everybody's holidays, so it's better to celebrate none - or at least to celebrate them in a non-specific fashion.  In other words, Christmas trees and Santa Claus are fine in the public sphere; nativity scenes are appropriate only in churches or on people's front lawns. When you sign your posts with "In Jesus' name," it's like putting the nativity scene on the  front lawn of city hall, which is not permissible.  

[hairtamer]

Only non-Christians rights are allowed in secular places?  How is that honoring everyones rights?  

LAUS DEO
>
>  One detail that is not mentioned in DC is that there can never be a
> building of greater height than the Washington Monument.
>
>  With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc... This is
> worth a moment or two of your time.  I was not aware of this historical
> information.

>  On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, are
> displayed two words: Laus Deo.  No one can see these words.  In fact, most
> visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for
> that matter, probably couldn't care less.
>
>  Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with
> everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are
> 555feet, 5.125 inches high, perched on  top of  the monument, facing skyward to the
> Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the
> District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
>
>  Laus Deo!  Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight
> and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest
> point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the
> world.
>
>  So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables
> and only seven letters, possibly mean?  Very simply, they say "Praise be to
> God!"
>
>  Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk
> was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument
> was inaugurated and opened to the public.
>
>  It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to
> the Father of our nation, Laus Deo ......Praise be to God!"
>
>  From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may
> take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major
> segments.
>
>  From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the
> designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant ..a perfect cross imposed upon the
> landscape, with the White House to the north.  The Jefferson Memorial is to the
> south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
>
>  A cross you ask?  Why a cross?  What about separation of church and
> state?  Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the
> Constitution.
>
>  So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound
> meaning for those who bother to notice.
>  
   Praise be to God!
>
>  Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings.  As one climbs the
> steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message.  On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting
> Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6.Praise be to God!
>
>  When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th,
> 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by
> the Bible Society. Praise be to God!
>
>  Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood
> given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ."One Nation,
> Under God."
>
>  I am awed by Washington's prayer for America.  Have you never read it?
> Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
>
>  "Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United
> States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the
> citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and
> entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their
> fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most
> graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and
> to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind
> which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and
> without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never
> hope to be a happy nation  Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus
> Christ our Lord.  Amen."
>  Laus Deo!
>
>  When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all
> over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it
> is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look.
>
>  You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", its location, or the
> architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning,
> or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain.
> Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
> (Psalm 127: 1)
>
>  It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister,
> brother, father, mother or friend.  They will not find offense, because
> you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school.
>

[Forseegood]

maybe this is none of my business, but that's never stopped me before! lol.... I am a strong advocate for everyone's personal rights, if they be religious, whatever.

But I might ask you if you were to put yourself in some other poster's place...what if a person who was, say, Jewish? or Muslim? were to sign off their posts in a blatantly Jewish way, or Muslim way? Would you find this mildly offensive? I don't find a lot of the Christian leanings on this forum mildly offensive, per se, but I am aware that others might.

I've even seen Christian threads, so to speak, and I thought, that's okay, these people are relating to one another, and it gives them hope and support....if I am not interested, I can merely skip the thread.

But you do have to realize that you're signing off this way on each and everyone of your posts. If you truly feel that you wouldn't find it mildly offensive, if some other religious point of view were to be stated this way... then you would have more of defense of your position, to me at least. You seem like a very caring person, and I am glad you post here at this forum, btw. I wish you all the best and I hope you do not take offense at this post.

[hairtamer]

Thank you.  I believe everyone should be allowed to be who they are.  I do not find it offensive for anyone to express themselves, whether it be non-Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddist or any minority group.  I think that we need each others respect for who we are to survive this disease and fight for more to be done in the awareness of hepatitis.  
God Bless,
Rose

[Forseegood]

I agree that we all should be allowed to be who we are. But just for the cause of sensitivity to others, personally, if I made religious references.....I'd make them kind of general...

Usually...people don't have many problems with mentions of God, prayer, etc...it's when it gets into specifics that maybe will offend some people  - in terms of signing off, etc...This is only my opinion and who cares what I think, lol....I certainly don't make the rules around here...best to you...

[pigeonca]

"Laus deo" refers to God in a general sense, not to a sectarian Jesus or Buddha or Mohammed or whatever.  If you go to the urban legend site, www.snopes.com, you will learn that Washington's prayer to Almighty God was modified by his aide de camp, David Cobb.  Most of the info in your post is erroneous.  Washington, D.C. was built on a grid and, like any city built on a grid, contains many crosses - indeed there is a cross at every intersection.  Here's the link: http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/monument.asp

Our first President did not say "One nation under God."  Dwight Eisenhower added "under God" to the pledge of allegiance in 1952 or '53, when I was in 3rd grade.  But I have no objection to that reference to a non-specific deity other than the fact that the words "under God" destroyed the cadence of our national pledge.

When you call Moslems and Buddhists "minority groups" you should remember that medhelp.com is an international web site.  We have visitors from many countries where Christians are minority groups.

[hairtamer]

Or should have been "and", that is how my brain works on hep c and tx.  We all need to be respected for who we are.  The lack of respect for each other is at an all time high.  I treat all people the way I want to be treated.  I do not mean to harm anyone because of my faith, just as I don't feel harmed by anyone elses beliefs.  
God Bless,
Rose

my Season is because of Jesus....

[pigeonca]

Rose,
Thanks.  And may you have a merry Christmas.
barbara

[hairtamer]

Barbara,
  Thank you.  May you and yours have many Blessings now and always!
God Bless,
Rose

[cruelworld]

it seems interesting that christians and jews are always the "offenders" and all other sects are always the "victims".  what a cruel world we live in. i feel so sorry for all those pitiful and sad offended victims.
for all you non christians,  maybe the current push of radical muslims can
effectively restrain the christians/jews so they dont "push everybody else around" anymore. what a beautiful world that would be!
of course, we have to go back to the stone age for this to happen but maybe thats a small price to pay for a society that supposedly wont offend anyone. is this what the complainers advocate? seems like it to me. i love the way so many religions are predicated on  hate, eleteism. and "everyone else always steps on my toes and they need to be stopped." what ever happened to "live and let live".
in my opinion, anyone who thinks they are going to restrain christian references around here needs to reduce their riba dosage level or find another sight. i cant see it happening, christians and jews are just as hard headed as anyone. maybe even worse!
i am so glad that i am not burdened by all this divine knowledge that
forces me to hate others because they have a different spelling for gods name.

yes i do agree that a silly religious argument is the highest form of embarrassment
that anyone could ever inflict upon one self. but i couldnt resist this one!

[Proactive]

How are you? Guess there is only one thing I can say, Happy Festivus!!.........;^) Pro

[mikesimon]

yes i do agree that a silly religious argument is the highest form of embarrassment
that anyone could ever inflict upon one self. but i couldnt resist this one!

It is indeed a cruel world. Mike

[cruelworld]

hopefully its obvious by the tone of the previous post that i am doing very well! (at least today)
no real changes or news in the last few months, just grinding away.
it sure feels weird to finally be seeing light at the end of the 72 tunnel. WOW!
it seems like you and all of the other 72'ers are holding up fairly well,  thank god and lets keep our fingers crossed. im thinking about doing a taper off for the last month (68-72).
i also was considering skipping my 3 month post pcr and waiting 6 months. i dont know if i have the willpower do it but i hate the idea of celebrating on a possibly false svr.

a toast to the experience of a lifetime!
happy holidays

[Lady Lauri]

I'll have to stay out of this one, leaving each to believe as they choose. I do see a lot of 'God Bless' and 'sending prayers' here tho, have since I first signed on.

       To all those who do not celebrate Christmas/the birth of Jesus.......
    Have a nice holiday season. Enjoy friends and family.
(do you still take Christmas and Easter off of work tho?)

  To all those who do celebrate it as the birth of Jesus......
                     Merry Christmas and God Bless

  Gotta run, haven't finished our 'Griswalds Christmas Decorations' in the front yard :}

                                                                                      LL

[wyntre9]

"To all those who do not celebrate Christmas/the birth of Jesus.......
    Have a nice holiday season. Enjoy friends and family.
(do you still take Christmas and Easter off of work tho?)"

Well.....YEAH!  They are national holidays (Xmas is, Easter usually falls on a Sunday, I believe) and most places of business are closed.

Now, the fact they ARE designated as national holidays in NO way legitimizes the worldview those religions profess.

wyn

[Trish77]

Forseegood:  maybe this is none of my business, but that's never stopped me before! lol.... I am a strong advocate for everyone's personal rights, if they be religious, whatever.

I confess, doesn't always stop me from expressing an opinion either...so here goes mine.. lol :)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a native Indian girlfriend who recently told me she was going to send me some sage and sweetgrass to burn.  Now I don't really believe in that and SHE knows I don't believe in that.  So why is she doing it?  I guess the same reason someone says they'll pray for me without knowing what my belief system is or why someone says God bless you without knowing if I even believe in God's blessings.  It's no different than someone saying "good luck" to a Christian who doesn't believe in luck, they believe in God's plan for their lives.  But does anyone stop to ask them if it's okay to wish them good luck before they say it?  No.  We are who we are.  We speak from our own experiences and our own belief systems.

It's the INTENT we want to concern ourselves with.  My girlfriend's gesture I found very touching.  I know that in her belief system it's what believe will make a positive difference.  So I know that my girlfriend's intent towards me is positive, loving and thoughtful.

When someone here wishes me God's blessings .. well, maybe I don't believe in that, maybe I do.  But I appreciate their intent.

When someone says In Jesus Name...well it's a bit irritating but it more indicates to me that they believe that all they do should be according to his guidelines and it's not them trying to push a belief system on ME but more them practicing their own belief system in how they conduct THEMSELF.  That's how I see it anyway.

Sometimes it makes me uncomfortable to see the threads that get caught up in religious talk.. but I also see that some of the people involved in that conversation find it comforting and they don't force ME to talk that way... so....to each his own.

I get kind of tired of one belief/non-belief system or another trying to tell us all how we should conduct ourselves so that we don't offend each other.  Maybe... we should just simply look more at the good intent and cut back on being so offended at every little thing people do.  And maybe it's better to let people show their love and concern and just accept that we all do it in different ways.. than to force people to sell themselves out so that someone, somewhere won't get offended.  Argh.

As for my girlfriend... I told her I would actually burn the sage and sweetgrass when I get it and I told her I was touched by the gesture.  I will burn it mostly out of honouring her kindness and thoughts to me..and when I do that, I'll be remembering that this came from someone who cares about me and wishes me well.   The mental boost will probably do me good.. and I'm hoping it smells nice too. :)

Merry Christmas everybody... one of my favourite times of year because this is the time of year that people tend to focus on making other people happy...and I really like that. Plenty of beauty in Christmas and I hope you all have a good one.

Trish

[R Glass]

For the record, I would like to say, I do not consider myself a Christian, Atheist, or any other Religion and it does not bother me the least when someone expresses his or her Religious Beliefs. As long as it does not include Hatred, Violence, or Knocking on my Door.
Have A Merry Christmas, R. Glass

[Trish77]

One thing (among many) that I've come to appreciate about men...is that they can say much in very few words.  (NOT one of my strengths. :)  Well said.

[Lady Lauri]

  Very well said, worded and without 'offending' any view points/beliefs. I chose not to say more as I may have went 'too much' into it. How you put all that is perfect, from ......................................  
  " it's not them trying to push a belief system on ME but more them practicing their own belief system in how they conduct THEMSELFS" to ......................................................    
  "I get kind of tired of one belief/non-belief system or another trying to tell us all how we should conduct ourselves so that we don't offend each other.  Maybe... we should just simply look more at the good intent and cut back on being so offended at every little thing people do.  And maybe it's better to let people show their love and concern and just accept that we all do it in different ways.. than to force people to sell themselves out so that someone, somewhere won't get offended.  Argh. "
  Excellant, kind, thoughtful, respectful reply/post to such a 'touchy' subject. Really!

  Nice story on your friend also and taking it in the meaning of her gesture for doing it.
Sage smells a bit like pot, and not that great, LOL. It's to ward off negativity, evil and so on. You can also put salt across your doorways/windows :} I have an 'obligatory' friend (many years, negative and miserable, gotta love her anyway....or no one else will!). We feel the need to 'sage' every time she leaves, LOL!

  ..........."Merry Christmas everybody... one of my favourite times of year because this is the time of year that people tend to focus on making other people happy...and I really like that. Plenty of beauty in Christmas and I hope you all have a good one. "..............

  Ditto. Also so nicely said. can ya' tell I really liked your post??!! And thank you for it!

                                                                                LL

[Lady Lauri]

Rglass... also well said, in a few words :} , and yep, as men can seem to do!!
  
  I am reminded of an employee I had a few years back, forget where he was from, middle east, somewhere, but on certain days he had to do certain religious rituals for 30 minutes (or so), can't remember all the details but do remember he was an excellent employee and I allowed him his time to do as he needed for his 'religion'. Not a clue what he was doing (would sit off in an area alone) , not a clue why, nor did I ask or did he preach it to us. (he did explain to me once, can't remember now, imagine that!) It did not offend us nor did our Christmas tree's and Nativity sets offend him. He was a friend, of different beliefs. IMO, as it should be.

(when the tx is over I'll probably remember the details :}



                                                                               LL

[Lady Lauri]

  I know :} That was a touch of harmless (REALLY) sarcasm. As in those that don't believe still get that days off benefit :}   Trying some humor in a touchy subject.

                                                                  LL

[zazza]

Risking to be heavily criticized:
Isn't the truth that Christians often want to push their religion on others? They think they are saving them from hell by doing so. This is my experience after living for decades with a fanatic Christian. His dedication to Christianity has turned me off pretty good. I wish it was a question of just practicing their belief system not trying to push it on others. That said, to each their own belief. Maybe we should do as in the 12-step programs, hang our "other hats" outside the Forum door?

[cat33]

I thought I was on a hepatitis forum. Now I find myself thinking of all my friends .Who are welcome to knock on my door preach whatever.The belovid  Jajovas who don't believe they will see the light If I deny them their knock on my door. The Mormons ,Jewish,and Muslem, I am a christ-ion. Not a very good one but every one of us has a right to our own. I must say I have learned very much from my Muslem friend she's a mom just like me , same family problems etc. And my Jewish friend who was gracious enough to put up a tree even though they don't celebrate the way others do. I do agree that the whole thing of christman has been totaly out done. From halloween to thanksgiving, christmas, easter (JUST ANOTHER REASON TO HAVE A PARTY. )    No thanks. Lets get on with the subject.

[Trish77]

Risking to be heavily criticized:
Isn't the truth that Christians often want to push their religion on others? They think they are saving them from hell by doing so. This is my experience after living for decades with a fanatic Christian. His dedication to Christianity has turned me off pretty good.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No reason for criticism.  Fair question and not a criticism on YOUR part, an observation from your own experience.  I think the answer to your question would be that "SOME Christians" are like that.  Not all.  There are too many flavours of Christianity to blanket them all with the same brush.  I think there are fanaticals in a number of religions.  Muslims are getting a bad rap right now...there are the extremists who want the whole world to be Muslim and are willing to kill and maim innocent people to get it that way...women being genitally mutilated in the name of religion and so on and so on.  In Canada, it's hockey and Toronto Maple Leafs fans.  ;->  Just kidding on a very serious subject.

I had a cousin who had the utter **** beaten out of him by a group of guys of another race.  Since then, he's had a hate-on for that race.  Fair?  No.  It's a trick to see beyond the label and see the person.  And I think fanaticism in anything has as much to do with the person as it does with the religion.  

I like how R Glass summed it up.  As long as it doesn't involve hatred, violence or coming to my door .. and I'll add getting in my face, then do your thing.  I'm being pretty diplomatic in my comments but I do get pissed off at the extremists in any religion or in any organization for that matter...like within the current global warming debate (now THERE'S a topic!) trying to force a way of life on other people simply because it makes so much sense to THEM.. and particularly when it makes NO utter sense to ME.   Those people will always be with us unfortunately.   Uh.. Go Leafs Go!!!!  :)

[Forseegood]

interesting thread...and yes, personally, I'd rather see Christian thought then some kind of hate mongering, whatever kind...but i still think that I have some Jewish friends and Asian and Indian friends, who felt like outsiders growing up in a Christian dominated culture, and they were teased and taunted.... and I can see how that would make me feel a little weird, though I'm used to it. I'm part American Indian, so we all kinda know what happened to my ancestors....onward and upward though....!

As obnoxious as PCorrectness can be, I thought it was progressive to say happy holidays and make everyone feel welcomed...Maybe it's more natural here, cause I live in a city that is probably the most diverse culturally; then any city in the US, outside of NY.

But then people saying, well, it IS Christmas after all have a point too, but a few other holidays are celebrated around this time as well....To me, one of the great things about this country is it's separation of church and state....the founding fathers, in their infinite wisdom, made sure of that. So many different cultures came here through Ellis Island or wherever, and made this country great by bringing so many diverse mind-sets and ways of being...

I had a few people here who told me I was going to hell and I didn't care for that much, haven't seen them around lately though...cause I personally think there is heaven and hell on earth, right here, right now. I'd like to believe we go someplace better then this after we die though....And as long as someone conducts themselves decently, with empathy and caring for one another, I don't care if they believe or don't believe. So I guess I could say I see both sides of this issue, and people are going to do whatever they feel like I guess....talk about a wishy-washy opinion...lol....

[hairtamer]

My daughter sent me this, I thought it kind of fit.  I believe respecting others for who they are is a learn trait from your parents.  I know that that is where I learned to respect others.
God Bless,
Rose

An eloquent comment from CBS Sun morning. I'm surprised they ran it. You don't have to agree but it should be food for thought  He makes some very good points.  


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?  I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.   But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.

She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.  And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said  you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.   Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.   Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.  Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.  My Best Regards .

Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[hairtamer]

I should have researched before I copied and pasted.  This is his actual commentary from his website.










Herewith at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart:

I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I am buying my dog biscuits and kitty litter. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores. They never know who Nick and Jessica are either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they have broken up? Why are they so important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is, either, and I do not care at all about Tom Cruise's wife.

Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I am a subversive? Maybe, but I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young. It's not so bad.

Next confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was  Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, "Merry Christmas" to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?

I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we knew went to.

last update 12/19/2005. This website was created by Blue Cheese Design. Can you dig it?

[pitter]

I believe In God , Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit...and I feel I am very lucky that I do.
God said , that you will find me when you seek me with all of your heart. And I did, and I did.
I owned a restaurant, and I hung a Cross , and a sign that said Shalom too...
It is not up to me to judge anyone but myself...
I don't hate people who don't believe what I do...
but alot of people do hate Christians for their belief...that is hard sometimes.
we will all find out in the end...I will  too...
So, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannaka, Happy whatever...
Pitter

[Trish77]

LL, perhaps it makes up for those times when I have, and will, hit alot harder depending on the topic and what's at stake.  Incidentally, I have one of those friends too...I keep him at arm's length as much as possible!  

Forseegood, a comment and then I'm quite happy to let this thread die....I didn't find your opinion wishy-washy, rather two sides of the same coin.  It's important, to me anyway, to be reasonably accommodating as well as reasonably tolerant.  I think you're coming at it from one side, me from the other and both are relevant.  Someone can let me know how I can accommodate them but yet in the end it's my own values I have to be true to.  Therefore, I may not be able to please everyone but I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror at the end of the day.  Christmas will always be Christmas to me... and it has nothing to do with religion.  I won't be changing the name of it ever and if someone doesn't like it...they will have to deal with it.  We can only control ourselves, not someone else... and yet, people try all the time.  A difference between influence and control.

[ladywhy]

Matt 10
32: "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.
33: "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

On this basis alone, I felt compelled to add to this thread. He is my hope and my future and without Him....i have/am nothing.

Merry Christ Mas
Praise His Holy Name...for He is the reason for the Season.
y

[pitter]

thank you so much for your courage and your faith!!!
Pitter

[hairtamer]

Amen!!  Thank you for sharing
Merry Christmas!
"Arise, shine, for your light has come...."
Your sister in Christ,
Rose

[pitter]

ANOTHER BIG AMEN !!!!