A thought for Christmas

[wot i life]

[Ridge Runner]

Wot, that is a good reminder of all we should be thankful for. While we bi&^h about having to sleep in a small space, it has heat/air and it keeps the rain and snow off our heads while there are those who would love to have such a place to lay down at night. We complain about our limited choice of eating places while others may not eat today. We are always complaining about our work conditions, while others would love to have a chance for a job.

Think about this: everyone that is reading this is doing so on a machine that is worth more than some folks entire belongings. Kinda makes our BS problems seem small don't it?

[Mackman]

Think about this: everyone that is reading this is doing so on a machine that is worth more than some folks entire belongings. Kinda makes our BS problems seem small don't it?

I agree with that. But i really cant feel sorry for these homeless people.

[Trukrswyfe]

Saddly there are so many scammers that I feel bad I don't know the real ones that need help. Sad though. Yes I agree that we need to take stock of our blessing rather then the negatives.

[Ridge Runner]

Think about this: everyone that is reading this is doing so on a machine that is worth more than some folks entire belongings. Kinda makes our BS problems seem small don't it?

I agree with that. But i really cant feel sorry for these homeless people.

Mackman, I do know what your saying here but remember, not everyone has the same coping skills as others. There is also the factor of family and friends that come into play too. Not so many years ago I too may have been one of the ones we speak of now if not for the help of others. Always remember this: " There, but for the grace of God, go I ".

Ridge Runner so true especially for me. 2 Years ago I was hit with a divorce from out of the blue then it came out she was cheating on me then the hits just kept coming it seemed. Time passed with my family and TRUE friends by my side and thigs got better and then I met the love of my wife now I am a father of 2 have the house of my dreams and also have doctors willing to finally get to the bottom of my epilepsy.

[golfhobo]

Think about this: everyone that is reading this is doing so on a machine that is worth more than some folks entire belongings. Kinda makes our BS problems seem small don't it?

I agree with that. But i really cant feel sorry for these homeless people.

Mackman: I am SO glad you left your statement as it is. It allows me to just realize that YOU have an OPINION, that I don't agree with. Even ONE more word as to WHY, would probably have sent me over the top.

I don't know if you are a Conservative or a Christian.... the two seem to be mistakenly mingled these days.... but if you are, I feel sorry for you.

It is NOT up to US to determine who is for real and who is faking. Yes, there are many fakes out there.... it is for us to have compassion! THIS is what Jesus taught.

Now, I will say THIS.... If I were homeless and jobless, I wouldn't be sitting in plain view. I would be "sleeping" under a bridge somewhere, out of sight, as MANY ARE DOING!

But, my absolute CORE belief about God and Jesus, tells me that he can, AND WILL, come to us as ONE IN NEED, and HOW we respond determines our stature in Heaven.

I cannot personally support EVERY person "in need" in this country or elsewhere in the World..... but, it IS what Jesus would do, and is the basis of my Democratic Party registration.

I am not attacking YOU. Not today..... this close to Christmas. I'm just stating MY beliefs and opinions. I have that right, don't I?

The Bible teaches that it will be harder for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. Why? Because he isn't Pious and doesn't go to church? NO!! It is because he is "conservative" about his money, and thinks he can take it with him.

The Sermon on the Mount is a "parable" that explains that if EVERYONE gives a little, it can be multiplied to help thousands or millions.

The woman at the well had NOTHING, but she gave ALL to help those who SHE felt had LESS! Now THAT is what I call a hero and a patriot! O'Reilly has burned out the terms on pinheads who have given less than they would give a "bad" waitress at a "to go" Sushi Bar!

SOME (I'm not saying YOU) of YOUR "persuasion" would let this young man DIE because he doesn't fit YOUR idea of "personal responsibility," yet they won't let a single unborn embryo, not wanted or cared about by anyone, to be used for medical research that may someday save your OWN life! I just don't GET it!

The popular phrase today is, "What Would Jesus Do?" As a backsliding, doubting, antagonistic Christian, I find this phrase to be one of the most powerful quotes in history. But, I am absolutely CLEAR in my mind, heart and Soul as to the answer!

We could disagree on the METHOD, perhaps Jesus would gather all the lost young people off the streets and put them in a commune and teach them a skill, (instead of just throwing money at them,) I DON'T KNOW! But, he would HELP them! And THAT I DO know!

What IS this Christmastime about? It is not ONLY a celebration of the birth of your "hero." It is a time to experience the blessing of GIVING and receiving gifts. Based on the GIFT of Jesus to the World, and manifested in our giving of gifts to each other. Which is symbolic of WHAT?

Gifts are not given because one NEEDS what we give them, or because they 'deserve' it. But rather, because it REMINDS us that our soul is redeemed by the DESIRE to "GIVE!" A God who had everything, could ONLY be glorified MORE...... by GIVING the gift of his only Son, to those who didn't DESERVE it, because he "needed" to feel the glorifying and satisfying feeling of GIVING to others!

People who paint say that they "gave" their soul and energy into their art. Actors who are really special, say they GAVE their soul and energy to their work. And our military troops GIVE their all into their cause. And not ONE of them REALLY cares what YOU think of the outcome. They care only that they GAVE their all.

Jesus is the "reason for the season" ONLY because he represents the selfless GIVING of our/your GOD! And this "act" is manifested and recreated in the tradition of giving gifts. Yet you would give this young man NOTHING.... WHY? Because he is not part of YOUR family? Are YOU (and HE) not part of GOD's family?

What Would Jesus Do? He would GIVE his all for millions he had never met. And the evidence shows that he would not, indeed COULD not, pass by someone in need without giving at least a little from his Father's enourmous bounty, Not ONLY because it was needed, but because he COULD.... and it made him feel GOOD to do so!

[Trukrswyfe]

Sorry Mackman,

I was the one who brought up scammers Golf no one else. I don't dispute giving one bit. I don't want you to think that I am against giving. But truly I don't think that was the intended topic for the OP. I am fully aware of what Jesus taught. Mackman said he isn't sorry and I brought up scammers. Lets just get this straight.

Besides that I just don't care for propaganda. I just don't believe in blindly giving to everyone and everything. I say for two reason, Jesus didn't and for me IT is HIS money. Not sure how we got on the topic of giving but I will gladly go there with you. The bible lists all kinds of giving but with the Lord there are conditions.

Give Cheerfully or just keep it, If you can't give cheerfully chances are that you have bigger problems they giving and the Lord needs to work on that. Give to those who you know can't repay, meaning don't loan, if you can't give it without needing it don't. Your right hand shouldn't know what your left is doing. Doesn't mean that your stupid only that you are doing it without keeping score. ie I did this for you now you owe me. Give in secret so the the Lord see and rewards you openly rather than give publicly for the eyes of man. Meaning I trust that what the Lords see in my life and heart he will reward me without me boasting all I have done for the Lord.

Anyway I am wise as with what the Lord entrusts to me and Love Proverbs 30 The wisdom of Agur.

7 Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):
Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches-
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say,"Who is the Lord"
Or lest I be poor and steal.
And profane the name of my God.

[Trukrswyfe]

Saddly there are so many scammers that I feel bad I don't know the real ones that need help. Sad though. Yes I agree that we need to take stock of our blessing rather then the negatives.

I am just going to quote myself cause I said I don't know the real ones that need help, that did not mean that I don't still try to help those in need.

[wot i life]

Now, I will say THIS.... If I were homeless and jobless, I wouldn't be sitting in plain view. I would be "sleeping" under a bridge somewhere, out of sight, as MANY ARE DOING!

Well I would sleep right outside the Houses of Parliament. "Hello Mr Prime Minister, whats wrong? I,m upsetting the tourists and other well heeled folk? Well **** em! And **** you too Mr Prime Minister-its your government that cut back on affordable housing schemes, and thats why I,m here! Have a nice day now Mr Prime Minister- I,m sorry for coughing blood onto your Italian shoes, its the tuberculosis you know; made a return a few years ago it did. Enjoy your turkey Mr Prime Minister"

[golfhobo]

Now, I will say THIS.... If I were homeless and jobless, I wouldn't be sitting in plain view. I would be "sleeping" under a bridge somewhere, out of sight, as MANY ARE DOING!

Well I would sleep right outside the Houses of Parliament. "Hello Mr Prime Minister, whats wrong? I,m upsetting the tourists and other well heeled folk? Well **** em! And **** you too Mr Prime Minister-its your government that cut back on affordable housing schemes, and thats why I,m here! Have a nice day now Mr Prime Minister- I,m sorry for coughing blood onto your Italian shoes, its the tuberculosis you know; made a return a few years ago it did. Enjoy your turkey Mr Prime Minister"

I can see your point, Wot..... and we have homeless people sleeping in the park across from the WhiteHouse, too! I guess I just meant that I would not burden others with my problems, I would hide my shame from them at night, and spend my days trying to find work to afford shelter. The guy in the picture probably wasn't "sleeping" there, just trying to stay warm while begging. Still, I don't think I could panhandle to survive.

For MACKMAN: I apologize if I got carried away. I HOPE I conveyed that I wasn't jumping on YOU for your "opinion." I suppose you have a right to it. I just don't understand it. It's just that, particularly at Christmas when we are all spending hundreds or thousands at Macy's and such, it seems callous to care nothing about those in need. Heck, it's the basis of the movie "A Christmas Carol." Wot posted the pic as a "thought for Christmas." It hit me hard. And so did your response.

Trukrswyfe: You said something about it being "HIS money." Are you sure? Is that what your Bible tells you? That ANYTHING we have is of our own merit, and not a blessing from God?

[Mackman]

Hobo you dont have to apologize. Its cool. :wink: we all have a opinion and thats a good thing. Maybe one day i can get you to like guns. LOL Merry Christmas to ya.

[Fredog]

Saddly there are so many scammers that I feel bad I don't know the real ones that need help. Sad though. Yes I agree that we need to take stock of our blessing rather then the negatives.

I am just going to quote myself cause I said I don't know the real ones that need help, that did not mean that I don't still try to help those in need.

a guy at the flying j in Memphis yesterday told me he works for united and he had his wife with him and they had no money for breakfast, I told him I couldnt spare any and he said.. "you must not know God if you wont help a brother out"... with that he went to the next truck to try the scam again..

[mommee]

Hobo-
For a person of liberal persuasion, you sound very "Christian". I don't know if you understand what I am trying to say here.

I went to church Friday night and I saw a girl on the side of the building smoking a cig. I later saw her in the church because I almost ran into her. About 1.5hrs later I saw her outside again and she looked cold. I wished I could of asked her if there was anything wrong. She didn't look homeless, just "lost". She still bothers me now.

It's hard NOT to judge someone from a first impression. And we don't know the circumstances that got them there. So I try to be nice to everyone, unless of course they are clearly trying to scam you of money. Those who are truly in need will be genuinely grateful.

[Slimland]

Hobo-
For a person of liberal persuasion, you sound very "Christian". I don't know if you understand what I am trying to say here.

I went to church Friday night and I saw a girl on the side of the building smoking a cig. I later saw her in the church because I almost ran into her. About 1.5hrs later I saw her outside again and she looked cold. I wished I could of asked her if there was anything wrong. She didn't look homeless, just "lost". She still bothers me now.

It's hard NOT to judge someone from a first impression. And we don't know the circumstances that got them there. So I try to be nice to everyone, unless of course they are clearly trying to scam you of money. Those who are truly in need will be genuinely grateful.

Mommee, god I feel weird saying that again!!
What did you mean by her smoking, was that the first immpression you had about this girl.. and on that impression did you think her not saved??
But then you saw her in church, did that make it better?

I am just curious to your answer, and if I am off base my apologies I must have read it wrong!

[mommee]

Mommee, god I feel weird saying that again!!
What did you mean by her smoking, was that the first immpression you had about this girl.. and on that impression did you think her not saved??
But then you saw her in church, did that make it better?

I am just curious to your answer, and if I am off base my apologies I must have read it wrong!

I'm a bad storyteller. They were 2 separate thoughts. She was smoking and sitting by the building outside. Then, I was trying to get the kids into a pew and I looked up she was there. I almost literally walked into her. She said something, maybe 'sorry'. I thought she going to hear mass. As I was going to my car I saw her outside again, just standing there. It was odd. She looked cold and lost, like she had no where to be. I wished I could have spoken to her and asked if she was okay. I just didn't get the chance with the children.

If that still doesn't make sense PM me and maybe I can explain again.

[Slimland]

Mommee, god I feel weird saying that again!!
What did you mean by her smoking, was that the first immpression you had about this girl.. and on that impression did you think her not saved??
But then you saw her in church, did that make it better?

I am just curious to your answer, and if I am off base my apologies I must have read it wrong!

I'm a bad storyteller. They were 2 separate thoughts. She was smoking and sitting by the building outside. Then, I was trying to get the kids into a pew and I looked up she was there. I almost literally walked into her. She said something, maybe 'sorry'. I thought she going to hear mass. As I was going to my car I saw her outside again, just standing there. It was odd. She looked cold and lost, like she had no where to be. I wished I could have spoken to her and asked if she was okay. I just didn't get the chance with the children.

If that still doesn't make sense PM me and maybe I can explain again.

First off if anyone is a bad story teller it is I..

I just didn't understand how it went into the story that Wot was protraying? But I don't see that as the issue now, just a part of it.. For example what Mack said, then you replyied to Hobo below, which is the second half of the quote.. My question is did you judge this girl because she smoked? And from what I gather, you corrected yourself, Right?

It's hard NOT to judge someone from a first impression. And we don't know the circumstances that got them there. So I try to be nice to everyone, unless of course they are clearly trying to scam you of money. Those who are truly in need will be genuinely grateful.

[mommee]

I would never judge anyone who smoked because I do when the occasion calls for it. And there are times when it does. It was just something she was doing. I really wanted to talk to her and ask if there was something wrong, but with 2 small children in tow I could not.

Someone taught me a few years ago don't judge a book by it's cover. Sometimes people who you think will help you, don't. And someone who looks like they would be last person you would ask for help is the only one who helps.

[golfhobo]

Hobo-
For a person of liberal persuasion, you sound very "Christian". I don't know if you understand what I am trying to say here.

Apparently NOT! Are you saying that Liberals can't be Christians? :shock: Look up the word Liberal in the dictionary. Then look up Conservative. I did that recently, and by MY interpretation, it seems Jesus was a Liberal!

I went to church Friday night and I saw a girl on the side of the building smoking a cig. I later saw her in the church because I almost ran into her. About 1.5hrs later I saw her outside again and she looked cold. I wished I could of asked her if there was anything wrong. She didn't look homeless, just "lost".

What stopped you? I have to echo Slim's question.... do you think smoking a cig made her a HEATHEN?? I wonder if somewhere, right now, she is talking with HER friends (by computer or around a barrel fire, and saying,

"I saw a woman tonight before I went into church. I wanted to ask her for help, but she seemed so preoccupied by her family and all. Besides, why should SHE care about ME?" Now, I'm not saying this was the case. She may well have a better paying job than either of US. It's just a thought.

She still bothers me now.

Some people believe that our "conscience" is God's presence in our soul. Perhaps, you are wondering..... What Would Jesus Do?

It's hard NOT to judge someone from a first impression. And we don't know the circumstances that got them there. So I try to be nice to everyone, unless of course they are clearly trying to scam you of money. Those who are truly in need will be genuinely grateful.

I totally agree, but I contend that the pervasive theme in the Bible is that we SHOULD NOT. "Judge not, lest ye BE judged." Even the vilest criminal, or the most worthless of man, has redeeming value in the eyes of the Lord. Who are WE to "stone them?" Their "sins" are known to God, and to HIM they shall answer. The unjust will NOT go unpunished. But, OUR commandment is to love one another and to do unto others as we would have done unto us. That's pretty simple, isn't it? And doesn't it ABSOLVE us of having to "investigate?"

It is a common saying amongst truckers, that you can go down a hill the RIGHT way 100 times or more. But, you can only go down it ONCE the wrong way! Considering the small amount of money I can afford to give to those who "say" they need it to survive, I cannot justify the ONE time I refuse someone who might actually DIE without it.

Do I believe that that ONE person might be Christ coming to me to "test" my Christianity? No.... not really. But, I feel better knowing that if it WAS, I didn't FAIL him. As I said earlier..... it makes me feel better to GIVE.... because by doing so, I RECEIVE. It's the example set forth by Jesus. And, it is the EASIEST one for me to follow. :wink:

[Slimland]

I would never judge anyone who smoked because I do when the occasion calls for it. And there are times when it does. It was just something she was doing. I really wanted to talk to her and ask if there was something wrong, but with 2 small children in tow I could not.

Someone taught me a few years ago don't judge a book by it's cover. Sometimes people who you think will help you, don't. And someone who looks like they would be last person you would ask for help is the only one who helps.

Thank you for answering my question, and your answer was what I had hopped for..

Mack2 -- I have known you on this board for what 2 years now?
It realy suprised me to see your response to this man.. What would happen if we as real Children of the Living God, judged another not so well off, or even for his sin? Then are we not playing God? I remember a boy not so long ago, who decieved a whole lot of people. And He was forgiven, and those he decieved still enjoy seeing him grow up, and become a man, that he was meant to be.. Look beyound the cover into the book. It might be me or Hobo, there on that hard cold concreat..

Your Brother in Christ and always a friend
Slimland