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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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! :roll:

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! :roll:

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 fuck em! And fuck 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"