The Good Ole Days, Were they good?

[3fan4life]

meant most of us being age 40 to 50's growing up in the 1940's or so.  sorry fo the confusion.

I do not think my kids if time traveled back into the 1970's could have survived would be bored to death without their computers, video games, and most importantly the darn cell phones.

Well, I am in my forties, so someone must have erased my memories of growing up in the 1940s and replaced them with memories of the 1970s and 1980s, hearing the BeeGees, Bay City Rollers, Kiss, Survivor, Journey, Pat Benatar, etc., on the radio.  Memories of getting my (cloth) diapers changed and of most of the Carpenters' hits are either unrecoverable or were never implanted.

Sounds like you Canadians had pretty good taste in music! 

[3fan4life]

You know my Mother gave me the best gift I could have ever received.  When I was young teenager, my mother took me to the clothing store to get clothes for school, which some were jeans and tennis shoes.  I said to her I didn’t want that brand of jeans, I wanted Levi’s, and for tennis shoes, I wanted Red Ball Jets.  She said Yes!  I can have anything I want! I just have to go and get a job and you can choose anything I want. SO!! That is what I did, and have been working ever since.  She taught me to be responsible, and work for what I want.

I'm glad I never really cared much about clothes or style. I got a job when I was 13 so I could buy a motorcycle . The beginning of it all, a Suzuki TC90. 

Carried newspapers at 13 so that I could earn the money to buy my first motorcycle, a Honda MT125 Elsinore like this one:

[The emperor has no clothes]

You know my Mother gave me the best gift I could have ever received.  When I was young teenager, my mother took me to the clothing store to get clothes for school, which some were jeans and tennis shoes.  I said to her I didn’t want that brand of jeans, I wanted Levi’s, and for tennis shoes, I wanted Red Ball Jets.  She said Yes!  I can have anything I want! I just have to go and get a job and you can choose anything I want. SO!! That is what I did, and have been working ever since.  She taught me to be responsible, and work for what I want.

I'm glad I never really cared much about clothes or style. I got a job when I was 13 so I could buy a motorcycle . The beginning of it all, a Suzuki TC90. 

Carried newspapers at 13 so that I could earn the money to buy my first motorcycle, a Honda MT125 Elsinore like this one:

I had a CR 250 Elsinore of that era. 

[Wizzard]

Elsinore was a great bike 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Elsinore was a great bike 

with that engine and 12" suspension front and rear, I felt unbeatable . 

[3fan4life]

Elsinore was a great bike 

with that engine and 12" suspension front and rear, I felt unbeatable . 

I always wanted the 250 but never got one.

Mine was definately the hottest little 125cc bike around.

[hubcapsc]

Bah. I got a TM125 just before they released the Elsinores. I was
a non-riding broke student for ten years after that... got some good
Honda motocross bikes in the 80s though 

-Mike

[The emperor has no clothes]

Bah. I got a TM125 just before they released the Elsinores. I was
a non-riding broke student for ten years after that... got some good
Honda motocross bikes in the 80s though 

-Mike

They were good in their day.  Roger DeCoster was my hero for many years.

[John Schmidt]

Tuned!    Me too. Dad, a big old barrel chested German that believed in the "spare the rod, spoil the child" mantra and never hesitated to use applied psychology. I even got in trouble once when some old busy body told dad I was holding hands with a girl in church. I told him what I was doing and actually got a chuckle out of him. Her name was Sheila, just a good friend and nothing more. She'd often sit with her coat over her shoulders so just to bug the little ladies of the church, I'd take the sleeve of her coat and lay it across my wrist, from a distance it looked like I was holding her hand. I'd stroke my own hand, play with the fingers, different stuff and all the busy bodies would crane their necks to see what I was doing to this girl during the service. She'd just sit there and smile with her arms folded. Our parents decided to separate us....we both got an extra sermon that day. 

[solo1]

Neat, John, not a single political statement yet.

I also remember when I got into U control flying in 1947.  I built my own plane and used a Rocket engine to power it. It wasn't much fun, though, to go around in circles.It did get interesting if one of the two wires broke. If the 'up' wire broke, it was immediate diving into the ground.  If the 'down' wire broke, it got more interesting.  The plane would go higher and higher until it came over the loop and headed for the operator. No control over the engine. I could ran back then.

I did a short stint on RC controlled planes, built my own a few years ago but lost interest as the good days to fly were the same good days to go ride.

There, motorcycle related.

[John Schmidt]

I also tried my hand at U-control, didn't like it for much the same reason. I also had some model cars that used those little co2 bottles you stuck in the rear. Those suckers would really fly, ran them on a wire strung through the small eyescrews in the bottom of the car. One day my cousin and I got this neat idea; would those little bottles work on a model plane. Talk about our make believe pilot getting the ride of his life, that thing took off with the controls set for what we thought would be a gradual climb and turn. Darn thing was still accelerating when it went right through a neighbor's huge picture window. More applied psychology.....and the loss of my model cars and planes. Worked my ass off(what little I had left) to pay for that window. 

My parents must have raised a very disturbed boy. 

[dreamaker]

Neat, John, not a single political statement yet.

I also remember when I got into U control flying in 1947.  I built my own plane and used a Rocket engine to power it. It wasn't much fun, though, to go around in circles.It did get interesting if one of the two wires broke. If the 'up' wire broke, it was immediate diving into the ground.  If the 'down' wire broke, it got more interesting.  The plane would go higher and higher until it came over the loop and headed for the operator. No control over the engine. I could ran back then.

I did a short stint on RC controlled planes, built my own a few years ago but lost interest as the good days to fly were the same good days to go ride.

There, motorcycle related.

You can still fly!! I am sure you what a radio is in RC, I play with Quadcopters, as you may know. Well I bought a flight simulator program called Phoenix 5, they may have updates. Anyways in the winter, I use my actual RC radio and practicing controlling a Quadcopter like mine. They also have an assortment of different planes, gliders, helicopters and control them and react like the real thing. The radio plugs into to the computer with its own cable, I have one of my computers connected to my 47" flat screen, and it is like the real deal. Radios today have sockets that look like earphone plugs on them, what they are for is simulator cables. So fun isn't over yet!!

[solo1]

I sold my 1/5 scale Cub to my oldest son.  I built it and put in a four stroke Engine. It's still flying after 14 years but the four stroke wore out and he stuck in an electric motor.  I must've built it right.

Dreammaker, two of my sons have quads with all the bells and whistles. I have a real small one I dabble with in the apt.  Haven't got the hang of it since it has no stabilization or other goodies.  It's small enough to fit in my hand.  Too small to fly outside.

[dreamaker]

I have one of those small ones, it was the first one I bought, to play with in the living room. I found it was harder to fly then my bigger ones. I flew it once outside and it took off like a humming bird, and was gone before I could turn my head.  They are very quick, the bigger ones I think are easier to control. The program I spoke of, is just like flying a quad or a plane, best thing is you can crash all you want, and not cost you anything. Also, they use actual scenery from places all over the world to fly in.

[hubcapsc]

Bah. I got a TM125 just before they released the Elsinores. I was
a non-riding broke student for ten years after that... got some good
Honda motocross bikes in the 80s though 

-Mike

They were good in their day.  Roger DeCoster was my hero for many years.

I saw him and Heikki Mikkola and all those guys at a motocross track at
Road Atlanta a couple of years in a row... we were even able to sneak into
the pits without getting kicked out the first year...

-Mike

[Robert]

To me, you sound like a Millennial, you make it sound like digging into our good memories is a bad thing, and we must only move forward. I have nothing against technology providing you treat it as a tool and not a necessity. See the thing is, we did thing basically with nothing and created something at our own levels, and enjoyed the things we did with honesty. We didn't walk around and say look at what I did, like they do today, we just had fun with what we did daily, and that is all that was important to us. I agree living in the past is not good, but learning from our past is good, and sometimes enjoying the Good Old Days memories reminds us of the positive times. Today, everything is about profit, selling you things you don't want and you don't need, and is so complex it is surprising people even smile anymore. The things we did were created from nothing basically, today I am surprise kids can tie their shoes, because they have been stripped of their ability to create simple things out of nothing. You want to talk about GOD, maybe you should think about Satan's toys.

I watched Mercury Freedom 7 launch Alan B. Shepard,Jr. into space. I also remember all the hoopla over Sputnick. Memories are never a bad thing but dwell to long in memories and life passes you by. We each of us make memories by our lives, but life even though things change life merits to get out and make as much as you can of it no matter what age you happen to be. I was saying to myself as well as others, life has made some big changes in people and attitudes lately. That is what I miss these days, the slower pace the respect the caring the innocence and trust people had like the old days. I enjoy some of the things talked about here they all were alot of fun.

 But do you know what I also remember, not really having a father to be around and show me things. I remember growing up pretty much as an only child with a 1/2 brother 12 years older than me. He had his own life and wasnt really around. I remember not having much money and making most of my own money and decisions. My father in the new economy worked in NY on Madison avenue and wasn't home to much. We had a house and in a nice area but I never had a close relationship with him. I remember being a latch key kid and helping my mother study for her nursing tests. I remember weekends to them were getting out in the boat and drinking with friends not drunk but partying. The typical vodka martini type of good life.  When my mother finally became a nurse we would go out to eat on the tips she got. I had many boats I bought and fixed myself. The wood work as well  as the engines and made the money to do that from odd jobs and lawns. I remember going down the street to the boat yard and helping an older man who became my friend fix and make a boat yard. He was a steam fitter and a good man but had a drinking problem. But I would help him repair boat engines and helped him build his own 45 foot ferro cement sail boat. Do you know what I wanted for Christmas present, tools, I would pic out tool kits from Sears and my parents would buy them. I remember one year getting a kerosene heater and thought I was in heaven. Winters in NY can get pretty cold and when your playing around in the garage it was nice to have. I made my own desk for my room and my own speakers and stereo.

As for God and Satans toys, God called me doing all the things I did as a kid and as an adult. He has been the Father I never really knew and my protector and helper. He has never disappointed me and always been there. I dont fear Him, I fear loosing my relationship with Him. He has straightened out bad attitudes in me and taught me to love people. He taught  me to look beyond what we see and really see people and times. He has taught me times are in His hands. All while going through my life doing what I am doing. He helps me when I dont know how to repair something and gives me ideas. He called me when I was 10 and I put Him off. He again called me later in life but never left me and I accepted Him and His Son Jesus. It was the happiest day of my life and the reason I didn't do it sooner was because the church told me I wasn't good enough. To hell with mans attitudes about God thats what kept me away because thats where they come from. To me I would trade it all if I had to choose between my relationship with Him or anything else. So that is one of my happiest memories. Its because of Him that I am here and can talk about memories so what else should I consider about God?

[solo1]

Thank you so much for that Robert. Many of us have had a tougher life than the present generation.  However, the present generation have their their own problems to contend with , problems that didn't exist in our times.

I had a good relationship with my father.  He took me hunting at an early age.  Much later he became very ill and I took him hunting for the last time.

I wasn't a very good Christian and Lutheran until my wife died.  The Lord didn't speak to me or, if he did, I didn't hear him.  When my wife died, I spoke to him and it changed my life for the better.  IMHO ,sometimes it takes a death or threat of death to put us on the right path. I've not become an evangelist as my Faith is private, unless people would ask me.

I started this post and I'm glad that I did.  We are all friends here, we all have had ups and downs, and we all have been 'around the block' a few times and have survived. Our memories have served us well.  We are all better for it.

[3fan4life]

Robert that is an excellent testimony!

As Christians sometimes we need to just "tell" our story to others.


Wayne, I to am glad that you started this thread.

I have always enjoyed the benefits that come from the wisdom of my elders.

And you Sir are someone that I consider to be very wise indeed.

[dreamaker]

Although I would bet that most every one of us, had those bad or not so good times in our lives, but the good time out shines the bad no matter how little they may be. It’s not that we live in our pass, it is just we escape for a few moments when we can chuckle to overcome our moments of concern, to remind us that there were good time in life and there may be more to come.  I myself, have had bad moments in my life, I choose to think of them as life lessons, to keep me on the right path. Many of us believe in our creator, and like “solo” says, some things are private; this board is our second family, even though everyone is not in agreement with each other, I think there is respect and concern for one another. 

[Robert]

I wasn't a very good Christian and Lutheran until my wife died.  The Lord didn't speak to me or, if he did, I didn't hear him.  When my wife died, I spoke to him and it changed my life for the better.  IMHO ,sometimes it takes a death or threat of death to put us on the right path. I've not become an evangelist as my Faith is private, unless people would ask me.

I started this post and I'm glad that I did.  We are all friends here, we all have had ups and downs, and we all have been 'around the block' a few times and have survived. Our memories have served us well.  We are all better for it.

I wanted to respond to this but I will try not to preach but relay what I have learned in hopes it will give you hope and bring you to a gift God has for His children. I was not a christian at all and in the worst spot in my life but God heard me and delivered me. I didn't call on Him in a good time, that is how I know He is faithful even if I am faithless. He calls us to have a relationship with Him, so evangelizing is second to restoration. God usually gives us examples and the apostles were not good evangelists either until one day in the upper room the Holy Spirit got a hold of them. After that they went with boldness and life for them was never the same and Jesus words on this rock I will build my church came to fruition. Its not by might nor by power but by His spirit, because we are sheep.

[solo1]

Evangelism can take more than one form.  Trying to be an example of a good person (Let your light shine) even though you are a sinner, is another way and one that I try to do, even though I backslide.

I personally have found that unasked for evangelism is almost always greeted with hostility or, at a minimum, unease.

[3fan4life]

Evangelism can take more than one form.  Trying to be an example of a good person (Let your light shine) even though you are a sinner, is another way and one that I try to do, even though I backslide.

I personally have found that unasked for evangelism is almost always greeted with hostility or, at a minimum, unease.

You are so correct!

The ability to evangelize to strangers "effectively" is a gift that only a very few have.

Although "Street corner evangelists" are a dime a dozen they are rarely effective.

Not everyone can be Billy Grahm.

What we do need to do as Christians is "Be Ready":

Be ready to share the Gospel with any one that express' an interest in "Knowing" about Christ.

Be ready and looking for those opportunities when they arise, sometimes they present themselves very subtlety.

Be ready to show the Love and Mercy of Christ to others, even when we don't want to.


This things aren't always easy to do, after all we are human.

[Gryphon Rider]

Evangelism can take more than one form.  Trying to be an example of a good person (Let your light shine) even though you are a sinner, is another way and one that I try to do, even though I backslide.

I personally have found that unasked for evangelism is almost always greeted with hostility or, at a minimum, unease.

What unbeliever asks to be evangelized?  My observation is that the most effective one-on-one evangelism happens when the evangelist first demonstrates love and righteousness, then during conversation with the evangelized, the Holy Spirit brings to mind Scripture and biblical concepts appropriate to the context of the conversation.  Some will be hostile to the true Gospel regardless of presentation, and people with a "you're okay, I'm okay" attitude will not be impacted for the Gospel without actual words.

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Cor 1:18

...for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” - 1 Pet 2:7,8

You are so correct!

The ability to evangelize to strangers "effectively" is a gift that only a very few have.

Although "Street corner evangelists" are a dime a dozen they are rarely effective.

Not everyone can be Billy Graham.

What we do need to do as Christians is "Be Ready":

Be ready to share the Gospel with any one that express' an interest in "Knowing" about Christ.

Be ready and looking for those opportunities when they arise, sometimes they present themselves very subtlety.

Be ready to show the Love and Mercy of Christ to others, even when we don't want to.

This things aren't always easy to do, after all we are human.

I think the "evangelism is a rare gift" idea, along with it's sister, "my faith is a personal, private thing," are excuses voiced by Christians who simply aren't "prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you," and who aren't "abiding in the vine".  If a Christian has the ability to comfortably spend half an hour talking to a relative stranger about politics or motorcycles, he certainly has the ability to present the Gospel to someone.  The more time he spends with his Bible open and with his head bowed, the more effective that Gospel presentation will be.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? - Rom 10:14

[Robert]

Gryphon hit the nail on the head, The Holy Spirit prepares the heart to receive, you are obedient and give the message you are instructed to give. Not all respond in the same way. Some are called to plant the seed, some are called to water and some are called to harvest. I have been told many times someone just said the same thing to me. Boldness to witness is not from man but from the Holy Spirit working through man.

Even Jesus, His ministry did not start until He was baptized in the Jordan and the Holy Spirit came upon Him.

Act 1:8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Luk 11:13  So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."

1Jn 2:27  But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

As a side note of interest

Jewish tradition taught that Pentecost marked the day when the Law was given to Israel. The Jews sometimes called Pentecost shimchath torah, or “Joy of the Law.” one of the most celebrated days in Jewish religion.

Isn't it amazing that the Messiah gave us the Holy Spirit on the celebrated day the law was given to Israel.

[solo1]

Gryphon Rider quote:
I think the "evangelism is a rare gift" idea, along with it's sister, "my faith is a personal, private thing," are excuses voiced by Christians who simply aren't "prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you,

I respectfully disagree.  I'm fully ready to talk about My Faith and I will not get "defensive" about it.

"Judge Not, less you be judged."

I'm reminded of last year when my neighbor lady told me she visited her distant relative on his death bed in the hospital. and tried to convert him in spite of his vehemently objecting and wanting her gone.

Jesus instructed his disciples to shake the dust from their feet for those who would not listen.

As an Elder in my church, I hope that I am respected and have presented a good example for my Faith.

[3fan4life]

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Cor 1:18

You are so correct!

The ability to evangelize to strangers "effectively" is a gift that only a very few have.

Although "Street corner evangelists" are a dime a dozen they are rarely effective.

Not everyone can be Billy Graham.

What we do need to do as Christians is "Be Ready":

Be ready to share the Gospel with any one that express' an interest in "Knowing" about Christ.

Be ready and looking for those opportunities when they arise, sometimes they present themselves very subtlety.

Be ready to show the Love and Mercy of Christ to others, even when we don't want to.

This things aren't always easy to do, after all we are human.

I think the "evangelism is a rare gift" idea, along with it's sister, "my faith is a personal, private thing," are excuses voiced by Christians who simply aren't "prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you," and who aren't "abiding in the vine".  If a Christian has the ability to comfortably spend half an hour talking to a relative stranger about politics or motorcycles, he certainly has the ability to present the Gospel to someone.  The more time he spends with his Bible open and with his head bowed, the more effective that Gospel presentation will be.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? - Rom 10:14

Did you "Fully" read what I wrote?

I am speaking for everything that you have just accused me of being against!

I stand by my statements:

Street Evangelism is rarely effective.

Not every Christian has the gift for it.

AS a matter of fact not Every Christian has the gift of evangelism;

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11–12 NKJV).

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; mhe who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; ohe who gives, with liberality; phe who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6–8 NKJV).

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same[a] Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV)

"Cold Call" evangelism is not meant for every Christian.

Now;

Every Christian should be ready to share their faith and give the reason for their hope.

Every Christian should be ready to share their faith with anyone who asks; friends, family, co-workers or even strangers. 

I don't know you, if you possess the gift of evangelism especially street corner evangelism, my hat is off to you.

I do not possess that gift.

Part of growing as a Christian is learning what your gift is and nurturing it.

We all make up different parts of the Body of Christ, it is up to each of us to do our job well.

Not concentrating on the job that we aren't called to do and focusing on the job that we are called to do, doesn't make us bad Christians.

It makes us a more effective part of the Body of Christ.


BTW:

Have you ever read my tag line?

It's not there to remind others, it's there to remind me.

Oh, and one part of your response that I must vehemently disagree with:

The Gospel of Jesus Christ NEVER needs to be defended.

[dreamaker]

PEOPLE FOCUS, FOCUS!!!  This is about the good time and memories of times past, What does this have to do with religion and evangelism.  Certain things in life are private, intimate moments with you mate, guns, religious beliefs and so on, it is yours and no one else. So tell us of a good moment in your past.

[3fan4life]

PEOPLE FOCUS, FOCUS!!!  This is about the good time and memories of times past, What does this have to do with religion and evangelism.  Certain things in life are private, intimate moments with you mate, guns, religious beliefs and so on, it is yours and no one else. So tell us of a good moment in your past.

I wasn't going to respond, However since the OP did, I figured that it was OK.

[Robert]

PEOPLE FOCUS, FOCUS!!!  This is about the good time and memories of times past, What does this have to do with religion and evangelism.  Certain things in life are private, intimate moments with you mate, guns, religious beliefs and so on, it is yours and no one else. So tell us of a good moment in your past.

I am focused,

when I got saved 

One of the best moments in my life.

The gift that keeps giving

One good turn deserves another.

Had to explain why it was the best moment since you obviously dont understand, is that ok?

Huh I see another problem there a quite a few gun posts, You better tell them its private.

Not to be a pain but there is another problem some are sharing private moments that are special memories is that ok?

You know when I was on a ride today there was this hot looking girl that reminded me of, OH sorry cant share this is too private. But God forgive me because I sinned today, I might have had bad thoughts.

One of my favorite times was when a guy sat down in the seat at my table in a cafeteria and I was in a bad mood. I didnt want to talk to him but he just kept rattling on. Finally to shut the guy up I said just ask Jesus since I dont know how to solve your problems and went back eating. The guy was taken a bit back but then kept on rattling on. Finally I could see that it was the Lords work and the Holy Spirit started to rattle off scripture after scripture through me. It was most unusual since it was only scripture being put together and not much as far as explanation. Well I wanted to leave the table and the guy followed so the Spirit kept on. We got outside and to the corner and I laid my hands on him and prayed for hiim. I could see he was ready to cry and he took off. I thought wow that was pretty awesome and never expected to see him again. The next morning he was actually waiting for me and explained he was a preachers kid and never met Jesus. He said I met Him last night after you prayed for me and Now I know why I was here. I never saw him again after that but that memory was one I cherish. I have so many more like that,  but is that ok to share?   It my memory, its how the Lord used me and I cherish that very much. Its not religous its relational and every bit as alive as you and me. So now tell me what we can share.


We are different, we do have different things that are special to us and just because you dont understand why it would be special to me or part of the good old days does not mean its not just as special as any moment you might bring up, so please kindly be polite to people since you are not the moderator and its not even your post, but maybe you might actually learn something also.

[solo1]

Dream Maker, while I started this thread about memories. I'm not adverse to hearing memories involving religion.  Actually many of my threads get hijacked and generally i don't mind as long as it's positive postings. Memories especially take many forms.

A memory that I didn't mention concerned my wife.  In 2002, as i was walking back to the ICU with my pastor, I asked him, "What do people do that don't believe when they are confronted by this"

THIS, being my wife of 46 years who had just been put on hospice care.  She left this world 8 days later.

I'm not one to shout out my faith, that's why I left this memory for last.

[dreamaker]

It is not my intention to be disrespectful to anyone. Maybe I didn’t grasp what the point is, to the latter part of these discussions.  But when it comes to religion I tend to get a little sensitive about it.  I believe it requires total respect, and when I see, or get the impression it is becoming a competition, it bothers me. I can’t recite one passage out of the Good Book, it doesn’t make me a lesser person, but I have a good understanding, which I respect and live by.  People think, that things that happen to them come from nowhere, but in reality it is the “result” of the “choices” we have made.  We were given free will and free conscience, and it was up to us to use it wisely, but some of us didn’t, and the result are simple, cause and effect.  Some of us that have fallen, get the strength to pull their selves out that hole, and are proud to have been given a second chance. But you must understand, you did it to yourself, no one else did it. And it is good that people find God and clean up their act, which is a great thing and accomplishment.  But “God” and “any” religion needs to be discussed with respect, when it appear become a competition it is just not right.  There is nothing wrong with discussions about religions and God, as long as it is done like adults, with respect to God and religion and to one another.  It don’t matter whether you have read the Good Book or not, it does not make you better, than the next person, I am sure Satan has read it too.