Thanks to everyone for your thoughts...

Here are my thoughts [2008-12-01]
Health insurance that doesn't include dental or vision - They're all from the same body, right? No insurance if you have a pre-existing condition. I second the one about the huge salaries and bonuses for CEO's that they get even when they are fired as their companies are failing. Gas prices that go up faster when the oil prices go up than they get lower when the gas prices go down. Shows on Bravo about the Real Housewives, million dollar listings, and ridiculously expensive vacations with people behaving like spoiled brats, when our economy is so bad.

Ideas . . . thoughts on this? [2008-10-31]
Good afternoon, I am hopeful someone here can answer my question. Does anyone here type for a pediatrician? I was wondering . . . if a child bent all four fingers in a backwards position, would this action cause a lump to form on the back of the hand? Why do I ask? Well my daughter (in first grade) came home from school with a lump on the back of her tiny hand. At first she did not tell me what happened, but it has since come out that the bully in the class bent her fingers backwards. I I had planned to take her to our doctor to have it checked out, but today the lump is gone. I wrote a note to the school teacher asking that this child (the bully) be kept away from my daughter—now there seems to be this big coverup. This little boy was always in trouble in kindergarten and he was known to throw chairs etc.. .. you name it. As a matter of fact the kindergarten teacher couldn My daughter told me that when this finger bending/spitting occurred that her music teacher sent the boy to the office for punishment . . . now the school claims he was never sent to the office, like this never occurred. And no, I wasn Also, I should mention other parents found out there were coverups over bad behavior when this boy was in kindergarten. What should I do? Would a lump result from this type of bending of the hand? I guess I have to wire my daughter to find out what is going on in the classroom. Any suggestions or answers?

My thoughts sm [2008-10-27]
I have seen corsages made of baby ruffled baby socks, which is not practical for a baby boy. I have seen where people make a christening bonnet out of a lovely antique handkerchief without cutting it at all so it stays a handkerchief that is later carried on her wedding day. Again, not practical for a baby boy really. I like your ideas. I'll share mom's favorite baby shower party favor: Pacifiers made of a mint lifesaver, a Necco candy and a jelly bean. She held them together with stiff frosting and they took a couple of days to make with drying time. These were part of other favors she didn't make, like triangles of flannel made into a diaper shape, pinned and dipped in wax so they held their shape for nut cups and baby bottles without the nipples, but with a straw for drinks. It is a very 50s and 60s thing, but then that is when my mom and her friends were having babies. I'll be remembering the blanket wrapping idea. Thought of a gift certificate to like JCPenney's Pixie Pinups photography? That is different at least.

Thoughts on being gay [2008-10-17]
I don't have time to read all the posts now, but I did see that someone feels being gay is a sin. Okay, so it is obvious a man and women being together is the original intent ... so is having both arms and legs, being born healthy in every way, etc. Things happen. No one turns out perfectly. Sure there are some people who engage in homosexual sexual behavior just acting out sexually (and I'm sure they engage in all kinds of odd heterosexual sex activity as well). That is not being gay. I believe that true homosexuality is a deviation in the intended normalcy (whether triggered by hormones in the womb or whatever) and is not a sin. It is a fact of life that happens. Just like people whose brain feels the opposite sex of their physical self, people who are physically born both sexes, and any other deviation from the perfect normal of human beings. Whatever sex you are (if you are heterosexual) ... imagine that normal is to be with that SAME sex; however, you feel as you do now ... drawn to the opposite sex. How would you like having to make yourself be with the same sex because the other is looked at as sin and you would be ridiculed and acused of going against God if you didn't?! Humans were the ones who wrote the Bible. Those humans were flawed, lived a long time ago when they didn't understand much of what we do now (about so many things), and there were control and political issues also involved. Come on! Take a look at our society now (and our politics). You can't tell me you can't see how BS is mixed up in there. ? Jesus, himself, hated the bu!!$#i+ and was all about love and what REALLY matters.

Thoughts [2008-10-10]
Ithe one and marriage being FOREVER if it is the right person. My parents never had any problems and if he was still alive, they would still be married. No, I don't want to see my mother lonely but she could have friends without being married and giving me a stepfather replacement. I'm not saying I would be rude to this new person, but I would keep my distance and make it known that I don't agree with the marriage. Just trying to provide a different point of view. I'm sorry you are going through this...like I said I would never be rude because its not the stepparents fault but I can understand where the difficult feelings would come in for a child with a deceased parent...even an adult.

Some thoughts for all [2008-09-17]
Sometimes when someone is saying things that arenWhat it is you are saying? Or I (in a pleasant, sincere tone of course) the person has to stop and think of what they ARE actually saying, and they get a little mirror glimpse of how they are actually coming across (not making sense, not being fair/nice, or whatever.) The hubby who has not had a job in so long (if I understood properly) ... sounds like he is just kidding himself (or trying to distract you) with all his talk about what he is going to do next. It is not good for you OR him to be allowed to continue on that way. And to those who have to keep their mouth shut so not to be slammed. Not fair, and life is too short. Get some counseling for yourself and don't live that way. Connection is the most important thing for people (and all living creatures). You should not be deprived of a decent, loving connection. You can't make someone else behave differently, but you can learn to NOT tolerate it. They will either get help and make changes or you can move forward with a life that is better for you. People will often get away with what they can!

thoughts?... [2008-09-04]
The only thing I think when I see anything about this story ~ and I haven I hope I I remember following the Susan Smith case when those sweet boys first disappeared and I thought in my heart of hearts that they would be okay. I guess that sort of jaded me for everything that has come along since. The Elizabeth Smart case certainly turned out better than I expected, though.

My thoughts [2008-09-04]
It literally makes me ill to think of what has happened to her and that there is actually a human being on this planet that would do such a thing. I do believe she is guilty. I don't think many people have any doubt about that. Just trying to understand why someone would harm her and what was going through their minds at the exact time they were doing this. I can't understand it. I remember years ago that Susan Smith (think that's her name) some other poster mentioned her, but I remember when that happened I thought if parents can't handle having kids don't they know how many people would love to have kids. I thought if you can't take having kids anymore then please bring them to a shelter so they will be safe and other families who cannot have children (like me) would be able to adopt these. I don't get why people don't do that. We read and hear on the TV all these very strange things happened. Seeing as I type all day DH reads news and stuff and tells me bout these cases. Some young guy was driving down the road pulled over took his infant son out of the car and either beat him or just killed him. Someone saw this and the guy was saying something about the kid being posessed by satan. Another case some guy through his child off a bridge, some lady drowned her five children, and the latest DH told me about was some guy who was let out of some psychiatric hospital (I think), but went on a killing rampage. Walked into a store and shot a bunch of people, went somewhere else and shot some people, killed a P.O. and others. To bring it back to the story of Casey Anthony and what her mother has done (or not done maybe), but with all the very weird things going on does anyone have any idea why these things are happening. I sit here as a regular person wondering what is happening in the country. I've lived in other countries and sure they have crimes but not like here (as many or as horrendous). Is something going on that we don't know about. I read about the chem trails and wonder what in the world is in the poison that they are pouring on is. Is this what is making some people to absolutely lose their minds. What is wrong with our society.

thoughts...? sad and disgusting [2008-09-03]
troublesome, awful...

My thoughts [2008-08-04]
I would also contact any local all-breed rescues you have (and there are several down your way) or at least look at their web sites to see if any are taking fosters for military pets. This is a huge issue -- I know for a fact that across the country, the German Shepherd community has been advocating for fosters specifically for military members. It is heartbreaking to know thatservicemen and women are being forced to give up their pets, sometimes permanently, because they are out of options. Oftentimes, they makeplansfor their pets, but then are deployed with virtually no notice or their length of deployment changesand the plan is screwed up. I do not know of any professional pet sittersthat are taking military pets. Iapplaud fosters everywherefor their stepping up for the pets and in support of our servicemen and women. Ilarge breed rescue/rehabup North,but I know for a fact there are a lot of great people in the states you mentioned who work really hard on animal issues. If I see anything with potential on the boards I visit, I will pass along to you via a message here, if you

Some thoughts from a daughter of a permissive mother [2008-07-16]
Do not be permissive, not about the drinking, not about the unknown friends, etc. Take it from someone who had a permissive mother. My friends all thought I had it made when I was a teenager. I smoked and drank and my mother looked the other way. I went where I wanted when I wanted and had no parents tracking me down. What everyone didn anger is power. Your daughter should NOT be more powerful than you. Also, you really should tell her father. He has a right to know.

A few thoughts [2008-07-16]
This is a difficult time when your daughter is trying to become her own person. Unfortunately, she is young and doesn't understand how to do it properly ... we have all been there in some way (and still are in many ways!). :) It's not good to go too far to either side (too permissive or too strict). - Maybe you could talk with her and tell her you understand she needs to become more of her own person and help her to feel she has some choice in her decisions (without letting it get out of hand). As far as the threat to leave home. I would tell her that you seriously hopes she does not make that choice and that the consequences will likely not be the thrill she is anticipating. If you had any similar issues in your own teenage years, maybe you could share them with her. Also point out that you love, care, and worry about her and ask her if she would be concerned about you if you started behaving in an unhealthy, dangerous way (and name some specifics) so she can put herself in the other position for better understanding. Maybe you could speak with a professional for some guidance. As far as the father part, I get it. My ex-husband was a drama king and viewed things very differently than I did. It was usually of no benefit (and often made things even worse) when I tried to discuss anything of importance with him. You will have to use your own judgment there (and, again, maybe some professional help). I had two daughters. Luckily they were mild compared to many, but even they went through things that concerned me ... and I'm sure there are still things I don't know! (There always is.) Try to think of ways that will feel like freedom for her but not dangerous ... for instance, maybe the curfew time. Maybe you can cut her some slack in that area (even for a couple days out of 7) but tell her that if she abuses her privileges, she will lose them and that is her choice from there. Also, whatever conclusions you do come to (after careful thought), stick with them so she knows you mean what you say ... and you expect her to mean what she says. Remember that she will fight harder at first. They always do. :) I'm certainly no expert ... just some thoughts.

couple of thoughts... [2008-07-16]
In no way judging you... I have 3 teenagers andnone of them demand anything -- they know they enjoy the priveleges they have as long as they show a solid record of making good choices. If they doncell phones, driving cars, privacy, etc. Possiblyyou might be a bit more afraid of husbandthan your daugthter is? If you A united front with both parents in agreement would be a good approach. Her moral compass needs some adjustment from the both of you. You don Best of luck!

My thoughts [2008-06-18]
I I think that a wedding shower is generally geared towards the bride. Therefore, if this is her first wedding and not the groom If it is the bride If sheno gifts. However, it sounds from your post, that she It would seem to me that she I don I also have 3 kids and only had a baby shower for the first one; although, I have to say that I In those cases, I usually bring a small gift - diapers or an outfit and a gift for the big brother/sister.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts... [2008-06-16]
I knew you were a great, animal-loving bunch. I have found myself doing things as always, like making sure hesinkall over again, but I know it will get better. Thanks again.

thoughts [2008-04-25]
He can't understand what you did simply because he isn't a parent yet. He will probably still be mad about it for some time, regardless of whether he needed it or not. Someday when he is a parent he will understand why you took him, but probably not before then. I think you did the right thing. In cases like that you just have to assume the worst and go from there. You would have never forgiven yourself if you hadn't taken him and then something terrible happened. He may never want to tell you what he and the therapist talk about, and that's okay. I'm sure you're just dying of curiosity, but not much you can do about it. He has to know that what he says won't be revealed unless he wants it to or he won't open up.

Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. SM [2008-04-23]
I hope your son realizes we all make mistakes (including him) and that he finds it in his heart to forgive. Your grandchildren need to know you and vice versa. I truly hope it all works out for you. My dad and I were estranged even after I repeatedly attempted to reconcile and he died without ever meeting my children. So sad.

sending positive thoughts [2008-04-23]
Hope everything works out for you. . My brother and his daughter have barely spoken to each other for over 12 years. . He now has 2 grandchildren. . I hope he will make that same first step you are making to mend fences. . Life is short - it's time for you to enjoy your grandchildren!

Hugs and good thoughts are being sent your way! nm [2008-04-10]
!

Has anyone had LASIK eye surgery? If so, can you share your thoughts. Thanks [2008-03-09]
.

Some thoughts for you - [2008-03-07]
I was not attracted to my husband at all when I met him. We devolped a friendship that grew over time and THEN I found myself very attracted to him. Still am after all these years. We are about to celebrate 25 years of marriage. I am SO glad I did not brush him aside because I did not feel instant attraction to him. Just something to think about!

Thanks for your thoughts. Definitely not best for us, but [2008-02-07]
when she looks at me with her BIG eyes I think she is telling me to let her go. The problem is, she keeps on purring. That is the hardest. I am trying to hold her as much as possible today but that makes it even harder.

Thanks for your thoughts. I guess may be by her purring [2008-02-07]
she is trying to tell me she is okay and for us not to be so sad. I do not think she is in any pain, but I do not want her to get to that point either. The tumor she has is huge, so eventually it will cause her some pain. The sun is shining today so she can enjoy the rest of her day laying in the sun, which is what she loves to do. I would always call her to tell her the sunshine was out and she would come running into our den. That is where she is now with her toys and blanket I will be wrapping her up in later today. Gotta go now. The tears are a flowing now.

Thank you for your thoughts. I am sorry for your losses also. [2008-02-07]
I know I am not the only one that has gone through this before and it is a comfort to hear from others. I have been crying on and off all day and just sat with my cat in the sunshine for a few minutes. I will spend a few more hours with her later. What I think will be comforting is that I also have a stray cat, who has been around my house for years now. I have named him Chester and he comes into my washer and dryer area where I feed him and he has a blanket for a bed. He stays in all day and goes out at night. I talk to him and he talks back. LOL. He will be my comfort for the next few days as will my family.

Sorry for your loss too and thank you for your thoughts. [2008-02-07]
Yes, I am glad I have a nice area to bury her in by garden. I have a nice bench, as I said, so I can sit back there and visit with her.

This shows what one person, acting [2008-11-29]
upon their thoughts, can do. Look how many lives were touched and the day made special. thanks for sharing.

401K contributions [2008-11-23]
WIth all this talk about losing money in our 401K did anyone stop making contributions to their 401K? I Thoughts?

Do you think cures are really hidden from us? [2008-11-22]
I used to think this was silly when people thought this, but as I've seen things happen in my own life and look around at our world, I think this could be true. For example, I have used several products that are not FDA approved and they work better than most things my doctor's pills didn't cure. I used a salve to cure my skin cancer when doctors didn't get it twice with surgery. I used the itworkspaste to remove my moles, skin tags and warts. I use sota instruments who bob beck recommended on youtube as the device of the future which fights all viruses and bacteria. I've seen it get rid of my moms bronchitis, my dogs paw infection, my sons mono, my flus, etc. I asked the cancer salve people why this wasncause it and if the pharmaceuticals can't get money from it, then most likely you won't see it FDA approved unless you had millions of dollars. And if the FDA cared so much about us, why in the world would we allow cigarettes to be legal? Think about it...the cigarettes keep you hooked, you get cancer, then go through the hoop of chemo. You become a great high paying customer. What are your thoughts on it. And, have you ever used a product that is not FDA that you swear by? Please share...thank you!

Has our country taken a turn for the ... [2008-11-21]
Our once great country, I afraid, has just turned a corner for the worse. I have watched as the mentality of our country has gone from setting your mind to something, working hard, and you can accomplish it to giving up, sitting back, and letting somebody else take care of them. I was brought up, as many were, with a good work ethic that was instilled in us by our parents. With the idea that if you want something you had to work for it, and by working for something you learned quickly the difference between wants and needs. There were always incentives for a person to strive to better themselves. Whether it were financial incentives, or just the pride you gained in knowing that you did something yourself, it didn’t matter. I wasn’t long ago that people had that “small town” mentality, and everybody knew their neighbors. And those neighbors helped each other out, in any situation, it was just what you did. And people were so proud that some times help would have to be disguised, you remember the lines like..”Mom made more stew than we could eat, could you help us out by taking it so that it doesn’t go to waste?” But, somewhere along the line those thoughts of some (I guess now the majority) have changed. Some how, if somebody works hard to gain something others feel entitled to have the same things, even if they didn’t have to go through the struggle to earn it. Some how, things like big screen TVs, cell phones, and shiny new cars have wrongly slipped from the “wants” list to the “needs” list. Somewhere the incentives to strive for betterment have been replaced by incentives to be lazy. The easy way out and hand outs are now the norm. The feeling of pride about being self sufficient is supposed to be replaced by guilt for having more than others. The “small town” mentality is gone and our neighbors have turned into strangers. People no longer help out their neighbors or even themselves, instead they sit and wait for the government to come solve things for them. And when help does come they complain that the help wasn’t good enough or didn’t come fast enough, the pride is gone. Well, I refuse to think that way, my small town roots and work ethic runs to deep. I refuse to let somebody take care of me while I am willing and able to take care of myself. I will continue to meet and know my neighbors and help them out when they need it. I will continue to work hard to take care of my needs and by doing so, my wants will take care of themselves. I will continue to volunteer for things and give to charities of my choice regardless of what the government wants to take away from me and give to the undeserving. My hope is to change the thinking back to the way it was. The sun will rise again tomorrow, I’ll keep doing what I do, and this country can be great again….at least in my little corner of it…

I am so sorry for your loss. sm [2008-11-17]
It is never easy to go down that road, at any time, let alone after 22 years. I hope your Fred had a good, long life. My 4 cats and I will keep you in our thoughts.

Need some advice on an old friendship -- [2008-11-16]
I got divorced 7 years ago. Started out as a friendly divorce and then I started dating a man that my ex did not like (because he is black) and we quit speaking at all. Then, one of my very good friends started backing off from the friendship andI thought it was because I was openly dating a black man. Well, 4 months later, I heard that she was dating my exhusband. I called her and asked her about it and of course she denied it, could not believe I accused her of that, she would never do that to me..... on and onand on. To make a long story short, of course 2 months later I found out it was true, they had bee seeing each other for about 6 or 7 months. Anyway, during that time period after I knew that they were together but before they broke up, I would call her occasionally if I needed information on my son (who lived with his dad and would not speak to me at that time becaue of brainwashing) and we stayed friendly on the phone, felt like old times, etc. Then they broke up and now occasionally I get the urge to call her or she will call me for something, and it is like nothing ever happened. We laugh and cut up and it I have some thoughts though about when it really started, before we were even divorcing or during the divorce, and then sometimes I get really mad because she lied to me in the first place and let me keep trying to have a friendship, and then sometimes I miss her and think it does not matter because we were divorced and he was free and I definitely did not want him back. My problem is what to do? Forgive her and forget her... forgive her and be friends again... ask her the questions I need answers to and then decide whether to be friends??? And the other big problem is my new husband gets very upset every time I even speak to her because she did thatto me when she was my friend and he says you never go behind friends to their love interests. Advice please....

Yes, I did (and still do) want your opinion [2008-11-07]
Thank you for posting! I did not expect that everyone would agree with me. As an MT, I respect the thoughts and feelings of my fellow MTs and enjoy many of the discussions on this board, both those relating to the medical field and otherwise. I was really hoping for more of a response, from either side of the issue. There is a pill form (synthetic THC) called Marinol, but from what I understand it is not as effective and/or has adverse side effects (I know, smoking it has adverse side effects too). I have also heard about the possibility of vaporizing it rather than smoking it, but I don't know a lot about how that compares. There have been some studies done in regards to driver impairment issue and, to a degree, I believe that it has been found much safer than driving under the influence of alcohol. Apparently pot smokers tend to slow down and drive more carefully, whereas drunk folks oftentimes donto a degree, I believe there has been some delayed reaction or other adverse findings associated with a significantly high level in the blood. I know I have a lot more to say about this, but just realized I have to leave in four minutes to pick up my son and I am not ready to go, but thanks again for posting!

Thank you! [2008-11-04]
Thank you for your thoughts and ideas. I agree with you. Unfortunately, I think the school adminstrater is part of the problem. She has gotten kicked out of several schools and let boys beat up a girl on the playground not too long ago. She sits by and does nothing or covers it up!

Fist anniversary confusion...sm [2008-10-31]
Me and my husband's 1st anniversary is coming up on December 15th. I want to do something special, i.e. mini-vacation, fancy dinner at home, dancing, etc. I can't decide on what we should do. Can any of you give me thoughts or ideas or even examples of what you did on your 1st anniversary? Any suggestions helpful and welcome!!! THANKS

The Shack [2008-10-26]
My husband and I have both read The Shack. It is a WONDERFUL book! And yes, I agree, it is lifechanging. Have you finished it? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

No I haven't finished it yet, but I will ...sm [2008-10-26]
post my thoughts when I do.

I'm so sorry to hear about your baby. sm [2008-10-24]
No words can help you get over your loss, but know that I feel your pain. I have three bassetts, they are older, and no matter how long you've had a baby, it's sad to lose any pet. You are in my thoughts. You did the right thing.

The Love Dare [2008-10-23]
Thanks for the post on here about Fireproof! I saw the movie it was GREAT! moved me to tears!!! I didnThe Love Dare till I looked it up on the Internet! I am definitely buying that book! Has anybody read the book??? let me know your thoughts on it please

so sorry [2008-10-21]
I feel so bad for you that you have to deal with this. You just have to protect your kids, you are doing the right thing. I hope your kids have other grandparents. I want to tell you not to feel bad, but how can you not just be hurt by having to protect your kids from your own mother. My thoughts are with you.

Thanks everyone!...sm [2008-10-19]
I appreciate your thoughts/ideas.

Talking with a nonChristian about Jesus [2008-10-17]
I have been reading this and I just wanted to offer a few thoughts: 1) No, you cannot go up to someone and say YOU ARE A SINNER! REPENT and expect a positive reaction. I think that God will give you opportunities to talk to people. When those opportunities arise, you ask for their permission to speak with them about it. If they say no, you drop it. I believe that God will open the hearts of those who are ready to hear it. If they do give you permission, you donYOU are a sinner because I saw YOU lying to so and so, I heard that YOU were sleeping with so and so and you At the moment of witnessing to someone, you better believe Satan is standing right there waiting for you to slip up so he can turn it against you. I think a better thing would be to say Well God tells us in the Bible that WE are ALL sinners no matter what we do. That is why we need Jesus. 2) Back you're claims up with Bible verses. That way no one thinks you are saying this in you're own words. Some good Scripture for witnessing: Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:3 - Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. These are just some to get you started. If the person you are talking to has opened their heart to hearing you, I doubt they won't want to hear the verses. 3) If you get a positive reaction, don't leave them to figure out the rest by themselves. Support them, invite them to church, introduced them to other loving Christians. Look, our nation is at war, but we are in a much bigger war. Satan is wreaking havoc in our nation and for to long we have sat by and let him. But just because the situation is dire does not mean we can just stand on our soap boxes and start proclaiming out loud that everyone is a sinner and they must all repent now. It requires personal connections with people. All throughout the Bible you read about Jesus having a personal connection. He spoke to people one on one. He allowed them to discuss the issue with Him, to question Him. One of his disciples even doubted Him! I know many of us, myself included, probably questioned all the way up to the aisle before we gave our lives over to Him. It is our nature to do so. As much as we all pray for a revival in this nation and in our churches, I doubt it will happen. Any of you who have studied and believe in the Bible know the time is drawing near. It is also said that every nation will turn against us before He comes. It's time to come together and be ready to support one another, because times are going to get tough. If you are sitting on the fence, you better choose a side, because Satan owns that fence. Call me crazy, call me fanatical. But I KNOW that my Lord is the living Christ, and I know that he will come back, and I am much more concerned about what He thinks about me then what YOU think about me! :) True Christians love everyone. We just hate sin. I hate that I sin everyday. But I thank God that I can ask for forgiveness and He gives it. All this mess about oh you Christians hate gay people, hate abortion supporters, hate blacks, etc is simply not true. I have friends who are gay. I love them just as much as I love my Christian brothers and sisters. I just don't love the sin. Abortion is a sin. And I'm not sure why you say we hate black people unless you're saying it's because we don't vote for Obama, but black is just another color and Jesus doesn't pay attention to color, therefore neither should we, and I believe most of us don't. The ones that do are sinning and will have to ask for forgiveness. If anyone is seriously interested in discussing this or just wants to talk, please email me. If you just want to be hateful and bash, please, just save it.

What about [2008-10-17]
all the people who believe in another book (like those in the middle east)? They believe what they were taught just as firmly as those who believe in the Bible. I don't think the bible is word for word God's word or completely literal. I used to believe that. Now I feel that if we are really honest and open minded, we will get closer to the real truth. I think the Ten Commandments are great and Jesus' words and example. If everyone would live by this, no one can deny the world would be a great place. I think one has to examine the whole shebang. We are not as informed as we think we are. I will check over the website you suggested. I am in my quest for understanding life, how we got here, and what it is all about. For some time now it doesn't really make a lot of sense to me (even the whole food chain makes me ill). Frankly, I don't understand why God doesn't make it completely obvious to everyone (what the truth really is). You would say that he has, but that is because you are coming from the assumption that the Bible is true. It should be an innate knowledge (or something). That would NOT be denying people free will as some would say. One would still have the choice to love God and live for him or not. I'm guessing you think what others believe is ridiculous and obviously false, but they see you the same way. Thanks for the link. I will let you know my thoughts. :)

my sin. here we go.. is there enough room? [2008-10-16]
I lie, I covet, I am jealous, I sometimes swear when I am alone, I have stolen when I was younger, I have anger and lash out, I am moody, I am materialistic, I feel hatred sometimes, I have used God I am a sinner. But thankfully for me, what separates me from my sin is Jesus and his death. Since I took his gift of salvation, I am free of my sin. I can be forgiven, it doesnt all stay on top of me. I will be sinless when I stand before God. So everyone sins and telling someone they have sinned is not being judgmental because you are also a sinner. Being judgmental would be pointing out someone As Christians we are supposed to tell others about God and what he expects, his love, his rules and all of that. You dont just preach a message of love and tolerance or you are only giving half the story. There is no accountability in that.

sorry for confusion [2008-10-15]
i have no particular thoughts about accutane, but this and the antibiotics have not worked and they keep pumping antibiotics into her. i think she needs a doctor with something else to offer.

Thanks for all your answers... [2008-10-09]
In response to some of your thoughts, he and I will never have kids together. We both had our own kids before we got together and neither desire to have any more - and yes, she is the baby. She does not accept me because her mother teaches her that I broke her family up (which is way off from being anywhere near the truth). I know it is not going to change and in fact, he is so mad at me about it right now that he has now been gone for 7 hours and who knows how long before he will calm down enough to come back home. I don't know if I can live with it anymore. I have tried talking to him at a neutral time, but he still thinks I am picking on his child and that I am just jealous and selfish because I should understand that he is just trying to make sure she knows he loves her. The sad part is, everybody sees how spoiled and manipulative she is, but him. His friendcheer when she is picked up from after school because she is leaving... and when you point it out to him (not in detail about nobody liking her), he just says she has had a hard life and he knows she's mean. Duhh, then take care of the problem!!!

You're right, quirks do not = affairs but [2008-10-07]
I'm certainly not saying he is but poster does say the house is very busy and sometimes as wives, we tend to be so busy, we at first don't see these things as pointing toward anything like an affair. Now, maybe he's not and maybe he is just hard of hearing, which too can explain his agitation when she has to repeat stuff to him and he sees her frustration as well. But, if henot listening takes place. Been there myself and it did start just like that. He was so preoccupied with his thoughts he didn't care about anything else and did get agitated/angry at me if I had to repeat or ask him something. Poster just needs to re-evaluate where he is at and when and if his routine has changed. Just don't be blind!

Something is amiss with husband [2008-10-06]
Been married over 10 years. Over the past year he has changed. He is in his mid 40s, active, excellent health. In the past year I would say that about 90% of the time he just does not listen to me. I end up repeating thoughts/sentences up to 3 times within about a 4 minute time span and then I say I I Then he gets angry and is already quite aggressive and bullying at his baseline. Other women laugh and say, well, that But this is quite serious as sometimes it has major consequences like he doesn He is disrespectful in other ways too. My question is, WHAT can I possibly do to make him start listening. I have thought of just not talking at all for about 3 days but that is impossible in a busy household. I have tried saying from now on I am only to tell you things once and that Doesn Please help -- any suggestions?

I have often been accused of [2008-10-06]
not listening to my husband. He gets so irritated with me. Let me give you my take. I have anxiety and often have so much going on in my head that I don Ask him if he has a lot of thoughts going on in his head. Maybe a different perspective.

I have often been accused of [2008-10-06]
not listening to my husband. He gets so irritated with me. Let me give you my take. I have anxiety and often have so much going on in my head that I don Ask him if he has a lot of thoughts going on in his head. Maybe a different perspective.

We are triplets!!! [2008-09-26]
You both sound so familiar and have expressed the thoughts I have every day. I am the main breadwinner also so I wonder all the time, WHY am I still with this man other than because of our 7 year old?! If anything were to happen, I will never - repeat NEVER get married again. Don't get me wrong, most of my friends are male (note: less drama) and they are great to hang out with but not for any type of commitment!! I will grow old and travel and play shuffleboard on cruise ships with my friends and am looking forward to the time when that comes around! :)