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Where Is My Future Husband

On 1/16/09, Corlynn shared the most excellent opinion. Your job is NOT to find a husband. According to scripture, it is a MAN who (looks for and) finds a wife. Until you are "found", you may want to spend time in preparation. As any married person will tell you, marriage is more than love and companionship, but it is work...HARD work. Study everything that the bible teaches about love and about marriage such as practicing selflessness, submission, sacrifice and servitude. Also, cherish this time to work on becoming the best that you can be and in deepening your relationship with the Father.

Want A Marriage Union

I support your decision, which is perfectly legal AND biblical, by the way, with one little caveat... There may be legal ramifications in your pastor performing such a ceremony. In most states (if not all) if your pastor is licensed by your state to officiate legal marriages, he CANNOT, then, ONLY perform a "marriage union". Upon becoming an agent of the state, he agreed to ONLY officiate legal marriage on the government's behalf. He cannot now do one if the couple has not been granted permission (i.e. a license) by the state first. His license to perform future legal marriages may be taken and he can be prosecuted for breaching his contract.

Cyber Churches Gaining

Great points and thanks to all for sharing your opinions. As the world changes and technology advances, I'm sure conversations like these will become more commonplace. You all have made some very good points for both sides of the argument. The_Friendly_Blogger, your suggestion is very similar to where my question stems. I read a CNN article about of churches doing some of these things, which is deemed controversial, and is the reason I asked the group. I recall reading about a man in another country (can't recall where) that attends an American church service online as there is no fellowship in his area. This, I think, is a fine example of the up side of the issue.

Want To Throw My Son Out

Yes, Donna, transitioning generally works well. That was my entire point. The military is even considered a transition process, because it offers support and growth opportunities while, at the same time, limiting one's chances of failure. Throwing someone out, especially someone who has "just" turned 18, does just the opposite. Were he prepared for a move, I doubt the original poster would have even asked for advice. My sincerest hope for this family is that they were able to help the young man make a transition toward moving out and did not "throw him out" like the step-father wanted to do.

Want To Throw My Son Out

There's a difference btwn helping a person transition out & abruptly putting him out. The law says a person is grown at 18, but a mother's heart isn't as rigid. If she knows her son is ill-prepared to take complete care of herself yet, it's not easy to push him out. Doing so can place him at risk. Room won't permit, but I can post several examples. The fact that this is his stepfather makes it especially hard to call (a lot of possibilities there!). I believe a spouse comes first, but this goes both ways. Perhaps her husband can extend some sacrificial support to his wife, understand the stressful choice he's placed before her & agree to an alternate plan to make it easier on her.

Churches That Help The Poor

Steveng, good question and one we should ask ourselves often. I strongly believe in BEING the church, not just going to church. This is why it was important to my husband and me that, if we are going to be a part of an organized church, it needs to be one that shares our philosophy of giving, sharing and helping. Something I'm frustrated w/now is human trafficking. I don't want to only give money and raise awareness, which are important efforts, but I want to do more. Ditto with rape used as a weapon of war in the Congo and Sudan. Sadly, there are times when awareness campaigns and fund raising, though helpful, still leaves you feeling pretty helpless.

Churches That Help The Poor

Steveng, I'm glad you survived homelessness, but I'm sorry local churches didn't help. That's actually why we left our last church. The pastor and his inner circle benefitted from the church, while the surrounding community was plagued with poverty, addiction, etc. There wasn't a single outreach effort to minister to them and, when we (members) tried to initiate outreach efforts, we were met with resistance or put on perpetual hold. There were even a few very faithful members who needed help and no one lifted a finger. One of our primary reasons for selecting the church we now attend is based on what they do for the community (i.e. non-members). No one is forced to become a member to get help and there are plenty of services offered with love.

Churches That Help The Poor

We operate a food kitchen (that also supplies toiletries, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, etc. for at least 6 mos.), we partner w/a ministry working to free victims of human trafficking, we provide a sit-down thanksgiving feast for the community (including delivering meals to the sick and elderly who cannot attend in person), we help provide clothing and basic needs for families affected by AIDS/HIV, we provide free Christian entertainment, we provide free addiction recovery support, we distribute school supplies, toys and clothing to low income children in the U.S. and Mexico, we provide scholarships for college students, we assist the families of military soldiers, we help with job assistance, resume/interview assistance, etc.

Is Islam The AntiChrist's Religion

Donna, I'm not here to complain, only to share facts. America is not without sin. When one goes by hearsay, or randomly picks a sura, but hasn't studied the Quran and the context intended for certain verses... or when one twists its words to suit an agenda (as extremists do), then, yes, it appears to be anti-Christ. But, like verses in the Bible's OT, which can appear quite violent toward others, when studied in context, they are better understood. Fact is the Quran esteems Isa (Jesus) as Messiah, as righteous, as the Word of God, the Word of Truth, etc. He is given special reverence and it is taught He will return on Judgment Day. Real Muslims love Him as the Quran teaches. Hardly Anti-Christ.

How Has God Blessed You

He has blessed me by allowing me to know His truth, by forgiving me of my sins, by allowing me to be a blessing to others, by keeping me in my right mind, by teaching me how to love, by allowing me to travel to different parts of the world & experience His creation, by blessing me with a loving family who also loves Him, by taking care of my every need, by allowing me good health, by giving me a nice home, by giving me 2 perfect cats, by giving me God-fearing friends, by hearing my prayers and providing me comfort, by leading me to a giving church and by revealing Himself to me in the most wondrous ways.

Is Islam The AntiChrist's Religion

Donna, Christian Americans have done horrible acts as well -- and have twisted religion to justify their immoral behavior. We need look no further than American slavery for evidence. We also routinely ignore pleas for help when there's nothing in it for us. Genocide in the Sudan, D.R. Congo and Tibet tell us that the "what's in it for me" rule is in full effect. I'm not here to debate which acts outweigh others, only to answer Pastor Jim's question. Facts are facts, whether we accept them or not. I'm currently reading a book written by an evangelical on, among other things, the common ground between Christians and Muslims. Anyone, from either side, longing for peace would do well to at least consider that there is such a thing.

Want To Throw My Son Out
	Being tossed out at barely 18 years old is a tough start. Particularly in this economic climate. However, I see that your original blog is 2 years old. I'd be interested in hearing how your situation turned out. Hopefully, there was a peaceful solution.

Is Islam The AntiChrist's Religion

Pastor Jim, many Africans enslaved in America were Muslim. Albeit involuntary, they were the first major workforce that labored to build this country. It was a Muslim country, Morocco, that first recognized the U.S. as a country during our infancy, thus sparking our credibility worldwide. Today, thousands of Muslim women and men are serving in America's armed forces protecting this country. Muslim scientists, doctors, architects, inventors and other professionals have also made positive contributions. Historically, Muslim countries, such as Iran and Pakistan, have volunteered as allies to this country and have stood with us against our political enemies. Countries like Saudi Arabia have made enormous financial investments in the U.S. too.

Out Of Wedlocks Go To Heaven

Alan, you are right. Whomever taught her to believe that is the one who attempted the discrediting. As to your question, I'm not sure why this is so, but I wish they'd cut it out. Mima, I'm glad the mother prayed with you. Her friend may not have prayed at that exact moment, but you have planted a seed and I'm confident that both of them (and the woman's children) are one step closer to Him because of how you allowed Him to work through you.

Out Of Wedlocks Go To Heaven

My opinion is that this woman just discredited the sacrifice that the Messiah made on our behalf. She is essentially saying that she is not forgiven by the cross. I wonder what her response would be if asked, "So, then, our Savior died in vain? He didn't "really" save us after all?" I hope you offered her the truth and I pray that her heart is open to receiving it. It is sad that some are taught to believe otherwise.

Responsible For Blog Comments

1.) Messiah taught that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks and that we will give account for every idle word we speak. (see Matthew chapter 12:34-37). I would assume this means we will be held accountable for the words we write, too. ,) 2.) It would be nice if we all had an informed opinion, but that's not a requirement for having an opinion. Everyone's got one, whether informed or not. 3.) Do I care? Yes.

Reasons To Submit To Husband
	Because scripture recommends doing so. Also, because it promotes order in the home and the family, as well as peace and balance. It can relieve stress and can enhance a marriage. A wife submitting to her husband is a display of trust, confidence and support. For some, it is a voluntary expression of love.

Spanking Young Teenage Girl

The fact that "some people are telling" you that spanking your young teenage daughter is inappropriate is an eyebrow raising statement in and of itself. I commend you for coming here and asking for the opinions of Believers. However, I'm assuming people who are labeling this as inappropriate know you and your daughter, as well as know "how" you are spanking her. It is my guess that they are witnessing something that we're not privy to. It is good that you are second-guessing your actions...this shows that you are open to self-examination and correction. Perhaps it is time to change your methods of discipline. What was appropriate when she was younger may be seen as something entirely different now.

Lack Of Physical And Emotions

Go to our Father and talk to Him about it. Also, let your husband know what you like and what kind of marriage you want to have, but do not badger him to change. Instead, change the way that you look at the situation. Does he treat you well? Value your thoughts? Provide for your household? Support your dreams? Focus on all of these things while letting him know how much he is appreciated. A perfect marriage isn't automatic, but it takes work, prayer and change (on both the part of both spouses). It may help you, too, to stop "wanting" him to change (which further contributes to your discomfort), but accept him as he is right now and trust God to develop you both into spouses that are a perfect fit for each other. Be patient and kind!