Need Christian input ok? Please read now...

Susie Q · 03-20-2008, 11:35 AM

Hi guys...I really want your opinion...I apologize if this offends anybody. This is an awkward situation. My husband had some friends when we got married who only have the outdoors in common with us...camping and everything else. He's been friends with the guy for a long time. And they are nice people don't get me wrong, however, that's the only thing we have in common.Everything else is weird. The political views are opposite, their belief system is atheist...you get the picture. I thought everything would be fine, but it's not, and I feel like a christian failure, because, there is little other than superficial things we can discuss, and over a whole weekend I want some decent conversation. It plays out like this, Im uncomfortable, it causes tension in our marriage, and then everyone thinks i'm a jerk. Please help, ive never had this problem, and really don't judge their decisions. It's just uncomfortable and i can't really really relax because there is so much I cant say. Would you guys have even attempted hanging like this with someone so different?

Susie Q · 03-20-2008, 12:17 PM

Common guys, should I just bow out or what?

amhouse36 · 03-20-2008, 03:01 PM

Well here's my opinion from a Christian perspective....I think it can be VERY difficult to hang out with people that don't share your values and beliefs....I get annoyed being around people who swear all the time! So I can understand why you'd want to not hang out with these people anymore....my opinion is to talk it over with your husband and see if he could go on these outings with just the guys....if it really bugs you, talk with your pastor. Prayer goes a long way too....I think what I would do is pray together with your husband to help lead you in the right direction...we're suppose to spread the good news to EVERYONE....however if they are not willing to listen, then it could possibly bring you down to be around non-believers all the time. Hope that helps ; )

Susie Q · 03-21-2008, 07:02 AM

Thanks Amber! I sent you a pm too.

HezzieLee · 03-21-2008, 09:48 AM

I think of it like being a Proverbs 31 wife... just stick to being you and who you are in Him and your influence can change them... eventually.

Star123 · 03-22-2008, 12:29 AM

Hi Susie,

I know what it's like to hang out with people who are not christians and irritate the heck out of me. One women in peticular has been causing me much grief at work, being really happy one moment and angry the next. I prayed about it and then told my supervisor about it because I just couldn't handle it any longer. Afterwards I said to God that I would give her over to him and would bless her from then on. As a result my supervisor called me over on thursday to have a chat with me and asked how things were going. It turns out that my bosses are on my side and giving me favor over the siduation and they will eventually decide her fate. I brought this up because I thought this example would help you see that God is concerned about everything that happens to us in our daily lives. He will take the time to work things out in your favor, if you prayer about it and leave everything in his hands.

My advice to you, [and I believe that the holy spirit is speaking through me at this moment], is pray about it first and ask God to give you the right words to say to your husband concerning the matter, [softening his heart towards you], before you approach him. When he's in a good mood, speak to him with loving voice, [believing that the holy spirit is giving you the right words to say that that moment], letting him know how you feel when you're around these people without fighting with him. He should come around if you have prayed about the matter first and have left it in God's hands. Wait for when your husband is in a good mood. Hope this helps. I will keep you in my prayers.

God bless you!!!

beckyh · 03-22-2008, 07:35 AM

Hi, Susie:

You ask a great question! My husband and I moved to North Idaho from North San Diego 3 years ago, and have met many people--both Christian and not-- here since. Of course, our Christian friends are wonderful, wonderful blessings. However, I believe that Jesus asks us not to just hang out with believers, that is easy, but to stretch our faith out in the world.

Invevitably, some of our new friends here in our little town are not Christian. I struggled at first, feeling "offended" with some of their language, lifestyle choices, and conversation topics. I sensed their perception of me as a "prude", though I usually just quietly smiled just to get along (not a great witness). Jesus gently convicts me of my own judgment of them (not my job). They were, and are, a drain on me when I feel spiritually weak. I have to pray before being around them.

Jesus also told me to "step up and shepherd" them! In other words, remember that they really, really are lost, and their unlovely behaviors simply reflect their "lostness". Even if they won't admit it, they want answers, and they are watching us. They feel shame and emptiness, even if they don't communicate those feelings. All that sin can still be covered by Jesus' sacrifice, if they accept Him.

Stepping up seems like a heavy burden! But not really--Jesus gives us his supernatural wisdom and strength to behave in ways that both please him, and send his message. We can love unbelievers, pray for them, and demonstrate Jesus living through us. He will take care of the rest. And if the opportunity comes that we can verbally share him with others, others will be ready, and so will we.

It's supposed to be uncomfortable when we deal with sin. That discomfort is an "alarm" to Christians. But when we ask Him to help us "step up," we grow and please him. "The Earth is just a shadow of Heaven" (paraphrased). We will deal with sin until we are called home-- forever!

beckyh

CarolynF · 03-22-2008, 06:43 PM

I agree with the posts above..Beckyh made some great points. We are to be salt and light to an unbelieving world. Do everything in love with them. Pray that God will speak to their hearts in a special way and God will give you the words to say.

I would avoid controversial topics..religion and politics. We all have friends that we don't totally agree with all the time, but if you can "agree to disagree" that is a good thing.

I agree that they are "watching you"..your lifestyle, the way you spend your money and how you treat them.

Keep us posted...

Of course, you should never feel pressure to engage in any activity that wouldn't be pleasing to God.

Tea Cozy · 03-25-2008, 04:05 PM

I believe that Jesus said that he who was without sin should cast the first stone. It is not any living person's place or job to judge others. That will be taken care of by someone else, in another place, in another time.

Be true to yourself, and be kind to others, regardless of what they believe.

Tuscanytrace · 03-27-2008, 06:46 AM

I'm a lurker de-lurking for this one. And also restarting. :-)

I've been in this situation often in my life. When we look at Jesus, who did he hang out with? It wasn't the "church folks".

Yes, you do need some of that good, relaxing, rebuilding fellowship with your spiritual family. But God wants most of us to "go outside" sometimes." And it looks like He might be stretching you just a bit in presenting you with this opportunity!

I said that I've had this experience often in my life. Same thing--atheists, or pagans, and not of the same political persuasion. At first it DID make me quite uncomfortable. Then I realized that these people probably never were in close proximity with Christians and probably believed every stereotype on TV. And I stopped feeling vaguely uptight about it, and looked on it as the opportunity it truly is. This is REALLY being the salt and the light and carrying out the Great Commission, moreso than any dozen spaghetti dinners at church or knocking on doors or any of the other things we typically think of.

The interesting thing is that after just a few times of getting together, we found things in common, like gardening, pets, games we could play, movie genres we liked and could rent and order pizza together. And as time went on, we were able to share things about our extended families--worries, good things.

Of these probably 12 people, some of whom know each other and some of whom don't, 3 have so far come to Christ. And these would be people who would normally NEVER approach a church even for a fish fry, or respond to tracts or listen to Christian music. For them, it took prolonged contact with Christians (I wasn't the only one) who were willing to forgo speaking Christianese, and willing to be real friends, and deal openly with questions once the trust was built up enough for them to ask them.

I hope this came out as I intended it, not as bragging, because it really wasn't me. I was just there and available. God will use anyone willing to be the same, truly.

So do pray about it, yes. And I will pray for you, too, that you will know what the right thing to do is, and the courage to do it.

Warmly,
Tracey

Determinedtolose · 03-31-2008, 11:37 AM

Firstly, Christ died for all. He is just waiting for those who do not know Him to recieve and believe on Him and His word.

Secondly, God puts people in our lives I believe to witness to them or to show them through our actions the love of God. If God put them in our lives then He will equip us to do whatever He needs us to do for that. But I don't believe we are to right away and cast the unbelievers aside until we know what He wants us to do.

Too many times Christians don't want to be bothered with those who don't believe in Him. But I always see it like this, if Christ can put with us and the way we act as Christians, we can certainly be patient with a loving heart towards those who don't know Him.

Paul say's this in 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, that we will always be rubbing elbows with people in this world with those who do not know Christ. There is no way we can get away from that, if we did, then we would have to actually leave this world. But we can't!

We don't judge those who do not know Christ, but we are to be an example to them and show them by our actions that love which Christ has shown us, so that they will see the joy that is in our hearts.

Just remember, to the natural man the things of God are foolishness to him, so you'll have to stay steadfast in this if this is where God wants you to be.
If we turn these people away, without allowing God to use you in this, then we will not be giving the unsaved the opportunity to hear the gospel.

And if the unsaved ones refuse to hear it, then the Lord will remove them from your lives and He will do it in away so you will not feel condemnation because they did not believe on Him.

Does that make sense?

So the main thing is go to the Lord about it and wait on Him on what you need to do in this situation. If it's too unbearable, He will remove it from you too. But as long as your heart is right in the Lord, that's what matters.
He looks at the condition of our heart more than anything.

I hope this helps too!

DolphinsOnMyMind777 · 03-31-2008, 04:10 PM

I agree. God puts us in different situations for a reason. Sometimes we do not understand it. This is where our faith in God comes into play.

wantingtoloose · 03-31-2008, 07:35 PM

I happened to live in the bible belt SC to you all where their is a church in every corner and I come from a Catholic background. This is my opinion and I know I will get flagged at but why is it that the so call good Christians are so quick to judge and want to convert you. The first thing we hear from people that we meet here is "what church do you go to?" God forbid you say the wrong church because then you won't belong or wont be worthy of a conversation. We have gone to various churches you know by the urging of the people we meet and because even tho we are Catholics we don't care where we go as long as we here the word of the lord etc. Well the first thing they do is ask us where we are from and give us pamphlets to read and information to fill out including what we do and how much we make. I went to a Christian gathering with neighbors and as we lady's sat around in a table chatting one lady asked how did you find god, one answered "well I was at a bar flat out drunk feeling like crap and I said please lord let me get out of this one and I will never do this again" and so on and on with this superficial idiotic responses till they got to me and I said well I have always been Catholic I have always believed in god no sad story for me no god get me out of this one and that's it well I guess I should have said something juicer cuz I have not been invited again ooh the horror. This is just my experience

Why should you care what they believe in or not as a so called good Christian you should not judge and guide by example and patience so you say you can't talk politics or religion is that all their is to life. Please! You know its the so good called Christians that come out in the news all the time
after you read a horror title in the news its always followed ooh but he was such a good Christians and went to church.

Life would be so much better if everyone just learned to get along regardless of race or religion.
I can't Imagine what I would be missing in my good friends Kunti whom is from India
or Lucy who is Chinese American. If I for one minute though like you.

I am so sorry right now for I am trying not to judge you or your way of thinking truthfully I am just trying to understand how can someone who worship god can have this thoughts. But I can't help to think that this is the same thoughts some people with power thought before they went to war. Think Jews and think what is happening in Tibet right now.

DolphinsOnMyMind777 · 03-31-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tea Cozy

I believe that Jesus said that he who was without sin should cast the first stone. It is not any living person's place or job to judge others. That will be taken care of by someone else, in another place, in another time.

Be true to yourself, and be kind to others, regardless of what they believe.

Amen

Determinedtolose · 03-31-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wantingtoloose

I happened to live in the bible belt SC to you all where their is a church in every corner and I come from a Catholic background. This is my opinion and I know I will get flagged at but why is it that the so call good Christians are so quick to judge and want to convert you. The first thing we hear from people that we meet here is "what church do you go to?" God forbid you say the wrong church because then you won't belong or wont be worthy of a conversation. We have gone to various churches you know by the urging of the people we meet and because even tho we are Catholics we don't care where we go as long as we here the word of the lord etc. Well the first thing they do is ask us where we are from and give us pamphlets to read and information to fill out including what we do and how much we make. I went to a Christian gathering with neighbors and as we lady's sat around in a table chatting one lady asked how did you find god, one answered "well I was at a bar flat out drunk feeling like crap and I said please lord let me get out of this one and I will never do this again" and so on and on with this superficial idiotic responses till they got to me and I said well I have always been Catholic I have always believed in god no sad story for me no god get me out of this one and that's it well I guess I should have said something juicer cuz I have not been invited again ooh the horror. This is just my experience

Why should you care what they believe in or not as a so called good Christian you should not judge and guide by example and patience so you say you can't talk politics or religion is that all their is to life. Please! You know its the so good called Christians that come out in the news all the time
after you read a horror title in the news its always followed ooh but he was such a good Christians and went to church.

Life would be so much better if everyone just learned to get along regardless of race or religion.
I can't Imagine what I would be missing in my good friends Kunti whom is from India
or Lucy who is Chinese American. If I for one minute though like you.

I am so sorry right now for I am trying not to judge you or your way of thinking truthfully I am just trying to understand how can someone who worship god can have this thoughts. But I can't help to think that this is the same thoughts some people with power thought before they went to war. Think Jews and think what is happening in Tibet right now.

That's because churches now a days do not know the true word of God and if they did, they wouldn't act the way they do.

The first Christian church which was established by Paul who was the Apostle to the Gentiles, and laid it all out for the Believers on how to live.
He was someone who persecuted the Jewish believers of Christ even though he was a Jew himself. But by the grace of God, on the road to Damascus, Paul became of believer. Acts 9

So even the most horrible person in the world can become a believer, because God loves everyone. The very fact that Christ died for all, no matter who we are, or what we have done, Christ died for all. All they have to do is believe!

Now being a believer means you understand the work of the cross and to understand that, you'll understand the gift of salvation. When you understandt the gift of salvation, then you can understand that we didn't deserve this gift, that we all deserve to die. But because of God's great love and mercy, He allowed His Son to take our place. Jn 3:16 If we can just grasp that, we would be so much more loving towards others who don't know God.

Paul was given by divine revelation of God on how to live the Christian life. If we were to live the way Paul did and read his epistles, then we would know how to walk the walk, instead of just talking the walk.

Paul say's we are not to judge those who do not know Him. \
Christ say's to love our enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Mat 5:44

If us Believers were to practice this, there wouldn't have issues like the one you posted.

I apologize for all the Christians that gave you that impression because that is not how we are to be.

But if they act like that, they are not Christians.

Determinedtolose · 04-01-2008, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuscanytrace

I'm a lurker de-lurking for this one. And also restarting. :-)

I've been in this situation often in my life. When we look at Jesus, who did he hang out with? It wasn't the "church folks".

Yes, you do need some of that good, relaxing, rebuilding fellowship with your spiritual family. But God wants most of us to "go outside" sometimes." And it looks like He might be stretching you just a bit in presenting you with this opportunity!

I said that I've had this experience often in my life. Same thing--atheists, or pagans, and not of the same political persuasion. At first it DID make me quite uncomfortable. Then I realized that these people probably never were in close proximity with Christians and probably believed every stereotype on TV. And I stopped feeling vaguely uptight about it, and looked on it as the opportunity it truly is. This is REALLY being the salt and the light and carrying out the Great Commission, moreso than any dozen spaghetti dinners at church or knocking on doors or any of the other things we typically think of.

The interesting thing is that after just a few times of getting together, we found things in common, like gardening, pets, games we could play, movie genres we liked and could rent and order pizza together. And as time went on, we were able to share things about our extended families--worries, good things.

Of these probably 12 people, some of whom know each other and some of whom don't, 3 have so far come to Christ. And these would be people who would normally NEVER approach a church even for a fish fry, or respond to tracts or listen to Christian music. For them, it took prolonged contact with Christians (I wasn't the only one) who were willing to forgo speaking Christianese, and willing to be real friends, and deal openly with questions once the trust was built up enough for them to ask them.

I hope this came out as I intended it, not as bragging, because it really wasn't me. I was just there and available. God will use anyone willing to be the same, truly.

So do pray about it, yes. And I will pray for you, too, that you will know what the right thing to do is, and the courage to do it.

Warmly,
Tracey

Boy, I don't know how I missd this post, but this is what I'm talking about!
That's great!!

walkthebeach · 04-23-2008, 02:51 PM

Well, I guess I'm a contrarian (and a christian) but I say if these people bring you down, don't hang around them. Time is too precious, and personally, it's hard enough to keep yourself on an even keel and your spirit hooked in with God to mess with time wasters like this situation presents. I feel that I'm presented with enough "challenges" just existing peaceably with all the people I rub elbows with every day: co-workers, other drivers, fellow shoppers, you name it. When I finally have the time to socialize, by golly it better be with people who make me feel good and positive. Just my two cents worth here; I realize you've got to take your husband's wishes into account, too.

03-20-2008, 11:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
Susie Q Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 507 Gallery: Susie Q Stats: 165/140/135 WOE: Atkins by the Book	Need Christian input ok? Please read now... Hi guys...I really want your opinion...I apologize if this offends anybody. This is an awkward situation. My husband had some friends when we got married who only have the outdoors in common with us...camping and everything else. He's been friends with the guy for a long time. And they are nice people don't get me wrong, however, that's the only thing we have in common.Everything else is weird. The political views are opposite, their belief system is atheist...you get the picture. I thought everything would be fine, but it's not, and I feel like a christian failure, because, there is little other than superficial things we can discuss, and over a whole weekend I want some decent conversation. It plays out like this, Im uncomfortable, it causes tension in our marriage, and then everyone thinks i'm a jerk. Please help, ive never had this problem, and really don't judge their decisions. It's just uncomfortable and i can't really really relax because there is so much I cant say. Would you guys have even attempted hanging like this with someone so different?

03-20-2008, 03:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
amhouse36 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 300 Gallery: amhouse36 Stats: 240-231-140 Start Date: January 1, 2008	Well here's my opinion from a Christian perspective....I think it can be VERY difficult to hang out with people that don't share your values and beliefs....I get annoyed being around people who swear all the time! So I can understand why you'd want to not hang out with these people anymore....my opinion is to talk it over with your husband and see if he could go on these outings with just the guys....if it really bugs you, talk with your pastor. Prayer goes a long way too....I think what I would do is pray together with your husband to help lead you in the right direction...we're suppose to spread the good news to EVERYONE....however if they are not willing to listen, then it could possibly bring you down to be around non-believers all the time. Hope that helps ; ) __________________ Amber Amber's Journal

03-22-2008, 12:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
Star123 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 840 Gallery: Star123 Stats: 192/175/135 WOE: Low carb my way Start Date: April 18, 2007	Hi Susie, I know what it's like to hang out with people who are not christians and irritate the heck out of me. One women in peticular has been causing me much grief at work, being really happy one moment and angry the next. I prayed about it and then told my supervisor about it because I just couldn't handle it any longer. Afterwards I said to God that I would give her over to him and would bless her from then on. As a result my supervisor called me over on thursday to have a chat with me and asked how things were going. It turns out that my bosses are on my side and giving me favor over the siduation and they will eventually decide her fate. I brought this up because I thought this example would help you see that God is concerned about everything that happens to us in our daily lives. He will take the time to work things out in your favor, if you prayer about it and leave everything in his hands. My advice to you, [and I believe that the holy spirit is speaking through me at this moment], is pray about it first and ask God to give you the right words to say to your husband concerning the matter, [softening his heart towards you], before you approach him. When he's in a good mood, speak to him with loving voice, [believing that the holy spirit is giving you the right words to say that that moment], letting him know how you feel when you're around these people without fighting with him. He should come around if you have prayed about the matter first and have left it in God's hands. Wait for when your husband is in a good mood. Hope this helps. I will keep you in my prayers. God bless you!!! __________________ ~ Tammy ~ ~ low carb my way ~Stats:192/189/187/186/185/184/183/182/181/180/179/178/175/178/180/135 "Don't give up, your on the brink of a Miracle" ~ Tammy Faye Baker "Recovery begins when you don't take that first bite!" 17lbs lost!!!:high5: http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt...dS8/weight.png Last edited by Star123 : 03-22-2008 at 12:39 AM.

03-22-2008, 07:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
beckyh Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Idaho Posts: 105 Gallery: beckyh Stats: 157/152/135 5"2" WOE: Schwarzbein Start Date: April 2008	Hi, Susie: You ask a great question! My husband and I moved to North Idaho from North San Diego 3 years ago, and have met many people--both Christian and not-- here since. Of course, our Christian friends are wonderful, wonderful blessings. However, I believe that Jesus asks us not to just hang out with believers, that is easy, but to stretch our faith out in the world. Invevitably, some of our new friends here in our little town are not Christian. I struggled at first, feeling "offended" with some of their language, lifestyle choices, and conversation topics. I sensed their perception of me as a "prude", though I usually just quietly smiled just to get along (not a great witness). Jesus gently convicts me of my own judgment of them (not my job). They were, and are, a drain on me when I feel spiritually weak. I have to pray before being around them. Jesus also told me to "step up and shepherd" them! In other words, remember that they really, really are lost, and their unlovely behaviors simply reflect their "lostness". Even if they won't admit it, they want answers, and they are watching us. They feel shame and emptiness, even if they don't communicate those feelings. All that sin can still be covered by Jesus' sacrifice, if they accept Him. Stepping up seems like a heavy burden! But not really--Jesus gives us his supernatural wisdom and strength to behave in ways that both please him, and send his message. We can love unbelievers, pray for them, and demonstrate Jesus living through us. He will take care of the rest. And if the opportunity comes that we can verbally share him with others, others will be ready, and so will we. It's supposed to be uncomfortable when we deal with sin. That discomfort is an "alarm" to Christians. But when we ask Him to help us "step up," we grow and please him. "The Earth is just a shadow of Heaven" (paraphrased). We will deal with sin until we are called home-- forever! beckyh __________________ "Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels."

03-22-2008, 06:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
CarolynF Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 18,178 Gallery: CarolynF Stats: 195/144/139 WOE: Eat Fat, Get Thin/I Can Make You Thin Start Date: January 2001	I agree with the posts above..Beckyh made some great points. We are to be salt and light to an unbelieving world. Do everything in love with them. Pray that God will speak to their hearts in a special way and God will give you the words to say. I would avoid controversial topics..religion and politics. We all have friends that we don't totally agree with all the time, but if you can "agree to disagree" that is a good thing. I agree that they are "watching you"..your lifestyle, the way you spend your money and how you treat them. Keep us posted... Of course, you should never feel pressure to engage in any activity that wouldn't be pleasing to God. __________________ Mother May I? Challenge for May April 1: 144.4 May 1: 143.6

03-20-2008, 12:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Susie Q Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 507 Gallery: Susie Q Stats: 165/140/135 WOE: Atkins by the Book	Common guys, should I just bow out or what?

03-21-2008, 07:02 AM	#4 (permalink)
Susie Q Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 507 Gallery: Susie Q Stats: 165/140/135 WOE: Atkins by the Book	Thanks Amber! I sent you a pm too.

03-21-2008, 09:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
HezzieLee Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 79 Gallery: HezzieLee Stats: 180/173/160 goal subject to change... WOE: Low carb/Low sugar Start Date: Every morning...	I think of it like being a Proverbs 31 wife... just stick to being you and who you are in Him and your influence can change them... eventually.

03-25-2008, 04:05 PM	#9 (permalink)
Tea Cozy Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fargo, North Dakota Posts: 910 Gallery: Tea Cozy Stats: 228/199/125 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: May 2007	I believe that Jesus said that he who was without sin should cast the first stone. It is not any living person's place or job to judge others. That will be taken care of by someone else, in another place, in another time. Be true to yourself, and be kind to others, regardless of what they believe.

03-27-2008, 06:46 AM	#10 (permalink)
Tuscanytrace Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 463 Gallery: Tuscanytrace Stats: 208.8/194.0/113 5'1.5" WOE: Atkins 1992,VCO, WAPF/whole foods, Start Date: Oct 15, 06/restart 5/07/ restart 3/08	I'm a lurker de-lurking for this one. And also restarting. :-) I've been in this situation often in my life. When we look at Jesus, who did he hang out with? It wasn't the "church folks". Yes, you do need some of that good, relaxing, rebuilding fellowship with your spiritual family. But God wants most of us to "go outside" sometimes." And it looks like He might be stretching you just a bit in presenting you with this opportunity! I said that I've had this experience often in my life. Same thing--atheists, or pagans, and not of the same political persuasion. At first it DID make me quite uncomfortable. Then I realized that these people probably never were in close proximity with Christians and probably believed every stereotype on TV. And I stopped feeling vaguely uptight about it, and looked on it as the opportunity it truly is. This is REALLY being the salt and the light and carrying out the Great Commission, moreso than any dozen spaghetti dinners at church or knocking on doors or any of the other things we typically think of. The interesting thing is that after just a few times of getting together, we found things in common, like gardening, pets, games we could play, movie genres we liked and could rent and order pizza together. And as time went on, we were able to share things about our extended families--worries, good things. Of these probably 12 people, some of whom know each other and some of whom don't, 3 have so far come to Christ. And these would be people who would normally NEVER approach a church even for a fish fry, or respond to tracts or listen to Christian music. For them, it took prolonged contact with Christians (I wasn't the only one) who were willing to forgo speaking Christianese, and willing to be real friends, and deal openly with questions once the trust was built up enough for them to ask them. I hope this came out as I intended it, not as bragging, because it really wasn't me. I was just there and available. God will use anyone willing to be the same, truly. So do pray about it, yes. And I will pray for you, too, that you will know what the right thing to do is, and the courage to do it. Warmly, Tracey __________________ Started Atkins May '02 lost 45 lbs. Low: 138 and stable until March '04, pregnancy. Delivery weight: 186. Peaked 210 Sep. 06. Repeaked 208.8 March 08. Restart: March 27, 08 Current: 194.0 Minigoal: Onederland by April 5th, 08 Reached April 2 Minigoal: 195 by April 20th, 08 (made 195.5) Next Minigoal: 190 by April 30th, 08 Last edited by Tuscanytrace : 03-27-2008 at 06:48 AM. Reason: vagueness correction

03-31-2008, 11:37 AM	#11 (permalink)
Determinedtolose Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 5,334 Gallery: Determinedtolose Stats: 243/202/155 or anything below 200! I'll take it! WOE: Atkins/Stillmans Start Date: I started on 4/2007. Goal by 9/2008	Firstly, Christ died for all. He is just waiting for those who do not know Him to recieve and believe on Him and His word. Secondly, God puts people in our lives I believe to witness to them or to show them through our actions the love of God. If God put them in our lives then He will equip us to do whatever He needs us to do for that. But I don't believe we are to right away and cast the unbelievers aside until we know what He wants us to do. Too many times Christians don't want to be bothered with those who don't believe in Him. But I always see it like this, if Christ can put with us and the way we act as Christians, we can certainly be patient with a loving heart towards those who don't know Him. Paul say's this in 1 Corinthians 5:9-10, that we will always be rubbing elbows with people in this world with those who do not know Christ. There is no way we can get away from that, if we did, then we would have to actually leave this world. But we can't! We don't judge those who do not know Christ, but we are to be an example to them and show them by our actions that love which Christ has shown us, so that they will see the joy that is in our hearts. Just remember, to the natural man the things of God are foolishness to him, so you'll have to stay steadfast in this if this is where God wants you to be. If we turn these people away, without allowing God to use you in this, then we will not be giving the unsaved the opportunity to hear the gospel. And if the unsaved ones refuse to hear it, then the Lord will remove them from your lives and He will do it in away so you will not feel condemnation because they did not believe on Him. Does that make sense? So the main thing is go to the Lord about it and wait on Him on what you need to do in this situation. If it's too unbearable, He will remove it from you too. But as long as your heart is right in the Lord, that's what matters. He looks at the condition of our heart more than anything. I hope this helps too! __________________ DIANA "Your a Daisy if you do!" 205, 204, 203, 202, 201, 200, 199, 198, 197, 196, 195, 194,193, 192, 191, 190, 189, 188, 187, 186, 185, 184, 183, 182, 181, 180, 179, 178, 176, 175, 174, 173, 172, 171, 170, 169, 168, 167, 165, 165, 164, 163, 162, 161, 159, 158, 157, 156, 155. Goal! One of these days!!! Pressing towards the Goal! Philippians 3:12-14 Last edited by Determinedtolose : 03-31-2008 at 11:39 AM.

03-31-2008, 04:10 PM	#12 (permalink)
DolphinsOnMyMind777 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chi Town Area, USA Posts: 1,605 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: DolphinsOnMyMind777 Stats: I am walking for autism WOE: Atkins 289/4-21=206/135 Start Date: Restarted April 21, 2008...AGAIN	I agree. God puts us in different situations for a reason. Sometimes we do not understand it. This is where our faith in God comes into play.

03-31-2008, 07:35 PM	#13 (permalink)
wantingtoloose Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SC. Posts: 204 Gallery: wantingtoloose Stats: 177/150/125 WOE: low carb Start Date: March 30 2004	I happened to live in the bible belt SC to you all where their is a church in every corner and I come from a Catholic background. This is my opinion and I know I will get flagged at but why is it that the so call good Christians are so quick to judge and want to convert you. The first thing we hear from people that we meet here is "what church do you go to?" God forbid you say the wrong church because then you won't belong or wont be worthy of a conversation. We have gone to various churches you know by the urging of the people we meet and because even tho we are Catholics we don't care where we go as long as we here the word of the lord etc. Well the first thing they do is ask us where we are from and give us pamphlets to read and information to fill out including what we do and how much we make. I went to a Christian gathering with neighbors and as we lady's sat around in a table chatting one lady asked how did you find god, one answered "well I was at a bar flat out drunk feeling like crap and I said please lord let me get out of this one and I will never do this again" and so on and on with this superficial idiotic responses till they got to me and I said well I have always been Catholic I have always believed in god no sad story for me no god get me out of this one and that's it well I guess I should have said something juicer cuz I have not been invited again ooh the horror. This is just my experience Why should you care what they believe in or not as a so called good Christian you should not judge and guide by example and patience so you say you can't talk politics or religion is that all their is to life. Please! You know its the so good called Christians that come out in the news all the time after you read a horror title in the news its always followed ooh but he was such a good Christians and went to church. Life would be so much better if everyone just learned to get along regardless of race or religion. I can't Imagine what I would be missing in my good friends Kunti whom is from India or Lucy who is Chinese American. If I for one minute though like you. I am so sorry right now for I am trying not to judge you or your way of thinking truthfully I am just trying to understand how can someone who worship god can have this thoughts. But I can't help to think that this is the same thoughts some people with power thought before they went to war. Think Jews and think what is happening in Tibet right now. __________________ 02/27/08---170 03/27/08---167

04-23-2008, 02:51 PM	#17 (permalink)
walkthebeach MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2005 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,871 Gallery: walkthebeach Stats: 155/145.5/135 WOE: Low-carb, lower fat Start Date: Oct. 2002	Well, I guess I'm a contrarian (and a christian) but I say if these people bring you down, don't hang around them. Time is too precious, and personally, it's hard enough to keep yourself on an even keel and your spirit hooked in with God to mess with time wasters like this situation presents. I feel that I'm presented with enough "challenges" just existing peaceably with all the people I rub elbows with every day: co-workers, other drivers, fellow shoppers, you name it. When I finally have the time to socialize, by golly it better be with people who make me feel good and positive. Just my two cents worth here; I realize you've got to take your husband's wishes into account, too.

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