I also want to point out that there are different interpretations of the scripture about the widow -- in fact there is a very good one at http://www.nomoretithing.org/nmt_truth_widow.htm that suggests that the scripture is not about how the widow is a model for giving, but rather that the scripture is an example of how the teachers of the law were exploiting the widow into giving and 'devouring her house' which displease
[quote]because that's not what God tells us to do. It runs counter to scripture. You're telling us to go against scripture and what Christians have known to be true for thousands of years. We are to give our firstfruits back to God and then we will be blessed and like I've said already, he even says we can test him on this to see if what he says is true. [/quote] Let' me be clear, I'm not opposed to giving -- but I do not see getting government benefits (ie, free lunches) as bein
[quote]All I keep hearing from you is that God won't provide for you, and you know that's not true. We need to hold onto God's promises, not money. [/quote] Why is it that you assume that if I am not tithing -- I'm somehow stingy with my money and holding on to it. It's the same with KFC's comment about the U-Haul. Choosing not to give money to a church does not make one a scrooge -- or money obsessed. However, make smart decisions about what you can and can't
[quote]that's the thing tho....the $800 in this case is spread out over a year correct? So that would be $66.67 a month or $2.22 a day I give to God. I get to keep $666.67 a month (interesting numbers here eh?) or $19.68 a day ...like I said...not much diff between being able and unable. God more than makes up the slack. It's the only place in scripture where he tells us to test him. [/quote] I just want to clarify -- you aren't giving the money to God. You are giving it to a ch
[quote]Tithing is not a non-Christian thing at all. I don't expect a non-Christian to understand it[/quote] I am actually a christian, but thanks for assuming that I'm not. This is what I meant when I say it is a way for people to look down their noses at others. You assume that because I do not agree with the practice of tithing that I must not be Christian -- that is awfully judgemental. [quote]If it's not in your heart to give, don't give. If you woul
[quote]I don't think I'm supposed to fill the churches needs above my own families needs. [/quote] I couldn't agree more!!
[quote]The nice thing about painting, though, is that you can always paint over it![/quote] No doubt. That's always my motto. I'm big into bold colors. My kitchen is cherry wine (I call it hot pink), my living room is turquoise and my diningroom/hallway is golden rod. My bedroom has one wall that is orange -- which is a hold over from the previous owners but it's grown on me.
LW -- Thanks for the reminder on Kiva. I was meaning to check it out last time you posted. I just went on the website and the front page says that all of their loans have currently been funded -- what an incredible testiment to how the internet can bring people together for the greater good. I'll keep checking back for new loans to be posted.
[quote]Funny thing, though. When I'm tithing, I seem to always have enough money. When I don't, I always seem to be short. It's almost as if God is taking care of me when I give... because that's exactly what's happening![/quote] If that's what works for you, great! But frankly, I just don't buy it. How much of the money that it tithed actually goes to helping others and how much of it is for administration of the church? If you are forgoing eating dinner or adequate
[quote]How much is 10% of 8K over the course of a year? Not much and not much of a difference. [/quote] It's $800 and I'm not sure in whose calcuations that it is "not much." Seems like an awful lot to me -- and depending on where you live, it's at least one month's rent (if not more). [quote](and more likely the 10% isn't going to be the difference between able and unable)[/quote] Really? It seems pretty clear to me you've never been in a situation w
[quote]If given a choice between paying rent and feeding your kids -- I'd hope you'd feed and shelter your children [/quote] That should say "given a choice between paying the rent and feeding your kids, or donating to your church..."
[quote]Think about it, if you decided "tithing," which is 10% of your income, is what you decide than you're talking 10 cents for every dollar. You keep 90 cents. That's not unreasonable. [/quote] It's really astounding that you can't recognize that there really are some people who are unable to give -- who, frankly, don't even make enough to live off of to start with. If given a choice between paying rent and feeding your kids -- I'd hope you'd feed and shelter your child
[quote]I really don't want to make it sound like I am wanting kudos[/quote] Regardless, you deserve them so you'll just have to accept them graciously! You seriously underestimate just how great of a mom you are!
TW -- Thanks for sharing this -- I know it couldn't have been easy. I can't begin to imagine how hard it must have been to go through what you did when you were a teen -- but I am more than impressed with the way you dealt with your situation and the loving and adoring family that you and Adrian are raising. You should definitely be proud of yourself!
[quote] *I am concerned about a check we wrote a couple of weeks ago. We had to buy some stuff for our trailer and it hasnt been cashed yet...and I didn't figure that into the budget numbers for this week...oopies.[/quote] I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but I think LW was referring to this check, which seems in addition to the others. I'm going to butt back out now. :)
Liked the movie -- but LOVED the book. You should definitely read it!
[quote]Hmm what do you think about having someone else manage it for a fee?[/quote] I guess it depends on how much you are making from it. If you can get enough to pay the bills and the management fee, then I'd imagine it would be easier to let the management company do it- but there's still the stress of liability, but I'm one of those people who is totally over-insured cause I'm a big worrier. The management companies we looked at would have taken too big a chunk to make it worthwhi
It sounds like you guys are trying -- which is a positive. Sticking to a budget is hard. We're lucky that we don't have debt (other than our condos), but I could see getting in over our heads very quickly if we didn't have a safety net. My heating system died this past winter and cost just under $5K to replace -- if that weren't in savings, I think we'd be struggling to keep our heads above water for a long time to come -- as it is, we are having a very difficult time paying back the savings
Didn't he also say he didn't love her? --- so that makes it okay, as long as it was purely physical and no emotions were involved. Disgusting. Island Dog -- who's giving him sympathy?
Thanks -- I should probably do an update blog -- but then I wonder if there's anyone around that I still know who would care to read it. :) BTW--If I haven't already said it, Congrats on Baby #4. I'm so excited for you guys.
[quote]How we played it was this...if we had boys, dad picked the first name, I picked the middle. A girl and I would pick the first name, dad the middle.[/quote] My fiance's parents did that --Mom picked the first name and Dad the middle. Only Dad just went around calling him by his middle name and it stuck. Everyone calls him by his middle name and hardly anyone knows his real first name. Kind of sneaky.
[quote]also as far as his "Christian" talk. He's not a Christian....I don't care what he says. He's lying and his words are coming right straight from the pit of hell.[/quote] Since when do you get to decide who is Christian and who is not? How could you possibly know his relationship with God. It is this type of arrogance that turns people off of Christianity.
You're work is gorgeous -- if we were closer, I'd totally hire you for my wedding next Fall. Your rates can't be beat and your end product is amazing.
[quote]Here's to a speedy recovery!![/quote] I'll second that! :)
[quote]But to the point of Baumgardner, it is going to have the exact opposite effect. Crying wolf does not raise the awareness of wolves, just devalues the message and messenger.[/quote] Who says she's crying wolf? I'm not saying that I think the t-shirt is a good idea, but I think it's a jump to assume that anyone who wears it is lying.
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