Welcome to General Chat - GAW Community Area
This General Chat area started off as a place for people to talk about things that are off topic, however it has quickly evolved into a community and has become an integral part of the GAW experience for many of us.
Based on its evolving needs and plenty of user feedback, we are trying to bring some order and institute some rules. Please make sure you read these rules and participate in the spirit of this community.
Rules for General Chat
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Be respectful to each other. This is of utmost importance, and comments may be removed if deemed not respectful.
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Avoid long drawn out arguments. This should be a place to relax, not to waste your time needlessly.
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Personal anecdotes, puzzles, cute pics/clips - everything welcome
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Please do not spam at the top level. If you have a lot to post each day, try and post them all together in one top level comment
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Try keep things light. If you are bringing in deep stuff, try not to go overboard.
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Things that are clearly on-topic for this board should be posted as a separate post and not here (except if you are new and still getting the feel of this place)
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If you find people violating these rules, deport them rather than start a argument here.
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Feel free to give feedback as these rules are expected to keep evolving
In short, imagine this thread to be a local community hall where we all gather and chat daily. Please be respectful to others in the same way
Rules For the rest of the Site also accessible on the sidebar.
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I am glad you enjoyed it...it was so sweet. I hope you and yours also have a great Christmas. There is so much stress in the world today, I find it relaxing to enjoy some good music. God bless your family richly.
Christmas is about the worst time of year for me these days. Part of my family, who is still Christian, decided it was founded on lies and unbiblical, for which a good case can be made, and responded by completely disengaging with it, so now the family is split every year.
I tend to think that even if that prognosis is correct, creating turmoil and being impatiently judgmental is not the proper response, but then there’s Matthew 10:34, Matthew 10:37, Jeremiah 10:2, Leviticus to contend with.
And the whole while, everyone gets older, while the stubborn on both sides stay fixed in their ways.
Leviticus 18:26-29 - 26 But you are to keep my statutes and ordinances. You must not commit any of these detestable acts—not the native or the alien who resides among you. 27 For the people who were in the land prior to you have committed all these detestable acts, and the land has become defiled. 28 If you defile the land, it will vomit you out as it has vomited out the nations that were before you. 29 Any person who does any of these detestable practices is to be cut off from his people.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 - 1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
I always hope that verses like that don’t apply to me, yet there are sins I’ve not yet put away, and God is no respecter of men, so my prayer remains that Jesus’s grace is sufficient.
Wow...I can see why Christmas is about the worst time of the year for you. I actually agree that our holidays have been taken over with specific dates and symbolism that is not of God...we are really not just talking about Christmas...but Easter, Valentine's Day and Halloween. Everyone has a right to their own belief...but is there a right or wrong. You really quoted the best scriptures that discuss this. I have just finished reading about Paul talking about eating meat sacrificed to idols. It is obvious that the obedience that God wants is to the law of the Ten Commandments which translates to love God with your heart, mind and soul and your neighbor as yourself. The ultimate law is LOVE. I think there is a fine line to loving the sinner but not the sin and hating the sinner and the sin both.
I wonder if there is any common ground between the two factions of your family. Could you be a bridge between the two? I personally put up a tree and lights and I even have a collection of Santa Claus decorations despite knowing the history of the symbolism. I don't feel that condemns me to hell, but I can understand that is offensive to some people. My belief is God made trees and gives good gifts and He is the creator of the heart, eggs and rainbow. So satan's use of any of these things really doesn't matter. Whether I celebrate the birth of Jesus in December or September... the importance is that I am celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Maybe the family can get together for dinner on neutral ground to just share a meal and some fellowship without any of the trappings of the holiday that are offensive. After all, Paul said he had no problem eating meat sacrificed to idols, but he would refrain if it offended others.
I think that while God gave us the family unit and He certainly honors family there are times when we have to choose God over family, which your scriptures refer to. It really depends on those personal beliefs that we all have and are entitled to. You have aptly spoken of the dichotomy that is presented when beliefs can be so divisive...and it is hard to choose a side when you want family to come together. You are in a bad spot, but I really believe that God has the answer for your family and perhaps you are someone that can be a bridge, a peacemaker...bringing reconciliation. I believe that many families have been destroyed and divided by so much that has happened lately. We need to find commonality, not division. Love, not hate. My prayer is that God works in your family to bring them together and that you find peace in the midst of all this turmoil. God is LOVE...first and foremost. God bless you and your family.
I totally agree with your assessment, my problem has been how to get things to that point, as neither other party has really tried to discuss and work through the issues.
Thanks fren! 🙏
Some things only God can do...like changing hearts.💕 I often end a conversation with..."we'll just have to agree to disagree."
Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and Christina. I know she is really happy.
She is SO busy...lots to catch up on. The Lord is blessing her and her family greatly...she is doing well. I pray that your son finds work...things are tough out there...but the Lord will provide...and they are lucky to have you helping out. We are so blessed with family.
Yes we are.