I am reading the whole Bible for the first time! So, I really cannot say much but what I have discovered which is a little worrisome is that the Bible says slightly (sometimes not so slightly) different things according to the language you read it in!

At first that frightened me and I immediately decided I had to learn greek and hebrew <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

In the meantime, I calmed down and read it in both languages, just in case....

I'll start hebrew first <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Good morning to all!!

I find the different interpretations of the bible so interesting, It never upsets me to know others think so differently from my own opinions - when I have them of course <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> - and do listen to many documentaries and debates on the issues.

Our new pope has become surprisingly refreshing for a so called conservative. He has questioned so much we took for granted and I think challenges us to look again and breath new life into our faith. He doesn't seem to pull any punches and draws a line in the sand and says thats it. I am - was- so surprised to hear him ask forgiveness from other faiths for the past sins of the Church. Not that it was not overdue but never thought to hear it. Now remember this pope was the head of the Inquisition not the boy scouts.

Yes you may not be aware of it but the Inquisition is alive and well. Its just that they dont burn people at the stake these days - well not too often <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> - oops am I going to be in trouble <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
They actually now look at theology and teachings to investigate what is truly a teaching of the faith or is not.

Anyway all, I find it interesting and I wonder how amused the good Lord must be at out efforts to define His will and bend it to our own wishes. I feel He will let us destroy ourselves or save ourselves but will give lots of help and guidence, afterall He gave us free will and I don't think he's going to let us wimp out on it now, But thats just my thoughts on it all. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Aren't I going to terribly embarrassed if I'm wrong??? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

tl I feel so much of what you expresed about your lovely neak and family and all I have met here. I do wish my own daughter had not lost a child, and lets be honest, that she had no affair, that Aussie did not have go to war.
But it did happen and I am not sure if you all could ever ever understand the importance each and everyone of you had on AW and continue to do so. Such wonderful people make me wish to have one of those Star Trek beam me up thingies so I could come visit you all. When you get sick of me you could just push a button and send me on to the next one !! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Now apples in the recipe - tl you must try it, it's so yum - use whatever. I've tried cooking apples, the granny smiths, it all works ok.
TL do you eat fish or are you a totally a non meat eater?

You will certainly find parts that are more interesting than others, parts that seem more applicable and relevant to you personally, parts that amaze you with their beauty, and parts that make you go, "Huh?" Keep plowing through, if you come to what seems to be a "dead" spot. There are infinite riches for your heart and your life still contained beyond.


I am so not going to get into a battle over the various versions. In the right circles, you can almost get people to come to blows over which one is best...which, I think, sort of negates the whole purpose of talking about the Bible in the first place. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Having said that, however, there are versions which are more faithful to the original languages than other versions. There are some versions which have been altered to fit a particular faith's particular belief. I suggest that you read what you have. Ask God to speak to your heart through what is available to you, and not get too bogged down in heavy scholarship right off the bat. Jesus saves you, not a deep knowledge of the minutiae of theological disputes.



<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> is right! I am grateful for my Bible dictionary and Strong's exhaustive concordance, in which I can look up the meaning of troublesome words, but my compulsion to explore pretty much stops there. For me, learning Greek and Hebrew would be like trying to grow wings and fly. You are very brave. And ambitious. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I get in enough trouble in English, and my little bit of obstetric Spanish. I think I'll stick with that. Oh, and I still remember a few bad words in American Sign Language, which are pretty much all that's stuck in my head in the 15+ years since I took the class. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Yes, I was aware of it.



I just consider this blessing of MB friendships to be at least a partial fulfillment of God's promise that if we love Him, He will make "all things work together for good." It reminds me of the story (if I told it before, it was a LONG time ago, so it doesn't count!) which sort of illustrates how I feel about everyone...although you'll be able to easily see that it can't work on every single level or it would be really oogie for us.

This couple had a little boy who was so filled with boundless optimism, and the belief that everything would always go right and be right, that his parents became concerned that life would be cruel to him when he met with the inevitable disappointments that growing up would bring. They tried for a long time, and repeatedly, to inject reality checks into his attitude, but nothing they did seemed to make any difference. Finally, they came up with an idea they felt SURE would work. They purchased a truck load of horse manure, had it delivered to their house and dumped in the lawn. Then they told their son to go outside, because there was a very special, really big surprise for him there.

He tore out the door, stopped and stared at the mound of manture, and for a moment there was complete silence. The parents looked at each other and were just starting to smile, when suddenly they heard him exclaim, "Oh, wow! Oh, boy! Goodie, goodie, goodie!" as his gleeful laughter rang through the neighborhood. Smiles turned to confusion as Mama and Daddy stepped out the door to see what was happening. There they found their son, an expression of blissful joy on his face and squeals of delight coming from his lips, knee-deep in poop, and digging towards the center just as fast as he could, while horse apples (not the soup kind) flew all over the yard.

"What's the matter with you?" they asked. "Why are you so happy? Can't you see it's just manure?"

Bubbling with laughter, the boy replied, "Of course, I can see what it is, but don't you understand? With all this poop, there's got to be a pony in here SOMEWHERE!"

Well, as far as I'm concerned, MB friends are the ponies...just without the accompanying detritus, thank goodness. And who knew, when we first started digging through the mess that there was going to be something so good, so rewarding, so joyful, hidden down there? Did you? I certainly didn't.



You hear that, girls? AW's mum says I must try this soup. I'm telling her you're on top of this, so you'd better get cracking. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />



Nope, no fish. There are many meat analogs that vegetarians can try. And I do. But fish smells so, well, so FISHY!! There's even a product called "tuno," which is (guess what kind?) a fish substitute. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> I don't know what it tastes like, but it sure smells like the real thing. I eat milk and eggs, and some cheese in cooking. It would be hard to find anything at the hospital cafeteria if I didn't. And we wouldn't want my middle-aged pudge to waste away now, would we? Actually, we would...but it's so much WORK! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Tomorrow maybe. Or the day after. Or not! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l

well good ol' bed beckons as my GD got home safe & sound from Uni - I can't help it I'm a worrier and until shes home I worry!!

tl I will have to dig up recipes to try as the girls all went through the vege only stage and I was stretched to cook things they would accept - like one would accept eggs & cheese and another wouldn't - I think I was very patient and understanding back then - now I'm an irritable old so & so <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I rather thought it was 'determined' myself but whatever the girls reckon - I only remind them that they will turn into me as they grow wiser <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
because we all know aging stops at 40.

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

AW & I still cook these big ham & spinach Quiches for Aussie but PLEASE dont tell him they are Quiches - call then ham & egg pies - because as we all know - real men DONT eat Quiche
<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

on that note a good night and happy dreams to all who are going to bed and have a great day to the rest!
p.s I think I'm going to get AW checked out by her sister as she is still flu like and looks like she has been run over by a bus - mama has suspicions <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Apparently this is an Australian thing. It doesn't seem to work over here. I didn't really start aging until I reached 40. At 31, strangers coming to the house still asked to speak to my mother, when I answered the door. All I can say is, THAT's certainly worn off! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> What I need is to find a really good plastic surgeon and take a thorn out of his paw, like Androcles and the lion. And then he'd be indebted to me and pay it off by pulling my face back tight, but not so tight that my ears would be on the back of my head. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

Sweet dreams. If I'm in them, please note that I'm cleaning my house! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l

For me, it's easier to understand the bible when I take time to think and pray about what I read.

God doesn't want it to be a mystery to us, he wants us to understand.

Now more than ever we need the message of the scriptures in our hearts, and the love of God in our lives.


From Isaiah we read:
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

For all the bad that we see, for all the sorrow we have, God is still in the heavens, and will make all right if we are faithful. Once you know that, it's easier to cope from day to day.

Thanks to everyone for your comments, through what you say, I come to know you, and I like what I see.

There is still much good in the world.

SS

Tonight I had a great delight. I got to meet our former youth minister's parents. He has been through a tough time and just resigned. There is a lot of turmoil in our congregation right now. Anyway, I had the pleasure of telling his parents that I know why he came to our city. He came for my family. God had a mission for him. It was to help my children. Whether he helped anyone else, I don't know. But, other than to meet the woman he is marrying in a few months, he came for my family. He had the background to help us in our darkest times.

God is healing us. And we can be there for him.

I think his parents were pleased to hear that he has had such an impact on our lives.

Well, Neak, I see you're online, so you must've finally finished that <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> shower for two <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> you were planning. Do you have dishpan body yet? Don't answer! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> Lalalalalalala. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> I got up to 135,000+ on Text Twist by myself and then your dad came in and "helped" me and together we made it over 200,000 before getting shot down in flames. Another exciting night at the Clam House. At least it was peaceful. And amusing. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Cinderella, I can promise you it made your pastor's parents glad to hear how he helped you. That's music to mom and dad's ears, and pretty sweet to the one who did the helping, too. People tend not to acknowledge nearly enough what others have done for them...although they're generally much quicker to let someone know what they've done wrong! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Is this just in case I didn't embarrass myself enough just by being me? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

AJ would want to know if I was getting dishpan body without him, anyway. He has been gone since 9, and for the last 1 1/2 hours I have been helping him prepare the dullest suppemental incident report you can imagine - I kept drifting off even during the most exciting <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> parts.

But the Dervish is asleep, so I can drift off in peace. (I kept creeping in here when AJ & I would get disconnected for a few minutes.)

You know me. I'd turn myself inside out and tie me up like a pretzel just to help you out! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Besides, what did you do that was embarrassing? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

That I missed... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> No you didn't, you already told everyone.<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Maybe there's something else I didn't think of - if there is, I'll let you know. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

You can trust me!! My lips are SEALED. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

t&l

P.S. If you're so sleepy, why are you still awake? You know those blasted trolls, I mean, Grandma's little darlings, will be up at the crack of dawn! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I was just taking a last tour through after FINALLY finishing that stupid report. Who would have thought a solo accident where the dumb driver just drifted into those yellow blocker pole thingies would need so many many details???

What did that have to do with your husband? Sounds like a Highway Patrol sort of thing to me.

t&l

Private property. His problem. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

On my way to bed now, so nighty night.

Good thinking about going to bed. I was going to advise that you follow my sterling example by doing so, but since you've beaten me to the punch, I'll follow you! Metaphorically speaking, of course. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

t&l

hi ya guys !! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

mum is washing up for me cause I'm not feeling too great again... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> now my ankles are swollen and my kness hurt <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />
and sinus is so blocked I feel like getting the cordless drill and being my own ENT doctor ... but Aussie won't let me in his shed <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I guess its back to the sudafed plus and nose drops and an early night ..though neaks plans to save water did perk me up with an idea or two <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> dont wanna waste an early night <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

A foot rub is JUST what I need in front of the telly wrapped in my blankets watching soccer.
Now my belly is playing up .. just had to eat the home made chips in tomato sauce and vinegar and lots of salt. Alright until then. just like someones stirring it around with a spoon. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> where's the empty ice cream bucket <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

missed it by " " that much <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> ewwwwwwww mummy help

My gut instinct (<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />) tells me that chips with tomato sauce and vinegar might not be the best food for someone with an upset stomach. Didn't you know that?



Whoops. Looks like you just figured that out by yourself. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Try jello. It tastes the same coming or going and doesn't "sour" in your tummy...just in case you have to recycle later. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Feel better soon. How do you expect your mama to get online and tell us all your <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> and <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> and <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> secrets if she's always busy cleaning up your near misses? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

t&l