MM and FH,

This post is going to sound very strange to you, but I felt I must post it. I am very very impressed with how you two are handling JJ on her thread. I am very impressed with your description of your faith to her. Why? Well, from time to time prior posts has indicated a rather "harsh" view. This time I see a very "gentle" approach consistent with your beliefs.

I truly believe you are doing good work with JJ.

God Bless,

JL

PS: It is not as though you need my approval, but just a comment

JL, I thought that the other day which was the last time I read JJ's thread.

I know that FH and MM are often taken to task for their sometimes bible thumping Christianity but I read their posts and was blown away by their faith and the way they live it and just don't make the right noises.

It's amazing.

JL, KiwiJ - thank you for your kind words. All I can say is that God has been faithful to His promise to me of Romans 8:28. Needless to say, I would have preferred a different "school" than infidelity, but when your entire world is sucked out from under you and the only thing left to hold onto is that very thin thread connected to God through Christ, God teaches us. We can do it His way, or He'll let us do it our way (the hard way). For me, the single biggest lesson He has taught me is the power and the strength of forgiveness that is based in His example. The second biggest has been the need for simple, humble, obedience to His commands no matter what I was, or am, feeling. The third lesson He taught me is patience, to wait patiently on the Lord and His timing, not my timing. (He is still working on me with that one as I tend to be impatient)

Not easy lessons, but God knew what I had to experience to "prepare me" for the lessons of reliance on Him and not on self.

And then there's the lesson of comforting others with the same sort of comfort that He gave me. To "pass it forward" as some might say. "Come all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." It is amazing how what used to be a "simple and nice sounding phrase" takes on a magnificent new meaning when we see God's love in action in our own lives as He shows us the real application of it.

THIS is love, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

As for the "harsh" view sometimes, I plead guilty. I have little patience (noted above) for people who may claim to be Christians but who don't seem to understand even the Gospel message, let alone any "finer points." I'm working on that one too because God calls us to brotherly love for fellow believers.

And JL, we've had a few words between us ourselves at times. So I really thank you for writing such a post.

God bless.

FH,

The hardest thing I have learned in my life is that no one leads their life as I would live it for them AND that everyone learns in their own time. In short "patience" is really key in showing, guiding, teaching someone something.

I see you and MM showing great "patience" with JJ. It is a pleasure to watch.

God Bless,

JL

And in my brief sojurn back here, I've noticed the change in tone for what I believe is the better. It's terrific to see, and an inspiration to faith.

So "nice job", gentlemen...

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I've gotta say that THIS is the kind of help that really seems to be what makes me appreciate MB. When you see people treating each other with respect (even applying the 2x4 with respect! LOL) and trying to help and guide them to the right path.

It's a pleasure to see.

I'm going to pile on, here, with a "me too." I like the change of tone a whole lot. And... I suspect it will help many more people than you can possibly know.