~This side of the 'glass'~

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Bingo

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OLDER THAN DIRT

"Hey Dad," one of my kids asked the other day, "What was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?"
"We didn't have fast food when I was growing up," I informed him. "All the food was slow."
"C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?"

"It was a place called 'at home,'" I explained. "Grandma cooked every day and when Grandpa got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it."
By this time, the kid was laughing so hard I was afraid he was going to suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to have permission to leave the table. But here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I figured his system could have handled it:


Some parents NEVER owned their own house, wore Levi's, set foot on a golf course, traveled out of the country, or had a credit card. In their later years, they had something called a revolving charge card. The card was good only at Sears Roebuck. Or maybe it was Sears AND Roebuck. Either way, there is no Roebuck anymore. Maybe he died.

My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was mostly because we never had heard of soccer. I had a bicycle that weighed probably 50 pounds and only had one speed, (slow). We didn't have a television in our house until I was 15, but my grandparents had one before that. It was, of course, black and white, but they bought a piece of colored plastic to cover the screen. The top third was blue, like the sky, and the bottom third was green like grass. The middle third was red. It was perfect for programs that had scenes of fire trucks riding across someone's lawn on a sunny day. Some people had a lens taped to the front of the TV to make the picture look larger.

I was 13 before I tasted my first pizza, it was called "pizza pie." When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down, plastered itself against my chin, and burned that, too. It's still the best pizza I ever had.

We didn't have a car until I was 15. Before that, the only car in our family was my grandfather's Ford. He called it a "machine."
I never had a telephone in my room. The only phone in the house was in the living room and it was on a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know weren't already using the line.
Pizzas were not delivered to our home. But milk was.


All newspapers were delivered by boys and all boys delivered newspapers. I delivered a newspaper, six days a week. It cost 7 cents a paper, of which I got to keep 2 cents. I had to get up at 4 AM every morning. On Saturday, I had to collect the 42 cents from my customers. My favorite customers were the ones who gave me 50 cents and told me to keep the change. My least favorite customers were the ones who seemed to never be home on collection day.

Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut. At least, they did in the movies. Touching someone else's tongue with yours was called French kissing and they didn't do that in movies. I don't know what they did in French movies. French movies were dirty and we weren't allowed to see them.

If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your children or grandchildren. Just don't blame me if they bust a gut laughing.

Growing up isn't what it used to be, is it?

MEMORIES from a friend:
My Dad is cleaning out my grandmother's house (she died in December) and he brought me an old Royal Crown Cola bottle. In the bottle top was a stopper with a bunch of holes in it. I knew immediately what it was, but my daughter had no idea. She thought they had tried to make it a saltshaker or something. I knew it as the bottle that sat on the end of the ironing board to "sprinkle" clothes with because we didn't have steam irons. Man, I am old.

How many do you remember?
Headlight dimmer switches on the floor. Ignition switches in the middle of the dashboard. Heaters mounted on the inside of the firewall. Real ice boxes. Pant leg clips for bicycles without chain guards. Soldering irons you heat on a gas burner. Using hand signals for cars without turn signals.

Older Than Dirt Quiz: Count all the ones that you remember, not the ones you were told about. Ratings are at the bottom.
1. Blackjack chewing gum
2. Chewable Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water
3. Candy cigarettes
4. Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles
5. Coffee shops or diners with table-side jukeboxes
6. Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
7. Party lines
8. Newsreels before the movie
9. P.F. Flyers
10. Butch wax
11. Telephone numbers with a word prefix (Olive-6933)
12. Peashooters
13. Howdy Doody
14. 45 RPM records
15. S&H Green Stamps
16. Burma-Shave signs
17. Metal ice trays with lever
18. Mimeograph paper
19 Blue flashbulb
20. Packard's
21. Roller skate keys
22. Cork popguns
23. Drive-ins
24. Studebakers
25. Wash tub wringers

If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young
If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older
If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age,
If you remember 16-25 = You're older than dirt!

I might be older than dirt but those memories are the best part of my life.
Don't forget to pass this along!! Especially to all your really OLD friends...
And those who can't relate to these things have surely missed out on the time that was,
a time of family, country, and God were actually a part of this time of it all.


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Bingo

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**Again, the Creator, and more knowledgeable beings of intelligence, are not ready to let us blow our planet into oblivion due to our
childlike stupidity. However, like children, we are about to get a very useful but painful lesson. With that pain will come a 'shift' of perception toward true reality, Spiritual Reality, away from the dominating illusions, mythologies, and dogmas of the past. It will be a wake-up call to all mankind.

"When you are awake the dream is gone... When you are Enlightened the 'world of illusion' is gone ... and the TRUTH will set you FREE."

Individually, in our worldly drunken illusory view, we are severely limited in what we can do. By ourselves, we can do little or nothing except drown out the bleaknesses and frustrations of life. A man without power is NOTHING. With POWER, however, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. That POWER is, of course, SPIRITUAL POWER, the POWER of THE CREATOR .... mankind needs power, lots of it, to survive.

This means getting in touch with the SOURCE of power and the ONENESS of all things ..... so that every act becomes a spiritual act, every day a spiritual day. It is thus that we come to live a COMPLETELY SPIRITUAL LIFE and we come to the Full Realization that the visible world is but a part of a GREATER SPIRITUAL WORLD and that the Spiritual world and the Visible world are One Reality.

I say, once again, these are things that I know -
Peace and happiness are available in every moment. Peace is in every step.
We shall learn to walk hand in hand.
There are no political or theological solutions to spiritual problems.
The ONLY solution is the TRUTH.


Remember, If the Creator puts it there, it is in the right place. The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears.
I know that All must be brought into the Sacred Hoop for it to be mended. I often wonder how we will bring those who do not see even the simplest of Circles into the greatest Circle of all.
Then I remember it is a thing that has been promised by Spirit.
That is how I know it will come to be.


A HO! Love and Peace!
Barefoot Windwalker


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(R.I. P. )

**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various public domain sources.'
Intended solely as informative and subjects to reflect on.
Spiritual maturity and growth depend on the measure of one's intent. )


'A dear friend gave me this read many years ago. It is a poignant view of realistic truth here in the now.
Many lives have been inspired by the wisdom of the writer of these words.'



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Bingo

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'I stand by this truth.' :)
 

Bingo

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Received from the campfire spirit one night in the Mojave desert, November 1999 . . .


From Earth we are created,
From imagination we are uplifted,
From history we are transcended,
We are the Past, Present and Future,
We are Now.


The fruit of the Spirit is
Gentleness, Patience, Kindness
Self-Control, Love, Faithfulness
Joy, Peace, Goodness.


Love and Peace, Barefoot Windwalker

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Bingo

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**In the context of Biblical studies, "scripture is abstract" means that while the text uses concrete language (e.g., words describing specific events, people, or objects), it often carries deeper, more abstract, or symbolic meanings that go beyond the literal. This abstract layer of meaning allows for multiple interpretations and applications, extending the relevance of scripture beyond its original historical context.

Abstract vs. Concrete:
While the Bible uses concrete language to describe events and people, it also employs words and concepts
that can be interpreted abstractly to convey deeper theological or spiritual truths.

Biblical Hebrew:
The Hebrew language, used in much of the Old Testament, is particularly rich in concrete and abstract expressions, where concrete words can often carry abstract or symbolic meanings.


Multiple Layers of Meaning:
The abstract nature of scripture allows for different levels of interpretation, including the literal, allegorical, moral,

and anagogical senses.

Theological Significance:
The abstract meanings in scripture often point to larger theological truths about God, humanity, and the world.


Beyond Literal Interpretation:
Understanding the abstract layer of scripture is crucial for a more profound and nuanced understanding of its meaning, especially when interpreting Old Testament texts.


Symbolic Language:
Scripture often uses symbolic language, figures of speech, and allegories to convey abstract concepts, such as the use of the river of water of life to symbolize the Holy Spirit.


Contextual Interpretation:
Interpreting scripture abstractly requires paying attention to the context of the text, the author's purpose,
and the overall message of the Bible.


Application in Daily Life:
Abstract meanings in scripture can be applied to various aspects of life, offering guidance and inspiration for Christians.



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Bingo

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**Believe this truth: You are destined to live a life of calm and wisdom, not confusion. You are a child of God. Your birthright is righteousness, peace, and joy. You are entitled as part of your Holy inheritance to walk in wisdom.

THAT IS THE TRUTH.

Let these scriptures become your life’s earnest endeavor:

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. —Ephesians 1:17

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
—James 1:5


We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. —2 Corinthians 10:5

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. —2 Timothy 1:7

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD. —Isaiah 11:2

**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subjects to reflect on. Spiritual maturity and growth

depend on the measure of one's intent. )

'I believe within all of scripture there are significant noteworthy and easily understandable inspired wisdom put forth.
Perhaps if and/or when these very understandable words are seriously focused on, surely it would help put away the
worldly foolish notions that have infested the minds of those who are surely vacant of God's Spirit.'


'Not to judge or offend. I believe that filled with God's Spirit and truth, more people would benefit and surely
would stay to hear more and hopefully tell others the 'good news' they found within this Christian community.'


'Attempting to outsource soundly-inspired spiritual wisdom shall likely become nothing of value to lost souls.'

'Spiritual Wisdom is the ability to rely on the Spirit to make the right decisions based on spiritual, rather than earthly, realities.
Anyone can live with wisdom, but only Christians who have the Holy Spirit can see spiritual realities through the same
eyes that God does.'

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Bingo

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**-While relevant and important, many profound spiritual questions may not have explicit answers within the Bible's text. These questions often delve into the complexities of human experience, the nature of reality, and personal faith journeys. Examples include contemplating the meaning of suffering, navigating complex ethical dilemmas, or understanding the nature of God's will in specific circumstances.

Here's a more detailed exploration of why some spiritual questions might not be explicitly answered in the Bible.

1. The Bible's Purpose and Limitations:
-The Bible primarily focuses on God's revelation to humanity, His relationship with people, and the historical events of salvation. It doesn't aim to provide a comprehensive manual for all life's questions.

God's will and wisdom may not always be immediately apparent or expressed through a straightforward, step-by-step guide.

2. Examples of Questions Not Explicitly Answered:
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas:

-While the Bible offers general moral principles, it might not provide detailed guidance on every specific moral conflict in the modern world. For example, a Christian might question how to apply biblical principles to contemporary issues like artificial intelligence or genetic engineering.
-Understanding the Meaning of Suffering:
-The Bible acknowledges suffering, but it often doesn't provide a clear explanation for why some individuals face immense hardship while others experience prosperity.


The Nature of God's Will:
-While the Bible encourages seeking God's guidance, it doesn't offer a definitive formula for knowing His will in specific situations, particularly when choices have uncertain outcomes.


Personal Spiritual Journeys:
-The Bible provides frameworks for understanding God's character and relationship with people, but it doesn't offer a prescriptive path for everyone's individual spiritual growth.


Understanding God's Attributes:
-While the Bible speaks of God's attributes like love, justice, and mercy, it may not fully explain the nuances or complexities of these attributes within the context of human experience.


3. Seeking Answers:
-While the Bible may not provide direct answers to all questions, it can provide a foundation for understanding God's character, principles, and the context in which these questions arise.


-Engaging in prayer, study, and seeking guidance from spiritual leaders can help individuals grapple with challenging questions and discover insights that resonate with their personal experiences.

-Understanding the Bible's purpose as a story of God's redemption and example for life can help navigate life's complexities.

**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subject to reflect on. Spiritual maturity and growth

depend on the measure of one's intent. )

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'Many should seriously ponder the nature of reality, here in the now.
Reconstructing scripture in any form leads to a self-centered agenda probability.


'The act of interpreting or reconstructing scripture carries the inherent risk of subjectivity and
the potential for self-centered agendas. However, this risk can be mitigated by a commitment to
humility, careful study, community engagement, and a focus on the core principles of faith.
It's important to be aware of these potential pitfalls and to approach scripture with a genuine desire
to understand and apply its teachings in a way that honors its true intent and benefits others.'
 

Bingo

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**The question of whether Jesus saved those who ultimately hated Him is a complex theological issue with varying perspectives.
Arguments suggesting Jesus's salvation extends even to those who hated Him:
God's Love and Grace: Christian theology emphasizes God's boundless love and grace, extending even to those who reject Him. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is seen as a propitiation for the sins of the whole world, signifying a potential for salvation offered to all.


Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
Jesus' teachings stress the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. His own prayer for those who crucified him ("Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do") exemplifies this.

God's Desire for All to be Saved:
Some theological viewpoints emphasize that God desires all people to be saved and that His love motivates His pursuit of even the most hardened sinners.

Arguments suggesting that the final rejection of Jesus excludes one from salvation:
Free Will and Choice:
Christian theology also acknowledges the concept of free will. Individuals have the capacity to choose to accept or reject Jesus' offer of salvation.


Repentance and Faith:
Salvation is often described as being received through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. If someone persistently and definitively rejects Jesus, they may be seen as not meeting the conditions for salvation.

Conditional Salvation:
Some theological perspectives emphasize conditional salvation, where continued faith and obedience are seen as necessary to maintain a saved status.

Biblical passages often cited in this discussion:
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life". This verse highlights God's love for all and the possibility of salvation for those who believe.

John 1:11: "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him". This verse describes the rejection of Jesus by some, even within His own community.
Matthew 10:33: "But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven". This verse suggests that publicly denying Jesus may have consequences regarding eternal salvation.

Conclusion:
Whether Jesus saves those who ultimately hate Him remains a debated theological question. While God's love and grace are seen as extending to all, the requirement for faith and repentance in receiving salvation, and the concept of free will, suggest that the final rejection of Jesus might preclude eternal life.


**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subject to reflect on. Spiritual maturity and growth

depend on the measure of one's intent. )

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Bingo

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** -Experiencing God refers to a subjective, personal encounter with the divine, often described as a feeling of God's presence or a direct, personal relationship with a higher power. This can manifest in various ways, including visions, auditory experiences, intense feelings of peace and joy, or a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.

Feeling God's Presence:
Many individuals describe experiencing God's presence as a tangible, immeasurable, or even palpable feeling. This can be a sense of peace, comfort, or joy that transcends ordinary emotional states.

Visions and Auditory Experiences:
Some people report seeing visions or hearing God's voice during their experiences. These experiences are often described as supernatural or divine in nature.


Intense Feelings:
The experience can be accompanied by intense feelings of love, awe, reverence, or even fear. These feelings are often described as being beyond words and deeply transformative.


Personal Connection:
Many individuals view experiencing God as forming a personal connection with a higher power. This can involve feeling like God is a loving father, a guide, or a companion.


Providential Encounters:
Some people believe that experiences with God can manifest through seemingly random or providential encounters with others, such as a stranger's kindness or a shared experience.


Impact on Beliefs:
The experience can significantly impact an individual's beliefs and worldview, leading them to feel more connected to their faith or to seek a deeper understanding of God.


Daily Practices:
Many people believe that engaging in daily practices like prayer, scripture study, and acts of kindness can help foster a stronger relationship with God and facilitate more frequent experiences of His presence.



**( 'Articles in this thread are compiled from various
public domain sources.' Intended solely as informative
and subject to reflect on. Spiritual maturity and growth

depend on the measure of one's intent. )

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