The Meaning Of Life

What is the meaning of life, in your opinion? In other words, what do you think our primary purpose is as inhabitants of this Earth? I know this is a loaded question, but humor me; I'm curious! Do you believe in "spirits"? Heaven? Hell? Reincarnation? Where do you believe we "go" after we die?

In my opinion, I think our primary purpose as human beings is to learn lessons. I also believe that we keep coming back as different people until we learn our destined lesson(s). I think we are all given a predetermined amount of time (in each lifetime) to learn what we are "supposed" to learn, take it back with us to "the other side", and come back to continue our soul's evolutionary process. I also think there are ramifications for taking one's own life. I don't know if I believe in "Hell" per se, but I think if a soul makes the conscious decision to terminate it's life on Earth prematurely, that there are ramifications. For instance, it is made to start all over on it's evolutionary journey, because it didn't take advantage of its given opportunity to learn what it was supposed to learn.

Hmmm...now you go! : )

phoenix

Phoenix,

Nobody knows that answerto your question, Phoenix! I've been asking that same one for years and years. I asked again that same question of a friend a few weeks ago, and he told me..." our life is for us" it is to live and learn and love and enjoy and to feel and experience all the wonder that is out there, especially the experience of deep and fulfilling love between two people!!! If someone ever tells you they have the answer to your question, I would wonder; for each of it will be a different journey!

I do think we are pre-ordained for certain callings(destiny). If only Lazarus had spoken of what he saw when Jesus commanded him back from the grave, then we would know the answer to your question, but it was kept between him and Jesus. There were plenty of witness that observed the miracle, but what went on between life and death was never mentioned!!! There is a reason for that. Think about it. You hit it on when you said something about lessons. Keep wondering and asking questions and streching your mind. This is the way to more knowledge. Knowledge is power and no one can ever take that away from us!

Do you know the reason why he(Jesus) called him(Lazurus) by his name from the grave?? If he hadn't, then all the dead would have rose to meet him. Now I don't expect you to have the same trust in what I have trust in, but it is one way some people look at life and that is through faith in the Lord. Faith is hard for some to swallow, I know this!

It is a personal intimate journey and the greatest wealth in life is a strong spirtiual one. It will take you places you never dreamed of.

Happy travels
Susan

By the way Phoenix, EXCELLENT THREAD TOPIC!!

This is what is so great about the Scorpio board, you will find these 'types' of questions and conversation and feelings expressed here. DEEP! I like it like that!

Never stop wondering and asking questions!
S.

S--

Thanks for your reply; your faith is inspiring! And I know nobody really has the answers, but I do enjoy hearing other people's theories, beliefs and ideas. Yours are certainly interesting!

At this point in my life I have sort of a mishmash of beliefs. I take a lot from the Bible, and sort of meld that together with my belief in spirits, psychic mediums (I only think a couple of them might be the real deal)...and stuff like that. I have been to church quite a few times, but never on a regular basis. I always find myself agreeing with the sermon up until a certain point, and then disagreeing. So I always feel like a phony, or a traitor or something when I go to church, because I'm sitting next to all these people who whole-heartedly believe everything the Pastor is saying (which I think is great, but...)--I'm sitting there thinking, "but wait a minute, you had me for a while and you just lost me again" or "Boy I really wish I truly believed that"...you know? I sort of feel like if I can't throw myself into organized religion 100% , I shouldn't go to church on a regular basis.

Just letting my thoughts wander a little : )

phoenix

You know, lately I've been thinking about life and how it relates to cheeze. I mean, seriously, if I see cheeze racing by in an F1 355 Ferrari at 100mph, I shouldn't run after it even though it has glossy black paint and is a convertible.

Which brings me to my next cosmic question: Where did the cheeze get the Ferrari and why don't I have one? Sheesh ... even a ride would be nice, you know?

So you see, the cheeze symbolizes many things ... the lessons I have to learn, breaking free of the world's attachments and finding my own identity apart from cheeze, making people laugh even if it involves the constant use of cheeze, letting go more often and leaving people better off than when we crossed paths, learning from the mistakes of others and how it really isn't the wisest thing to stand in the path of cheeze racing a Ferrari ... the list goes on and on, but the theme remains constant: learning and growing from the experiences that come my way on a daily basis.

p.s. anybody have any good recipes based on cheeze? I'm gonna catch that sucka! ...

i-sun, will you just look at what you've done to this man? He is now using cheeze as a metaphor due to his newfound obsession with the stuff. By the way, now I'm misspelling cheeSe..thanks a lot. LOL!

scorp25, it was quite a trip trying to read between the lines of your post--but thank you for the humorous distraction and for...making me hungry. ; )

Keep them coming everybody...

Very Cheezy!!lol Still a good opinion!!

Phoenix,

I believe in the bible, but I do question it constantly. I don't think that is there is anything wrong in it. It's within our nature to want to dig deeper and find the answers. I know some people never question anything they just except it and that has never been easy for me!

205, I hear ya. I think I sometimes question everything TOO much...I don't know. I've had a lot of people say to me, "at a certain point you have to stop questioning and just believe, that's what it means to have faith". Hmm. I can't really accept that. In order to have faith, I have to know for sure, which isn't really faith I guess!

That last post was me, phoenix_rising.

I agree with you totally on your theories, Phoenix! I have thought this way for a long time...about the lessons and that suicide is the worst one can do, thus causing a backward turn on the wheel of advancement...
My sister also believes similarly. She is also very much into the metaphysical, but, also attends organized religion regularly...whereas, I am more occasional...

I try not to judge someone harshly who decides to end their own life. I think that there are those who are sensitive souls and can't take it out here in the world anymore and I can't fault them for wanting to leave this world, and I think that it is between them and God. I know He promise not to give us more than we can stand! Some are stronger than others!

I do feel for the people that are left behind though. They die everyday when someone takes their own life. I am living this right now. It is deep deep sorrow to watch someone giving up. The person that does the deed only has to die once!!! But who are we to condem them. We don't know the hell they lived in!!!

I think the Lord makes it up to those who are short changed here in the world!! At least I hope he does, that is my opinion. Isn't that what this is all about.

Ya'll have me crying again, but thanks anyways!!!
S

216, that rocks! Yes, the "metaphysical"--that's the word I was looking for. My beliefs encompass different parts of many outlooks.

S,

Don't cry! I didn't mean to sadden you with talking about this stuff : ( I'm sorry about that. But listen. A few months ago, a member of my family committed suicide, and I can tell you this...the pain will get better with time, even though to you it feels like one second you're okay, and the next second you're sinking into depression. Actually I take that back, about telling you not to cry. You should cry, you should let yourself feel everything you need to feel, because you will heal faster that way. Not that you'll ever be completely okay with it, but you will feel better as time goes on. What helped me move through those horrible emotions was thinking to myself, "I am still here, and I have to live my life now because there's nothing I can do anymore to change what happened. And I am still here for a reason." You have to remember that life here isn't supposed to stop for you. You are here for a reason. And yes, I too believe God rewards those who have to go through things like this.

About judging a person harshly who takes their own life...I also try not to do that, but at the same time one of the feelings I have about this topic is that it's a selfish thing to do in most cases. I do have a different outlook when it's someone who's going through extreme physical pain though. I have more sympathy for them. But my cousin was 20, and she cut her life short because of emotional pain. She didn't even give herself a chance. I'm not angry at her; I'm angry at the action she took. I have to watch her mother suffer every day...I watched her whole family suffer, and I suffered and continue to if I let myself dwell on it. I feel like in a way, it's an easy way out, while everyone else has to pick up the pieces of their broken spirits, for the rest of their lives. She was offered everything, help, a job, a place to live, free college...she chose instead to take the easy way out, the easy way for her. The hardest possible way for everyone else. She is gone, we are all still here and trying to deal with something that is so beyond us and bigger than us, it's overwhelming.

Just my thoughts I'm throwing out there...

phoenix_rising

I think one aspect in a reason to live, Is to ultimately learn to love and accept oneself. At age 26 I still do not feel all to comfortable in my skin. I feel like a sponge in that I've absorbed so much information and developed a secure tailor made perspective on my idea of life thus far. I have learned the importance to preserve ones dignity and to maintain self respect. I have found that is the hardest lesson one must go through because once you wrong yourself it almost feels irrevocable. It can feel haunting. I actually struggle as to respecting myself almost every day. Alot of times I won't; I won't be particuarly productive, Depending on my mood swing I 'll act particularly submissive and not be as fortright as I should, At times I have a tendency to binge eat, I'll have cigarettes when I know deep down I don't want to be a smoker. It seems at times that I am my own worst enemy. I literally have a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. I think the worst part about me is that I have developed this behavior of empty promises. I never actually say what I do. I have never really substantially followed through with something really important. I have an opportunity this fall to get into nursing school. Deep down I have so many doubts. My subconscious keeps telling me "Hey you probably can't do it" or "You most likely will give up during the semester and make excuses to withdraw", "Hey as an RN someone you'll probably mess up because your flighty at times, and someone will sue you". My gpa is a 3.9. I have all the resources to do it. Even though this may be my greatest opportunity that has crossed my path but, I struggle deep down because I don't believe in myself. I cannot in good conscience that I actually love myself. I only 'like' myself intermittently. I constantly judge myself as to what I 'really' have to offer as a person. Who in their right mind would see me as an investment. I have no children yet and deep down I don't think I really want them. No propogating the egg. What I really want to do in life is just go to medical school but I make excuses, the path is too long. Deep down in my heart if god asked me what I really want to do, with my most honesty that is how I would respond. The money involved is overwhelming. My grandmother shreiks at me saying that I am 26 I am too old to start. I only have a year before my eggs start to deteriorate. Sorry for the myriad of tangents. Sorry for the pity party. I just wait. I just keep waiting each day to be able to break out of my habits. Stop continuing to accept my behavior patterns, and try to step away and see healthier patterns for me. I need somehow to muster the courage to find something more meaningful in my life right now how I will make a difference in others lives.I want to be a purveyor of need for others. I cannot feel good about myself being mediocre and doing menial work. I know I have academically what it would take to get through what I desire most, yet it is a seemingly series of baby steps and struggle trying to kick off that devil on my left shoulder. I have not exactly epitomized a true meaning in life but I think it is of most importance to be happy in your own right and on all levels. If you are on the tip of the iceburg of it you must tread or fight harder to get there. Even so happiness can be fleeting, while I think that it truly starts with in your self. As you are able to manifest that highest appreciation for yourself you then are able to forge and share that love with others and be loved in return which is ultimate bliss in my estimation.

Heather,

I understand what you said in the last post, and I can sympahtize with both sides. I guess it depends on the situation and the individual, as you said! It is still their decision and life is a gift to use in whatever way we choose. I think it is terrible to leave loved ones to suffer like that and you are right, in some cases it is the easy way out. I wonder if your cousin realized the finality of her actions— We have plenty of time to be dead, so why not use what little time we have to LIVE!!!


"Do you believe in "spirits"? Heaven? Hell? Reincarnation? Where do you believe we "go" after we die?"

I do believe there are spirits and a spirit world. I believe Heaven to be a deep bond and connection with the God! and the opposite is true for Hell. I don't believe Hell is a some lake of fire or pit. I believe it is permanent seperation from
God, which would be the same thing!!!

Reincarnation, that I don't have a clue— I guess we'll have to wait and see!!!

Where do we go after are flesh bodies go back to the ground, I think our spirts live on and we are either on one side of the gulf or the other!!!

Nice thread and thanks for the (((hug)))!!/ Goodnight!
S.

68.116,

This was my horoscope for tommorrow, and I thought it appropriate to share with you after reading your post!!! I really appreciated your honesty!

"It is one thing to feel unhappy because something in your world is genuinely bad, sad or regrettable. It is another to feel blue because you don't think you're entitled to feel any other way. I'm not trying to suggest that you have lately been inflicting an unnecessary punishment on yourself but there is a part of you that half expects things to go wrong and thus almost 'welcomes' disappointment. You now need to conquer that pessimistic part of your personality. For you are being truly blessed by a kindly cosmos."
J.Cainer

S.

Susan, here's another ((((hug))))! Now goodnight, I forgot it's 3 hours later where you are...btw I like what you said about there being plenty of time to be dead, let's worry about what we'll do with the gift of life we've been given.

66--

Your post really rang a bell for me. I know I am six years younger but I'm already feeling much the same way as yourself. I think there are many people who feel this way too. Of all ages. I was just thinking about the fertility thing too, which makes it weird that you mentioned that. Except I am coming from the opposite end, I'm thinking I really want children. I don't know about right now...but I have been thinking about it a lot.

I can feel your inner confidence though--you know you have a great deal of opportunity what with your education and GPA. I am glad that you're not completely jaded on life. It is obvious you are in a brooding mood right now, which is more common and natural than you might think. Keep on truckin', girl. Every day is a new chance to climb the ladder higher. Just remember: it's YOUR ladder, and don't let anyone else try to tell you you're not moving up fast enough, or not climbing toward the right goal. You listen to others' opinions, and then you politely say, "well, I'm doing what works for me right now, thanks for the advice though".

You're going to reach the top of that mountain sooner than you think! : )

phoenix

Something interestin I found (from web.singnet.com.sg)...

The glyph for Scorpio represents the male sexual organ, which is indicative of the Scorpio fascination with sex. The sign of Scorpio is usually represented by the scorpion, although it is sometimes pictured as an eagle. When cornered, a scorpion will sting you or, if unable to do so, will sting itself. This tells us a little about the pride of those born in Scorpio. However, the eagle can rise above past hurts, maintaining its inner peace and achieving great heights of spiritual and emotional development. The eagle is representative of a Scorpio who has reached emotional maturity.


Scorpio is a water sign, so these people feel what is right for them intuitively. As a fixed sign, they can be stubborn and firm of purpose. Try dissuading a Scorpio from some plan or purpose and you'll soon understand what fixed signs are like.


As water is not suited to be fixed in nature, Scorpios can experience inner distress from time to time. Water flows, evaporates and falls, but rarely does it sit still for too long. One way to keep water fixed is to freeze it, and when applying this to emotions, it suggests periods of emotional coldness or stagnation due to unreleased emotional pain. When the heart is warmed and the ice melts, tears follow as the emotions flow once again. After the tears, Scorpios are usually open to understanding and emotional healing.


Scorpios often experience life as distinct chapters, and people and situations belonging to one chapter disappear from their lives when the chapter closes. This is due to the ruling planet for Scorpio: Pluto.


Pluto is the bringer of change, and sometimes finds it necessary to destroy the old to make way for the new. As a result, Scorpios often have only a few close friends who travel through life with them; the rest are acquaintances who pass out of their life with the closing of a chapter.


Most Scorpios have a strong intuition which usually emerges as a ?gut feeling' when they meet someone new. The typical Scorpio will size someone up in a matter of seconds and once they have made up their mind about them, they rarely change their opinions. To be fair, they are often right first time when deciding about people. They may not know a great deal about those they meet, but they know whether they can trust them.


Scorpios do not make friends easily, but they are loyal to those friends they have, and defend their friends vigorously should the need arise. They are strong, silent types, who lend weight to the saying ?still waters run deep'. Naturally secretive, they can be relied upon to keep a secret, unless they have strong air aspect (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) in their chart.


Scorpio people tend to test their friends and their partners, in order to discover their limitations. Although they lose some friends and partners as a result of this process, it does not seem to dissuade them.


Scorpios have the ability to penetrate to the core of a matter, and this predisposes them to investigative work. Police detectives, insurance investigators, private detectives, psychiatrists, psychologists and clairvoyants all utilise the penetrative qualities which Scorpio people possess.


Owing to their investigative nature, it can be very difficult keeping a secret from a Scorpio. Their intuition tells them that something is amiss and this activates their investigative skills, prompting them to scour their surroundings for evidence to support their feelings.


Those who attempt to deceive a Scorpio are usually unsuccessful and it is unlikely that they will be forgiven for their transgression. However, although strangers usually only get one chance to cross a Scorpio, friends are excused from time to time. It's that Scorpio loyalty again. They may forgive you, but don't delude yourself that you won't have to pay for hur

if you would ask me what i believe in... guess what it is..............................................................

indeed! its got to be the cheese.
eventhou i am lactose intolerant i still believe that the cheese can save a person... haha. scorp25. there you have it, you even elaborated the meaning of cheese, and it was pretty a darn good interpretation...

believe in the power of cheese!

cheese!

what do people yell when they take a picture... yes it is Cheese!

The best kind of cheese, by far, is Cheeze-Whiz. I love fake cheese. I actually prefer fake cheese. I like the fake cheeselike powder they put on Doritos. I like any sort of cheese dip. I like it sliced, spread, drizzled...and it's got to be Sharp Cheddar. A close second is Monterey Jack. Coming in third would be Swiss. Gotta love it.

scorp25:

I have cheese recipe for you.
It involves a willing female.
I like to call it "Cheese Sandwich Surprise". ; )

Yeah!! lol.

phoenix_rising

I think you mean two females and a hunk of cheese!!!!lol

Oh! now I get it! Heather!!!!!!! you are too much!

LOL!

I can't help it, it's the Venus in Sag. I must be in Sag "flirt mode" right now because I just made a bad joke! ha! 😛

Actually you probably won't have any idea what I meant by "Sag flirt mode" unless you read the "scorp women are dangerous" thread...hehe!

If we're still on the topic I believe that life is opportunity. Oppotunity to live and make decisions, gain expeience and figure out what works and what doesn't. Life is the meaning of life and though we don't really know why we were born in the big scheme of things it's worth living life to the fullest that you can make it. And that's decent enough. I think it's more interesting to find out what happens after death, and would there ever be such a thing as immortality?

207,

I will tell you what God has written to us in his love letter to us (the bible).

This was written by the hardest working disciple for God and one of my favorite
Paul

"Lo! I tell you a mystery.
We shall not all sleep, but we
shall be changed, in a
moment, in the twinkling of
an eye, at the last trumpet will sound,
and the dead will be raised impersihable, and we shall be
changed.nnFor this persihable
nature must put on the impersihable, and this mortal nature must put on immortality.
When the perishable put on the impersihalbe, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass
the saying that is written:
"Death is swallowed up in victory."
"O death, where is they victory?
" O death, where is thy sting?"
The sting of death is sin. But thanks to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen!

Susan

Sorry for the mistake. They should read thy! I do love his writings!!!!!

207:

I like that-- "Life is opportunity". That really encompasses everything, doesn't it!

Susan,

Don't the writings in the bible just send shivers down your spine?? Even the way that passage starts out is neat, "Lo, I shall tell you a mystery..." Life, death, it's all very mysterious. The Bible is such an interesting thing. That's why I can't ever dismiss it completely. Nor can I grasp it completely. Because it's entirely about the mysteries of life and death. It's all about things that can't be "proven" until we die. I can't wait for technology to somehow (this will probably never happen, but I have my hopes) create a way to keep the brain of a deceased person...alive. Or somehow extract the contents of a deceased person's mind. I know that sounds really out there, but wouldn't that be amazing? We would be able to "see" what that person "saw" as they were crossing over to the other side. Oh, just my weird ramblings!! : )

Not sure what our purpose here on Earth is exactly, but I know that humans have an ingrained sense of purpose and self-worth that keeps us living.

As for reincarnation and spirits, I do believe in that. I don't know if I believe necessarily in heaven and hell, although my idea of hell is when a person experiences a certain amount of loss and suffering. I also think hell may be something that is more a state of mind rather than an actual place. Hell may be something that a person experiences when they don't believe. The feeling may be one of emptiness and lack of spirituality and positive vibes.

Heaven, I think is the opposite. I believe heaven is something you experience when you have faith and spirituality. It doesn't have to be in God necessarily, but in something or someone, especially yourself.

I also believe that God is a forgiving God and wants people to be good for the simple reason that being good and moral is an attribute in and of itself. I don't believe God or whoever created us wants us to be empty-headed and empty-hearted bible quoters or killers. Man isn't supposed to kill one another to prove his/her allegiance and faith.

A person who is truly good and moral doesn't need the bible or organized religion to tell him/her to act in that manner. Otherwise, that person is just acting out of fear and not out of love.

Many wars have been in the vain of religion, and all for naught. In fact, religion was used to justify the killing and exploitation of land and people.

64.40

Great post!!! and you are so right!!!

"A person who is truly good and moral doesn't need the bible or organized religion to tell him/her to act in that manner. Otherwise, that person is just acting out of fear and not out of love."

And we all fall short, so who is truly good and moral? People can turn their lives around!

"There is none righteous, no not one.
Romans 3:10

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23

I am absolutely enthralled! I may not be a Scorpio, but I can still say that this is the best, most interesting post on these boards I've read yet! I thank the Gods and whatever caused whichever astrological alignment that made Heather start this post. *SIGH* I have grown wearied (and bored to the point that a game of Free Cell was my only fallback) from the far too numerous posts on this site calling for help on whether or not one person's sun sign was compatible with another's (for which I, too, am guilty...but no more!) I may be just another fishgoat, but I like the deep stuff!

Now...time to put in my thoughts on the meaning of life- just so I can't be accused of writing a shallow post (although one that was complimentary, and to a large number of people- you others who have written these posts that are so intriguing to me, and any compliments from me are usually tough for the getting).

Personally this has always been my theory: life is all about me. Whether or not it's a dream, a trick of the mind, whatever, everything and everyone has been arranged just this way on the off chance that I might experience it. There are too many things to experience, though, so I'm forced to make decisions- which is tougher for me than almost anyone I know, thanks to my Libra moon/Virgo rising combo. Things like history and visions of the future have been placed by God- whatever that almighty entity may be- to tempt me into daydreaming and wishing things that cannot be, since I was allotted my Venus and Mars both in fickle, dreamy Pisces. Other things have been set to give me the intense desire to figure them out- if there be any figuring- such as metaphysical abilities, chi, glyphs of helicopters and rockets in the pyramids at Giza and pyramids on Mars, and yes...even astrology!

I'm not allowed to say that life revolves around me though, since that is another of the tests in my life. The balance between self-esteem and humility or modesty. Life, for me, is a test to see whether or not I continue to keep faith in the Baptist world my father was raised and married in or the strict Catholic teachings my mother was raised in. I've had some experiences that make me wonder how it's possible that there are coincidences and that life is not already planned out by a willing Patriarch in Heaven, but then I can always break anything down to a reasonable doubt thanks to that Virgo rising.

Personally, I think that I myself was brought into being as a test. I've been raised and taught every step of the way how to be a perfect person, and continue to try, gathering more determination and stubbornness- if anything at all- as I go. Pushing thoughts of ending life aside are tough for me- always have been, and God won't kill me- but the one thing everyone must do or at least try to is to push on and see what finale to the ongoing drama awaits, and as they do this they are bound by duty to help others to that end as well whether it be through healing, entertaining, or making comforts (technology).

I think what I just did was say the same basic thought over and over again. It's unoriginal, even in this string of posts, life is just a test and it is a person's duty to see it through to the end, have faith in something good, and help others.

Yeah Heather! You Rock!! It seems that you are always in the midst of the most intriguing threads! (and many are begun by you!!)

Hi Susan! I admire your positivity!

64.40
I find your post very interesting...I have heard similar theories...it really makes one think...thanks for your insight!!

205-Because we are all only human, to error is to be human. Therefore, no one is perfect, and no one can be completely good. Everyone has a dark side to them, but that wasn't my point.

My point is about free will and making choices. Everyone (yes, I do mean everyone) knows right from wrong. There are those clear distinctions when some actions are clearly wrong and some are clearly right (or at least not wrong). Your parents, family members, some friends, society etc..have all taught you those things. You make your own decisions, however whether to follow through or not.

To have good intentions isn't enough for a person to have. Remember what they say about good intentions....

It's all about behavior and actions. Do your actions represent what you supposedly believe?? If they don't, you can quote and read the bible all day and spend hours everyday of the week in church to "save your soul," but in the grand finale and final scheme of things, your day of reckoning will come.

Internalizing the message of love for all and treating others the way you would want to be treated and following through (very important ingredient) mean for a richer and fuller life, and bring good things to come.

That's nothing any bible could ever do for me. The bible is old and the words are mythic. I choose to be the best that I can be because that's what I aspire to. I feel that way not only on an intellectual level, but I also take it to heart. That's the difference.

And thank you 216 for the complement :-)

Let's keep the conversation on a roll!

"Internalizing the message of love for all and treating others the way you would want to be treated and following through (very important ingredient) mean for a richer and fuller life, and bring good things to come."

"That's nothing any bible could ever do for me. The bible is old and the words are mythic. I choose to be the best that I can be because that's what I aspire to. I feel that way not only on an intellectual level, but I also take it to heart. That's the difference."

I have to admit in all honesty, loving others is the only thing that stands in my way of His message. I really don't like people very much (some but not many)! I have a hard time understanding them and would rather not be around them, be it the truth known. So, I am one of 'those' people that need to read the bible over and over again and pray and deal with my attitudes! Not to mention that it is a beautiful testament to life and everyting in it!My actions are not always the same as what is in my heart and they conflict constantly! I am thankful for His promise to judge me by not only my actions but by what was in my heart! I think my heart is in conflict with my mind even as I'm writing this!

I agree with the very first sentence of your message, 'we are all human.' Which means, I will fall and fail and get up and try over and over again, but that won't ever stop me.

So, I guess we are in agreement!

64.14..lol..you don't have to hug everyone and tell them how wonderful they are! I'm not talking about sacchariney fake love. I'm just talking about respect. It goes a long way.

Yes, people will and do get on your nerves. If they didn't, then they wouldn't be human I guess. There are many ways of spreading love.

One golden rule is "to give with the heart, and not with the hand." Also, don't stereotype people or act without knowing all the facts. There are lots of ways to do good in the world and for humanity without being a goodie-tooshoes.

oops, meant 64.12..See, I already made an error..lol

OK!, You'll get no argument from me.

But if someone wants to put them up, guess what?

216,

Thank you for the compliment! You rock too!!

Josh,

Your wisdom astounds me. I have read your post about 3 times, and I must say that I am so glad a person of my generation is able to participate in a discussion like this--and LIKES it! And your philosophies are very interesting. When I was younger and vascillating between total atheism and extreme fascination with God and organized religion (now I suppose I classify myself as smack dab in the middle of those extremes), I started to really resent my parents for never once taking me to church, teaching me anything about religion, instilling within me any sort of relligious belief system, and so on...you get the idea. Then at the age of about 16, I realized that I (personally) am better off not having any pre-instilled, pre-concieved beliefs within me. I realized that I had the freedom and power to "discover" religion(s) completely on my own, to deny or accept God all by myself. So I let go of that resentment and did just that. By no means am I even close to being an expert on world religions--I have a looooong way to go yet. But I looked around me at many of my peers who seemed to accept without question everything their parents told them, and I thought to myself, how can you truly accept and believe in something you've never questioned? How can you pledge allegiance to a God that you know only through how your parents have depicted him, rather than forst taking an objective stance, then gathering information, and processing that information with your own mind, through your own filter (yes, I think we all see things through a different set of eyes and there are no absolute truths)? When I would tell my friends "My parents are agnostics who don't go to church and have never taken me", that's when they all started to feel they needed to "save" me, by teaching me what they believed. Which was a nice gesture, but I found that I learned much more of what I needed to know in the solitude of my own bedroom reading the bible, over and over again, and trying to read between the lines of it. I think that as long as what you believe in, is what you have learned on your own (not what has been spoon-fed to you, twisted around to fit the ideals of conservatism or the individual beliefs of others), then you have true "faith". Or maybe you truly don't have "faith". I think the most important thing is to feel you're being honest about your beliefs.

Whew, sorry, went on a tangent there guys!!

That would be "first", not "forst". : )

Hey! Star,

Thank you and glad to hear from you, which is not much these days! Hope you're doing great!!!
Susan

"I have grown wearied (and bored to the point that a game of Free Cell was my only fallback) from the far too numerous posts on this site calling for help on whether or not one person's sun sign was compatible with another's (for which I, too, am guilty...but no more!) I may be just another fishgoat, but I like the deep stuff!"

Hey! Josh,

I enjoyed what you had to say on this topic!! If you don't mind me asking, what is the game of 'free cell'? I have never heard that expression before.

Hmmm....

Heather, that's an interesting cheeze recipe!

But how do we generate the heat to *melt* the cheeze? And how would we spread it?

Could it be replaced by Cool Whip I wonder ....

I'm jealous!! Heather gets all the guys and all the fun!!! LOL

SCORP25 IS STUPID HE IS OBSESSING ABOUT CHEESE, LET IT GO MAN!LET IT GO! ITS NOT FUNNY ANYMORE!IT WAS ONLY A METAPHOR OK

A WEEK HAS PASSED AND STILL YOU ARE ON THAT.DO ME A FAVOR. STOP IT.

You're absolutely right, my brother or sister, whoever you are.

I guess it's time I confessed that I've been battling an obsession with cheeze since kindergarten when the substitute teacher ignorantly let me taste my first slice of processed. Almost instantly I was swept away by unbridled lust for any type of cheeze I could get my little hands on: swiss, monterey jack ... you name it. It even got to the point where I was donating pints of blood at the blood bank just to pay for my next fix of cheeze.

Oh please, dear friend. Please pray to the lord CHEEZE-us that I might be liberated from this foul addiction. I know your heart will be with me this week (sniff, tear, sniff).

Also, please forgive the time lag in posting, as I worked over 60 hours last week and it was hard to make it to my computer. Possibly some cheeze might help me recover. Doh! There I go again. Please forgive me. I will try to move onto better obsessions like Cool Whip on selected body parts, or zebra-skin clothing, or possibly housepets that can do cute tricks.