Lori

I only tried it once. She was one of my best friends. She was still in, and I had just left the first time. I made it a point to tell her I was no longer fellowshipping. We were always so upfront with each other. I could tell she was hurt, but we talked for awhile. Afterwards, she told me she had thought about calling me but had thought it wasn't best.

I've found that it's never the same. Either too much time has elapsed, they're married, or they're uncomfortable in continuing with just a friendship. I don't know. I guess some of the dynamics would depend on where things left off...

Happy Birthday, Shell!

Well, I agree with Chatty Kathy. A woman should be careful as to the surrounding circumstances. I do think we have a certain responsibility to think things through, and not to put ourselves in precarious situations. Example. If you're going out on a first date, it's probably not a good idea to wear clothing that's revealing, drink too much with someone you don't know, and the meeting place would be another consideration. I realize women do get raped. And no, I don't think it's their fault. I'm just saying, why invite it? As far as marraiges go, well; that's a harder monster. I think Abi posted some good points as well as others. Most people marry with an understanding sex will be a part of the relationship. In cases of abuse, things start to take on different scenarios, and it's impossible to make a blanket judgment. I guess that's why we have court systems, and restraining orders if they're necessary. No, I'm not for a woman using rape just to get back at her husband. No, I'm not for a man who abuses his wife. I may get slammed here as well. I won't be around to respond until later though.

I can't say I experienced smoking pot while in the ministry. I was in from 1978-2004. I heard of pockets of believers who did. I think alot of us smoked plenty of it before we got involved. I know I did.

And what's sad is I remember seeing a daughter of a corps couple I knew at a Sunday Night Service. She was reluctant to speak, and I could just feel her holding back. She looked withdrawn, and even depressed. I felt sorry for her, and no wonder. As children of corps, they're not free to express themselves. She used to be a very happy child when she was younger. You know, always laughing, just in love with life, wanting to do this, and couldn't wait to do that... So sad. I would like to see her happy again...

All my kids were raised in the way. My oldest, 24, decided to quit fellowshipping before we did. He saw some things that just completely turned him off way before he made that decision. My middle son, 18, didn't like it either. My daughter, 11, likes to go to church as her involvement with twi was minimal. She didn't see what my boys experienced.

I ran into Sherry when I took the Advanced Class for grads in '94. We sat next to each other. I saw them when I went to a Limb Meeting in Columbus around 2001. Sorry, the latter years with my involvement just got too boring. But the last time I remember seeing them was in Columbus...

Where's it at? When's the party? Bring it on Cool Chef!

I like Rum and Coke. And sometimes Lite Bacardi and Diet 7-up.

What a great act of kindness.. Thanks from me too!

Dot, You have every right to do what's neccesary for your neighborhood. I'm sorry to hear about what's been going on down there, and it does sound scary. But, investigating the gangs identities is a good thing and I'm sure the police have alot of information on them already. (Their tendencies, habits, and criminal activity already on record) Is there anyway the police could start a task force for your area? You know, just to give all of you there some peace of mind? Maybe these questions have already been asked. I didn't read the whole thread. My best wishes to you and your situation.

Johnny, I'm so sorry. We all have bad memories. All I can say is when I knew you and your wife in Alaska, you two were refreshing to me. You know, your mind just naturally goes back to the times you enjoyed with people. I enjoyed those times with SA and you guys. I enjoyed your music, your sense of humor that you still have (thank God!), and I enjoyed hearing you teach. Since you were in Kenai that wasn't very often. But every now and then I would hear you share in Anchorage when you were there. Your wife was very much to the point. She was honest. I could tell she didn't pull any punches with people. I remember trying to explain something, and she just said, "I don't get it." I just wish there were more people like you and her. God Bless You Guys, Lori

How exciting! WooHoo! Pipes!

Nothing. I don't know how it got posted under that category.

Has anyone seen this movie, yet? It was very bloody, but I thought it was well done. The storyline (without ruining if for those of you who haven't seen it yet) involves the harvesting of diamonds in Africa and all the turmoil associated with it. It had a great story line, and a great ending.

Well said, Oeno! There are just times I have to take time for myself and just figure out things. I try to gain perspective by journaling. This helps me to gain insight I might not have had otherwise. But I always remember I am only human, and I've learned not to beat myself up. I think I'm shedding the outerskins of twi thinking...you know standing approved before your leadership and others. I try not to take any direction that makes me ill at ease. This is helped me to gain confidence. I don't know if any of this helps you, but I thought I would share it.

Well, Free At Last, I can relate to leaders whose wives run their mouths...Their mouths will never catch up them, will they? But maybe, someday, it will!

Well, it sounds like your innards gave you the skinnards! Sounds like the best thing was for you to run. Glad you did! Who knows you might have ended up with a tragic story like so many here....

Hi Moryan, This is the first time I've posted on this thread. Moryan, you know in the depths of your heart what you need to do for yourself. I said, yourself, because you need to think about yourself right now... Stop thinking about your significant other...and ask yourself....is this what you are going to want for yourself 5 years from now, 10, 15? I will say there are ways to know God and his word without The Way Ministry, and without all the fear as you saw in that meeting...There are alot of us here who still love God and his people. If those people had any love of God in their lives, they would have welcomed you with open arms, nothing restrained. Forget the questions...or the drilling as you called it. I have to ask you this question. Does she think her only redemption is the Way Ministry? That is the question you need answered from her. You see, we all have heard the lie that the truth is only in the Way Ministry..I don't believe that anymore. There are ways to get to know the true God without the fear...I will have to say where there is fear, God isn't there! So, what do you want for your life? If she loves you and wants to be with you, she will respect your position.

I don't like to make resolutions because the rebel in me gets stirred up, and I then I just don't want to do it! Instead I like to make daily challenges....it just seems easier for me.

Those names are sweet to me! I knew them in Alaska. They left Anchorage around 81 or 82. Larry and Kedgy were great.

Well, Lori comes up as Nasty Dragon! My first and last name pulls up Ivan Champ!

She looks so natural standing like that....like it's no effort at all! Wow! I'm impressed! Such beautiful girls you have, Dooj.

I have to confess, I like mayo...Miracle Whip just tastes like .....it has a sweet taste..that I don't like.. is all.