plain

Wasa and Laurend....I had no idea that you each had so much emotion and pain tied up in your atheism. I can certainly see how somebody belittling your beliefs could be very hurtful to you. Unfortunately, there are insensitive jerks in every group (Christian and atheist). That's why I think everybody should be at least respectful to each other, even if our beliefs are polar opposites.

Fanny, do you have Narcolepsy? PM me if too personal and I've overstepped courtesy...

Again, I can only speak for my church, but I believe that this is referring to receiving Christ and salvation. Although there have been some televangelists that claim that "God wants you to drive a caddy....all ya gotta do is pray (and send me a large gift offering)", I think most Christians get the gist of the verse.

Hi linksmom. Most sleep apnea is not really related to weight. It's related to how your airway is built. Some people do have weight-related apnea... however, it's more the exception than the rule.

I cannot explain for all religions (or even all denominations of Christianity), but I believe that: Prayer is talking to God, and sometimes listening to God. It's not a cosmic catalog to ask for "stuff". As for influencing the will of God....only God Himself knows what He will or won't do.

That is interesting, jim. I would be disappointed if Ben Stein stooped to this level of "Michael Moore-ism".

Sorry to hijack the thread, but this quote reminded me of something. I have a quasi-friend that works in "senior services", and she once told me that they have a running joke about how older folks steal things and feel absolutely no remorse (salt shakers, utensils, small objects in stores). She told me that a group of old people on an "outing" was like a group of locusts swarming, and that she felt sorry for the businesses they rampaged through.

I don't think that's what she was trying to say, Mac. She takes insults that are specifically directed towards Christians, or God more personally because she is emotionally invested in that topic. You yourself support this with your example of being in Hawaii. See, if that lady had called me a "haole" and then insisted it meant nothing.....fine by me. But it bothered you because you had some investment there, correct? (I'm not familiar with the word, but in the context of your example, I'm assuming it's a racial slur). It's the same thing with scientists and global warming. If you say to certain meterologists that global warming is a myth, they get very angry. They take it more personally. If somebody says to me that global warming is a myth, I would take it less personally.

Great. The world needs love and independant thinking. Or were you being facetious?

I guess I'm missing the point here. Is it that Christians seek to "distance" themselves from a scandal? Because how is that any different from, say, any politician? Or are you trying to imply that Christians think themselves perfect? That by accepting Christ, we are incapable of doing anything "bad"?

I don't know much about kenpo. Wasn't Jeff Speakman supposed to be the "poster boy"? Or did he sully the name as much as Steven Segal did for aikido?

That's too bad, Fanny. I'm a Christian fundamentalist (southern baptist, heehee) that doesn't believe that dinos walked with Adam and Eve. But know what? I can debate any topic and treat the opposing viewpoint with respect. As Christians, we're mandated to love, forgive, and not to judge...so that's what I try and do. I find it interesting how you worded that quote. It would seem to imply that you are specifically biased against fundamentalist Christians. It implies that you could debate a Jew or Muslim or Buddhist and have no problem treating them with respect, yet they all have their own ideas of God.

Clinically speaking (and I hope I'm not getting too technical here) you are clearly insane. :tongue2:

HF2008, you should have asked her why she couldn't drop her BP with willpower, or how come diet and exercise can't regulate her blood sugars...

That's what it's all about, Moe. Do the research and make your own decision.

Welcome, Leigh. I'm not too far away from you (Texarkana). 4'10", eh? I thought we grew 'em a little bigger than THAT here in Texas......heehee. Good luck with your band.

RSG, I never noticed that you are from S'Port! I drive in all the time to visit friends. I knew I liked you for some reason (besides the funky drawers with the crotch lip-print, heehee). So how do them mudbugs mix with the band?!?

Wow...really? Just looking for a reason?

Sorry, I just thought of you as a "Sally". Is that sexist? heehee

I'm sorry Mrs. FF...One of the weirdest part of anybody's life is the care of parents when they get older (although you alluded in the last part that maybe she's been like this all your life). Do you have any siblings to help share the load?

BII, I think it'll go smoother if you get a dude named "Linus" to watch w/ you.

I think what Glouc was trying to say is that religious belief is a very personal thing. For many Christians, it is what defines their lives. I would think that athesists can't really say the same thing. I mean, how can not believing in something be the central tenant in one's life? There are a lot of things I don't believe in....let's take BrandyII's great pumpkin (I know it's a joke, :tongue2:. If Brandy insulted me for not believing in the GP...whatever. But to a true believer it's a huge issue. At least I think that's what Glouc was getting at. And as for loving athesists...Christians try, but some athesists make it very difficult.

I'm in. Where are you thinking of holding the conference? Or did you post and I miss it (re-reading, I see that I was unclear. What venue specifically are you thinking of holding the conference in?)

I'd hold off if I were you. My doc didn't clear any hardcore workouts until around 6 weeks out. You don't want to do anything that might compromise the band. You speak of falls....what MA do you study? Aikido, jujutsu, what?

Christal - I agree with everybody else (though I'm not a trainer.....but I do work out). Weight work will not bulk you up, unless you are a competetive body builder (ie, all you do is lift, 8 hrs a day). The muscle will bump your BMR, but I'm sure you've heard that before, given that you have a trainer.