[RR] A soft answer turns away wrath

[Bob Simons]

Well I'm a bit surprised and let down at the responses we received from the topic of summer slow down.  Apparently some of us have no problem going straight through the summer and most do admit that there is a slow down of attendence over summer. This is fine. But when I am told that I need to quit making excuses or not having a vision sounds a bit arrogant to me and not very Christ like.  I guess that this is not the right place to air such problems if they are to be objects of criticism.  I don't need criticism as I'm sure no one here does. Nor does it really help any. If anything it only creates more anger and maybe in that it helps to temper our flesh and keep it under control. I know that I have "lost it" before and have tried to avoid this type of confrontation. If this is the only type of responses we have to offer I will ask those to keep control of their tongue (or fingers). It is not the way Christ would have us to minister to each other-that I'm sure of. I don't need any more conflict in my life right now. My wife is dying of cancer and needs more & more attention. I get home from work and have to go and get her and her oxygen unit that must weigh 100 Lbs. and then do the shopping and housework-not getting to bed until late most nights. If thats not an excuse than yes I am a weak man. If we don't change our "tone" and pride I will be leaving this group. Its a sorry thing when only the rabble rousers stay on and chase the others off but thats usually what happens. I have seen it before but its usually non-Christians that cause the trouble and the good folks go packing. I have not seen any real fruit or help come from this group except for the good natured banter between Larrikan and Kelly, etc. I see alot of harsh judgement and hurt people reacting. I have been on other Christian groups that have concerned people praying for each other and offering advice in a loving way. I thought that this group would be more like that and I know that it did use to be that way. Sharing advice and offering solutions for problems. I hope that we can all think about our reply before we type them down and be careful of any damage or offense we may cause by our words. thanks for hearing me out. Bob Simons   For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11 [EMAIL PROTECTED]