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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/20/2008 4:51:04 PM
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deliveredarling
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Not much at all......
I find it very sad. Sad that in the dark and alone times, how very dark and alone such a one feels. Where is there hope in this for this person. Where or what does their strength lie in? Whom do they call upon in the gut wrenching pain of life that invariably comes? That person on the other end of the phone will eventually quit answering. What is the soul sickness inside that person that makes them want to please others so much more than pleasing the Father? How do we help these fence hoppers? I have a few friends that are this way and it disturbs me very much. My heart breaks for they joy that they miss out on.
Wishy washy is dangerous as well. How does a wishy washy Christian answer the non-believer?
They can't do it effectively. The words will not line up with the actions, besides that, the words will change depending on who is in the audience. Not a place I want to be, nor do I want to answer for these actions.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/20/2008 6:33:02 PM
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mvic
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Wishy-Washy Christians ... yes, I know a few.
Let's ask why theyare wishy-washy.
Some, it is beacuse they don't really take their Christianity seriously. It's a Sunday thing - go to church, get on with your life, as long as you don't do any harm to anyone, you're doing OK type of people. They're not as bad as the Pharisees by any means, for they knew who Jesus was yet stood and fought against Him. No, these modern wishy-washies do it because they believe in doing their best and that's all.
Then there are the other wishy-washies - those who do it through ignorance. I don't mean to be insulting to them. You know the type. Low intellect. Believe what you've been told about Christianity. Don't question. Believe as best you can and do good as best you can. Ask them a serious question about Christianity and they're lost for an answer.
I know that I find both types irritating. But then I guess Jesus finds me irritating too.
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/20/2008 8:11:54 PM
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pstrdebi
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From: So. Oregon, by way of So. Cal.
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
Some, it is beacuse they don't really take their Christianity seriously. It's a Sunday thing - go to church, get on with your life, as long as you don't do any harm to anyone, you're doing OK type of people. They're not as bad as the Pharisees by any means, for they knew who Jesus was yet stood and fought against Him. No, these modern wishy-washies do it because they believe in doing their best and that's all.
I agree with this, however, do you really think they are doing their best? I think they find their comfort zone and stay in it. Then when someone questions it... they move on.
I think wishy-washy could apply to "church hoppers," in a sense, too.
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"For in Him we live and move and have our being..." Acts 17:28a
http://www.therockfellowship.org
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/21/2008 1:24:31 AM
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KnowJesus
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Being ignorant or of low intellect has nothing to do being wishy-washy. It's the Holy Spirit that fills the person up and moves him to grow and bear fruit. If they are not Spirit filled (doers of the word, not just hearers only), then it's not surprising for them to be followers of others, and not God, first. If these individuals make it to leadership positions within the church body it can come to ruin. I think small churches may be more susceptible to this happening. It's sad to witness a church body with "wishy-washies" as deacons or elders, too. The wishy washies is what the world sees as hypocrites, or a goody-goody who goes to church to be a good person.
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/21/2008 5:08:07 AM
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Little_1
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Unless we build our lives upon the solid Rock (of God's Word) - we are in danger of becoming 'wishy-washy' likewise.
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/21/2008 9:52:45 AM
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growingseed
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I try to understand why when the sheep aren't being fed and have strayed away that it's their fault. The sheperds or teachers or whom ever is involved in leading, feeding, pointing, directing, continue to milk rather then teach the fundatmentals of meat and being rooted in Christ, and how to build a foundation in the hearts of those who seek in a mild way. Not much effort, you know go to church, do this or do that but have no roots in a relationship to Jesus. If those who are not in themselves rooted in Christ how can they then teach others to be what they are not. Christians that seem to be weak are, because they are not being taught how to use the power given each of us through the Holy Spirit by the blood of Jesus. We have a tendency to look everywhere except where we need to look, and that is the cross. If everything in the Old Testament points to the cross and everything pass Acts points back to the cross, where do you think we as Christains should spend most of our time studying. Sheep are not that smart, so we need spiritual leaders or sheperds or whatever you call them to be right first with God then help those around them.
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/21/2008 9:55:36 AM
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Prairiehiker
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I don't know what's worse...wishy washy Christianity or Pharisaic religiosity. Both are so common. Hmmmm.....
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Money in the bank may be nice, but it will never beat sunrise from a sleeping bag in the mountains. " - climbhard511
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/21/2008 1:53:26 PM
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mvic
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Hi pstrdebi,
I agree ... the wishy-washies I referred to "find their comfort zone and stay in it" as you say. I believe this is because of the materialistic society we've created. Sadly, it is becoming more and more difficult to really live a Christian life with all the comforts that the modern world offers.
Hi growingseed,
The reason the sheep are going astray is because the shepherds are enjoying themselves in the comforts today's world offers them. There are many so called preachers/pastors etc ... who do more harm than good. If they were members of a body like the medical or legal profession; Jesus would have taken away their licence to practice. As it is, He is tolerating them for the time being.
_____________________________
Christian words of comfort at http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/21/2008 6:33:22 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3517
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From: my mom by God
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quote:
I don't know what's worse...wishy washy Christianity or Pharisaic religiosity. Both are so common. Hmmmm.....
amen and amen.
Believe what you believe with all your heart, no question. Fervernt prayer. Be strong and couragious. Be firm.
Just don't be rude. Self serving. Prideful.
Meek I guess defines our walks. Strong in Christ and dieing to self.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/21/2008 10:58:38 PM
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Prairiehiker
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Why do we worry so much about wishy washy Christianity and Not even bat an eye on the dead, law centred religiosity. Bottom line is Christianity is a relationship with Jesus borne out of abiding love for him. We are reconciled to God because of this relationship. Not because we can follow some rules, and display how obedient we are. Most Christians I see are really dead inside, and are displaying obedient to God but there's no love coming out of their hearts. They are condemning of everyone who are Not as religious as they are.
_____________________________
________________________________
Money in the bank may be nice, but it will never beat sunrise from a sleeping bag in the mountains. " - climbhard511
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/21/2008 11:02:14 PM
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pstrdebi
Posts: 653
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quote:
ORIGINAL: URForgiven
God gives each of us distinct temperaments and personalities, He does so for His purposes.
God DOES NOT give anyone a wishy-washy personality. He gives us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). We are made in HIS image... which depicts HIS personality. Plus, God tells us in James 1:8 that a "double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."
quote:
I do not see people [and that includes Christians] as types, I see them as individuals. I see Christian Individuals as those who are each working out their own salvation...
This is good... so does God. However... He did see different "types" of people... He saw "broods of vipers" He saw "those in ignorance;" He saw "stiff-necked people;" He saw "Followers of Christ;" He saw "people who grew dull;" He saw "people of every tribe and tongue;" He saw "those who are perishing;" etc., etc. We are not cookie-cutter people... everyone is different... with their own will. That will can be used to be a persevering, learning and committed Christian... or it can be used to be a wishy-washy Christian.
_____________________________
"For in Him we live and move and have our being..." Acts 17:28a
http://www.therockfellowship.org
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So... the old "one size fits all" trick - 6/21/2008 11:40:12 PM
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oldmethuselah
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As annoying as I find any Christian who does not have my personality type, I realize that there IS more than one such general type.
SURE, nobody is 100% like any of the "archtypes" that are usually bandied about - usually FOUR types, in both secular and Christian circles - but the OP, debi, is SO typical of one of those "types" (Sam Choleric) if I remember correctly from Tim LeHaye's pop psych analysis, that it makes me CHUCKLE.
Old "Marvin Melancholy" will ALWAYS be thought of as "wishy washy" because he dithers about, endlessly analyses and DRIVES Sam mad!
Cool "Phil Phlegmatic" will be EQUALLY annoying because he just doesn't seem to care!
and.. "Sparky Sanguine"...well, THAT fair weather friend lacks STICKABILITY...
ROFL...
so they should all be like us, debi, right? 
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/21/2008 11:56:51 PM
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pstrdebi
Posts: 653
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From: So. Oregon, by way of So. Cal.
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker
Why do we worry so much about wishy washy Christianity and Not even bat an eye on the dead, law centred religiosity.
Well, I don't know too many people who agree or condone either... and there is another thread about religiosity (thus, my comment in the OP regarding this one being inspired by Walker311's post about Pompous Religiosity).
In regard to your question "why"... simply because we are ambassadors of Christ and I weary of other "Christians" making my Lord look bad.
quote:
Bottom line is Christianity is a relationship with Jesus borne out of abiding love for him. We are reconciled to God because of this relationship. Not because we can follow some rules, and display how obedient we are. Most Christians I see are really dead inside, and are displaying obedient to God but there's no love coming out of their hearts. They are condemning of everyone who are Not as religious as they are.
Huh???? The entire Word of God is embodies the directive of OBEDIENCE. We obey because we love!
John 14:21 says it pretty clearly, "He who has My commandments and keeps them (obedience), it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manafest Myself to him."
_____________________________
"For in Him we live and move and have our being..." Acts 17:28a
http://www.therockfellowship.org
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RE: So... the old "one size fits all" trick - 6/22/2008 12:02:54 AM
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pstrdebi
Posts: 653
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quote:
ORIGINAL: oldmethuselah
As annoying as I find any Christian who does not have my personality type, I realize that there IS more than one such general type.
SURE, nobody is 100% like any of the "archtypes" that are usually bandied about - usually FOUR types, in both secular and Christian circles - but the OP, debi, is SO typical of one of those "types" (Sam Choleric) if I remember correctly from Tim LeHaye's pop psych analysis, that it makes me CHUCKLE.
Old "Marvin Melancholy" will ALWAYS be thought of as "wishy washy" because he dithers about, endlessly analyses and DRIVES Sam mad!
Cool "Phil Phlegmatic" will be EQUALLY annoying because he just doesn't seem to care!
and.. "Sparky Sanguine"...well, THAT fair weather friend lacks STICKABILITY...
ROFL...
so they should all be like us, debi, right?
EXACTLY!!!! Haha!!!
Oh, how I love Like-mindedness!!!
_____________________________
"For in Him we live and move and have our being..." Acts 17:28a
http://www.therockfellowship.org
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/22/2008 1:59:51 AM
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KnowJesus
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quote:
ORIGINAL: pstrdebi
quote:
ORIGINAL: KnowJesus
Being ignorant or of low intellect has nothing to do being wishy-washy.
I'm not talking about low intellect. The word "ignorant" is derived from the root word "ignore," which means "To disregard deliberately." I am not speaking of those who have a lack of formal education. I am speaking of those who choose to be ignorant.
Thank you pstredebi for clarifying this. And thank you for bringing the root word "ignore" to my attention. In light of this definition...I am in full agreement with you.
quote:
It's the Holy Spirit that fills the person up and moves him to grow and bear fruit. If they are not Spirit filled (doers of the word, not just hearers only), then it's not surprising for them to be followers of others, and not God, first.
We receive the Holy Spirit when we receive Christ... (side note: this is not a place to get into the Baptism of the Holy Spirit). It is OUR choice to ALLOW the Holy Spirit to move us. Even if a person has the Holy Spirit... they can still be wishy-washy.
I have to agree with you, again. But would like to add that I should have included the "prompting of the Holy Spirit." Of course IF we repeatedly ignore that prompting (or guidance) then we ARE ignorant, and thus resolve to be in a "wishy-washy" state of existence.
I too, received the Holy Spirit when I received Christ...(just so you know I need no other instruction).
Off topic: And by the way, I'm from So. OR. Not that far from you.
quote:
If these individuals make it to leadership positions within the church body it can come to ruin.
They do... and it does.
quote:
I think small churches may be more susceptible to this happening. It's sad to witness a church body with "wishy-washies" as deacons or elders, too. The wishy washies is what the world sees as hypocrites, or a goody-goody who goes to church to be a good person.
I disagree. There are wishy washy people in every church in America. The only difference is bigger churches just have more statistically!
You are right, again in what you said.
It makes NO sense to exclude other churches, NO matter their size. Having been in a small church with the "wishy-washy" leadership, it just became more obvious to us, and even to visitors, who were "wishy-washy."(in otherwords it didn't take long to figure them out). Small churches being more susceptible WAS my thought. NOW it doesn't even ring a bell with me (I was up late last night and my ignorance WAS showing).
We are in a larger church now (aprox. 2000) so I don't disagree with you...LOL!
Thanks for getting me thinking.
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/22/2008 7:09:28 AM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1877
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quote:
Why do we worry so much about wishy washy Christianity and Not even bat an eye on the dead, law centred religiosity. Bottom line is Christianity is a relationship with Jesus borne out of abiding love for him. We are reconciled to God because of this relationship. Not because we can follow some rules, and display how obedient we are. Most Christians I see are really dead inside, and are displaying obedient to God but there's no love coming out of their hearts. They are condemning of everyone who are Not as religious as they are.
I would say that it is not that we worry more about these people, they are obvious. Obvious to the point that "true" Christians can see that they are missing a key element. The point of discussing it is that maybe someone ready this who holds the wishy washy position will hear something that makes sense, will find the missing element and thus jump into the fold. Rules have nothing to do with wishy washyness.
I have found that those who condemn the rule followers, condemn because they choose not to be obedient to the Father and would rather focus on religiosity than getting down to business and getting real with the Father.
Wishy washy is standing on sinking sand and will not sustain when life hit you. Solid Christians stand upon a foundation and are not moved. That's not religion, that is the relationship.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/22/2008 12:14:49 PM
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pstrdebi
Posts: 653
Joined: 4/28/2008
From: So. Oregon, by way of So. Cal.
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quote:
ORIGINAL: deliveredarling
I would say that it is not that we worry more about these people, they are obvious. Obvious to the point that "true" Christians can see that they are missing a key element. The point of discussing it is that maybe someone ready this who holds the wishy washy position will hear something that makes sense, will find the missing element and thus jump into the fold. Rules have nothing to do with wishy washyness.
I have found that those who condemn the rule followers, condemn because they choose not to be obedient to the Father and would rather focus on religiosity than getting down to business and getting real with the Father.
Wishy washy is standing on sinking sand and will not sustain when life hit you. Solid Christians stand upon a foundation and are not moved. That's not religion, that is the relationship.
Hi DD...
You know what I love about you? You are like an extra cord. (I'll explain)... When my husband and I discuss biblical principles and the like with others (or even ourselves) we bounce information off of each other. If one of us says something and someone asks a question, the other one just hops right in to answer, knowing what the other is thinking.
You do that... like an extra cord! (three cords... me, husband, God)
Thanks for your input... as always, you are right on.
_____________________________
"For in Him we live and move and have our being..." Acts 17:28a
http://www.therockfellowship.org
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/22/2008 1:40:10 PM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 1877
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That is very cool! I think we see things so similarly that one can put the same idea one way and the other puts it in a different way-in order for us to reach the intended (by God) party is. He uses numerous people in this forum for that exact thing to reach me!
This mornings sermon was on ........ guess!
If you said complacency, you guessed right. I equate the two.
He used 1 Kings 183-24 as his teaching text.
Obadiah was a compromiser (vs 3-5)
Ahab was a corrupter (vs 17)
All the sons of Israel were complacent, let me type out that vs: (21)
How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God. follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. But the people did not answer him a word.
vs 22-24 represent the competitors.
Elijah was a conqueror (vs 30-39)
It's interesting to note, speaking of the complacent, and I quote the pastor, " they had not seen enough evidence to convince one way or the other. No power was visibly seen."
How true is that of the body today? There's so much fake out there, seekers have a hard time distinguishing between what's true and what's false. It's no wonder we have complacency.
Maybe if more of us stood up on our foundation like Elijah, with boldness, complacency/wishy washy would be done away with.
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Wishy-Washy Christianity.... - 6/22/2008 8:28:13 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3517
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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Do you think there are denominations and doctrines out there that regularily classify other faiths as wishy washy?
Are they all right?
Would you say the snake handlers think other christians are wishy washy?
If a church exhibits the fruits of the spirit, has good works, people are being transformed, does it matter if they follow all of "your" rules?
Maybe all of these "wishy washy" churches are just ones who truly believe in the freedom won on the cross. That Jesus blood enables us to follow the Law by giving us the ability to do so, not a law giving church who seeks to control people with antiquated traditions and social norms.
See, its important to define what a wishy washy church is. I am afraid it looks like its a church that doesn't have the same traditions as "your" church has.
To me, a true wishy washy church is a luke warm one. It does not teach Christ crucifed and says there asre other ways to heaven besides Christ. It doesn't convict its people through the sermon.
A legalist church has all these extra rules about how we are to dress walk and talk. Filled with ceremony. Filled with pharesees ready to jump down someone's throat when they veer off the traditional course. A place of dead christianity, they hear the words but have no love in them.
Now, I think you can have wishy washy christians in the most legalisitc church, as well. The reverse is true too. Some of this is definitly individual. Some of this is maturity level. Maybe commitment, though I am not sure commitment is the right word. If you love Christ you will be commited.
Some times people might seem wishy washy but it just might be...something God has them going through to mature them...or they have come from a legalist background and have gone too far the other way....or just maybe its something we can't judge. Something from their past. Something we have not experienced.
As long as Jesus is their Lord, they are seeking and changing and exhibiting fruits and works....ya know, who am I to judge that?
< Message edited by SonInMe1 -- 6/22/2008 8:36:05 PM >
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