I am determined to respond to everyone who took the time and effort to comment here, there have been quite a few things popping up that have restricted me from being able to do this in a timely manner but I do feel indebted to you all and even if this topic has become old news the desire to let you as individuals know my appreciation inspires me to continue......
Hi Marlene,
Thanks for your thoughtful post, I will respond in blue to the points that jumped out at me, you black, me blue;I love all the post here. I agree so much with them. When, I first joined although I read for a year. I just could not get over my feelings for the people in Babylon. Ones, who I loved. But, I never understood Gods Good News or his plan for the whole world.
You have plenty of company Sister, most of us have had the same experience, I can't say I ever really bought into the hell doctrine but I was convinced of annihilation of those who would not "come to Jesus."I have gone into one christian forum that teaches some of the things like Ray. That, lasted one day. It was total confusion every one talking there own mind and no scripture. I need the guidance with the scriptures. I make up a folder on scriptures you all have brought up in topics so I can remember them and help my bad memory from a stroke a year before coming in here. Now, I read in different versions to help my understanding.
This has been my experience as well in regard to visiting other UR Forums, a whole lot of feelings coupled with liberal interpretations of a single verse, I hold no animosity toward them but the experience was less than edifying (for me) as the debates prospered and thoughtful consideration suffered. All too often it was mini wars within the topics as folks shouted over each other ignoring some responses as they zeroed in on their "adversary" with laser precision. To me this (now) is both tedious and exhausting. There was a time though that I was guilty of doing the very same thing right here! When, I first came in here I felt like a fish out of water. I felt misunderstood. Some, of the scriptures I was still seeing with blind eyes. You could have beat me up with them and I would not have understood. I thought, I was doing more harm then good by being in here. But, then God gave the desire to keep on learning and being patient with him and he would teach me and give me understanding.
Amen!
I am happy you were not driven away and that you persevered. Obviously the Spirit of our Lord directed and inspired you to test the spirits and trust in Him that your time spent here would bear fruit in your spiritual journey. But, I love all of you. Someone often post about something I am going through that day or during the week. I love all the ones who can show me scriptures and then God opens my eyes. Just, a thought you might give on the scriptures. I know, I am a long ways off then many of you. But, now I know I am right where God wants me to be. I don't care about my bad memory. I don't care about my days of physical pain. I am just eager to learn what ever the good Lord lets me. I thank him every day and night for all of you. God has always enabled me to be a fighter when I was very ill working. I did my job as if God was standing there watching me. He was my boss. When, I became to ill to work, every bit of time I can I come in here and read my Bible all the time.
Isn't it incredible that so often a topic or even a post within a thread will absolutely nail something we have been contemplating, providing scriptures to meditate on and even giving us positive reinforcement that the experiences or thoughts we are having are also being felt by others? It is encouraging to know we are not losing our minds, or that even if we are at least we have company! 
I cannot get enough of God period. That,s why I made copies of Ray's papers so I could read if I am laying down. My sleeping patterns are strange because of pain. But, I can talk to God or I can read . Or he gives me rest. Or he helps the pain. I know, God has made me a fighter.
Now this is something that amazes me constantly, I just cannot stop thinking about this stuff, morning, noon, evening, night, in my dreams/sleep, there is no escape, this is not of me or the result of some conscious decision of mine, that is for sure. I always ask God to kick me in the rump if this becomes about me.
And He certainly will. 
We should all really take comfort in this.
Heb 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye ********, and not sons (or daughters).If, I am so sensitive and can't get over myself. I was senstive at first when I came in here. But, God got me over that. I know, of others who have left. I see there names in black. I pray for them. Then, I think what may have happened that they left. I have some I love who have pm me. They left and I do not know why. Could be for various reasons. But, I pray often for them. I think they might have passed away. Or, having money problems. I just pray and wait to see if God helps them to return.
It is always a joyful experience when they return, but there are so many reasons anyone might decide to leave or even feel compelled to leave, we should be comforted in the fact that being a member here is not a prerequisite for salvation!
God has them right where He wants them, whether we (or they) like it or not. This earthly journey was not designed to be about what we want, it is about recognizing God's wisdom in all things and being faithful through bitter and sweet times.Well, I did not plan on making a book about this. But, like Joe, after reading others who believe some like Ray they differ on many things. When , you read even some of there books you find they are not always matching up with scriptures. God has lead Ray with his Spirit. It is the only thing I found that goes into the deep things of Christ. It truely is Bible truths. It never ceases to amaze me when God increases my understanding. What, really amazes me is when I see him helping me to live it not just know it.
This dear Sister is the truly important matter, unless we are striving to live it we really are nothing more than (as Ray says) "religious hobbyists."I hope we never loose this and I thank God for Ray and all of you. But, I also know if it should happen we will be ok cause God is in it all . This is a gift from God and I thank him. Yes, like Ray's said, that he is just a human. So, we all are. But, you are my Brothers and Sisters in Christ and I take this serious.
Beautiful post Marlene, thank you.In His Love,
Marlene
Peace,
Joe
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Topic: Forum Blues (Read 34809 times)