CrossBreed Krazy Karma!

[Keltec]

Man what Ellis 727 is saying sounds really familiar to me since just about everything he said was in my mind and out of my mouth just a few years ago. To say I was a skeptic puts it mildly. I am an educated man. But know one thing to be fact. When I finally spoke to God and asked for help, I was answered. I can't explain it any clearer than that.

[dutch8006]

I grew up in a home that was blessed in many ways but most important was that my family had a strong christian faith and still does to this day. However it was not always the same with me. I spent most of my time fighting to stay away from it because it was easier to do things that were not right in the eyes of god. It was easier to be more self serving than to do what I knew to be right. I spent years going the wrong direction with most things I did. Two failed marriages, jumping from job to job and never taking responsibility for what I was doing. I finally made a career out of the service but still had no direction. A few years ago I met my wife and I know that the only reason that she is here with me is because god put her before me to show me how wrong I was in the many things I had tried to do. He has opend my eyes and heart thru her and I am truely thankful. I know that I still have a long way to go and still struggle with some things but I pray each morning for his strength, guidence and forgiveness. Thank you Mark for starting this and alowing us to share what some many shy away from including me in earlier times.

[RyanAnchors]

I suppose I would be considered an atheist. I respect people's choice of religion and I understand that (for them) deep down they KNOW for a fact that God is real. I admire that, it is just something I've never had.

I was raised by a single mother and my grand parents. I had contact with my father and his side of the family, but they lived out of state.
My mother instilled good morals in me: racism/stereotypes are wrong, treat people as you would like to be treated, respect and personal integrity above all else, don't lie/cheat/steal, and always make your own decisions in life.

The last part really lead to the rest. Her side of the family is Jewish while my dad's side (except my dad) are Christian. She presented me with different religious beliefs and never pressured me or asked me what I believed, she just let me develop my own beliefs and I love her for that.

Even as a child I was very logical and mature. I looked at everything objectively, but I was a very visual person. I needed a scientific explanation or a clear as day truth and I never got that, though I know some people who have and I am in no position to question that or belittle them.

I was always skeptical even from a young age, for a brief period of my pre-teen years I hit a very low point in my life and first turned to God for all the wrong reasons and then blamed God for the results (which there were none). I struggled with my faith for a while from that point on.
Then I grew up a little bit and became a little more mature and realized that for me personally, I don't feel the connection and I can neither expect God to make everything perfect, nor blame God when times are tough.

I learned what works for me personally and that is that I can't depend on or blame others (including God) for the course of MY life.
It is up to me to change things I don't like. If I believed there was someone helping me, I would not have the motivation or drive to do things on my own.

That said, I think religion and God are important to a civilized society. One of my best friends growing up was Christian and I went to church with his family every Sunday for a while when I was struggling. Though I didn't find God, I did find a kind and nurturing family that was born out of their belief and devotion to God. That family took care of me and helped a kid who had a broken home, no money, and no support. My friend is still a really, genuinely good person and that is saying a lot these days. To me, that represents the true nature of good Christian (and other religious) people and that is something I will always respect and care for.

[APDturbo]

dang i missed this giveaway! but at least there is no time limit on the ultimate giveaway, entrance into Heaven and the Eternal Kingdom of God! all you have to do to enter is eat His flesh and drink His blood, take up your cross and carry it strong. i guess now you know where i stand.