in GOD we trust

[THERATTLER]

> Payback is fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> WRITE IT ON THE BACK OF YOUR ENVELOPES or front!
> WE THINK THIS IS A GREAT IDEA. WE'LL START WRITING IT ON THE FRONT OF OUR ENVELOPES, TOO! ! Including Bills
>
> You may have heard in the news that a couple of Post Offices in Texas have been forced to take down small posters that say
>
> 'IN GOD WE TRUST ,' The law,they say, is being violated.
>
> Anyway, we heard proposed on a radio station show, that we should all write ' IN GOD WE TRUST'
> on the back of all our mail. After all, that's our National Motto, and it's on all the money we use to buy those stamps. We think it's a wonderful idea.
>
> We must take back our nation from all the people who think that anything that offends them should be removed.
>
> If you like this idea, please pass it on and DO IT. The idea of writing or stamping!
> 'IN GOD WE TRUST ' on our envelopes sounds good to us . WE'RE HAVING A STAMP MADE TOO! Heck,lets use it as our signature on e-mails too!
>
> It's been reported that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, we have a very hard time understanding why there's such a mess about having 'In God We Trust!' on our money and having God in the pledge of Allegiance .
>
> Could it be that WE just need to take action and tell the 14% to 'sit down and shut up'?
>
> If you agree, pass this on, if not, delete!!! BUT REMEMBER IF YOU DELETE THIS,thats 1 reason why this country is in the mess we're in now. WE SIT BACK & LET IT HAPPEN!!
>
> In GOD we trust
>
>
>
>

[vega34]

the 86% of us sit back on our butts,while the 14% work there butts off to make changes that affect all of us,,i agree with you,,,steve

[outlaw256]

i have fought god since i was 13 yrs old. did not believe in god.but even when i was saying theres no god i also stood up for the people that fought to keep god forefront in our society.wouldnt go to lowes because they made the cashiers stop saying have a merry christmas and start saying happy holidays.i believed if you took god out of the equation our country would fall apart. looks like i was right.IM WITH YOU, ILL PUT IT ON EVERY THING I MAIL!! by the way, im a BIG believer now. ive seen too much in my life to deny god. scooter had a big hand in my change of heart. thanks rigsby

[spib]

very good idea!!!!!!

[ARUSSELL]

I am in the 14% and am a athiest, but for the small amount oof peolpe like me is no need to change our pledge and out motto. The way I look at things if you dont force our belifes on me I wont do it to you. Not to mention nothing says what god is being praised.

[THERATTLER]

thank you mr. Russell, not trying to force anything on anybody , I do respect your beliefs as you do mine...and you are correct..
I (as you) do not like the government telling me what or who I can worship...we are all 'racing' brothers and nobody can change that....have a good day :D Paul & Judy

[ARUSSELL]

Even with my belifes, I love your idea to write "In God We Trust" on all my mail.

[dparker]

ARUSSELL, I've gained alot of respect for you in just your last few posts. Its so hard to respect other peoples beliefs when there not your own. My father is similiar in belief, but has never hindered me in my persuit of Christ. You two are definately a rare breed. He was given 6 months to live a year and half ago, and he's still kicking. It kills me that he may not be saved, but I made the decision years ago not to push him. Still doesn't mean it hasn't killed me not to say anything. Sometimes I even blame myself for not being as good of christian as I should be, or in a way that would make him want to be saved. Just remember Gods loves you either way. He died for all our sins before any of us accepted him as our savior.
take care and God Bless you and your family..........

[ARUSSELL]

The only religion I have a problem is the one where you have to blow people and yourself up to make your god accept you.

[Scooterz]

i have fought god since i was 13 yrs old. did not believe in god.but even when i was saying theres no god i also stood up for the people that fought to keep god forefront in our society.wouldnt go to lowes because they made the cashiers stop saying have a merry christmas and start saying happy holidays.i believed if you took god out of the equation our country would fall apart. looks like i was right.IM WITH YOU, ILL PUT IT ON EVERY THING I MAIL!! by the way, im a BIG believer now. ive seen too much in my life to deny god. scooter had a big hand in my change of heart. thanks rigsby

Maniac: GREAT idea!!! I love it!!

Outlaw: Man, I am glad to hear that you are finding revelation in God in your life... I cannot take any credit for that however. God just puts certian people w/ certain people & in certain situations to glorify him & his word. I am honored you would say that about me however. Keep the faith- the enemy would love nothing more than to take us back to his side of the street!!

[itsabird]

i like the way that went, different point of views, but found a common link.

[Scooterz]

ARUSSEL:

I just saw your post... I would never judge you by your words or you being a an Athiest. You are an Atheiest for a reason... I too used to be one... or a Agnostic at the very least. I detect some moral principal in your post which sounds like something installed by the very God I praise. I wrote this below not to push God on anyone, but only to possibly give some hope. Hey, if I can recieve some hope, then anyone can!!


I have had to separate God from religion... period. No one wants a Bible thumped at them when they have seen the hypocracy of some churches & religions. The God that I know is far bigger than any man's intirpriation, religion, church, etc... after all, religion is man-made. I had religion/church forced on me as a kid, which was completley fruitless. I had to find God on my own terms... at rock bottom when I needed him most. It was harder to find God when I felt like I did not need him. Since "Faith" is defined as "the evidence of something not seen, but is the substance of things hoped for", I believe God cannot be found with out this very principal.

Nevertheless, I believe understanding God can be done by all as he has designed. Yet, I will never understand the complexity & power of him. There is peace in this alone; as I used to be one of those people who had to have proof & understand everything prior to believing... I have proof now & I believe, but not on man's terms. My belief is that we live in a fallen world... one that is unpredictable & damn cold at times. This world is my test; which is hosted by the enemy... Faith is what pulls me through the trials & tribulations. Last, God has never let me down... but I have... other people have, circumstances have. On the other hand, the enemy is a well oiled machine!! After all, take a look at our country right now & compare it to the past... one difference is that God is being removed in many places & we now have a leader who claims we are no longer a Christian country. Of corse they are trying to remove the "In God We Trust" from the Post Office & our money!! The world belongs to the enemy... he is the prince of this place, not God.

ARUSSEL- you seem like a good guy based on your posts & you are a fellow gear head!! God is a gentleman... he will not force you to believe in him either. Scooter

[MEMRACING62]

scoot. well said, god bless. :)

[ARUSSELL]

I can not believe how supportive everybody is being. I did not come to this overnight, It has been well thought out and makes sence to me.

[Scooterz]

Arussel/everyone: (sorry about the long message again)

If we were NOT supportive, we would be a bunch of hypocrates anyways. I have questioned a non-existence of God too... probably all of us have... even Mother Therissa did up to her final days. They say she wrestled with it for years in various writings & journals she left behind. These journals she had expressed a deep frustration of God VS no God. To me, it was simple though.... if she wrestled with so much, then she believed in God. Otherwise, she would have been able to let it go & be totally gone. I think it is common for anyone to go through this doubt. In short, her faith & the Holy Spirit would not let her give up all in which she lived for... her personal belief in God.

You (ARussel) have your beliefs & you sound content. I respect you for comming out & saying you are different in your beliefs. I said I would not judge... & I will not. Besides, I am just one guy in this giant place amougst billions of people... who am I to say ANYONE is wrong?? In the end, no matter what we believe, we are here for only a short time. My opiinion: those who "Trust God" should have that right as it has been given in the past. I am against it being removed in schools, money, post office, etc... even if I believed God did not exist, I see no harm done in people living thier lives as if he did exist. Scooter

[russ67chevelle]

amen brothers!!! it is healthy to have faith!!! somethin to believe in and a place to get problems off your mind.talk to god for who ever your god may be.....further more...tell all the people that are against religion that they should remember that if they had it their way,they will not recieve any more paid vacation days off for easter or christmas.praise the lord!!!

[TheRabbit]

Guys I never get involved in a religious conversation but...
To start with My dad is a Baptist preacher and has been for most of my life. All of my family is very religious. To this day I hate the word Atheist. It just seems like such a negative word to me. I don't believe in a God, but I do believe in religion. If it weren't for religion our world would not exist because we would live in total chaos. Religion is still the law of the land. Please don't take me wrong because I don't believe in what you may want me too. You will never find a more giving caring person than me. I probably live by stricter rules put on myself than anybody you will ever met. I hold myself to a higher standard than most. I'm not wired looking or have horns on my head or wear a trench coat..lol I pride myself in being the better man, father, husband, friend or citizen than most want to be. I am absolutely against telling anybody I don't believe in a God. I encourage people to find that something or someone in their life that makes them enjoy it and live like they should. One good women will make a man live and enjoy life so much more. Find her KEEP HER! I have 0 tolerance for a thief, crook, liar, cheater etc. To this day ( I'm 41) I have never drank a beer. I have nothing against it and most of my friends do drink. It's just something I don't want to do. We don't have to have the same beliefs to be "One Nation Under God". I say we need to bring prayer back to school and at home at the dinner table!! Even if it's just a moment of silence you spend with your family! BE A FATHER, BE A HUSBAND, BE A BROTHER, BE A FRIEND and that means listen to and help others along the way.

[outlaw256]

scooter, like it or not, you were the one who got me to sit back and do some reflection.it was your posts that got me to go back in time to evaluate what my life has been and where i was headed.ive needed something to believe in for along time.even if there is no god, its a good way to spend the rest of my life, and if there is a god ,well then i got my butt covered!lol.it was your posts that got me to wanting some kind of peace in my life. i kinda of wanted what you haveand i think im finding it.

[Scooterz]

Hey Outlaw:

I am truley humbled by what you said...I feel honored that you would say that. Maybe it is our pasts that led us to this place we are at. you see, you & I know what the other side is like. I knew addiction, sin, being wild & living for the moment real well... you probably know these things to some degree too. To say the least, we both opposed the law many times in our day. We know the hyocracy of some religions & people who claim to have faith & cuss & drink like sailors at the same time... while judging others. We both know that feeling of that hole that is missing in our lives too. Without comming to know HELL first, we may not have found God. For us, I believe it is simply a relationship & accountabilty to a higher power we choose to call "God". It is not religion or law that saved us; it is knowing God... a "personal" relationship with him. Without naming a certain person, do you remember who was judging you before they knew you?? They could quote scripture without even looking it up; this person knew the Bible well. But this person cussed & judged you & was double minded & overly rightous towards you. My opinion is that knowing God comes by walking by his ways & praying & having faith in his answers...believing. It is very possible that this person did not even know God at all... but he knew many Bible verses. My point: People can claim to know God by being a "good person" or by reading the Bible, going to church, doing good deeds, etc... but God has made it very clear what "Salvation" requires... it is certainly not works. Outlaw, by now you have probably prayed about something & in devine way, it has been answered. It was no coincidence; only God could have hooked you up that way. I bet you have peace & joy you have not known in years or ever before... even in the middle of a storm. It is because you are praying directly to him & he is answering you in his perfect way. I am not saying everything is perfect; you will have trials & tribulations.... the enemy has to work harder to trouble you. is this true??? If so, we are noticing the same thing.

Man, I have to tell you that i have prayed about things & had them answered in a way that only God & I could understand... simply devine. Things have happened that are so devine that I don't think people would even believe me if I told them!!! Would they materialize had i not prayed abou that very thing??? I don't think so... you can only call it a "coincidence" so many times. Don't get me wrong, I go to church most Sundays, I have a Bible study that I attend too. Those are works.... they are NOT what has caused the peace & the joy I have today. Keep up the GREAT job you are doing- I can see the change in you Outlaw!!!

To everyone else, may peace be with you whatever your belief. What has worked for me may not work for you & vise versa. I do enjoy our different veiws... & the fact that we all co-exist in a brotherhood of gear slamming, tire burning, wheel standing, G-Force pounding, gear-head MADDDDDNESS!!!! That is why we are here right?? Without you guys, I would not HALF as much as I do about carburators!!! Again, I am just one guy here in the place who is trying to make sense of this world & beyond... I lack wisdom in many areas... you guys are all great & have helped me be a better man these days!!! God Bless you all!! Scooter

[TheRabbit]

Rigsby I admire your passion and it's felt in your post! Helping others is what life is all about.
What I was trying to say is everyone should find something to believe in. Religious or not our law is based on religious ideas. If not we would still be barbaric. To me there is no reason why anyone should ever be at war over religion. It just contradicts what religion means. It doesn’t matter to me what God or higher power someone believes in, but I think most people have a much better life if they do “have faith”. I bought a race truck and when I pulled the old seat out I found a picture of Sister Mary and some kind of necklace/ pendant taped to the seat behind the seat cover. I am in no way a believer in ghost or spirits, but it gave me chills and you can bet your tail that I put it right back on my new seat. The guy I bought it from said he didn’t put it there either. I’m sure somebody that felt she would protect the driver / truck believed in it so I will never take it out. If I ever sell the truck it will stay with it and I want ever tell the new owner about it either.

[Scooterz]

Hey Rabbit,

Politics & Religion are tough... people are passionate & things can be misunderstood sometimes. I do see your point- when America was made, it was built on moral Christian values & the Constitution had similarities to the 10 Commandments. I agree w/ you. So many wars are based on religion... which seems to contradict the big picture. As I mentioned earler, I am only one person in this big place & I do not have the answers, but I want to make clear that I love everyone the way they are. I wish I could say that I have never done drugs or drank, but I cannot. I wish I could say that I have always been respectful or fair or had no trouble with the law...... but that is not the case. My defects are what brought me great faith in God because I have hit "rock bottom" before... I had nothing to loose by seeking God... after all, it seemed like he was all I had. Now he is all I need. I cannot expect everyone to have gone through the same trials, therefore I would be a rightous hypocrate to think anyone else is wrong about thier beliefs. No worries Rabbit... I know that you are a great guy by your words over the last 3 years. I respect you & I think mud drags ROCK.

It sounds like you have found a Roseary of some kind. That is very interesting.... many people have clutched various Rosearies in thier hands over the years in the most intense times of prayer. That was not by mistake that you came upon that. What a neat revelation... I would hold on to it too.

I like our talks about God. When they are respectful & constructive I like it even more. I will try not to ever judge anyone for a different opinion... especially when I have tried to lean on my own understanding & power, I have failed. Therefore, my peace & joy only comes from God as I see him & understand him. I am open to talk about what I know with anyone... I am open to pray for you as well (I do not take this lightly) as I have prayed for many on this web-site when prompted. Last, my friend Outlaw wanted something he saw that I had.... a peace of some kind. If anyone wants to find that very same thing thing, it is our job to tell them how to recieve it. I am open & anyone is welcome to PM me if they have questions about it. (I AM NOT A "BIBLE THUMPER")

I think we are a great group of folks here. As I said, I have learned much from all of you about various gear head endeavors. I still have much to learn. Thanks for listening & being who you are & HOW you are. Scooter

[TheRabbit]

I think about our forefathers alot. They looked so far ahead into the future when they wrote our constitution it is amazing. Whoever wrote the bible also was a genius! The 10 commandments were and always will be a role model for everyone to live by. I don’t care what religion or where you come from they are simple and will bring you fulfilled life.
I too like the conversation about others beliefs and religion. Very interesting.
Being a preacher’s son I could tell you all kinds of crazy stories of things people have done in church. Even a fight that broke out in church that ended with someone bringing a shotgun into church. I was about 10 or 11 at the time. I think some of the things I saw my dad go through are part of what pushed me away from church. So many people come to church every time the door is open, but live a totally different life. There is a fine line between Saturday night and Sunday morning that so many people try to play games with.

Not being a smart azz, but I have had a very simple or as some may call it a blessed life.
Sounds like your younger days weren’t so easy, but I give you more respect than you know for coming through the tough times and finding a way to the other side of life.
You are welcome in my house anytime you need a friend or someone to chat with.
Our interest in each others differences are what brought us to this conversation and I’ve enjoyed reading your post!
Thanks
Scott D.

[Scooterz]

Thanks Scott, good man.

In so many ways, our younger years are pretty influential for sure. Mine were hard no doubt... there was no "fine line" between Saturday or Sunday... they just bled together. Drugs, drinking, Cops, Judges, lawyers, probabtion officers, crow-bar hotel, wrecked cars, lost relationships, etc... but, there were some really fun times in those days too. I once rode a YZ80 into the city & ran from several cops in Arizona (I had a thing about running from the cops) when I was 13 yrs old... it was the chase of my life.... a cop car was badly damaged in that chase. Wide open through 711 parking lots, neighborhoods, flying down city streets scared out of my mind!! What a day that was... I would not trade that memory for nothing!!! I got away, only to get caught by a neighborhood watch person who turned me in after he saw me pushing the bike into a wood pile & covering it up w/a tarp!!! I got juvenile detention for that day... & some very angry parents too. Years of these stupid mistakes caused me to crave a decencey in life... I wanted what I saw in other people... responsibility, love, God, compassion, etc... the anger & rebellion was not working anymore... everyone else gave up on me & I had to find a way to change. Man I would love to say I lived a life like you did... not having to know what being a knucklehead was like. But it all worked out by Gods grace. I am 39 now & I have been married for 10 years with a boy & girl (5 & 7) that help me stay grounded. I admire folks who live decent lives from day one... it is beyond me though. Oh well, it is my testamony like it or not. I have learned that it can help others sometimes. Church is an interesting place indeed... can't say I have seen anyone throw down there yet; much less bring a gun. No wonder you have your reservations!! Anyways, thanks for the talk Scott.

[TheRabbit]

is that why they call you Scooter? LOL Gave me flash backs!! Don't take my post wrong I'm no saint.I 've had my share of getting in trouble.
When I was 14 my chase by the police was on a moped! We actually had to ride by and holler at the police several times before they would chase us. 6 patrol cars later it was on! I ran through parking lots, peoples yards, down the road, across the hospital parking lot before they finally cought me. I kinda gave up because my others buddies were already caught. They were on 1 moped and couldn't go as fast as me. the difference was I live in a small town in Ga where everybody knows everybody and of course the police officers knew my dad. The other kids with me their dad was a police officer!! Needless to say they took me to jail and called my Dad! I aksed them to keep me in jail until Dad calmed down!! Of course Dad was there in 15 mins. Man was that a long night of azz whoopings! My tail still hurts every time I see one of those old Honda Express's!! lol

Good thing about small town America is they call your parents and no charges are never filled. Thank goodness 'cause that wasn't my only episode of trouble, but one of the funniest.
You're right, it is alot of fun, but it was time for me to grow up before I got into serious trouble.

Maniac sorry to hijack your thread. I don't mail very much, but I'll put on my envelopes In God we trust! And remember, no matter what "We are in this world together."

[Scooterz]

Manic: I did it yesterday @ the post office when I sent a cerified letter... the lady that took it from me saw it & smiled. I think your suggestion is great.

Rabbit: wow... itis good to know that I am not the only one who used to get off by getting chased by the cops!! LOL!!!

OK, my nick-name "Scooter" condensed version (this is what I am reffered to at work).

I bought a 2 stroke scooter (stand up) for my son one day because my buddy bought the same one for his kid. On night, we decided to try them together to see how fun they were. No helmet, no lights riding on sidewalks the wrong way in traffic. Cop comming the other way sees us... we ran. We got away by going behind some apartments & alleys & back through my neighborhood (BTW this is only 3 days after I had a "visectomy"). I was WOT on a side walk going home & the edge of the kick stand caught a little concrete decrative boarder in someones front lawn at about 25mph. This sent me flying through the air like super-man... I put my arms up to protect my face & broke BOTH arms when I landed. I went to the hospital and had a cast on each arm with the RH cast also covering the thumb. I was about 33 when this happend... the "kid" got into me that night & I paid for it dearly. After that, I was called "Scooter" by all. When I told this story here for the first time, everyone said I should use the same name here too. Have a GREAT 4th of JULY!!!! Scooter

[THERATTLER]

:D just reading and laughing :lol:

[TheRabbit]

Scooter that is funny as heii!!! I can see you driving with 1 arm and holding you nads with your other hand!! Man were you messed up for a few weeks. Hope you healed up ok! However, you know you lost at least 100k by not getting it on video. No doubt I'd have voted for you on AFV!!! :lol: :lol:


Rabbit: wow... it's good to know that I am not the only one who used to get off by getting chased by the cops!! LOL!!!
Good thing you live in Or and me in Ga. No telling what knid of trouble we would have gotten into if we knew each other!