That was more like a dollar Bex : ) (2 cents worth : ) You are a good writer. I am not saying its bad or wrong to be celibate just to be clear. I just think that verse is read wrong by a lot of people. I completely agree that you can be unholy married.... And holy unmarried. (Or sexually pure in other words). Actually sexual purity is even moreso when temptation has been overcome....

Speaking of families, I miss my oldest daughter so bad. She got married in December. She's coming home this Christmas. (They go to school out in Idaho across the country). I can hardly stand the idea that she will have babies without me being right there. I held my kids so close as they were growing up. They say when you meet their dependency needs when they're young they will be more independent later. (Maybe I did too good a job She is making the world a better place, though. So is my 17 year old "baby" who I see at school when I work. Its so hard to let them go, but its how it works. I'm hating that she is a senior. Its hard to say this knowing others don't even think the same way which I have a hard time understanding, but its times like this that I realize how hard it was for God to give up HIS son to die. But Jesus overcame..... My sacrifice is not the same thing, but its a sacrifice in a sense.

We don't really lose them, though. I've added a son in law and will have grand babies soon. I had a miscarriage literally days before 9/11 and it's hitting me hard this year. I think its why I'm being hornery.... But in my own way, now, due to the empty place in my heart, I am contributing at school. I really love the kids. I'm lucky, too, cause I get to sub in all the classes and see ALL the kids all over the place. We had a pep rally today. What is hard is seeing kids out there (too many) mess up and get caught up in sexual promiscuity, etc. They're still kids. Half the time they have no guidance at home or do but get caught up in peer pressure or temptations. Everything is so sexualized. On the one hand it makes things harder, but on the other, its so blaringly in your face that you know its wrong and see it for what it is. It is much more special to wait and keep it special. Even if you have to wait a life time. I happen to believe families can be together forever and that opportunities you didn't have in this life can be attained in the millenium (and eternity).

Having said that, Bex, I think you've said you couldn't have babies due to your ill health. I'm sorry. That has to break your heart at times. I should be grateful I've had that blessing and not blather on.... Just missing my oldest right now...miss having them little and at home and all together.

I believe in hell, too. Just not in a literal on fire hell. Pain of conscience is hell....and its a place. I just don't think its completely cut and dried. THere are different degrees of sin. None is allowed in God's presence. (No one is perfect in this life, but we need to be working on it and willing to repent as needed). Anyway.... thanks for your "2 cents."

I love you Bex. You really are a sweet heart.