on a lighter note

[Megs]

famous quotes:


Men are like parking stalls, all the good ones are taken and the rest are handicapped
it begins when you sink into his arms and it ends with your arms in his sink
GUYS: while hunting for your 'dear', please keep in mind there is a one bag limitahhh punny punny (no i did not make them up)

[Nate]

"Women are like fine wine. They all start out fresh, fruity and intoxicating to the mind and then turn full-bodied with age until they go all sour and vinegary and give you a headache."

"Women are like the stock market
They're irrational and can bankrupt you if you're not careful."

[leahmb]

Hmmm....I think these jokes may be better kept between the same genders...however funny they may be, I think it's a little different sharing them together online. An in-person scenario may be a bit better. Just, MHO.

[Babyruth]

I agree with Leah. While they might be funny, people can take them the wrong way and get offended, and some people get waaaay too carried away with it all. We had a thread like this before and it wasn't positive and encouraging or useful. Again, like Leah said, just MHO.

[Jezz]

Personally I just think its funny....

[Megs]

:juggle: hmmm on the other hand leah and ruth might be right

and on the other hand they might be wrong

and on the other hand... i only have two hands

if evolution were true women would have 3 hands

if a man says something in middle of the woods and no women hear him... is he still wrong?

[Jezz]

the man isn't saying anything though, he's too busy enjoying the silence that comes when there are no women around

[AgapZoe]

I don't think so Jezz, I think he is so frustrated wondering why it's so silent he'll get out of the woods!
(unless of course he's one of the rare species that are in touch with themselves and nature.) lol

[Megs]

lol jezz... archeologists know as a rule of thumb when excavating a site that the skeletal remains with worn out jaws MUST be female.

then again... .... .... hmm i cant think of any digs about guys... oops.

[joris]

I don't think so Jezz, I think he is so frustrated wondering why it's so silent he'll get out of the woods!not at all, it could be a blessing, to have time together with God

[TimRick]

famous quotes:

Men are like parking stalls, all the good ones are taken and the rest are handicapped
it begins when you sink into his arms and it ends with your arms in his sink
GUYS: while hunting for your 'dear', please keep in mind there is a one bag limitahhh punny punny (no i did not make them up)

lol :yay::yay::yay:YOu killed me with these.Ok,Its a killer joke.

[Megs]

my dad always says that God created the world in 7 days, and then He rested. Then He made woman and no one has rested since.

[Babyruth]

Why I Love Mom

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, "I'm tired, and it's getting late.. I think I'll go to bed"

She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches.

Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.

She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button

She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer.

She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry.

She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair.

She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her purse.

Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her Night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails.

Dad called out, "I thought you were going to bed."

"I'm on my way," she said.

She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on.

She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps and TV's, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.

In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list. She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals.

About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular. "I'm going to bed."

And he did...without another thought.



*Please ignore the TV part and substitute reading a book, if it offends you.*

[Babyruth]

Sorry for the double post but these were too funny for me not to share. Sounds just like my dad and brother and a few other guys I know. :rofl:

The Men's Dictionary



"I can't find it." - REALLY MEANS: "It didn't fall into my outstretched hands, so I'm completely clueless."
"That's women's work." - REALLY MEANS: "It's dirty, difficult and thankless."
"Will you marry me?" - REALLY MEANS: "Both my roommates have moved out, I can't find the washer, and there is no more peanut butter."
"It's a guy thing." - REALLY MEANS: "There is no rational thought pattern connected with it, and you have no chance at all of making it logical."
"Can I help with dinner?" - REALLY MEANS: "Why isn't it already on the table?"
"It would take too long to explain." - REALLY MEANS: "I have no idea how it works."
"We're going to be late." - REALLY MEANS: "Now I have a legitimate excuse to drive like a maniac."
"Take a break, honey, you're working too hard." - REALLY MEANS: "I can't hear the game over the vacuum cleaner."
"That's interesting, dear." - REALLY MEANS: "Are you still talking?"
"Oh, don't fuss. I just cut myself. It's no big deal." - REALLY MEANS: "I have actually severed a limb, but will bleed to death before I admit I'm hurt."
"I do help around the house." - REALLY MEANS: "I once threw a dirty towel near the laundry basket."
"Hey, I've got reasons for what I'm doing." - REALLY MEANS: "And I sure hope I think of some pretty soon."
"I heard you." - REALLY MEANS: "I haven't the foggiest clue what you just said, and am hoping desperately that I can fake it well enough so that you don't spend the next three days yelling at me."
"I brought you a present." - REALLY MEANS: "It was free ice scraper night at the ball/hockey game."
"I missed you." - REALLY MEANS: "I can't find my sock drawer, the kids are hungry and we are out of toilet paper."
"I'm not lost. I know exactly where we are." - REALLY MEANS: "No one will ever see us alive again."
"This relationship is getting too serious." - REALLY MEANS: "I like you as much as I like my truck."
"I don't need to read the instructions." - REALLY MEANS: "I am perfectly capable of screwing it up without printed help."

[shasta-daisy]

Ruth,
The Mens Dictionary sounds pretty accurate to me.... hilarious!:)

[NoahL]

"I like you as much as I like my truck."


Sounds pretty serious to me. I mean... it's your TRUCK!

[marichino_freedom]

ROFL!!!!!! that is too funny!

[SisTrev]

EVeryone has posted some pretty funny lines!!! Thanks guys and girls for lightening up my day!!!! hee hee hee...

[Jezz]

Women's use of the English language defined for the confused man.

FINE
This is the word women use to end an argument when they feel they are right and you need to shut up. Never use "fine" to describe how a woman looks - this will cause you to have one of those arguments.

FIVE MINUTES
This is half an hour. It is equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so it's an even trade.

NOTHING
This means "something," and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with "Fine"

GO AHEAD (With Raised Eyebrows!)
This is a dare. One that will result in a woman getting upset over "Nothing" and will end with the word "Fine"

GO AHEAD (Normal Eyebrows)
This means "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care" You will get a "Raised Eyebrow Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

LOUD SIGH
This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot at that moment, and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing"

SOFT SIGH
Again, not a word, but a non-verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" mean that she is content. Your best bet is to not move or breathe, and hope she will stay content.

THAT'S OKAY
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before paying you back for whatever it is that you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and in conjunction with a "Raised Eyebrow."

GO AHEAD!
At some point in the near future, you are going to be in some mighty big trouble.

PLEASE DO
This is not a statement, it is an offer. A woman is giving you the chance to come up with whatever excuse or reason you have for doing whatever it is that you have done. You have a fair chance with the truth, so be careful and you shouldn't get a "That's Okay"

THANKS
A woman is thanking you. Do not ! faint. Just say you're welcome.
THANKS A LOT
This is much different from "Thanks." A woman will say, "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It signifies that you have of fended her in some callous way, and will be followed by the "Loud Sigh." Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh," as she will only tell you "Nothing"

[Abashai]

/\
/\ :rofl: :applause:
/\
/\

[Megs]

ruth i believe you owe it to the forums to post the fairy tales you sent me. :)

[Babyruth]

Lol, ok, but only because you told me to.

World's Shortest Fairytale

Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl "Will you marry me?"
The girl said, "NO!"
And the girl lived happily ever after and went shopping, dancing, drank mochas, always had a clean house, never had to cook, did whatever she wanted, never argued, didn't get fat, traveled more, saved more money, and had all the hot water to herself. She watched chick flicks, not football, had high self esteem, never cried or yelled, felt and looked fabulous in tracksuits, and burped, and farted all the time…

The End

**Please ignore any rude or unsavory parts, they were the creation of the author, not myself, but I wanted to get the point across. :P**


This one is even better.

Fairy Tale for Women of the 21st Century

Once upon a time, in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat, contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.
The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said: Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and setup housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so.
That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on a repast of lightly sautéed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself: I don't think so!

[joris]

Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl "Will you marry me?"
The girl said, "NO!"aww.. the poor guy;
Though I guess he is better off, in the end, if the girl finds shopping/dancing/saving money/... more important than love...
Did he become happy in the end?

[Babyruth]

Did he become happy in the end?
No clue, it didn't seem pertinent in this story. :P No offense of course.

[NeedGod]

Yeah Joris, I think he became happy. His mother found him a nice quiet sensible girl who knew better than shop all day and they lived happily ever after on a farm with sheep and chicken

[joris]

Yeah Joris, I think he became happy. His mother found him a nice quiet sensible girl who knew better than shop all day and they lived happily ever after on a farm with sheep and chickenHis mother? how unusual :)

[SisTrev]

Is it just me or are these "jokes/stories" making women look really bad?

[redeemed_lizzi]

Is it just me or are these "jokes/stories" making women look really bad?

I see it as making men look bad ( u'd have to be in my head to figure that one out as I'm way too tired to explain :D -maybe tommorow)

[NeedGod]

His mother? how unusual :)
No, its not unusual. Besides, his mother, being wise, knew that a girl who loved raising chicken(to eat of course)was probably a nice girl. The cows were for the cheese to make pasta with hence pasta, chicken and cheese. Oh delight delight!

[Babyruth]

I see it as making men look bad ( u'd have to be in my head to figure that one out as I'm way too tired to explain :D -maybe tommorow)
Yeah, I'm with you on that. The guys want a wife to be their slave and the poor women would suffer. I'm not saying this is always true, just in these fairy tales. Plus, it's part of our outreach program. :P

[Megs]

outreach program?? o dear... ruth you are too much sometimes... lol....


i heard a joke the other day that made guys look bad but now i dont remember... sorry.

[TommyLewis]

And the girl lived happily ever after and went shopping, dancing, drank mochas, always had a clean house, never had to cook, did whatever she wanted, never argued, didn't get fat, traveled more, saved more money, and had all the hot water to herself. She watched chick flicks, not football, had high self esteem, never cried or yelled, felt and looked fabulous in tracksuits, and burped, and farted all the time…

If these were the girls priorities, I'm thinking the guy lucked out by being turned down...

[JoeC]

Totally. .

[Megs]

lol what guys dont know rarely hurts them... even after they have entered the last legal form of slavery =O)

[JoeC]

If these were the girls priorities, I'm thinking the guy lucked out by being turned down...

What you have to wonder is... "why didn't he see it before?"

[leahmb]

What you have to wonder is... "why didn't he see it before?"

Apparently love is blind...SCARY!

[JoeC]

That's why a person should observe before falling in love.

[leahmb]

That's why a person should observe before falling in love.

Precisely ;)

[Megs]

ok so Joe and Leah have stalker tendencies but as for the rest of the population... lol...

[Jezz]

That's why a person should observe before falling in love.

Because everybody plans love in advance

"Oh I think I might fall in love with this person... better observe them first!"

[Megs]

good point Jezz lol...becuase wouldn't said observation be what MAKES you fall in love?? i mean if you are falling for someone without knowing them it wont last... looks fade... and emotions move on.

and we have officially killed all the humor in that joke - moving right along!! lol

[JoeC]

Seriously now. Generally speaking, attraction happens way before love... as soon as a person realizes they are attracted, it's best to start observation and prayer, before getting caught up with the idea of the person.

- Thread Killer II

[leahmb]

- Thread Killer II Oh, well...it was a good point :)

[Megs]

buddy there IS no #2 .... there can only be one thread killer -and we have not yet murdered this thread... shall we attempt to revive it?

we should all tell a funny story - whether true or not (and you may want to clarify which it is)

hmm funny story... Guy/Girl - and keeping it light

O! i know...

SCENE:
Megs is waiting in an office for a brother to finish some work he was doing for her but she's not in his office (that could be awkward) she is in the general office chatting to his sister

*cellphone rings*
o it is my buddy i am supposed to be meeting 5 minutes ago
"hello?"
<really loud and purposely obnoxious> MEGS QUIT FLIRTING AND GET DOWN HERE WE HAVE PLACES TO GO TODAY

"umm... i am talking to S. ... he is nearly done i will be down in a minute"

-----the LOOK that sister gave me made me want to shrivel up and disappear---- now tell me - how do you recover that situation? o and its an open office so S. wasnt the only one that heard my precious big mouthed friend... and how are they to know she was joking? grrr...

[HotShot53]

and how are they to know she was joking? grrr...

No, the real question is... was she really joking?

[leahmb]

buddy there IS no #2 .... there can only be one thread killer -and we have not yet murdered this thread... shall we attempt to revive it?

we should all tell a funny story - whether true or not (and you may want to clarify which it is)

hmm funny story... Guy/Girl - and keeping it light

O! i know...

SCENE:
Megs is waiting in an office for a brother to finish some work he was doing for her but she's not in his office (that could be awkward) she is in the general office chatting to his sister

*cellphone rings*
o it is my buddy i am supposed to be meeting 5 minutes ago
"hello?"
<really loud and purposely obnoxious> MEGS QUIT FLIRTING AND GET DOWN HERE WE HAVE PLACES TO GO TODAY

"umm... i am talking to S. ... he is nearly done i will be down in a minute"

-----the LOOK that sister gave me made me want to shrivel up and disappear---- now tell me - how do you recover that situation? o and its an open office so S. wasnt the only one that heard my precious big mouthed friend... and how are they to know she was joking? grrr...

Wow-do I get to fill in names? ; )

[NeedGod]

I like that Joe.I think my respect for you just went up a notch or two. I don't believe in love at first sight either. To really love someone, you have to be able to know their negative points but still love them. And at first sight, I don't think you can. I like to gauge my friends by people I have hurt or who have hurt me but we can still be good friends. Thise are people who I know really love me.
Like God's love, He loves us although He knows all our faults.

...Attraction draws, love holds...

[Megs]

Wow-do I get to fill in names? ; )

no. no you dont. lol...but i knew you would know them... it was just funny becuase mel was DEFINITELY joking. grade 8 sense of humor, but hey..

[NeedGod]

I bet S knew you were joking. Sounds pretty much like a joke to me. Although I'm sure you'll probably never recover. Lol

[Megs]

what about you Esther?? lol... have you humiliated anyone recently?lol

[NeedGod]

Yup, the trouble is, i do it so often i don't even notice it anymore...

[collegegirl]

What, the shades of bright red don't clue you in? :-p

[JoeC]

I don't believe in the term "Falling in Love." Love is an emotion and can be controlled, albeit the hands have to be put on the steering wheel right at the beginning, or else emotions do spin out of control.


I like that Joe.I think my respect for you just went up a notch or two. I don't believe in love at first sight either. To really love someone, you have to be able to know their negative points but still love them. And at first sight, I don't think you can. I like to gauge my friends by people I have hurt or who have hurt me but we can still be good friends. Thise are people who I know really love me.
Like God's love, He loves us although He knows all our faults.

...Attraction draws, love holds...

[Megs]

I don't believe in the term "Falling in Love." Love is an emotion and can be controlled, albeit the hands have to be put on the steering wheel right at the beginning, or else emotions do spin out of control.

well you should. 1> it is definitley falling...

and secondly you OBVIOUSLY dont read many novels or even bible stories. If you think emotion can always be controlled??? hohoho... boy have you got another think coming.

[JoeC]

Emotions are on a feedback loop. What we do either reinforces them or weakens them. Granted, the path of least resistance may seem straight down, but we can control our emotions through self-disciplined actions and thought habits.

Apologies to those who resent my presenting "matters of the heart" in such technical terms as "feedback loop," but it is what it is.

[collegegirl]

So then, that begs the question:

Is love an action, or a reaction?



In which case, it can be argued...if love is a REACTION..then yes, you can fall in love. Love is at first sight. Love will carry you on a high, and drop you at the slightest whim. Love is euphoric, and love kills. You are just a reactor to love. Love controls your whims. If you are subjected to the reaction of love, then you must hang on for the ride.

BUT

If love is an action...love doesn't not care what the other person does, it keeps on loving. Love is a steady, and a constant, and rather like an anchor in a storm, to keep the ship from breaking loose. Love is a choice, because love is an action. This kind of love will last, as it is a decision. Yes, in that aspect, love is controllable, because it is an ACTION!

Just my thoughs though...

[JoeC]

At its most euphoric times, Love is a reaction. In the toughest of times, Love is a decision, made with iron resolve.

Love is reactionary for the young couple first experiencing its intoxicating highs. For the woman spoon-feeding and dressing her now quadriplegic husband day in and day out, love is a decision made with the iron resolve of commitment.

Love does not always feel like a decision...sometimes it rushes in as an overwhelming force--like the day God came after my soul. But this one thing is sure: From the young man and young lady enjoying the highs of first indicating their interest in each other, to the still beautiful middle-aged woman working to replace her disabled husband's income, to the old man tending after his infirm wife, Love is a journey. Somewhere along that journey a decision is made.

How cognate you are of your decisions determines whether you fall into love--or whether you fall into anything else, for that matter.

[EptonicTermplor]

This whole discussion thus far is rather ambiguous as love is not being clearly defined.

There are, as I believe we can all agree, several different types of love, some meaningful, some not; Some Selfish, some not; Some reactionary, some actionary.

We need some clear statements here, as I would submit that the young love between a couple and the love between an elder wife spoon feeding her paraplegic husband two totally different loves, one of much higher value than the other, and one much more "out of control" then the next.

Without some exact definitions of what types of love we're dealing with here, we may just be wasting time with pointless semantics.

[JoeC]

This discussion applies to both Philio and Agapao love.

Perhaps I should also make clear some of my other premises...

I first disagreed (inwardly) to the term "falling in love" when Jezz pointed out the following through his jest:

That's why a person should observe before falling in love. Because everybody plans love in advance

"Oh I think I might fall in love with this person... better observe them first!"
To me this exemplifies the fundamental perception of the term falling in love--as well as the general feeling that love is something that happens to you...that there is no prelude to it--"BAM! Love got me!"

To me, this sets up Love as being reactionary --and I don't mean "something you choose to do in response to X." I mean it more in the "knee jerk" reaction sense... something you do instinctively, practically bypassing the decision department.

I argue that there is a proper approach to initial love, and that it is not analogous to falling into a pot-hole (as "falling in love" would seem to imply).

Let me elaborate,

When I came to God, it was not a hasty decision of emotion. The initial attraction was hasty, yes. He overwhelmed me. However, when I made the decision to follow him, to LOVE him with all my heart, I made it only after serious consideration.

Likewise, when a man and a woman begin a love relationship, the initial attraction that man may have for that woman may be sudden--ever so sudden! But as the initiator, he must approach his role ever so seriously. Such an approach done right cannot allow for "falling" into anything.

Prayer. Consideration. Meditation. Observation. All these words imply time and thought by the very tone and timbre of their sound.

Likewise, when the man does make the decision to initiate, the woman must approach her role (accept or reject) with the same care the man approached his.

After these initial considerations are taken with due care, there will be plenty of time to "fall in love"... over and over again--as we do in our relationship with Christ.


I know I can be obscure when making arguements which are so crisp in my own mind. I hope this post clears up the views I tried to communicate earlier.


*Special thanks to Martha, whose conversation generated these thoughts and from which conversation this post was heavily copied from.

[EptonicTermplor]

I believe then, that in saying "falling in love" you mean as in an initial infatuation with someone. This obviously isn't planned. You are correct in saying that thsi must be controlled. Infatuation, attraction, is fleeting and can happen with anyone. This is NOT the goal in a relationship at all.

Originally Posted by Jezz
Because everybody plans love in advance

"Oh I think I might fall in love with this person... better observe them first!"


You don't plan on falling in love, but that is only a very base emotion that is almost entirely worthless. Being driven by this love is ultimately what causes the break up of so many families these days.

But to truly fall in love, one must throw away this initial attraction, observe and decide if this really is "the one." Falling in love" really is a long drawn out process which involves developing your love into true agapao love.

[AndrewMichael]

God is love. End of story.

But what about a man and a woman you ask?

What about Jesus and the Bride?

If we pattern after that, we won't go wrong.
When did Jesus fall in love with us? Before the foundation of the world.

What did His love for us make Him do? Anything.

Was it active or reactive? It started before we were alive, and continues to come on the scene after we mess up. I think that makes it both, it covers both sides, its eternal for it is God.

I hope that isn't too simple, but that's how I've learned (from my experiences) what this word Love truly is. My two cents are out.

*throws in coins*

[TommyLewis]

Does anyone else see the irony in such a serious discussion taking place in a thread titled "On a Lighter Note?"

[JoeC]

<evil grin>

I love hijacking threads.

[JoeC]

"Falling in love" really is a long drawn out process which involves developing your love into true agapao love.
I agree. That's the kind of falling in love we want. It's a step-by-step process, not an out-of-control free-fall, but a falling in the sense of going deeper and deeper.

And part of that process is observation. Which brings me back to my original question... why wasn't this guy savvy enough to observe first that all the girl wanted was to go shopping, dance, drink mochas, always have a clean house, never cook, do whatever she wanted, stay skinny, travel more, have money, and have all the hot water to herself? :think:

Talk about being able to save yourself a lot of heart ache. <shakes head>

[AgapZoe]

Does anyone else see the irony in such a serious discussion taking place in a thread titled "On a Lighter Note?"

hmm, what do you expect with yqforumers? :tongue:

and yea am impressed at the kind of discussion in this thread - ;) getting really 'Enlightened' .... (on a lighter note) :)

[joris]

You don't plan on falling in love, but that is only a very base emotion that is almost entirely worthless. Being driven by this love is ultimately what causes the break up of so many families these days.It's not worthless. Don't call what God creates "worthless" like that ;)

Without emotions as motivators, few people would ever get married. Simple as that, if you have no emotions to get things started, the thing of "sacrificing" much (as for a relationship you must invest in each other, right?) won't really be appealing at all.

The problem with emotions is, when it gets stronger than your will (and that's the "being driven by it" you mention) - or when they're totally out of balance. But in itself - God created that, that you are not a "cold" -- loveless -- creature.

[leahmb]

I'm gonna say 'this is too deep for me...'

[EptonicTermplor]

Originally Posted by jorisIt's not worthless. Don't call what God creates "worthless" like that ;)

Good point. Perhaps that was too extreme. You're definitely right when you say emotion is necessary. It does initiate a relationship.

[EllyMae]

Well, instead of jumping in the middle of a conversation (I wouldn't know where to begin anyway), I'll just share with you all a story that I read online about a week ago. I think it goes really well with the discussion. Enjoy. :)

- - - - - -

By Max Lucado - from In The Eye of the Storm

IMAGINE WHAT MAY HAVE TAKEN PLACE ON THAT DAY:

He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground.

All of the Garden's inhabitants paused to witness the event. Hawks hovered. Giraffes stretched. Trees bowed. Butterflies paused on petals and watched.

"You will love me, nature," God said. "I made you that way. You will obey me, universe. For you were designed to do so. You will reflect my glory, skies, for that is how you were created. But this one will be like me. This one will be able to choose."

All were silent as the Creator reached into himself and removed something yet unseen. A seed. "it's called 'choice.' The seed of choice."

Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form.

An angel spoke, "But what if he ..."

"What if he chooses not to love?" the Creator finished. "Come, I will show you."

Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow.

"There, see the fruit of the seed of choice, both the sweet and the bitter."

The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Chosen tenderness. Never had he seen anything like these. He felt the love of the Adams. He heard the joy of Eve and her daughters. He saw the food and the burdens shared. He absorbed the kindness and marveled at the warmth.

"Heaven has never seen such beauty, my Lord. Truly, this is your greatest creation."

"Ah, but you've only seen the sweet. Now witness the bitter."

A stench enveloped the pair. The angel turned in horror and proclaimed, "What is it?"

The Creator spoke only one word: "Selfishness."

The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties. Children of the creation wandering blindly in lonely labyrinths.

"This is the result of choice? the angel asked.

"Yes."

"They will forget you?"

"Yes."

"They will reject you?"

"Yes."

They will never come back?

"Some will. Most won't."

"What will it take to make them listen?"

The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until he stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then he could smell the hay that would surround him.

With another step into the future, he paused before another tree. It stood alone, a stubborn ruler on a bald hill. The trunk was thick, and the wood was strong. Soon it would be cut. Soon it would be trimmed. Soon it would be mounted on the stony brow of another hill. And soon he would be hung on it.

He felt the wood rub against a back he did not yet wear.

"Will you go down there?" the angel asked.

"I will."

"Is there no other way?"

"There is not."

"Wouldn't it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn't it be easier to not give the choice?"

"It would," the Creator spoke slowly. "But to remove the choice is to remove the love."

He look around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind.
Men clad in soldier's garb sat on the ground near the trio. They played games in the dirt and laughed.

Men clad in religion stood off to one side. They smiled. Arrogant, cocky. They had protected God, they thought by killing this false one.

Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill. Speechless. Faces tear streaked. Eyes downward. One put her arm around another and tried to lead her away. She wouldn't leave. "I will stay," she said softly, "I will stay."

All heaven stood to fight. All nature rose to rescue. All eternity poised to protect. But the Creator gave no command.

"It must be done...," he said, and withdrew.

But as he stepped in time, he heard the cry that he would someday scream: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He wrenched at tomorrow's agony.

The angel spoke again. "I would be less painful..."

The Creator interrupted softly. "But it wouldn't be love."

They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation. A monsoon of love swelled up within him. He had died for the creation before he had made him. God's form bent over the sculptured face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger moved. And an eye opened.

But more incredible than the moving of the flesh was the stirring of the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped.

Perhaps it was the wind who said it first. Perhaps what the star saw that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it:

"It looks like ... it appears to so much like ... it is him!"

The angel wasn't speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside - at the soul.

"It's eternal!" gasped another.

Within the man, God has placed a divine seed. A seed of his self. The God of might had created earth's mightiest. The Creator had created, not a creature, but another creator. And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return.

Now it's our choice.

[Megs]

Nice.

not exactly light but ....

[AndrewMichael]

I think when you stop analyzing love, and just believe in it, then you experience it...

There, that's a lighter note. :)

[Megs]

It's a step-by-step process, not an out-of-control free-fall,

<evil smile> out of control free fall?? but that sounds like fun!


JUST KIDDING!!

[Noe]

Does anyone else see the irony in such a serious discussion taking place in a thread titled "On a Lighter Note?"

haha was just thinking the same thing:D

[Megs]

lol its a meghan thread... to go off topic is expected!