Who To Look To For Help When You Don’t Have God!
Posted on by Forest in General
If you don’t believe in God, where do you draw power from?
I have been reading a ton of Financial related blogs recently because of my recent Debt Management Plan and my membership into the awesome Yakezie personal finance bloggers group. I like being Frugal but I want the frugality to help me save and get a steady pot of cash behind me. I don’t want frugality to just help me survive.
In reading all these awesome blogs one thing that I have noticed is that many people who are successful with their savings goals, paying off debt and general sound finance give praise to God. There are a LOT of Christian Personal Finance bloggers out there. Finding strength in God is an awesome thing and I can only imagine the power it can bring…. Obviously finding only hope in God could be detrimental to your finances but the vast majority of people I read seem to be drawing the power from their religion to help them stick to their frugal ways and I respect that very very much…. On the subject of hope and finances, check out this awesome post by one of my fave bloggers: Hope Will Not Get You Out Of Debt.
Sadly I don’t directly believe in a God. I can’t draw strength from such a source. I am sitting in the undecided camp not sure if some form of a god exists or if the world is made of pure science…. Either way I don’t really care, I love and loathe the world in equal measures but am definitely happy to be alive, no matter how I came to be.
But the “not knowing” aspect means that drawing strength from a higher source to stick to my plan, get my debt paid, start saving etc etc is not quite as easy. So where can those of us not using the power of God draw inspiration and positive energy from?
Our Family and Friends
Some members of this cohort are actually responsible for the vast majority of my debt so it’s hard to draw direct inspiration. However the general support I get from many of these close people help me to keep on track and aim for bigger and better. I also draw an immense amount of power from my wonderful partner. I wouldn’t be on the right path without her.
Our Debts!
Owning up to debt is the first step, like many addictions debt is the result of a habit of spending in most cases. Finally realizing we have a genuine debt can be a source of power. When I added up my debts and wrote the figure down in-front of me it gave me the kick in the arse I really needed…. The nasty dark number written big on a piece of paper was enough to make me change. Don’t hide from it!
Our Savings
You may not be in debt, you may actually have savings. If you do then do the same as I suggested with the debt. Write that number in a big happy color on a piece of paper! Enjoy the number and think of how much freedom it affords you. If you hate your job, change it, if you need a break with the family do it! But remember the bigger you make this number the more power it will give you to do the things you want to do.
Other Bloggers
This is actually the main point of this post, so thanks if you got this far. There are a million things out there beyond the obvious I pointed out above. However my biggest source of knowledge and power to move on in the right direction with my finance and frugality has come from other personal finance and frugal bloggers. Networking with Yakezie and just general surfing through recommendations has put me in a much stronger position than ever before. Much of my energy and enthusiasm actually comes indirectly from a God that I don’t necessarily believe in! The energy God brings to the Christian and Religious PF Bloggers works it’s way through to me. I thank God indirectly for powering these people to write great content and motivate others around them.
Some Awesome Motivational Christian PF Blogs:
Where do you draw support and power from?
I hope you enjoyed this post, please leave a thought or comment, I would love to hear from you.
Thanks,
Forest.
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38 Responses to “Who To Look To For Help When You Don’t Have God!”
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Jolyn@Budgets are the New Black
23. Mar, 2010
I, too, draw my inspiration from God and His Son. Though it may not be plastered all over my blog, I believe we are called to glorify him with and to be good stewards of all that we have, and that does directly involve our financial lives!
He is a marvelous Father who wants what is best for His children, though we stray and make mistakes as all children do. He is there ready when we reach out for Him again!
I think it is wonderful that you are drawing inspiration from those who believe as I do. We are all so unique and spoken to in so many different ways. Maybe this is the way that speaks to you!
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Forest
23. Mar, 2010
Hey Jolyn, I love your blog and especially your personal take on things. I’m adding your link to the list
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Jeff @Deliverawaydebt
23. Mar, 2010
I agree that the blogs you list are great for inspiration. I too read them daily and the bloggers are top notch.
I’m not too sure what I believe either. I’ve read a lot of the bible, I’ve attended church, I just can’t seem to make the connection. Maybe I read the Christian Blogs in hope (yes I said Hope) of finding something. Anything that will point me in the right direction.
Great post Forest.
.-= Jeff @Deliverawaydebt´s last blog ..Scribe SEO | Simple, Fast, Friendly =-.
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Forest
23. Mar, 2010
Hey Jeff, thanks for swinging by. Ha ha, there is always hope, just needs to be placed in the right places!
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ConsciouslyFrugal
23. Mar, 2010
First, as a Christian (note: uber liberal, progressive, non-literalist), I would like to thank you for your respectful commentary. There’s been a great deal of vitriol within the “new atheist” movement, so it’s great to see someone on a different path show such respect towards others on the journey. Gracias.
I recently wrote an article for the Hawaii Women’s Journal about how prosperity gospel and the cult of positivity (yes, “The Secret” devotees, I’m talking about you) is harmful to the spiritual life. I get really nervous when folks start giving props to God for making them wealthy, etc. Does God then ignore the cries of the poor? Uh, I don’t think so. I’m not in favor of some dude up in the sky, harming the poor and giving special favors to the rich. That’s a disturbing theology, imo.
However, biblical principles certainly guide my finances, particularly “love one another as I have loved you” and not charging interest on loans. So, I don’t support companies that use slave or child labor, invest in companies that cause harm or give micro loans to for-profit ventures. But you certainly don’t need to believe in God to have compassionate values and ensure that those values dictate your finances.
It’s pretty impressive that Agnostics, Atheists, Christians, secular humanists, Muslims, Buddhists, etc., can all share the common traits of compassion and respect, eh?
.-= ConsciouslyFrugal´s last blog ..Our Winners & Some Radtastic Reading =-.
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Forest
24. Mar, 2010
I’m pretty sure that even if there is a god that we are still the cause of all our successes and failures…. So I agree, God is not responsible for any poverty or richness…. In fact our Greed is responsible for both.
Here in Cairo the gap between rich and poor is out in the open for all to see, yesterday an incident happened that brought it to light and I actually cried in public…. I’m still sad now and it’s burdening on me right now.
A little boy came up to me begging for money. I said no a few times quite blase… la la la (no no no)…. He asked again and I put my hand on his shoulder and said La, ye ostez, asif (No, sir, sorry)…. he burst into tears and scurried off….. When I got to the metro station and sat down, I cried too.
This boy clearly had nothing and he was trying his hardest. His situation was so dire that he has to ask me for money (and yes it could have been part of his act but no one would do such a thing from choice), how did this happen? There really is enough money in the world for this to not happen…. One less Lamborghini for an exec could take 100 of these children away from begging for many years. One less Coca Cola brought by me per week could give a child a decent meal for one day…. We all need to take some responsibility for rich and poor and it’s not the fault of any god, sadly we are our own worst enemy…
However we should draw power from our beliefs and the people around us to make things better for us and everyone else
… Thanks for your comment.
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ConsciouslyFrugal
01. Apr, 2010
Brother, I have worked in the non-profit sector with the homeless and poor for all of my adult life. I don’t know that it ever gets any easier, but I am sometimes shocked at how rude I can be in the face of dire need. It says something that you touched the boy. Yeah, his tears may have been an act, but the poor are so often made to feel less than human that I suspect your simple act of touching is what caused him to cry. The story is certainly making me tear up just from reading about it. Oy.
It’s hard not to beat ourselves up about not giving every cent away. There are some in my faith who live in such a way (Shane Claiborne is a good example of a young guy walking the talk). But I don’t know how much good it does us to berate ourselves. I just do my best to remember to stay human through it all.
As for god in the mix? Well, as St. Teresa used to say–we are the heart and hands of god. It’s up to us. And I agree, we really are our own worst enemy. I suppose the flip side of that is that we must then be our own salvation.
.-= ConsciouslyFrugal´s last blog ..Tuesday’s Tip: Treasure Box Groceries =-.
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Forest
09. Apr, 2010
Thanks, weeks on, the event is still affecting me and I am working hard to find a way to give more back than I get back (if that makes sense)…. So many great people are doing so much out there and we all have to aspire to these people and not for self gratification but for the good of our own humanity.
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Lakita (PFJourney)
23. Mar, 2010
Forest,
I count it an honor that you find inspiration and encouraging from PFJ and the other top-notch blogs on the list.
.-= Lakita (PFJourney)´s last blog ..My Experience with ING Direct =-.
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Forest
24. Mar, 2010
Thanks, it’s an honour to read your blog
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Daddy Paul
23. Mar, 2010
Good read. Thank you for your perspective. To me I cannot even fathom not believing in God. Jesus said love one another as I have loved you. To me it is simply a question of how to best accomplish that. Love thy neighbor as thy self. That means love thy self as well.
.-= Daddy Paul´s last blog ..The best large cap funds =-.
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Forest
24. Mar, 2010
Yes we should all have respect and social responsibility for each other
, thanks.
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Abigail
24. Mar, 2010
While I read plenty of Christian bloggers, I am not religious myself, so thanks for this discussion!
Like you, I have plenty of respect and admiration for any good blogger and sound financial advice. Frankly, I’m a little jealous that they have the comfort and safety of their belief in/love of God to get them through.
Without that option, things are a lot scarier and less certain, I think! But I think that, religious or not, it’s about finding your faith in the people you love and surround yourselves with. (For the religious, I imagine it’s at least partly a matter of finding that spark of the divine that is a part of all of us, ie God is in all of us. For the rest of us, it’s just pragmatism, I think.)
My family and friends are my everything. I have learned to distance myself from the unhealthy relationships, including the financially unhealthy ones. (You mentioned that some of your friends/family had a hand in your debt.)
I have also learned to let the walls come down more on my own ability to ask for help and get it. My husband and my mom give me more strength than I ever could have fathomed. They have supported me through very, very bad times, when I wasn’t likable and was barely able to be helped. (Severe depression rears its head quite a lot and I have, at times, been suicidal.)
And, of course, most of us have our network because of the people we are and how we treat others. So I think, in a way, it all ends up coming back to relying on yourself. Not in the sense that you have to be an island or completely self-sufficient, but instead that by valuing yourself and being a good person you make a situation in which you can succeed in good times and probably be helped in bad ones.
.-= Abigail´s last blog ..Tripping ’round the blogosphere =-.
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Forest
24. Mar, 2010
Absolutely agree…. wherever we draw power from it’s important to band together, create a support system and stay strong…. A world without a leader or creator is a scarier world that is for sure
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Missy
25. Mar, 2010
Hey, Forest:
Interesting title, but it does fit in with your blogs niche. As many say, that GOD is in the details. Money, greed, and frugality all tie in.
I have a pretty strong belief in God, although as you said that is many things to different people. My idea of God, may be wildly different than YOUR idea of god.
I suppose all we can do is live as right as we can, and do right by our family, our neighbors and most importantly – ourselves. Yes?
Cheers,
Missy
p.s. The Yakezie Challenge looks pretty cool. A nice networking opportunity it seems. And I love the “related posts widget” you created. That looks fab!!!!
.-= Missy´s last blog ..$5 Niche Blog Blow Out, Till The End Of March Only =-.
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Forest
26. Mar, 2010
Hey Missy,
Great to have you here again
…. Yes we all have our own ideas of what God is or could signify and that’s a great thing I think 
.
Yakezie has been awesome so far, thanks for the compliment on the widget.
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Danielle
25. Mar, 2010
I am a Buddhist and have written a bit about the fact that I do not believe in God. I also read many Christian PF blogs. Thank you for your thoughtful post. It’s nice to read someone else’s thoughts on this theme.
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Forest
26. Mar, 2010
Hey thanks for the comment Danielle.
I don’t think I could ever subscribe fully to a single belief system but Buddhism certainly draws me to want to learn more.
Thanks for the compliments
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Red
25. Mar, 2010
Forest! Thank you so much for putting this post out there! Like you, I’m in the undecided camp. I grew up in a strictly southern Baptist home, but going to college made me question the validity of religion, especially Christianity. Not that I knock anyone who does believe in God. As someone who believes in nothing (at this point anyway), I can say that it is scary to believe in nothing, to think that maybe when you die it’s over. Sometimes I’m quite jealous of people who have faith that God exists.
Beyond that, it’s hard to listen to people say that something is “just God’s will.” Like we do not control our own finances and lives. Even when I did believe in God, I also believed that our actions cause things to happen more than God does.
For myself, I draw inspiration from family and friends, especially D. I visualize the life I’d like to have with him and plan the steps that will lead me to that life. It’s also easy to look to other bloggers for inspiration and advice.
Again, thanks for this post. It’s easy to feel alone when there are SO MANY PF bloggers who clearly draw strength from their religious beliefs. Good to know I’m not alone.
.-= Red´s last blog ..His Story =-.
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Forest
26. Mar, 2010
No problem Red, the best thing about blogging is the sharing of ideas and personal development it’ brings. Even if I don’t share the exact views of another blogger I can still learn loads and draw strength from their views on the world.
As for the real stability that comes mostly from friends and loved ones for sure
.
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Brad Chaffee
27. Mar, 2010
This is a great post Forest. I enjoyed it and I have to say I really admire the fact that you didn’t bash others for believing in God. As a former atheist myself, I can completely relate to where you are coming from and I can also say that I may not have been as gracious as you when I didn’t believe. I was angry, and hated to even hear the word God brought up.
I cannot imagine my life being what it is without God in it. I can see how much progress I have made financially but also as a person. It has made me a different person completely. Ironically, I came to know God by trying to disprove Him. Before my wife and I married I was absolutely convinced that I could prove God didn’t exist. LOL Foolish me.
Anyway, I just wanted to share that with you and again thank you for your kindness. Like you said, whether you are a Christian or not, Biblical principles regarding money are tremendously successful when put into practice.
I actually do not paste it all over my blog because I know how I felt when I was an Atheist and I would of turned around immediately at the mention of God. I simply want to help believers as well as non-believers find financial peace. I love everybody!
.-= Brad Chaffee´s last blog ..Book Review & Giveaway: Give Me Get Me Buy Me =-.
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Forest
28. Mar, 2010
Thanks Brad, means a lot to me that the Christian bloggers are enjoying my post…. There is no point or time on this earth to bicker about who is right and what is right. Time is much better spent following our hearts, respecting each other and enjoying each others company.
Too much God can be a turn off to non-believers but if the info is good and resonates with me then I stick around… If it’s preaching with no reason or point apart from reiterating the bible then I tend to run…. I could just read the bible for that (which I intend to do very soon, after I finish the Koran).
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Bytta@151DaysOff
28. Mar, 2010
I appreciate your honesty and humility.
).
Growing up in a traditional Christian family, I have chosen to be in the agnostic-spiritual camp. I believe in God/higher power (be it He, She, It, doesn’t really matter… and I don’t fancy the idea of assigning God to a specific gender) but I don’t want to restrict myself in a specific religion or church denomination (don’t tell my mum, though
I find comfort in knowing that while I can’t control everything, there’s a higher power who looks after me. It’s very crucial for me since I’m away from my family (I assume you are too).
Regardless, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. In my experience, trials and tribulations will “force” you to pick a side. Do you think so?
.-= Bytta@151DaysOff´s last blog ..Day 25: Being 37 is Sexy =-.
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Forest
28. Mar, 2010
I actually get a little upset when people insist God is a man…. I am sick of patriarchy in society…. I’m not for matriarchy either, just some kind of balance. I don’t care what anyone says but mentally and physically men and women can acheive the same things if they want it (well men can’t have kids, yet)… Anyway the point is that inequalities were a cause of humankind not God and I do not believe God is a man at all… even if religious texts say so!
Even though I am undecided I guess I don’t tend to look to a higher power for comfort which suggests I don’t believe there is one more than I do believe…. or I am just comfortable not knowing!
I never want to pick a side…. I’ll work hard at this
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Derek Clark
28. Mar, 2010
Very interesting and thought provoking post. As a Christian PF blogger myself, I have to say that my faith and the bible have not really been where I got my drive to be financially free. Unfortunately the Christian home I grew up in was not very good with money, as are many that I know.
What they have been though is a great roadmap. Whether you believe in God or not, the bible, specifically Proverbs, has a lot of great advice about money. Dave Ramsey says that if you read Proverbs a few times over you get a Master’s degree in finance, it’s in there.
As far as looking for inspiration and positive energy, I suggest finding friends that are as committed to getting out of debt as you are. It’s like having an accountability partner of sorts. If that comes in the form of a great group of bloggers like Yakezie or someone you know personally that’s up to you. Having others that get excited when you tell them you paid off a debt and are closer to being debt free is really awesome. God inspires me in lots of ways, but when my friends get excited about me becoming debt free it also really encouraging.
.-= Derek Clark´s last blog ..Weekend Link Love – March 27, 2010 =-.
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Forest
28. Mar, 2010
Thanks for your comment
… I think the important thing is you find a solid, useful base of help and that could come from God, friends or even just a single book (remember that movie What About Bob 
)…. Basically we do need something to help us get through and for many God is the ultimate power for this… For me, it’s more about the people around me and learning.
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Mysti
28. Mar, 2010
I am also in the non-Christian, or non-religious camp, per se. It isn’t that I don’t think that God exists, more that I subscribe to a different philosophy. I was raised Jewish, and knew at an early age that it wasn’t my path. I argued with the Rabbi while preparing for my Bat Mitzvah….he found me appalling that I had the nerve to question things!
I consider myself an new Pagan, still at the early stages of learning.
As for drawing strength, I find my blog incredibly powerful for this (something I wasn’t expecting!). I posted my real numbers, and everytime I look at my blog, those numbers are staring at me. I love the charge I get by updating the numbers and watching them go down.
Additionally, and this is going to sound bad, but I have a friend who just sticks her head in the sand on these matters. Listening to her, and all of the problems she is causing for herself….that is a huge motivation to NOT be like that.
I have the utmost respect for those Christian based PF blogs, and I am glad that they have an energy they consider positive to draw from.
.-= Mysti´s last blog ..The secret ME dream =-.
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Forest
28. Mar, 2010
Hey Mysti, Paganism interests me as it seems to be a very open religion with endless options… If I am right it just refers to any religion with multi-gods but most pagans would associate more with the old Britosh types (stone henge worshippers).
You don’t sound bad, not wanting to be like others is a fine way to push yourself. Most people who make it out f bad neigbourhoods and situations get out with these desires.
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Jason @ Redeeming Riches
04. Apr, 2010
Forest, I really appreciate the mention in here and I appreciate your honesty in your search.
It’s cool to hear of others reading sites like mine and the others listed for inspiration – although I sorta feel pressure to really step it up now!
At any rate, as follower of Jesus Christ, I look to Him for answers and encourage others to check out the claims that He made!
He made some pretty bold and radical statements that are pretty shocking at times, but most importantly what He did is the ultimate act of Inspiration and Hope!
Thanks again for the great post!!
.-= Jason @ Redeeming Riches´s last blog ..The Best Debt Everyone Should Have and Never Pay Off =-.
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Forest
09. Apr, 2010
Thanks Jason, religious or not it’s hard not to be inspired by the message left by the stories of Jesus, real or not.
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Carlos Frank
05. Apr, 2010
Forest: This might be the most respectful post/article that I’ve ever come across when it comes to different religious views! And several of the comments are fantastic and show so much love and respect for each other!
As a “Christian PF Blogger” I do draw my strength, conviction and even topics that I write on from God, His Love and Wisdom! As you also wrote I also draw from the inspiration of my family, goals and other PF bloggers! But my main source of inspiration will always be God!
Once again, I am honestly blown away by your authenticity on such a polarizing topic! Looking forward to reading more in the future!
.-= Carlos Frank´s last blog ..Coupon Mama Shows You How to Make a Dollar Out of 15 Cents! =-.
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Forest
09. Apr, 2010
Hey Carlos, thank you so so much for the good words, I hesitated publishing this post because I don’t like to get too political or religious knowing that I have a very diverse audience… However the response to this post was far better than I ever imagines.
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your two cents.
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fromage
31. May, 2010
Sometimes you need to learn to turn to yourself for help, to fix your own problems and learn to cope with them.
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Forest
31. May, 2010
Hey Fromage, absolutely, sometimes you need to find strength in yourself for sure but it helps to have friends and support too.
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Dave Gustafson
23. Sep, 2010
God vs. Science………
All SCIENCE (not scientists, science theory, not science text books) all SCIENCE is in complete harmony with the God of the Bible. So a choice to commit to science to develope your world view of what’s happinin’…..will point you to God as being the real deal!
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Forest
24. Sep, 2010
Hey Dave, if that’s what you believe then maybe I will be led to God eventually…. Who knows!
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Practical Parsimony
20. Oct, 2010
As a woman who studied the Bible diligently at a Bible college and was taught to question, I started asking the right questions and found myself a complete disbeliever. I cannot bear to hear that “God heard my mother’s prayers and saved her from the tornado” when an infant died across the street. What does that say for God’s judgment? What does it say to the mother of the infant who died when the mother prayed, too?
Being an agnostic leaves me with no God to look to. But, why do I need something like a God when I have a good mind and good skills to find answers for myself. I am strong as I can ever be with or without God. I don’t feel lonely, sad, or bitter about no god for me.
People who attribute their financial success to God are really insulting the less fortunate, many of whom do not have the same chances. Of course, many do and just do not recognize or take the chances offered. Besides, there are plenty of dirt-poor Christians who pray just as fervently. It made me sad to ask God for help and see nothing come my way. So, the sadness and God are gone. I have peace now, at last.
That said, the Christian blogs do have some good ideas at times. I am happy for anyone who is successful, as long as it was an honest success, not built off the back of others.
Forest, good post. About the child, you can only do better next time. It is over. Try to forget the sad part and focus on the next child you can touch. Oh, by the way, touching the child may have been a better favor than money. You showed humanity if not a handout. It must be difficult living in a place where things like this happen. Did you ever think this might be the first time the child begged?
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Forest
24. Oct, 2010
Hey Practical Parsimony, you are pretty kuch along my lines of thinking when I am in a down about religion mood but as you said there are some awesome religious bloggers out there giving amazing help and advice.
I didn’t think that it may be their first time but I have since been more helpful to street kids buying them food and items when I can.
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