New Tattoos

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Jekyll

Balance can be just another word for "failing to take a stand..."

It can only be "just another word for...." if its misused in the first place.

This whole attitude, "Well, we did our best, and they are adults, now, and, we can only hope, and, we tried to show them a balance, and, so forth and so on..." yeeecccch!

Hmmmm...so you plan on controlling your adult children and their choices?

So tatoos are kinda okay now...poor Larry Boy and the shelacking he got for tatoos and piercings.

I don't think they're "kinda okay", but I think considering our society we are going to have to deal with people who are converted who have them (permanently), and young people who think this is a cool teenager thing to do (because they're young and somewhat foolish and of course they'll regret it later, but what teenager will believe that sentiment?).

So you can either say "That was stupid" and then move on...OR...you can...well...what were you suggesting, exactly?

Does anyone believe that what we do here in the physical realm is boundlessly connected to the spiritual world??? Billy Graham's dedication and efforts to push false doctrine would out pace many people in the UPC today...does HE get an A for effort and slide into heaven???

Give me a break...

I have to say...I don't believe if someone has a heart tattooed on their arm with "MAMA" scrawled across it, that its in any way connected to the spiritual world. Furthermore, there must have been exceptions (in the OT) to the markings/piercings rules, since Jewish women wore nose rings and earrings, AND the whole servant/aul-through-the-ear thing. Exodus 21:4-6

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Sherri

Well, I knew I was opening up a can of worms by being honest on here about my kids. But they are WONDERFUL kids who love God and I would put them up against anyone else's on here or anywhere else in church. I know lots of OP kids who look the perfect part (non cut hair; long denim skirts, etc.), but yet end up unmarried and pregnant, drinking in secret, etc. Looks are not what I judge by; I know my kids' hearts.

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Sherri,

Ashley's walk with God would put some UPC young people to shame and it's sad that most would look at her as being lost.

Thank God that He alone is our judge and knows the heart...

[Sister Alvear]

I shiver to think about some of the posst above. I like Sherri and many others tried to be a good God fearing mother and teach my children what I feel is the ways of God. I tried to teach them to be honest, kind, loving, strong etc. Even though they turned out good kids and men and women in the end that does not mean they are exactly like me...One of my boys took a spin through the world and did horrible things, one of my girls messed up, one of my boys goes to a church that we don't agree with doctrinally...I guess Raul Jr and Arlei turned out more like mom and dad but at least today they are all in church. Two are music leaders in our churches, several preach and some not where I want them to be in God but am proud at least they all love God and prouder yet for those that carry the missionary burden.

If knowing about the UPC is important they were left out for I never told them there was a UPC, ACI, ALJC or whatever until they found it out for themselves.
I just told them when they asked about things as they got older that they were all believers.
I have values as a child of God, belief's as a oneness Pentecostal person, No one will ever tell you they ever saw me dressed in any other way than the way I dress now...sizes just got bigger...ha.. BUT I do not stand belittling those that do to my children.
BUT, at the same time I (maybe because I am a women) but my children know I love everybody and request prayer many times for people that have less insight on some matters than perhaps I have BUT that does not mean they have nothing...the JUDGE of the earth will decide that factor.
I am an ultra con by some in lifestyle, a liberal by others and maybe balanced middle of the road by others. We all see different on standards and many things.
Last night we had an awesome ladies service even though I felt like I had to address a very complex issue at the beginning of the service but before it was over there was such a strong presence of God in the building we could not do anything but weep and speak in tongues.
I had a vision last night of a mixing bowl and a big spoon, in the vision God said this is my people the spoon is me and the ingredients have settled to the bottom I want to stir my people...Sometimes we need that spoon to stir things, such as gifts, callings that are lying dormant in our hearts, good works, kindness, love, joy, etc.

We cannot cage ourselves into a cave we must get out and show the world we do have something. Show the world we are a complete new creature!

[Sister Alvear]

please take my words only as a climber not a know it all...

[rgcraig]

Question to the UC's......if you have a new convert that has a visible tattoo would you expect them at some point to have it removed?

[berkeley]

Mother Alvear,
That is a great post. Last night as I lay in bed I was thinking that there is a great disconnect between the most conservative and the very liberal "saints" in the body of Christ. There is a breach that needs to be repaired.

[Jodiah91]

Originally Posted by chseeads

I have a friend that has 'religious tattoos' too. He's from a Christian background, not Pentecostal. He's a pretty clean cut guy in regard to not being into drugs and alcohol and what not. He said he got his tattoos as a witness to others, of sorts. He has an iron cross on the top side of each arm, close to the wrist (I think maybe those are just more for looks than being specifically religiously significant...lol...) and on the inside of his right forearm he has a resurrected Jesus, inside of left forearm is Jesus in the Good Shepard pose, and his entire back has a huge crucifixion scene. lol

Whatever happened to witnessing with our mouths? I'm not going to get into a debate on tattoos, if they're okay or if they're wrong, etc. I just find it odd that people feel they need to use a tattoo to witness to someone?

[Sister Alvear]

If for any reason Bert cannot stay or does not feel to stay or we feel it is not the best he will have a return ticket. Brazil has been the answer for some. Some have brought us heartaches embarrassment and grief but we are just passing through life so if we can give him a hand we are willing.
If they do, then we will have to raise every dead person that one of our members killed for any reason ask their forgiveness, break up every second married couple or third or whatever and remarry to the first...pay every debt that someone declared bankruptcy and all kinds of things...
I say leave these things at the altar...
Make right what you can and go from there. Some things may not become holy living but some things it takes time and God to change. If someone feels to get them removed I back them but if they do not who I to say am get them removed.
I learnt a long time ago if someone does something to please Janice Alvear they will probably go back and do it when they leave our church but if JESUS really convicted them they will live there conviction anywhere. There is a difference in preference and conviction. We will die for our convictions but not for our preferences.
I have convictions even though I have friends in lots of camps. I live what I believe and believe what I live and a few things we learn as we get older...That is why our grandkids can't come first! ha...

[Sister Alvear]

Live Jesus my friends...It is a 24/7 thing....a lifestyle and that includs NOT judging others...We are required by God's word to teach OUR saints but we meddle when we go into another man's flock and cause strife and division. Our lives tell the story of what is in our hearts.
And Bert bless you, and blessings to all.

[Jodiah91]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Sherri,

Ashley's walk with God would put some UPC young people to shame and it's sad that most would look at her as being lost.

I don't know Ashley and am sure she is a wonderful girl who really loves God. But please don't put most of the UPC youth under this stereotype to imply that their walk with God is any less than hers. I work extensively with the youth both in my church and throughout our section of the state and can say with certainty that they are some of the most on fire for God group of kids I have ever had the pleasure of working with. UPC has its problems, and some of its youth have even bigger problems, but those don't even come close to being 'most'.

Sorry. . I just see generalizations and stereotypes of the UPC movement so much on here & since this was about youth and I happen to work with UPC youth, it touched a nerve with me.