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=I am prode of who I am and I want to share it I don't have rules and
=regulations but I have freedom from the things that bind, and holiness
=standards DO NOT bind.

=Suzette Vermillion

Sis. Vermillion:

It is important, I think, to maintain a since of perspective to a mailing list
such as this. The readers are all in various stages of spiritual maturity.  Some
have yet to receive the Holy Ghost.  Others (such as yourself) have been living
for God many years and have struggled through the questions of spiritual youth.
And some, having received the Holy Ghost, refuse to submit to God's word and the
direction of the Holy Ghost, and will return to the world, for they find the
Word to be restrictive.  These are things that a Pastor struggles with
continually, only you never see them or hear them.  The questions are made
behind closed doors.  All you see are the results:  A young convert praying
through to victory over questions and doubts, or, you notice their absence and
wonder why they have not returned to God's house.  

I commend you on your statements.  You said it *exactly* right.  I almost
shouted, "Amen!" while reading it.  

I have a young daughter of four.  She doesn't understand all the rules and
restrictions we place on her.  Last night, after punishing her for disobeying, I
held her in my lap as she cried, and I heard myself saying something I can
distinctly remember my parents saying. "Honey, you don't understand now.  But
some day you will.  And you will look back and be thankful you had parents that
loved you enough to not let you do just anything and everything you wanted to
do."  

Living for God and staying seperated from the world is pure joy.  It doesn't
restrict me.  Indeed, it gives me great liberty!  For now when I pray I know
nothing hinders my time with God, and I can clearly hear His voice.  In my heart
of hearts, I can sincerely say that if I error, let me error on the side of
holiness and truth.  Let me lean closer to God and away from the world.  I
should not see just how close I can come to the world and "still be saved."
Rather, let me see just how close I can come to God and still be a witness and
light to those around me.

God bless and keep the faith!

Bro. Massengale