Dog-Eat-Dog World

[zil]

30 minutes ago, clbent04 said:

Can anyone else relate to how the format of life molds us into self-interested beings?  How we dedicate ourselves to a job primarily for the benefit of our own little empires?  And how this puts us in conflict of wanting to share and be loving and kind to one another? 

Before I try to answer that, please tell me:

1. Is this how you see yourself?
2. Or does it only apply to other people?
3. All other people, or only some other people?
4. If all other people, do you believe literally "all", or is it "all with whom you've interacted"?

[wenglund]

2 hours ago, clbent04 said:

I would like to have an aha moment like you did in your career. But when I look out at the rows of cubicles at my workplace I just see the machine at work, the rat race we are in the middle of, everyone being trained and groomed to collect that paycheck for our needs and wants.  Before I started a full-time job, I was somewhat ignorant to the way the world works.  I had no idea people were so selfish with their time and resources.  Growing up as a kid and always on the run with friends I honestly didn't give much thought into what makes this world turn round.  Maybe ignorance was bliss for me.  Because now seeing how the world really works is disappointing to me.  Everyone is so caught up in their own endeavors, no one cares about cultivating relationships outside of their very closed circles, we no longer are a social people

The intent behind my post was to trigger a similar ah ha moment for you. There is far more than just the machine that can be seen (particularly in your minds eye). You just have to look for it. I was struck by the previously stated thought because I first posed to myself the question whether I was being fair and complete in my assessment of what was happening around me. I decided to take Sherlock Holmes's advise and not just see, but observe. With no small mental exertion the expressed though emerged, making the exertion well worth it.

Give it a try. What do you have to lose except the blues?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-' 

[Guest]

17 hours ago, clbent04 said:

Can anyone else relate to how the format of life molds us into self-interested beings?  How we dedicate ourselves to a job primarily for the benefit of our own little empires?  And how this puts us in conflict of wanting to share and be loving and kind to one another? 

Part of my problem is I’m wondering how much God is to blame for the format of life.  God created us to work by the sweat of our brow, and it was by His design we live in a resource-limited world.  Did God knowingly place us in an environment where He knew we would be naturally inclined to be closed off from most of the world?  A world where we get so caught up in our own affairs we are left with little time or concern or desire to interact with others? 

What is the second commandment?

And stop trying to blame God for everything.  You may need to revisit the first commandment as well.

Edited December 28, 2017 by Guest

[clbent04]

On 12/27/2017 at 5:58 PM, estradling75 said:

Its not much of a test if we do not have to really work for it to be "proven"

I’m trying to decide if it’s a test or a trap

[clbent04]

On 12/27/2017 at 8:33 AM, Carborendum said:

Technically, yes.  I'd agree.  But in practical application, there really isn't.

Fair point 

[Guest]

6 hours ago, clbent04 said:

I’m trying to decide if it’s a test or a trap

Is there a difference? It is mainly intent and perception.  Most of life is a test. But every once in a while it can seem like a trap.  If you're feeling like that all the time there's something wrong.

Edited December 31, 2017 by Guest

[Guest]

@clbent04,

I've spent some time thinking about what may be giving you such trouble with "the rat race."  I'd ask you to consider my previous question again:  What is the 2nd commandment?  Hint:  It is NOT: Love they neighbor.

The 2nd commandment is "Love they neighbor AS THYSELF." 

If you don't have love for yourself or acknowledge your own self-worth in the eyes of God, then you can never fully love others.  I'd go so far as to say that your feeling of self-worth is a precursor to loving your neighbor.  It is a false notion that if you seek earthly goods, you must be evil.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to have niceties and comforts in life.  Do we really want to SEEK hardship?  No, the day hath enough evil unto itself.

So, how does the rat race fit into all this?  Excellent question!  I'm glad you asked.

In an honest and free community, people interact via the mechanisms of the free market.  As long as our transactions are honest, then we're giving and receiving exactly what we should be giving and receiving.  If I provide sufficient money to purchase something at a price the provider is willing to sell it for, then both of us get what we want.  That single word is what is missing from today's socialist mentality.  They only look at one side.

In a free market, both sides benefit.  When you earn money, you benefit by the funds you receive.  Your client benefits from the labor you provide.  Your employer benefits from getting a cut of the funds to arrange the transaction.  You and the client benefit from your employer's coordination efforts.

When you bring that money home, you buy goods and services from other providers.  Your utility company benefits from the money you give them.  You benefit by getting utility services in your home.  The grocer, the gas station, insurance companies, etc.  etc.

As long as everyone is honest, then everyone benefits by these transactions that you believe was only about setting up your own little empire.  The honesty is how we love ourselves as well as our neighbor.

Charitable giving is slanted to one side.  You both receive some spiritual blessings.  But temporally, it is all one sided.  You certainly aren't benefiting.  Socialism is worse because the slanted exchange is being forced upon you, so you're not even getting spiritual blessings.

So, much of what you may have a problem with is the lack of big picture vision.  You're not seeing all sides of the equation.  As long as everyone is honest in a free-market exchange, everyone benefits.  No one gets ripped off.  And it is not selfish.

Edited December 31, 2017 by Guest

[Grunt]

1 hour ago, changed said:

I have noticed that most people who are happy are happy because they:

• ignore the rest of the pain and suffering in the world
• they avoid people who need help, and surround themselves with other "privileged" people
• justify their lack of empathy by belittling the pain of others, or by blaming victims (they brought their pain on themselves), or putting it in g-d's hands...

Most people who suffer from depression have gone through a painful experience which makes them more empathetic to others who have also been through painful experiences.  Becoming more aware of the pain of others, being a more caring and empathetic person, makes you depressed.

I guess I have come to see happy people are those who are ignorant and apathetic.  

Its not much of a test if some students have an unfair advantage or disadvantage over others due to their life's circumstances.  

Most likely you choose to view them as ignorant and apathetic because it justifies your poor attitude and takes the burden of change away from you.

In reality, we recognize that many people choose to be miserable and blame someone else.  We choose to be happy, make choices that lead to that happiness, and avoid people who make a choice to have a negative view of the world.  That way we can recognize that some people just choose to be miserable and focus on expanding our circles by helping people that truly desire to change.  The world has no shortage of people who need help.  Some desire change and work towards facilitating it.  Some of you just wallow in self-pity, content to blame everyone else and continue to make bad choices.  

Sadly, I have a finite amount of time.  As such, I can't help everyone.  I choose to help those who truly desire improvement and work towards it.  If by some miracle all those people are helped, I'll start adding those who choose misery to my help list.

[clbent04]

3 hours ago, Carborendum said:

The 2nd commandment is "Love they neighbor AS THYSELF." 

If you don't have love for yourself or acknowledge your own self-worth in the eyes of God, then you can never fully love others.  I'd go so far as to say that your feeling of self-worth is a precursor to loving your neighbor.  

Much of what you may have a problem with is lack of big picture vision.  You're not seeing all sides of the equation.  As long as everyone is honest in a free-market exchange, everyone benefits.  No one gets ripped off.  And it is not selfish.

I think you identified part of my problem. It could be related to self-worth. Whenever I read this passage I feel as if it’s the Lord talking directly to me: 

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (Luke 18:22)

But here I am, too scarred to sell off everything I have and dedicate myself to God full time, to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. I’m part of the problem I see with this world, the self-interested and selfish bunch that many of us are. We dedicate most of our time and effort to sustain and build our own households, rather than being out there in the world succoring our brother and sisters who are in greater need. 

For many years I reflected on if I would ever be strong enough to heed Jesus's call, to sell off my possessions and dedicate myself full time to His work. I’m nowhere close to that. I like having a job where I have the means to never have to worry about where I’ll find my next meal. I like being financially secure. But this conflicts with my belief system, and my view of myself, and ultimately jades my view of everyone in this world who could heed Jesus’s call but are timid and luke-warm like me

[Guest MormonGator]

1 hour ago, Grunt said:

Most likely you choose to view them as ignorant and apathetic because it justifies your poor attitude and takes the burden of change away from you.

 

Bing bing bing!  

I've noticed that many people in life who have an aura of misery and view the rest of the world in a negative light are doing so because it makes them feel better about their own terrible attitude. 

 

[zil]

19 minutes ago, clbent04 said:

I think you identified part of my problem. It could be related to self-worth. Whenever I read this passage I feel as if it’s the Lord talking directly to me: 

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (Luke 18:22)

But here I am, too scarred to sell off everything I have and dedicate myself to God full time, to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. I’m part of the problem I see with this world, the self-interested and selfish bunch that many of us are. We dedicate most of our time and effort to sustain and build our own households, rather than being out there in the world succoring our brother and sisters who are in greater need. 

For many years I reflected on if I would ever be strong enough to heed Jesus's call, to sell off my possessions and dedicate myself full time to His work. I’m nowhere close to that. I like having a job where I have the means to never have to worry about where I’ll find my next meal. I like being financially secure. But this conflicts with my belief system, and my view of myself, and ultimately jades my view of everyone in this world who could heed Jesus’s call but are timid and luke-warm like me

Am I wrong in remembering that you're married?  Do you have children?  Commandment number one (after marriage) was to multiply.  Look at "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" -

Quote

By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.

Did Christ tell everyone he met to sell all they had and come follow him?  No, he told this young man that.  You aren't that young man.  Unless God has told you specifically that this is what you are now called to do, it is not what you are now called to do.

Overcoming selfishness is something we're all called to do, but we don't have to sell everything we have and give it away first.  Do that, and you'll be living off other people's fast offerings for no good reason.  IMO, one of the best ways to overcome selfishness is to be generous - generous in your tithes and offerings, generous in helping others, generous in giving gifts, generous with your gratitude, generous with praise and kind words.  Ironically, it's been my experience that generosity pays for itself (you are blessed with more than you gave up, and I don't necessarily mean an exact monetary exchange, I mean generosity from you evokes generosity from God).

PS: Providing for your family is a generous, self-sacrificing act.

[Guest]

53 minutes ago, clbent04 said:

I think you identified part of my problem. It could be related to self-worth. Whenever I read this passage I feel as if it’s the Lord talking directly to me: 

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. (Luke 18:22)

But here I am, too scarred to sell off everything I have and dedicate myself to God full time, to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. I’m part of the problem I see with this world, the self-interested and selfish bunch that many of us are. We dedicate most of our time and effort to sustain and build our own households, rather than being out there in the world succoring our brother and sisters who are in greater need. 

For many years I reflected on if I would ever be strong enough to heed Jesus's call, to sell off my possessions and dedicate myself full time to His work. I’m nowhere close to that. I like having a job where I have the means to never have to worry about where I’ll find my next meal. I like being financially secure. But this conflicts with my belief system, and my view of myself, and ultimately jades my view of everyone in this world who could heed Jesus’s call but are timid and luke-warm like me

You're making the false assumption that the Lord is asking all of us to do this.  You still believe it is sinful to want something nice for ourselves.  Judas thought it was evil for the Savior to have some possibly expensive oil to anoint Himself (the Lord) rather than selling it to give to the poor.  Your interpretation thereof is incorrect.

I believe you're also projecting your own attitudes to everyone else.  Not everyone is out to "build their own little empires."

Do you understand the Law of Consecration?  Have you not made a covenant to obey it?  Do you know what it means.  All that I appear to own/possess is not mine.  All my worldly goods belong to the Lord.  He's just asking me to take care of it and make wise choices with it.  I am to use some of this to take care of the poor.  Some of it is to pay tithing for the running of His kingdom on earth.  Some of it is to provided educational tools to my children so that they may be raised unto the Lord.

And if the day should come that He would ask me to give it all up and follow the pauper's path, I would for His sake.  The thing about the young man in Luke 18 is that he was NOT willing to do so.  Are you?

If you are willing (even if you have not been asked to do so) then you are not that young man.  But remember that you cannot fool the Lord.  He knows your heart as He knows mine.  Twice in my life I've been wondering about some major decisions in life.  And I was directed by the Spirit to make decisions that by temporal standards were not wise.  They'd be very detrimental for me monetarily.  But when I confirmed that was what the Lord wanted me to do, I chose to follow.  I lost a lot of money in each case.  And in many ways the following years were not pleasant.  But I did receive spiritual blessings for following those instructions.

I came to realize that money and power are nothing; that honor, truth, compassion, and love mean everything.  But to think that it means that I'm NEVER allowed to have any temporal goods is simply false doctrine.  It simply means that I am not supposed to place them on an altar and worship a god of gold.

Edited December 31, 2017 by Guest

[clbent04]

31 minutes ago, zil said:

Did Christ tell everyone he met to sell all they had and come follow him?  No, he told this young man that.  You aren't that young man.  Unless God has told you specifically that this is what you are now called to do, it is not what you are now called to do.

I interpret Luke 18:22 to be applicable to anyone ready to take their dedication to the Lord to the next level.  If the higher order is the Law of Consecration, are we not all meant to have the goal of separating ourselves from our material possessions?

Did Jesus’s disciples not straight away leave their professions when they were called? Are we each meant to receive a formal face-to-face invitation from the Lord to quit our own agendas and follow Him, or can we accept that calling after feeling compelled to do so reading the scriptures?

[clbent04]

19 minutes ago, Carborendum said:

And if the day should come that He would ask me to give it all up and follow the pauper's path, I would for His sake.  The thing about the young man in Luke 18 is that he was NOT willing to do so.  Are you?

What kind of invitation would you be waiting for? Would you have to hear the voice of the Lord say to you verbatim what he said to the man in Luke 18:22?

[Guest]

1 hour ago, clbent04 said:

What kind of invitation would you be waiting for? Would you have to hear the voice of the Lord say to you verbatim what he said to the man in Luke 18:22?

I thought I made that clear.  I'll repeat.

1 hour ago, Carborendum said:

Twice in my life I've been wondering about some major decisions in life.  And I was directed by the Spirit to make decisions that by temporal standards were not wise.  They'd be very detrimental for me monetarily.  But when I confirmed that was what the Lord wanted me to do, I chose to follow.  I lost a lot of money in each case.  And in many ways the following years were not pleasant.  But I did receive spiritual blessings for following those instructions.

I came to realize that money and power are nothing; that honor, truth, compassion, and love mean everything.  But to think that it means that I'm NEVER allowed to have any temporal goods is simply false doctrine.  It simply means that I am not supposed to place them on an altar and worship a god of gold.

 

[zil]

1 hour ago, clbent04 said:

I interpret Luke 18:22 to be applicable to anyone ready to take their dedication to the Lord to the next level.  If the higher order is the Law of Consecration, are we not all meant to have the goal of separating ourselves from our material possessions?

Did Jesus’s disciples not straight away leave their professions when they were called? Are we each meant to receive a formal face-to-face invitation from the Lord to quit our own agendas and follow Him, or can we accept that calling after feeling compelled to do so reading the scriptures?

First, the easier second paragraph: The disciples you're talking about became apostles.  Have you been called as an apostle?  Guess what the apostles did before they became an apostle - they worked, they provided for their families.  Again, when Christ was teaching, I cannot recall one other person who received this command (though missionaries were given similar instruction).

Have you considered what happens if you (or better, everyone) followed the command given to the young man?  If literally no one worked, how would we eat?  What clothes would we wear?  What would shelter us from the elements?

Now, Luke 18:22.  Look at this very key phrase: "Yet lackest thou one thing".  Are you lacking in only one thing?  And, as said before, have you taken this to the Lord, or received the command from the Lord?  It seems to me that you're not trying to increase in virtue, you're feeling guilt (or something) for no good reason - guess who inspires guilt, despair, fear - Satan.  Guess who inspires remorse, hope, and courage - God.  So which feelings are you experiencing about this issue?

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-living-bread-which-came-down-from-heaven?lang=eng

Quote

It is important to recognize that this good man’s vivid revelation of his sins and shortcomings did not discourage him or lead him to despair. Yes, he felt shock and remorse. He felt keenly his need to repent. He had been humbled, yet he felt gratitude, peace, and hope—real hope—because of Jesus Christ

So, when you think about this, what do you feel?

Have you tried asking the Lord, "What Lack I Yet?" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/what-lack-i-yet?lang=eng The answer to that question is what you personally need to work on.  Maybe it is to sell everything and follow Christ, but only if that's what He tells you to do - because without that, you risk violating the command to provide for your family, to be self-sufficient, to help the poor, etc. - all of which are made possible by you having a safe, stable existence wherein you have sufficient for your own needs so that your excess (time, talents, energy, money) can be used (by you) to bless the lives of others.

Meanwhile, Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son; Nephi was commanded to lop a man's head off; Joshua and the armies of Israel were commanded to kill entire cities; etc.  Not every commandment is meant for every one of us to follow - only the pattern or principle behind the command.

Ask the Lord what you should do - he's the only one who knows.

[wenglund]

5 hours ago, changed said:

I have noticed that most people who are happy are happy because they:

• ignore the rest of the pain and suffering in the world
• they avoid people who need help, and surround themselves with other "privileged" people
• justify their lack of empathy by belittling the pain of others, or by blaming victims (they brought their pain on themselves), or putting it in g-d's hands...

Most people who suffer from depression have gone through a painful experience which makes them more empathetic to others who have also been through painful experiences.  Becoming more aware of the pain of others, being a more caring and empathetic person, makes you depressed.

I guess I have come to see happy people are those who are ignorant and apathetic.  

 

My experience is exactly the opposite.  Most of the truly happy people I know have personally experienced the depths of pain and suffering, and have found ways to rise above it, and devote a good portion of their lives helping others rise out as well, and they can do so successfully precisely because they have empathy.

Some of the least happy people I know are those who wallow in, and seem not to be denied their misery (oft the cause thereof being mild in comparison), and devote themselves hypocritically (and unsympathetically) to  finger-pointing and unhealthy victimhood, and poo-pooing  outreached hands and hoists upward.  Rarely does ignorance reign any more supreme.

Quote

Its not much of a test if some students have an unfair advantage or disadvantage over others due to their life's circumstances.  

As someone who has battled learning and physical disabilities his whole life, as well as significant financial difficulty, I can tell you that you couldn't be more wrong or clueless.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[clbent04]

20 hours ago, Carborendum said:

I thought I made that clear.  I'll repeat.

I think we interpret Luke 18:22 differently, as well as it’s applicability 

[clbent04]

21 hours ago, zil said:

First, the easier second paragraph: The disciples you're talking about became apostles.  Have you been called as an apostle?  Guess what the apostles did before they became an apostle - they worked, they provided for their families.  Again, when Christ was teaching, I cannot recall one other person who received this command (though missionaries were given similar instruction).

Have you considered what happens if you (or better, everyone) followed the command given to the young man?  If literally no one worked, how would we eat?  What clothes would we wear?  What would shelter us from the elements?

Now, Luke 18:22.  Look at this very key phrase: "Yet lackest thou one thing".  Are you lacking in only one thing?  And, as said before, have you taken this to the Lord, or received the command from the Lord?  It seems to me that you're not trying to increase in virtue, you're feeling guilt (or something) for no good reason - guess who inspires guilt, despair, fear - Satan.  Guess who inspires remorse, hope, and courage - God.  So which feelings are you experiencing about this issue?

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/10/the-living-bread-which-came-down-from-heaven?lang=eng

So, when you think about this, what do you feel?

Have you tried asking the Lord, "What Lack I Yet?" https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/what-lack-i-yet?lang=eng The answer to that question is what you personally need to work on.  Maybe it is to sell everything and follow Christ, but only if that's what He tells you to do - because without that, you risk violating the command to provide for your family, to be self-sufficient, to help the poor, etc. - all of which are made possible by you having a safe, stable existence wherein you have sufficient for your own needs so that your excess (time, talents, energy, money) can be used (by you) to bless the lives of others.

Meanwhile, Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son; Nephi was commanded to lop a man's head off; Joshua and the armies of Israel were commanded to kill entire cities; etc.  Not every commandment is meant for every one of us to follow - only the pattern or principle behind the command.

Ask the Lord what you should do - he's the only one who knows.

I’m still having trouble reconciling this issue in my mind. 

Yes, selling off everything we own to do nothing but share the message of Christ is an extraordinary invitation of the Lord, and we may have differing opinions on whether or not this invitation is reserved for those who have apostle-like status. But I don’t equate this with your examples, because separating ourselves from the material things of this world should be a goal we should all have. It’s a righteous endeavour for everyone to seek that which is spiritual over that which is temporal. Killing someone as commanded by God is not a righteous endeavor for everyone. 

As far as being in conflict with selling everything we own and providing for our families, I would say just as the Lord provides for his servants in the field, He would provide for the families of the servants that are on His errands. Why would the Lord be limited to providing just for his servants in the field?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matthew 6:26)

I think Luke 18:22 and Matthew 6:26 are meant for all of us.  I’m not saying I’m anywhere close to having the level of faith requisite to accept such an invitation to sell my belongings and pick up the cross, but I think it’s a commitment we are to work towards. 

I would have nothing but respect and admiration for someone so dedicated to the Lord. Maybe it’s my own lack of spiritual development and commitment to the Lord that leaves me feeling inadequate and despaired. I have so far to go to get to that level it seems overwhelming. Even my greatest examples I look up to (most of whom are leaders in Church) haven’t sold their possessions, so where does that put me? Do we have as much faith today as people did back when Christ was living on the Earth?  Where are the homeless, traveling missionaries today? 

Edited January 1, 2018 by clbent04

[Grunt]

5 minutes ago, clbent04 said:

Maybe it’s my own lack of spiritual development and commitment to the Lord that leaves me feeling inadequate and despaired. I have so far to go to get to that level it seems overwhelming. Even my greatest examples I look up to (most of whom are leaders in Church) haven’t sold their possessions, so where does that put me? Do we have as much faith today as people did back when Christ was living on the Earth?  Where are the homeless, traveling missionaries today? 

 

Bingo.  Stop worrying about everyone else.  Your relationship with God is personal.  Instead of worrying about why your church leaders haven't sold their possessions, start worrying about why you aren't going to church.  Step 1.

[clbent04]

On 12/31/2017 at 12:33 PM, Grunt said:

Sadly, I have a finite amount of time.  As such, I can't help everyone.  I choose to help those who truly desire improvement and work towards it.  If by some miracle all those people are helped, I'll start adding those who choose misery to my help list.

Thankfully, most people on this website provide valuable answers to the questions I ask. That’s why I’ve continued asking questions I have. I don’t have to constantly explain myself as to what my intentions are with the questions I ask. Some feedback has even been so spot on, it’s changed my own way of thinking for the better.

If you see me as someone who is seeking misery, I won’t be offended at all if you decide to grace someone else with your “help.”

Edited January 1, 2018 by clbent04

[Grunt]

1 minute ago, clbent04 said:

Thankfully, most people on this website provide valuable answers to the questions I ask. That’s why I’ve continued asking questions I have. I don’t have to constantly explain myself as to what my intentions are with the questions I ask. Some feedback has even been so spot on, it’s changed my own way of thinking for the better.

If you see me as someone who is seeking misery, I won’t be offended at all if you decide to grace someone else with your “help.”

That's great.  Why don't you find the advice "start going to church" as valuable advice?

[clbent04]

12 minutes ago, Grunt said:

That's great.  Why don't you find the advice "start going to church" as valuable advice?

I never said I didn’t. I’m just wondering why you continue to post on my questions if you first say your time is better spent elsewhere than with the misery-seeking likes of me. Make up your mind

[Guest]

4 hours ago, clbent04 said:

I think we interpret Luke 18:22 differently, as well as it’s applicability 

And, I said that as well.  I'm beginning to feel like you're only cherry picking statements from my posts.  It's not like I make mile long posts.

I find it impossible to believe your interpretation since so many prophets have been wealthy individuals.  Would it help if I gathered multiple quotes on the Law of Consecration?  I can do it. But it will take time that I don't wish to put into it if you're just going to ignore it anyway.

[Grunt]

7 minutes ago, clbent04 said:

I never said I didn’t. I’m just wondering why you continue to post on my questions if you first say your time is better spent elsewhere than with the misery-seeking likes of me. Make up your mind

You've gotten confused with your quotes.  When I was responding to you, I quoted you.  You ignored that response and chose to quote a response that wasn't to you and attribute it to you because it fit your desired post better, I assume.  

My mind is quite made up and my posts are quite clear.

Edited January 2, 2018 by Grunt