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About 30 years ago I became friends, best friend with a lovely person. JR, we worked together in the same real estate office of 18, in West Texas. She lived in Oregon when she was growing into an adult. I lived in Oklahoma. She drank wine. I begin to join her for a glass or two of wine. Her parents were killed in an automobile accident on a trip. Following this my friend began a search for the meaning of it all. She had another friend that was “New Age”. Only it wasn't called that. It was called "the Church of Religious Science" ... started by Ernest Holmes.

I am a Southern Baptist. JR is gregarious, generous, the ‘Pearl Mesta’ as giving the best parties of this town and has 1000 'best friends'. JR does believe ... that “it is as one believes”. So she looks for the good in any situation. JR does not believe in Jesus (”He was a good teacher.”) She sees no need for salvation. She has been taught that the word for sin means “missing the mark”. So she "does not sin" in her belief system. JR does not read the Holy Bible. Now we go to lunch every few months. I have been participating in Kaye Arthur's Precept Studies for several years. They are excellent. I recommend them to all. She is “glad it works for you”.

When we are together she throws in all her ideas about "creating our own reality" and was a fan of Oprah's “Secret” teaching. Her husband died a year ago. No change or seeking for more ... He never spoke about religion. His Mother was a Christian Scientist that died without healing from breast cancer when he was young. He rather blamed the church for her death. He was a good man ... unless he had a private relationship with Jesus , he will not be in Heaven. My prayers and attempts to interest them fell on deaf ears. It is sad to think this.

Praying for the right ingredients in regard to JR. They have two beautiful children with beautiful children, highly successful in their jobs and successful in their life and marriages, their children are ideal. Amazing.

“What if a man gains the whole world and loses his soul”

Luke 9:25