Hi everyone! Interesting day here I guess... I continue to hold each and every one of you in my prayers.

As to some of my moderating decisions, I will speak to those momentarily. To my knowledge I have never held this forum up as a mecca for free speech. They are out there in cyber-world, but not here...

I have tried to make this a forum where people can have friendship, kindness, consideration, and not have to worry about reading cuss words, profanity, sarcastic remarks and things of this nature. I regret to say that I myself posted a sarcastic remark on a thread, which I subsequently deleted.

I should have just said in a straightforward manner that I had deleted some posts simply because I felt they crossed my imaginary line. I know that some do not like the idea of any moderation, and they are more than free to shake the dust from their feet and move on...

But let's be realistic here, I am not only a mother, I am a Christian, so I am all for some censorship!!! Just as I don't allow my children to say hurtful things to one another, I just will not allow anyone here to say hurtful things to one another. I am not talking about debate,or minor disagreements, but these sarcastic, continuing tirades. I don't like them, they will not stay. You can post them, I WILL delete them. It is that simple...

That said, anyone is welcome to post material of a fun, interesting, uplifting nature. I want to enjoy this forum as a place of respite from a tough world. How my heart truly aches for all of you who are struggling.

I so deeply apolgize for the bad nature of so many posts here lately. I do feel responsibility for the content of this forum, as it is so much a part of me. I hope we can continue on without the contentiousness of the last few days.

As to the supposed virus I have sent NO private e-mails to anyone except Mitch the last two days. If you are receiving them they aren't from me. I ran a complete, comprehensive virus scan last night and again today and I am virus free. I would never stoop to such childlike behaviour as to pass a virus on to anyone, especially knowledgably. My Christian conscience simply would not allow it. I realize there will be some who do not believe this, but it is true none-the-less.

Thanks to all for the kind e-mails I have received, there are so many of you who are truly a blessing to me.

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), March 01, 2002

Answers

Dear Melissa, I sure hope you can forgive my response in one of the deleted threads. I have found this forum to be a breath of fresh air and am sorry I helped create a disturbance. I do tend to get a wee bit defensive of people I admire, and you have been one of them. Take care and God Bless you!!!

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), March 01, 2002.

That's why I chose to start a Cooking and Crafts Forum. The worst controversey we have is whether to use lard in cooking or not...LOL! Your doing a great job Melissa, don't let the bozo's burn you out!

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), March 01, 2002.

God Bless sis! You're doin a GREAT job!! old hoot. Matt.24:44

-- old hoot gibson (hoot@pcinetwork.com), March 01, 2002.

A tough job to be sure, Melissa. Continue to follow your conscience.

-- chuck in md (woah@mission4me.com), March 01, 2002.

Melissa, Keep up the good work!! Denise

-- Denise K. (Rabbitmom2@webbworks.com), March 01, 2002.

Yes, you do a wonderful job, don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

-- Christine in OK (cljford@mmcable.com), March 01, 2002.

Melissa, you are all that and fries on the side! We love and appreciate you!

-- Cheryl in KS (cherylmccoy@rocketmail.com), March 02, 2002.

You did a good job yesterday, in an adult and Christian manner. God bless!

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), March 02, 2002.