CoolHandLuke

I've been an atheist/agnostic (more atheist) for a few years and the old sayings like "everything happens for a reason" sometimes seem to ring true when I see a string of events that play out in a strange way. I convince myself that it's not a very rational idea because I have a tad bit of obsessive compulsive disorder and become a little anxious about 'coincidences' kinda like jim carrey in The Number 23. Well, I got off the topic. I just wanted to see if any other atheists or believers even believe in fate or if the idea of fate can be separate from the idea of a god and if so, then who/what would be manipulating events to make fate play out?

I have encountered several ghosts in my life so far, but it's been a long while (about 9 years) since my last experience. I know that the very suggestion of their existance is debatable to say the least and will bring accusations of mental illness, drug abuse, overactive imagination, etc... Well, the majority of spirits that I've seen have been indoors, but I have also on I believe 4 occasions witnessed apparitions in outdoor settings. Indoor entities seem to be trapped, almost like the movie Beetlejuice, inside or least within the perimeter of the property. But, if a person dies outside of an enclosure, are they free to move about for miles and miles? And as a side question, besides a sentimental attachment to a property, how would a man-made structure/property line confine a spirit? I realise that there is no evidence for any of this and that no human being would have the knowledge to answer this question any way, but I've been curious about this for a long time and would like anyone's input. Thank you.

This past Sun. night, my dog got out and recieved an injury to the head by a vehicle. He is alright for the most part. I know that he is still in alot of pain despite the tramadol that the vet gave. He's not eating, but he's drinking here and there and walks fine but a little wobbly and he urinates fine. Although, when he tries to make a bowel movement, he can't make it happen. I'm thinking that trying to push it agrivates the pain in his upper body. BTW, his trama was slight head/face and not lower body. Is it safe to give him an exlax or similar stool softener? I normaly would ask a vet instead of this, but they're all closed. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

I didn't used to hold grudges, but now I hate (strong word and emotion, I know) a family member and can't seem to forgive. Unfortunately, it's not like turning off a light.

How do you find is the best and fastest way to get over this evil feeling?

Is there a system in place for such an act of patriotism? With really only 2 parties, we don't have much of a choice. One more Q, is it true that you could write in a candidate that lost the partie's nomination ie.. Ron Paul?

I'm an on and off atheist I guess. Maybe agnostic for the most part, but there is still a part that does believe. Years ago I had my only encounter with what I think was an angel in human form which serves as my only reasoning for thinking that there is a god, but there are even more reasons not to believe like kids around the world being abused and starving to death every day.

Anyway, I suppose my brief experience wasn't enough of an impact for me to base an unwavering faith on, but other people's stories about near death experiences and other paranormal situations seem to completely change their lives. It seems like faith isn't something you can turn on like a switch, at least not for me, but faith is required to believe other people's stories, including the stories in the bible.

I don't know. I know I'm rambling, but what if there is a god and it is impossible, I mean absolutely impossible to have enough faith in his existance?