Hello :)

Celebration · 10-05-2008, 01:41 AM

This is a slightly edited version of something that I wrote to Eric, but I thought I would post it here. I came here from The Other Forum, like several of you.

I was inspired to get involved here because Eric's story really spoke to me. I do not consider myself a Christian but the lessons of Jesus deeply inspire me. I would enjoy going to church if I knew I would not feel shunned for some of the very things that I believe are spiritually right for me (like being bisexual, and having an open marriage).

Anyway, this is my God Intervention story:

About six years ago I was deeply depressed and was sitting in my living room struggling with sickening ideas of killing my self, my family, or as many people as possible. I was in a great deal of emotional pain.

I was at one of the darkest moments in my life when I suddenly had a vision that felt very much outside of myself. I had a detailed vision of me killing my family and then being taken to jail for life. In that vision I eventually healed and then used my time in prison to inspire the lives of other inmates and write books that had a profoundly positive effect on millions of people.

And then, when the vision finished playing out, I heard a voice tell me "No matter what path you take you will always return to me, and live a life for doing good. Perhaps it's best for you that you not take that specific path, then."

That moment was powerful in ways that I do not know how to describe. The next day, I went to a park, because I felt compelled. I believed that I had to go there and meet with Jesus. Well he arrived in my mind, and we began to walk. He was frustrated with me and explained very clearly that I was never, ever alone, and to think otherwise was an illusion.

And then I had the sensation that I was everything, from the lowest darkest person to the purest of saints, I was all of them. And I loved and understood all of them. I felt so much love and I felt so humbled.

That was about 6 years ago. And after that, day by day, and year by year things got better.

I don't go to church. And most organized religion really irritates me, but I would like to be more in touch with my spirituality, and learn more about the teachings of Jesus. I would love to find a local church where I felt comfortable, but for now this will do.

So that's why I'm here. I think...

Other stuff about me: I enjoy playing video games, like EQ2, WoW, and AoC, and I homeschool my kids. Not for religious reasons though. lol I'm a vegan. (Also not for religious reasons but it is a big part of my spirituality). And I was recently certified to teach Zumba. I taught a few classes last week as a substitute and the club owner got a lot of great feedback, and they are thinking about giving me my own time-slot. So here's hoping.

I look forward to participating here!

Maggie

Raven · 10-05-2008, 05:27 AM

Hi Maggie =)

Londie · 10-05-2008, 06:04 AM

Welcome Maggie!

TommyStrand · 10-05-2008, 08:21 PM

Great to hear your story sister =) Welcome to the forums. What on earth is Zumba? I could google it, but this is more social

Celebration · 10-05-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyStrand

What on earth is Zumba? I could google it, but this is more social

It's an aerobics class with a heavy influence from Latin music and dance (salsa, merenge, reggaeton, cumbia, etc...) with a touch of hip-hop and other genres added in for fun.

It's highly addicting, but in a good way I think.

Maggie

the_zeeba · 10-06-2008, 12:05 PM

hey celebration. glad to have you here. My advice to you to 'learn more about the teachings of Jesus' would be to get a Bible and read it. American Standard Version is pretty readable.

extra-biblical sources i would suggest are
C.S. Lewis 'Mere Christianity'
John Piper 'What Jesus Demands of the World'
and most anything by John McArther (hes pretty harsh, but its very biblical)

Eric · 10-06-2008, 12:15 PM

Celebration, it's a beautiful story and I thank you for posting it.

I hope that someday you'll find a church that feels as much like home to you as I feel in mine. Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs, and there is always good to be gained from fellowship in His name.

Thank you again for posting!

Ruzan · 10-06-2008, 12:46 PM

Welcome Maggie!

(Thread hijack)

Love the new quote in your sig Eric.

Celebration · 10-06-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_zeeba

My advice to you to 'learn more about the teachings of Jesus' would be to get a Bible and read it. American Standard Version is pretty readable.

extra-biblical sources i would suggest are
C.S. Lewis 'Mere Christianity'
John Piper 'What Jesus Demands of the World'
and most anything by John McArther (hes pretty harsh, but its very biblical)

Thanks! I will try some of those. I also think I would benefit from a class that focuses on the parables. I really enjoy analyzing them and thinking about how they apply to modern life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric

I hope that someday you'll find a church that feels as much like home to you as I feel in mine.

Me too! I think it's just a matter of opening myself up to the possibility.

TommyStrand · 10-08-2008, 06:41 AM

Celebration: I would recommend starting to think of any and all Christians as real family, cause they are

And then fellowship with any and all brother and sister that wants to fellowship with you right where you are.

And remember, God is with you right now, and all the time. When you have questions and things you wonder about, pray, pray, pray and pray =) He loves it when we come to Him you know =)

10-05-2008, 01:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Celebration Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 20 My Photos: (0)	Hello :) This is a slightly edited version of something that I wrote to Eric, but I thought I would post it here. I came here from The Other Forum, like several of you. I was inspired to get involved here because Eric's story really spoke to me. I do not consider myself a Christian but the lessons of Jesus deeply inspire me. I would enjoy going to church if I knew I would not feel shunned for some of the very things that I believe are spiritually right for me (like being bisexual, and having an open marriage). Anyway, this is my God Intervention story: About six years ago I was deeply depressed and was sitting in my living room struggling with sickening ideas of killing my self, my family, or as many people as possible. I was in a great deal of emotional pain. I was at one of the darkest moments in my life when I suddenly had a vision that felt very much outside of myself. I had a detailed vision of me killing my family and then being taken to jail for life. In that vision I eventually healed and then used my time in prison to inspire the lives of other inmates and write books that had a profoundly positive effect on millions of people. And then, when the vision finished playing out, I heard a voice tell me "No matter what path you take you will always return to me, and live a life for doing good. Perhaps it's best for you that you not take that specific path, then." That moment was powerful in ways that I do not know how to describe. The next day, I went to a park, because I felt compelled. I believed that I had to go there and meet with Jesus. Well he arrived in my mind, and we began to walk. He was frustrated with me and explained very clearly that I was never, ever alone, and to think otherwise was an illusion. And then I had the sensation that I was everything, from the lowest darkest person to the purest of saints, I was all of them. And I loved and understood all of them. I felt so much love and I felt so humbled. That was about 6 years ago. And after that, day by day, and year by year things got better. I don't go to church. And most organized religion really irritates me, but I would like to be more in touch with my spirituality, and learn more about the teachings of Jesus. I would love to find a local church where I felt comfortable, but for now this will do. So that's why I'm here. I think... Other stuff about me: I enjoy playing video games, like EQ2, WoW, and AoC, and I homeschool my kids. Not for religious reasons though. lol I'm a vegan. (Also not for religious reasons but it is a big part of my spirituality). And I was recently certified to teach Zumba. I taught a few classes last week as a substitute and the club owner got a lot of great feedback, and they are thinking about giving me my own time-slot. So here's hoping. I look forward to participating here! Maggie

10-05-2008, 05:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
Raven Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 44 My Photos: (2)	Re: Hello :) Hi Maggie =)

10-05-2008, 06:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
Londie Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 77 My Photos: (0)	Re: Hello :) Welcome Maggie! __________________ "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

10-05-2008, 08:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
TommyStrand Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sandnes, Norway Posts: 151 My Photos: (0)	Re: Hello :) Great to hear your story sister =) Welcome to the forums. What on earth is Zumba? I could google it, but this is more social

10-06-2008, 12:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
the_zeeba Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 119 My Photos: (1)	Re: Hello :) hey celebration. glad to have you here. My advice to you to 'learn more about the teachings of Jesus' would be to get a Bible and read it. American Standard Version is pretty readable. extra-biblical sources i would suggest are C.S. Lewis 'Mere Christianity' John Piper 'What Jesus Demands of the World' and most anything by John McArther (hes pretty harsh, but its very biblical) __________________ evidence cannot create faith; it can only confirm it

10-06-2008, 12:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
Eric Community Manager Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 193 My Photos: (5)	Re: Hello :) Celebration, it's a beautiful story and I thank you for posting it. I hope that someday you'll find a church that feels as much like home to you as I feel in mine. Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs, and there is always good to be gained from fellowship in His name. Thank you again for posting! __________________

10-06-2008, 12:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
Ruzan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 106 My Photos: (1)	Re: Hello :) Welcome Maggie! (Thread hijack) Love the new quote in your sig Eric. __________________ "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

10-08-2008, 06:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
TommyStrand Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sandnes, Norway Posts: 151 My Photos: (0)	Re: Hello :) Celebration: I would recommend starting to think of any and all Christians as real family, cause they are And then fellowship with any and all brother and sister that wants to fellowship with you right where you are. And remember, God is with you right now, and all the time. When you have questions and things you wonder about, pray, pray, pray and pray =) He loves it when we come to Him you know =)