 |
| Author | Post |
|---|
ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 82 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Evangelical Christian |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 07:10 pm |
|
Hello Folks,
I decided to come back and see y'all again, but under a different user name. I used to be under the name "Darlene."
Since leaving our church over a year ago, we've (husband and I) haven't settled anywhere as of yet. We ran the gamut as far as denominations go, you name it, we probably went there. For the last few months, we just stopped attending church altogether. In saying that, I don't mean that we've given up on our faith in Jesus Christ. Rather, we have come to an impasse with regard to where we should worship our Lord and Savior.
I have traversed other websites and have been appauled at what passes for "Christianity" these days. One of the largest forums out there, (if not the largest), has such disagreement and disunity on just about every tenet of the Christian faith. About two weeks ago, I could hardly endure it any longer. A particular thread titled "Dude" was disintegrating into the absurd. The "starter" of the thread mentioned that her pastor had addressed God as "Dude" in prayer. This bothered her and some others in the congregation. Basically, the pastor defended his "right" to address God as "Dude" in corporate prayer. Various people began posting to this thread in defense of addressing God as "Dude." Eventually, I posted a lengthy response showing from Sacred Scripture that addressing God in this fashion is indefensible, especially when the one doing so is a pastor within a corporate setting of worship. As the thread degenerated into nonsense, I recognized I had to get away from there. But truth is, many of the threads on that Christian forum derail into such controversy, that it became unprofitable for me to participate there any longer.
The lack of finding a church home has troubled me to the very depths of my soul. My husband doesn't seem to let it bother him. His attitude is that he must continue faithful to Christ regardless of this predicament. I know that is true, but I have an inner gnawing that won't go away. No matter how faithful I (we) are on my (our) own, by our very natures we were created to have fellowship in Christ with others and worship Him in unity with others. Lone ranger Christianity cannot be defended from Scripture. Not that we want to be alone, but rather, we find ourselves in this predicament.
Well, 'nuf said for now. God bless each of you in your walk with our Lord Jesus.
Darlene
|
|
|
JillD
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 784 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
| Status: |
Online
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 07:24 pm |
|
Darlene, DUDETTE!!!!
I'm sorry you're in such a quandary, but it's nice to read your words again. I'm still hangin' out here, getting my questions answered, asking for prayer, and occasionally venting.
Welcome back!
Jill
____________________
"I praise you, for I am wondrously made. Wonderful are our works! My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret." Ps 139
"Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men." Ps 140
|
|
|
ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 82 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Evangelical Christian |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 07:37 pm |
|
JillD wrote: Darlene, DUDETTE!!!!
I'm sorry you're in such a quandary, but it's nice to read your words again. I'm still hangin' out here, getting my questions answered, asking for prayer, and occasionally venting.
Welcome back!
Jill,
Thanks for the welcome. One thing about this forum, folks are considerably friendly and inviting. And I'm sure there wouldn't be much controversy in reference to addressing God as "Dude." 
Oh btw, I love the selection of Emoticons that are available here. That's great. The layout and options of this forum are one of the best I've seen yet. However, I still haven't figured out how to get an avatar under my name. Yeah, I know. Computer illiterate, that's me!
Darlene
|
|
|
sewnsew
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 849 |
| First Name: | Kim | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | cradle Anglican, Episcopal /Catholic-04/07/07 |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 07:46 pm |
|
| Hi Darlene- Welcome back, I have wondered about you and how you were fairing while you were gone. As for an avatar go to the "edit my account button" choose profile in the next set of options and then you will see a tab that says avatar- you can choose a premade one or hit browes to selcet a photo or graphic from your own computer then the choice is either savce or upload ( I am going from memory here) Often the phot doesn't show up until you log in on a new session.
|
|
|
Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1238 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 07:52 pm |
|
Darlene,
How wonderful that you have decided to return to us, though it saddens me to hear of the suffering you've been undergoing. Sometimes God seems to let us wander about in the wilderness for a while until we (or our loved ones or circumstances) are ready for entry into the Promised Land (Catholic Church).
I'm grateful for the blessing of your return and will be supporting you and your husband in my prayers.
Grace and peace,
Becky
____________________
"He who will persevere unto the end is not he who will never fall, but he who after every fall will humble himself and rise again, relying on the infinite strength of God." Divine Intimacy, p. 885 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
|
|
|
JasPax
Member
| Joined: | Wed Nov 22nd, 2006 |
| Location: | North Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 249 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Episcopal to Catholic |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 08:10 pm |
|
Welcome back Darlene. We missed you!
James
____________________
James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
|
|
|
David W. Emery
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 2098 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 08:32 pm |
|
Hi Darlene!  Good to see you again.
David
|
|
|
Howard the Pilgrim
Member
| Joined: | Sun Dec 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | Lamar, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 60 |
| First Name: | Howard | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | United Presbyterian, non-denom, American Baptist, non-denom, Conservative Baptist, United Methodist ... |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 08:39 pm |
|
Hi Darlene,
My wife and I went through about a 3-year period like the one you are going through where we just couldn't seem a church to call home. I will be praying for you.
Howard
|
|
|
NanaR
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jun 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 167 |
| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 09:48 pm |
|
Hi Darlene!
So nice to see you again.
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
|
|
|
ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 82 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Evangelical Christian |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 09:59 pm |
|
kimdyuma wrote: Hi Darlene- Welcome back, I have wondered about you and how you were fairing while you were gone. As for an avatar go to the "edit my account button" choose profile in the next set of options and then you will see a tab that says avatar- you can choose a premade one or hit browes to selcet a photo or graphic from your own computer then the choice is either savce or upload ( I am going from memory here) Often the phot doesn't show up until you log in on a new session.
Kim,
Thanks for the info! I finally have an avatar!
Darlene
|
|
|
ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 82 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Evangelical Christian |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 10:08 pm |
|
Intercessor wrote: Darlene,
How wonderful that you have decided to return to us, though it saddens me to hear of the suffering you've been undergoing. Sometimes God seems to let us wander about in the wilderness for a while until we (or our loved ones or circumstances) are ready for entry into the Promised Land (Catholic Church).
Becky, I "feel" as though I've encountered the "Dark Night of the Soul." About a year ago or so, I heard a very distinct voice speak to me, which I believe was the Holy Spirit. The words I heard were as follows, "I will take you where you do not want to go." I've pondered those words and that message many times since then. What it means, I'm not quite sure. But, it seems I'm finding myself drawn again toward the Catholic Church. If this is true, I will have many difficulties to face and overcome.
I'm grateful for the blessing of your return and will be supporting you and your husband in my prayers.
Thank you, Becky. Many blessings to you as well. Darlene
Edited to fix formattingLast edited on Mon Jul 14th, 2008 10:08 am by
|
|
|
Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1400 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 10:08 pm |
|
Darlene, it's so good to hear from you! I have wondered how you are and if you and your husband had found the church you were looking for. I know what it's like to not have a church but still be strong in faith. I know your faith is solid and you will persevere until the right church is found. You have given us many good posts here, I hope you will continue. God bless
BTW, no "Dude" for me please!! 
|
|
|
ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 82 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Evangelical Christian |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 10:11 pm |
|
JasPax wrote: Welcome back Darlene. We missed you!
James
Thank you, James. I've a question for you. Didn't you become Catholic later on in life? I ask, because the way it's lookin' for me, if that is to happen, I'll probably be in my eighties before it does! 
Darlene
|
|
|
ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 82 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Evangelical Christian |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 10:15 pm |
|
David W. Emery wrote: Hi Darlene! Good to see you again.
David
God bless you, David. I remember how much you tried to help me through various struggles concerning the Catholic faith. Many of those still remain, but your kind and gentle nature was always evident to me. Thanks for your patience with my many questions.
Darlene
|
|
|
JasPax
Member
| Joined: | Wed Nov 22nd, 2006 |
| Location: | North Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 249 |
| First Name: | James | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Episcopal to Catholic |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 10:18 pm |
|
ChildofGod wrote: Thank you, James. I've a question for you. Didn't you become Catholic later on in life? I ask, because the way it's lookin' for me, if that is to happen, I'll probably be in my eighties before it does!
Darlene
Later in life? Yes, that's for sure. Would you believe age 69? No one can accuse me of rushing into things. Anyhow, it's better late than never !
Blessings,
____________________
James
"Abide in me, and I in you..." John 15:4
"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." John 6:56
RSV-2CE
|
|
|
ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 82 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Evangelical Christian |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 10:25 pm |
|
Howard the Pilgrim wrote: Hi Darlene,
My wife and I went through about a 3-year period like the one you are going through where we just couldn't seem a church to call home. I will be praying for you.
Howard
Yes Howard, that is it. What does it mean? I've become so disillusioned with Protestant Christianity. There seem to be so many voices and teachings. I don't recall it being that way even just 25 years ago. My husband has been aware of this problem longer than I have. He just chalks it up to the church being overcome by the desires of the flesh and therefore, not caring about the needs of others. He considers that we might be approaching the last days. Today we spoke about the possiblity of persecution and martyrdom for Christians in the U.S. as Islam becomes more popular. We aren't "end times" junkies by any means. But we can't help be aware of the poor spiritual condition of the churches in our country.
Darlene
|
|
|
ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 82 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Evangelical Christian |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 10:26 pm |
|
NanaR wrote: Hi Darlene!
So nice to see you again.
Ruth
Hello Ruth,
So you're Catholic now. How does it feel? How is your husband taking it all in?
Darlene
|
|
|
ChildofGod
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jul 12th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 82 |
| First Name: | Darlene | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Evangelical Christian |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 10:40 pm |
|
Credo Catholic wrote: Darlene, it's so good to hear from you! I have wondered how you are and if you and your husband had found the church you were looking for. I know what it's like to not have a church but still be strong in faith. I know your faith is solid and you will persevere until the right church is found. You have given us many good posts here, I hope you will continue. God bless
BTW, no "Dude" for me please!!
Marsha,
How ever strong my faith might be, and the Lord knows better than I, truth is, the loneliness is the hardest part of this struggle. I haven't taken the Lord's Supper in over a year. Even when I attended various churches on Communion Sunday, I wasn't able to partake with everyone else. The reasons were many, but mainly because I could not say that I was united in faith and belief with these Christian bodies. I felt that to partake of such a holy act as the Lord's Supper with questions in my heart would be serious sin, and misleading to those Christians in my midst. My husband jokingly started calling me "The Protector and Guardian of the Lord's Supper."
How has your journey been since being Catholic? How is your husband's walk with the Lord? Is he drawn toward the CC?
God bless you in your journey toward the Celestial City.
Darlene
|
|
|
left coast mystic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 10th, 2008 |
| Location: | La Honda, California USA |
| Posts: | 142 |
| First Name: | Marcee | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nondenominational charismatic, Presbyterian, long-time lover of the RCC |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 13th, 2008 11:11 pm |
|
Darlene -
My husband and I are just coming out of a multi-year period of not having a church home. I was the one who left our last church (stealth Baptist connected with Willow Creek). It was way too shallow and I couldn't take it anymore (they never had communion because as a seeker-sensitive church they were concerned about what "seekers" might think). I went to the nearby Catholic church a couple of times when my husband was still attending the old church, but he was VERY uncomfortable with that, so I stopped. I also went to a nearby COC church that was amazingly Catholic in its liturgy (how that happened beats me, but it was as close to a Catholic service as I've ever experienced outside the RCC). My husband didn't like that one either, so we didn't attend church at all for the last 4 years or so.
I believe that God knew that having no church home would eventually wear on my husband. One day earlier this year he suggested that we go to the COC church, since it is the nearest church to us (other than a Catholic one). We went, and he really liked it! However, by that time I was wanting the real thing (RCC).
I asked him if we could take our time to find a church home, and take turns choosing a church to go to each Sunday. He was okay with that, and every time it's my turn I choose a Catholic church. Now he's comfortable with the Catholic liturgy and we've even found a church that he's said that he likes. He's not ready to commit, but today after church he said that he really wants to be able to take communion (even though he knows that's a no-no for non-Catholics). He's never before said that communion is that meaningful to him (that's always been my thing, not his), so obviously God is at work.
All this is to encourage you that sometimes you need to go through the desert to get to the oasis. I'm confident that God has your situation completely under control and that there's a good reason you two haven't found the right church yet. If you read MissMusicTeacher's story, she just joined a church and now is realizing that God is drawing her to the CC, and she's feeling that she made a commitment too soon. So rest in God's heart until He opens the right door for you and your husband to walk through.
Marcee
____________________
Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim. 6:6)
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength. (Isa. 30:15)
|
|
|
Credo Catholic
Member
| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1400 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 12:54 am |
|
ChildofGod wrote: How has your journey been since being Catholic? How is your husband's walk with the Lord? Is he drawn toward the CC?
God bless you in your journey toward the Celestial City.
Darlene
Since becoming Catholic I have experienced an explosion of growth in prayer. I have learned not only the prayers used in the liturgy of the mass, but also the rosary and the divine mercy. I sometimes pray the stations of the cross, especially on Fridays. I am still struggling with the Liturgy of the Hours, but when I try it is very fulfilling. And there are hundreds of prayers written to the saints and for special uses. All of that is new and has given me a new vocabulary for prayer and a new perspective on it. And altogether, it has deepened my ability to speak to the Lord in spontaneous prayer, the kind I used to do but had gotten repetitive over the years. I have also learned from the saints how to live my life in a practical way but more spiritually, with a better attitude toward routine duties (thanks to St. Therese) Being a Catholic is truly a way of life, not a theology of the head!
My husband is about the same, not interested in attending church, believing that a belief in God and appreciating the world he made is enough. He will on occasion make a statement that shows me he is thinking about things, but he just can't bring himself to admit that the Catholic Church is okay. I can't talk about it too much or he gets irritated. If he comes into the room and a religious program is on, any religious program not just catholic, he nearly breaks his neck to get to the remote to change it. The only thing (and best thing) I know to do is pray that he will have a dramatic change of heart and develop a thirst to know Christ and learn about Him. I know the only reason this hasn't happened is because of his own free will to reject the call of God. I have prayed often for him and other family members to have a conversion of heart, and if I can help them turn this will around, the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Well, enough about me! I'm so glad you're back, and I hope you and your husband will find a church that will offer the fellowship you seek. I just wish it could be Catholic!
|
|
|
CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 5353 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 01:04 am |
|
ChildofGod wrote: I decided to come back and see y'all again, but under a different user name. I used to be under the name "Darlene."
Welcome back, Darlene. We missed you!
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
|
|
|
Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | Southcentral, Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 1238 |
| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 01:20 am |
|
ChildofGod wrote:
Becky, I "feel" as though I've encountered the "Dark Night of the Soul." About a year ago or so, I heard a very distinct voice speak to me, which I believe was the Holy Spirit. The words I heard were as follows, "I will take you where you do not want to go." I've pondered those words and that message many times since then. What it means, I'm not quite sure.
A few nights before my confirmation, I was awakened during the night and received a similar message (more directly about future suffering). You probably already know that St. John-of-the-Cross and St. Teresa of Avila encourage us not to trouble ourselves too much about the source or the meaning of these messages.
Neither yours nor mine seems to contain new revelation. Christ clearly stated that the world would hate us, that we would have tribulation in the world, that we must be willing to put Him ahead of family, that family relationships will often suffer because of our allegiance to Him, that we must deny ourselves, die to self-will, take up the cross, and "be crucified." It's almost funny that we would find anything of interest in either your message or mine, given how much Christ had already said on the subject.
Somehow it seems "special" when we receive these private messages. I had to be careful to avoid becoming too frightened by my message. Of course I will suffer. I have suffered in the past and am suffering even now. The future will also involve suffering. We want to focus, though, on obedience to what God is asking of us right now rather than allowing Satan to distract us with possible future heartaches.
My husband's long terminal illness taught me to find every bit of joy I could in the midst of suffering. As a Catholic, I am learning to trust God's wisdom regarding the pain allowed into my life. He loves us enough to bring the suffering needed for our salvation and purification. I offer up my suffering and pray for grace to bear it in a manner that makes Jesus smile. I pray for grace to grow in virtue through my suffering. Nothing matters as much as becoming completely conformed to the will of God and to the image of Christ. Neither happens without suffering.
But, it seems I'm finding myself drawn again toward the Catholic Church. If this is true, I will have many difficulties to face and overcome.
Yes, absolutely. You are called. He wants to strengthen you through the sacraments and perfect you for His glory. Allow me to say that already I can see a beautiful new softness and humility in your words. God has been at work through the suffering of this past year. He does great work!
May He give us both courage. 
BeckyLast edited on Mon Jul 14th, 2008 01:25 am by Intercessor
____________________
"He who will persevere unto the end is not he who will never fall, but he who after every fall will humble himself and rise again, relying on the infinite strength of God." Divine Intimacy, p. 885 Father Gabriel, O.C.D.
|
|
|
Flowerchild
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 11th, 2006 |
| Location: | Washington USA |
| Posts: | 34 |
| First Name: | Terri | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Presbyterian to nothing to Lutheran to now Catholic |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 06:31 am |
|
Hi Darlene,
Welcome back. I have been gone for some time also, but when I did come back I looked to see if you had posted and how your journey was going. Sorry to hear of your dilemma, but I know with your strong faith God will lead you to where you need to be.
Per Darlene: "I "feel" as though I've encountered the "Dark Night of the Soul." About a year ago or so, I heard a very distinct voice speak to me, which I believe was the Holy Spirit. The words I heard were as follows, "I will take you where you do not want to go."
A few weeks before my confirmation, I also had a similar situation. I had gone to a Parish to spend some time in prayer and to absorb what I was about to go through. What I did not know was that there was a Novena in progress that week, which was going to start about 15 minutes after I had arrived. I decided that I would stay. While I waited I prayed, asking all the questions - Was I really suppose to become Catholic, was I doing the right thing, was what I feeling all just in my head, why me, etc. Then the Novena started. The first song that was sung was "I will show you things that you cannot see." Now how's that for an answer!? 
I entered the Church at Easter and have not looked back. I have never felt so close to God as I do in the RCC. As with Marsha my husband did not follow me into the Catholic Church. He has chosen to not go to any church. One of the things I do is make sure that I leave the Parish bulletin on the table, and he reads it every Sunday after I come home. We usually have some discussion from something he reads in the bulletin. The discussion I make sure is factual and not threatening. This always seems to send him away thinking. I keep telling myself that slow and steady wins the race, and I pray that he will some day join me. Even if he does not, I know deep within my soul that this is where "I" am suppose to be, and only good things can come from that.
Anyway, it is good to read your posts again.
May peace be with you on your journey!
Terri
____________________
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
St. Francis of Assisi
|
|
|
Howard the Pilgrim
Member
| Joined: | Sun Dec 16th, 2007 |
| Location: | Lamar, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 60 |
| First Name: | Howard | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | United Presbyterian, non-denom, American Baptist, non-denom, Conservative Baptist, United Methodist ... |
| Status: |
Offline
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 10:35 am |
|
Hi,
I think you are right, Terri, slow and steady is the way to share with our spouses as well as allowing God to help us become more like Jesus in the process. And avoid comparisons between the Catholic Church and your spouse's present or former church affiliation, that usually arouses defensiveness on their part and spiritual pride on ours. When they ask questions, answer those questions but don't rush it by giving them more info than they asked for. Those are called "teachable moments" by a friend of mine. Pray for them, love them and be patient. Remember how long it has taken you to get where you are now.
I have been impressed by the way many Catholics have dealt with me. They remind me of patient fishermen.  They answer my questions and wait and pray, counting on the Holy Spirit to do the inside job. Kind of like a fisherman feeling a fish nibbling on the hook but knowing it is not time to set the hook yet by trying to yank me into the boat. And they leave the hook setting time up to the Holy Spirit as well. I guess they are actually acting like really good lures and the Lord is doing the rest as the Master Fisherman. They have done their jobs well with me.
God bless.
Howard the Pilgrim
|
|
| | |
