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Looking Into Returning Home
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CajunRick
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 Posted: Fri May 18th, 2007 10:19 pm

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Candlemass wrote: I just recieved this from my mom today, I'm speechless!
Sounds to me like your other Mother, Mary, is opening a lot of doors for you.

As your mother says to you, so you can say to your Mother Mary, "Your love for me, undeserved, and proof of Grace. "

I can think of no better prayer, nor better author.



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Candlemass
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 Posted: Fri May 18th, 2007 11:29 pm

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I remember last fall when I first set out to look for my mother, I was at St. Vincent's, went there when I found out I was baptized there, I lit a candle and sat in a pew and prayed to God that he would help in the process. I didn't even know what I was doing, It was the first time I was in a catholic church in decades, I think perhaps it was God who led me there, and He may be answering that prayer in more ways than I could have thought of!

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly above all we can ask or think of......"

Last edited on Fri May 18th, 2007 11:30 pm by Candlemass



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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Carolyn
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 Posted: Sun Jun 10th, 2007 07:37 pm

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Hey candlemass, havent heard from youin a while ,hows the journey going, so far, carolyn


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Candlemass
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 Posted: Sun Jun 10th, 2007 08:53 pm

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A lot is on my plate right now, have mucisians together, looks like we'll start recording soon. My brother is delivering a yacht from NY to MI, met w/him in Ashtabula today, went out for pizza and talked about my move to Florida, hope to be there sometime in the winter. If I start RCIA in the fall, I may not be able to finish, we'll see what God has in mind.



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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Carolyn
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 Posted: Mon Jun 11th, 2007 06:42 am

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more importantly, how did the meeting with your mom go?


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Candlemass
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 Posted: Mon Jun 11th, 2007 07:47 am

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Carolyn wrote: more importantly, how did the meeting with your mom go?
Why do you think I'm moving to Florida?!



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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Carolyn
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 Posted: Mon Jun 11th, 2007 08:07 am

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Your part of the family now i take it., do you have brothers and sisters? best to stay close to our blessed  mother , you can give your new found relationship  with your birth mom to Mary, watch, she will definitly intercede and help each day!Im happy for you, remember to put Jesus and your faith first, even with the best of families , if Jesus is not invited, theres just sadness and disfunction.


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Carolyn
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 Posted: Wed Jun 27th, 2007 07:27 am

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CandleMass, how have you been lately? still planing to move to florida> hows your new found relationship with your Mom? ,Hope to hear from you soon ,God Bless!


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BettyBoopToo
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 Posted: Thu Jun 28th, 2007 05:45 pm

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Candlemass wrote: Carolyn wrote: more importantly, how did the meeting with your mom go?
Why do you think I'm moving to Florida?!

A lot is on my plate right now, have mucisians together, looks like we'll start recording soon. My brother is delivering a yacht from NY to MI, met w/him in Ashtabula today, went out for pizza and talked about my move to Florida, hope to be there sometime in the winter. If I start RCIA in the fall, I may not be able to finish, we'll see what God has in mind.
Mark

I think it was this post that made us think you were moving to Florida.

I've been wondering how you have been and praying that all is going well for you.

God Bless

Betty



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Candlemass
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 Posted: Mon Jul 2nd, 2007 02:03 am

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That's my plan, to move there this winter, we'll see if God permits.



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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Carolyn
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 Posted: Wed Aug 15th, 2007 08:21 pm

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hey candlemass , how have you been doing? I remember you went to confession,and recieved our lord in the eucharist and was so happy,,,,hows the journey been going?do you find a diiference between your old church and coming home to the catholic church??


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Candlemass
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 Posted: Wed Jan 23rd, 2008 02:15 am

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Carolyn wrote: hey candlemass , how have you been doing? I remember you went to confession,and recieved our lord in the eucharist and was so happy,,,,hows the journey been going?do you find a diiference between your old church and coming home to the catholic church??
I've left the christian faith all together.



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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Candlemass
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 Posted: Wed Jan 23rd, 2008 12:56 pm

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I guess I should qualify that, what I mean is I don't know what I believe anymore!



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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TotusTuus
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 Posted: Wed Jan 23rd, 2008 02:39 pm

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Dude,

I'm just getting caught up on this thread and you seem to have come A LONG WAY in your journey.  I'm sorry that it has been such a tough slog.

I hope that you are still still moving forward in your career, your relationships and your health. 

When things get tough, remember KISS: keep it simple stupid.

The central truth which our Lord came to reveal is that GOD IS OUR FATHER and WE CAN TRUST HIM.  Everything else is details.  Keep moving towards him and keep feeding your soul and mind with the simple truths of the faith. 

You have searched for your biological mother, now go find your Heavenly Father.  And don't rest until He is in your life!!

The OUR FATHER is the prayer revealed by our Lord Jesus.  It says it all ...

Please pray it every day ... slowly.

You are in my prayers today!






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Candlemass
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 Posted: Wed Jan 23rd, 2008 03:12 pm

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TotusTuus wrote: Dude,

When things get tough, remember KISS: keep it simple stupid.

So that's what that band stood for, makes sence, they certainly did! :D


Edited to fix formatting

Last edited on Wed Jan 23rd, 2008 06:18 pm by



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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Candlemass
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 Posted: Fri Jan 25th, 2008 01:57 am

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Sorry, I was being facetious, truth be told, I'm miserable! I have this band together, but I can't enjoy it, my performance suffers cause I get little rest, makes it hard to sing. I laugh and joke w/people at the shows and on my page, but sometimes it get's so bad at night I lie there in tears! You know what I hate? The idea that people I love may spend eternity in torment, how can a person live w/that knowledge?!



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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CajunRick
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 Posted: Fri Jan 25th, 2008 02:32 am

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Candlemass wrote: You know what I hate? The idea that people I love may spend eternity in torment, how can a person live w/that knowledge?!
But how could a loving God who grants us free will fail to honor our own wishes?  Hell is a freely chosen option we all have.  God is infinitely merciful, but also infinitely just.  God will never turn away from a single one of his children.  It is we who turn away from him.

God wants our love and devotion, but it must be our choice.  God will never withhold the sanctifying grace that brings us salvation.  Only we have the choice to reject it.



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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine

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Candlemass
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 Posted: Fri Jan 25th, 2008 02:48 am

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Well, I have a proclivity to slip into despair and tend to think the worst will happen, hope and joy have not been my compainoins for much of my life. This seems just as hard to break free from as any sinful addiction!



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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setapart
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 Posted: Fri Jan 25th, 2008 04:22 am

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Take the despair that you feel toward those who's eternity is in doubt and bring it to the Lord as an intercession and petition for mercy.


25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. 26 In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. 27 And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will Romans 8:25-27 (NAB)
God Bless,
Bill



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But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Mal 4:2

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TotusTuus
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 Posted: Fri Jan 25th, 2008 02:52 pm

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Candlemas,

Let me suggest a couple of things in relation to depression/dispair. If they are useful to you - fine. If not, disregard.

First of all, the Eucharist. The Eucharist is like the Sun in relation to our spiritual lives. We cannot sit in the Presence of the Eucharist without being changed, transformed. When we receive the Eucharist in the state of grace, it is like swallowing an "atom bomb", in terms of the way that Jesus can transform our spiritual lives. If there is any lack of efffect, it is because of the "narrowness" in ourselves - not in the Sacred Heart of Jesus which is always open to us.

Second (this may sound like a contradiction of the first point), don't "overspiritualize" your despair. You may be suffering from a physiological battle much like chemical addiction. Do talk to a doctor and find out of there is a physiological basis for your depression. As one who suffered needlessly for many years from a physiological affliction, I would say please talk to a physician about what you are experiencing.

With ongoing prayers and best wishes,

Mark



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Tina in Ashburn
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 Posted: Sat Jan 26th, 2008 01:24 am

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Dear Candlemas [Mark], I just perused some of this thread. My heart goes out to you. I empathize with your overwhelming despair, I know it well myself. I throw myself on the Mercy of Jesus and beg for assistance at these times, which happen less and less, thanks be to God.

I second TotusTuus/Mark's remark

TotusTuus wrote:
don't "overspiritualize" your despair. You may be suffering from a physiological battle much like chemical addiction. Do talk to a doctor

I spent the last three years researching health issues to battle my own health problems. Anxiety, depression, panic, despair, overly creative fear and imaginings can be made worse by physical problems. If it is true that you "medicated" :) yourself so deeply and for so many years, it would be almost impossible for you to NOT have whacked out your body balance. Plus that intensifies depression.

Additionally, your expressive descriptions make me think that you are an artistic, creative person and deeply sensitive.

I hope you will take TotusTuus/Mark's advice and get to some doctors. Just in case you haven't already, consider going to an endocrinologist to have your hormone levels checked. Also, consider a naturopath and/or nutritionist who can show you how to eat according to your metabolism, as well as eat to put your body back in balance. Certainly, your liver has got to be a little out of whack after all those years - and a sluggish liver contributes to depression and anxiety.

God loves you and is waiting for you. Don't ever think that your sins are so important that not even God can love you!! Pray every day.

By the way, we are coming up on "Candlemas" - February 2!

With more prayers - another "Mom".



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Candlemass
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 Posted: Sat Jan 26th, 2008 03:42 pm

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Well, I don't know about my liver, I was never an alcoholic, my drinking was primarily on the weekends, especially at the gigs. I know my mind/brain suffered from the LSD abuse. I've been down that path on anti depressants, I hated it! Prozac, Paxil, all they did was numb me out and make me feel like a freakin' zombie, I'd rather be depressed then not feel!

Last edited on Sat Jan 26th, 2008 03:51 pm by Candlemass



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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Tina in Ashburn
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 Posted: Sat Jan 26th, 2008 05:39 pm

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Being an alcoholic or not wasn't what I meant in reference to liver health. Most people do have sluggish livers and the liver slows down even more as we age. For instance for us old fogeys, incontinence is a sign of a compromised liver. Or not being able to "hold your liquor" like you used to, is another sign. You can look up symptoms of liver health and see that symptoms and causes are all over the map. We can live pretty cleanly but suffer environmental stresses that flood the liver.

Anti-depressants burn out the adrenals. I'm glad you can avoid them. I concur with your experience, once I got over the "hump" of inertia; I was able to get off them. I have learned to affect my mood with certain foods and healthful practices, and what a relief this has been.

Anyway, I thought I'd throw out these thoughts - disregard if these ideas aren't helpful. Its all worth about what you paid for em.:)

I am praying for you, please pray for me.



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Candlemass
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 Posted: Sun Jan 27th, 2008 01:03 am

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I appreciate your thoughts, they are most welcome!



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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Candlemass
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 Posted: Tue Jan 29th, 2008 12:56 am

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I was extremely enthused about comming home to the Church last spring, some events have caused me to move away from the faith once again. One of them being the relationship w/my birth mother whom I recently met, there was a void there that was filled, a love I experienced I never knew. I've come to realize that it's not enough, my mother will not always be here, nor can she or any other human keep that void filled. I need an anchor in my life, what she gave me a while back may very well have kept me from going off the deep end, but it won't sustain me for life. I believe in the Catholic faith, I don't understand it all, but I need the courage and the fortitude to see this thing through, I have a proclivity to give up on things before they come to fruition. I just feel at times that there's no hope at all, like I've screwed things up to the point that they can't be fixed, I look at all the mess I've made of my life and I just can't possibly see how any long term good can come out of it. I can't fix it and I don't know what to do about it, this has been the temptation for me to chuck it all and give myself over to the decietful schemes of my own heart. I am what you could call a chronic backslider, some would say it's because my heart is like that of stony or a ground full of weeds, but can I change my heart? Can a leapord change it's stripes, can one who is accustomed at doing evil do good, can a person who is completely self absorbed be selfless?

Last edited on Tue Jan 29th, 2008 01:05 am by Candlemass



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"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries."--1st Peter 4:3 NKJV

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Intercessor
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 Posted: Tue Jan 29th, 2008 01:26 am

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