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lifetone
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| Joined: | Mon Feb 4th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 35 |
| First Name: | Anne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Methodist, Baptist, Wiccan/New Age, Pentecostal, Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Feb 4th, 2008 08:32 pm |
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Hi. I'm in RCIA now to be taken into the Catholic Church on the Easter Vigil. I'm really nervous. This Sunday I'm going to meet the Bishop and I'm kind of joking about it cuz it sounds funny. I know that's not the official term.
My latest thing I guess is that I am worried - okay this is going to sound crazy -  that when I go to First Confession they're going to be like ... no, not you! I have this desire before my friends and family are all involved even more to make sure that this won't happen and I won't have to be like I'm sorry but..
It sounds like my story is kind of different from a lot of people's in that I didn't know what RCIA was. It was all kind of a huge "coincidence." I happened to be led to enquire about the church around that time, went to Mass picked up this bulletin and saw something about classes for enquirers into the faith, thought oh that sounds just like what I'm looking for! Then I called the Sister because I missed the first class and I wanted to know if they were going to have a few more of this Rite of - wow that's a mouthful - she said I could call it RCIA since that's what most people did. She told me it was for *several months* and many people joined the Church at the end and I honestly thought ... well I'll come for a few weeks or for however long. I just wanted to know how to pray for the Catholic Church more effectively really.
My one Roman Catholic friend got all excited when he found out I was involved in RCIA and explained what it meant. He recommended reading the Catechism so I borrowed a copy from the library and once I started I couldn't stop! Or I didn't want to. It felt like why on earth did I allow all those terrible rumors to stand in my way of looking more into this? I read it all over the weekend, dealt with serious issues over the Marian doctrines (the only part I had problems with at first - the rest I was just seriously glad for my own edification to have read) and by the time that Monday came around I was really starting to think I wanted to join up. All of which I think is pretty funny, but God likes to have a sense of humor in my life. It keeps me borderline sane. ;-)
So that's how little me wound up in this situation.
My sister was iffy on it at first (she is Assembly of God - Pentecostal) came around when my dad who is lapsed Catholic not only came to church *willingly* for my Rite of Welcoming (and is coming this Sunday for the Rite of Election! and for the Easter Vigil) but actually started talking about faith. Now she is getting all excited with me.
Some comments to other posts. I can't find the one on Martin Luther and Billy Graham. It's funny but the first time I read that I thought it meant Martin Luther as opposed to Martin Luther King Jr (I'm assuming, hoping, that is what the pastor meant!)
But at first my mind did this funny thing, sort of tracing out part of what I have been doing as I consider seriously taking this step. I thought was Martin Luther a man of God? I think (for example) is Sola Fides accurate and is it even Sola Fides? (I think that's a logical misnomer prone to identifying faith at best as 'according to my definition which still obviously expresses itself in some kind of identifiable concrete way such as praying to the God I believe in' or at worst in the all too common modern sense of as a philosophical construct which can be separated from how we actually live our lives.) And then I think ... what exactly was Martin Luther trying to say, or do? Trying to sift through the propaganda on all sides.
As part of my journey I was reading this text from the Anabaptists recording how many of the early members had been executed by civil authorities after being convicted by religious authorities. Before the priest said that yes she was clearly guilty of heresy but NO they did not want her to be executed (we could say that the priest was just saying this, but regardless a point worth noting I thought!) This lady said that holy oil was good for salad and the editor made a note that in protesting Catholicism this was a common thing that these holy people would say.
Now, putting my feelings on this aside, and disregarding the fact that if I lived at the time I'd quite probably have been executed myself I think ... how would we as Protestants feel if someone walked into the church and said I'd like to use your altar for a picnic or any of these other sensational comments. I really love Jesus but your way of serving Him sucks. We'd be offended too, I mean. We might pray for that person but we'd have some serious issues and if someone asked is that person a Christian you'd probably say ... I really doubt it - at the very least. ;-)
In coming to terms with sacramental reality I am coming to terms with these sorts of things..
And then I thought how can a priest say Martin Luther King Jr and Billy Graham are men of God? And yet still be firmly devoted to the Catholic Church.
Maybe I'm not the only one waking up to this. When me and my friends were going to a Billy Graham crusade this lady tried to give us rosaries and the adult we were with (we were all kids) told us that Catholics were idol-worshippers and not to take them. That really stuck in my mind, because the lady was only saying we might use them to draw closer to God not that we were damned if we didn't.
I don't think it's liberal or denying the Catholic faith at all (but this is just me) to say among your separated brethren there are great men of God who are sadly mistaken. Our local priest said something about Martin Luther King Jr in a homily that was quite touching.
On RCIA, I have to be honest, I'm pretty Bible literate. I'm one of those Protestants who carries one with me all the time, because you don't go out to war without your sword. I carry a pocket-sized Catholic Bible now..
When I was at this one church in order to engage in door to door ministry we had to go through the same basic class we were going to be presenting to people in simple church doctrine. At first it annoyed me, but then I got to meet people, and to share how we applied these admittedly simple and basic doctrinal matters to our lives. I've sort of been looking at most of the RCIA classes that way. This will help me to know what others go through, and also to meet people. Plus it never hurts to hear those same lessons again.
Also the latest lessons on the Sacraments and hearing the priest talk about how he actually performs them has been *very* good and instructive. And just knowing in a way I couldn't discover from a book that they really believe in these things.
As for watching people and seeing how they are obviously hypocritical and so on ... I'm sorry but I feel led to be very harsh as to that kind of thing in general. Like I was telling my sister last night who is having problems with her church (aren't we always??) I'm really glad Jesus didn't look around and say ... you know what Father? I don't see any of those human beings going to the cross and they probably deserve it more than I do. You know what? Never mind. I'm going to find some other way to show my faith in You more in keeping with My dignity as the Son of God and all.
I mean I know it's not all about that, but I see the same kind of thing, of course. I have been attending a real Church with actual human beings. It's horrible. It makes me feel like it cheapens my experience because I actually take this whole God business seriously (gasp!) and not so much envious of certain people as (honestly) concerned for their spiritual welfare.. Still ... I just remember that if God only came for the serious, devoted people we'd all be in HUGE trouble. And I try to never forget that. Also you really never know what's going on in someone's heart. Maybe they are seriously devoted in their hearts. Maybe they cry to God when they leave the class but in public they don't want to look dumb. I'm sure that is the case cuz I personally have been like that.
Okay, that's my 25 cents. With serious charity. Because I think life is a lot more enjoyable when we are looking at other people in charity. Or love. As you prefer. ;-) That's just me though. I'm not one of you yet.. Hope to be soon! God willing.
I have to be honest I came here mostly cuz one of the questions I've been asking myself is ... given that I accept this is true and things have historically gotten really messed up what is it like for better people than me, for pastors possibly with wives (and therefore ineligible for priesthood) who join the faith? They must be asking ... what on earth do I do know? So I was curious to see what they might have to say..
I just figured since apparently it's okay for non-clergy to post here that I would.. And say I think it is awesome that this is ministry is here and that I think that is SO brave. I know this site is mostly for them and wow.
I really don't want to bug the priest, I'm sure they are so busy but I am at present wondering... Anyway it's probably best to wait and see what they say at First Confession. And if they say I'm sorry but Not You!! Ahh!! Run fast the other way!! I've been through worse. =D Someday I'm going to have to stop thinking these crazy thoughts.
God bless!!
Anne
Phil 2:3 (KJV) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
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JillD
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 597 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Tue Feb 5th, 2008 03:45 pm |
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I loved your story, Anne! You have a great sense of humor.
It's always interesting to read how God brings people into the Church. Some come to RCIA very reluctantly, but you fell in unknowingly. How different is that!?
I entered the Church last Easter Vigil, April 7th, and have been so so glad I did. I have grown so much in my relationship with God, far more than the previous 20 years combined, I think. One's perspective is different in the CC, much broader - it's hard to explain and maybe you know what I mean. It's a wonderful challenge to overcome one's preconceived notions of and difficulties with the CC, one by one, and feel a "growth spurt" after each hindrance falls away.
Welcome to our forum here and do let us know if the priest turns you away. Just kidding! I'm sure you know that nothing is impossible for God. He forgave all my rotten sins and worse than mine, I'm sure. And the feeling when you come out of the Confessional, cleansed and forgiven, is indescribable. AHHHHHHHHH!!!!! A new beginning.
God bless!
Jill
____________________
"The alternative to obedience is to turn the conversation into a cacophony of Christians making it up as they go along." - Fr. Richard John Neuhaus
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lifetone
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 4th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 35 |
| First Name: | Anne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Methodist, Baptist, Wiccan/New Age, Pentecostal, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Feb 5th, 2008 05:09 pm |
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Thanks Jill! Yeah I know what you mean about growth spurts. The doctrines regarding Mary were a serious problem for me but once I came around or rather studied the issue a bit it's like I so depend on her prayers and intercessions. I mean I'm sure I always did but now I'm aware of it. ;-)
I felt kinda bad for my post though before where it might sound kind of mean to people in that I know that it sounded like some people had serious issues. I guess it's I had some of those same issues - frustrated at being put through this whole series of classes, I won't even talk about the problem with me getting a sponsor. Agh! It's just ... I don't assume that it means these poor overworked clergy don't care about me and I don't let things like that get in the way because that's the enemy trying to keep me from a good thing I guess, cutting off my nose to spite my face. But I do feel people's pain, I really do. It's just ... like not joining because you don't have someone close enough to you to be your sponsor is kind of like that. And I know! It's the kind of thing we all do.. It's just ... you know ... it would be sad if people gave up on it for the wrong reason if that is what they really want to do. And I know how the enemy likes to play those mind games until one day you wake up and are like ... wait everyone else is being mean. I think that is wrong. Maybe (lightbulb!) I should be nice to people! =D Maybe that's what Jesus my Lord and Savior taught! Hm.. Or even I really want to join the Catholic Church but it isn't being made special enough for me by having the right person there. That's like ... so you're going to turn down the chocolate cupcake because you can't also have a banana split with it? Silly. And also been there done that!
I know. I'm so looking forward to well life with Him all the time but getting involved.
It was weird today I went to prayer meeting at this Church of God inter-denominational group and this other time visited my old AG church and I kept wanting to make the sign of the cross. When the pastor said In the name of Jesus I almost started to. I always thought of it as this superstitious kind of thing but it has this profound meaning for me now of acknowledging God's nature and love. Weird huh??
I guess that's another of those things. Ash Wednesday tomorrow. I'm psyched.
But I am sorry if anything I wrote came out as being mean and for rambling again.
God bless!
Anne
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
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| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Tue Feb 5th, 2008 07:03 pm |
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lifetone wrote: It was weird today I went to prayer meeting at this Church of God inter-denominational group and this other time visited my old AG church and I kept wanting to make the sign of the cross. When the pastor said In the name of Jesus I almost started to. I always thought of it as this superstitious kind of thing but it has this profound meaning for me now of acknowledging God's nature and love. Weird huh??
Not at all. As Catholics, we pray with our whole heart, mind, soul, and body. We kneel, we stand, and sometimes we even bless ourselves.
It just means you're starting to "think Catholic".
And I think it is a reasonable question to ask why Protestants are so adverse to publicly making the sign of the cross on themselves. Isn't the cross the instrument of our salvation?
____________________
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
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lifetone
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| Joined: | Mon Feb 4th, 2008 |
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| First Name: | Anne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Methodist, Baptist, Wiccan/New Age, Pentecostal, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Feb 5th, 2008 07:24 pm |
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Oh yeah! I didn't mean that it was weird. I mean it's kind of weird that I think of this in that way. I mean not that crossing yourself is weird. =D It's just even when I'm in another type of service among people I've known for ages I'm thinking in those terms.
I am formerly Pentecostal so I really really couldn't talk on it as being weird in itself.
Thanks Rick! I'll take this as a good thing. Thinking Catholic.. Hm..
I also feel less afraid of Penance already and thinking yes it probably will be a good experience. I'll have to find something else to worry about. Thanks again Jill.
I just finished my very last piece of chocolate as a non-Catholic. =D This is getting serious now!
Thanks for your responses and support.
Anne
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Dave Armstrong
Network Apologist
| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Melvindale, Michigan USA |
| Posts: | 1226 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Nominal Methodist / evangelical non-denom / "Bapticostal" / Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Feb 5th, 2008 07:43 pm |
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| Welcome to our forum, Anne, and thanks for your delightful story. We love to hear from enthusiastic Protestants who now want to better understand and be "on fire" for the Catholic faith. I hope you like it here and can find edification and educational benefit, as well as friendly encouragement and assistance.
____________________
I'm happy to offer whatever theological & personal assistance I can. My blog, Biblical Evidence for Catholicism, contains 1900+ papers & web pages (absolutely free) & 16 apologetic books (for sale):
http://www.biblicalcatholic.com/
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lifetone
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 4th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 35 |
| First Name: | Anne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Methodist, Baptist, Wiccan/New Age, Pentecostal, Catholic |
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Posted: Wed Feb 6th, 2008 07:22 pm |
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Hi Dave! It's funny but I was just thinking about this and I realized I feel strange among, well, all my old friends because there is this sense of sadness. Especially like today, maybe cuz now it is getting to be all real. And it is like Anne really isn't coming back to the AG church. I actually started crying during Mass one time because I'd just been to the AG church and it was like the Homily and the Sermon I'd just heard were identical - about wanting their people to be more zealous.
At the New Year's Mass I remember sitting there and thinking I love the people here, I love the people at the AG church too, and people all over, but I'm not doing this for them but for God. I hope they know this. I wondered if what I was doing was right, or just to please man. And I felt like in that, in I'm doing this for God, not for anyone else, like that is why One Church, One Faith, One Body.
And so I'm sitting here like I'm not saying I'm better than men like MLK Jr who died for his faith. But I'm doing this with what little I do have and am for Him, because it is the right thing to do, even if no one really understands.
Okay now I'm done rambling. I just had to say that, because it is the truth and I was just going to write this in my journal but 1) it's at home and 2) I hate not being 100% on stuff. So I figured I'd come back. Oh man I have found so much great info and resources, it is awesome! Here and elsewhere.. Sorry for using this to vent a bit. I wasn't sure if I should say this. But I felt bad for being a bit flippant and making light of people with real issues and stuff.
I'll pray for you guys. Thanks again. Oh boy Father was so liberal with the ashes this morning, my sister is going to so make fun of me too because I did forget and scratch a couple times. Phooey!
Thanks for letting a stranger come on here and type. Anyway thanks. Deep breath..
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JillD
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
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| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Wed Feb 6th, 2008 10:29 pm |
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lifetone wrote: Thanks for letting a stranger come on here and type. Anyway thanks. Deep breath..
I get to be the first to say that there are no strangers in this forum! Some strange folks, to be sure!
Or, maybe we're ALL strangers. I don't think I've met a single one face-to-face, but I feel like we're all friends.
The Internet does create a whole new set of acquaintances. Have they come up with a new word for someone you've never communicated with except electronically?? An Efriend? Epal? hmmm.....
____________________
"The alternative to obedience is to turn the conversation into a cacophony of Christians making it up as they go along." - Fr. Richard John Neuhaus
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 4977 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Thu Feb 7th, 2008 02:17 am |
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JillD wrote: The Internet does create a whole new set of acquaintances. Have they come up with a new word for someone you've never communicated with except electronically?? An Efriend? Epal? hmmm.....
Angels Online
There's a land where I go when I need to share
that's not on a map, yet exists everywhere.
A land of names without faces, a curious place
A modern creation that's called cyberspace.
There's all sorts of people with cute little names
Like Pookie, and Sandman and Rosebud and Flames.
Some are just snobs and some are real fun.
And some of them just want to find someone.
But both good and bad they all play a role.
Still each one unique, but part of the whole.
We talk and laugh and wonder why.
We flirt and hug and sometimes cry.
We can't be heard and can't be seen.
Yet, there it is, right on our screen.
But all in all the most curious part
Is the power it has to open our heart.
To share with a stranger those things we've concealed
Which to our closest of friends we'd never reveal.
Our deepest regrets and most troubling fears
The scars in our life which bring us to tears.
What gives them the power to reach into me
and show me the truths that I never see.
How do they manage to open my eyes
And make me confess the deceit and the lies.
I don't understand this magical spell.
But I know that without it my life would be.
This must have been planned by the Creator up above.
Cause there's no place on earth where you'll find as much love.
When I need direction I know I can find
those angels from heaven just waiting online.
Author Unknown
From my Inspirations web site.
____________________
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
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Intercessor
Member
| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
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| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Southern Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Feb 7th, 2008 02:19 am |
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Hi, Anne. Welcome to the forum.
I hope you'll feel free to post when you're feeling stressed or discouraged. It's hard to cross the Tiber without feeling both.
Grace and peace,
Becky
____________________
"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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JillD
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Visalia, California USA |
| Posts: | 597 |
| First Name: | Jill | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | heathen, EvFree, Messianic, LC-MS, Catholic 2007 |
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Posted: Thu Feb 7th, 2008 05:10 am |
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Angels Online
Online angels, eh? OK... A few too many syllables, but a good description. I've certainly been ministered to here and in other places. My goodness, if it weren't for the Internet, I would not have found a sponsor to help me come into the Church last Easter. She's definitely my "online angel."
____________________
"The alternative to obedience is to turn the conversation into a cacophony of Christians making it up as they go along." - Fr. Richard John Neuhaus
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Pani Rose
Member
| Joined: | Fri Oct 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
| Posts: | 327 |
| First Name: | Rose | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Ruthenian Byzantine in a Melkite Greek Catholic Parish, raised ... |
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Posted: Thu Feb 7th, 2008 07:29 am |
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CajunRick wrote: JillD wrote: The Internet does create a whole new set of acquaintances. Have they come up with a new word for someone you've never communicated with except electronically?? An Efriend? Epal? hmmm.....
Angels Online
There's a land where I go when I need to share
that's not on a map, yet exists everywhere.
A land of names without faces, a curious place
A modern creation that's called cyberspace.
There's all sorts of people with cute little names
Like Pookie, and Sandman and Rosebud and Flames.
Some are just snobs and some are real fun.
And some of them just want to find someone.
But both good and bad they all play a role.
Still each one unique, but part of the whole.
We talk and laugh and wonder why.
We flirt and hug and sometimes cry.
We can't be heard and can't be seen.
Yet, there it is, right on our screen.
But all in all the most curious part
Is the power it has to open our heart.
To share with a stranger those things we've concealed
Which to our closest of friends we'd never reveal.
Our deepest regrets and most troubling fears
The scars in our life which bring us to tears.
What gives them the power to reach into me
and show me the truths that I never see.
How do they manage to open my eyes
And make me confess the deceit and the lies.
I don't understand this magical spell.
But I know that without it my life would be.
This must have been planned by the Creator up above.
Cause there's no place on earth where you'll find as much love.
When I need direction I know I can find
those angels from heaven just waiting online.
Author Unknown
From my Inspirations web site.
Rick that is an awesome poem. So true. There is a lot of sin on this thing we call the internet, but I can't help be believe these forums and place of ministry in the Mighty Name of Jesus, help to make up for a multitude of those sins. Glory to God!
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Pani Rose
Member
| Joined: | Fri Oct 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
| Posts: | 327 |
| First Name: | Rose | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Ruthenian Byzantine in a Melkite Greek Catholic Parish, raised ... |
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Posted: Thu Feb 7th, 2008 07:48 am |
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ANNE, WELCOME TO THE FORUM!
I too enjoyed reading your story very much. That is one of the mysteries of God's humor I think. Look at all our Protestant brothers and sisters comeing home, and look at all the gifts they bring with them. God is so good! There is so much more for you to receive in the Catholic Church, but it is truly blessed to have you home with all the gifts you bring.
Great and Holy Lent in the East is referred to 'Bright Sadness'. It is a "bright sadness" that burns within our hearts. We come to a time of remembrance of Christ passion, increased fasting and prayer, more church, mor of God, all serve to bring us to a longing for a deeper relationship with God that has kind of been left behind or put on the back burner all too often. Lent, this time of preparation, wanting more, increasingly becoming hungrier for God, offers the time and place for recovery of our relationship with him. The darkness of Lent brings forth the flame of the Holy Spirit to burning within our hearts which leads us to the brilliance of the Resurrection. Only at this Pascha(Easter) You will receive him in the 'breaking of the Bread'. As with the deciples in Luke 24:
30 And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. 31 With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. But, He will not vanish from your site. Now you will be blessed to feed not on the Word alone, but on Jesus in the Beaking of the Bread.
KEEP SHARING!
Oh, many of us here are not clergy  You are right at home.
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lifetone
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 4th, 2008 |
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| First Name: | Anne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Methodist, Baptist, Wiccan/New Age, Pentecostal, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Feb 21st, 2008 08:12 pm |
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Hi guys! You are very sweet! I guess I mean, it may sound strange but I tend to do this thing where I go to Him during times of great stress such as crossing the Tiber. Hehe. It's hard to explain.
Anyway I wanted to share a picture of me in RCIA. It was bigger than 500,000 bytes but I brought down the clarity a little. It's me, my sponsor and stuff.
That poem was so cute! Yeah, actually I'm involved in internet ministry I guess. It's kind of harsh. Actually I could probably use prayers for that too. I spent a lot of time talking to Muslims and am trying to renew that, probably after all this passes when I have more time, sort of straightening out matters of doctrine and the like. Actually long story short that's probably a big reason why the Catechism impressed me so much. It was scarily impressive(??) how well it addressed and fleshed out those hot topic issues.. But yeah, I pray for those people and all people who don't get to hear the Gospel or might face prison or worse if they respond to it!! I find myself referencing the catechism every time I talk to them now. Also of course that issue of doctrinal unity was a huge one.
I'm starting to ramble again, but yeah.. Thanks again for the warm welcomes!! And for telling me I'm free to rant. Trust me, I've been doing that a lot - to Him - and actually not for very long. He's like ... oh you're afraid of joining the Catholic Church because of ___. Well...(like 15 minutes max later) okay now? Or more frequently actually ... remember ___. We already talked about this.
Honestly, I guess the main thing is I'm not really having any serious issues, or it could be that compared to walking into a mosque with a hijab to pray with people not a whole lot is all that difficult. I'm used to being around people who question and misconstrue me. It's just like ... well, yes, I'm still on the battlefield. I guess that's why all these people are walking around with swords. Huh.. Ow, that hurt. Only not all trite either. It all hurts, a lot.. It's just well, yeah ... like Therese put it when you offer yourself to God it's like are you going to go God?? You did what you wanted with me and it wasn't what I want? I think of that (paraphrasing) a lot, because it so accords with how He taught me to see this..
I like that phrase, 'Bright Sadness.' It says it all.. Like I told Him last night, I'm going to love being Catholic! I wish I'd done this earlier, like the first time He suggested I talk to a priest when I was like 17(?) Oh well, 30 better late than never..
I'm rambling again. And I better go.
God bless! and thanks again!
Oh and the picture is me, my sponsor and the bishop of Harrisburg.
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lifetone
Member
| Joined: | Mon Feb 4th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 35 |
| First Name: | Anne | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Methodist, Baptist, Wiccan/New Age, Pentecostal, Catholic |
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Posted: Thu Feb 21st, 2008 11:59 pm |
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PS - I almost forgot the other thing I wanted to say. I have been SO blessed by reading the conversion stories!! I've been doing that while things are slow at work which is actually most of the time. It is so awesome and comforting.
I am at the public library, and was writing to Him in my journal (praying) and was thinking how I keep forgetting to mention how grateful I am to other people, for other people.. And how much it comforts me to see others going through the same things. I guess it's also I tend to feel all self-centered talking about myself and I don't have much to offer yet, still being new to all this myself.. Just rattling on about myself. Anyway I better go before the librarian thinks I abandoned my books and collects them even though they were on reserve and already are checked out. That would be funny huh?
Okay! God bless! Anne
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