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enjoythejourney
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 9:19am | IP Logged
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Hello ladies. I've been on this forum for just a few weeks and I'm blown away by all of your great ideas. I especially love how you weave faith, family & fun. This is so crucial and critical to our children, and you do a beautiful job with that.
I've mentioned before in my few postings that I'm not Catholic. I go to an evangelical church. You've seen those churches on tv where people are in jeans and they have a band, and everyone has hands lifted...that kind of church. Well, that is pretty much "my" church I currently attend. While I love the people of my church, I have been missing so much of the tradition that you folks seem to have. In the evangelical church we seem to "fly by the seat of our pants" more often than not. Traditions are scoffed at because they are too "religious." If I hear my pastor say one more time that we don't need religious ceremonies, then I might puke. Sometimes I think my church feels like one big pep rally for Jesus and nothing more.
All of this is said to give you my background. Some of you might be familiar with my advent blog:
http://advent4evangelicals.blogspot.com
I've been attempting to help evangelicals and other folks who are not familiar with the liturgical year celebrate the beautiful season of advent. I grew up in the Quaker church and advent was something we always celebrated. I miss that so much, so we've incorporated advent into our home life. I've also begun teaching my children about some of the saints and many of my ideas have come from YOU all (I can't thank you enough).
Yesterday at church I had someone tell me I've become "too catholic" and I need to get my mind back on straight; that I'm falling for "religion" and "works based salvation." All those arguments I'm sure you all have heard time and time again. I've also received a few comments on the blog and emails that are so ugly and hate-spewed. I have this deep desire to see all of God's children work together for the glory of God, no matter what denomination they come from.
This year I've been able to go to mass a few times and I'm blown away by the beauty of it. I think many non-Catholics are just plain ignorant about the Catholic faith.
Every part of me seems to be turning towards the Catholic church and faith because it seems so timeless, respectful, and full of tradition. It seems whole to me. My family is less than supportive.
I guess I just write this here to tell you my heart and to see your thoughts on the matter. I think where I live (NC, the bible belt south, you know) people are just plain ignorant and scared to do anything that is out of the norm.
Anyhow, right now in my faith journey I feel quite lost. I seem to be seeking and searching for something different. I've even been having dreams at night and they somehow revolve around my search for truth and light...some of them have been very vivid.
Anyhow, please pray for my family as we weather this storm and try to decide where we go from here.
Lindsey
http://www.justenjoythejourney.blogspot.com
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Elizabeth
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Real Learning
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 9:33am | IP Logged
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Dear Lindsey,
You are on a journey, indeed, my friend! I'm so glad you will let us walk aways with you. I know there are so many people who have enjoyed getting to know you and some who have yet to meet you who will love to talk through all these questions (and all the questions that will be sparked by these questions) with you. I'm so, so glad you asked!
__________________
Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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Katie
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 9:36am | IP Logged
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Dear Lindsey,
I just want to say thank you for your baurtiful honesty. Your blog is lovely. You are right that there is a huge amount of ignorance about the Catholic faith, and it is wonderful that you are striving to learn about it for your family, wherever it may ultimately lead. My Dad is quite the evangelical minister in Wales, and he has absolutely no issues with dh and me being Catholic as he is a theological scholar and understands that we are Christians, and understands the intricacies of the different doctrines.
I know the wise ladies here will have suggestions of websites and books for you. I simply want to say that I will be praying for you, and that I am overjoyed that you have glimpsed some of the beauty of the Mass and the liturgical traditions.
I think your user name may be very apt!
__________________
Mother of 5 in South America. No 6 due in April.
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mrsgranola
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 9:45am | IP Logged
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Lindsey, I'm so glad you shared your journey and your heart with us on the boards. You may be surprised how many people have said the same over the years!
Please PM me and maybe we're close to one another!
JoAnna in NC
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Mom to Jacob, Grace, Mary, Lucas, Emma, Carrie and Gianna
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stefoodie
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 10:11am | IP Logged
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Lindsey, thanks for sharing. We will be praying for you as you continue on your journey. Everyone here is awesome and helpful so I hope to see more posts from you. (Oh, and I've visited your blog from time to time, just haven't been able to comment yet! I *love* your blog!)
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stef
mom to five
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Rebecca
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 10:14am | IP Logged
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Lindsey, I am so glad you posted. I am a Catholic revert after seven years as an evangelical fundamentalist. I have enjoyed your Advent blog as well and hope to see more of you here.
God Bless Your Journey!
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kjohnson
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 10:32am | IP Logged
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Lindsey, You have such a beautiful blog and I was so touched to see Evangelical Christians incorporating the ancient traditions of the Faith in their preparations for Advent.
I'm very sorry to hear about the negative comments you have received. I live in Texas, deep in Bible Belt territory, and have heard it all. There are many people with misinformed vision of the Catholic Faith. What a blessing that you have been able to see the truth of the Catholic Faith in the Mass and the many rich traditions.
I hope you'll stick around here. You have so much to offer us as well.
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In Christ,
Katherine
Wife to Doug and Mother of 6
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amyable
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 10:37am | IP Logged
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Welcome, welcome! I have enjoyed your blog(s) for quite a while.  Praying for you on your journey! One of my favorite quotes is: "There are not over a hundred people...who hate the Roman Catholic Church.
There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church" -Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. It is so true.
I don't have any wisdom to add, but I just wanted to send out my sincerest welcome as you discern what to do, and many many prayers.
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Amy
mom of 5, ages 6-16, and happy wife of 
The Highly Sensitive Homeschooler
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 10:51am | IP Logged
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Welcome, Lindsay! One of the things that pleases me most about my conversion to Catholicism (14 years and counting!) is that I inherited with it so many beautiful traditions! It's like I joined a wonderful old-world traditional family. Oh, wait! That's what it truly is! 
It made my heart so glad to hear your story!
I am in NC, too, btw. In the western part of the state. And yes, there is MUCH ignorance here about Catholicism. It can be quite difficult at times. But we have each other and this wonderful group for support, don't we?!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Helen
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Dear Lindsey,
Welcome and thank you for your inspiring post. It is always encouraging to hear of people who listen to the whispers of God.
I’m sorry you are enduring such a trial (negative emails) when all you’re doing is asking questions and following the promptings of grace. You are a blessed woman:
Blessed are you when they persecute you for My sake.
Please feel free to bring any questions you may have here. Don’t worry too much about convincing others of what you become convinced of. Let the Lord do His work. Speak to Him often of your concern (and pain) and let the Master of Hearts speak to the people in your life. Try to maintain your sense of peace; your focus on listening to God.
For your own benefit, religious customs are very fitting to the human person. We are not angelic beings without bodies or senses. We do indeed have bodies and when we practice a tradition or a custom, it corresponds to the way God created us:
body and soul.
May the Lord reward you!
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Ave Maria!
Mom to 5 girls and 3 boys
Mary Vitamin & Castle of the Immaculate
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Willa
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| Posted: Dec 18 2006 at 11:04am | IP Logged
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Lindsey,
I just found your advent blog yesterday!
I grew up in the evangelical church. I owe that tradition a lot for their devotion to Jesus and their grounding in Scripture. BUt I didn't find the "fullness" of these things until I found the Catholic Church. My parents like Katie's are evangelical but in a more scholarly tradition that respects the history and doctrine of the Catholic Church even if they don't always agree.
I had a Catholic friend who grew up in NC and she said it was difficult! Her friends really disliked Catholicism and said she was going to h*ll!
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Willa
hsing boys ages 11, 14, almost 18 (+ 4 homeschool grads ages 20 to 27)
Take Up and Read
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Angie Mc
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It is a privilege to pray for you and your family, Lindsey! Your post really touched me. I can feel your passion and love through your written words. You are at a remarkable time in your life. Thank you for sharing with us.
As a revert, I have felt many of the feelings you describe so well. To be brief...I hadn't really known the Church as a child but was Catholic, I walked away from what little I knew, I meandered and cobbled together a life based on mothering and family unity, THEN I found my way home to the Church. Shortly before I seriously looked at returning to the Church, I remember being told by a Catholic, "You are more Catholic than most Catholics I know." That got me really thinking .
Your description of "wholeness" (some call "fullness of the Faith") is one of the biggest surprises and joys of my life! This wholeness is so fulfilling to me...so rich...full of endless learning and growth. I LOVE this aspect.
I also had many dreams and unusual awake happenings during my journey. God gets our attention in many different ways for sure.
You are doing an awesome job of walking your walk with honest questioning. Keep it up! I'm cheering (and praying) you on!
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Dawn
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Hello, my friend!  I am so glad you are sharing your journey with us, and asking your questions here. You have come to the right place, for these are the kindest and most supportive women I have ever "met" in my life. 
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Dawn, mum to 3 boys
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1floridamom
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Lindsey, though we sometimes feel lost, especially when we are being attacked, we are never alone. Bless your heart for sharing with us, and know that we have you in our prayers. Doing the right thing is often a struggle. 
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Monica in FL
dh Steve, Sean (14), Ethan (13), Emily (10), Kylie (6), Ashley (5) and Lindsay (2)!
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Alice R
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Hi Lindsey!
I sent you a private message!
Alice R
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Taffy
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Quote:
| I have this deep desire to see all of God's children work together for the glory of God, no matter what denomination they come from. |
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Beautifully said, Lindsey! You'll find a lot of faith filled responses to your questions here.
Ask away!
__________________
Susan
Mom to 5 on earth and 1 in heaven
Susan's Soliloquy
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alicegunther
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Lindsay, how beautiful you are--I almost do not know what to say, except thank you for all you have done for all of us this Advent. I was deeply troubled when I read on your blog about the pain you have experienced, and I have been praying for you.
May God bless you. We are so thrilled to have you here and look forward to getting to know you better.
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Love, Alice
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Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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Martha in VA
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enjoythejourney wrote:
I've been attempting to help evangelicals and other folks who are not familiar with the liturgical year celebrate the beautiful season of advent.
Every part of me seems to be turning towards the Catholic church and faith because it seems so timeless, respectful, and full of tradition. It seems whole to me. My family is less than supportive.
Anyhow, right now in my faith journey I feel quite lost.
Anyhow, please pray for my family as we weather this storm and try to decide where we go from here.
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Wow Lindsey. I can relate to so much of what you wrote. I have had the joy of seeing some of my very evangelical friends deepen their observances of Advent and EVEN begin observing Lent if you can believe that! I really believe it is because they have seen the richness it brings to my family. (We're not all Catholic yet by the way.)
I know what you mean about feeling lost...and also what you mean about it feeling like a storm. I have been on a journey too. I'm so thankful I can cling to Jesus as I walk this unfamiliar road. I will pray for you. Feel free to PM me.
The ladies here are wonderful and God has used them to keep me sane as He leads me. I'm really glad you are here.
__________________
Blessed wife & mom to
4dds,miracle son 4/09, 2 in heaven
My Conversion Blog
Our Family Blog
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Leonie
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Dear Lindsey,
I will pray for you. I am a convert and went on a similar journey myself 12 years ago.Feel free to PM me.
Hugs,
__________________
Leonie in Sydney
Living Without School
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Paula in MN
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Lindsey - you found the right place. I'll be praying for you on your journey.
__________________
Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Question with a sincere heart
