AmyR

Amen! Love is what our hearts desire. I pray often that Jesus's love will shine through to non-Christians. Have a Blessed Day! Amy

You bring up a good point. Many people claim to be Christian out of what they consider to be the cool thing. However, you can look at their life and typically tell if they are walking with christ or not. But, it is not for us to judge what is in their hearts and can only pray that their hearts are right with God and encourage fellow christians and non-christians. We are part of a worldly place and need God to make it through. Remember that and it will help the un-Godliness of your everyday life not seem so bad. Especially, when you can impact someone elses life for Christ and plant the seeds of his love all over the world in a Fight against Satan. In Christ, Amy

Amen to Church being a privledge!! This was all too real to me this spring and summer, when due to travel, moving, and a job, all done with his guidance. But where people are gathered there is a fellowship that feeds the soul and spirit. Hopefully, people will soon realized that churches aren't the buildings that they are held in but the people that serve and love to serve God. Amy

I'm a graduate student which eats up a lot of time. Gotta love God's humor somedays. A side from that, I enjoy being outside and playing French horn. Amy

Steve, We did not disagree about anything.. It was ment to be a little bit of humor plugged into a previous post Amy

To some it is the most important thing. However, more and more people are realizing that it is what is within a person and their set of moral standards is who they would like to work with. A growing number of people are reaching a point were they are tired of this looks craze and would rather be around someone who just makes them feel good with their personality than eye candy. Being a positive person and how you carry yourself is more important in success than looks. Amy p.s. This does work! I'm proof of that.

Amen to Tess!!! She hit the nail on the head. It is not what is in appearances but what is in the hearts. Wether or not that was the initial intent of the 'money-changers'. How do you know that the people of that church didn't collectively raise the funds for those facilities, making sacrafices in their own lives. S.Warrior, Why not use the gifts and blessings of technology that God has given use to draw people into his family? Are you saying that we should only emphasis on the traditional points of evangelism?? Standing along, they don't seem to be working. Each person is ministered to in a different way. That is the way that God made us so that we are not all identical. What do you consider Chamelean evangelism? Personally, friendship evangelism in the best because it allows for a trust allowing people to speak into your life. It also yields a pillar of strength for when someone does commit their life to Christ. To just preach the gospel, have someone commit their life, and then leave them hanging without anyone that they can trust is the biggest travesty in ministry. You really should take another look at what Tess had to say. She is on the right track and you should not be so quick to discredit her wisdom. Amy

Tess, You are loved here!!!! Do not let the words that a couple of people type discourage you from really enjoying the encouragement of others. Please reconsider and look at it as a time of growth. Whatever you decide, you will be in my prayers. God Bless You Amy

I think it is good to find a balance between going to church for 'fun' and for spiritual feeding. Having more contemporary worship for some people is how they connect with Jesus and God most easily while for others is is the traditional hymns. Finding a mix between the 2 is what brings me closer to God. Hymns have some great words that speak to me but many of the 'newer' songs also feed my soul. Having all of the Hymns in worship drives me nuts!!! However, there is the other matter at hand of church being a sports club of sorts rather than a church. If done properly, a church that has some of the extra ammenities can be just as spiritually sound as the one that does not. The emphasis needs to be on Jesus in the services though rather than on the 'fun'. I went to a church before I moved that had 2 gyms attached to the church. They used these gyms for activites, basketball leagues, volleyball leagues, and etc. But, the emphasis was still on having a relationship with Jesus. The extra ammenities, in my mind, offer a great way for christians and non-christians to gather for encouragement and fellowship. There is a huge possiblity for abuse though and there needs to be a wise group of leaders who decide how these facilities should be used and an emphasis on the word and life that we lead should always be there. We as christians appear isolated to the outside world. If having some of these ammenities such as a bowling alley that doesn't have a bar attached to it, helps bridge the gap between the church and the rest of the community. All the more power to them. Something that just came to my mind on this topic, is that with Blessing comes Responsibility. Amy p.s. I'll disagree with you any day steve, eventhough you are a 'royal' member.

I grew up in central and north central North Dakota. Spent the past 4 years in Fargo, ND going to school and just moved to Ithaca, NY for graduate school. Talk about a fish out of water!! But the water level in my bowl is gradually increasing. Amy p.s. If I hear the "your the first person I've ever meet from ND" line again. I'm going to continue to burst out in hysterical laughter or scream.. which I don't know.

There are a lot of good christian counselors out there but be careful on the same note. Make sure that they are coming from a biblical perspective. Have you ever thought of doing 2 separate sessions as well with the same counselor and then some together? For a close friend of mine, this was what helped save their marriage. God Bless You and we will be praying for you!! Amy

Times seems to go fast even in the good and bad times. I can be bored and have time fly and busier than busy and time will still fly!! Although, staying busy always seems to be more productive. Amy

Steve, You have a point. But a church is its people not its label. Just because a church of a certain denomination is good in one city does not mean that it is good in another. Kudos to Pamjane for exploring churches that feed her spiritually. God Bless you! Amy

I'm a Student. Just finished my Bachelors and am now starting graduate school in chemistry. I know that I'm just a 'little' crazy. It is an abolsute blast (in more ways that one!)!! But God uses our quirks in different ways, right? Amy

Hi Draigon, God Bles you and congrats on rededicating your life. You need to follow God on this matter. He uses us all in different manners. In the end, it is your decision. But, I caution you to becareful. If you go through with as you would put it 'your trouble', make sure that you have some christian mentorship outside of the household, people who aren't your parents. (I think I remember a previous post of yours that said your parents were christians??) Parents love us and are good mentors but it also good to have a mentor type relationship with someone who is a little more neutral. I applaud you for keeping some of your wican relations. However, keep it within a respectful context on both sides when it comes to your beliefs and theirs. Make sure that you also get a solid network of christian friends. That is what saved me from backsliding shortly after I was saved. Because, like you, I still kept my non-christain friendships and hold their friendships dear to me. Keep searching and digging in the word. Prayer is our best tool!! You may not see the answers you want right away but he is always listening and molding our path. God Bless You!! Amy Jer29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me anc come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

Root, I know how difficult it is to be in a situation like this, all too well. You need to report it to the authorities. We are to protect the little Children that God has gifted to us. Think of how many more children the friend has possibly abused. You may create some family friction with this but we will all be praying you, your family, and the young girl through!! God Bless You!! Amy

Hi Slim! If you are looking to start listening to Christian Music without having to buy CD's and such, you can try to find a local christian Radio station. If they are more traditional in their broadcasts, they will typically have certain programs where they will play more rock and pop type music. There are also radio stations that broadcast online that you can check out. There is one that people visit in the WorthyChat portion on Saturday nights at 10pm EST, that station also broadcasts all day. WJCFradio.com. Another good one is klove.com. Best wishes in your quest for some christian music! :t: God Bless you! Amy P.s. The first post you got in this topic includes some of my FAVORITE artists. Nicole Nordeman is another more popular christian artist with some powerful lyrics. :il:

Hi godsmartin, I know exactly how you feel. My path has just taken me on a 1700 mile move across the country. Ahh!! It is pretty scary, but God does and will provide. There will be ups and downs. Look at it as a time of immense growth. There is always something that good will teach you through times like this. Try to find a group of christians or a church that you think would be a good home and get plugged in with a group of people. They are always looking for helpers or just someone to join in their fellowship. Or if there is an activity that you like (golfing, basketball, cards, bowling, hiking, nature, etc) there are typically groups in all areas that meet. It is a great way to fullfill that need for human companionship and fellowship. You would be surprised how many people in different areas who would love to get to know you given the chance. Just take a small step in faith and reach out to them and God will provide for the rest. God Bless you!! Amy

Awesome!! You have all answered SlimShady's question a million times better than I could have. Just proving that we all have different gifts. God Bless You All! Amy

Ahh Honey Dear. God is always forgiving. The important thing is that you recognize your weakness and/or struggle and are trying to overcome it. We are inherently sinners, that is why Jesus died on the cross- The Forgiveness of our Sins!! Now this doesn't mean that we have free reign to do whatever we want. It means that we need to make a direct effort to over come the Devils hand in our lives. You are obviously making that effort in overcoming your struggles. Keep digging into the word sister and God will give you strength!! God Bless You, Amy p.s. The could be some sort of ministry that you could start from home, whether it be a pen pal or something else. Look to God and your local church for some guidance.

In my CD player, Mercy Me "Spoken For", Jars of Clay, Nicole Nordeman, Hillsong, WoW hits and Worship, Rebecca St. James, Switchfoot, and the list goes on. There a a lot of Blessed Artists out there!! On my computer, klove.com is a consistent presence. God Bless You All! Amy

Bubbly people aren't necessarily looking through rose colored glasses. Many times they just put on a positive face and attitude to help their day go that much better.... They go through just as much junk as everyone else. Amy

Wow!! So it took me a while to get through all the the posts on this topic but I'm glad that I did. Throughout the posting process you have brought up many of the encouraging and not so encouraging aspects of a physical church. I was raised Roman Catholic then spent a few years away from religion all together as a result of a some of the not so encouraging things that happened in my church back home. However, God had a plan for me. He brought some people into my life that I spend enourmous amounts of time with for different courses (I'm a chemist). One of my co-workers the summer I was 20, encouraged me to seek after what I was hungry for. That fall, I was saved and attended a AOG church in Fargo for 2 years. But, now that I've moved to central NY. Those of you that have gone through the church searching process, I'm feeling for you right now. The only thing that I have to say is :oww: !!! It doesn't help any that they lord has lead me that I won't be at the AOG church here (That would be too simple, right?? ) There is so much that I'm learning in this process though about what I truely believed, that no church is perfect, that there is always a hunger for fellowship with other christians, and that denominational lines shouldn't limit a search. A good solid church that embodies the Church of Christ is more important than the label that is etched on the sign in front of the church. Fortunately, the churches that I've attended here have been extremely open and welcoming and am down to 2 (a non-denominational bible church and a vineyard church). I will keep all of you in my prayers as you go through the trials of finding a place where you can gather in the flesh for love, encouragement, growth, and fellowship. God Bless you all!! Amy

Wow... So many of us have been there before. I'm currently on the hill out of that valley. Praise God!! Here are a few things that I have learned in this process: 1) Find a supportive and encouraging group of christian friends. There are a variety of fellowships and such in your community that are either denominationally, non-denominationally, or interdenominationally based. Look for people that you can enjoy fellowship without being pressured into doing things that you really don't feel comfortable or that is not good for your spirit. I'm not saying that you need to be discussing biblical issues constantly but just people that you can laugh with and have a common thread. These people should also be people that you feel comfortable telling someone out of that group about the trials and tribulations that you are going through. For me, it was a friend that I could go ask for a hug when it had been a particularily bad day. 2) As has been said, dig into the word.. I won't say more! 3) Remember that what you change, don't change, follow, or don't follow is because of the grace God has given us. Don't get caught up in rules and legalism. Remember that Jesus died for out sins and we are inherently sinners no matter what we do. We do good works because of Grace not in order to obtain salvation. 4)Try to dwell on the good in each day, person, event and situation, it will help your mentality Greatly!! Smiles are good for this!! People in certain parts of the country start to wonder what is wrong with you when you actually wear a smile. It is a great way to spread joy. 5) If music is something that is encouraging and a big part of your life, try to find a good christian radio station to listen too. If your area has one that is more talk then music or doesn't have one, there are several good online ones. You can do a search or one that I can recommend is www.klove.com. You should not have to pay for this service as long as you have the time on your internet service. 6) Keep praying!!! You are who God made you and prayer is on of the most useful tools he gave use to guide us in his path. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite passages when it comes to my path in life. Remember most Christians have been here too and it won't happen over night. Kudos to you for realizing your weaknesses and looking to work through them! God Bless you!! AmyR

Hi Ray, I'm glad that you posted "Iam Not.....". It is a constant reminder of something that I think most Christians and myself struggle with on a daily basis. Thank you for reminding me as well that I am not God and can only follow God's will in helping people, through prayer and assistance, remembering my bounds. God Bless you!! AmyR