Wow! I logged on to ask anyone if they have had trouble going to church, as I have - guess that question has been answered!
Your insights were helpful. I haven't even been able to get in the door lately. The last time we were in "our" church was to see our 3 year old in a Christmas pageant. His grandma was there too. It was so dear, but at the same time my husband and I had tears streaming down our faces - totally uncontrollable. My mother-in-law didn't notice. Why this overwhelming feeling of sadness? We stopped going after that - a very small, country church that made me feel sad more than anything - my husband doesn't go with us (except that one time) and the congregation is aging and dwindling. My son enjoyed the Sunday school though, and I'd like him to have that. I didn't grow up going to church, though, and I feel like I don't "belong". It's not something I'm overly familiar with. People are always friendly, that's not the problem.
I was surprised to see going to chuch as a fear on tape one. I thought I was unique (and weird) for that, but I guess not. That helps. I guess that's what this community is all about.
Thanks,
Nancy
Urge to RUN out of church!
Maureen - I loved the words to that song - thank you for sharing them! I grew up Catholic too (and went to Catholic school) and had a lot of guilt issues associated with that as a result. I'm not criticizing Catholics, just saying that I personally had isses to deal with as a result of my experiences...and a lot fo that came from my parents as well. I get what you are saying completely. There are some smaller churches out where we live - we may start looking into them. Thanks for the encouragement.
Dodger - I LOVED that quote from your bulletin!!! It was like God was speaking just directly to you!
And now to me!! Thank you for sharing it!
Nancy - I'm on session #11, but when I first saw that or heard it about running out of church early in the sessions I was stunned too! I thought something was terribly wrong with me for me to feel that way! It is a HUGE relief to know that it is a common problem that many of us deal with! I want my son to grow up in church too...it's just hard - he likes the Wednesday night programs there because it's a lot of play time with with his friends, but that can't be THE reason we stay at a church that causes me to have anxiety issues and resultant depression (or adds to those issues that I already have, I guess) and makes his father want to leave.
SIGH.
Thanks for the feedback and encouragement!
Blessings,
Dawn
Dodger - I LOVED that quote from your bulletin!!! It was like God was speaking just directly to you!
And now to me!! Thank you for sharing it!Nancy - I'm on session #11, but when I first saw that or heard it about running out of church early in the sessions I was stunned too! I thought something was terribly wrong with me for me to feel that way! It is a HUGE relief to know that it is a common problem that many of us deal with! I want my son to grow up in church too...it's just hard - he likes the Wednesday night programs there because it's a lot of play time with with his friends, but that can't be THE reason we stay at a church that causes me to have anxiety issues and resultant depression (or adds to those issues that I already have, I guess) and makes his father want to leave.
SIGH.
Thanks for the feedback and encouragement!
Blessings,
Dawn
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Guest
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Prv31Mom:
Gil - I appreciate your comments. Just so I can be clear - you were suggesting that my entire problem with anxiety in church is because I don't worship on the Seventh Day Adventist Sabbath? I respect your beliefs and interpretation of the Bible and I would never dispute it. That being said, respectfully, I submit that legalism was never in God's plan. When Jesus came He fulfilled the laws and prophesies. He established a new testament...and opened the door to questions about the pharisitical interpretation of the old testament (laws). The old testament also states that we should not eat pork nor should men cut the hair on the sides of their heads/beards. I appreciate your words, honestly, I do...but I have to respectfully disagree to the point that I do not feel that MY PROBLEMS come from the DAY on which I worship.
Dear Dawn,
In reference to your concern about clarity, no I was not suggesting that your entire problem with anxiety in church is because you don't worship on the Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath. I used the expression "just might make a big difference." I was speaking in general about the things we all have to deal with in this sinful world. I'm simply implying that God's way is the best way regardless of what we are going through. I also never said anything about worshipping on the "Seventh-day Adventist sabbath." This is an example of what I was talking about when I said we need to study scripture for ourselves without letting prejudice or pre-conceived ideas interfere. Nowhere in the scriptures does it say that the sabbath is the sabbath of the Seveth-day Adventists. Nor does it say that the sabbath is the sabbath of the Jews. God calls it His sabbath and His holy day. (see Ex. 20:10, Isa. 58:13). Jesus discussed multiple times with people about what was lawful to do on the sabbath, but he never said anything about doing away with the sabbath or changing it to another day. Jesus referred to Himself as the Lord of the sabbath. (see Matt. 13:8, Mk. 2:28, 6:5). Does this mean that Jesus is Lord of legalism? This legalism, that you brought up, pertains to how the sabbath was kept and thinking that salvation was earned by being self-righteous, etc. This surely needs to be done away with, but not the sabbath itself. It would be like throwing the baby out with the bath water. I would like to pose a few questions to think about in reference to legalism. Was it legalism for God to bless and sanctify the seventh day after He created everything in six days? Was there legalism in the Garden of Eden before the fall? Were Adam and Eve Jewish if the sabbath were to be considered as just some Jewish tradition? Was there this pharisaical interpretation going on ever since God established the sabbath? Does the legalistic ways of the pharisees change the ten commandments of God that He wrote with His own finger and are a transcript of His character? If sin is the transgression of the law and the wages of sin is death, then why did Jesus have to die for our sins if the law could have been done away with instead? There are many things to understand and consider on this topic. Things like the old and new covenants that you alluded to and the different types of laws such as the ten commandments and the law of Moses. This is why I referred to the web-site <A HREF="http://www.sabbathtruth.com" TARGET=_blank>www.sabbathtruth.com</A> so that you, or anyone else that might be interested, could study things out for themselves. I do not believe that this forum would be an ideal place for me to give Bible studies. The web-site covers everything quite thouroughly and offers Bible studies and video presentations, etc. that you can utilize at your leisure. The important thing is that you clearly see things for yourself in the Bible and not take anyone's word for it.
Dawn, you were asking for ideas and suggestions so I saw it as an opportunity to share the sabbath with you. It is not something I would like to argue about, and as you know, we can not force anyone to believe something. But just like any Christian who should have a burden for souls I was impressed to try and make a point, not just because of the anxiety you mentioned, but because you also shared how your husband, who does not have an anxiety problem, is dealing with church issues also. So when you talked about leaving your church and looking elsewhere I thought to myself if only they realized the blessing and joy of the sabbath. The sabbath is a 24 hour period of time and is more than just attending a church service. The rest of your week should revolve around what you get out of the sabbath. Friday is even considered the preparation day because it allows you to get things ready and to consider the week you had as being complete so that you can rest and spend quality time with the Lord. One should wait with eager anticipation for the sabbath hours.
I have been praying for you and your husband and I wish you the best.
Your brother in Christ,
Ron
P.S. GIL stands for GOD IS LOVE.
Gil - I appreciate your comments. Just so I can be clear - you were suggesting that my entire problem with anxiety in church is because I don't worship on the Seventh Day Adventist Sabbath? I respect your beliefs and interpretation of the Bible and I would never dispute it. That being said, respectfully, I submit that legalism was never in God's plan. When Jesus came He fulfilled the laws and prophesies. He established a new testament...and opened the door to questions about the pharisitical interpretation of the old testament (laws). The old testament also states that we should not eat pork nor should men cut the hair on the sides of their heads/beards. I appreciate your words, honestly, I do...but I have to respectfully disagree to the point that I do not feel that MY PROBLEMS come from the DAY on which I worship.
Dear Dawn,
In reference to your concern about clarity, no I was not suggesting that your entire problem with anxiety in church is because you don't worship on the Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath. I used the expression "just might make a big difference." I was speaking in general about the things we all have to deal with in this sinful world. I'm simply implying that God's way is the best way regardless of what we are going through. I also never said anything about worshipping on the "Seventh-day Adventist sabbath." This is an example of what I was talking about when I said we need to study scripture for ourselves without letting prejudice or pre-conceived ideas interfere. Nowhere in the scriptures does it say that the sabbath is the sabbath of the Seveth-day Adventists. Nor does it say that the sabbath is the sabbath of the Jews. God calls it His sabbath and His holy day. (see Ex. 20:10, Isa. 58:13). Jesus discussed multiple times with people about what was lawful to do on the sabbath, but he never said anything about doing away with the sabbath or changing it to another day. Jesus referred to Himself as the Lord of the sabbath. (see Matt. 13:8, Mk. 2:28, 6:5). Does this mean that Jesus is Lord of legalism? This legalism, that you brought up, pertains to how the sabbath was kept and thinking that salvation was earned by being self-righteous, etc. This surely needs to be done away with, but not the sabbath itself. It would be like throwing the baby out with the bath water. I would like to pose a few questions to think about in reference to legalism. Was it legalism for God to bless and sanctify the seventh day after He created everything in six days? Was there legalism in the Garden of Eden before the fall? Were Adam and Eve Jewish if the sabbath were to be considered as just some Jewish tradition? Was there this pharisaical interpretation going on ever since God established the sabbath? Does the legalistic ways of the pharisees change the ten commandments of God that He wrote with His own finger and are a transcript of His character? If sin is the transgression of the law and the wages of sin is death, then why did Jesus have to die for our sins if the law could have been done away with instead? There are many things to understand and consider on this topic. Things like the old and new covenants that you alluded to and the different types of laws such as the ten commandments and the law of Moses. This is why I referred to the web-site <A HREF="http://www.sabbathtruth.com" TARGET=_blank>www.sabbathtruth.com</A> so that you, or anyone else that might be interested, could study things out for themselves. I do not believe that this forum would be an ideal place for me to give Bible studies. The web-site covers everything quite thouroughly and offers Bible studies and video presentations, etc. that you can utilize at your leisure. The important thing is that you clearly see things for yourself in the Bible and not take anyone's word for it.
Dawn, you were asking for ideas and suggestions so I saw it as an opportunity to share the sabbath with you. It is not something I would like to argue about, and as you know, we can not force anyone to believe something. But just like any Christian who should have a burden for souls I was impressed to try and make a point, not just because of the anxiety you mentioned, but because you also shared how your husband, who does not have an anxiety problem, is dealing with church issues also. So when you talked about leaving your church and looking elsewhere I thought to myself if only they realized the blessing and joy of the sabbath. The sabbath is a 24 hour period of time and is more than just attending a church service. The rest of your week should revolve around what you get out of the sabbath. Friday is even considered the preparation day because it allows you to get things ready and to consider the week you had as being complete so that you can rest and spend quality time with the Lord. One should wait with eager anticipation for the sabbath hours.
I have been praying for you and your husband and I wish you the best.
Your brother in Christ,
Ron
P.S. GIL stands for GOD IS LOVE.
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Guest
Ron,
(GIL -btw, I love that anagram!)
Thank you for clearing that up for me. Please know that I wasn't singling out Seventh Day Adventists or Jews, etc. with reference to the day of Sabbath. I know that those particular groups worship on a Sabbath "day of the week" differnt from many others and understand the reasoning behind their choice as well.
I have no desire to stop worshiping on the Sabbath...or any other day of the week. I just have difficulties at this church and am struggling with my place in that body of believers. I do sincerely appreciate you presenting another perspective on this issue. Thank you.
I have briefly looked over the website you provided and appreciate the strength behind your convictions. Thank you for sharing them. I am not disagreeing with your choice (I know...God's choice) of Sabbath DAY, and I will look into this further. That being said - I feel very strongly about a day to worship God - a Sabbath - as declared in the Commandments. And I feel strongly about the "first and greatest commandment" according to Jesus: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (NIV, Mark 12:28-30).
I just need desperately to find my place...where God wants me to be...to do that.
Blessings,
Dawn
(GIL -btw, I love that anagram!)
Thank you for clearing that up for me. Please know that I wasn't singling out Seventh Day Adventists or Jews, etc. with reference to the day of Sabbath. I know that those particular groups worship on a Sabbath "day of the week" differnt from many others and understand the reasoning behind their choice as well.
I have no desire to stop worshiping on the Sabbath...or any other day of the week. I just have difficulties at this church and am struggling with my place in that body of believers. I do sincerely appreciate you presenting another perspective on this issue. Thank you.
I have briefly looked over the website you provided and appreciate the strength behind your convictions. Thank you for sharing them. I am not disagreeing with your choice (I know...God's choice) of Sabbath DAY, and I will look into this further. That being said - I feel very strongly about a day to worship God - a Sabbath - as declared in the Commandments. And I feel strongly about the "first and greatest commandment" according to Jesus: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (NIV, Mark 12:28-30).
I just need desperately to find my place...where God wants me to be...to do that.
Blessings,
Dawn
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Guest
dawn,
i love that word legalism.i had another word for it and i will ask the wife cause i forgot it lol.
doctrine is a word that i use to use..we cahnged churches for one reason mywife did not feel welcome.
they had a problem with legalism. and what you wore and how long your hair was. thy did not think if someone would walk in their church all dirty and with no shoes on.what would they do..
i think that is is not important in what you wear. i think its important in what is in your heart.
the church we now go too you can come as you are..some like to wear suits on sunday and others wear jeans and tennis shoes..
GOD loves everyone and i am glad that we found the church we attend now..
i hope tat you find what you are looking for. pleasevisit other churches and see how it is.you mighthave to go back from time to time.
remember the church is full on sunday morning for show. then on sunday night it down to a 1/3 and on wednesday night to just a few.
take care and i like your posts.you will find what you are looking for as you pray..have a god weekend and be blessed.oh one more thing. i had never owned a suit until last year. i told y wife isn't that something i had to wait until i was 61 to get a suit lol.
i loke jeans and a coat and tie and dress paints when needed but i like jeans and a dress shirt.GOD BLESS
don
i love that word legalism.i had another word for it and i will ask the wife cause i forgot it lol.
doctrine is a word that i use to use..we cahnged churches for one reason mywife did not feel welcome.
they had a problem with legalism. and what you wore and how long your hair was. thy did not think if someone would walk in their church all dirty and with no shoes on.what would they do..
i think that is is not important in what you wear. i think its important in what is in your heart.
the church we now go too you can come as you are..some like to wear suits on sunday and others wear jeans and tennis shoes..
GOD loves everyone and i am glad that we found the church we attend now..
i hope tat you find what you are looking for. pleasevisit other churches and see how it is.you mighthave to go back from time to time.
remember the church is full on sunday morning for show. then on sunday night it down to a 1/3 and on wednesday night to just a few.
take care and i like your posts.you will find what you are looking for as you pray..have a god weekend and be blessed.oh one more thing. i had never owned a suit until last year. i told y wife isn't that something i had to wait until i was 61 to get a suit lol.
i loke jeans and a coat and tie and dress paints when needed but i like jeans and a dress shirt.GOD BLESSdon
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Guest
When my H and I got married we decided to ask his church's pastor to marry us. My chrurch was an hr away and we just had a small ceremony as we were not rich by any means and at the time it just worked out better for us-we had my grown daughter there and a neighbor and one of my H cousins as his family was mostly all wiped out by the time we met. Then when God gave us our son we decided we needed to be involved in a church more than we were and started going reg to the one my H grew up in. His mom played the piano and organ in that church (Methodist) for 30 yrs before she died. My H father however belonged to the local Baptist church! His Mom and Dad would trade off and go together to each other's church sometimes. We had our son Christened in the Methodist church. One Sun. we decide to redicate our lives and that I would ask for membership. I didn't know alot about doctrines-only the diff in worship at a Holiness Church-where my best friend went growing up I would go with her sometimes and she would go to the Southern Baptist church I was raised in we didn't think about doctrines-we were kids! Boy was I about to learn something! My Dad made a shadow box of diff pins and rings all us kids aquired growing up-my section is full of perfect attendance pins from my church. I would walk to church if my parents weren't going that day-I went to church everytime the doors were open. My 1st H was our pastor's son-also the father of my daughter. I taught Sunday School the 2 and 3 yr olds when she was little. Then the divorce and my move all over the country-thus my sig-Wildflowers Don't Care Where They Grow-by Dolly Parton-before you judge me on that one-listen to the song-it is on the 1st Trio album she did with Emmy-lou and Linda Ronstat-the song is my life in a song! LOL LOL LOL I lived from NC to Alaska in our great country and at my age now am glad I did!
Anywho, after settling down for the 2nd time and trying to join a church-the pastor who married us-hope I didn't lose anyone-the fog is big today-called to say he had gotten a letter from my hometown church-they would not release my membership to this church!
I wanted to join! Now, this pastor trying to be as nice as he could didnot explain why that sometimes happens-he didn't want to make my old church look bad to me. Sooooo my H and I decided that they could keep my letter-I wasn't as much a fighter then as the yrs have taught me to be since-and that I would just be in the church where I wanted to be and that was all that mattered to God anyway.
Out of the blue one day I ran into one of my old church's decons and his wife-just passing through my new hometown and doing a little shopping. Knowing this man and his entire family all my life-I asked him after our "Howdys" were over-"Jim-why wouldn't you send my letter to my new church?" LOL LOL LOL I got a very stern and straight F answer-his big shoulders held high-he says, "We don't send letters to Methodist Churches!"
At that very min. I realized I had been worshiping God in a Methodist Church! All along I thought I worshiped in a House of God! So, enlightened yet again! I cont. to worship in the same House of God for sev yrs. As my son got older and wanted more kids around-I realized that our church was only full during the summer and during the winter "slim pickens" as far as other kids go. Sooooo we decided to try my H Dad's church-the Baptist one-his Dad had been gone on home for a number of yrs.-so our son would have some company as it was strong in # all yr round. I had a problem with that church from day one. So, we returned to the Methodist church-yrs. later a lady I knew-she sold Tupperware-invited me back to the Baptist church-it was winter time in NC-I had acquired FMS in the meantime and these cold NC mountains can be so cruel in the winter. At the time the daytime temps were in the low 30s and churches tend to be cold here-so I asked her about wearing dress pants-so my legs wouldn't go into an unrelenting state of pain for sev days after - at 1st I could tell she was having trouble ans. me! LOL LOL finally...her answer-"it's only for a couple of hrs!" 
Turn the page...................
Blessings to all,
Always, Deb^J^
Anywho, after settling down for the 2nd time and trying to join a church-the pastor who married us-hope I didn't lose anyone-the fog is big today-called to say he had gotten a letter from my hometown church-they would not release my membership to this church!
I wanted to join! Now, this pastor trying to be as nice as he could didnot explain why that sometimes happens-he didn't want to make my old church look bad to me. Sooooo my H and I decided that they could keep my letter-I wasn't as much a fighter then as the yrs have taught me to be since-and that I would just be in the church where I wanted to be and that was all that mattered to God anyway.Out of the blue one day I ran into one of my old church's decons and his wife-just passing through my new hometown and doing a little shopping. Knowing this man and his entire family all my life-I asked him after our "Howdys" were over-"Jim-why wouldn't you send my letter to my new church?" LOL LOL LOL I got a very stern and straight F answer-his big shoulders held high-he says, "We don't send letters to Methodist Churches!"
At that very min. I realized I had been worshiping God in a Methodist Church! All along I thought I worshiped in a House of God! So, enlightened yet again! I cont. to worship in the same House of God for sev yrs. As my son got older and wanted more kids around-I realized that our church was only full during the summer and during the winter "slim pickens" as far as other kids go. Sooooo we decided to try my H Dad's church-the Baptist one-his Dad had been gone on home for a number of yrs.-so our son would have some company as it was strong in # all yr round. I had a problem with that church from day one. So, we returned to the Methodist church-yrs. later a lady I knew-she sold Tupperware-invited me back to the Baptist church-it was winter time in NC-I had acquired FMS in the meantime and these cold NC mountains can be so cruel in the winter. At the time the daytime temps were in the low 30s and churches tend to be cold here-so I asked her about wearing dress pants-so my legs wouldn't go into an unrelenting state of pain for sev days after - at 1st I could tell she was having trouble ans. me! LOL LOL finally...her answer-"it's only for a couple of hrs!" Turn the page...................
Blessings to all,
Always, Deb^J^
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Guest
I myself love my jeans and t-shirts or nice looking shirts. I think that the Lord wants different people to wear differnt things but I think that is up to them. I do not think that I could be comfortable in a church if they told me I couldn't wear makeup or had to have short hair or long. I think that we as Christians should get through to the people that need the Lord and stop worrying about all the other things that keep people from ever walking through the door. There is a song from Casting Crowns that is called what this world needs. I love that song. Here are a few pieces from it.
What this world needs is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind~Another two bit politician peddling lies~Another three ring circus society~What this world needs is not another sign waving super saint that's better than you~ another ear pleasing candy man afriad of the truth~ Another prophet in an Armani suit
Then it goies into couras then it says
What this world needs is for us to care more about the inside than the outside~have we becaome so blind that we can't see`God's gotta change her heart before he changes her shirt
I stand by this song because the world has gotten to stuck on what they think is right and telling others they are wrong and have stopped doing the one thing they are on earth to do. God bless you all!
I hope that Dawn, you find the church that is right for you and the Lord will guide you to that church when you need it.
Jennifier
What this world needs is not another one hit wonder with an axe to grind~Another two bit politician peddling lies~Another three ring circus society~What this world needs is not another sign waving super saint that's better than you~ another ear pleasing candy man afriad of the truth~ Another prophet in an Armani suit
Then it goies into couras then it says
What this world needs is for us to care more about the inside than the outside~have we becaome so blind that we can't see`God's gotta change her heart before he changes her shirt
I stand by this song because the world has gotten to stuck on what they think is right and telling others they are wrong and have stopped doing the one thing they are on earth to do. God bless you all!
I hope that Dawn, you find the church that is right for you and the Lord will guide you to that church when you need it.
Jennifier
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Guest
Maybe part of my problem in this case is that I haven't been asking God to help me ENJOY church or be JOYFUL there? I don't know. There was a time when I was SO EXCITED to go to church every Sunday - I couldn't wait. Now I dread it - I'd rather stay home and watch Joel Osteen preach on TV! But I still miss the fellowship of believers together. I think things started turning for me when our church (led by the former pastor) started really focusing on "programs" (which included a lot of "doctrine, Don, as you mentioned) - the whole church had to read "Purpose Driven Life" together...which I liked, but then we did two other books...one called "EKG: Experiencing the Kingdom of God" that was just written so far above the average layperson's level and/or mentality (plus I disagreed with a lot of what the author said). A large group went to hear the author preach and had what were supposed to be open and honest discussions in groups (Sunday School teachers, deacons, etc.) as to whether or not we should read this book as a church. When we got to the big meeting at our church to discuss this - the pastor had ordered 50 copies of the book and had them for sale on a table there. OK - well, maybe some people hadn't read it yet and this would give them the chance, but I felt like it was a "done deal" before we even started! And then when the discussion started - well, there was no discussion...the pastor sid "jump" and everybody said "how high?" I posed a few questions about the doctrine and wording in the book and got not only a brush off, but also a lot of odd looks. OK - maybe it was my perception...or the way I viewed things...but the church had finished "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby and he says (paraphrasing) that the church should be in complete agreement on all issues before proceeding...or else either (1) they shouldn't do it, or (2) someone is out of fellowship with God (the dissenter). Guess which one I felt like was raining down on my head that night? #2!
I have dealt with anxiety and depression issues for much of my life, but so help me after that night they really started escalating! After that several of the people ignored me - many stopped including me in conversations, etc., and I kept getting "The Look."
The church, obviously, went on and did that program...and while I am sure that some people got a lot out of it - so many gave up reading the book halfway through because they didn't understand it - and we had every single sermon for 3-4 months preached out of that book...I just felt like I was in a gigantic infomercial! And I started really harboring bad feelings towards the pastor (former) after that too. Not because he didn't do what I asked or suggested, but because he didn't seem to even listen to me - and I felt like the "meeting to discuss" was a fraud...like his mind (and others') was already made up - regardless.
Aren't church hurts the worst?
Anyhow - he moved and now we have an interim. I don't like his style much...I don't feel that sweet spirit there at all. And I acknowledge that a lot of that may be my fault (or my interpretation). SIGH.
And today I'm subbing as a Sunday School teacher in my son's class! Go figure. I'm on the list for that until September. This is why I feel like I made a committment to that (and the Homecoming Committee) that I need to uphold my committment until they are finished. Plus my in-laws go to church there and my mother-in-law is such a good person to me - and she'll be hurt and sad if we change churches...but she is fair enough that she'll be happy for us to find a church somewhere that we like...but still, I hate hurting her.
Anyhow - thank you for your prayers and comments, Don, Jennifier, Deb, and Mainstaymama! I am going to keep on keeping on in faith - trusting that God has a place for my family!
Blessings,
Dawn
I have dealt with anxiety and depression issues for much of my life, but so help me after that night they really started escalating! After that several of the people ignored me - many stopped including me in conversations, etc., and I kept getting "The Look."
The church, obviously, went on and did that program...and while I am sure that some people got a lot out of it - so many gave up reading the book halfway through because they didn't understand it - and we had every single sermon for 3-4 months preached out of that book...I just felt like I was in a gigantic infomercial! And I started really harboring bad feelings towards the pastor (former) after that too. Not because he didn't do what I asked or suggested, but because he didn't seem to even listen to me - and I felt like the "meeting to discuss" was a fraud...like his mind (and others') was already made up - regardless.Aren't church hurts the worst?
Anyhow - he moved and now we have an interim. I don't like his style much...I don't feel that sweet spirit there at all. And I acknowledge that a lot of that may be my fault (or my interpretation). SIGH.
And today I'm subbing as a Sunday School teacher in my son's class! Go figure. I'm on the list for that until September. This is why I feel like I made a committment to that (and the Homecoming Committee) that I need to uphold my committment until they are finished. Plus my in-laws go to church there and my mother-in-law is such a good person to me - and she'll be hurt and sad if we change churches...but she is fair enough that she'll be happy for us to find a church somewhere that we like...but still, I hate hurting her.
Anyhow - thank you for your prayers and comments, Don, Jennifier, Deb, and Mainstaymama! I am going to keep on keeping on in faith - trusting that God has a place for my family!
Blessings,
Dawn
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