Truth Seekers discussion

Lets all say a little about ourselves so we will be familiar with the ladies we are studying with.

I am 26. I have been married 5 1/2 years and we have 3 children who are 4,2 and 3mos. I have been a Christian since I was 17 or so but only recently became serious about my walk with the Lord. I am a newly converted Catholic. Other than reading, I love to knit and am learning to sew.

Hello everyone... I am 45 years old, have raised 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl, the youngest of which is 21 years old. I have been a single parent since my youngest one was 2 years old which has made things challenging, but kept them interesting...lol... I have been a Christian all my life and every decision I make in my life, from parenting to career, or if I were to date, are all based upon my faith. Currently, as a result of a motorcycle accident I was a passenger in, most every part of my life is about healing my body which as broken with 3 breaks in my neck, 19 other major bones broken and innumerable smaller fractures or other injuries. All medical knowledge says I should have never survived, and if I did I would be a quadrapalegic... I am now able to walk with only minor assistance and continue to regain my independence which is a daily reminder in my world of God's miraculous healing power... I can't do as much as I used to be able to, but I enjoy spending time with my children, reading, crocheting and watching movies when I am not working on regaining more use of my body through it's long journey of healing... I am looking forward to meeting and sharing with others who share a bond of faith though this reading group ♥

I am 67, a high school teacher, mother of three, grandmother of 9, eight boys and one girl! I love to read but don't get much chance to read books for pleasure. I am a Christian, and have been all my life, but more recently converted to Catholicism and love God more today than ever. I have COPD, so my physical activities are limited. I can walk but I can't run a race; I can swim but I can't go dancing. Otherwise, my life is normal, and I am grateful to our loving and gracious God for every minute of my life!

Krisaundra, I was just thinking about you this morning. I was being crabby b/c its 'that time' of the month and I was in pain.Then something brought you to mind and I wondered if I could be so full of faith in God and encouragement for others if I had as much pain as you do. Im sure it doesnt help make the pain any more bearable but I wanted you to know that you are a source of inspiration for me.

Hi!

I'm sorry for not writing sooner but truth be told I didn't even know there was a discussion going! Hopefully, I'll begin to get emails letting me know what's going on after this post?!

Before I tell you about me, let me just say it was incredible reading about all of you ladies. Cheri, being a mom of 3 little ones is EXHAUSTING...I can't imagine that you have time to read, knit and sew! Good for you...I tried and couldn't do it! Krisaundra, I was truly amazed to read about all that you've been through since your accident. You're a walking miracle..literally! And Linda, I apologize that I was ignorant and still am to COPD :( I googled it and read that it's a chronic pulmonary disease? It's good to know that you're able to normality in your life. A simple cough can sometimes be so tiring, I can only imagine what you contend with.
You're all admirable and with the little that I've read - I'm already awe-inspired.

A little about me...I've been a stay at home mom for the past 19 years and just recently went back to work at a local non-profit. I'm 46 years old,(47 in a few weeks..:) and my 4 kids range in age from 10-19.

I was raised a Catholic but walked away from the faith and the church entirely as a teenager and didn't come back to Christ until 10 years ago. Although I didn't return to Catholicism, I truly appreciate the rich tradition of the Mass more than ever.

I think this should be a pretty interesting and fun group and I thank you Cheri for starting it! Just let me know when I start reading or how we'll be conducting the discussion...(or did you already do that?!)

Thanks, Michele

Wow, Michele! Reentering the workforce after nineteen years must have been scary! I admire you for that. Thank you for taking the time to look up COPD. That reveals you are a caring person. I look forward to our discussions, both personally and the book.

Linda

Michele and everyone else who might want to know, if you go to the upper right hand side of the page and hover over your name, a little box drops down. Click on 'my account' then go to the notifications tab and you can make different things be emailed to you when they happen. For example an update in the threads or a message in your box.

Michele, I am hoping to start this Saturday. I will post some questions every Saturday to get the discussion rolling and then we can continue to discuss. There will be a chapter every week or 2wks depending on how things seem to be going. As soon as you get the book go ahead and start on Chapter one.

Hi all! I am trying to find time to update and post. I am a house wife with two daughters. My husband works for JSO, so he stays pretty busy. I love to read....whenever I am not busy with the kids school and all of their extra things they do. I look forward to getting to know all of you better.

Hi Lisa!

I have been quite busy trying to get my bookshelf up and running with books I have read...I have read BUNCH of Christian Fiction novels and loved all but one. So if you need anything to read, feel free to check out the lists.....

Hi Trish, I am in Florida also as are a few other members. Welcome to the group! I was raised southern Baptist and though I am Catholic now there is nothing like a good ol' sermon from a baptist preacher! I dont think artist is the right term but I am a crafty gal. Knitting and sewing being my favorites.
Things have been a tad slow due to scheduling problems but I plan on posting the study questions for chapter one tonight. Look at the Ch.1 thread for the starter questions :) I will be posting my answers to those tonight as well.

Hi, I am late posting this, sorry. I've been told I have my own time zone unless it's for work or church! Anyway, I'm 35 (36 next week) I am married and have 4 boys ranging in age from 9-16. I work as a pediatric nurse in the emergency department and I LOVE my job! I have always believed in Christ but was not raised going to church on a regular basis. I converted to Catholicism 7 years ago and only wish I had done it sooner! I love everything about the Catholic church and its traditions! I look forward to reading and sharing with everyone!

Welcome Michelle :)

Hi, not sure if this is a ladies only intro discussion thread (Cheri mentions "the ladies we are studying with" in the first post). I can see that none of the male members of this group have introduced themselves here. So, and to get the point of this meandering post, shall I start a new intro discussion or say my "hi's" here? :)

Ditto Trevor's comment: If the intent was that this is a "girls-only" group, I'll bow out gracefully. If the "ladies" comment was just because most of the present members are women, etc.

I'm a bald old man, unhappily divorced. I work as a software engineer for a living.

I was raised in a Christian family. Like many, I began to seriously question my parents' beliefs when I was a teenager. They couldn't answer all my questions but they were able to direct me to people who could.

I was for a time a member of what I think is a very tiny minority: Home-schooling single fathers.

Want another guy? Mark already introduced me in another thread as a liberal Christian who "doesn't get hung up on religious or supernatural beliefs." I read anything religious (usually Christian or Judaic but not necessarily) if it makes me think, which often means it's in historical context and well-researched. Usually nonfiction.

I run a book review blog at www.dubiousdisciple.com so if there are authors in this group, and you think your book(s) would interest me, definitely look me up!

I've written one book religious book, which was actually just published. It's a historical-critical interpretation of revelation written as a novel: www.thewayithappened.com

Hey all! I am a 36 year old momma of four teenagers! I have twin girl who are 18, a 16 yr old daughter, and 14 year old son. I love to read and have started pursuing my dream of becoming a writer. I am starting off with writing a blog which you can check out @ http://lifeworthserving.blogspot.com/ I want to be able to encourage and bring hope to life's messiness. I also have started reviewing books for a few publishing companies. I'm nothing special in and of myself...but because Christ lives in me...He has made me special.

Cherie wrote: "Hey all! I am a 36 year old momma of four teenagers! I have twin girl who are 18, a 16 yr old daughter, and 14 year old son. I love to read and have started pursuing my dream of becoming a write..."

Good luck! I am currently a newspaper writer, and I did not start that until I was 40, so it can happen. I was a stay-at-home dad before that, until my kids were proficient with reading, writing and arithmetic. I earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in religion, as well as a degree in elementary education.
I am now looking for a job where I can minister to the needs of others more individually, one-one-one. Although I can do a lot of good with the newspaper, I am draw by Jesus' compassion for those who are hurting or in need.

Like some on this discussion, I am a converted Catholic. I started as a Catholic not long after the Second Vatican Council, and had great hopes. Unfortunately, I cannot live with the way some are currently trying to rewrite history and the meaning of the documents of the council to support a conservative agenda, and I have a serious problem with Cardinal Ratzinger.
Although I went to mass every day until he was elected, I finally had to leave.
That does not mean I reject the beauty of the tradition. I still pray the liturgy of the hours (prayers at times through the day) and take time for contemplative prayer.
God is good regardless of the failings of his servants, and that's a good thing for all of us.
Have any of you studied contemplative prayer, with its emphasis on growing closer to God?

Lee wrote: "Want another guy? Mark already introduced me in another thread as a liberal Christian who "doesn't get hung up on religious or supernatural beliefs." I read anything religious (usually Christian or..."

You may see something similar that I wrote in response to one of our hopeful writers, but I thought we might have some things in common.
I earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in religion, as well as a degree in elementary education, and I am very interested in contemplative prayer. I have read all of Thomas Merton, and Martin Buber, and almost all of Thomas Keating and William Shannon.
Have you ever read "Silence on Fire" by Shannon? That reflects very closely my poor understanding of God and discipleship.
I have also spent a lifetime studying all world religons: Taoism, Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, etc ..., but I do have an affinity for deep Christianity and Judaism.

I am currently a newspaper writer. I was a stay-at-home dad before that, until my kids were proficient with reading, writing and arithmetic.
I am now looking for a job where I can minister to the needs of others more individually, one-one-one. Although I can do a lot of good with the newspaper, I am draw by Jesus' compassion for those who are hurting or in need.

Like some on this discussion, I am a converted Catholic. I started as a Catholic not long after the Second Vatican Council, and had great hopes. Unfortunately, I cannot live with the way some are currently trying to rewrite history and the meaning of the documents of the council to support a conservative agenda, and I have a serious problem with Cardinal Ratzinger.
Although I went to mass every day until he was elected, I finally had to leave.
That does not mean I reject the beauty of the tradition. I still pray the liturgy of the hours (prayers at times through the day) and take time for contemplative prayer.
God is good regardless of the failings of his servants, and that's a good thing for all of us.

Lee wrote: "Want another guy? Mark already introduced me in another thread as a liberal Christian who "doesn't get hung up on religious or supernatural beliefs." ...

Just to clarify: My intent wasn't to "out" you or anything like that! I just quoted from your profile in the hopes of starting up a potentially interesting conversation.

I know that, Mark! Thanks for the welcome.

No, I've never read "Silence on Fire," Dan. I'll check it out, thanks!

Dan wrote: "Cherie wrote: "Hey all! I am a 36 year old momma of four teenagers! I have twin girl who are 18, a 16 yr old daughter, and 14 year old son. I love to read and have started pursuing my dream of b..."

I just read a book about the offices of Prayer called In Constant Prayer by Robert Benson. You can read my review here: http://lifeworthserving.blogspot.com/... I went to a Catholic church with my boyfriend when I was in highschool. There are many things I love about Catholicism. However, for me I found it too religious. Now, I am not wanting to get into an argument about religion whatsoever! However, I can't wrap my mind around the idea of praying the liturgry. I believe that Christ gave us access to come bodly to the Throne of God anytime and we don't need to have a set prayer or set words we pray. Tell me what you think.

Certainly pray either way. However, many people find they run out of things to say, and the liturgy gives them a way to be close to God without trying to think something up all the time. Most of it is simply praise.
There is a time and place for both spontaneous and written kinds of prayer. I do not abandon a direct response to God; I just add the liturgy of the hours on top of that.
Of course, that won't work for everybody, but it is nice for some of us.

I do pray the word....so I guess in a way we are not too far disconnected on this point. Did you get a chance to read the review? I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to pray in this style. I definately think all Christians, no matter what denomination needs to wake up thier prayer life.

Yes! Waking up our prayer lives is a way to touch God, and without it we are just people with a creed. God is always waiting for us, and loves to be with us. Of course, that's easier said than done, but it is a challenge worth meeting.
I did read your review of "In Constant Prayer," and it sounds like some of the books I've read. The daily office is exactly the same as the liturgy of the hours.
Most of the daily office is direct readings from the psalms and the gospels - so as you say, it is praying the Word.