Trying to get guidance... (warning- long!) - Page 2

the_apostle_john · 06-01-2007, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoDoubt

Am I wrong to buy sunless tan lotions in an attempt to minimize angry stares? I've been an outcast my whole life, but moreso now than ever. I'll never change what I believe because of others, but I'm making a tremendous effort to change how I look (which does have health benefits).

Having people on this forum to talk to will be a wonderful and valuable experience

I don't tithe traditionally in the way of 10% at church. I do tithe in a sense that I feel God approves of, though, and my giving is not contingent upon whether or not I can afford it

(Referring to the quote)
That really struck a chord in me. I guess the only thing I'm able to do at the moment is endure. At least I think that's what I'm supposed to do. I guess I'll just endure my uncertainty for the time being and see where I end up.

By the way - I think body, soul, and spirit are the 3 parts of a person. When I say my soul screams for escape, I mean my earthly thought process wants me to go get booze, but my will - my spirit - helps me resist, overcoming my soul. The body, I believe, is the hormones, urges, and all that physical stuff. The soul, I believe, is all the head stuff, thought, emotion, and the primary plane on which our consciousness operates. The spirit, I believe, is the willpower, the part of us that battles what we know in our minds is not of God, our conscience, the eternal part

Our earthly thoughts and emotions are so heavily influenced by hormones, chemicals, and even the food we eat, I don't think our current perception is simply going to be transferred to heaven. I think we will be completely different in heaven.

But that's a tangent for another time, sorry.

I prayed that prayer, and recently began actively seeking a church. I was hoping to find a Christian friend at church. I don't know where LA Christians hang out... And I've had no luck finding Christians online in a year and a half of trying. The one "Christian" I found online was so far off, theologically, I gave up on him fearing him more harm than good.

I can't fast 100%, as my body functions very poorly without nourishment. I do, however, eat a healthy, balanced, low calorie diet, and exercise daily. I've been praying more and more. I know God hears me, but it's very difficult for me to remain persistent in my prayers. It's like I know what I need to do, and I only get angry with myself for failing to do these things.

I'm here as a result of my continuing effort to learn, grow, and not give up! I want nothing more than to do what God wants me to, but I need help! The wonderful people of this forum seem willing, and I am very appreciative

Violet -
I was miserable in Michigan, I'd rather have died than continue living there. When an oppurtunity arose for me to move to CA, I took it without hesitation, simply to get away from MI. It seems whenever God wants me somewhere, he makes it VERY clear and rather easy, even, to go there.

I can't afford to go where I fit, and no doors have been opened for me to even try.

I can't be proud of being white. I can be proud despite being short, because no one will think I'm anti-tall because of this. The instant I give anyone the impression I'm proud of being white, however, I'm likely to get jumped. Many people around here just hate white people.

IOACW - you have a PM

Thanks again, everyone. So I guess I'm just going to stick it out, for now, and keep on enduring until God opens a door for me.

I don't personally have anything against sun tan lotion for situations like to help your confidence, but I don't think that it's advisable in your situation. As I and others have said, people shouldn't like or dislike you because of the way you look. If you change your appearance for this reason, I don't think it's the best of ideas.

If you wanted to change the way you look by doing healthy things, I don't personally see anything wrong with that.

It seems like you're on the right track. Just make sure you don't let the Enemy depress you for doing God's will. Remember, the war's already been won. Don't ever let the Enemy deceive you to think otherwise. God has already granted you victory. Don't let the enemy blind you into seeing otherwise.

I've written an article called "An Eternal Perspective" and it may be of some help to you (you can read it here).
Yeah, try every church you can. Having a church is like having a family.

Also BTW, when some church's are younger, they might meet in public schools after hours. But don't be put off by that. A church with 5 members (or however many) is better than no church at all.

Look for your prayers to be answered. A popular verse is Romans 8:28, it says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." If you have been called to L.A., you can take that this verse is speaking directly to you. Don't worry, the Bible is always right

NoDoubt · 06-01-2007, 01:47 PM

What about my situation do you think makes the tanning lotion inappropriate? (just curious)

That was an excellent article! I know I tend to get caught up in the "here and now" way more often than I should. I guess I will be hitting up a small church in a high school this weekend

smellycat · 06-01-2007, 03:20 PM

did God send you there.?

NoDoubt · 06-01-2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smellycat

did God send you there.?

Send me where? To CA? The way I see it, yes. I have no idea how discern whether or not I'm done here, but... To my dismay, I'm beginning to believe I'm far from finished here.

the_apostle_john · 06-01-2007, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoDoubt

What about my situation do you think makes the tanning lotion inappropriate? (just curious)

That was an excellent article! I know I tend to get caught up in the "here and now" way more often than I should. I guess I will be hitting up a small church in a high school this weekend

I just don't like the idea of changing your appearance to make others think of you better, when they wouldn't think of you better if you hadn't of changed it.

As a general rule, if you want to do stuff with your appearance like tanning or wearing popular brand-named clothes, it's ok to do it if you're doing it for yourself. If you're doing it to fit in or to change others' opinions about you (which seems like your situation) then it's probably not that good of an idea.

If you really want to do the whole tanning scene, wait until you have people who accept you for who you are and don't care about your looks, and then do it for yourself (and not for them).

I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was one of my favorite articles to write and it stills helps me all the time

Let us know how the new church is.

JesusReignsForever · 06-01-2007, 09:19 PM

sometime God moves you out of your comfort zone to move you closer to him..take full advantage of that...pull closer to God..if God is on your side who can be against you?? NO ONE!

Stay in the word of God and he will strengthen your soul!

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