Sissy

I gotta say that the water slide thing brings a whacky picture to mind......... Actually, I don't think that baptism is necessary for salvation. I believe that salvation is actually an inner change, but baptism shows the world that you have/are making that change. Also, I think that one baptism is enough. I was raised and spent most of my adult life as a southern baptist and they want to rebaptise for too many reasons, imo. If I was sincere the first time, then why should I redo it?

Yep, I am in the same camp as flowperson, as in I am am quite a bit older and don't have it figured out! Rob, I think it will do you a lot of good to communicate with others. Supportive, ya know? Maybe there are no clear cut answers? Maybe we won't like what we learn. The bible says that God is patient. Thank God!

I guess I am one of the senior citizens here (50). Gosh, it is still hard to think like a 50 y/o. We are supposed to think differently, right??? I am married to a wonderful little guy (treats me like royalty, so I will allow him to share the kingdom ) He has 3 grown kids and I have 2 grown daughters that have recently married and moved to opposite coasts! "and here I am, stuck in the middle with........" hehe) I just realized today that my family has all moved and it is just me, Gramps, and an aunt. Maybe I will just move too! Oh, I live in NE Arkansas. Gramps lives with DH and me and we all share the place with Gracie the chocolate poodle. As far as interests go, I am working toward Simple Living, which is not simple, but worth persuing. I am a calligrapher, interior designer. I don't work at either now since I take care of Gramps. I also love music (playing and singing) I did play the piano, but haven't in quite a while. I have a folk harp that is quite challenging for now. I love to grow things. This is something that DH and I really share and we have a blast working in the garden. We are all die hard Cardinal fans and I am hoping that they win the pennant so that Gramps will get to see it in his lifetime. He is 94 and this is the first year that he has actually seen them on TV! I am not active in any religious group, but really am interested in Buddhist principles and how they can apply to Christianity. Buddhism seems to take up where Christianity has let the ball drop, IMO. The Bible tells what, but Buddha tells how. But, I am working on keeping an open mind for now. I like to read Thich Nhat Hanh, Thomas Merton, Lama Surya Das, and Pearl S. Buck (lol) Pearl just speaks to my"earthy" side. I have gotten many reading recommendations from this forum that I plan to check out. I also love harp and flute, Celtic music. I am in love with Josh Groban. Of course, I am really into 70's music. (yeah, I know I really should move on....) enough...........Sherry

hi, tpirod. Glad to find someone at the same place on the journey. I haven't posted much, but do read and keep up. Lol, I love the new nick "SeekingSissy"! kinda like "Good Will Hunting", hehe (but no genius involved for sure) I certainly understand what you are saying. Maybe we have to go thru a full cleansing of what we have been taught so that we can accept new ideas? Things get really fuzzy for me. Oh, and thanks all for the thoughtful posts!

Well, ok then........you just described me! Most people call me very creative, because I am. But, hmmmm.......may of these attributes (flaws?) are spot on. I don't like this. If I did I wouldn't be on this board. Is there any hope for me????? I am not being sarcastic as I see that some bickering has been going on and do not wish to add to it.

Well, I was orginally "seeking", but I chickened out and left the site for a while. In the meantime, I forgot my user and password, so I came back as Sissy. Sorry about that! These posts are really interesting. I have kinda put this on a back burner because all I seem to accomplish is to get my mind all stirred up with no conclusions! I will look for some of the books, but I don't have time now to get into them. I am in the middle of getting my youngest daughter married and moved 14 hours away! Seems like this is taking all of my mental energy! If you have "grown" kids, you definately know what I mean. To be honest, I have just considered giving up on the whole thing. If I try to change my way of thinking (ingrained for sure), I get so depressed. It is easier to just not think. But, of course, I do think! So around and around I go. I haven't read the books yet (chicken again, I guess) so I suppose I need to do that and see if lightening strikes, lol. Can you tell that I am a worrier? I really appreciate all of the posts, and this time, I will hang around! "seeking" Sissy (lol, I really am trying to find myself)

Thanks, Matt for the link. I have so many childish questions concerning Jesus and his life. I will just keep reading for now, tho...........

I like the term "Realm of God" in referring to God's presence. I don't know squat about quantum physics, but I can get a feel for it inside of this phrase. I have always felt religion over the actual practice.

I think I would like to discuss life with Buddha. Fascinating. Question: What important goal have you attained so far?

Thanks for your replies. I will check out the resources. I feel that God should be a more neutral being (in my mind, lol) but old visions are hard to erase! Aletheia, I guess I am at the stage where you started. Thanks again. BTW, sorry about the spelling in the title. I ran it around in my mind until I figured out how to spell "feminine". Loose connection between the brain and the fingers. hehe

I really didn't know where to post this and I am sure that it has been discussed before. I think that one of the off-putting ideas that I have been taught (in the past) is the total masculine traditions of Christianity. Since the Bible was written in this genre, there seemed to be no alternative. I have, over the last few years, envisioned (or tired to, lol) God in a much softer, yin way. I have encountered so much more peace with my "conversations" than before. But for some reason, I feel a bit apprehensive with this approach. I suppose I should communicate with God in whatever method that brings us together. Just an old fundamental guilt thing, I guess. I would love to have a bit of discussion concerning this issue. Also, any enlightening reads would be appreciated.

I have really appreciated the responses to this topic. I too, think that the fundamentalist view is narrow and self-absorbing. As if after fulfilling the basic "requirements" for salvation, we are more or less off the hook. There is so much more for each of us to experience and share. I feel that God's vision is just so much more. More than any one person will ever be able to experience in one lifetime. Perhaps that is why we are so individual.....in order to have a unique concept to explore and to use to help others? The "once saved" theory (whether valid or not) seems to be an easy out. Now, I don't believe that once true enlightenment has occured that one will "fall from grace". If a true understanding has brought us together with God, why would we want to move away?