My Spiritual Journey

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Hi everyone:

This is the continuation of my previous thread, “Someone Please Help.” God has brought me so far in such a short time on my faith journey that I thought starting a new thread was more appropriate than continuing the old one. I’m looking forward to contuing our talks, and maybe even meeting a few new people here! 🙂
 
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jbsmith:
Hi everyone:

This is the continuation of my previous thread, “Someone Please Help.” God has brought me so far in such a short time on my faith journey that I thought starting a new thread was more appropriate than continuing the old one. I’m looking forward to contuing our talks, and maybe even meeting a few new people here! 🙂
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For all those interested in the beginning of Jeff’s spiritual journey just look for the above thread in the “Water Cooler” section. The Lord is working powerfully in Jeff’s life and we are praying for him and learning new things in the process too!

To God be the glory!
 
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Dorothy:
For all those interested in the beginning of Jeff’s spiritual journey just look for the above thread in the “Water Cooler” section. The Lord is working powerfully in Jeff’s life and we are praying for him and learning new things in the process too!

To God be the glory!
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Amen! By the way, please say a prayer for me. As you know, I’ve been sick and in a lot of pain lately. I just found out yesterday that there is one parish in this area that is Tridentine. (I hope I spelled that right and used the term correctly.) I’ve never been to a Latin Mass, but would love to go experience it. Please say a prayer that I will feel well enough soon to go, because the parish is a one hour drive from my house. (Like I said, it’s the only one in the area.)
 
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Dorothy:
For all those interested in the beginning of Jeff’s spiritual journey just look for the above thread in the “Water Cooler” section. The Lord is working powerfully in Jeff’s life and we are praying for him and learning new things in the process too!

To God be the glory!
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Here’s the link from the previous post
Someone Please Help
After reading this link, you will understand Jeff’s remarkable journey.
 
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jbsmith:
Amen! By the way, please say a prayer for me. As you know, I’ve been sick and in a lot of pain lately. I just found out yesterday that there is one parish in this area that is Tridentine. (I hope I spelled that right and used the term correctly.) I’ve never been to a Latin Mass, but would love to go experience it. Please say a prayer that I will feel well enough soon to go, because the parish is a one hour drive from my house. (Like I said, it’s the only one in the area.)
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Whatever happened to the parish that was 10 minures (or was that 10 miles) away from you. Are you till going to go there?
 
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Edwin1961:
Whatever happened to the parish that was 10 minures (or was that 10 miles) away from you. Are you till going to go there?
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Yes, definitely. I just want to visit this other parish to experience the Latin Mass. I’ve never been to one.
 
Hi Jeff, I’ve posted on your previous thread and I’m sticking with you, in my continued prayers and reading of your journey. The last story you shared gave me goose bumps–I totally believe you and I believe it happened to try and scare you. My in-laws told me once about a house they lived in and one room gave them the creeps. They would pray in the room daily, light blessed candles, the whole 9 yards! I don’t know if I would do it, I don’t remember if it helped at all, but I thought it was worth mentioning. Yalk to you soon–Rebecca
 
OK, I think that I am finally caught up now! I have been busy, but my prayers are still coming. The demons are still trying their tricks, but we all know that they are no big deal. I am so glad that they don’t scare you, they would probably scare me at first. I doesn’t surprise me that they are using Cliff’s form, the poor guy is being used in ways he doesn’t even know about. If only he could truly know how much he is being used! If only he could understand! I still pray that he will turn away from the evil that surrounds him. Maybe that is why the demons are messing with you. They know that you are lost to them, but they are afraid that Cliff will be lost too. They are gathering forces to keep Cliff in their corner. They are scared that the prayers are working against them, that the prayers will draw Cliff away. I love it when prayers work, it may not happen quickly, but it does happen! Everything in God’s time and in God’s way.

I hear that the Latin Mass is awesome. I wish we had a Latin Mass said in my diocese. We are ever so lucky to have a bishop who will NOT allow a Latin Mass to be said here. He says that no one wants it. I guess he never asked anyone within the diocese to find out if that were true. Well, he is retiring, so hopefully we can get a bishop that will allow it. When you get the chance, go to the Latin Mass. Of course, I will be very jealous, but don’t mind me. 😃
 
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beckyann2597:
Hi Jeff, I’ve posted on your previous thread and I’m sticking with you, in my continued prayers and reading of your journey. The last story you shared gave me goose bumps–I totally believe you and I believe it happened to try and scare you. My in-laws told me once about a house they lived in and one room gave them the creeps. They would pray in the room daily, light blessed candles, the whole 9 yards! I don’t know if I would do it, I don’t remember if it helped at all, but I thought it was worth mentioning. Yalk to you soon–Rebecca
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Good to hear from you again! Actually, that’s a great suggestion. I think I’ll get Mike and we’ll try that. By the way, Mike (Remember, he’s Protestant) now wants to convert to the Catholic faith! Isn’t that great? 🙂 He said seeing me and knowing about everything that’s happened made him decide he wants to be Catholic. He’s also done a little bit of reading lately about Church history.

My mother, who is Pentecostal, has had several experiences over the years that are similar to mine. I can’t remember where, but I read somewhere a while back that sensitivity to spirits (In a Christian context. I read this in a Christian book.) Can be inherited in families. Have you ever heard of anything like this?
 
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icequeen:
OK, I think that I am finally caught up now! I have been busy, but my prayers are still coming. The demons are still trying their tricks, but we all know that they are no big deal. I am so glad that they don’t scare you, they would probably scare me at first. I doesn’t surprise me that they are using Cliff’s form, the poor guy is being used in ways he doesn’t even know about. If only he could truly know how much he is being used! If only he could understand! I still pray that he will turn away from the evil that surrounds him. Maybe that is why the demons are messing with you. They know that you are lost to them, but they are afraid that Cliff will be lost too. They are gathering forces to keep Cliff in their corner. They are scared that the prayers are working against them, that the prayers will draw Cliff away. I love it when prayers work, it may not happen quickly, but it does happen! Everything in God’s time and in God’s way.

I hear that the Latin Mass is awesome. I wish we had a Latin Mass said in my diocese. We are ever so lucky to have a bishop who will NOT allow a Latin Mass to be said here. He says that no one wants it. I guess he never asked anyone within the diocese to find out if that were true. Well, he is retiring, so hopefully we can get a bishop that will allow it. When you get the chance, go to the Latin Mass. Of course, I will be very jealous, but don’t mind me. 😃
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Thank you for praying for me and Cliff. I agree, the demons aren’t a big deal. They’re bratty entities who are scared of losing and want to get their way. I hope you’re right about Cliff. I would love to see him put witchcraft behind him and come home to the Lord. His attitude is much different than it used to be. He’s in fouler moods much more frequently now. He hardly ever acts like he’s happy. He snaps at people, talks down to people, and is irritable and gets angry easily. I’m convinced that it’s due to the demonic influences in his life. He doesn’t realize it, though. We need to pray that his spiritual eyes will open.

I’ll be praying that God will help you overcome your jealousy. 😃 I’ve also heard that the Latin Mass is beautiful. I’m curious to check it out. I hope your new bishop allows it so you can go and experience it too. I’ll let you know how it was when I’m able to go.
 
I’ve always believed my mother is sensitive to “feeling” presence around her. When her brother was on a submarine in the Navy and had a nervous break down on board, She awoke in the middle of the night hearing him screaming for help. She got a call two days later about what had happened.

At her mother’s funeral, she smelled her mothers perfume and felt a hug around her. She asked my father if he had smelled it, and he dismissed her as acting “emotional” and “nuts”.

When my mom was 10, she had a near death experience. She actually died for a moment on the operating table. During that moment, she told me that she was walking on her nieghborhood street with her deceased grandparents and her Aunt. She felt so loved and happy. They walked and talked down the street, and then they stopped walking. She wanted to keep going with them, but they siad she would be back, but not now. She had a lot to do. Then she remembers waking up.

Throughout my life I believe I have experienced supernatural things. Sometimes when I am alone, I see little sparkleys in the corner of my eye. Either I have a brain tumor, an eyesight problem, or its my guardian angel. I choose guardian angel. I don’t have headaches or even wear glasses (perfect vision), so my vote is benign presence!

Sometimes I get an overwhelming feeling that someone is in the room with me. I say hello out load and keep on making the bed. I like to think they are people who love me in heaven glancing in.

I have been known to get a bad feeling and just start praying. When my oldest daughter was a baby I would have a bad feeling when walking by her bedroom door. I would just kneel down and prayer outside her door while she was sleeping in the room. I pray over my children still, with my hands over them. My husband always teases me about my intuition about people and situations, I know how a movie will end in the first 5 minutes. (I totally called “The 6th Sense” at the beginning dinner scene. My husband had seen the movie and was all excited because he thought that one would get me–haha–it didn’t!)

Maybe I am just more sensitive to stuff and listening to my inner voice, or I am nuts as my father would suggest, but my husband thinks it is a gift and listens when I have a “feeling” about things. I trust that if you trust Jesus, you will be guided.
 
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jbsmith:
Good to hear from you again! Actually, that’s a great suggestion. I think I’ll get Mike and we’ll try that. By the way, Mike (Remember, he’s Protestant) now wants to convert to the Catholic faith! Isn’t that great? 🙂 He said seeing me and knowing about everything that’s happened made him decide he wants to be Catholic. He’s also done a little bit of reading lately about Church history.
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That is FANTASTIC NEWS! I highly suggest the both of you watch “The Journey Home” with Marcus Grodi on EWTN. You can listen to past shows in the audio library on the website. It is fascinating listening to people’s conversion stories. Most of the people on that show were from protestant denominations (like reverends and pastors of their own churches), but all came home to the Catholic church. A reoccuring theme is their study of church history, and the early church fathers (AKA the writings of earliest christians).

I might have mentioned that show before, but its worth mentioning again.
 
Jeff, this last story reminds me of one that my mother used to tell me…It is different, but somehow similar.
My grandfather died here in my house where I live.(Before I was born). The night before he died, Mama said she was in the kitchen, & there was suddenly a dark form that was blocking her from leaving the room to go upstairs to be with her dad.
Then she heard her father’s voice! He had been in & out of consciosness & unable to speak for hours. She was able to run up the stairs to him, & he was sitting up in bed, praying & quoting from the Bible like he had done when he was in full health!! He prayed & prayed, recited his favorite psalm, & just lay down & stopped breathing.
She always believed that the devil had tried one more time to take over, & that her dad’s faith was so strong that God gave him the strength to pray to free her, & to let her father pass away in peace with the Lord.

So, I know that satan works all kinds of tricks, but that he cannot take power because God is truly in control. Your story reminded me of that–like it was a kind of last-ditch effort of the devil to drag you back away from God. I am so thankful that you were able to think to act as you did!!
 
HI JEFF!! I may slip and call you JB from time to time because I’ve known several JB’s 😃 . Wow! I’ve had quite some cathing up to do since Monday!! By the way, I have that Veggietales video (right now it is lodged in my VCR), it’s called "Where is God when I’m scared, just in case you might want to rent it :rotfl: !
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jbsmith:
By the way, Mike (Remember, he’s Protestant) now wants to convert to the Catholic faith! Isn’t that great? 🙂 He said seeing me and knowing about everything that’s happened made him decide he wants to be Catholic. He’s also done a little bit of reading lately about Church history.
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I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! I think you will (by God’s grace of course) effect a lot of conversions! That’s so great!!! 😃 😃

By the way, I have been wanting to ask for prayers from CA members for a while for a girl in RCIA right now. Jeff, I think your prayers for her might be espescially effective. You see, she’s had a bad past, family on drugs, she was on drugs, abusive husband, her babies taken from her as soon as she had them. I think she has some mental problems which may have been caused by her drug use. I don’t know if she had delved into witchcraft of satanism at some point or if she was strung out on drugs and someone thought they’d play a cruel joke, but she has a certain tatoo on her forehead. :eek: Yeah, that one!! It’s large and really crude, obviously a “home makeover.” Now she covers it up all the time, and the RCIA director said the Church would find some way to pay someone to take it off if that’s what she wants. Well, she left RCIA about 2 months ago. We were really worried about her and knew she was under attack mentally, spiritually, and physically. Two and a half weeks ago I missed RCIA. Sunday, when I went back she was there. The director said she had also come the night I was absent. I thank God that she came back and I am praying that she will stay and be accepted. I want to ask you to pray for her, too. Her name is Shawna.

Jeff have you ever thought about blessing Cliff’s room sometime when he’s gone, or do you think that would be going over the line? Bless his room, bed, and pillow? Put a blessed medal under his mattress (the Miraculous Medal, especially comes to mind)? What is the concensus here??

I will be praying!!
 
Jeff,
Gve Glory to God for the eyes of Mike’s heart to be opened to the Catholic Church!
Like I may have stated before (and other’s have quoted St. Francis of Assisi) “Proclaim the Gospel and when necessary use words!”

Jeff, your actions and Faith in our Lord really spoke to Mike. Besides, since he has known you for quite a while, also gives creedence to the credibility of your characters.

Now how is Ginger (your sister) doing along these same lines?
 
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jbsmith:
Good to hear from you again! Actually, that’s a great suggestion. I think I’ll get Mike and we’ll try that. By the way, Mike (Remember, he’s Protestant) now wants to convert to the Catholic faith! Isn’t that great? 🙂 He said seeing me and knowing about everything that’s happened made him decide he wants to be Catholic. He’s also done a little bit of reading lately about Church history.

My mother, who is Pentecostal, has had several experiences over the years that are similar to mine. I can’t remember where, but I read somewhere a while back that sensitivity to spirits (In a Christian context. I read this in a Christian book.) Can be inherited in families. Have you ever heard of anything like this?
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Wow, that is fantastic about Mike! I’m thrilled to hear that. Maybe you can both go to RCIA together.

If and when God allows a gift of discernment, and awareness of evil, to some people it is because He wants them to use it for His greater glory. When the time comes and the Holy Spirit leads you to do so, you can share your experiences with a priest you trust.
 
Hi everyone,

I want to make all of you aware of something that’s happened. Michelle surprised me, Mike, and Cliff by buying steaks for all of us and bringing them over and cooking dinner for us. Cliff got home from work around the time dinner was ready, and was very nasty and belittling to me when I gave him his plate of food. He said that he couldn’t eat it (He has some dental work and says he can’t eat steak because of it. I really don’t understand this, though, because he eats any other kind of meat that he wants.) He then proceeded to say “I’ve told you this!” He was very nasty while he was saying it. Michelle heard him. Her feelings were hurt, and she was angry because of the way he spoke to me. She left at this point.

I told Cliff on the phone today that I thought it would be a nice gesture for him to apologize to Michelle. He became defensive and wanted to know why, so I told him that he hurt her feelings and was very nasty to me. He became angry and gave me a very insincere sarcastic apology and hung up on me.

When he got home from work tonight, he wanted to continue arguing. To make a long, nasty story short, he screamed at me and said nasty, vile things about me. He accused me of crazy, nasty things. (I’m not even going to repeat them here.) He made me angry and also hurt me severely. I ended up telling him to get out. I told him to get out ASAP. I also told him I never wanted to see him again. MIke is home from work now, and he wants Cliff out. He’s wanted Cliff out for a while. Mike told me recently that he thinks Cliff is mentally ill.

Please pray about this.
 
By the way, I’ve read all of your posts. I’ll respond to them tomorrow after I’ve gotten a night’s sleep. The nasty scene with Cliff has exhausted me.
 
I’m so sorry you had to go through this tonight, JB. You did mention that Cliff was getting quite irritable and edgy. I’m sure all the changes that had gone on in the few short months has made things kinda uncomfortable for him.

Get some rest tonight. Keep Cliff in your prayers. The evil one is doing his best to disrupt the peace that you feel, and he found a vechicle to do so in Cliff.

That’s an interesting point that Mike brought up about Cliff’s mental state. Has Cliff ever been treated or diagnosed with mental disorders? Has he acted unstable like this in the past? Just something to consider.

I will continue to pray for strength for you.
 
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