How Did Your Spiritual Journey Begin?

[LifelongLearner]

Unsure if this is the right forum to discuss this, seems the best choice to me currently.

Think it was late March of this year my journey began, i was a chain smoker and a binge drinker, which is far more immediately dangerous than alcoholism. Binge drinkers very rarely are addicted to alcohol but any time they drink it could cause their death, as at some point they can lose control and keep drinking. Many times i've woken up with a hangover from hell, absolutely appalled at how much i drank the night before and with no memory of doing so.

Anyway, late March i reached for my tobacco and found i just didn't want to and haven't wanted to touch alcohol since then either. I thought it was odd but am the very laidback type so just went with the flow, then felt the urge to know more about Jesus.....

Anybody else interested in telling their story?

 

[LifelongLearner]

Cheers for moving my post to Testimonies, definitely the right place, surprised i missed it.

 

[Bingo]

Unsure if this is the right forum to discuss this, seems the best choice to me currently.

Think it was late March of this year my journey began, i was a chain smoker and a binge drinker, which is far more immediately dangerous than alcoholism. Binge drinkers very rarely are addicted to alcohol but any time they drink it could cause their death, as at some point they can lose control and keep drinking. Many times i've woken up with a hangover from hell, absolutely appalled at how much i drank the night before and with no memory of doing so.

Anyway, late March i reached for my tobacco and found i just didn't want to and haven't wanted to touch alcohol since then either. I thought it was odd but am the very laidback type so just went with the flow, then felt the urge to know more about Jesus.....

Anybody else interested in telling their story?

https://1drv.ms/t/c/c0b5ade687e0453c/EZLxhVQFyYVEml9JfD6OXsYBUCvgoMxIYCOyAY8FWu2Nyw?e=9YvNuh

 

[LifelongLearner]

https://1drv.ms/t/c/c0b5ade687e0453c/EZLxhVQFyYVEml9JfD6OXsYBUCvgoMxIYCOyAY8FWu2Nyw?e=9YvNuh

View attachment 268355

So beautiful and true again Bingo, brought tears to my eyes. Hope all's well with you and yours, always lovely seeing you. God's blessings and keep seeing the joy and wonder friend.

 

[Bingo]

So beautiful and true again Bingo, brought tears to my eyes. Hope all's well with you and yours, always lovely seeing you. God's blessings and keep seeing the joy and wonder friend.

 

[Gideon300]

Unsure if this is the right forum to discuss this, seems the best choice to me currently.

Think it was late March of this year my journey began, i was a chain smoker and a binge drinker, which is far more immediately dangerous than alcoholism. Binge drinkers very rarely are addicted to alcohol but any time they drink it could cause their death, as at some point they can lose control and keep drinking. Many times i've woken up with a hangover from hell, absolutely appalled at how much i drank the night before and with no memory of doing so.

Anyway, late March i reached for my tobacco and found i just didn't want to and haven't wanted to touch alcohol since then either. I thought it was odd but am the very laidback type so just went with the flow, then felt the urge to know more about Jesus.....

Anybody else interested in telling their story?

I grew up in the 1950's when Sunday school was normal for kids. My parents were glad to get us out of the house. I learned the usual stuff, but it did not mean much. My father was an angry atheist, which did not help. I quit Sunday school when I turned 8.

My father was an alcoholic. Alcohol was normal in our family. I joined the military when i was 16. I found it easy to buy alcohol so I began to drink. I ended up drinking way too much, way too often. I was close to death a number of times from alcohol poisoning. I did not know at first, but my boss was a born again believer. Not long after I spent a day in hospital recovering, He witnessed to me about sin, God's righteousness and my unrighteousness. In spite of my depression, suicidal tendencies and alcohol abuse, I considered myself a good person. I was convicted and I realised that I was not going to make it into heaven.

My boss then told me the good news that Jesus paid for all my sins, dying for me and rising from the dead to save me. I gladly accepted and immediately felt the load of guilt lift off me. I knew that something had changed, even though I did not know what it was. The drink lost its hold on my life and I began to learn what the Christian life was about. 50 years later, I'm still learning.

 

[LifelongLearner]

https://1drv.ms/t/c/c0b5ade687e0453c/EZLxhVQFyYVEml9JfD6OXsYBUCvgoMxIYCOyAY8FWu2Nyw?e=9YvNuh

View attachment 268355

View attachment 268356

I grew up in the 1950's when Sunday school was normal for kids. My parents were glad to get us out of the house. I learned the usual stuff, but it did not mean much. My father was an angry atheist, which did not help. I quit Sunday school when I turned 8.

My father was an alcoholic. Alcohol was normal in our family. I joined the military when i was 16. I found it easy to buy alcohol so I began to drink. I ended up drinking way too much, way too often. I was close to death a number of times from alcohol poisoning. I did not know at first, but my boss was a born again believer. Not long after I spent a day in hospital recovering, He witnessed to me about sin, God's righteousness and my unrighteousness. In spite of my depression, suicidal tendencies and alcohol abuse, I considered myself a good person. I was convicted and I realised that I was not going to make it into heaven.

My boss then told me the good news that Jesus paid for all my sins, dying for me and rising from the dead to save me. I gladly accepted and immediately felt the load of guilt lift off me. I knew that something had changed, even though I did not know what it was. The drink lost its hold on my life and I began to learn what the Christian life was about. 50 years later, I'm still learning.

Real cheers for that, it's lovely coming from someone who suffers/suffered the problem too and yep! I too have strong depressive tendencies and among those i know who experience the problem, being prone to depression is very common. They both are strongly linked to chemical imbalance in the brain, binge drinking is very possibly overdosing on feel good chemicals, we sometimes don't realise it's what is happening in time.

Your boss sounds a wise, compassionate man, think you received the best help possible and you were still so young. Think women are less prone to drinking regularly than men but it was very dangerous for me when i did. For me it was bolt from the blue stuff, suddenly finding i just didn't want to smoke or drink, before my spiritual interests took hold. So glad they have, these are very frightening, troubling times and the new knowledge really helps me understand much more.

Thanks again, God's blessings to you and hope we chat again.

 

[Bingo]

"Thanks, and God bless those that share their testimonies. In doing so, I believe it adds
a feeling of knowing we are human beings with diverse and often very troubling backgrounds.
The "good news" is learning and knowing lives have found God to be the answer to a renewed life."

'Basically from high school, 1959 to 1999, I lived on the wild side, and I know of the
good, bad, and the ugly results of living life without God. The worst was spending time in DOC,
and having a contract on my life here in the states. And a near death from alcoholism.
Since my decision and commitment to putting God in my life, I have been led to share how God has
affected my life in the past twenty-five years, and this is the hope that even if one person is encouraged
to turn to God...then Praise God...mission accomplished.'

'I believe those turning to God most likely do so for a reason, and most likely because of troublesome circumstances.
However one chooses to interact with God, is the choice of each. If it works, great. If not, then changes
surely are needed to receive the spiritual benefits that are available to experience.'

 

[daisyseesthesun]

when I was about young i had this feeling come upon me that my mom was going to have a car accident and die. I got hysterical started crying and prayed for hours asking the lord not to take her. when she came home she asked me what was wrong? she confirmed that she had almost had a car accident but she swerved just in time. I believed the lord was real after that.

 

[LifelongLearner]

"Thanks, and God bless those that share their testimonies. In doing so, I believe it adds
a feeling of knowing we are human beings with diverse and often very troubling backgrounds.
The "good news" is learning and knowing lives have found God to be the answer to a renewed life."

'Basically from high school, 1959 to 1999, I lived on the wild side, and I know of the
good, bad, and the ugly results of living life without God. The worst was spending time in DOC,
and having a contract on my life here in the states. And a near death from alcoholism.
Since my decision and commitment to putting God in my life, I have been led to share how God has
affected my life in the past twenty-five years, and this is the hope that even if one person is encouraged
to turn to God...then Praise God...mission accomplished.'

'I believe those turning to God most likely do so for a reason, and most likely because of troublesome circumstances.
However one chooses to interact with God, is the choice of each. If it works, great. If not, then changes
surely are needed to receive the spiritual benefits that are available to experience.'

View attachment 268363 View attachment 268364

Gorgeous comment Bingo, you've garnered a lot of spiritual wisdom in the last 25 years. You also say some truly beautiful things which bring happy tears to my eyes, pretty sure you've encouraged at least a few to build a relationship with the LORD.

Cheers for that lovely quotes text too friend, God's blessings and all that's good to you for now.

 

[LifelongLearner]

when I was about young i had this feeling come upon me that my mom was going to have a car accident and die. I got hysterical started crying and prayed for hours asking the lord not to take her. when she came home she asked me what was wrong? she confirmed that she had almost had a car accident but she swerved just in time. I believed the lord was real after that.

That is some story to share daisyseesthesun, you must have been terrified but the LORD heard you. Blessings and hugs to you and all who drop in to this post, i'm in England and will say goodnight now but will look in here early tomorrow

 

[Bingo]

Gorgeous comment Bingo, you've garnered a lot of spiritual wisdom in the last 25 years. You also say some truly beautiful things which bring happy tears to my eyes, pretty sure you've encouraged at least a few to build a relationship with the LORD.

Cheers for that lovely quotes text too friend, God's blessings and all that's good to you for now.

"Thank you so much for your comments, it means a lot.
Thank you for being you."

 

[j55]

I like the replys by members. When I was around 4 years old. I had anoxic brain injury from birth. I didn't speak until age 4. Was diagnosed with anoxic brain injury and autism in 2014, by neuro psychologist, and my primary doctor.

Very difficult life. From age 5 to now, harrassment by bullys and wicked people. From neighbor hood to school to jobs. Wicked people can pick up on those who have disabilities. Wicked people won't challenge thier own equal. They are cowards and go after those who have hard time defending themselves. One time in high school, I saw wicked student corner female school teacher, and verbally harrassment. One senior in high school, bullied me for almost year, I was freshman. Made number of threats against me. He, and some friends had rumble with student's from another school, and got beat up. Galatians chapter 6, you reap what you sow.
In July 2024. On bus, a man started verbally abusing me, and yelling. I defended myself and told him off. Next, he acted like he would physically attack me. I brushed it off. Then he got off few stops later. Old Lady in back making disrespectful remarks to me. I told her to stop. She says, I'm not bothering you. They even lie to your face.

I converted to Christianity in 1999. I studied under pastor for over 20 years. In 2004, a former friend, female, leaves message on answering machine, 5 minutes long, of vukgar and hate. Called me bum, retard, loser, and on, and on. Her voice changed to masculine voice. She admitted she is evil, and possessed by demon. Never heard from her again.

Wisdom 17:11
Wickedness is cowardly, condenmed by its own witnesses. Distressed by conscience, the wicked person thinks everything is worse than it is.
Genesis chapter 18
Far be it from you to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked. The wicked have spot in hell. It's holding place for the wicked until judgment. Psalm chapter 9.

God keeps records in books of everyone. Wicked get away with nothing. Revelation chapter 20. We're judged by our works.
Peace.

 

[Magenta]

That is some story to share daisyseesthesun, you must have been terrified but the LORD heard you. Blessings and hugs to
you and all who drop in to this post, i'm in England and will say goodnight now but will look in here early tomorrow

I designed this for you and posted it to you a week ago but I am not sure if you saw it...

I Pray The Lord My Soul To Keep

 

[LifelongLearner]

"Thank you so much for your comments, it means a lot.
Thank you for being you." View attachment 268366

Your comments are beautiful and uplifting often Bingo, same back at you

 

[LifelongLearner]

I like the replys by members. When I was around 4 years old. I had anoxic brain injury from birth. I didn't speak until age 4. Was diagnosed with anoxic brain injury and autism in 2014, by neuro psychologist, and my primary doctor.

Very difficult life. From age 5 to now, harrassment by bullys and wicked people. From neighbor hood to school to jobs. Wicked people can pick up on those who have disabilities. Wicked people won't challenge thier own equal. They are cowards and go after those who have hard time defending themselves. One time in high school, I saw wicked student corner female school teacher, and verbally harrassment. One senior in high school, bullied me for almost year, I was freshman. Made number of threats against me. He, and some friends had rumble with student's from another school, and got beat up. Galatians chapter 6, you reap what you sow.
In July 2024. On bus, a man started verbally abusing me, and yelling. I defended myself and told him off. Next, he acted like he would physically attack me. I brushed it off. Then he got off few stops later. Old Lady in back making disrespectful remarks to me. I told her to stop. She says, I'm not bothering you. They even lie to your face.

I converted to Christianity in 1999. I studied under pastor for over 20 years. In 2004, a former friend, female, leaves message on answering machine, 5 minutes long, of vukgar and hate. Called me bum, retard, loser, and on, and on. Her voice changed to masculine voice. She admitted she is evil, and possessed by demon. Never heard from her again.

Wisdom 17:11
Wickedness is cowardly, condenmed by its own witnesses. Distressed by conscience, the wicked person thinks everything is worse than it is.
Genesis chapter 18
Far be it from you to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked. The wicked have spot in hell. It's holding place for the wicked until judgment. Psalm chapter 9.

God keeps records in books of everyone. Wicked get away with nothing. Revelation chapter 20. We're judged by our works.
Peace.

Bless you J55, my youngest son is autistic and he was bullied a lot too, i even had to take him out of school for 8 months to teach him to read. It clearly was the school environment causing his underachievement, he was assessed as having a reading age of 13 on his return when he was 8 years old.

My heart goes out to you, once again my poor son suffered much physical and emotional abuse from others too. You are in a better place than him now because of turning to God, i'm a new Christian and so hope my children might be too. Blessings and all that's good to you for now, so hope your life is much happier now.

 

[LifelongLearner]

I designed this for you and posted it to you a week ago but I am not sure if you saw it...

I Pray The Lord My Soul To Keep

That is so gorgeous Magenta, your designs are so lovely and i love this one for me, big hugs to you and loads of love.

Sorry i've been around so little, was poorly for a few days then had some issues come up. It never rains but it pours

A question you might be able to help me with friend. Thinking of doing a post with links to Christian websites and articles which cover a lot of the troubling issues that have arisen in the last 4 years. Am hoping some members will participate regularly, think things are currently moving very quickly and as they say, forewarned is forearmed.

What do you think friend? Would really appreciate your opinion, blessings, hugs and all that's good for now.

 

[Magenta]

That is so gorgeous Magenta, your designs are so lovely and i love this one for me, big hugs to you and loads of love.

Sorry i've been around so little, was poorly for a few days then had some issues come up. It never rains but it pours

A question you might be able to help me with friend. Thinking of doing a post with links to Christian websites and articles which cover a lot of the troubling issues that have arisen in the last 4 years. Am hoping some members will participate regularly, think things are currently moving very quickly and as they say, forewarned is forearmed.

What do you think friend? Would really appreciate your opinion, blessings, hugs and all that's good for now.

I do hope you are feeling better, now, as I was aware you were a little under the weather and in need of more rest than usual, which is part of the reason I did that panel for you with that verse, which is a variation from the norm, which sounded a tad morbid under the circumstances LOL... heh, some nights nights nine o'clock comes and I may be really tired but think it's too early for bed and other times I just cannot put it off any longer. Some days especially after work I may nap at five for two hours and am still in bed again by ten. That is such a big change for me, but even so there is really hardly anything resembling sleeping through the night any more.

One post with too many links and issues may be a bit much. What about just doing one issue at a time, per thread? It may be easier for you to follow/keep track of who is saying what, when it is only one basic issue at a time, because other issues always come up related to whatever the main topic is... You could even ask a basic question here and use responses to it as a jumping off point for your first thread, although it sounds like you already have some solid ideas on what you'd like to talk about...

 

[Bingo]

"I have shared links on several Christian sites as well as on several Fox News social media comments,
anyplace I feel perhaps God's Spirit and presence are sorely needed. Troubling lives are many and the prayer
links gain the most attention. Sad and disturbing the lives that are searching for 'something', and often
a heartfelt prayer helps bring some hope and support. This media link I have shared far and near...
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/icametoshare? ❤

 

[Jimbone]

Testimony
I posted this as an attachment, but then posted it in the thread starting on comment #9.