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I don't go to church. I'm lazy. I hope someday to change that. I'm a bit shy too. I believe in the Lord Jesus...here's how that happened.
I was born into a loving family, the oldest of three kids. We grew up in a rural area and enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, shooting, fishing and somewhat isolated from the troubles of society as a whole. It was in a way idyllic but in other ways somewhat troublesome. All families obviously have their problems our's happened to be alcoholism. The disease is generational and I know that my ancestors were champion imbibers.
I was given to quite an addictive personality and developed other environmental neuroses early on, but nothing unusual, although nevertheless troubling. I enjoyed being an altar boy and eventually had to be kicked out as too old. Later I spent three years studying for the Priesthood. In my late teens and early twenties I became an alcoholic. Seven years of destructive drinking and debauchery followed. I lost touch with the God of my youth although longed for him very much.
In 1985 I got sober. The world is full of people in recovery-you probably know some. Anyway, the development of a rich spiritual life followed and I decided to leave my chosen profession in Law Enforcement to study for ministry. Several years of professional counseling followed. In seminary my demons reawakened from their slumber. I knew I wasn't for the professional ministry. I left the seminary, taking a degree in Philosophy Cum Laude with me. It was a very rewarding time in life.
Re-entering the secular world was not easy. I found retail employ for the next seven years but otherwise became isolated. A failed relationship was devastating- more counseling. Next came loss of a job and more turmoil.
In 1996 I had the good fortune to meet a solid woman! She had three kids and we made a go of it! We bought a house, moved in, had a child-a son, got married, separated, divorced and some time later found each other again! During those years, another lost job and lost lawsuit brought severe depression. More counseling and an eventual agreement to try medication brought much relief.
I have always had a rich prayer life. In fits and starts I found the Rosary, spiritual songs and hymns, devotional reading, nature, some attendance at Mass and a life long seeking heart. Don't be misled! I am a sinner. But I was taught to seek "spiritual progress not spiritual perfection". And that has helped me to live with myself more serenely.
I had the additional good fortune (thanks to the Spirit) to stumble upon Rev. Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Life" and my life has not been the same! I was introduced to "the protestant way" and found how to really "receive the Lord Jesus into my heart". More reading, especially that of the great Scottish Theologian William Barclay opened a spiritual world beyond my imagination. It has been said that the best evidence for conversion is a changed life. And so it has been for me. The change? A sudden, profound and lasting relief from the "thorn in my flesh" as St. Paul called it.
I have found God through his Son the Lord Jesus. I highly recommend it! One thing is for sure...if you seek God, you WILL find him! I wish you the best on your journey too!
I was born into a loving family, the oldest of three kids. We grew up in a rural area and enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, shooting, fishing and somewhat isolated from the troubles of society as a whole. It was in a way idyllic but in other ways somewhat troublesome. All families obviously have their problems our's happened to be alcoholism. The disease is generational and I know that my ancestors were champion imbibers.
I was given to quite an addictive personality and developed other environmental neuroses early on, but nothing unusual, although nevertheless troubling. I enjoyed being an altar boy and eventually had to be kicked out as too old. Later I spent three years studying for the Priesthood. In my late teens and early twenties I became an alcoholic. Seven years of destructive drinking and debauchery followed. I lost touch with the God of my youth although longed for him very much.
In 1985 I got sober. The world is full of people in recovery-you probably know some. Anyway, the development of a rich spiritual life followed and I decided to leave my chosen profession in Law Enforcement to study for ministry. Several years of professional counseling followed. In seminary my demons reawakened from their slumber. I knew I wasn't for the professional ministry. I left the seminary, taking a degree in Philosophy Cum Laude with me. It was a very rewarding time in life.
Re-entering the secular world was not easy. I found retail employ for the next seven years but otherwise became isolated. A failed relationship was devastating- more counseling. Next came loss of a job and more turmoil.
In 1996 I had the good fortune to meet a solid woman! She had three kids and we made a go of it! We bought a house, moved in, had a child-a son, got married, separated, divorced and some time later found each other again! During those years, another lost job and lost lawsuit brought severe depression. More counseling and an eventual agreement to try medication brought much relief.
I have always had a rich prayer life. In fits and starts I found the Rosary, spiritual songs and hymns, devotional reading, nature, some attendance at Mass and a life long seeking heart. Don't be misled! I am a sinner. But I was taught to seek "spiritual progress not spiritual perfection". And that has helped me to live with myself more serenely.
I had the additional good fortune (thanks to the Spirit) to stumble upon Rev. Rick Warren's book "The Purpose Driven Life" and my life has not been the same! I was introduced to "the protestant way" and found how to really "receive the Lord Jesus into my heart". More reading, especially that of the great Scottish Theologian William Barclay opened a spiritual world beyond my imagination. It has been said that the best evidence for conversion is a changed life. And so it has been for me. The change? A sudden, profound and lasting relief from the "thorn in my flesh" as St. Paul called it.
I have found God through his Son the Lord Jesus. I highly recommend it! One thing is for sure...if you seek God, you WILL find him! I wish you the best on your journey too!