Expectations...unmet
So much has changed since I first joined DS. I thought I had found a gay-friendly church but the longer I attend, the more "drama" I see among the members...all over relationships and insecurities. The Minister is a lovely man but the Sermons have been lately from self-help books rather than the Bible. I can read those books on my own and have in fact read the book he's preaching on now. So, nothing new or refreshing for me. I come to Church in order to learn how Jesus wants me to live and I'm not hearing that.
So, whether or not my "old church" of which I'm still a member, is not particularly welcoming to LGBT folks, they DO preach what I need. Though people there don't know I'm a lesbian, they DO love me and aren't afraid to show that. I'm accepted there and more and more, I feel like I need to be there. Yes, I'll be missing out on a lot of LGBT social activities but I've actually missed many of them due to my aversion to late night travel on the buses. At my "old church", I'm close enough that someone always offers me a ride home. The new church is 90 minutes away by bus and no one has ever offered me a ride because they think it's too far for them and it is.
Getting back in shape is going in a much more positive direction. Coming off my bi-polar meds is helping as those things cause weight gain. New exercise routines and mindful eating are also paying off. My attitude towards food has changed due to this awareness of my behavior towards meal-times and I don't need to "grab & go" when I'm rushed because I have fresh fruit and veg on hand ready to eat....My new "fast-food".
Life is GOOD !!!!!
So, whether or not my "old church" of which I'm still a member, is not particularly welcoming to LGBT folks, they DO preach what I need. Though people there don't know I'm a lesbian, they DO love me and aren't afraid to show that. I'm accepted there and more and more, I feel like I need to be there. Yes, I'll be missing out on a lot of LGBT social activities but I've actually missed many of them due to my aversion to late night travel on the buses. At my "old church", I'm close enough that someone always offers me a ride home. The new church is 90 minutes away by bus and no one has ever offered me a ride because they think it's too far for them and it is.
Getting back in shape is going in a much more positive direction. Coming off my bi-polar meds is helping as those things cause weight gain. New exercise routines and mindful eating are also paying off. My attitude towards food has changed due to this awareness of my behavior towards meal-times and I don't need to "grab & go" when I'm rushed because I have fresh fruit and veg on hand ready to eat....My new "fast-food".
Life is GOOD !!!!!
Replies
I like the sounds of the new \"fast-food\" - sure sounds like a winning plan! Seems like finding the right church has been a challenge. 90 minutes away seems like quite a commitment for you. Perhaps there is an alternative that just hasn\'t presented yet. I admire your dedication to getting to church. I have someone to go with and still can\'t get there!
There are always ideas for handling the extra energy. Just be glad for the energy - seems like you are though. I love journaling and studying too.
There was a point when I just had trouble focusing on the joy life offers so I went to the library and and a little book practically jumped off the shelf at me. It was such a refreshing read at the time. It was an adorable little white book, titled \"Appreciative Living\" and it helped me re-focus. You might enjoy a look at the website: http://appreciativeliving.com/
Glad getting back into shape is going positive! I\'m in a good place right now with that too.