Nicodema Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> rudywoofs said: Just as an aside, I honestly do not wish to turn this thread into a debate on the merits of Satan or about the things I did as a witch. <hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> These kinds of fears are no part of my vocabulary. I will not be manipulated by those who pass malicious judgment on someone for speaking openly, candidly, and objectively about their past experience. I will speak about what I decide to speak about for the reasons I choose to speak about it, and will not accept anyone else dictating those reasons to me or presuming to state what they supposedly "really" are in contrast to what I know them to actually be. I heartily commend this course to you and anyone else prone to worry "what will others think if I ... ?" <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> As for you yourself? Your mileage may vary. As far as I'm concerned you have leave to speak about whatsoever you will -- or not. That's your decision entirely, and I do not presume to make it for you one way or another. Quote "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?" -- T.S. Eliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Quote: rudywoofs said: Just as an aside, I honestly do not wish to turn this thread into a debate on the merits of Satan or about the things I did as a witch. I started the thread to relate how I went into witchcraft from being brought up in the Adventist faith, and how I ended back in the Adventist faith. Hey Pam I am glad you did this. To hear your story about this experience you had, is to "see" how Jesus can lead us and guide us; even in the darkest times of our experience. Quote: Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. Micah 7:8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> Nicodema said: </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> rudywoofs said: Just as an aside, I honestly do not wish to turn this thread into a debate on the merits of Satan or about the things I did as a witch. <hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> I will not be manipulated by those who pass malicious judgment on someone for speaking openly, candidly, and objectively about their past experience. <hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> Hmmm, I don't see any "malicious" judgment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicodema Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 I was speaking in general regarding a collection of past experiences that came to mind for me -- not in particular about Pam specifically -- in that sentence. Sorry that wasn't very clear. I was not trying to say Pam herself was judging me. I did wonder, in reading her statement (which seemed "disclaimer-ish" to me) whether she'd encountered others being judgmental toward HER for objectively discussing her prior experience. Given my own experiences it would not surprise me in the least if she had. Quote "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?" -- T.S. Eliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 </font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr /> Nicodema said: I did wonder, in reading her statement (which seemed "disclaimer-ish" to me) whether she'd encountered others being judgmental toward HER for objectively discussing her prior experience. <hr /></blockquote><font class="post"> Hey! Thanks for the new word "disclaimer-ish" which I will add to my "suave" collection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted August 22, 2006 Author Members Share Posted August 22, 2006 I was just reminded this morning of the very first thing that started me on my way out of witchcraft.... It was when somebody told me that God loved me, and meant it. It's such a little phrase, but when someone says it and means it.... well..... all I can say is that it is very powerful. Quote Pam      Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicodema Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Can't say as I've ever had that experience. I've always found "God loves you" to be right vacuous on the mouths of human beings. Now, being SHOWN love by another human being -- deeply, profoundly, consistently treated as if my feelings and needs matter, as if I count, as if I deserve to be respected, nurtured and cherished -- THAT is powerful. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Ironically it was the love of my mate, a non-Christian, that first got me thinking about coming back to God. Quote "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?" -- T.S. Eliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted August 22, 2006 Author Members Share Posted August 22, 2006 []http://img.inkfrog.com/pix/Rudywoofs/showers.gif[/] Quote Pam      Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicodema Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 ??? Quote "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?" -- T.S. Eliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Gail Posted August 22, 2006 Administrators Share Posted August 22, 2006 Different love languages... It's amazing how such a seemingly small thing can be HUGE, especially delivered in the way that "clicks" or connects Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicodema Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 More like different uses of the same words, different intents and purposes. The words may have been the same, but what they meant and what backed them up (or not) must have been completely different. Words like that can either be used to express something real that is there or as a pitiful attempt to fill a hole where there isn't anything there. And it's not merely in the ear of the hearer which one it is, either. Quote "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?" -- T.S. Eliot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuff sed Posted November 19, 2006 Share Posted November 19, 2006 Hi, Pam I think what we need to do is to take a weekend out somewhere at some camp site where we can all "come as you are" and kick back. I know some ex-missionary pastors in Oregon ( Dick Hall-Sweet Home and Bill Smith- Tillamook) who would love to be there and would be a blessing to everybody. It would, probably, be a lot of work to put it together but I think would be a lot of fun. Maybe we could call it the "First Annual Club Adventist Old-fashioned Campmeeting Bash"... We might even invite Stan if he promises to behave himself...Regards, Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 23, 2006 Share Posted November 23, 2006 I was just reminded this morning of the very first thing that started me on my way out of witchcraft.... It was when somebody told me that God loved me, and meant it. It's such a little phrase, but when someone says it and means it.... well..... all I can say is that it is very powerful. I can definitely relate to this comment. I remember someone telling me this all the time, during a very difficult time I was going through as an "adult student;" but I never really believed it then. Those words "God loves you;" I did not then believe to be true; but because they were said to me a lot during that year; they stayed with me, and at a future date; I felt totally convicted that they those words were true. I believe that this person just saying it, had prepared my heart to actually receive it and accept it later...kind of like cultivating the soil. I personally have found that too often that people trying to "show me love" were just pretending, and would sometimes be the first in the church to stop calling, if I "slipped." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeHiscost Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 I decided it might be of interest to others, so I'm responding here. My mom (bless her heart - she was trying so hard to do what she thought was *right*) was EXTREMELY legalistic Dear Pam, Your personal testimony was very interesting. It reminds me of some personal experiences of my own. Not the ones you related about taking on the occult, but the influence I probably had in trying to decide for others how they must live the letter of the law as I saw it was necessary. I still do not believe there is anything wrong in following certain rules and regulations. "Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97 ASV However I'm satisfied the decision to pursue that course must be the free decision for every individual. And, of course, this decision becomes decidedly easier when we know that Jesus not only loves us, but He was and is willing to give His life rather than see us lose our place in His kingdom. "I am the vine, ye are the branches:.... apart from me ye can do nothing." John 15:5 Many people believe that all we have to do is make the right choices and we will find deliverance from all our hindrances to discipleship with Jesus, seemingly ignoring the reality the bible is very clear there is a bondage we have no ability to escape without direct intervention by Jesus, something the non-believer will not seek nor do they desire. It is my firm belief that while Jesus loved you when you were the farthest away from Him, and knew the least about Him, your eventual journey toward Him was a direct result of prayers offered by one or more believers, who were themselves motivated by God's Spirit in love for your soul. "...and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32 ASV "Jesus saith unto him, I am ...the truth...." John 14:6 ASV God bless you on your continued search for the Lord of glory,Pam. "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13 ASV Quote Lift Jesus up!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aka Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 It was so beautifully kind, lovingly gentle, how LifeHC talked just now to Pam. I saw the smiling face of Jesus in the whole message. The choice of scripture was spot on. Yes, that's just the tone of voice God our father uses with us. He is so intensely wanting us to have peace with Him. And to enjoy all the items needful in our life to live happily and content. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted November 24, 2006 Author Members Share Posted November 24, 2006 Toothfairy is right. LHC said Quote: Many people believe that all we have to do is make the right choices and we will find deliverance from all our hindrances to discipleship with Jesus, seemingly ignoring the reality the bible is very clear there is a bondage we have no ability to escape without direct intervention by Jesus, something the non-believer will not seek nor do they desire. It is my firm belief that while Jesus loved you when you were the farthest away from Him, and knew the least about Him, your eventual journey toward Him was a direct result of prayers offered by one or more believers, who were themselves motivated by God's Spirit in love for your soul. LHC, thank you for your words. You are correct. I had absolutely no desire whatsoever to change my focus of worship. Christianity was the farthest thing from my mind. And yes, I do believe Christ directly intervened in my life, and that the catalyst was prayer of many, many people. I was, in fact, told that I'd been blanketed with prayer from coast to coast. I sometimes wonder if Christians really understand how extremely powerful prayer can be. Quote Pam      Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeHiscost Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Toothfairy is right. And the tears of gratitude copiously fell as it is realized you have been used of Jesus to apply the Balm of Gilead to a hurting, seeking and grateful heart, having just received a hint of His overwhelming love for the lost and wandering children of the King of kings. "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.." Ephesians 3:20 NASB " And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise." Gal 3:29 NASB "Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:18 ASV Blessings! with :LS Quote Lift Jesus up!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacunurse30 Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 Wow, incredible testimony. I grew up SDA as well, and in a family with prominent SDA ministers no less (I ain't gonna say their names either). Anyway, I was raised by my grandparents who tried to instill the basic SDA values in their children and grandchildren. But all the while they allowed us to make our own decisions once we got to be teens. We went to the movies. We wore make up and eventually jewelry. We went to parties. Basically we indulged in the world if you will. So by the time I went to Oakwood College I had been there and done that. I was not like the other SDA kids who felt like they had missed out on life being raised in a strict SDA home. I did not feel the need to go out there and experience the worlds of sex, drugs, and whatever else. On the contrary I felt impressed to get serious about my relationship with God. I'm not encouraging SDA parents to allow their kids to run wild, but there should be some breathing room. You can instill your values up to a certain point, but no matter how hard you hammer it in it will only stick if they want it to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woody Posted June 26, 2007 Share Posted June 26, 2007 Thank you Pacu and Pam and all for your testimonies. God is GOOD. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology. Â Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beekind Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Wow Pam. I know this thread was started a year ago, but it is new to me. What an amazing testimony you have. God is so good to keep searching for you like he did. Have you ever read Roger Morneau's books on prayer? His testimonial book is called A Trip Into the Supernatural. To hear how the Lord brings those he loves out of darkness is always so touching to me. I myself was very into Astrology, Transcendental Meditation and drugs when I gave my heart to Jesus. Laying on my bed one afternoon I simple asked God.."If you are real I really want to know." I had my first touch of the Holy Spirit's closeness then. I was so surprised that it frightened me at first. I did not hear about Adventists until I went away to college, but had been a christian for about 4 years by then. Thanks for sharing how God has worked in your life. I am sure that the evil one tried to hang on to you as he did me and Roger Morneau. He who is within you is greater than he who is in the world! Quote BEEKIND (for He is kind!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miahnie Posted November 9, 2007 Share Posted November 9, 2007 pam, pacu and beekind, thank you so much for your stories. it uplifted my soul. i have been struggling for the past year on my faith. I have no SDA friends near me. the nearest is almost an hour's drive. Your stories reached into my soul and reminded me that I am not alone in this world. I wish there are more people here that I can talk to when I am online. Sadly mostly are from the western side of the globe, with a 12 hour difference when i log in. anyways, back to the topic, Pam, I can only say one thing. Never stop sharing your testimony. In that way, you not only reach for other people's hearts, but yours too. God bless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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