I heard the statement the other day that: It's easier to have ideas than beliefs. You can change ideas but it's harder to change beliefs. I believe this statement to be completely true. I have more ideas than beliefs regarding religion/spiritualilty. I am still trying to figure the whole thing out for myself and I feel this pressure because Kai is getting older and I want her to have the same beliefs as myself, but then again how can I teach her those things when I am not completely sure!?!? I realize that not all answers come overnight but I am so impatient it's ridiculous. Just thought I would share this with you all. Any opinions and comments are welcome.

I am struggling with the same things you are. I believe in God and I want my son to believe but I definitly struggle. I know that God has to give me tests and trials in order to know if my love for him is real but seriously enough is enough. Sometimes I wonder if believing is worth it. Hang in there ... I know eventually we will have everything figuired out. I think I am going to contact the pastor at the church my mom goes to and get his opinion. Let me know if you find anything out.

I don't believe that God gives you trials to prove your love to him, he already knows your love for him. He gives you trials to show your love for yourself and show you how strong you are and how you can over come difficult times with his help, and so you can better appreciate when you help yourself to good times and laugh better with appreciation.
I was reminded of this today when my difficulties were put into perspective. A counseler for my foster kids and I were talking. I griped a little about how difficult it has been the past few weeks. He says "Well I could trade with you this afternoon I have to talk to a 15 year old boy about why he should not try and have "relations" with his 11 year old couzin" Okay I think I will take my difficulties and do the best I can.

In order to get help through the difficulties that have been handed to you first you have to ask. God is waiting for you to simply ask for his help. Then you have to have faith that he will help you, but it will not always be in the way that you think he should. Someone once told me that just because someone does not love you the way you want them to does not meen they do not love you with all they are.
Another good friend once told me that God will not give you more than you can handle, but that does not meen that you won't. Again you have to believe in Him and that you can handle what He has handed you.
Hope I have helped.
May God bless you.

I guess I should have put this on before but I dont believe in structured religion. I dont believe in GOD as in the bible view. I am more of a spiritual person but I dont have it all figured out. Like I said, I have many ideas but some things are still unclear to me. I am working on it.

I appreciate your views lovebug and toomany and thank you for your response.

Structured religion can be over rated.

I was raised Catholic until I was 8, then went to a Lutheran church. When I was 13 I made the decision not to go anymore. Even though I was a bit young to know everything about religion and spirituality, I did have an idea of what I believed was right for me. But it still continues today. My family makes subtle little comments about Kai needs to know what church is, blah blah blah. But she's only a year old and to me that's just silly to take her to church.

I always felt the same way, more "spiritual" than "religious". The Bible was written at a time when it was difficult to put into words what God really is, a spiritual presence that exists in everything. I always belived in karma, chi energy, and stuff like that but I realized it's all the same. You should look into the bahi faith. It says that There is only one God and that he has chosen to reveal himself to us in several different ways: as Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, Moses, etc. When you realize it's all the same, then you can begin to decide which path is right for you to follow to knowing God. There is a path for all of us, and it is always open.
When I begin to feel as if enough is enough, I remember that God's not done with me yet, he needs to prepare me for whatever is in store.
If you do think you're interested in Christianity try reading a book by Rob Bell caledd "Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian faith". It made me realize that I've been living the life of a good Christian for years and never knew it. One good point he brings up that I'd like to share with you: Jesus never got mad at his disciples because they doubted him, he only got upset when they started doubting themselves. Peace and Love to you.

quote:

Originally posted by smshybug:
[qb] I guess I should have put this on before but I dont believe in structured religion. I dont believe in GOD as in the bible view. I am more of a spiritual person but I dont have it all figured out. Like I said, I have many ideas but some things are still unclear to me. I am working on it.

I appreciate your views lovebug and toomany and thank you for your response. [/qb]