Friday Five (.org)

1. Were you raised in a particular religious faith?
Several - Mormon, followed by newage psychic crap.

2. Do you still practice that faith? Why or why not?
Nope - Born again Christian and that is why.

3. What do you think happens after death?
My body dies, but my eternal spirit lives forever, either in heaven or hell, depending on my salvation. I believe I am saved because, even though I am not perfect, no, no even close, I can see God's healing and love manifesting itself in my life. God continually draws me to Him although I do not deserve it.

4. What is your favorite religious ritual (participating in or just observing)?
Well, I am concerned with this phrasing. I will just say that my favorite activity that celebrates Christ is singing religious songs, either in church or wherever - especially Handel's Messiah at this time of year. Music is an integral part of my relationship with Christ - it opens my heart to hear. I sometimes get a glimpse of what it must be like to be an angel, perpetually singing His praises. I am often blessed beyond words during these times.

5. Do you believe people are basically good?
No, I do not. I believe that since Adam all are born in a state of sin, punishable by death, which is why Christ came, died, and rose again to pay for our individual sins as well as our sinful nature.

1 Peter 1

Living Before God Our Father
13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."[3]
17And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.


The Enduring Word
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit[4] in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,[5] 24because


"All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man[6] as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
25But the word of the LORD endures forever."[7]


Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

Sometimes I am just overwhelmed with a sense of loss - it just hit real hard. I hate to whine about it. I miss my mom. That's all.