* * * Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been waiting for this response from Mr. Butler for a while. He has now addressed the issue and I would like to open it up for discussion. I was concerned that we wouldn't hear from Fred again and that the questions might remain… Continue reading How Far Will We Go to Contend for the Faith?
Author: Julie Anne
All-Blogs-Are-Not-Created-Equal Rant
I moderated and subsequently posted a comment earlier this morning and this is only part of the comment. I have family issues to tend to today and will be out of the house for much of the day, so I will only be dealing with this part of the comment, but you can be sure… Continue reading All-Blogs-Are-Not-Created-Equal Rant
I Would Love Some Feedback
** So many of my current readers already know this story, but there are new people stopping by, so please bear with the repeat. I had posted negative Google reviews of my former church, but they were removed. My Google review was based on my personal experiences at the church and expressed my opinions. This… Continue reading I Would Love Some Feedback
Going Back to Church? Some Thoughts to Consider
Admin note: An earlier post (Happy Tears), we discussed going back to church after abuse: what helped, what to look for, what to avoid, etc. The list was compiled and so I am posting it here (in order to have a link) and will also post a link to it in the "Helpful Resources" tab… Continue reading Going Back to Church? Some Thoughts to Consider
Glad You Asked!
Muckraker asked great questions yesterday and I'll address them on this post. MuckrakerJune 16, 2012 5:51 AM Julie Anne: What does it mean "reviews are slowly being removed"? Who removes them?? Google? The church requests it? Or demands it with some kind of legal pressure?I thought the whole point of online reviews is that "customers"… Continue reading Glad You Asked!
And the Winner Is?
One of my "informants" passed along this information. Even while reviews are slowly being removed, it appears that BGBC just might be the most "Google-reviewed" church in the States, currently at 933 reviews. If someone finds out otherwise, please let me know.And next behind is Westboro Baptist with 713 reviews:Edited to add: I keep… Continue reading And the Winner Is?
Godly Pastor? What Does That Mean?
* * * I looked up "godly" on public domain images and this image showed up in my search - lol! * * * I copied this May 31 comment into my file of "draft" posts. For some reason, it was overlooked in the comments section on… Continue reading Godly Pastor? What Does That Mean?
The Fingerprints of a False Teacher
During the week the media found out about my lawsuit, I got an e-mail from Ken Garrett who is a pastor of a church in Portland, OR (about 20 minutes away from my former church). Ken pastors a church named, Portland Grace Bible Church. My former church also is Grace Bible Church, but with a… Continue reading The Fingerprints of a False Teacher
Survival Strategies for Hyper-Authoritarian and Repetitive Sermons
* * * I'm a little bit surprised if you are still reading my blog. The last three posts were rigged to make a point and I took you on a ride without your permission so you could understand first-hand what it felt like. I tricked you and purposefully kept the… Continue reading Survival Strategies for Hyper-Authoritarian and Repetitive Sermons
All Smoothies are Good, Sermons Suck
** Admin note: This is part of a series of posts that are a bit, well, unconventional. To fully grasp the message and emotions of the series, please be sure to read from the beginning: It's the Same Message No Matter How you Mix it!. *** We like a lot of smoothies in our home. … Continue reading All Smoothies are Good, Sermons Suck
Mixing Up the Message Yields the Same Results
** We have a Vitamix blender. It is no wussy, weak, machine. This is a manly machine. It is probably our most-used kitchen appliance. The one shown in the picture below is 12+ years old. It is used many times a day. I like to make smoothies. Here's a recipe I want to try: 1… Continue reading Mixing Up the Message Yields the Same Results
It’s the Same Message No Matter How you Mix it!
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad… Continue reading It’s the Same Message No Matter How you Mix it!
Nurturing Your First Love
Some people don't have a problem picking up the pieces regarding their relationship with Christ after an abusive church experience. They are able to carry on just as normal. That is wonderful! Others, like me, may have trust and abandonment issues that come into play which may make it difficult to pray, to read the… Continue reading Nurturing Your First Love
Happy Tears
Rose from my backyard. I have neglected the bush and somehow it produced this. Amazing. Can God create something amazingly beautiful out of a life of "neglect"? I think so!And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them.… Continue reading Happy Tears
Commenter Asks: Is Church Safe Anymore?
A few admin notes first: When I first was served the subpoena, I reached out to people on the internet who had dealt with spiritual abuse for help. One person was Barb Orlowski who reads and comments here. Barb put me in contact with a group of people, some who have gone through tragic stories… Continue reading Commenter Asks: Is Church Safe Anymore?
Round and Round We Go: More Court News!!!
We have a new update: The other original mother on the case has now been voluntarily dismissed from the case yesterday. WOOHOO!!!!! I am so thrilled for this family!!! Admin note: My daughter and I have discussed this and because this case is so public, we have just gone along with that and have… Continue reading Round and Round We Go: More Court News!!!
Additional Former Church Member Has Been Sued!
* * * I'll get to the subject of the former church member sued in just a moment, but want to make sure this point is told: I believe that suing former church members is just an extension of the spiritual abuse. How can that be? Let me explain.This is old… Continue reading Additional Former Church Member Has Been Sued!
eChurch
Admin Note: I am hosting eChurch temporarily while the normal hosting site, Wartburg Watch blog is temporarily down. Pastor Wade Burleson offers an eChurch - church service on the internet featuring praise songs, prayers, and a video sermon. I've watched two services and found them very good and uplifting. Wade Burleson has a blog and… Continue reading eChurch
Media Inaccuracies: Setting the Record Straight
* * * There have been some inaccuracies in news stories around the internet and I want to set them straight. This post will be updated if I see more inaccuracies: I am not single. I am married and have been married to the same man since 1985. We are… Continue reading Media Inaccuracies: Setting the Record Straight
Hyper Modesty in the Church, Part 3
* * * Personal Note to the Young Adults and Conclusion I know some of the young adults from my former church are reading this blog. First off, I want to say that I care deeply for you and this message is sent from my heart. You are part of the… Continue reading Hyper Modesty in the Church, Part 3
Spiritual Sounding Board 