“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
Hyper-Modesty in the Church, Part 2
Does Hyper-Modesty Lead to Lust? Yesterday's post dealt with the subject of hyper-modesty with regard to how we dressed, the preoccupation of not showing cleavage, not accentuating a woman's figure, diverting eyes when seeing female joggers on the road, staying away from public swim areas and areas where people are dressed immodestly, etc. I also… Continue reading Hyper-Modesty in the Church, Part 2
Hyper-Modesty in the Church, Part 1
Do You Have Modesty Police in Your Church? Before we came to the church, our family had general guidelines on modesty. It wasn't a big deal. There were no rules, but I shared with my daughters to generally try to wear clothes that didn't draw attention to female body parts or cause distraction. I tried… Continue reading Hyper-Modesty in the Church, Part 1
Do I have an unforgiving heart?
David, a blog reader, has been having dialogue with me and others in the comments section on previous posts and I wanted to highlight some of his comments and address them publicly. We were discussing his thoughts that focusing on my personal stories shows a lack of forgiveness. I asked David what forgiveness looks like… Continue reading Do I have an unforgiving heart?
Court News
The hearing was moved later than scheduled and lasted about 2 hours. Our attorneys were very well prepared and were simply amazing. The plaintiff's attorney told the court they were dismissing one of the defendants from the lawsuit and also some of my phrases (we still need to see the court documents). These developments are… Continue reading Court News
Court Day
Psalm 91He who dwells in the shelter of the Most Highwill rest in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snareand from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers,and under his… Continue reading Court Day
One More Day!
My attorney passed along more details about the court hearing tomorrow:The hearing will be held at the Washington County Courthouse, Hillsboro, Oregon in Courtroom 303C 9:00 AM.The hearing is open to the public. You are welcome to attend. If you plan on coming, will you either send me a note privately or leave a comment? … Continue reading One More Day!
Trying Church Again
* * * My kids have been having fun this week tracking their mama around on the internet and have been greatly amused that they can type "Julie Anne lawsuit" in their Google search field and see their mama. I'm not sure what I think about it. Not only has the… Continue reading Trying Church Again
Walk the Talk!
Countdown: 3 days until court hearing. Drawn by Resident Artist, Age 9 This is a fairly new blog, but there are a lot of new readers recently and I would like to welcome you! Never in my life would I have imagined this. But as my new pastor told me: it is what it is… Continue reading Walk the Talk!
"Justice" Responds
* * * FrederickaMay 17, 2012 11:07 AM I must confess myself mystified as to the nature of 'Justice's' complaint, which seems to be lacking in a certain, shall we say, precision. What exactly is it that he or she is alleging was done to him or her? AnonymousMay… Continue reading "Justice" Responds
Julie Anne’s Musings
Countdown: 4 more days until court hearing, drawn by 9-yr old Resident Artist I have been inundated with requests to set up a Legal Defense fund. That blesses my socks off. Thank you for your support in this practical way. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *… Continue reading Julie Anne’s Musings
Justice: Becoming Free
"Flying Free" by 9-yr old Resident Artist Now, on to much lovelier topics. I really want you to read this . . . I want to share a story with you about a person named Justice. Justice is not this person's real name and you'll have to pardon the awkwardness of pronouns in this article… Continue reading Justice: Becoming Free
Spiritual Sounding Board 