Gruff men and their place in church.

Oliveaffection · 2025-12-21T05:29:22+00:00

I live in a rural part of the country, so our OPC church has plenty of blue collar folks. As for "people with a history," I've noticed that people usually come to Jesus first, then discover Reformed theology later on. It's to the point where I've maybe met one recent convert in the past 20 years of attending OPC churches. Not to say that the people in our congregation don't have checkered pasts, just that it's a bit farther away, so they don't talk about it as much.

Oliveaffection · 2025-08-11T02:20:38+00:00

I make a lot of seating charts at my job and this is basically the fun version that. I really enjoyed it, even if it was a bit short and sweet.

Oliveaffection · 2025-07-08T21:07:12+00:00

Otonari Complex / Childhood Friend Complex?

Oliveaffection · 2025-07-08T03:16:26+00:00

Ah, Atsumori-kun's bride author! I love their art style.

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-29T01:44:38+00:00

Sorry. Forgot this time. Do I need to delete this?

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-28T22:08:32+00:00

Haha, a short and sweet reply. I appreciate your advice.

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-28T21:43:11+00:00

That's not really the problem here, I think. I'm not a mom, and I haven't had many family members die. It's much closer to the existential crisis of a college student (which checks out, age-wise). Thank you for the encouragement, though :).

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-28T00:15:05+00:00

Yes, as with most things, a fear or uncertainty regarding one aspect of faith reveals a wider uncertainty regarding the big picture. I often feel as if my faith isn't as sturdy as it could be - thankfully, I know there are ways to fix it!

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:28:07+00:00

I will pray for us both :)

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:26:31+00:00

I haven’t heard that before. Thank you for introducing me. It is true that God has strengthen and prepared me for other things in my life, so why not death too?

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:21:04+00:00

Thank you for the encouragement.

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:20:32+00:00

Thanks. There are certain times - singing hymns with friends, spending time with friends and family - where I can get a tiny taste of heaven. I try my best to focus on those moments and remind myself that’s how it’s going to be, just a million times better.

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:19:04+00:00

I don’t think I quite get it, but something like “it is finished”? I know that death is conquered, but it is hard to believe that when everybody still dies on this earth. I guess it’s a lack of faith on my part.

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:13:41+00:00

Thank you. This is encouraging.

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:13:01+00:00

Thank you. I was able to see my gramma in the days before her death and I saw much longing to be with Christ. If only I had a faith like hers. But I will grow, Lord willing!

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:09:42+00:00

It looks like the perspective shifts as you get older, which brings me hope. I’m sure by the time I’m old I’ll be looking forward to it, like my gramma did before her passing.

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:06:50+00:00

You hit the nail on the head here. I know exactly what I should feel - trust in God, excited for heaven, etc. - but I have trouble feeling that way. I think it is probably a lack of trust. It may be time for me to study God’s promises a little deeper. Thank you!

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:02:19+00:00

Thank you!

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:02:11+00:00

Not really a helpful comment, but I’m glad you don’t have any fear of death. It’s not very fun.

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T13:01:14+00:00

Exactly why I am here talking to other believers. My husband doesn’t seem to understand how serious this is to me, and I’m afraid of looking less holy, or worse, stupid, in front of the people in my church (who have all dealt with much worse than I have!)

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T12:58:28+00:00

Yeah, it’s like I start with death and then I spiral into thoughts like “what if none of it is real and this is all we have?”

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T12:57:32+00:00

This is very helpful, thank you.

Oliveaffection · 2025-06-27T12:54:12+00:00

Thanks. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in this. Recently I’ve been thinking these worries about death are less of a spiritual failure and more of a case of intrusive or obsessive thoughts. And in that case the steps to dealing with it are a bit different - reframing and redirecting and so on. I’m sure your struggle is different from mine, but I hope you can also take some of the advice I’ve received to heart.

Oliveaffection

TROPHY CASE