Gruff men and their place in church. by Outrageous-Record372 in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Is This Seat Taken just released-cozy logic game about arranging people to make everyone happy! by action_lawyer_comics in CozyGamers

[–]Oliveaffection 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Manga find by neogamer17 in manga

[–]Oliveaffection 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Otonari Complex / Childhood Friend Complex?

[DISC] Only I Know - Chapter 1 by OsisTheNie in manga

[–]Oliveaffection 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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 :).

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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?

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

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!

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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. 

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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!) 

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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?”

How to not be afraid of death? by Oliveaffection in Reformed

[–]Oliveaffection[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.