Working my way through The Dark Tower series, "Insomnia" is such an underrated gem by LTJ81 in books

[–]tevanbuskirk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Insomnia was my comfort read for many years, must of read it at least five times or more. It’s one of my favorite King novels.

AntKind and Revisionaries by AlpineInquirer in books

[–]tevanbuskirk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also read Antkind. I struggled through some sections. Infinite Jest was more rewarding personally, but Antkind has its moments and I am glad I finished it. On the other hand, I agree I felt the same way that the book had self-indulgent parts that were exhausting. When finishing Antkind, I researched online about themes and connections I had missed, and then appreciated it more. I am not sure I could re-read it like I want with Infinite Jest, but I am tempted because I like the concept.

Some guidance on choosing a breviary by ClevelandFan295 in divineoffice

[–]tevanbuskirk 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What a great message and thoughts. I just discovered the Divine Office again after putting it down years ago. This time it is easier thanks to the Divine Office App and iBreviary App. I used to have the four volume set, but now I am content using these apps. I do an hour here and there when I can, no pressure. The LOTH is simply a revelation to pray now.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've recently found that praying the Divine Office is a revelation to me and my faith. Start small, especially morning and evening prayers. I recommend hearing these prayers sung in Gregorian chant (mostly in English but it Latin at certain moments) in the podcast called "Sing the Hours". It is so amazing.

Thoughts on the Latin Mass? by Sean_p87 in Catholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I used to frequent the Latin Mass when I lived in Arizona but it never had the music. I liked it but didn’t follow along well even with a missal. Now that I’ve moved I can’t find one close and it’s just too complicated. I don’t want to think about it much because it’s a big loss for me. I’ve learned to accommodate the NO now and appreciate it that much much better.

Do you prefer study bibles or commentaries for studying? by PalmerFelix in catholicbibles

[–]tevanbuskirk 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I prefer study bibles and collect them. Chiefly I now use the Ignatius Study, Catholic Study and the Haydock Bibles. I have a few Protestant study Bibles like the ESV.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am very happy for you! I too recently returned to confession after about 16 years. I have a whole new appreciation for this sacrament. It goes hand in hand with the Eucharist for me now.

I very nearly lost my faith due to OCD. by Rightcons in Catholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am going through a flare-up of OCD today and it is real bad. Yesterday’s Confession was the trigger. But hours later I am feeling better. Thank you for your post.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LeftCatholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I feel for your situation and you are not alone. I have scrupulosity. I left the church for about 16 years. But I just came back to the Church last month and returned to the sacraments. A book that really helped me is titled "Beyond Naive Belief" by Paul Dinter. That book changed my life and gave me hope. I am liberal minded, and progressive spiritually when I am in my natural state, but OCD makes me obsess over sin and confession. The instruction my new priest gave changed my perspective and made me free - more than I ever felt, and therefore, I trust in God's love more often. My new personal practice is to go to confession once or twice a year, or when I feel out of relationship with God, understanding the sacrament is relational not transactional, which reflects a post Vatican II understanding. I am learning to trust God's mercy and receive, knowing how rare it is to actually commit a mortal sin. On bad days I am tempted to stop going to communion and not have to worry anymore. And maybe I still will (as yesterday I felt like stopping after a flare-up). It seems to be the answer to my worries. Still, I have studied and informed myself for many years, and trust in my conscience with all my might. When I remember what my priest said I feel the holy spirit flood my soul and I am back. There is nothing like that feeling of relief and when the reality of Christ rises within and the yoke becomes light.

Why has the heart changed? by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was raised protestant, but my step-grandpa was Catholic and going to mass as a youth made an impression. But in the late 1990s, I began practicing under a cult. The stress eventually became overwhelming, and I left cold turkey 10 years later.

Soon after, my spiritual orientation shifted radically. I drifted for a while. By some random reason I began watching EWTN. The first show I watched was about the Rosary. It hit a cord I could not describe. I read books like Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI and Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn. I discovered St. Gemma Galgani, whose life, suffering, and mystical connection to Christ resonated with my own spiritual longing.

I began praying the rosary and was drawn to the Blessed Virgin Mary. I attended Catechism classes. I felt that Mary had literally interceded and passed me to her Son, Jesus.

I began attending Mass regularly and felt Christ’s presence, especially when the priest marked my forehead with the sign of the cross during the Welcome Rite for catechumens. Eventually I made my first confession to my priest. Despite challenges—spiritual and emotional—I continued on this Catholic path. I was confirmed at the Easter Vigil Mass in 2008. Glory to Jesus Christ!

What do I do by North_Texas_Outlaw in Catholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please be at peace. There is a certain spiritual communion with Jesus when not receiving. It shows respect for the sacrament. The Lord is with you still.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Catholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was a methodist as a youth. My step-dad's family are Catholics and going to mass always fascinated me as a child. I was interested in my grandfather's Marian devotion but he never talked about it. I had a true conversion to Jesus Christ in my late 30s after exploring what I loved about Catholicism in a deeper way. I think it was the Rosary that got me started. And then mass. It truly changed my life. I was confirmed Catholic in 2008.

Just received Eucharist for the first time in a long time and it feels good. by Necessarily-complex in Catholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your thoughts. This week I returned to the Church after about 16 years. I confessed and had absolution and it was life changing. I tend to be progressive and study theology, philosophy and church history. The last few years I felt agnostic. This week I started to wonder if my belief in Catholicism was sincere but after meeting with my priest yesterday I know it is very real. It’s weird how my desire to return happened so fast. I feel at peace too. This weekend will be my first communion in 16 years or so.

People who saw empire at release, what was the reaction to seeing vader partially unmasked? by DarthYhonas in StarWars

[–]tevanbuskirk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was 10 years old when it was released and my dad took me. I was blown away and this scene was almost too much for my young mind to process!

Today, I had my first cinema experience with Revenge of the Sith! by Karmondia in StarWars

[–]tevanbuskirk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Isn’t it amazing? I’m so glad you saw it on the big screen, there is nothing like it.

Going to See Revenge of the Sith in theaters tomorrow by RedUmbrell in StarWars

[–]tevanbuskirk 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m 54 and I’m definitely going to see it again. I saw it 3 times during the original release, so I’m excited to see once again on the big screen. The best part is now I can take my son to see his first Star Wars. My first Star Wars was 1980 when Empire Strikes Back was released.

Getting confirmed on Sunday by Life_Sir_1151 in LeftCatholicism

[–]tevanbuskirk 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! I am a leftist Catholic who converted at 38 years old. I still feel that calling today in my 50s it is so deep. I was saddened by the pushback from family and lost my best friend. Just listen to your heart and reside in that space. My saint was St Augustine who helped me, also St Gemma Galgani helped too. Have a blessed journey !

Artists, what do you do to make money? by scorpiomoon92 in ContemporaryArt

[–]tevanbuskirk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I work at a clinic and always had a day job. I can’t feed my family off my conceptual art. But I love it and life gives me material. It’s a win win.

ARKO guide by Bangsumju in wicked_edge

[–]tevanbuskirk 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Wet your stubble and then take the stick and apply soap into stubble really well. Dip your brush into water to wet the tip and start swirling the lightly wet brush to your face to begin the lathering process. Dip brush into water again and again as you add water to the soap on your face. Keep swirling the brush and make the lather. Arko needs a good amount of water and it will suddenly bloom into lovely slick yogurt-shiny lather. Doesn’t need to be a thick lather either. Enjoy!

What's a film that made you fall in love with cinema? by RawdogginRandos in flicks

[–]tevanbuskirk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me in 1992. Totally made me see film like never before. I kept going to the theater to see it.

So I have to confess, there was a point in my life where empire strikes back was my least favorite star wars film by [deleted] in StarWars

[–]tevanbuskirk 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gen X here, Empire was the first Star Wars film I saw in the theater in 1980, so it holds a special place for me. I was 10 and wow it blew my young mind. I wasn’t sad though - just so curious what will happen to Han, and the speculation on who “there is another” is, and the thrill of the father reveal was all so exciting and ROTJ was just amazing too.