Hello everyone.
I guess this is the point where I introduce myself.
Baka is the name I generally use for myself. It means "Fool" in Japanese. I chose that name for two reasons. The first is that I enjoy Japanese comics and have taken a derogatory name with a touch of stubborn pride. The second is that it reminds me of 1 Corinthians 1:18, that the message of the Cross is foolishness to unbelievers.
Taking Fidelis, or "faithful" in Latin, I become a Faithful Fool to the world.
I was born into the LCMS and was confirmed there. However, our church started becoming fairly liberal and we left. We were unchurched for a few years until God brought us into the ELS ... wow almost 2 decades ago! lol
I was married at our current ELS church and our daughter was baptized and confirmed there.
I love our church and wish I could get more involved, but I cannot.
Due to VERY VERY foolish choices years back, I had some legal issues. I don't really want to get into it, but I do now have a "record." Because of that, I cannot perform many of the roles as a layperson. The congregation itself is wonderful and have accepted me back into their fold. I serve as an usher, I attend sunday adult studies, wed morning Bible studies when I can, and am active in the choir. Yet... my soul still aches for more. It pains me that I cannot do more within the church, tho I do understand why.
And I am not without my problems. Currently, I have no job as my old job didn't need me anymore. We have been living on credit cards as my wife makes just enough money to disqualify us for financial assistance. Except now we have reached the breaking point and will probably have to declare bankruptcy. I had thought I had found a job this past week, however, they were supposed to call on Friday, but did not. As this has been ongoing for an extended period, I have up to very recently been very prone to depression and even suicidal thoughts.
God has brought me past that depression, however. And though I still face the same problems, my heart is light with the knowledge that God's will is being done. I know He loves me and forgives me. And while things may hurt now and might even hurt more in the future, these things are temporary. Nothing will tear his love for me away and nothing can cancel my reservation in his house!
Let's see... what else...
I am also trying to walk away from porn. That sin has held me in its thrall since well... before I was double-digits in age. Thanks be to God that I have made some good advances on this issue lately. It seems that God has at long last prepared me to be free and set me on the path to giving that up.
Which is why I am here.
I am a sinner and I need a place to hang out where I can both be lifted Spiritually, learn more about theology, all at the same time as avoiding temptations. If you will have me.
I guess this is the point where I introduce myself.
Baka is the name I generally use for myself. It means "Fool" in Japanese. I chose that name for two reasons. The first is that I enjoy Japanese comics and have taken a derogatory name with a touch of stubborn pride. The second is that it reminds me of 1 Corinthians 1:18, that the message of the Cross is foolishness to unbelievers.
Taking Fidelis, or "faithful" in Latin, I become a Faithful Fool to the world.
I was born into the LCMS and was confirmed there. However, our church started becoming fairly liberal and we left. We were unchurched for a few years until God brought us into the ELS ... wow almost 2 decades ago! lol
I was married at our current ELS church and our daughter was baptized and confirmed there.
I love our church and wish I could get more involved, but I cannot.
Due to VERY VERY foolish choices years back, I had some legal issues. I don't really want to get into it, but I do now have a "record." Because of that, I cannot perform many of the roles as a layperson. The congregation itself is wonderful and have accepted me back into their fold. I serve as an usher, I attend sunday adult studies, wed morning Bible studies when I can, and am active in the choir. Yet... my soul still aches for more. It pains me that I cannot do more within the church, tho I do understand why.
And I am not without my problems. Currently, I have no job as my old job didn't need me anymore. We have been living on credit cards as my wife makes just enough money to disqualify us for financial assistance. Except now we have reached the breaking point and will probably have to declare bankruptcy. I had thought I had found a job this past week, however, they were supposed to call on Friday, but did not. As this has been ongoing for an extended period, I have up to very recently been very prone to depression and even suicidal thoughts.
God has brought me past that depression, however. And though I still face the same problems, my heart is light with the knowledge that God's will is being done. I know He loves me and forgives me. And while things may hurt now and might even hurt more in the future, these things are temporary. Nothing will tear his love for me away and nothing can cancel my reservation in his house!
Let's see... what else...
I am also trying to walk away from porn. That sin has held me in its thrall since well... before I was double-digits in age. Thanks be to God that I have made some good advances on this issue lately. It seems that God has at long last prepared me to be free and set me on the path to giving that up.
Which is why I am here.
I am a sinner and I need a place to hang out where I can both be lifted Spiritually, learn more about theology, all at the same time as avoiding temptations. If you will have me.
Welcome BakaFidelis.
