Originally Unoriginal

This is not a pity-party. This is simple a statement of where I am and why I feel the way I feel. I am not depressed, but I am not really satisfied, and that's perfectly ok. I'm a 24 year old single female. I still live at home with my parents. I don't have a husband or kids. I don't have a boyfriend. I have myself. I have my car. I have my iPhone. I realize that paying rent for an apartment would be ridiculous considering that I don't spend that much time at home. Yet sometimes I just wish I had my own place. I love my job, but sometimes I wonder if it's really what I want to do for the rest of my life. I don't want to be the 40 year old teacher that's still single and still in the same place because she was too afraid to strike out on her own. I am great friends with one of the best guys around. But for whatever reasons, we aren't anything more than friends. That really bothers me at times, and then at other times I don't feel like...

**This post is not written to offend anyone. It is strictly my thoughts on a very sensitive subject in Pentecostal/Apostolic/Holiness Movements today. You may or may not know anything pertaining to "Dress Standards" in these churches, but if not, maybe it will help you understand why things are the way they are.** I have been raised to uphold certain standards in my dress and appearance. Women are to have long hair and to only wear skirts, not rising above the knee. We are not to wear make-up or jewelry, except for a wedding ring. All of this is to be done in order to be an example to the world and be pleasing in the sight of God. I have upheld these rules, for the most part, for the past 24 years of my life. I have questioned them often. I even did a study with my college and career group a few years back. The principles behind them made since, to a degree, and there were a few scriptures to back them up, so I accepted the status-quo. As certain events began to arise in my l...

I had a theological conversation with a friend, Guitar Man, today, and we both raised some very interesting points that I wish to share. A mutual friend of ours had expressed his anger with the Baptist church because they had never taught him the book of Acts. Guitar Man replied to him that he was mad at the Pentecostal church because they never taught him anything else. Think about it. If you are UPC or another A/P organization, most likely "standards" were preached hard and heavy along with the 3-step plan of salvation. I was raised to think there was a formula to live by and get to heaven. Follow the formula and you will be rewarded, miss any step and you will be doomed forever. I can't speak for any other denomination, but to hear them talk, it seems as they are taught to repent and say a prayer and they make it to heaven. The rest of their life doesn't really matter. Don't get me wrong, I believe in Jesus Name Baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, but ...

Is it a real revelation if a year or two later you're doubting it once again?? Is there something that I'm missing when it comes to living for God? These are some of the questions rolling through my mind lately. Care to catch a glimpse?? A little over a year ago I did a study on "standards" as most UPCI churches adhere to. I wasn't sure if all the no hair cutting, and long skirt wearing was necessary. After discussing it with a wise man, I came to find that I do agree with most of the things I do, yet I'm not going to pressure it or force it on to anyone else. Is it essential to salvation? I use to think not, but now I'm not so sure. If it is indeed essential to salvation, at least for me, then I'm doing what is right and others will burn in hell. However, if it is not something that is essential to salvation, but something I do extra out of love and respect to God, then I'm making myself feel burdened down for nothing. If it's not necessary, ...