Finding God
-
Hi Anon, good for you in finding your way back to Christ. I've never heard of the bible translation you mentioned, i hope you researched it using Google or some academic resources to find out more info. My suggestion with you being at the start of your journey, find a bible translation that speaks to you. You can always acquire other versions too and if push comes to shove, there is always the Bible Gateway web site (and app) which offers some interesting translations. Please work on your growth with Christ. Know His Word and Him will sustain you during the tough times in life. You will need to remind yourself of His promises and Words when times get challenging. He promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. So, build your house on the Rock and stay strong. God bless you every day!
-
I won’t bore the forum with my story, but I am covered in tattoos and a newish member of a Parish. I, at first, covered my tattoos, too. I thought I would be judged, but the first time so attended with my arms uncovered and joined the coffee and doughnuts fellowship afterwards, the priest joined my table and asked jovially, “Those must have hurt! But they are beautiful!” No one treats me differently at all. I wouldn’t worry about your tattoos so long as you’re moving forwards under Christ. Your Parish shouldn’t judge you, either. I love my Parish and I feel so welcomed and happy to be there.
-
Come back home!! My son is heavily tatted. He is struggling with his faith, and does not always go to Mass, but he has expressed concern that Catholics will not accept a kid with tattoos. Every time he DOES come to Mass, people flock to him, happy to see him, not caring one bit about his tattoos. GOD loves you. You are His child. If you go to a church and find an uncharitable community because of your tattoos, find another parish. But don't let your tattoos keep you out of your Father's house. Come home. God's waiting for you.
-
As for the Bible question:
Dont be afraid to try more than 1 version of the Bible.
You can try different ones for free with sites like Bible gateway, Studylight.org, blueletterbible.org, etc.- Blue Letter Bible also has an app that lets you read 2 versions at the same time. (Photo attached for reference) it's helpful when you dont understand a passage.
StudyLight.org: Read, Study and Search God's Word with our Bible Resources
Enjoy our FREE online Bible study tools to enhance your study. More of Bible resources you want and need: 110+ Commentaries, 28 Dictionaries, 8 Encyclopedias and 3 Lexicons, 12+ Devotionals!
StudyLight.org (studylight.org)
-
As for the Bible question:
Dont be afraid to try more than 1 version of the Bible.
You can try different ones for free with sites like Bible gateway, Studylight.org, blueletterbible.org, etc.- Blue Letter Bible also has an app that lets you read 2 versions at the same time. (Photo attached for reference) it's helpful when you dont understand a passage.
StudyLight.org: Read, Study and Search God's Word with our Bible Resources
Enjoy our FREE online Bible study tools to enhance your study. More of Bible resources you want and need: 110+ Commentaries, 28 Dictionaries, 8 Encyclopedias and 3 Lexicons, 12+ Devotionals!
StudyLight.org (studylight.org)
-
Also, I wish someone had told me this at the stage you're at, so i am going to tell you:
I recommend reading the Bible at least 1x all the way through before reading any commentaries. When you get questions, write them down and look for them in the Bible, NOT the commentaries. ( I did not, and I am STILL struggling to remember what was in the Bible and what was commentary. ) -
Hi! I was heavily tatted too before coming to God and I actually blacked out all my tattoos. I don’t think you should feel pressured to cover them at all! I think they can help to bring more people to God and serve as a visual testimony of what He has done for you! If people at your church truly love and serve God, they will not be looking at your tattoos and external things.
-
Hi, I just wanted to share my thoughts on tattoos.
If you can’t afford to remove them, perhaps it’s a sign that you’re being called to integrate your past and embrace your evolution—not by striving to live as a realized immaculate being, but by accepting the path itself.
Whatever you’ve been will always remain a living part of you. You must accept it and live in peace with it. And once you truly have, you may find you no longer feel the need to remove them—even if you have more than enough to do so. -
I am Catholic and I would say that your tattoos are part of your journey and the important part is that it helped you find your way Home. Thank you for sharing your journey, and welcome back!
-
I love talk radio. I listen to Relevant Radio (relevantradio.com) and have learned more about my Catholic Faith in 5 months than I leaned in 50 years--and I went to Catholic school as well. Patrick Madrid who is on 8:00 - 11:00 central time is an amazing Catholic apologist (and you can call into the show to ask questions -- even anonymously). Another is Fr. Simon's "Father Simon Says" can be a hoot sometimes. He's witty and charming and there to answer any question about the bible, readings of the day etc. And as he says, what he doesn't know he can always make up. Another favorite of mine is Drew Mariani who does a daily Divine Mercy Chaplet but his show is the latest info and news through a Catholic lens. I also daily join in to the Family Rosary Across America with Fr. Rocky at 7:00 PM Central. The miracles and prayers abound. I usually watch this on YouTube but recently they have Relevant Radio on my Roku and watch that on the Relevant Radio app. The app can be downloaded to your phone. You want to learn and live your Catholic faith and get there quickly, listen to Relevant Radio. you may even have a station where you live.
Relevant Radio - America’s Talk Radio Network for Catholics
Relevant Radio, Drew Mariani, Patrick Madrid, Fr. Simon, Family Rosary Across America, Cale Clarke, Timmerie Geagea, John Morales, Glen Lewerenz.
Relevant Radio (relevantradio.com)
-
I found The Great Adventure Bible to be the greatest Bible if you're looking for recommendations. It has everything you would need in there to be able to really study the Bible. Also it is the Bible that FR. Mike Schmitz uses in the Bible in a year podcast which is available for free on Spotify that you can listen along while going through the Bible which is really good help. And you can pair it with the Catechism by Ascension (which is the same as the Great Adventure Bible) and follow along with FR. Mike on the Catechism podcast as well. And your tattoos, God judges the heart and so the heart when you got those tattoos isn't necessarily the same heart you have now even though you still have those tattoos. But you may also enjoy sitting down with a Priest at some point and he can better answer all your questions especially if you're feeling nervous or uncertain.
-
I’m not Catholic, believer since youth. I think all religions are man spoiled. It doesn’t matter. Jesus is King! His words: “in weakness I am strong” you are evidence of the story of GRACE. Every mark you have is stripe of the enemy that you can share to bring more lost souls to the kingdom. And your foray into Buddhism is another aspect the Lord will use in your journey That’s all that matters. Saving souls from the torment of hell! It’s so much worse than we can imagine - look at the state of our fallen world! Yikes. God bless you, sister
-
I like the 1990 Zondervan NIV Bible
Also recommend cs Lewis - really all his books are wonderful but Surprised by Joy is wonderful.
Jesus Calling incredible devotional.
Francine Rivers Redeeming Love and a historical trilogy that is great.
Stormie Ormartisn Power of Praying series are all good.
Last of all bedside devotional is My Utmost For Hos Highest.
Christ is King!!!! -
Im Edawgone on Instagram. I’m private but if you message me I am happy to be a resource for you. I’m 56 been following Jesus over 40 years. A daughter. A mother. A sister. A wife. A recovered alcoholic. I got into yoga big time in the 2000s had a spiritual conviction, no more. He is a jealous God! Love to help you of I can. God bless you
