Hi Everybody,

I just recently filled out my profile in full, completing all the possible boxes. Unfortunately I am not sure how to post a photo of myself. I did this so that everybody could read a little more about me if they wanted to.

Lately the importance of relationships and community is really being impressed on me by the Holy Spirit and since I find such value in being part of this online community I thought about how much I desire to know all of you a little better.

I thought that maybe this thread could be used to keep everybody updated on what is going on in your life. So that as a body we can share in one anothers lives. Cry together, rejoice together and be community together.

It may be helpful to initially post a small (or long) biography of yourself and then to add whatever comes up as time goes on. This will facilated real communal sharing rather than simply dialoging over various topics and issues (though that is also a wonderful dynamic of community).

I'll start and hopefully others will join in:

My name is Jacques Rothmann and I am 25 (26 on 15th of October)years old. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa. I am married to Nicola (Nicky) (turned 25 on 11 Sep.)and we have an 11 month old baby (1 year on 29 Oct).

As shared previously on another post, my past includes a deep searching for God, which at times led me down some negative pathways (drugs and occultism), but eventually I came to Christ in February of 2000.

I am currently studying Theology at a Baptist Theological college (finishing my 4th year) and work as a swimming teacher. My desire is to eventually lecture in Theology and Spirituality.

I have a deep passion for all things Christian and absolutely love the mystical paths of Christianity. I am ecumenically inclined and enjoy interfaith dialogue, while holding firmly to the uniqueness of Christ.

I love Shalomplace and deeply value the interactions that take place on this discussion board.

I am currently into my final month of studies and would appreciate prayers as the pressure is at boiling point.

Look forward to hearing more about you.

Hi Jacques,

This is a good idea and I like what you said about the place of relationships in your life. The truth, of course, is that if the gospel is about love, then life is about relationships. The relationships that I participate in in my life are my gold bullion. I grow in and through them in so many ways.
On a personal note, my name is Roger McKnight and I am 58 years young. I am a brat and mean that quite literally. There is a little of the imp in me who loves to make people laugh and tease others to no end. I am also blissfully married to a brat, my wife Linda who, btw, was also born on September 11, though she is a little older than your wife.
I work in a gas station and, believe it or not, love my job. It brings me in constant contact with people every hour of every day. And I think that is great. On a more personal note, I have come out of a very checkered past, a prodigal type, but now celebrate the banquet and the feast that life truly is when one lives it in Christ. Like you I treasure the mystical side of a personal faith experience and, as a result, begin and end each and every day in quiet time which I spend alone with the Lord whom I allow to be the Christ in my life.
I should also add that my wife and I have recently begun to go to Mass on Sundays, a kind of returning home for which I have her to thank. Although for a long time I chose to stay away from the church, for no better reason than it is not a perfect church (silly me), I now see things in a much clearer light than my past judgmentalism allowed me.
So, there you go. That's me in a tiny little nutshell. God bless and thanks for starting this thread.

Roger

Hi Roger,

So nice to actually meet you.

W.C. has mailed me to suggest being careful as to how much info we provide about ourselves on the net. I respect and accept his suggestion.

While I am comfortable with what I have posted, let us just consider his warning and be careful in the Lord.

I still feel it is awesome to get to know you guys and so, I still feel I would love others to post about themselves, just be careful about revealing anything that may lead to dangerous situations, like i.d. numbers, actual address etc.

Nice idea, Jacques. There's stuff about me and my work all over this site, so I won't be posting much on this thread. You might see http://web.mac.com/philothea/iWeb/Phil/Home.html for my latest personal web space.

That is a good idea, Jacques. I have wondered who some of the SP folks are, in general.

I'm a single mom living with my two boys, Zebedee and Orion (ages 8 and 5) in Michigan. I teach MA students at a Christian university.

I was born in Montenegro (what used to be called Yugoslavia) to an Albanian family. We moved to the Detroit area when I was four. I was raised Catholic, the social type of Catholic, but got into Eastern gurus and Hindu mysticism for a while in college. Then I had a "born again" experience in 2003, and I am truly a new person. I attend a Catholic Church because I love how reverantly they treat the Eucharist. And I attend a Vineyard Church and am involved in some ministry there.

I am re-writing a paper, From Seeker to Saved, about my conversion to Christ and what I learned about false gods, enlightenment, and how kundalini is different than the Holy Spirit.

Also, I am currently studying faith-healing. I have been tremendously blessed by impartations and divine healing of Lord Jesus working through faith healers. In particular, I have been transformed by Mahesh Chavda, Bobby Connor, and the teachings of Bill Johnson.

OK, let's hear from others....c'mon, don't be shy!

Hi Shasha,

So great to hear more about you. Love your boys names. I also attend a Vineyard church. Not sure if you are familiar with Alexander Venter who writes books for the vineyard, he is on our pastoral team. I also had some influence from eastern mysticism etc before I was "born again" and am currently doing a bit of a re-exploration of this past from my current Christian foundation. I would love to read your paper.

I really want to become a lecturer. Not sure if I have what it takes, but I love Theology and academic Christianity and love sharing what I learn. I will start with my Masters next year.

I have not heard the names you mentioned, will do a bit of a search and see who they are.

Thank you for your interest, Jacques.

My husband and I live near Cincinnati, Ohio, in a rural area. We love it here, however, I have been more or less secluded since we lived here, and so this community is important to me.

I have always been interested in spiritual things, seeking the Truth, even as a teen ager.

I consider myself a contemplative in the Catholic tradition, altho I have some "uncatholic" beliefs. You can find out more about all that at my web site. www.holystic.com .

Some of my interests include yoga, holistic health, "breathing", crafts, cats, flower gardening, ballroom dancing (used to, anyway), anything creative, writing, reading, reading, and more reading. :-)


Katy

Great to meet you Katy,

I have for long time wanted to live in a rural area. I struggle greatly with the way the world works in urban/western/capatalistic society.

The lifestyle of the arraj's in the forest appeals to me (Though I don't know if I would have the guts and the know how to up and leave the way they did).

Amen to the reading, reading and more reading )

Hey Guys,

Haven't posted in a while, been rather busy.
I could really do with some prayer.
I feel lost, confused and trapped. Here's why:

When I first became a Christian I was convinced that I was supposed to go into full-time ministry. Being in a Baptist church I began attending a Baptist Theological College. After 3 years i was quite disillusioned with where i was supposed to be. I still sensed I was supposed to be in full-time ministry, but not as a pastor, youth-pastor or missionary, especially not in the baptist denomination. After a break of two years I went back to my studies, completing my Bachelors degree last year and now busy with my Honours in Christian Spirituality.

We recently found out my wife is pregnant again, which was very unexpected and yet at the same time awesome. Problem is I still don't know what I am doing with my life. I only work part-time at the moment which was fine for life as it is, but now with another child on the way and my wife wanting to stay home with our kids, I am feeling ill prepared for providing for my family. The problem is, 5 years of theological training doesn't really prepare you to do anything but be a pastor, youth pastor or missionary. and I really am not sure I am supposed to be those. I feel like I am have studied something that is not going to provide for my family and yet at the same time a part of me still believes that I am supposed to minister, i just don't know where, or how or how it is going to support my family.

Please pray for me!

Jacques, I can certainly relate to your struggles to discern ministry leadings in the context of family life. I think since you've put in so much time and energy into your studies, it would be a good thing to complete them; who knows what doors you might be able to go through because of that credential? Also, spiritual direction would be good to help with the ongoing discernment you're doing. Prayers indeed. Keep us posted.

Phil

Hi Jacques,

I haven't posted here for a while either. Just thought I'd pop in today. :-)

My husband and I have been praying together every evening, and have a list of people we pray for. I will add you to our list.

Katy

Dear Jacques,

Congratulations on your growing family! Being pregnant and expecting a child is one of the most beautiful blessings one can receive--especially if you're the woman (not that you guys don't also enjoy it!).

I'm in agreement with Phil about receiving spiritual direction and also following through on what you've begun in your studies/program. Keep your heart in the 'right place' in terms of a continued commitment to serve God's children and who knows what doors will open up... I'll pray for your family, too.

much peace to you,
Shasha

Hi Guys,

Great developments recently, as of 2 May I will be the new social studies and computer teacher at a primary school in my city. I really feel a sense of joy and excitement at this possibility (with a lot of nerves) and my spiritual director agrees that this may be a very meaningful step for me.

Thank you for all your prayers,
I will let everybody know how it is going once I get started.

quote:

Originally posted by Shasha:
[qb] And I attend a Vineyard Church and am involved in some ministry there.

I am re-writing a paper, From Seeker to Saved, about my conversion to Christ and what I learned about false gods, enlightenment, and how kundalini is different than the Holy Spirit.

Also, I am currently studying faith-healing. I have been tremendously blessed by impartations and divine healing of Lord Jesus working through faith healers. In particular, I have been transformed by Mahesh Chavda, Bobby Connor, and the teachings of Bill Johnson.

OK, let's hear from others....c'mon, don't be shy! [/qb]

Sasha, I am a member of a Vineyard church also and have a similar interest in the ministers you mention. Have you made any progress on writing the paper mentioned above, that would be a great read.

I really believe the charismatic/pentecostal part of the church needs to explore and understand their spirituality more... they have the manifestations but do not have the understanding other than "its the Holy Spirit"! A better understanding of the inner life with Jesus has lead me on a journey into the mystics, etc.

Blessings,

Caneman

Dear Caneman,

you wrote:

I really believe the charismatic/pentecostal part of the church needs to explore and understand their spirituality more... they have the manifestations but do not have the understanding other than "its the Holy Spirit"!
-----------------------------------------

I don't think I have much more to offer than that either. Mostly, I've experienced differences in terms of what is kundalini vs. the Holy Spirit

To answer your question, I've had to put writing on hold for now. I have a new job and the responsibilities there seem more important at the moment. Thank you for your interest.

Thanks also for your recommendation of Addison's book. I've been enjoying reading about his journey and the marvelous way God is using him.

By the way, Bill Johnson will be a guest at Mahesh Chavda's church for a conference in mid-July. If I can swing it, I'll be there for sure.

much peace to you,
Shasha

Things have been quiet here lately, which is to be expected, I guess, from a community enamored with contemplative spirituality. Seriously -- that's fine with me. We already have developed quite a resource center.

It seems we've lost that "critical mass" of contributors necessary to keep a forum going. w.c.'s computer broke down and he's not replaced it. Brad and Johnboy dropped off, going on to other pastures. MM is alive and well, but inactive. Freebird left after we confronted some of what she wrote. Grace is somewhere in deep silence, doing well, I hope. Asher was banned after taking a turn to caustic anti-Western rants. These were the very active ones a year or so ago, with Shasha, Eric, Jacques, brjaan, Katy, revkah, Roger, Ryan and many others popping in from time to time. Wishing you all well. The door is still open here, if you've ever a desire to contribute something.

Meanwhile, I am well, having just received a sound bill of health from my doctor following my annual physical exam. We've completed our first year of SpiritLife at the retreat center; I was very busy with this, doing many of the lectures and involved in other aspects of the program. I continue with spiritual direction and a bit of ministry through the Internet -- most notably A Daily Spiritual Seed. Right now, Jim Arraj and I are working on a book entitled "Critical Issues in Christian Contemplative Practice." I don't expect you'll see it for sale in Walmart or airport bookstores, but it will address a number of issues we've discussed here and on his innerexplorations.com web site through the years. Some of our exchanges from this discussion board will be used, so stay tuned.

Anyone else with a bit of news?

An expression of gratitude

Hi Phil, brothers & sisters,

I have no news, really. Just want to say how much I value the integrity of ShalomPlace, its unique focus -- and the depth and thoughtfulness of the posters of this wonderful community.

I check in often, reading and picking up invaluable food for thought, even when that doesn�t result in a new post from me.

I suspect that is the case for many others who regularly visit ShalomPlace.

God bless!
-- HeartPrayer.

Hey Phil

Enjoyed reading about how things are going with you and your ministry. Can't wait to read the book you and James Arraj are writing, the two of you are probably my most influencial contemorary authors. I hope the text will appear on innerexploration as USA dollar/SA Rand conversions are usually impossible for me at this stage of my life.

I have been a primary school teacher for exactly two and a half weeks, and I am LOVING it. All the difficulties I envisioned in a career in full-time ministry just don't apply here. I can be who i am spiritualy and still give to others in a teaching capacity which is wonderful. I am teaching social sciences and computer (love social sciencies, not yet sure about the computers).

Naturally starting a full-time job and still completing my honours in Christian Spirituality and Mysticism has kept me more than busy. I am actually busy trying to set cycle tests for my classes and decided to quickly pop my head into shalom place (as i usually do when i get a moment on the comptuer). As long as SP exists i'll be reading along, time is just really limited.

Our son is doing great and our next little one is due in September, so as things go i envision much less time to check in in the future, but exciting all the same.

Greetings and Love to all the Shalomplacers!!!!

Thanks for the updates, Jacques and HP. Glad to see you both still check in. I knew I'd get into trouble if I started naming "regulars" and "sporadics" above, and can think of quite a few I've forgotten to mention. Oh well . . . you all know who you are.

Jacques, anything Arraj has published is available for FREE on his web site if you're willing to read the material there; you can also print what you want from it. Same for my ebooks on this site, but some require a small fee for print activation.

Phil

Thanks Phil, I was wondering where all the regulars went, esp. w.c. and johnboy and Brad. I miss Mystical Michael too.

This time of year I am always busy, what with yard work, etc. and just plain enjoying our beautiful outdoors. We keep a lot of birds happy with our feeders and bird bath, and are enjoying all our other small animals, except when they pull up our freshly planted flowers. ;-) Now we're waiting for some new little fawn to show up!!! Every year we see at least one or two. They are so precious.


Hubby and I are fine. We are planning a trip to Amish country for next month. I have been reading a lot of Amish fiction by Beverly Lewis and learning a lot about them; fascinating people.

Phil, That should be some book by you and Jim Arraj!

Katy

Dear friends,

It is good to hear what some of you are "up to" these days. Thank you for sharing a bit of your personal lives.

I enjoy watching my cat with her five baby kittens. Watching her nurse and protect them is very soothing to me. No matter how much they claw and peep and demand her frequent feedings, she doesn't seem to get resentful, retaliate, or feel overburdened or depleted by their needs. Huh...very revealing about my mothering capacity...and the state of our fallen world.

On a brighter note, I'm super busy with studying for the Psych Boards and a new job as a psychotherapist at a Christian counseling clinic. In treating patients from this perspective, I realize now what all of my "secular" training in clinical psychology has been about, indeed all of my life experiences. All has been for the sake of Christ...

It's like this: when you are learning the alphabet, then learning to read and write and then learning to type and so forth, you just don't know what these pieces of learning will lead to....then you come to Christ and realize, ah ha!

...and this coming together fosters greater faith and hope for the even bigger picture of our lives.

Much peace to you all,
Shasha

Hi everyone,

I wasn't sure where to start. I came across this message board and recognized some of the names from the LSF message board. If you remember me, please let me know how you're doing.

Pat in WA

Welcome, Pat. I'm not sure what the LSF message board is. Can you tell us a little more about it?

Peace. Phil

Hi Phil,

It's Living Spirit Foundation--the website that had a message board with Solomae for a short time. Some of the names here sound familiar, but I don't want to put anyone on the spot.

Pat

Ah, yes. I think there are several who post here from time to time who've been active there. Thanks for the info.