(Other Bower here)
This is not a religious discussion per se, I don't need facts or debates, just an opinion. If this were you, what would it mean to you?

Over the past few months, I have noticed a subtle desire to "get in touch" with spirituality. Little hints pop up here and there.
I have never believed in "organized" religion for myself; few of the churches I have attended have given me inspiration or a desire to return. I have always believed in God and decided that it was my right to do so as I chose, not as others told me I should.
Lately I have had a strong desire to return to a particular non-denominational church I attended last year. I have also found myself occasionally listening to more inspirational-type music rather than bypassing the "God Channel" on the radio. I wandered into the inspirational section of the bookstore last weekend and actually took an interest in a few books I saw.
There is a song on the radio, "Long Black Train," which seems to stick in my head all the time; I paid attention to the lyrics and enjoyed it even more. And I was irritated at our company dinner last week when no one offered to say the blessing and no one else seemed to mind; I quietly said my own, then one of the big bosses stood up and gave a prayer, and I felt better. (Granted this could be an issue in today's society, in a public company, but nobody complained.)
So what is going on here? Why am I suddenly being pulled this way? There is nothing lacking in my life that I know of, other than the usual worries about bills and such. I am mentally and emotionally happy, I have friends and family that I love and who love me. There are some health issues I have been worried about, but so far everything has come back good.
Any thoughts on this?

 

hey, maybe its your subconcious telling you something
or maybe its a higher power
if going back to that church feels right to you, do it
I think at some points in our life we just feel more spiritual than others, and some lessons don't appear untill we are ready to learn from them.
just my humble thoughts, i could be wrong

best wishes, and I hope we all find the answer someday, I'm still looking

 

"Lately I have had a strong desire to return to a particular non-denominational church I attended last year."

Beat feet, Other Bower.

Don't let the screen door hit ya in the rump on the way out.

Your Karma is calling!

 

I'll make sure I put the Dogma outside first...;-P

On edit: Somehow I think it's music that is calling me back to that church. They had great modern music, not the same old hymns, and everyone sang LOUD and danced. I always felt good when I left, even though I've always felt uncomfortable in a church.
They have a radio program on Sundays, think I'll listen in this week coming up. Pastor Laura has some great sermons. I didn't feel like I was being preached at when I went, and I understood her.

 

I can see you are picking up my bad habits.


(I am **so** proud of you!!)

 

Gee, thanks Fuzzy...guess I won't shoot you after all...

 

Go for it. What have you got to lose?

You can always walk away later. (Hopefully.)

You could try going to a local club with some good live music too. It sounds to me like it's the musical experience that you're enjoying, kind of like seeing one of your favourite bands in concert, or even better, seeing a really good new band for the first time. I know that "high" and it can definately be pretty powerful, "religious" if you will. You'll have that bands songs in your head for a week.

Anyhoo, I don't want to sound like I'm discouraging you because I'm not, I'd just advise that you keep things in perspective.

Waxy

 

 

That's a good thought, Waxy, wish there were some clubs here to go to. At least, ones that aren't overrun with college kids or that take forever to drive to.

Music is a powerful motivator, but I believe there is more to it than just that. Maybe I am being prepared for something that is going to happen, and *someone* knows I may need spiritual support. I hope not, but it's something else to consider.

 

With the utmost respect Other Bowers - you'll make yourself nuts(er) trying to figure it out.

How many things have happened for a reason you didn't even begin to understand until years later?

If your spirit moves you - you need to skedaddle the way it's pointing - regardless of what direction that may be.

. . but remember: this is from a guy who has walked into glass doors.

 

Maybe it's telling you that you have a hidden musical talent and you better picking up a guitar post haste.

You'll be rich before you know it.

Waxy

 

I've been hunting for that hidden talent for years. I play a mean kazoo, but that's it. For the record, I can't sing either, but much to some peoples' dismay I do anyway.
Fuzzy, I see your point, but I don't like doing most things without knowing what motivates me to do them. I was never a sheep that followed what everyone else was doing, wearing, etc. I suppose in this case the best thing to do is follow through and hope an explanation presents itself eventually. You're right, it may be years from now, but there's no harm in trying. I think.

 

its gotten alot easier to make music with all the technology these days, so if its been a few years since you tried...
as for the singing, poeple who can't have gotten rich doing it
I find a bit of fooling on a guitar brings me closer to my god

I think you just need to follow your concience-if the music in the church makes you feel good, go. if you feel like singing, sing.
maybe you take a couple dead ends by accident, but its all about the journey right now, the destination is shrouded in mystery for all of us. I'd say just trust your heart

 

You could always have someone record the music for you to determine if the call is music or a social need. Following life only for established issues (I don't like doing most things without knowing what motivates me to do them) normally indicates someone more comfortable in the company of other people than exploring on an individual basis. Organized religion (non-denominational or other) offers a comfort level based on mutual goals.

As others have pointed out, what do you have to lose? Please don't knock on my door with those pamphlets

 

Words-adapted from The Bible, book of Ecclesiastes
Music-Pete Seeger

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time for every purpose, under Heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time for every purpose, under Heaven

A time to build up,a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time for every purpose, under Heaven

A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
And a time for every purpose, under Heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

The Byrds