Welcome to F&S Group

[CommunityAdmin]

I know that faith and spirituality plays an important role in some members quit journeys, particularly those who have joined here in this group.  This group is here to ensure that people who choose to incorporate faith and spirituality into their quit journey can do so safely and openly amongst others who likely share similar beliefs instead of in the public areas.

Having a private group also gives me the ability as the Community Manager of EX to protect those who come here from others who might come to intentionally create conflict. Any member is permitted in this group so long as they're respectful to the beliefs of those in the group. Anyone not respecting other members of this group will be removed from the group and possibly the community entirely. 

To help me, in accordance with our community guidelines, please ensure that any posts that contain faith or spiritual based messaging be posted here rather than in public areas of the EX Community.

• This will help reduce the need for moving posts
• It will reduce the likelihood that conflict will arise

Please note: While I am the owner of the group and an employee of Truth Initiative, I will not largely be participating other than to announce new members.

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Now on to the fun stuff:

In order to get the group more acquainted with each other I ask you that you introduce yourself to the group and share how your faith and spirituality has impacted your quit journey in the comments below. 

• As new members request access I'll welcome them in this topic with an @mention so please say hello to them.
• I also encourage you to invite others, when applicable, to  Faith & Spirituality - EX Community  Group as you see them posting around EX Community.

[CommunityAdmin]

Welcome all 101 members so far!

@Mandolinrain @Jennifer-Quit @Hannahkim12345 @GramiTami @MarilynH @RoseH @Giulia @minihorses @Gai.C @JuJuCFruit @PJ85 @DavesTime @Tracycarson1 @NaomiBitter @BenSchwellin @Buttercup375727 @NewMe93 @kcorby65 @Carol6 @jdpeterson4 @Dlsteph62 @marymary5958 @Subaralegacy78 @j3ffmeadowsgm @Lada00 @JayGrealty @rrawlings @Christine616 @cdsells @PWitschi @shamrock1213 @Shadownctrout @dsweet1becky @Denise_60 @Chevys101995 @LGenter1966 @sarahhollowayy @sherylr47 @jgreeley68 @KourtneeLove @daverson828 @angelangela @Ladyhawke2165 @jestersnow72 @CathyC1332 @Meerkat @Taraysa @Joyous76 @Ebell1911 @anitajoyce @indingrl @sankev @Juliejules2456 @Momoffivesons @rbnmccr @88BreatheAgain8 @PALYWALY @cittaw11 @Daisy44 @Dawnmarie1227 @Jlanier47 @Dorothyw @mjerry @willybilly30 @JakeTrev @Drakenzbane @Makingachange @Ggregorya @Heathermcc @livonce81 @evamarieann @808813 @lwest77 @Pao777 @Vanessa222 @SuzyQ411 @LadyBug60 @berfzoom @aaudet74 @KayamiLyn @angel51859 @bcody_98 @ruby1008 @Kblanchard1988 @wpwwusncorpsman @Sarahheatley89 @madlydancing @Suzy7677 @Nicklashea @evieguerra7 @BRWQUEEN7 @dardee68 @Maki @Mrsnykiel1 @michelleloucks 

Please see my post above and then introduce yourself to the group.  

I haven't seen it in a bit but creating a Prayer Circle used to be a common thing here on the EX Community. So don't hesitate to create a post here in this group, as needed, and tag it "Prayer Circle" so others might come here and support you in your request.

[biscuit9]

I want to introduce myself.  I am Christina from Texas.  My walk with God has been the most important thing in my life.  I was baptized as a young girl, my mother is the reason I learned about Jesus.  I fell away when I became an adult and I feel awful about that.  God was waiting for me, 20 something years later, and I "drew near to Him and he will draw near to you".  I came back to God October 9, 2021 and I haven't left his side since.  Placed membership at a church of Christ in my area in March of this year, 2023.  I read my Bible daily and would love to talk scripture with anyone.  My hope is Heaven and I love God and Jesus.

[jewlz23]

Oh, my yes! I had been reading you joined the group but couldn't find a post. Is this your first? I am so happy you are here! Big Hugs! I have been over-joyed with the support here in all of EX but there is something very special here in this group and that is called God and Jesus our Savior. We can speak freely here and we all get what we mean. It is like an extra safeguard to help us along our quit journey. I like that. I like the mood here.

I hope you are doing well. 

Dear God, may our day be blessed today with all of our friends we have made in this short time. May we all learn your scriptures and allow your lessons to glow in our hearts and minds. I love you, my Lord in heaven and am so very grateful to you for giving me not just a sense of hope but to allow my heart to open and feel love again. May you provide everyone to have a productive and graceful day today and shine your light as always. Amen

Sherri

[biscuit9]

Thank you for the welcome jewlz.  That is not my first post, but one of my first posts.  I was waiting to introduce myself because I wasn't sure of what to say.  Yes, I think this group will be nice.

[SuzyQ411]

AMEN AND AMEN @jewlz23 /Sherri. Your prayer for us for today really touched my heart ❤️ 

[wpwwusncorpsman]

@biscuit9 I also fell away from Christ in my 20s about. Then in my 30s I went on to get a Bachelors in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University and a Certificate in Christian Ministry from Liberty University, so I came back to Jesus and wanted to devote all I had to Him. I feel a lot of people walk away from Him, so don't feel bad about that, the important thing is you are back in a relationship with Him now. Hope you are having a good day

[biscuit9]

Thank you so much for reaching out.  I am learning I am not alone, that other Christians have also fell to the wayside.  Bless you for becoming a minister.  Most people say it is a calling and I hope you are enjoying saving souls and teaching others.  I feel extremely blessed that I had enough time to get my act together and realize that God is the anchor that I was missing, in my life.  I NEEDED him.  

"Or despiseth thou the riches of his goodness and forebearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth to repentance" Romans 2:4  (That's what happened to me.  It is as though God showed me the evil in this world.  I could no longer sit on the fence, I gave it ALL to him, repented and have been intent on serving HIM and not sin.)

I am in awe of your Biblical knowledge.  I think it would be so interesting to study, really study, the Bible.  I am reading daily and I read with commentary, because I want to learn the History that comes with the different ages in time.  I find the Bible fascinating and inspiring.

[SuzyQ411]

@biscuit9 

@wpwwusncorpsman 

I am so happy you two have invested your time into this little group of ours. Your input is so caring and so Christ-centered; you input is so uplifting.

I mentioned at some point in one of my posts that I was a "Prodigal Daughter" and returned to a closeness with the Lord and was blessed with forgiveness after drifting about for a number of years while my first marriage crumbled. I am thankful beyond words that Jesus never gave up on me nor stopped loving me and opened his arms to me when I felt pulled back by His calling out to me.

He saved me in more ways than one and I will be eternally grateful.

RESCUE 

(lauren daigle)

[biscuit9]

It has been uplifting to read in here this morning.  Thank you all.  Suzy, I saw the post where you described yourself as the Prodigal Daughter.  I pray we all have a fruitful day. Sow seeds where you can and look for those opportunities to teach.  God bless each of you.