Re: Your experience when you dropped "dress standa
At this time, I am still in the UPC and follow moderate standards... I have a french manicure, wear some light makeup... my hair is growing out again, but for the most part I would be identified as UPC. Just don't stop by my house unannounced in the summer time.
I have to say it has been a wild ride over the last 7-8 years... but it has been a process in changing my belief system. I'm still not living what I believe totally because I am still in a UPCI church... I love the worship and it is my heritage. I don't make changes easy... never know what might happen in 5 years or so though.
Some here might remember my Ruth Reider experience... (old FCF) I was raised UPC, but trimmed my hair off and on until I was approx 32... then I was handed RR's book to read. I didn't read or study the bible, so hey, I needed it explained ya know ... I had absolutely no clue where we got the pants scripture until an older saint gave me the scripture after seeing my daughters in pants when they were little.
I fell for the whole power in hair theory... stopped trimming my hair and put the hammer down on my girls. I let my hair grow for about 4 years total... it went down past my backside and I didn't like it, but I thought I was keeping protection over my husband. When he left his family I found that those special powers in my hair didn't help that... my house caught on fire and we were displaced and my husband left me all in two weeks... My hair was not working now!! It sent me in a tailspin... I had already been challenged online to put my RR books down and study of all things.. The Bible itself.. and I did.
I read and poured over scripture for hours, I fasted.. I will never forget the day I was ending a 3 day fast over the subject of "hair" and all the material laid out over my dining room table, the computer running, the bible open... I laid my head down and sobbed... told God I needed an answer.. I saw it wasn't biblical, but I was afraid to trust what I had seen. The bible open, my eyes fell upon Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. I knew I had found my answer. A few days later I went and had my hair cut to my waist... which ended up being about 17 inches or so. I gave it to locks of love and never looked back. Actually, at one point back in 05 or so, my hair was at my shoulders... found I actually like it longer.. so grew some of it back.
For a while, I did pretty much what I wanted to do... which wasn't that much... I guess I am boring.. lol I did wear makeup, did go to movies.. found I hated jewelry... I sincerely asked God to convict if something was not pleasing to him. I believe he will answer that prayer... I wanted so desperately to be led of the Spirit. He did, and I formed convictions. I felt very free to honor him with devotion of the heart and not worry about this outward junk...
what I found was one of the most surprising things... I fell in love with Jesus.. I actually found myself conservative on things that many people in the UPC act like isn't necessary... I started focusing on honesty, integrity, attitudes... I read the bible and started applying the Words of Jesus to my life... found God is very concerned about the way I handle my finances, doesn't approve of gluttony and that includes far more than food. I faced my emotional eating for the first time.. the list just keeps going. I'm conservative on divorce, I wouldn't watch half the stuff that I see others even in my own family watch... I have strict standards on anything I read or see... those convictions are from my heart though... and I feel are necessary for me. I finally have a relationship with God.
I ended up giving my daughters a choice... explained what I believed and why I believed it through bible study.. (and they witnessed that studying, praying and even fasting) I might follow the standards, but I refused to raise my girls believing that it has anything to do with salvation. They do not equate standards with their belief, faith or salvation in God. If have felt if I can get my girls to love God from their heart early, they will never depart from him...the relationship is there to keep them.
My girls know what it is to live a Pentecostal life of worshipping on Sunday yet not follow dress standards on Monday morning.... they are not convicted because standards are not associated with their salvation.
I've been back in our Choir now for about 5 months. My layered haircut is looking shaggy, but I keep on going on... I am being faithful to my signed paper. (for choir)
I love my UPC church, but if I found a church that I felt comfortable in that believed in Jesus name baptism yet wouldn't be hung up on standards, I would be there. There are many days that I wish I could live exactly as I feel and still be used in the gifts that I believe God gave me. Anybody liberal got a calling to the city of Indianapolis?
I have discussed in length how I feel about standards with family, not all is favorable or accepting of what I believe now.. but I've found that I'm still accepted. I'm not serving family, but God. there is freedom and liberty in following the leading of the Holy Ghost and not following man...
The most difficult thing I face is the association with my family who is still in the UPCI ministry ... I have invested in more hair pieces for church or district functions... I gripe that cut hair pieces are acceptable, but cut hair is not. lol
I respect how I was raised... I don't fight it like I used to... I believe what I believe and await change or await the day I can move South.
Re: Your experience when you dropped "dress standa
I like judging judgmental people ... My sister and I have this one sister from my sister's UPC church that we love to joke about. Every now and then I'll ask, Sis. So-and-so say anything profound lately, and she'll mention someone that sister looked down on, or said something passive-aggressive or condescending to, and we'll just have a good laugh. And then we have our impersonations and we'll be Sis. So-and-so saying what our judgmental sister would say... We probably shouldn't, I was a legalist of legalists just a year ago, and I'm still fairly conservative, but this sister is such a character. Pentecost truly has it's number of characters, they really are hilarious.
Re: Your experience when you dropped "dress standa
Quote:
Originally Posted by ForeverBlessed
At this time, I am still in the UPC and follow moderate standards... I have a french manicure, wear some light makeup... my hair is growing out again, but for the most part I would be identified as UPC. Just don't stop by my house unannounced in the summer time.
I have to say it has been a wild ride over the last 7-8 years... but it has been a process in changing my belief system. I'm still not living what I believe totally because I am still in a UPCI church... I love the worship and it is my heritage. I don't make changes easy... never know what might happen in 5 years or so though.
Some here might remember my Ruth Reider experience... (old FCF) I was raised UPC, but trimmed my hair off and on until I was approx 32... then I was handed RR's book to read. I didn't read or study the bible, so hey, I needed it explained ya know ... I had absolutely no clue where we got the pants scripture until an older saint gave me the scripture after seeing my daughters in pants when they were little.
I fell for the whole power in hair theory... stopped trimming my hair and put the hammer down on my girls. I let my hair grow for about 4 years total... it went down past my backside and I didn't like it, but I thought I was keeping protection over my husband. When he left his family I found that those special powers in my hair didn't help that... my house caught on fire and we were displaced and my husband left me all in two weeks... My hair was not working now!! It sent me in a tailspin... I had already been challenged online to put my RR books down and study of all things.. The Bible itself.. and I did.
I read and poured over scripture for hours, I fasted.. I will never forget the day I was ending a 3 day fast over the subject of "hair" and all the material laid out over my dining room table, the computer running, the bible open... I laid my head down and sobbed... told God I needed an answer.. I saw it wasn't biblical, but I was afraid to trust what I had seen. The bible open, my eyes fell upon Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. I knew I had found my answer. A few days later I went and had my hair cut to my waist... which ended up being about 17 inches or so. I gave it to locks of love and never looked back. Actually, at one point back in 05 or so, my hair was at my shoulders... found I actually like it longer.. so grew some of it back.
For a while, I did pretty much what I wanted to do... which wasn't that much... I guess I am boring.. lol I did wear makeup, did go to movies.. found I hated jewelry... I sincerely asked God to convict if something was not pleasing to him. I believe he will answer that prayer... I wanted so desperately to be led of the Spirit. He did, and I formed convictions. I felt very free to honor him with devotion of the heart and not worry about this outward junk...
what I found was one of the most surprising things... I fell in love with Jesus.. I actually found myself conservative on things that many people in the UPC act like isn't necessary... I started focusing on honesty, integrity, attitudes... I read the bible and started applying the Words of Jesus to my life... found God is very concerned about the way I handle my finances, doesn't approve of gluttony and that includes far more than food. I faced my emotional eating for the first time.. the list just keeps going. I'm conservative on divorce, I wouldn't watch half the stuff that I see others even in my own family watch... I have strict standards on anything I read or see... those convictions are from my heart though... and I feel are necessary for me. I finally have a relationship with God.
I ended up giving my daughters a choice... explained what I believed and why I believed it through bible study.. (and they witnessed that studying, praying and even fasting) I might follow the standards, but I refused to raise my girls believing that it has anything to do with salvation. They do not equate standards with their belief, faith or salvation in God. If have felt if I can get my girls to love God from their heart early, they will never depart from him...the relationship is there to keep them.
My girls know what it is to live a Pentecostal life of worshipping on Sunday yet not follow dress standards on Monday morning.... they are not convicted because standards are not associated with their salvation.
I've been back in our Choir now for about 5 months. My layered haircut is looking shaggy, but I keep on going on... I am being faithful to my signed paper. (for choir)
I love my UPC church, but if I found a church that I felt comfortable in that was Apostolic in doctrine yet wouldn't be hung up on standards, I would be there. There are many days that I wish I could live exactly as I feel and still be used in the gifts that I believe God gave me. Anybody liberal got a calling to the city of Indianapolis?
I have discussed in length how I feel about standards with family, not all is favorable or accepting of what I believe now.. but I've found that I'm still accepted. I'm not serving family, but God. there is freedom and liberty in following the leading of the Holy Ghost and not following man...
The most difficult thing I face is the association with my family who is still in the UPCI ministry ... I have invested in more hair pieces for church or district functions... I gripe that cut hair pieces are acceptable, but cut hair is not. lol
I respect how I was raised... I don't fight it like I used to... I believe what I believe and await change or await the day I can move South.
FB--thanks for speaking from your heart! This is a beautiful testimony of God's grace and learning to hear from Him for yourself. I have been through many of the very same things. All I ever wanted to do was to be pleasing to Him.
Re: Your experience when you dropped "dress standa
I want to say that I too appreciate you sharing your testimony and some very personal thoughts. Good for you! You have the kind of spirit that our Father can work with. You're going to be fine.
Raven
Re: Your experience when you dropped "dress standa
Quote:
Originally Posted by ForeverBlessed
At this time, I am still in the UPC and follow moderate standards... I have a french manicure, wear some light makeup... my hair is growing out again, but for the most part I would be identified as UPC. Just don't stop by my house unannounced in the summer time.
I have to say it has been a wild ride over the last 7-8 years... but it has been a process in changing my belief system. I'm still not living what I believe totally because I am still in a UPCI church... I love the worship and it is my heritage. I don't make changes easy... never know what might happen in 5 years or so though.
Some here might remember my Ruth Reider experience... (old FCF) I was raised UPC, but trimmed my hair off and on until I was approx 32... then I was handed RR's book to read. I didn't read or study the bible, so hey, I needed it explained ya know ... I had absolutely no clue where we got the pants scripture until an older saint gave me the scripture after seeing my daughters in pants when they were little.
I fell for the whole power in hair theory... stopped trimming my hair and put the hammer down on my girls. I let my hair grow for about 4 years total... it went down past my backside and I didn't like it, but I thought I was keeping protection over my husband. When he left his family I found that those special powers in my hair didn't help that... my house caught on fire and we were displaced and my husband left me all in two weeks... My hair was not working now!! It sent me in a tailspin... I had already been challenged online to put my RR books down and study of all things.. The Bible itself.. and I did.
I read and poured over scripture for hours, I fasted.. I will never forget the day I was ending a 3 day fast over the subject of "hair" and all the material laid out over my dining room table, the computer running, the bible open... I laid my head down and sobbed... told God I needed an answer.. I saw it wasn't biblical, but I was afraid to trust what I had seen. The bible open, my eyes fell upon Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. I knew I had found my answer. A few days later I went and had my hair cut to my waist... which ended up being about 17 inches or so. I gave it to locks of love and never looked back. Actually, at one point back in 05 or so, my hair was at my shoulders... found I actually like it longer.. so grew some of it back.
For a while, I did pretty much what I wanted to do... which wasn't that much... I guess I am boring.. lol I did wear makeup, did go to movies.. found I hated jewelry... I sincerely asked God to convict if something was not pleasing to him. I believe he will answer that prayer... I wanted so desperately to be led of the Spirit. He did, and I formed convictions. I felt very free to honor him with devotion of the heart and not worry about this outward junk...
what I found was one of the most surprising things... I fell in love with Jesus.. I actually found myself conservative on things that many people in the UPC act like isn't necessary... I started focusing on honesty, integrity, attitudes... I read the bible and started applying the Words of Jesus to my life... found God is very concerned about the way I handle my finances, doesn't approve of gluttony and that includes far more than food. I faced my emotional eating for the first time.. the list just keeps going. I'm conservative on divorce, I wouldn't watch half the stuff that I see others even in my own family watch... I have strict standards on anything I read or see... those convictions are from my heart though... and I feel are necessary for me. I finally have a relationship with God.
I ended up giving my daughters a choice... explained what I believed and why I believed it through bible study.. (and they witnessed that studying, praying and even fasting) I might follow the standards, but I refused to raise my girls believing that it has anything to do with salvation. They do not equate standards with their belief, faith or salvation in God. If have felt if I can get my girls to love God from their heart early, they will never depart from him...the relationship is there to keep them.
My girls know what it is to live a Pentecostal life of worshipping on Sunday yet not follow dress standards on Monday morning.... they are not convicted because standards are not associated with their salvation.
I've been back in our Choir now for about 5 months. My layered haircut is looking shaggy, but I keep on going on... I am being faithful to my signed paper. (for choir)
I love my UPC church, but if I found a church that I felt comfortable in that believed in Jesus name baptism yet wouldn't be hung up on standards, I would be there. There are many days that I wish I could live exactly as I feel and still be used in the gifts that I believe God gave me. Anybody liberal got a calling to the city of Indianapolis?
I have discussed in length how I feel about standards with family, not all is favorable or accepting of what I believe now.. but I've found that I'm still accepted. I'm not serving family, but God. there is freedom and liberty in following the leading of the Holy Ghost and not following man...
The most difficult thing I face is the association with my family who is still in the UPCI ministry ... I have invested in more hair pieces for church or district functions... I gripe that cut hair pieces are acceptable, but cut hair is not. lol
I respect how I was raised... I don't fight it like I used to... I believe what I believe and await change or await the day I can move South.
FB, I hope you don't find my comment offensive but I just find it odd that a church has this type of set up where you sign a paper where you wont cut your hair just while you are in the choir but you can step out of the choir for a rest period while you get a trim and then get back in again so long as you sign that paper. I'm not putting you on Blast and I'm not downing your church or pastor, i'm just saying I don't get the concept of this. It's not making sense.
Also, didn't the internet and the forums have a lot to do with changing your thinking away from what you were raised to believe?? I have heard that a lot of pastors are very fearful of what this can do to their saints. however, I don't know how in the world they are going to stop it. I have heard about some ultra con churches in CA. trying to outlaw internet...but good luck LOL
FB, we both grew up in the same era. the UPC and traditional pentecost is going through a major shift right now. I too am really slow to move and change. I'm always fearful of all the "what if's ". what if this is not right, what if we've missed God? what if those who left and went charismatics are the ones who are wrong, etc etc, right now, i think it's just safe to stand still and wait till all the dust settles. I'd rather errror on the side of caution then to get to a place where I can't get back to. I see those who left that are SO FAR out there now and it all started with just little things, but I see a lot wrong with the other side too and in my mind I have grown and evolved as well - understand?
Re: Your experience when you dropped "dress standa
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherri
FB--thanks for speaking from your heart! This is a beautiful testimony of God's grace and learning to hear from Him for yourself. I have been through many of the very same things. All I ever wanted to do was to be pleasing to Him.
Thank you Sherri, it was people like you posting over the years that assured me that just because there wasn't outward standards didn't mean there wasn't convictions and standards in your life. I see the love of God in you...and others. You have been an inspiration.
Newman was the first to convince me with her life that she was indeed a child of God without the standards...
I set out to change me on the inside so that that could also be said of me someday... I want to be a Christian not because I look the upc part, but because all others can see is Jesus in me.
If I ever move to TN someday, I know that I could attend your church... I would love to visit sometime.
Re: Your experience when you dropped "dress standa
Quote:
Originally Posted by StMark
FB, I hope you don't find my comment offensive but I just find it odd that a church has this type of set up where you sign a paper where you wont cut your hair just while you are in the choir but you can step out of the choir for a rest period while you get a trim and then get back in again so long as you sign that paper. I'm not putting you on Blast and I'm not downing your church or pastor, i'm just saying I don't get the concept of this. It's not making sense.
Also, didn't the internet and the forums have a lot to do with changing your thinking away from what you were raised to believe?? I have heard that a lot of pastors are very fearful of what this can do to their saints. however, I don't know how in the world they are going to stop it. I have heard about some ultra con churches in CA. trying to outlaw internet...but good luck LOL
FB, we both grew up in the same era. the UPC and traditional pentecost is going through a major shift right now. I too am really slow to move and change. I'm always fearful of all the "what if's ". what if this is not right, what if we've missed God? what if those who left and went charismatics are the ones who are wrong, etc etc, right now, i think it's just safe to stand still and wait till all the dust settles. I'd rather errror on the side of caution then to get to a place where I can't get back to. I see those who left that are SO FAR out there now and it all started with just little things, but I see a lot wrong with the other side too and in my mind I have grown and evolved as well - understand?
Well, I've been out of the choir some six months or so at a time.. I didn't leave the choir for a trim and get back in, although I know that some have done that. I didn't leave the choir over hair, but personal issues that kept me from practices and committment... while out, I got my hair cut every six weeks or so.. it just become normal for me.
The whole time I didn't follow standards for about 3 years or so... I attended church, but never was active in pulpit ministries. Our church would be considered progressive for UPC. They are very loving and one of the most non judgemental churches I have ever seen.
The internet didn't bring about the change, but the information I found did. I studied after being challenged. I had to step outside my UPC box first though... you have to think outside the mindset we've been raised with. We have a culture all of its own... you have to look outside it.
Re: Your experience when you dropped "dress standa
Quote:
Originally Posted by StMark
well for starters you could take those ear bobs off
gather it back and put a clip on bun on the nap of you neck.
It wont hurt you to do that for a few hours. when your with
the natives you wear the get up- just do it I know you can!
Mark, I got in trouble in nursing school for wearing my 'long hair down'. It was the length you see in my avatar.
I tried the clips. I can't wear them, even for a little bit.
The other day, I was fishing and wore a hat. I had a headache the entire rest of the day.
I can't wear anything on or in my hair/head.
__________________
I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
... I had absolutely no clue where we got the pants scripture until an older saint gave me the scripture after seeing my daughters in pants when they were little. 
... My sister and I have this one sister from my sister's UPC church that we love to joke about. Every now and then I'll ask, Sis. So-and-so say anything profound lately, and she'll mention someone that sister looked down on, or said something passive-aggressive or condescending to, and we'll just have a good laugh. And then we have our impersonations and we'll be Sis. So-and-so saying what our judgmental sister would say... We probably shouldn't, I was a legalist of legalists just a year ago, and I'm still fairly conservative, but this sister is such a character. Pentecost truly has it's number of characters, they really are hilarious.
Linear Mode
