Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

I cannot believe the response to this.  I've wanted to create this pod for some time.  I was surprised that it didn't exist before me.  That said - this evening I gave it a name and hit 'send' without much thought…I thought I'd just get back to it and develop it at another time.  Little did I know the response I would get almost immediately.

I can say that there is so much more discussion to come.  I cannot imagine a place more free of expectations yet open and expanding in ideas - this will be heroic…well…okay, maybe not heroic.  Maybe I'm just excited and thrilled. 

I do not think you will be disappointed, and I ask that you give me just a short time before I get this going a little bit more, get a little more developement.

That said, anything you'd like to post at this time - you can't go wrong here.

Peace love light – so much welcome and warmness to you all.  ~Z.

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

I trust you Zoe-this will be a grand place and you can take whatever time you need…

I know I joined to learn more about what it means to be a Universalist… I have studied the teachings and admire many of the poets who are also part of this tradition-but I would like to know more about how you feel and experience this tradtion? What has it brought to your life? How do you choose this path?

Hugs

Kati

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Thank you Kati and Kira for your comments.  It seems that the next couple of days are going to be much more busy for me than I anticipated, and I don't know that I'll be here too much until Tuesday.

I made a quick chage to the name of the pod - from “A UU Persepctive” to “UU Perspectives.”  Why?  Well, because at work today it occurred to me, there is no one UU perspective.  That's part of what makes us who we are, so I thought I'd open the title up appropriately.

I can't stay on tonight but will return to tell you a little more about how I found the UU church and what it means to me.  I encourage others to share their stories as well.  Particularly, what being a Unitarian Universalists means to them…

More soon and keep up the intro's everybody!

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

I was raised in a secular Jewish home and didn't grow up with any experience of spirituality – I was involved in a UU church back in the late '70s/early '80s that I discovered through my then-boyfriend – it was one of the most wonderful experiences of community I've ever had – even though it's been 20+ years since that experience, it's stayed with me – I'm hoping this pod will bring some of that sense of community and shared values back into my life – zaadz does in a general way, and I imagine this pod will in a way that's more specific to who I am

I also went to a UU service right after 9/11 and was deeply moved – it was the most perfect experience I could have imagined as far as a way for people to come together after that tragedy

I love the energy of UU and want to learn more – unfortunately, the UU churches where I live both have ministers I don't resonate with, so I don't participate locally – but participation in cyberspace appeals to me very much – Zoe, thanks so much for starting this pod! I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning/sharing

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Hi Zoe and y'all,

 This was my reply to Zoe 's inviation, and it's appropriate as an intro here - - -

Thanks for the invitation. I'm not a member of a congregation in my area but have been to the First Parrish here in Brookline and over in Harvard Square.

My sister, Madeline and her family are members of the congregation here in Brookline.

Don't know what I'll have to offer, as I'm either a panthiest or athiest from moment to moment ;-}

My fundamentals were rooted in Judiasm, and if I have any belief system it is humans created what we call god.

we're off to a good start?

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Hey all

im taking the liberty of joining in here- im the minister of an independent church but feel a close affinity with UU.

The link below has a statement which is the closest to anything I could ever sign up for.

Religions (all of them) have the danger of leading people away from a belief in life, humanity, nature, science, community and ultimately from “spirit”.

I would say that all religions are equally false, especially when they lead people to suck the finger pointing to life, rather than following it

Religion will serve some useful purposes for some people. I dont take that away from anyone. But most of the time, it will just be false comfort.

For me, any belief that invites people into the miracle of the present moment is exciting. When UU, or any organization does that, then I am interested

thanks Zoe for this discussion and the spirit behind it

Ian

http://www.naturalism.org/spiritua1.htm

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Hi Ian……I am a card carrying Christian, but I am there because my wife is.  My reason for replying is that I agree with you.  Religion serves the shamans of our tribe. It promotes control, and causes prople to fear the unknown.  Why should anybody fear anything? 

The truth of the matter is that belief in anything…..anything at all…..will give it form and substance.  By the same token, to believe is to accept another's truth. To know is your own creation.   

A few hundred years ago, to have made these statements ended in being burned at the stake.  As you can readily see, times have definitely changed.

Bringing people into the present moment is a very exciting thing, and that is precisely why I am here.  I also thank Zoe for bringing this into existence.

glenn 

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Just read this quote from American politican (and great hope) Obama -    

 “Democracy demands that the religiously motivated translate their
concerns into universal, rather than religion-specific, values. It requires that their proposals be subject to argument, and amenable to reason.”

 Seems very apt as a UU statement

Ian

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Greetings All!

First I want to say I am very honoured to be amongst such aspiring and inspiring beings. I notice a very beautiful ONENESS attitude here at zaadz, and not out of trying to be one, it just feels like a natural expression of those who are here. Its refreshing to say the least!

I realize this is mainly introductions, but I would like to add a post now for I may not be around later to do it. Consider it my contribution to the topic. Its actualy a blog entry - hope you enjoy.

2012 is a number that most, at least on a forum such as this, will recognize. Our civilization first encountered the number,, the date, from mayan remains. It was the date when their calendar abruptly ended. This does not mean that it would be like our calender just not having year 2007 yet because were not there. The precision of the planets that their calender was designed after,, ends on 2012.

Up to just recently, there was no understanding to science as to why this was so. As the year approaches now, all the gloom and doom perceptions rise up and claim it is the end-time. And in every sense of the phrase, it is the end,, but the question is, the end of what? Bear in mind, any gloom and doom percpective is based on fear (and the belief in “bad”),, not love. One who is aligned with love will always find themselves in the right place at the right time, and can actualy be care-less in their whereabouts.

When one ask sincerely to serve and aid the divine intent, it may appear as if nothing has changed for them because of it. However, it can be said here with absolute certitude that such a request will change one forever. For it is not us that is rejected by the force that created us, but us that rejects IT. Over time such a person will be subjected to certain tests, and over time with certidude they will pass. In fact they already passed THE test by asking to serve the divine intent, now the lessons only need be acted out,,, like a play is. Such a being will begin to no longer wield power, but become POWER itself,, become that which is called God. Wherever such a being finds themselves, in any circumstance, there will be no danger, for the universe bends for love,, quite literaly! 

Despite the disunited appearance of the world, there is actualy real hope for the first time. Mankind is awakening! Awakening to the true self, which IS love! Mankind can be likened to a plant. The plant has spent its time and energy growing its roots stems and leaves. Some think this is all there is, that its all there ever will be,, roots stems and leaves. Which is of coarse in its place, for how could one concieve of something that has never happened. Others however, that are not natives of this planet, but incarnated here to aid the transition of earth into 4th density -superconsciousness (although they may not remember this as of yet) have subtle knowings that they cant explain. Such beings radiate higher frequencies than what predominantly exist on the planet. Meaning their thought patterns are of a higher order, and stretch out beyond survival thinking. It is with great compassoinate understanding and love that such beings are looked upon. For it is inherent in their situation (entering a planet heavily saturated with hate, negativity and ignorance with an extremely high sensitivity to such things) that there is often great discomfort and confusion. Such a being already asked to serve the divine intent before coming here, it only takes the time of accumulated experiences before they ask again while here. All that is ever required for this is to realize that there is truly no other way to be,, to be 'one' that is. One either flows with the “current” or resists it, beyond this there actualy is no choice. And this is what is being noticed now on earth - a great remembering is taking place by such beings, and as such, many are contemplating the idea of serving the divine intent.

Imagine a planet covered with plants, but the plants are only roots and stems and leaves. The first flower to blossom on this planet would be the result of a leap in evolution, but on a deeper, more subtle reality, it would be a leap in consciousness that has taken place. This first flower can be likened to humanities first awakened being, certainly this is in an unknown place in history. Since then, flowers have been “opening their faces to the sun” in mere pockets and rare occurances. What is “ripening” now however is an occurance of such magnitude that mankind has never seen before,, of which the universe has never seen before! Humans are stretching their awareness, preparing for a leap in evolution, a leap in consciousness.

Earth is not the only planet in this universe providing beings the chance to experience physicality, it is however the most beautiful and the most dense. The idea that we are alone in the universe is certainly not out of place but it is greatly mistaken! We need no marvel then at the site of “strange flying objects” and the such for not only does our destructiveness impact us, but has the potential to spread negativity to all of life,,, even into the unseen dimensions. So we can see, that a smooth transition of earth and its inhabitants is in the best interest of our greater “family in the stars”. It is in fact essential for their growth and evolution.

 What is happening with planet earth is something that concerns the precision of entire galaxies. You will not hear about this in newspapers (not yet anyways) but science and nasa (this, by the way can be looked up on the internet), have for some time now been looking ahead to where planet earth and it inhabitants are heading,, based on our orbit path . Earth revolves around the sun, which in turn revolves around another sun, which in turn revolves around another sun,, and so on. If this is confusing, then it can be thought of as our entire solar system orbiting another distant sun, and so on. There are ancient texts which talk of the inbreath and outbreath of Brahman, or we may call it God. All this depicts is the journey of earth away from its source and then back to it,, which is the great central sun that revolves in a stationary position, thus is the centre of the universe. The outward journey is characterized by ignorance, darkness and the great forgetting. The journey back however is characterized by truth, love, and LIGHT!! quite literaly too!

Earth is not only on the journey back, but nearly there! What you feel inside happening that may sometimes be described as overwhelming certainty that some greater force is at work here, is in direct relation to our approach toward home,, that we left a long, long time ago. What nasa has found in the earths horizon is an energy field of tremendous power that is perpendicular to the sun of the constelation pleadies. It has been called the photon belt for the fact that it is comprised of photon energy - LIGHT! This is the point where we come closest to the great central sun, the point of highest energy. This is not the first time the earth has made this journey, but it is the first time for all of earths inhabitants.

There neednt be any fear of this happening, never buy the fear ticket! If you do buy it its of coarse in its place and merely something to be learned from. In fact mentioning these things to humans before the occurance is designed to “shake them in their sleep” so as to awaken them from their slumber. It stands to reason that all fears are already in one, and if they rise up to the surface this is to ones benefit,, to embrace and learn from it.

The effect that the photon belt will have on mankind is actualy already being experienced. For we ARE enterring it already, however it is very large (especialy when considered in a “space” sense) and its energy flucuates and basicaly culminates at the core of it. The moment earth reaches the point of highest energy there will be a momentus yet instantaneous shift in consciousness. Our predicted time of full-entry is roughly 2010-2012. Not all humans will partake of this event and this is again, in its rightful place,, they simply arent ready. One can begin to see the two sides that beings here on earth stand on, and some that seem to “lye in the balance”. There are those that are with the divine intent, those that still have much resistance and those whos fate seems quite uncertain.

In the years approaching all corruption will crumble. Already those that arent with the divine intent are being overwhelmed by their own negativities as the vibrations on the earth rise, from vibrations of fear to those of love. When fear and negativity come in contact with the vibrations of love, such enegies wriggle and consume themselves. Thus one who is aligned with love, no longer wields power for their own ends, but becomes that which is POWER (love), and any negativity around such a person must make a choice to either align with love or leave the presence of love - darkness cannot remain darkness in the presence of light!

It is of utmost importance though to not focus your energy towards what has not happened yet, but to live here and now, to open and embrace whatever you are experiencing at the moment and learn from it. If nothing else this information is given to open one up to the greater purpose of things, to help them see things from a greater perspective,,, from a universal perspective.

This material has not been presented to be believed in, for belief is only adopted so as to “save one from their fears”. Its intent is to provoke thought, to help and urge one to search their heart for what is true,, the truths they find there are the truths that everyone will find!

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Dear Neil……I am not sure what any of this has to do with Unitarian Universalist Perspectives, but I would like to address a couple of points.  The Mayan calendar that you refer to is the Tzolkin.  Simply stated, the Tzolkin is the sacred round of the Mayan calendar, a galactic matrix composed of twenty archetypes and thirteen numbers in combination. The harmonic module that represents the infinite permutations of the universal principles of Hanab Ku, the One Giver of Movement and Measure…….the Creator.  However, the Tzolkin is far more than just a calendar. It is also a galactic code to the workings of the universe. Within this sacred code, each glyph can be considered a different aspect or “face” of the creator.

In actuality, this calendar spans a time of twenty-six thousand years–or what is equivalent to the Great Year of Processional Equinoxes.  Presently, we find ourselves very near to the end of this enormous galactic cycle. (The year 2012 has been calculated as the beginning of the next 26,000 year cycle.)  I don't think this sounds anything like the end of it all, does it?

From now until the end of 2012, change will be occurring within ourselves and on the planet. The whole process has been referred to as “The transformation of matter.”  Very interesting, huh?  I have more, but right now is not the time or the place.

glenn 

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Hi Glen,

Thanx for the contribution of the depths to which the mayan calander (Tzolkin) reach. The article was already long but it certainly can be expounded on.

The title “The End of Time” may have been misinterpreted. It means the end of time, not life! The end of illusion of time, thus the end of illusion and seperation from SOURCE. Everything that has a beginning has an end, eternity has no beginning, but time certainly does.

ha ha ha ha, well as far as the reason for me posting this in this pod,, I thought from the name of it “Unitarian Universalist Perspectives” that it did apply. I mean to the meaning of each of those words and the combined meaning it seems to apply. But, to be honest, I dont know. Perhaps its one of those titles that has a political meaning and not the meaning it says.

Cheers all,

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Thanks Neil and Glenn for your posts. 

My initial reaction to this was also one of “how does this fit in.”  Only because it felt to me to be presented in a “I've discovered the real truth” kind of way, or that was the feel I got from it.  As I've studied this no more deeply than what I read on the two posts here, I can add nothing too them, though I would encourage the discourse between interested parties. 

Is this an appropriate place to post this?  Maybe.  The Unitarian Universalist Church is a church - a very open, liberal church.  If  your intentions are to discuss the path or paths you have chosen to follow, post away.  If your intention is, though, to persuade, lure, convert, (whatever) other readers, attract followers, etc., they I would suggest your own pod.

Respectfully ~Z.

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Even more poignant when one considers the work of Colin Mason and his latest update to The 2030 Spike - A Short History of the Future !

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Hi All…..My name is glenn.  I write under a different name only because Samuel Clemmons aka Mark Twain said that it would give me at least a ten minute lead on the possee.  I like to think that I have an open mind about who and what we really are.  I do have my own preconceived ideas, but nothing is set in stone.  

 To be honest, I am part of fundamentalist Christianity primarily because my wife is.  Once again, I happen to be an independent thinker.  Slightly wierd, maybe, but I'm harmless.  

So far, I have read enough to convince me that there are a lot of you who might be somewhat like me.  

I wish you all the best.

Peace, love and light,

glenn 

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Hello All!

I'm Elizabeth, an Interfaith Minister who follows a rather Unity path.  Unity is by nature very similar to UU, as I understand it.  While I don't participate in a congregation, I've found UUers and UU websites extremely helpful.  The UU same sex marraige guide was pivotal in my seminary experience.

I'm fascinated at how UU can be so totally open, and yet hold such a community.  I look forward to being a part of this community and learning more.

Love.

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Hello all, and I'm sorry for stepping away for such a time.

In response to some of your questions and comments.

Elizabeth — So glad to have you.  You stated “I'm fascinated at how UU can be so totally open, and yet hold such a community.”  Here's my take on this, and I'm not representative of all UU's.  I think it's that those who call themselves Unitarian Universalists, whether they agree or disagree with the religious, philisophical, or spiritual viewsof others, we are trying to lead good lives and are traveling different paths, sometimes very different paths.  We respect the paths of others and like to cross them, learn from them, but they are all valuable and should be respected.  We are also all in this together, and you'll find many UU's have very humanistic philosophies - again, fostering universal respect, kindness, and gentleness with others, and a desire to make the world (for many of us) a better place for us all. 

This could be talked about and talked about…

Glenn – So glad to have you here!  I know you're familiar with the UU's and I look forward to your insights.

Ian – I love the Obama quote! (and I'm an Obama fan as well).  Here it is again, for those who haven't read back that far -

“Democracy demands that the religiously motivated translate their concerns into universal, rather than religion-specific, values.  It requires that their proposals be subject to argument, and amenable to reason.”    –  Yes!!  That is why I joined the UU's.  Perfect, and thank you!

Lorenzo – You're as familiar as you need to be.  Panthiests and athiests abound in some congregations!.  I've got to admit here, I didn't know what a panthiest was.  This is what I found with about 15 seconds of google searching -  “Pantheism holds that the kosmos, taken or conceived of as a whole, is synonymous with God. The Cosmos is divine, and the earth sacred”.  Actually, Lorenzo, this is about as close to my own personal beliefs as I've found.  I guess we're on the same page.

Kira –  Based on what you shared, I'd encourage you to look into finding a community in your area.  We are judeo-christian founded, and you will find almost all of us (at least in my own church) were raised in homes from many religious backgrounds.  Alternatively, maybe you can find some of what you need here!

Kati –  I plan to address your questions in my next post.  I'm excited about this and the interest it has generated.  I will put something (probably short and sweet) on as to how I found the community and what I take from it and contribute to it.

Peace, love and light!  ~Z

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Greetings

I am Reverend Ari Tem White Wolf, which is my spiritual name, I consider G*d to be to big for any one belief. so the universalist expression suits me well. I studied in the pentecostal church for seven years or so. became rather disenchanted by some of the fundamentalist views.

my goal and purpose in life is to do no harm, to love all. at times, mankind can make it very difficult for me to love them. I joined this pod, not to come here to teach, but hoping that I may be able to grasp things for my own course of action.

I know that I am ordained of the spirit, and have a fairly good sense of what the ministry is for. feeling like it will grow beyond what I am seeing as well. My vision has been to implement a sanctuary for both animals and humans to come and get what they need.

currently I am looking for a decent peice of property to accomplish these goals. I am a naturalist, and feel that to be a good steward, is to only use what I need.

there will be a section of the land for hard to place animals, meaning injured wildlife, or aggressive pets. we in turn will give them the quality care and kindness they deserve.

Probably will add a wellness center for both animals and humans too, giving rehab services for animals that are injured. offering help to humans that need help overcoming physical issues or emotional issues, or spiritual ones.

I know that the door will be flung wide open, I can feel it just around the corner, right now for lack of better terms, the ministry is called white wolf ministries.

it is my sincere with to gather as much information as possible in life, to offer to others, to do with it what they will. so my being here will help to some degree in those matters.

Love
White Wolf

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Greetings, White Wolf,

I read your note, and then your profile, with real interest.  I admire your search and your desire to create a sanctuary for humans and animals.  I hope that you find people who share your interest.

YOu certainly have much to offer to Unitarian-Universalism, and I hope that you explore our faith tradition a bit more.  Certainly, we offer you room to explore your spirituality, to be informed and challenged by our past and present, and the possibility of shaping our future.  Do take a good look at www.uua.org.  Although only officially a member of a UU congregation since January, I've been dabbling with it for the last 7 years - due to some very good friends in Allentown who shared their UU faith and congregation.  It's like my second home.

Look forward to more of your contributions to this pod.

Peace and all good,
Dan

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

I did explore it a bit, one thing that turned me off, was that ministers have to go to school. I have been in school for my whole life, have done much research on comparative studies. does this mean that I don't have any more to learn? of course not, but I tend to shy away from organized structure, it impresses me of programming rather than teaching.

I don't feel that one has to go to a “bible” school to learn the depths of theology, or philosophy for that matter, we have a library of at least 4 thousand books, that I use for much of my research.

I am not slamming the UU way, having been told that one couldn't join the choir or the ministry in the pentecostal church, until one took classes. made me cringe.

so much of my time is already eaten up by the work I am doing, that I could not drop what I am doing and go to a school somewhere.

so yeah, i'm not entirely sure that it is something I wish to embrace fully. but then you never know the spirit may drag me into it while i'm kicking and screaming :)

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

White Wolf,

I think most of us want to do no harm, but we do.  Being aware of ourselves and our decisions enables us to grow.

I respect your goals and your spirits, but I do not relate.  I am a human animal.  Other animals are animals.  We attack, defend, and eat each other.  I used to love the fantasy worlds I created in which bunnies and deer and lion would approach me…but I respect the real world in which we devour one another. 

Perhaps…do you mean injured animals only helping injured hurmans?  Like …Not sure.  I am, essentially, a scientist and love it. 

I also love all of life.  It all has a place and a role.

That said, I carry bugs outside rather than squash them (almost always).  I recognize their place…but I won't make believe it's a place that it is not.

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

I do understand the survival of the fittest, and don't live in a fantasy world. what I meant by injured animals are the ones that our technology has injured. I feel that there is not enough green space for wildlife, due to urban sprawl, and my mission is to rehab the ones that can be. not all can be, some will definitly have to be put down. that is the dark side of life.

but I do disagree with you about animals getting along. yes there are predater creatures. as an example i have a ferrel bloodline cat who will take naps with our rabbit.

so it isn't all dark, I freely admit there has to be a dark side to the circle, thats acceptable, but I also know in my heart that I am called for stewardship. that is the mission, to love all life.

my main course as a wellness center for animals and humans, is therapy. for instance an injured dog, could get warm water therapy, and swimming pool therapy. to overcome a sore leg.

this isn't a dreamy vision for me, I do live in reality, but I also feel that not enough is being done. just recently I had to put my friend teddy bear down, it was the most difficult thing to do, but it was the right thing to do, he had a tumor in his leg that exploded and he couldn't walk anymore. it was right and good to put him down, but it still hurts. life and death is here, its what we choose to do with it that is important.

when I say sanctuary, i don't mean a big space where there will be free roaming predators and victims, they would have very large enclosures, most would be domestics, but once in a while an eagle or falcon may come our way.

the main purpose is to take in the ones that are deemed unadoptable, the dog that I put down, was deemed to aggressive, and couldn't be adopted through normal humane society standards, I did find a home for him, they were wonderful to him, he never once showed aggression to them, why? becuase for five years I worked hard on this former abused dog fighter and let him know my hand wasn't going to kick his ass.

yeah the world can be a cold place, and I am not trying to make the lion lay down next to the lamb, just to make them both comftorable and happy.

that is my purpose to help not to hinder

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Zoe thanks so much for creating this pod!

I'm Trish with the UU Congregation of Marietta, GA checking in to join my family. When I have more time I'll share my story of finding UU. Let me just say that I knew I had found home the first time I went to my church, when I saw that I could invite any of my friends to church with me and know they would be heartily welcomed, regardless of their color or religion, and that nothing in the service would ever offend or diminish, but only honor their own spiritual journy. I'm home folks! 

Love and many blessings to each of you,
Trish

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Greetings everyone!

I'm Sara, and I attend the UU Fellowship of Wayne County.  I'm going to sign the membership book soon after observing a year and a day of getting my feet wet, deciding if I like the 7 principles and how I see them applied, this congregation, etc.  I've made a lot of good friends who have become my family of choice over the last year, and I will miss everyone terribly if I have to move away after school.

The one thing that tipped the balance early in my deciding to become a member was I can hold my Pagan beliefs and practices, wear my pentacle openly, and be welcomed by everyone without being expected to change, and it's the only place in the county where Pagans congregate openly.  (Unfortunately, this county has a disturbingly high amount of Christian fanaticism.)

Sara

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Welcome to the pod Sara, and thanks for giving us some much needed activity here!

Jim

Re: Welcome - intros, and definitely thank you! (s)

Hello, everyone!

I am brand new to Zaadz/Gaia (I joined a few days before we switched over). 

I live in South Florida and attend a local UU Fellowship in my area, though we've recently moved and I haven't been able to attend these last few weeks.  I hope when things settle down and my family and I are settled in to our new house, I will be able to start going to the Fellowship meetings again.

So, about me, eh?  Well, my wife and I have a one year old daughter, who tends to keep us rather busy.  .. and when I say “rather busy”, I mean “keeping us running constantly until we are barely able to sit down for a minute without falling asleep”.

As far as the discovery of UU, I suppose I've really always thought in line with the UU philosophy.  My family was Episcopalian, but were not very good at it.  I was never brought up with the attitude that we must go to church..  In my teen years, I started dabbling in Paganism/Wicca (didn't we all?), but never really “felt” a connection there.  I then discovered UU through the internet and was instantly interested.  I found my self saying “Yes!  Absolutely!  I couldn't agree more!” over and over while reading UU website.  During this time I was living in a small “southern” town, and a UU Group was blasphemy.  When my family and I moved, I found a UU Fellowship here and was incredibly excited.

So, again, hello all!  I look forward to discussions related to UU and helping each other to found our spiritual side.

Take care,
 – Russ