Submission Number: 20
Submission ID: 7362
Submission UUID: d2d58135-7de5-4655-bdfa-db0c7f2d2545

Created: Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:21
Completed: Fri, 04/19/2024 - 08:33
Changed: Fri, 04/19/2024 - 08:33

Remote IP address: 73.171.77.56
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
George
Gentry
8044264577
{Empty}
January
12
1952
I retired about 5 yrs ago. I was baptized in a very conservative Baptist Church about 10 years ago, largely due to my wife's influence. My wife and I have made some good friends, but have somewhat gotten discontent with some of the teaching. As some of the gentlemen mentioned in the sessions, I see elder sage as opportunity to grow and make a difference in retirement through Christ. It is exciting to me to have an opportunity to meet men in similar position and make a difference. Not sure if I meet the qualifications, but interested in program and having an opportunity to develop skills that could help younger men in this crazy world. Christ is the only answer.
I am in my second marriage. The first marriage I was married about 19 years and had 2 sons. My second marriage is in my 19th year. My sons are 45 and 42 and are openly non believers.
My first son is a recovering alcoholic. He was a very sever alcoholic, but has gone about 20 months without drinking. He lives in Raleigh, NC in a half way house. Just found out he has large gambling debt. I have been helping him financially, so what he was using it for is a big concern.
My youngest son lost his wife about 3 years ago to cancer. He seems to have a lot of bitterness. I have no grandchildren
My wife has 1 daughter who has 3 kids, 5, 3 and 2 months. I have gotten very close to them.
My oldest son has befriended an older man who he meet at AA in Raleigh. He is a believer and goes to Vintage Church. I go quite often to encourage my son to go and have become friends with the gentleman. He encouraged my son and I to go to the retreat in the fall in Georgia. I have meet other men through these contacts. My son and I plan to go to the retreat 4/25 in Virginia.
I have supported and impressed with a gentleman named Andy Poe, who I believe is part of your staff.
I am on your email list and as I mentioned above have listened to sessions several times on elder sage.,
I think I spend lot of time reading and becoming more familiar with the Bible. I have a lot of issues with forgiveness and guilt from my past. I struggle sometimes with my personal relationship with Jesus.
Feel like I really started some connection through my sons and the Men's Group at the church they are associated with in Raleigh and Virginia Beach. I was not a good father. I am so thankful the Lord has given me a second chance through his son Jesus Christ. I need to make the most of it through the relationship with Christ.
Some Christians have a deep testimony to share. Not sure I do. In retirement given me times to thank about how thankful I should be. Also chance to look at my false self through other Christian relationships I have developed.
Becoming more familiar with my false self and wounds from my past, mostly forgiveness and guilt. Little familiarity with vows and agreements?
At the retreat this fall, one exercise we went through was to make list of wounding movements from the past and then write a letter to ourselves. I spent the whole time writing a 4 page list from when I was 12 to 18.
Everyday... a war goes on with the devil. I think you need to humble yourself before Christ and determine your true character. To make strides in spiritual warfare, I need to make character changes. Sometimes being a certain way a long time, even if you know you should change, it is hard because you are set in your old ways. Knowing through Christ what is on the other side perseverance, self control and discipline are key. You can not isolate yourself.
The retreat this fall was thinking at the end that it applied more to younger men and how they have an opportunity to break their chain from the past and make a difference in the lives of their younger sons. I was thinking it was too late for me with sons at 42 and 4. God spoke to me and said be there for them now. I have been given a second chance though Christ. I need to make the most of it through Christ.
Very little. Truly listening to understand before trying to be understand is difficult for me. Working on listening intensively, speaking appropriately and responding through Christ. Probably need help with this.
King Me, The Heart of a Warrior
Others involved with Zoweh
Am retired so just about any time
Reference
Mark
Selmer
selmerpg@aol.com
8048940360