What blessings have you seen since quitting church?

[Mamabear]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

[Cruiserdude]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

The big joke about going 'inactive' or 'quitting church' was(way back when at least, prolly still the joke) that you got a 10% raise and an extra day on your weekend

[ransomme]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

[ransomme]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

The big joke about going 'inactive' or 'quitting church' was(way back when at least, prolly still the joke) that you got a 10% raise and an extra day on your weekend

The Sabbath doesn't come from Church Inc though.

[Cruiserdude]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

The big joke about going 'inactive' or 'quitting church' was(way back when at least, prolly still the joke) that you got a 10% raise and an extra day on your weekend

The Sabbath doesn't come from Church Inc though.

I think the joke was more about getting a weekend day to do whatever one felt like, not doing what church said to do on Sunday.... I guess my comment was more about people just going inactive, especially as we got wrapped up in the world and Babylon and all her spoils.(it's soooooo unfulfilling though and overrated)
And you're right, I see your point I think. Mamabear was talking about still staying in pursuit of God while letting go of the church... and my tidbit was more about letting go of God as well as the church...
Am I seeing that correctly? Is that what you were getting at?

[Reluctant Watchman]

I often cringe at the word "quit"... maybe "graduate" is more where I'm at. As a recent NDE video stated, the church feels like trying to put on clothes that are too tight, the doctrine just doesn't fit very well.

[Luke]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

It’s really strange.

[Mamabear]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

They add zest. IMO
Currently, 1 cup of coffee each morning. I grew up on it from a young age. It didn’t stunt my growth, I actually grew tall quite quickly. Lol
Once I realised the WoW was a recommendation not a commandment then I went from there. Now I drink wine like Jesus did.

[JK4Woods]

Joseph Smith smoked cigars and drank beer in Nauvoo. A common sight.

[Mamabear]

I often cringe at the word "quit"... maybe "graduate" is more where I'm at. As a recent NDE video stated, the church feels like trying to put on clothes that are too tight, the doctrine just doesn't fit very well.

What blessings have you seen since graduating, friend?
Methinks this thread is gonna turn into a WoW argument and that wasn’t my intent.

[Lizzy60]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

They add zest. IMO
Currently, 1 cup of coffee each morning. I grew up on it from a young age. It didn’t stunt my growth, I actually grew tall quite quickly. Lol
Once I realised the WoW was a recommendation not a commandment then I went from there. Now I drink wine like Jesus did.

One cup of coffee in the morning is a LOT healthier than multiple soft drinks throughout the day.
Wine in moderation, especially red wine, is a healthy beverage. In my opinion, if a person is not prone to alcoholism, a glass of wine with dinner every evening would not be unhealthy, nor does it need to be expensive.

[FoxMammaWisdom]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

But they are so damn YUMMY!!!

I like the taste of my coffee more than any other taste I've tasted. I don't need the caffeine but I need that comfort - so I have my pot of decaf french press with my fancy hippie creamer every morning.

Besides, coffee is religious trauma therapy: That 32 year old bishop shamed and debased and scolded me like a naughty dog, and put me on temple recommend probation for 6 months for having that one Starbuck's Frappaccino Smoothie, so I'm going to drink 70 x 700 billion fold the amount I was punished for, and I'm still going to walk into Heaven, and make myself another pot when I get there. And if that bishop is there, I'll offer him a cup.

[blitzinstripes]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

I accept the WOW as Joseph delivered it, which was NOT BY WAY OF COMMANDMENT. The church butchers the spirit of that revelation anyhow. The 400 lb dude that lives on donuts and soda gets a temple recommend but the guy that has a beer or two on Saturday and takes care of himself doesn't?

Moderation in all things, right? My grandparents drank a pot of coffee every day and both lived to be 100. Their health was great well into their 90s. They had a glass of wine or a beer from time to time and enjoyed it all responsibly. I drink a coffee or two most mornings at work now and I enjoy an adult beverage in moderation. I have no guilt over it and I feel it's much better than chugging a half dozen mountain dews a day, which is what I used to do, and totally ok by church leaders.

The Lord himself turned water to wine and btw it was the GOOD STUFF. Best wine the guests had ever had. And Jesus himself enjoyed it with his friends and had a grand time at the wedding. Joseph Smith and his friends enjoyed some wine and cigars just before the mob came for them. Brigham Young liked beer and ran a brewery in SLC.

Based on all the above, I really don't care what RMN or any other suit in SLC has to say on the subject.

[PressingForward]

I guess I won’t ever quit, however since I stopped participating in The LDS church I’ve found more time for the family.
I would say we have less “money” since we have joined two non profit orgs and give generously of the cash.
I actually spend more time “with” my wife as we serve…..
Gospel and spiritual discussions are still a regular thing in our home.
I drink socially, one or two beers most, since drunkiness is the actual sin…we won’t be judged for what we put in our mouth, but for what comes out of it.
I miss the fact that I had to shed the family that will get militant in protecting the church, display hatred for you even….this is the most telling sign the church has bad fruit to offer….
I have not yet found a “church” to attend, but I miss having people to talk the gospel with outside my home. I talk about Christ at work whenever a window appears, but I don’t need the job.
December of 2019, you might say I was “born again”

[Mamabear]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

But they are so damn YUMMY!!!

I like the taste of my coffee more than any other taste I've tasted. I don't need the caffeine but I need that comfort - so I have my pot of decaf french press with my fancy hippie creamer every morning.

Besides, coffee is religious trauma therapy: That 32 year old bishop shamed and debased and scolded me like a naughty dog, and put me on temple recommend probation for 6 months for having that one Starbuck's Frappaccino Smoothie, so I'm going to drink 70 x 700 billion fold the amount I was punished for, and I'm still going to walk into Heaven, and make myself another pot when I get there. And if that bishop is there, I'll offer him a cup.

I don’t need the caffeine either. I LOVE the taste.
70 x 700 billion... Let’s go!
Also, I love you.

[Reluctant Watchman]

I often cringe at the word "quit"... maybe "graduate" is more where I'm at. As a recent NDE video stated, the church feels like trying to put on clothes that are too tight, the doctrine just doesn't fit very well.

What blessings have you seen since graduating, friend?

An overwhelming, tangible, palatable, peace.

An understanding that Jesus loves us beyond what I could have ever believed as a member of the LDS corp.

That agency it vital to our progression.

That scripture is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

That friends are important, but they come and go. You truly find out who your friends are when you express hard questions.

[Mamabear]

I guess I won’t ever quit, however since I stopped participating in The LDS church I’ve found more time for the family.
I would say we have less “money” since we have joined two non profit orgs and give generously of the cash.
I actually spend more time “with” my wife as we serve…..
Gospel and spiritual discussions are still a regular thing in our home.
I drink socially, one or two beers most, since drunkiness is the actual sin…we won’t be judged for what we put in our mouth, but for what comes out of it.
I miss the fact that I had to shed the family that will get militant in protecting the church, display hatred for you even….this is the most telling sign the church has bad fruit to offer….
I have not yet found a “church” to attend, but I miss having people to talk the gospel with outside my home. I talk about Christ at work whenever a window appears, but I don’t need the job.
December of 2019, you might say I was “born again”

I love this so much! Thank you for sharing!

[blitzinstripes]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

But they are so damn YUMMY!!!

I like the taste of my coffee more than any other taste I've tasted. I don't need the caffeine but I need that comfort - so I have my pot of decaf french press with my fancy hippie creamer every morning.

Besides, coffee is religious trauma therapy: That 32 year old bishop shamed and debased and scolded me like a naughty dog, and put me on temple recommend probation for 6 months for having that one Starbuck's Frappaccino Smoothie, so I'm going to drink 70 x 700 billion fold the amount I was punished for, and I'm still going to walk into Heaven, and make myself another pot when I get there. And if that bishop is there, I'll offer him a cup.

Better put on a fresh pot. I like a medium roast, two sugars. No creamer. Hoping heaven has a Keurig.

[Hiker]

Oh and another perk? and .

I decided to not go back after the Brethren started pushing the so-called COVID vaccines.

More time for the things I'd like to do. I like to do a lot of hiking.

I am a nomad, I have been traveling in other countries over for over a year.

I feel a sense of freedom.

I've been a member of the church all my life. I tried wine and beer a few times and I don't like it.

I do like milk tea

I still read the scriptures and I have a testimony of Jesus Christ

I feel a profound sense of peace.

[Mamabear]

Oh and another perk? and .

I decided to not go back after the Brethren started pushing the so-called COVID vaccines.

More time for the things I'd like to do. I like to do a lot of hiking.

I am a nomad, I have been traveling in other countries over for over a year.

I feel a sense of freedom.

I've been a member of the church all my life. I tried wine and beer a few times and I don't like it.

I do like milk tea

I still read the scriptures and I have a testimony of Jesus Christ

I feel a profound sense of peace.

Sounds wonderful. Good for you Hiker!

[FoundMyEden]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

"Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing."
Jesusssss! What was he THINKING at that darn wedding feast?!

[ransomme]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

The big joke about going 'inactive' or 'quitting church' was(way back when at least, prolly still the joke) that you got a 10% raise and an extra day on your weekend

The Sabbath doesn't come from Church Inc though.

I think the joke was more about getting a weekend day to do whatever one felt like, not doing what church said to do on Sunday.... I guess my comment was more about people just going inactive, especially as we got wrapped up in the world and Babylon and all her spoils.(it's soooooo unfulfilling though and overrated)
And you're right, I see your point I think. Mamabear was talking about still staying in pursuit of God while letting go of the church... and my tidbit was more about letting go of God as well as the church...
Am I seeing that correctly? Is that what you were getting at?

No, I get what you were saying. I was making a broad comment because it's sad how many leave Church Inc. and God at the same time.

[ransomme]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

"Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing."
Jesusssss! What was he THINKING at that darn wedding feast?!

haha, I don't think that it is a commandment not to drink alcohol. I would just think that if one was blessed to abstain for so long why introduce it now? And partaking at the wedding feast is one thing. But if Jesus is waiting to partake of the fruit of the vine until His return, I can too.

[ransomme]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

They add zest. IMO
Currently, 1 cup of coffee each morning. I grew up on it from a young age. It didn’t stunt my growth, I actually grew tall quite quickly. Lol
Once I realised the WoW was a recommendation not a commandment then I went from there. Now I drink wine like Jesus did.

I am waiting to drink with Jesus, "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” - Matthew 26:29

[ransomme]

I’ll go first:
I’m wealthier
Mentally Healthier
(I tried to rhyme the rest, but couldn’t).
Stronger bond in my marriage.
No guilt about not measuring up.
Self care
Self love
More reliance on God, not men.
Less worry and concern in my soul for others who don’t “keep the commandments”
More love to give.

Oh and another perk? and .

"Funny" how so many run towards and . I don't get it. Do they add to spiritual growth?

Alcohol is empty, unhealthy, and will drain your "wealthier" blessing. And take care with the caffeine and don't drink it too late it will disrupt your circadian rhythm and therefore hormones as well. Thankfully I dislike the taste of coffee.

But they are so damn YUMMY!!!

I like the taste of my coffee more than any other taste I've tasted. I don't need the caffeine but I need that comfort - so I have my pot of decaf french press with my fancy hippie creamer every morning.

Besides, coffee is religious trauma therapy: That 32 year old bishop shamed and debased and scolded me like a naughty dog, and put me on temple recommend probation for 6 months for having that one Starbuck's Frappaccino Smoothie, so I'm going to drink 70 x 700 billion fold the amount I was punished for, and I'm still going to walk into Heaven, and make myself another pot when I get there. And if that bishop is there, I'll offer him a cup.

I don’t need the caffeine either. I LOVE the taste.
70 x 700 billion... Let’s go!
Also, I love you.

To each their own, as always. I have always hated the taste of coffee. And it's not the bitterness because I like chicory root straight w/o sugar, etc.