Comment by Forrest Curo on 4th mo. 25, 2012 at 1:32am

"That which you are seeking is causing you to seek." (So: Depend on that "That" to guide you towards whatever you need to maintain your good direction?)

Comment by Beginner Quaker on 4th mo. 25, 2012 at 12:28pm

Ken your post reminds me of this quote from John Woolman:

“After I had given up to go, the thoughts of the journey were often attended with unusual sadness, at which times my heart was frequently turned to the Lord with inward breathings for his heavenly support, that I might not fail to follow him wheresoever he might lead me.”

Comment by Betsy Packard on 4th mo. 26, 2012 at 6:42pm

Ken, I went for years without a Meeting near by, as in less than an hour and a half (and gasoline) away.  When I lived near Port Royal, KY (where Wendell Berry lives), the Methodist Church said I could use their Library on Saturday afternoons for starting a Quaker Meeting.  I was there every Saturday afternoon, had it published weekly in the Henry County newspaper.  Every week, it was me and the Spirit. 

My joke was, if the Spirit moved me to vocal ministry, I talked to myself. 

My daughter said, "Mom, do you mean to tell me you go there and sit for an hour in silence by yourself?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Mom," she said, "that's not worship.  It's a nap!"   My daughter is not a Quaker.  It most certainly was not a nap!  It was wonderful in that peaceful, little country church.  The little library opened up onto the main part of the church, what they'd call the Sanctuary.  

What was really sad was that after I had to move to Lexington and was no longer there, I had 2 people email me about the attempted Meeting in Henry County.  Of course nothing is stopping them from trying to get one going. 

But even for people who live close to a Meeting, sometimes there are issues in a Meeting that make participation "difficult" for certain individuals, and a person might not feel like they fit in at the local Meeting.  So, yes, there are solitary Quakers, or couples or families that are Quakers, but are Meeting-less, though not meaningless. 

Comment by Ken Baxter on 4th mo. 27, 2012 at 1:52pm

I love this web site. These replies have been a real boost to me and I think will stir me to do what has been niggling in my mind for awhile. I have a nearby location that I know in the past has been used by worship groups of different types. I have no aversion to being solo and had been doing that as I could as a way to do the best I could to seek light. But why not pick a spot and time and let it be known? Perhaps others could find the same experience and path that I have. I'm a retired teacher and have accumulated some really good handouts and materials from the meeting I attend half the year. Thanks for your comments. I'm excited about pushing toward a new path in my own journey that might help others. 

Perhaps on a slightly different topic. The communications are appreciated but not unexpected. One of the things about Friends that speaks very much to me is how they live their faith and part of that is helping how you can when others are in need. May you all be blessed in grace.

Ken

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