Recently in Member Spotlight Category

The Beliefnet member charger174 recently discovered, when all is well in life, how quickly it can change within the 'blink of an eye'.

She describes, 'it is just another day in October of 2009. As I sit here typing, I sit in amazment of how quickly life can be turned upside down. Recently, I had been very happy with everyone in my life and all the activities, which I participate in on a daily basis. From friends to family to my health. All was well...Well I guess I am going into my yin pattern. I was also shown that moderation is best. I love how I can trust in Spirit to keep me on the right path doing the right things even though I may protest at first.'

Continue reading the journal.

Have you ever had an amazing coincidence happen in your life where you stopped and wondered, "Is this just mere coincidence?" Many in the Beliefnet community are sharing their stories of interesting moments when they felt God winked at them. What do you think a Godwink means? Give your Godwink stories or join the group to get a glimpse at what others are saying. Or befriend the author SQuire Rushnell to get his idea on what Godwinks are. No matter who they happen to, individuals can consider Godwinks to be special moments they will never forget.

Beliefnet members are talking about Swine Flu (H1 N1) on the News and Politics board.

Have you visited Origins of Life? Meet Beliefnet member Teilhard, a frequent poster.

How did you first discover Beliefnet and what prompted you to join?
I heard about Beliefnet from another member, as I was casting about for a wide-ranging discussion forum. Beliefnet has NOT disappointed!

Have you met any Beliefnet members who have become a friend off-line?
I have a very DEAR friend who later became a member.

What do you most enjoy doing when you are not online?
Nature Study. Reading.

Do you have any suggestions for members who are new to the site?
Hang in there. Be PATIENT. Be OPEN to others while keeping your own integrity.

What do you think is the dumbest question you yourself have ever asked on a message board, here or elsewhere?
I don't believe in "dumb" questions.

Who is your role model?
Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Mohandas Gandhi. Charles Darwin.

If you could invite any famous person - or persons - to become a regular poster on your favorite message board who would that person be?
The Holy Father, Pope Benedict.

This week people are talking about
-- Sexting Hypocrisy in the Moral and Ethical Issues forum

-- the Vatican Takes Further Aim at US Women on the Discuss Catholicism board

And we'd like to introduce you to Agnosticspirit our volunteer host for the Discuss Islam, Discuss Atheism, US News & Politics board and the Addictions & Recovery Support Group

Here are some thoughts that she shared with us.

I moved to southern California after a divorce to be closer to mom, brother, nieces and nephews. It was only gonna be for a few years, but now that I decided to stick around and watch them all grow up to be good, perhaps even great human beings, kinda stuck here for another 20 years ... LOL! The ultimate dream is a cabin in the Big Horn Mountains to escape the noise and confusion.

Have you filed your taxes yet? Join the discussion on the Economy and Personal Finance board to share Income Tax Preparation tips with other Beliefnet members.

On the Entertainment board members are talking Dr. Kutner and House M.D.

This week we chatted with RETeach. Here's what she had to say in response to some of our questions,

Do you have a goal as to anything that you would like to accomplish by virtue of being a Beliefnet host?
RETeach: I am host on the Sexual Orientation board. I would really like for people to understand that sexual orientation is not a choice. I believe too many people still view sexual orientation as they do being liberal or conservative. They do not understand that while I can choose to be a liberal or a conservative, I cannot choose my sexual orientation. Attacking a group based on orientation is not like attacking liberals or conservatives--it is more like attacking someone based on hair color or height. I would like the hurting to stop.

What prompted you to volunteer?

The weather is warming up and thoughts are turning to spring. What Spring activities do you enjoy? Join our Spring holiday discussions Passover Easter For a spirited discussion about the environment drop by our Environmental Issues board to join a...

People are talking about David Letterman getting married this week. Another Hot Topic is the Nightline Debate: Does Satan Exist discussion on the Christianity debate board. If something lighter is more to your liking, here Beliefnet members share compelling and...

Since 1993, Children's Hope Chest has helped over 10,000 orphans in Russia, Swaziland, and South Africa. The organization offers food, clothing, medical care, and school supplies to the poorest of the poor--children in extreme poverty. Check out Children's Hope Chest's...

Beliefnet Community is home to a wide variety of people with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. Meet a few of them: Mandalawind "I am a mandala artist - Mandalas have been a literal life saver for me, keeping...

Meet Nay_ho_tze. She's interested in astrology, angels, meditation, animals, and holistic living. Her heroes are Khalil Gibran and the Dalai Lama. She's a hugely active member of the community, running the Depression Support Gameland group where members play games and...

Chicoryhill's Journal Reflections and comments on the Thanksgiving season. Autumnbeth's Journal The ongoing musings of a busy mom and spiritual seeker. Ajahn Patisallano's Journal A Buddhist monk journals about lovingkindness, meditation, and more....

In 2000, shaner, aka Sandy, lost her youngest son, 24-year-old Shane. A devout Catholic, she joined Beliefnet as a way to cope with her loss. Even her user name was chosen to honor her son. She started this prayer circle...

Have you explored any of Beliefnet's member journals? Journals, like blogs, are where individual Beliefnet members can write about whatever they're interested in. Here are a couple of the journals that have caught our eye recently: Wrenblue's Journal Wrenblue is...

Meet Spiritalk. She has been a Beliefnet member since 1999, which is the year our site launched. In her offline life, she's a minister who lives in Etobicoke, Ontario. On her Beliefnet profile page, she says, "I am an Ordained...

Every week on Beliefnet we spotlight someone from our community who has made waves, helped and inspired others, or done something new. This week, it wasn't difficult to choose someone--we had gotten several emails urging us to highlight RangerKen. He's...

The new Beliefnet Community is a really exciting way for us to learn more about our users. Instead of just seeing your latest posts, we can see your profiles, view pictures you've posted, learn about your interests, and more. On...

Meet JumboJava Many people come to Beliefnet in a time of trial, asking others to pray for them. They then stick around and return the favor, praying for other members. But few make the kind of impression JumboJava has made....

Meet Ayelet2 Many people come to Beliefnet's message boards looking for hope and solace. In 2006, a member of Beliefnet’s Mormon community was upset about having a disability and not owning a car to get around. Enter Ayelet2, a regular...