Uh, it just dawned on me why you might have asked that question... perhaps because I joined the "Sexuality, LGBT" group?  I wanted to comment on Joseph's discussion "Consigned to Hell"  but that required I join the group.  Here's hoping the group is open to anyone regardless of orientation.   :D

Peace be with you.

Hi Amy,  You asked me:

What (or perhaps who) are you?

I am foremost, a caring and (I believe) compassionate  female who may have Friends/Quaker leanings.  I'm exploring Qu to see whether I might find a good fit with others of a similar non-dogmatic persuasion.   I have engaged in quiet prayer on my own for years.  Essentially, my concept of quiet prayer is to simply ask God to look to my heart; then I shut up.  Believing that God is omniscient, He knows my heart and will speak to the issues He knows need to be addressed.

But to answer what may be the nub of your question ~ I'll follow the lines of your profile information.  I am a heterosexual having no  religious upbringing; however, I have explored various of the Christian religions.  I am a theist but not necessarily Christian.  I have great respect for the teachings of Christ.  I moved to Idaho from Maryland 5 years ago and at age 60, married the man who I believe is my soul mate.   I have 2 children (one deceased)  from an earlier marriage.  I miss my daughter (recently married and still living in Maryland.  I am a retired human resources director of a continuing care retirement community.  I have multiple rescued pets, currently a dog and two cats that live in the home and several outdoor cats that have elected to remain outdoor cats.  I have been called "delightfully demented" by those who appreciate my goofy sense of humor.  My husband and I do still enjoy the flaming vegetable matter (tobacco only) but we do not smoke in the home.  Politically, it's complicated.  I am very disappointed by most of the palaver put out by local and national politicians.  Lately, I've voted against the incumbent unless I have very strong reasons to retain him or her.  IMHO, they're all far too complacent and merely give lip service to what they believe their potential constituents want to hear.   That about covers it. 

Peace be with you.

Hi Amy, welcome to Quakers. I'm in the UK and a member of Britain Yearly Meeting. I see you have been asking a lot of questions about what Quakerism is and what A Quaker does/lives by. Can I suggest you attend a few different types of Quaker meetings as no amount of explaining what marmite tastes like will ever tell you what marmite tastes like to you! Happy seeking

Sam,

You're a late bird too, eh?  I'm well, thanks.  How was your week?  Do you have any particular plans for the weekend, or are you working?  I have a bunch of farm chores waiting to be done, and my son has a number of events he wants to attend tomorrow.  I'm hoping we can manage some of each.

I had to travel for week this week, and I'm a bit weary.  I'm thankful to be home with my dogs and my woodstove.  I'm actually more in the mood for a long forest walk or a drive through the country (a guilty pleasure I rarely indulge, but I do wish for it sometimes) than chores.  However, the chores will feel good once they are done.

What drew you to the Friends? 

Kristen

FriendSam,

A bookstore?  Might it be one I would recognize?  What a nice place to work.  My mom was surprised I pursued teaching rather than a library science degree, because of my love of books/reading.  What is your musical specialty/interest? 

Right now, I teach K-5 in a public school online/homeschool hybrid program.  In the past, I taught high school English, 4th grade, ESL, and 2-5 grade in a multi-age classroom.  I've enjoyed it all at various times for different reasons.  My son is 9 yrs (10 in a couple of weeks), and attends our local elementary school.

Blessings on this fifth day evening.   Kristen