What's on your mind?

[bèlla]

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[Tone]

What took you so long?

Fanciful thinking.

 

[bèlla]

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[MehGuy]

There's a lot of misinformation out there concerning relationships, but this guy nails it:


I can't speak for his other content; this video was just suggested by YouTube's algorithm, but it's refreshing to see a video that isn't just another a iteration of "women bad, men good" or "men bad, women good". The content is directed toward women, but perhaps equally good for men to hear. He approaches the topic from a secular perspective, but the points he makes are arguably valid, level-headed, and mostly apply to Christians as well.

Nothing he says here is new. It shouldn't come as a surprise, but these things are rarely stated in such a sensible way these days. The underlying theme is that people have human nature, and that we should be understanding of this. As Christians, we should already have a sober view of human nature to begin with.

I'm sharing this here, because some of you might be looking for a relationship... or just want to get along better with people in general... and find this informative.

Alexander Grace? He seems more on the men are good side. Although he seems to be more middle grounded than others sometimes.

 

[bèlla]

@MehGuy

Meh! There you are. You haven’t posted in a bit. How are things your way?

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

 

[MehGuy]

@MehGuy

Meh! There you are. You haven’t posted in a bit. How are things your way?

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

Eh.. had some tough days this week but doing mostly fine.

How about you?

 

[bèlla]

Eh.. had some tough days this week but doing mostly fine.

How about you?

Meh,

I’m sorry to hear that. But I’m glad you’re hanging in there. How’s your writing coming along?

Ack, I’m dealing with some back pain but I’m rolling with it. Life goes on.

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

 

[MehGuy]

Meh,

I’m sorry to hear that. But I’m glad you’re hanging in there. How’s your writing coming along?

Ack, I’m dealing with some back pain but I’m rolling with it. Life goes on.

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

It's going alright.. some slow spots but that is to be expected.

Sorry to hear about your back problems persisting.

 

[bèlla]

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[MehGuy]

Meh,

You’re doing fine. Remember that. I’m glad to see you taking the reigns and channeling that energy into something good. Don’t let the low moments derail you.

No worries. The treatment didn’t work and we’ll try something else. I take the prescriptions and dance a bit. I’m on 4 pain killers. I still feel it but getting down won’t change a thing.

How’s your dad?

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

Four painkillers? I didn't know it was that bad.

Sorry to hear about that.

My father is doing alright, still receives regular check ups. Probably the one thing that keeps my mind at peace. Because last time he deteriorate out of nowhere, and without doctors its like living a life without a weather station. Time is of the importance too, since the organs can fail very quickly without modern medicine.

 

[bèlla]

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[Rigatoni]

Anthony,

I think you’ll like it. That’s the bread they serve at the synagogue with a small portion of wine after service. We have it on Shabbat too. How’s your Hebrew? Can you read it without assistance or do you require transliterated material?

Thank you. I’m happy to hear you’re experiencing the same and the Lord restored your joy. You’re lighter now.

Thank you for the well wishes. There’s a lot of inflammation and I’m unable to take the medicine to reduce it. We’re trying a steroid. If it doesn’t relent in three days I have to come in for something stronger. Given the reduction in mobility (the pain is in the hip abductor) they may admit me to prevent further injury. I’d have it done in the hospital instead.

What’s hindering you? Is it the uncertainty, personal concerns, or something else?

Psalms are so relaxing. They’re my favorite book. I understand the monotony you speak of. Like you, I’m employing a diverse approach to utilize different methods of spiritual expression.

I’m exploring contemplation and resuming lectio divina. But I’m also considering contemplative art. I had a gratitude practice I enjoyed but I want to do something different. Like the daily practices in this post. I want something that challenges and helps me grow. I miss writing too. I’d use a format like the one on the thread.

I could see you enjoying Spurgeon’s work. He’s very insightful and I like the way he writes. I like Ravi and Charles Stanley too. When the Enemy Strikes was instrumental in my deliverance. It was the first thing I grabbed when I knew I had a problem. He’s solid and I trust his resources.

I’ve been listening to Derek Prince as of late. I love his no nonsense approach. He was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. He spent a long time in Israel and wrote several books on Jews and the end times. You might enjoy them.

The fee is paid quarterly. If you don’t see it let me know. There’s a discount code and I’ll find it. You’re getting access to their content and additional classes from Bluprint/Craftsy and Creativelive. I subscribe to all three and they’re worth the investment.

Your pieces are beautiful. The attention to detail and artistry is lovely. God has given you much ability in craftsmanship. Are you self-taught?

I needed to confirm the carpentry. You should pursue it. Try to take a class if you can. There’s a blessing in that area. We’ll discuss it soon.

Everything you’re thinking of is related. You’re on the right track. As for the gifts, what did you have in mind? Where would you sell them? How’s the game coming along?

Yours in His Service,

~Bella

I know zero Hebrew, lol. Although I do want to learn it eventually. There's a pastor I know of who God instructed to learn the language - to better understand the word of God apart from the translations. He ended up doing so and even purchased a Hebrew Bible, and he was blessed by doing so. I found that inspiring.

Throughout my walk with the Lord, I've had trouble comprehending and experiencing what His love is like, as there hasn't been a personal reference or picture for it. That's always been an issue, as have the countless closed doors over the years. Dealing with quarantine and COVID off and on just adds another layer of difficulty on top of that. There aren't as many opportunities to build faith or incentives for growth.

Although, I can't deny that God has been up to some incredible things, perhaps things I didn't expect or imagine possible. I've been seeing breakthrough in ways I've waited years for. But it's like God has been teaching me a kind of "spiritual minimalism", reinforcing having Him as my foundation, as I remember mentioning before. Although, I've been longing for something greater and experiential myself.

I'm glad you enjoy what I make, it's always appreciated to hear that. Most of what I've learned came from my college classes. We were taught the progression and evolution of a concept into a 3D object, using photography, wire meshes, plaster stamping, basswood models, cardboard and foamcore reliefs, etc.; it was kind of like another art class. I expanded upon that experience by experimenting on my own. Building basswood models does meld with carpentry, which I do have some experience with already. It would be natural to pursue it further.

For gifts, I'm thinking of working on more manger scenes (large and small), along with buildings for a Christmas village, small ornaments, various figurines, or holiday-themed shapes I can cut with the scroll saw. Whatever I sell will most likely be on social media within the neighborhood. I have a lot of supplies on hand so it won't cost me much to do.

The game is still coming along well. I've actually gotten into mobile games lately, which also opens the doors to mobile apps. Mobile games are easier and faster to develop, which seems like the better option right now; one project was already finished a few weeks ago. I was also just about to officially launch my business and release the game, but financial and legal hurdles are currently holding that up. I may have to look into hiring a lawyer before I move ahead.

 

[MehGuy]

Meh,

When do I complain? You know better than that. I’m taking a steroid, pain killer, wearing a patch and taking a nerve suppressant. But I’m functional. LOL

I know, I am just surprised that it is that bad. Have you ever considered back surgery?

This warms my heart. I love hearing your updates. Thank you for sharing them. What do I have to grumble about? Ya know?

Yours at His Service,

~Bella

Thanks. I feel like most of my updates are all the same, so sorry that it's kind of boring. Although considering the alternative I think boring is best, lol.

 

[bèlla]

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[bèlla]

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[SarahsKnight]

Why are you apologizing? I'm not complaining. I don't expect an exciting report every time we talk. I'm interested in your well-being. As long as you're good I'm satisfied.

Speaking of, what on earth do you think you are doing up at such an ungodly hour, little missy?




(... I have an excuse; I worked night shift. =P )

I wasn't aware you were carrying this. I didn't understand the depth of your need until now. You need love. Lots of it. I'll be praying for it.

But you always seem to try to be perceptive and mindful of others' needs, Bella. And I am sure we all greatly appreciate that.




But, speaking of love, If I may interrupt on the subject for just the moment, I do wish you all could see the lovely face of the girl I have a crush on right now, that you all knew what she looked like. I was thinking of that about an hour ago when I was outside the lab sweeping and she walked by me on her way in for the day, so sweetly saying good morning, and as always, it makes my day. (I readily admit to finding sweeping outside voluntarily towards the end of a night shift to be a convenient excuse to better ensure that she and I cross paths before I leave work. ^_-
... But I assure you that I am generally known for being a housekeeper who goes the extra mile anyway around there, and I have swept outside at other times knowing she wouldn't be around, before. )

But, oh, she's just so pretty! Seeing her face in person just gives me ... a sense of calm, like in the moment at least, nothing can go wrong in my life or with the world.

 

[SarahsKnight]

For gifts, I'm thinking of working on more manger scenes (large and small), along with buildings for a Christmas village, small ornaments, various figurines, or holiday-themed shapes I can cut with the scroll saw. Whatever I sell will most likely be on social media within the neighborhood. I have a lot of supplies on hand so it won't cost me much to do.

The game is still coming along well. I've actually gotten into mobile games lately, which also opens the doors to mobile apps. Mobile games are easier and faster to develop, which seems like the better option right now; one project was already finished a few weeks ago. I was also just about to officially launch my business and release the game, but financial and legal hurdles are currently holding that up. I may have to look into hiring a lawyer before I move ahead.

Man, Anthony. You've got a pretty wide range of skills. How many people do any of us know who can do woodshop and something on the other end of the spectrum like game creation?

 

[bèlla]

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[bèlla]

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[SarahsKnight]

SK!

How are you? We don't see you often.

I know. I'm sorry, I just usually seem to be in and out of the zone when it comes to finding things to say in this community. But when I do, I manage to be pretty talkative for a bit.

I try but I fall short at times.

As do I from time to time when it comes to the innocence of my romantic intent and ideals (that which you so graciously complimented me for further on down your post ^-^ ), most unfortunately. But, we try our best to stay true to our ideal selves and go on with the Lord's grace and forgiveness.

Wow. You're such a romantic. I love that!!

Ideally, yes. Would that I have the chance to prove that I can follow through on that some day, with the girl I like so much now - should she somehow come to feel the same way eventually - or with another future Lady Knight, but it will only be so if God deems it fit to happen. And I have learned to be content with that if He does not. Maybe it's part of the peace I feel when being around Erin and seeing her face. She'd never admit to it (in fact she playfully shut me down the other day by responding before I use one of my "stock lines" with her, when she knew I was about to say "anything for a pretty girl" in response to her thanks for a small favor I did for her, by her saying first "anything for that ugly little lab tech in the next room, right?" - referring to herself, but again, playfully so), but her eyes, while quite shiny and piercing, are actually what give her the innocent face that she has, more than any other feature. But ... it's probably best that I never get quite that personal on my flattery of her, even if it be sincere, talking about how her eyes are so shiny and haunting and all ^-^. I'm quite lucky that my asking her out in the first place never made her feel so awkward that she couldn't be comfortable being around me so much anymore (during the few times we can work together, anyway). With a lot of people I imagine they'd just not be able to help but feel uncomfortable around someone whom they now know has a crush on them. So I'd best not push that luck.

That's so cute. I can't imagine why she hasn't grabbed you.

Well, come on. If she doesn't feel that spark then it simply can't be helped.

... Well, that, and, regardless of how innocent I truly believe my intentions and feelings towards her to be, would it really be so surprising if our age difference causes her to hesitate? The dear girl was just being born by the time I was becoming a whiz kid in the school orchestra, mind you. ^-^