What's on your mind?

[RileyG]

I am so tired

 

[RileyG]

hello @bèlla

 

[bèlla]

hello @bèlla

Hi Riley, are you fatigued or have difficulty resting right now?

 

[RileyG]

Hi Riley, are you fatigued or have difficulty resting right now?

I am very much awake, and I still deal with fatigue. I have severe sleep apnea and use a CPAP.

 

[RileyG]

I am very much awake, and I still deal with fatigue. I have severe sleep apnea and use a CPAP.

I am relatively young (age 29).

 

[bèlla]

I am very much awake, and I still deal with fatigue. I have severe sleep apnea and use a CPAP.

I’m sorry. That’s really hard. Have you tried melatonin?

 

[peaceful-forest]

I am very much awake, and I still deal with fatigue. I have severe sleep apnea and use a CPAP.

I’m sorry. That’s really hard. Have you tried melatonin?

I've heard Magnesium helps with sleep issues.

 

[peaceful-forest]

I saw a video on America’s birth rate that was pretty interesting. Then it introduced a segment on a movement that’s meant to counteract the problem. The term they use is pronatalism and they had an event recently called NatalCon. The tickets were $1,000 dollars and Elon tweeted about it which doubled attendance. NPR did a nice piece on the subject.

@peaceful-forest you may want to check it out. I suspect these are the people we’re running into online.

I looked at it. Some of the things definitely reminded me of the Gab people.

I started getting angry, I couldn't finish reading the article. "Women are to be subordinate to the men". That's where I stopped.

 

[DragonFox91]

I looked at it. Some of the things definitely reminded me of the Gab people.

I started getting angry, I couldn't finish reading the article. "Women are to be subordinate to the men". That's where I stopped.

In response to the liberalism, the traditionalists are pushing back. This is to be rejected as well. Traditionalism isn't the same as Biblical.

 

[bèlla]

I heard a new term today. Gen Z is popularizing an old practice of lavender marriages. Which refers to unions based on mutual interests where one party is gay or bisexual. Unlike some who find themselves in that situation unknowingly, they’re choosing the same for themselves. Some attribute the resurgence as a result of the economy, disenfranchisement, or relational wants that can’t be satisfied in traditional connections.

 

[bèlla]

I looked at it. Some of the things definitely reminded me of the Gab people.

I started getting angry, I couldn't finish reading the article. "Women are to be subordinate to the men". That's where I stopped.

I read it in small bites and skimmed a lot. There’s definitely an element of male supremacy they’re not acknowledging to distinguish themselves from the manosphere. And it’s no longer fringe. It’s made its way into the mainstream and I see it daily.

I agree with @DragonFox91 and encourage everyone to unpack the terminology you encounter in your interactions with the opposite sex. Don’t rely on your definitions. Allow them to share examples and experiences then you can discern.

Many people modify their opinions to be socially acceptable or more palatable in that instance. The algorithm is grouping together everyone who utilizes certain keywords. Like traditional, marriage, family and so on. While it may be disquieting it can be equally informative and improve your experiences. At the very least, you know what to avoid.

 

[bèlla]

We have multiple reports that std‘s are on the rise and running rampant in several places. HIV and herpes top the list with many others following suit. Increases are blamed on a lack of protection and multiple partners. A recent event in Texas has allegedly yielded 20,000 new cases. I haven’t had an opportunity to confirm this and I hope the number is lower but it‘s probably right. Atlanta and Houston are hotspots.

There‘s a lot of debauchery in our culture and outings that may seem harmless can be otherwise. Girl trips and hotel parties top the list. If it doesn’t involve the church I wouldn’t go. It’s been a long time since we’ve had to say things like this. Don’t get serious with anyone without medical clearance. Get acquainted with the laws in your state. Not all require disclosure and many do not inform their partners and an equal amount are unconcerned when they’re told. Be careful of people traveling overseas to meet the opposite sex. There’s a lot of fornication taking place. Stay safe.

 

[DragonFox91]

I work in healthcare. STDs are very common. It starts young. I fear the parents pass on their attitudes to their children. Praise God salvation isn't based on parents

In response to the liberalism, the traditionalists are pushing back. This is to be rejected as well. Traditionalism isn't the same as Biblical.

I wish people would find other things to talk about & argue about too then abortion or having big families. I've just become numb to it all

 

[peaceful-forest]

Sometimes I wonder if us real Christians should go by another name, to separate us from the false Christians.

 

[bèlla]

I work in healthcare. STDs are very common. It starts young. I fear the parents pass on their attitudes to their children. Praise God salvation isn't based on parents

That’s unfortunate. Healthcare can take a toll on employees mentally. You’re pretty upbeat in spite of your work and that’s a blessing.

I wish people would find other things to talk about & argue about too then abortion or having big families. I've just become numb to it all

I stopped participating in those conversations a long time ago and I don’t think large families are feasible for most. You need to start young ideally and have a lot of resources. I see it often in homesteading circles but they’re an anomaly and the majority of them homeschool and have a parent at home. My daughter wants the same and i support it. But it’s not for everyone.

 

[High Fidelity]

Sometimes I wonder if us real Christians should go by another name, to separate us from the false Christians.

It wouldn’t make a difference, since they see themselves as Christians too.

Kinda like a skunk can’t smell their own stench, the fool is ignorant of his foolishness.

 

[bèlla]

Sometimes I wonder if us real Christians should go by another name, to separate us from the false Christians.

Our actions bear witness to the truth. It isn’t necessary to adopt a new label. We’ll naturally gravitate to things and people that enrich our spirit and draw us closer to the Lord. And when light departs the camouflage is obvious and onlookers notice a difference. Allow the outworking to have its way and all will be revealed.

I’ve been unfollowing a lot of christians on social media as of late and others who lack the qualities I’m prioritizing during this period. And the primary catalyst is greed. The popular term is tone deaf and I’m bothered by the lack of balance I see in promotions or sensitivity to rising costs. When you prioritize your welfare at another’s expense you’re entering murky waters. It doesn’t sit right with me.

The other thing I’m examining is their response to social struggles. Oftentimes people begin with the bible but as time progresses they have a different opinion. They don’t stand up for the little guy. You don’t have to champion every cause but when there’s no recognition of the marginalized I’m concerned. When I see problems addressed and the solution doesn’t account for variances in circumstances (like the person I posted the other day) it feels unloving.

But I‘ve found a few who warm the heart and leave the viewer feeling encouraged or inspired in a positive way and that’s refreshing. I value a level of transparency too. I don’t need to know your business. But I think when you view your influence as an opportunity to minister to others you’re more forthcoming and less enticed to wear a mask. You don’t win souls like that.

Be encouraged. There’s others like you. Pray for godly companions and divine appointments. And do the same online. Ask the Lord to send edifying content. The gems I’ve found showed up on my feed. I didn’t look for them.

 

[LoveDivine]

It wouldn’t make a difference, since they see themselves as Christians too.

Kinda like a skunk can’t smell their own stench, the fool is ignorant of his foolishness.

I agree. Unfortunately, this has been the struggle since the church began. Think about how much hardship the false converts brought upon the apostles and the sincere followers. There will always be tares mixed in. All we can do is focus on our own relationship with God and try to reach others.

 

[DragonFox91]

I've definitely thought in the past we should identify as something else. I think that's a big reason in the past people would identify by their denomination, people saw Christian was just too broad a term. We don't really identify ourselves by a denomination as much anymore in some part b/c identifying ourselves by a denomination feels wrong to us, but we also feel Christian is just too broad a term, so we are stuck without a name.

 

[LoveDivine]

I've definitely thought in the past we should identify as something else. I think that's a big reason in the past people would identify by their denomination. We don't really do that as much anymore in some part b/c identifying ourselves by a denomination feels wrong to us, but we also feel Christian is just too broad a term, so we are stuck without a name.

I like to tell others that I'm a Christian. It's simple and I think it actually helps to draw attention away from the issues of the church. A denomination will never be perfect, but Christ is. By saying to others we are a Christian, we are saying that we follow Christ. We should bear his name. There is nothing wrong with belonging to a specific denomination, but I think it's always best to tell someone who doesn't believe that you are a Christian. Then if they inquire more you can share more information about the type of church you attend and the details of your particular denomination. I'm not ashamed to be considered a Christian, because it has nothing to do with others who claim that title. It has everything to do with the person we follow. Even though many professing Christians have brought a reproach to the gospel, it doesn't undo what Christ taught. When we share the gospel we don't need to focus too much on the church; we should direct people to read the words of Christ.