What's on your mind?

[Mr. Bultitude]

Click on that if you've got a spare 60 seconds. I think that's the best example of a "Christian meme" that I've ever seen. Really breaks my heart in a way that I've never seen anywhere else.

 

[Sif]

Benn thinking about this quote from Thucydides:
“Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.”
― Thucydides
History of the Peloponnesian War

 

[Saucy]

Thank you for the prayers! They are much appreciated.

 

[Mr. Bultitude]

Hey Bella, I wanted to ask you a question but not in the aggressive topic filled with Feds. I think you were saying that sometimes the best way to get an old fashioned internet experience is to join a forum you have to pay to use. Is that accurate? If so, do you have any recommendations?

 

[GodDoesListen55]

Must keep practicing, I have to know these lyrics by Friday.

 

[.Mikha'el.]

Sometimes I miss our old CF Singles Skype chats.

 

[bèlla]

Hey Bella, I wanted to ask you a question but not in the aggressive topic filled with Feds. I think you were saying that sometimes the best way to get an old fashioned internet experience is to join a forum you have to pay to use. Is that accurate? If so, do you have any recommendations?

In the Internet's early days chat rooms and forums were the norm. People gathered around common interests and the topics were broader then. Narrower options existed but they were relegated to mailing lists requiring access or designated servers. Over time specificity increased. Niche's attracted a concentrated audience and social media widened their reach.

Unlike chat rooms and forums, social media has parameters that aren't found elsewhere. You can customize your experience by restricting access and controlling what you see. Let's say you're a believer with an interest in music. You can create a group along those lines that appeals to like-minded Christians without encountering the rest. That's the game changer.

You no longer have to wade through topics you're not interested in or seek others like yourself. You don't have to placate annoyances. They're easier to avoid now. If you don't want to converse with people who's thoughts or beliefs contradict your own you'll never see them. That isn't possible in general settings. You attract a wider spectrum.

That has obvious downsides. Some subjects are ignored due to lack of interest or an absence of knowledgeable participants. In a venue like this you may encounter music aficionados. But that may be limited to listening rather than discussion. You could venture to a music forum of course. But they don't have the reach of social media.

Which brings in other issues. The platforms are free and that means tomfoolery. You'll always attract troublemakers, negativity, debaters, bullies, victims, intellectuals, experienced and inexperienced participants, helpers, takers, etc.

If you want civilized dialogues you have to police them or weed them out. The best way to do both is by charging. And it can't be a pittance. That won't dissuade ignorance or draw the people that enhance a community. If you want to glimpse their mindset pay attention to their discussions. What do they focus on and how is it conveyed?

When you're relying on numbers for income you're more permissive. The more they talk the more you make. Time on the site brings revenue. But memberships are different. They derive income through fees and can be more selective. Those that are committed to building quality communities usually charge more. For operational and practical reasons.

To do it requires several things...

A compelling message
The ability to build an audience
Trustworthiness and belief

If people don't believe in you they'll never follow you. And when the pair is lacking money isn't exchanged. You won't pay to be in an environment without a reason and the founder is key so are the members. Communities are forged by people invested in the person, message, or both. The best ones have evangelists who bring others in.

If you desire an environment with rich discussions, knowledgeable members, and opportunities to learn you can't go where the herd does. There's too many distractions. You have to choose a setting where the members are equally invested in the same and willing to pay for it.

That's when the drama falls away. You'll have challenges. But not to the degree you encounter elsewhere. You're attracting a better crop. They're not there to fight, disrupt, etc. They come for knowledge and support. And the more they charge the better the environment. It weeds out the dross.

I've tested this over the years. I don't care what subject you choose. All it takes is a few idiots to change the atmosphere. But when I started spending money I noticed a difference. I limit my participation to sources focused on betterment. They attract serious minded individuals with little interest in theatrics. I steer clear of level one groups. I prefer the company of intermediate and advanced users in the subject we're focused on. I use a similar approach with classes.

I have several memberships presently. Business, digital assets, health, beautification, homemaking, and self-sufficiency. I've had others in the past like writing, creativity, ministry, etc. Whenever I want to explore a topic seriously I find a group. It's too much time and effort to glean from the hoard. I'm not interested in what people think. I'm interested in what they've done that works.

I don't listen to head knowledge. You don't have to be an expert for me to value your feedback. But you can't speak like an authority on things you've never done or helped another accomplish. Because there's nothing concrete behind it. They can't walk you through the process or design a remedy for your circumstances. When betterment's the goal you have to pick from a different sandbox.

It depends on your goals and how you approach the Internet. I use it strategically. That's why my experiences are largely positive. I control what I see, discuss and my interactions. That's important because everyone's here for different reasons. You have to put boundaries in place.

I can't tell you specifically where to go. It depends on your desires and what you're willing to spend to accomplish them. There are private Facebook groups that are well managed and cost free. But you have to hunt for them. Many don't appear in the directory. You need the link to join.

If you focus on building a circle with people who share your interests you'll encounter suggestions because they're using them. Those are the ones worth considering. They have firsthand experience. Assuming you trust their feedback. That's how I found my business mentors and coaches in other areas. Being in the right place with the right people. A lot falls in your lap.

 

[bèlla]

Benn thinking about this quote from Thucydides:
“Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.”
― Thucydides
History of the Peloponnesian War

That's good and apropos today.

 

[angelsaroundme]

'Superworm' With Appetite for Polystyrene Could be Key to Mass-Scale Recycling (goodnewsnetwork.org)

Even a worm can be a symbol of hope. ^-^

 

[DragonFox91]

I just got email pastor at church I go to is leaving for a diffferent job.

 

[Vinter]

.

 

[bèlla]

I saw mystery woman yesterday. Something dawned on me. I never made the comparison before but the differences are like day and night.

Two women came in to my life in 2021 that made a profound impact on me for very different reasons.

One I have never seen.

The other I have only seen

One gave discourse

The other gave silence

One gave me answers

The other gave me questions

One gave me clarity

The other gave me confusion

One tied me to the spirit

The other tied me to the flesh

Thank you @bèlla thank you for being edifying.

About the other. She will remain a mystery and I am actually okay with it.

That's powerful. Thank you V. You're a blessing.

 

[Vinter]

.

 

[bèlla]

Thank you bèlla. So are you.

I’m listening to an audiobook and something the author said relates to your comment. I thought I’d share it.

There’s some selfish men in the world who don’t want to get married simply because they don’t want to have to share their money with anyone. When some married men get paid they hang on to their paychecks very tightly. They always think a woman is after their money.

There may be some truth to this. However, the reason she’s after it is that she’s wired to receive. The reason why she’s wired to receive is that if the man keeps the money to himself it will not multiply.

A female is an incubator. She will give you back just what you gave her. But above and beyond that. If you give a woman $20 dollars and say sweetheart I trust you; please go ahead and invest this in whatever way you think you should.

When you look at that $20 again it will be $200 dollars. Then $2,000 and $20,000 dollars. Jesus gave His bride 11 apostles. Plus the apostle Paul. She’s still multiplying what He gave her. She’s not going to give Him back just one man. She’s going to bring Him millions of men, women and children.

The church is taking the seed of the word and causing it to multiply into millions of souls. So that she can present them to God. God is not going to get back just what He gave. He’s going to get more because He gave it to a woman called the church.

The woman is like the servant in the parable of the talents who doubled the investment with which his master had entrusted him. Men need to understand that a woman’s nature can be a great blessing to them.

Why is it that few men attend prayer meetings? If you go to a prayer meeting you will find it is mainly attended by women. I realized its because women are incubators. If they’re presented with an idea, need or problem they will take it to heart and work through it until they arrive at a solution.

Just as a womb nourishes a fetus in development and an incubator protects premature or sick babies. A woman has a nurturing instinct that can be a powerful source of help and encouragement in the lives of others.

If a man wants something prayed about he should tell a woman. She will take the circumstance in her spiritual womb where she meets with God in her inner being. Incubate it for months if necessary and bring forth a solution. She won’t give up until she receives an answer from God.

Jesus didn’t say that it was a man who kept knocking on the judges’s door to obtain justice. It wasn’t a man who persisted with the Lord Jesus for healing for her daughter. The woman is an incubator. She doesn’t quit until she’s ready to deliver.

Do you know to whom God first gave the resurrection message? Women. Do you know why He didn’t give it to the males first? They forget too much. He waited until the women arrived. It was the women who went and told the men. Why? Because the men had locked themselves into a room but the women went back to the tomb.

If you give a woman at a well a message she’ll turn it into an evangelistic crusade team. The woman gives life to things. A woman was made to give life. This means that if you need some life in your life get a life giver.

 

[SarahsKnight]

From another thread I just happened across:

A knight who saves a princess isn't owed anything. Being heroic is simply what a knight does, because he is a knight. Not for women, but because that's the code he lives by.

@Multifavs These are words for us two in particular to live by. We aspiring knights should try to be good because we honestly believe it is only the right thing to do - not to get something solely for ourselves out of it (as though we would not bother to try to "rescue the princess" if we knew ahead of time that we'd receive no realization of any selfish desires as a reward for doing so).

I am, of course, using the phrase "rescue the princess" here in a more generic sense than Miles might have intended in context for the thread in which he posted the above quote; I meant it as a term for helping others - the Lord's fellow children of ours - in any way possible that would further advance His kingdom. And that is a kingdom of kindness and peace.

You did that for me at least once in a way not too long ago that I pray I will always remember, @Multifavs. I couldn't help but feel as though your heart was in it 100% and selflessly. Typical gender roles completely reversed here, but I, the male half of our pairing, was the "princess" you came to save. You in particular really did a lot for me that day. What's on your mind?
You were a true lady knight as far as I am concerned, and I like to think that the Lord took notice of that as well.

 

[SarahsKnight]

I have a 24-hour turnaround right now both before and after work tomorrow. Please pray for me to make it through okay. Really messes up one's circadian rhythm.

 

[GodDoesListen55]

“Make sure you pay attention to people around you, their faces, and how they accept information. You know, sometimes doing the right thing is just taking a minute and letting somebody else catch up.” (I heard this today from my friend's girlfriend and had to share )

 

[bèlla]

I’ve been waiting for an answer regarding church for several years. The time away was nourishing. I had an opportunity to explore different sects, interact with believers from varying positions, and serve in other ways.

I think I’m settling on the Mennonites. Particularly those in the middle per se. While I don’t agree with everything or think its possible if we’re honest. I respect their familial and community spirit.

If I’m going to be part of a church it can’t be the norm we see in America where we’re brothers and sisters in name only. That’s an empty relationship for both.

I saw a video on my feed last year that brought me to tears. It was an Amish barn raising. They were rebuilding the structure for a member in the community who lost it during a fire. I remember the scene on the roof. There were more than 50 up there hammering away in sync. Their unison was powerful and I said to myself that’s love.

I’ve thought that more than once when I see how they care for one another. Unlike most denominations losing members they’re growing a lot. They have enough people to look after the aged and needy and replenish them in the coming years.

They understand the power of the unit and togetherness more than any group I’ve encountered. They understand the human need for closeness and support and provide it. We weren’t meant to walk alone or feel isolated in God’s house or among His followers.

But that’s often the case. You have to join in to be noticed or make yourself available in some way. Showing up isn’t enough. There’s something wrong with that.

I began studying the Amish in my early twenties. I was intrigued by their lifestyle and way of being. It differed from my own. I frequented a store near my university that catered to them and marveled at their craftsmanship.

I adore Christian Amish books and sought out the authors to build a connection. Because they lightened my spirits and are wholesome. We don’t get enough of that.

I stumbled on a couple of channels I really enjoy and discovered they’re Mennonites. Maybe God’s been nudging me in this direction all along. We have a few churches here and I checked overseas as well and found several where I’m heading and that’s encouraging. There’s a nice Facebook group I recently found that’s very informative. Overall I’m pleased.

 

[public hermit]

I’ve been waiting for an answer regarding church for several years. The time away was nourishing. I had an opportunity to explore different sects, interact with believers from varying positions, and serve in other ways.

I think I’m settling on the Mennonites. Particularly those in the middle per se. While I don’t agree with everything or think its possible if we’re honest. I respect their familial and community spirit.

If I’m going to be part of a church it can’t be the norm we see in America where we’re brothers and sisters in name only. That’s an empty relationship for both.

I saw a video on my feed last year that brought me to tears. It was an Amish barn raising. They were rebuilding the structure for a member in the community who lost it during a fire. I remember the scene on the roof. There were more than 50 up there hammering away in sync. Their unison was powerful and I said to myself that’s love.

I’ve thought that more than once when I see how they care for one another. Unlike most denominations losing members they’re growing a lot. They have enough people to look after the aged and needy and replenish them in the coming years.

They understand the power of the unit and togetherness more than any group I’ve encountered. They understand the human need for closeness and support and provide it. We weren’t meant to walk alone or feel isolated in God’s house or among His followers.

But that’s often the case. You have to join in to be noticed or make yourself available in some way. Showing up isn’t enough. There’s something wrong with that.

I began studying the Amish in my early twenties. I was intrigued by their lifestyle and way of being. It differed from my own. I frequented a store near my university that catered to them and marveled at their craftsmanship.

I adore Christian Amish books and sought out the authors to build a connection. Because they lightened my spirits and are wholesome. We don’t get enough of that.

I stumbled on a couple of channels I really enjoy and discovered they’re Mennonites. Maybe God’s been nudging me in this direction all along. We have a few churches here and I checked overseas as well and found several where I’m heading and that’s encouraging. There’s a nice Facebook group I recently found that’s very informative. Overall I’m pleased.

I have family that are Mennonites; good people. I think that impulse for unity and productivity is in all of us. We just have to try. We have to want that kind of unity, as they do. If we are in Christ, it should be the default.

 

[bèlla]

I have family that are Mennonites; good people. I think that impulse for unity and productivity is in all of us. We just have to try. We have to want that kind of unity, as they do. If we are in Christ, it should be the default.

For some reason that doesn’t surprise me. You have a Zen-like essence and take a lot in stride.

I don’t think unity is impossible but what they exhibit is ingrained. It’s embedded in their teachings and way life and reinforced. They have a group ethos and that’s the difference.

Whereas most gatherings are comprised of varying degrees of hyper-individualists. That’s why so many fall between the cracks who lack the connections the majority possess.

They don’t need the people around them. It’s one thing to fellowship and another when fellowship is all you’ve got. That’s why most interactions are built around doing something. Whether its service or study. The majority don’t spend time together just because outside the church.

Because church is a building not a relationship. They’re invested elsewhere. You can’t build long-lasting bonds in snippets. You need time and togetherness. An hour a week won’t do it.

In the bible they’re doing life together. They have similar experiences and circumstances and less distractions. Common bonds help the process. But when everyone lives differently you have to find a common denominator.

In my experience of building connections and groups the strongest ones have a shared belief and mindset. They’re on the same page and the ethos comes out of that. The pair offsets the differences. We’re united in thought, words and deeds. The bible says the same.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.