What's on your mind?

[Sophrosyne]

Oh my gosh! It's 96° here. No wonder I feel exhausted stepping out into the heat.

hot here too, gonna be around 101 this weekend.

 

[Niels]

What about your music? You haven’t mentioned it in awhile.

I try to practice a little each day, before going to bed. There hasn't been much time for home recording, which can easily consume entire days if I'm not careful. I've nevertheless managed to accumulate ideas, stored in a folder on my laptop. Between music, drawing, R/C models, and cycletherapy (AKA bicycling) it helps keep me sane. Or at least helps me stay on top of home maintenance and work-related tasks. These hobbies are like little generators for me, helping me recharge my metaphorical batteries.

 

[RileyG]

For the sake of my mental health, I should stay out of political threads.

 

[RileyG]

Amen!

Here’s an affirmation for you. Say it every time a craving comes. By Jesus’s stripes I’m healed. I’m not an alcoholic. I’m the temple of the living God.

AMEN!

 

[RileyG]

You got this!

thank you

 

[GodDoesListen55]

I personally encourage it, Chelsea.

Thank you... thank you SO much; that means a lot to me!

 

[Sophrosyne]

For the sake of my mental health, I should stay out of political threads.

Political threads are a cesspool indeed and IMO they should just trash the area it does almost nothing to glorify Christ IMO.

 

[sampa]

There's so many things my brain is trying to process about yesterday. But one thing is that attraction that comes quickly doesn't allow you to process the important details. For example, most of the time with other men of faith, the starting point is what's your story with faith. I mentioned yesterday jokingly that there hasn't been much conversation about God specifically. I think there should be some curiosity about what the others Faith journey was. Probably a third red flag.
For me personally about an hour after the last conversation as I went about running errands, there was no sticking points that made me think about this person. I felt very comfortable and there were things that reminded me of my 18-year-old self. And He said that there's things with my mannerisms that remind him of someone from high school. This morning I found a text from last night wishing you a good night. I hesitated and wasn't sure if I should respond, and I simply said thank you. I have to wonder if God is protecting me from something by there being a distance between us. I started thinking this morning how much I might have compromised of my values and standards with him if he was closer. Something I need to think about because who knows when the next person will come and he may be local.

 

[bèlla]

I'm not sure what to make of the spiritual part yet, I know my disciplines are not the same as they were... But the Lord's presence and His blessings have never ceased and there's new areas the Lord has used me in in giving to others. I think I was more isolated before. Also this is the first conversation that I've actually told a guy I was attracted to him, that's a huge step.

I highlighted a line from your response in relation to your recent comment. You expressed concerns about the conversation and omission of discussion about God. But is it possible you're overlooking a few things in your analysis? It's probable his thoughts were on you and enjoying your presence. That doesn't mean God is forgotten. Or the person is lacking in that area.

Because the reverse holds true too. Some people are very religious and more than a few talk about faith to draw your attention away from other areas. While its good to consider what's said in its proper measure. We must be equally aware of the things that go unspoken.

It isn't what we say in respect to Him that matters. It's what our faith produces. Who are they in light of their beliefs? What are they doing? How are they living? Giving? Who are they serving? Faith without works is dead.

Everything is a flag depending on the viewer. You can scrutinize everything. But consideration compels us otherwise. While their reality may not be an ideal fit for us; that doesn't make it a flag. Which truly represents something really bad.

Is it the possible the lesson from the experience wasn't related to him. But about you and your susceptibility? There's usually a pattern in the qualities we find appealing in the opposite sex. When you compare your attractions and suitors its evident.

The question I'd pose to myself is how do I respond when I'm attracted to someone and they feel the same? Do I adhere to my principles and boundaries or am I likely to compromise? God has a habit of using others as a mirror. They show us ourselves.

When it comes to self-awareness there's a part of us we've never encountered. There are things that emerge in relationships that don't come out elsewhere. Because intimacy is a truth serum. They can push buttons you didn't realize you had. Or cause upsets and hurts you've never experienced. And joy as well.

There are things you'll never hear from friends and loved ones. Truths they won't express or are oblivious to. Because they haven't experienced you in that capacity. Only he will. He sees things in you and you in him the world never glimpses.

That's why grace is a must. We encounter things about ourselves and the other that shock and disappoint. But that isn't all of it. There's good stuff too. Instead of dwelling on flaws we work together to overcome them and reaffirm the positive and changes we're undergoing.

That's so hard! It partially reminds me of the apologist. He just sent a message through a Christian online dating site last week. It was a harmless message, just wishing you well and to let him know when I am engaged so He can celebrate. But I know his heart is hopeful and I must be prudent. So I have not answered that and I have not answered his text that he sent a few months ago.

When a person is hopeful its best to have space. Not only for your benefit but theirs. I can't encourage his behavior or attention. There's another in the picture and she bears the reality of the truth and living in another's shadow. I wouldn't wish that on anyone or put myself through it.

As I told this other guy that I have interest in today, it's not wise to stoke the fire. He agreed, but the feelings and emotions seem good at the time. Even though I haven't fallen for him, just returning from errands I feel depleted and run down... I think there's a huge amount of emotions that I have experienced today.

Acknowledging the attraction is fine as long as you're clear on the circumstances. There are instances where time is a factor. It can't be explored at present but that could change later. I experienced that with both. If you truly click it doesn't go away unless you find another and move on. Connections are rekindled all time.

With all the changes up ahead who's to say where anyone will be in a year or two? We're headed for hard times. There's always a domino effect. A move that was impossible in the past may be ideal later on. Especially if the cost of living is lower.

 

[bèlla]

I try to practice a little each day, before going to bed. There hasn't been much time for home recording, which can easily consume entire days if I'm not careful. I've nevertheless managed to accumulate ideas, stored in a folder on my laptop. Between music, drawing, R/C models, and cycletherapy (AKA bicycling) it helps keep me sane. Or at least helps me stay on top of home maintenance and work-related tasks. These hobbies are like little generators for me, helping me recharge my metaphorical batteries.

You're really even keeled or seem that way through this medium. I think its wonderful. Mindset is a common struggle and you've developed positive ways to keep yours on track and centered. Maybe the pause will allow you to expound on them? Is there a book in you perhaps? When I think about chill and easy going you come to mind. Perhaps you can teach others to do the same.

 

[bèlla]

I started working on a prayer template last night. I used one years ago for intercession. It included friends, loved ones, ministries, and felt needs. Everyone had a day and it was combination of requests and what the Lord laid on my heart on their behalf.

But I decided to revamp it. Opting for categories and themes instead. That allows me to narrow my focus or double down on a issue over a certain period instead. And I felt the urge to go deeper and more offensive in my intercession today. So I added something on to the plan.

I haven't given it a name thus far. It's an assertive approach to warfare. Instead of focusing on this and that you target the big stuff. Long standing challenges you've wrestled with for years or things that come and go. That's your hit list.

I've encouraged others to pray against strongholds and spiritual impairments and decided to up the ante for myself and another in that area. It was powerful. You're taking on the strong man and acknowledging the ground he's captured within you or your life and putting him out.

It doesn't happen overnight but with consistency things break, walls crumble, and doors open. You pray in the lack while doing so. I plan to do both for the remainder of the year and take stock of my results at years end. I'm expecting change and miracles for both of us.

There's a book along these lines if others want to do something similar. I haven't read it personally but I'm familiar with it. You can see a review here. I plan to implement a serve and volley approach; offensive and defensive prayers. Both are necessary.

 

[bèlla]

*tagging @Saucy

I saw this in my inbox. It starts tomorrow.

 

[DragonFox91]

Today I found a case from a few years ago where a man was convicted of murder for leaving his baby son in a car all day & baby died of heat exhaustion. It just dropped a couple hours ago a couple of the murder convictions are overturned.

 

[Saucy]

*tagging @Saucy

I saw this in my inbox. It starts tomorrow.

Sweet thanks!

 

[SarahsKnight]

The Lord must have sent angels to help me today. More car trouble and five ladies were out there on the spot ready and willing to do whatever they could to help. It cost me 60 bucks and a mildly ill feeling that might have been the beginning of heat exhaustion for about twenty minutes, but it was worth meeting such kind people today. Three of them were the Vietnamese women, Julie, Jenn, and Lily, whom I see once every other week or so for grooming services at the quaint salon just two blocks away from me, so I certainly consider them my friends already whom are always pleasant company, and two more were fellow customers this morning who did not know me at all but tried to help as well: an older black lady named Carol who kind of reminded me of actress Octavia Spencer except with fashionable shades ^-^, and an elderly lady whom I thought looked most distinguished for being in her 70's named Pam (again, I assure you all I do not lack such social grace as to initiate asking a lady her age; she volunteered it in our conversation ^-^ ).

I could not thank them all enough for trying to get me out of this pickle. I hope my gratitude showed.

 

[DragonFox91]

I am sad. I am not good enough for one

 

[bèlla]

Sweet thanks!

You’re welcome. Q3 is coming. You don’t have to finish the book. Get the outline and table of contents done. What problems are you solving through the resource? Write them down. Take the most pressing issue for your avatar and create a tool that provides a quick win. Nothing too involved. Workbooks are a popular option.

Create a tripwire and sell it. It must be done before the quarter ends to give you time to setup and run the ads. That puts you in a great place for Q4. You’ll see more purchases around that time and you’re building your list.

Book + study guide is a good package for direct sales
Book + study guide + videos is even better. The latter could be used for a course. That’s a nice upsell.

Remember to find their pain points. Quizzes are useful for that and most enjoy them. Segment the list and invite your most engaged followers to your launch team.

Focus on one platform. Make sure your avatar is well represented in that space. Be sure to account for seasonality in your niche. Winter is a slow time for many or the summer months when school is out.

 

[Saucy]

You’re welcome. Q3 is coming. You don’t have to finish the book. Get the outline and table of contents done. What problems are you solving through the resource? Write them down. Take the most pressing issue for your avatar and create a tool that provides a quick win. Nothing too involved. Workbooks are a popular option.

Create a tripwire and sell it. It must be done before the quarter ends to give you time to setup and run the ads. That puts you in a great place for Q4. You’ll see more purchases around that time and you’re building your list.

Book + study guide is a good package for direct sales
Book + study guide + videos is even better. The latter could be used for a course. That’s a nice upsell.

Remember to find their pain points. Quizzes are useful for that and most enjoy them. Segment the list and invite your most engaged followers to your launch team.

Focus on one platform. Make sure your avatar is well represented in that space. Be sure to account for seasonality in your niche. Winter is a slow time for many or the summer months when school is out.

I will take all these notes. Don't really have the funds for ads but will figure something out.

 

[bèlla]

I will take all these notes. Don't really have the funds for ads but will figure something out.

They usually give you a credit to use towards the first one. The alternative is starting a YT channel and begin addressing issues and put the tripwire in the description. If you post frequently you'll gain followers fast. Since you aren't doing creative stuff you could put something together everyday. See what sticks.

But I'd nail down the avatar and their pain points first so you're addressing their needs. That will give you ad revenue plus the extra from sales. You have to start somewhere.

 

[sampa]

.