What's on your mind?

[bèlla]

Something about that reminds me of an awkward interaction I had at the mall once when these two "missionaries" tried to start peddling this weird like: "Godly Mother" theology, claiming the bible had been altered and that the Holy Mother had been hidden from our sights until recently or something like that.

They sound gnostic and may be referencing sophia. All goddess worship has its roots in the queen of heaven and she's the strongman. The same holds true for occult and secret societies. All sacrifices (blood) and vows are made to her. You'll find several references in Revelation. She is the great prostitute that sits upon many waters and the sole administrator of his government. Her influence is felt on every throne and governmental setup since the creation of the world.

It's suggested she was the serpent from the garden.

 

[RileyG]

I have paid back my student loans! Thanks be to God

 

[RileyG]

They sound gnostic and may be referencing sophia. All goddess worship has its roots in the queen of heaven and she's the strongman. The same holds true for occult and secret societies. All sacrifices (blood) and vows are made to her. You'll find several references in Revelation. She is the great prostitute that sits upon many waters and the sole administrator of his government. Her influence is felt on every throne and governmental setup since the creation of the world.

It's suggested she was the serpent from the garden.

It also sounds very pagan. Some Wiccans believe in Goddess and God and have a preference for the feminine and nature worship :/

 

[Saucy]

The 8 "I am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John:

• I am the bread of life (6:35)
• I am the light of the world (8:12; 9:5)
• I am the door (10:9)
• I am the good shepherd (10:11)
• I am the resurrection and the life (11:25)
• I am the way, and the truth, and the life (14:6)
• I am the vine (15:5)
• I am … I am (4:26; 8:24, 28, 58; 13:13, 19; 3:14; 18:5–6

 

[RileyG]

The 8 "I am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John:

• I am the bread of life (6:35)
• I am the light of the world (8:12; 9:5)
• I am the door (10:9)
• I am the good shepherd (10:11)
• I am the resurrection and the life (11:25)
• I am the way, and the truth, and the life (14:6)
• I am the vine (15:5)
• I am … I am (4:26; 8:24, 28, 58; 13:13, 19; 3:14; 18:5–6

Thanks for posting, it's always a good reminder to have scripture in the forefront

 

[bèlla]

It also sounds very pagan. Some Wiccans believe in Goddess and God and have a preference for the feminine and nature worship :/

True. But there are traditions within paganism that are goddess centered. Dianic wicca is an example. They acknowledge duality (male and female deities) but their teachings only address the feminine. As you might expect they attract feminists and lesbians.

Out of all the sects they were the most active and welcoming. It was interesting to observe. If someone was new or curious and expressed an interest in their teachings they were quick to respond. The list could be quiet but when they heard dianic they came out in droves.

The newcomer was given information, local contacts, their email and opportunities for fellowship. They didn't discriminate. Men were welcome too. And the thing that struck me most was their unity. The other stuff was secondary to their shared interest in the tradition.

I said to myself, I've never seen anything like this. I grew up in church but they had something that wasn't the norm and I knew it. I never forgot that. I didn't have the word at the time. But my spirit understood. They were very hospitable and it touched me. Although I wasn't interested. The way they treated one another left an impression.

This was during a period when I was dissecting my beliefs and experiences. I don't have any church horrors to share. But I've been reading the bible for a long time. I was given one by a priest in elementary school and I'd read it at night and visit them and discuss it. My family had been in the parish for decades. I had liberties that weren't the norm. Some of my happiest memories were those visits to the rectory and our conversation over a meal. They always fed me.

I couldn't reconcile what I saw in the book with the reality before me. I needed more. When I got older I started searching. I knew I wasn't experiencing the fullness of God. My spirit was ravenous and couldn't be sated. I'd take the bulletin home and do the monthly readings in a couple of days then get upset because I didn't have anything else.

That's why they gave me the bible. They knew I was hungry but no one understood the reason behind it. Becoming a nun was never broached. My grandmother didn't agree with my trips to the monastery. She felt there were other ways for me to serve the Lord and she was a diehard Catholic and I'm not but I answered the question nonetheless.

If I had taken that road I would have been a Cistercian (CSO). I dreamt about the experience about three years before it occurred. I was in a monastery surrounded by women in white habits and sitting amongst them. The Cistercian habit is white. And when I visited what I saw in the dream came to pass. Although they're cloistered we were permitted to sit with them during the service.

They're not behind a screen. You can see them. But there's a chain that serves as a barrier between them and the rest. There's seating on both sides and they're facing one another. They perform the liturgy of the hours in Latin and they chant it. They created their own breviary. It feels like you're sitting amongst angels. Their voices are very melodic.

I was doing lectio divina before I arrived. I was given that in my quiet time and did the office at home. So did my daughter. The trips weren't for naught. They were the second to confirm my calling and insisted I teach. I met with the Abbess and the vocation and novitiate directors. I had a close relationship with one of them and we maintained a correspondence. I was able to meet the Abbess from France as well.

There's no coincidences. God uses everything.

ETA: I thought about being an oblate for a time. There was one on site where I went and we had a good connection. She managed the hospitality. I was staying in a mansion. I might talk about it one day.

 

[GodDoesListen55]

I'm glad @SarahsKnight and I are able to help you feel good about yourself, Miss Chelsea.

Of course, you guys are the best!

 

[bèlla]

@SarahsKnight

This is appeared on my feed and I thought of you. The channel is devoted to Studio Ghibli music.

Salsa Romantica

Aquí encontrarás un portal de música salsa para quienes aman este género en todo el mundo. Somos la página ideal para todos los que desean disfrutar de buena salsa, ya sea en compañía o en soledad, con el corazón roto o en pleno romance, sobrios o simplemente en plan de fiesta. Somos tus...

m.youtube.com

 

[SarahsKnight]

@SarahsKnight

This is appeared on my feed and I thought of you. The channel is devoted to Studio Ghibli music.

Salsa Romantica

Aquí encontrarás un portal de música salsa para quienes aman este género en todo el mundo. Somos la página ideal para todos los que desean disfrutar de buena salsa, ya sea en compañía o en soledad, con el corazón roto o en pleno romance, sobrios o simplemente en plan de fiesta. Somos tus...

m.youtube.com

Thanks, Bella. I will have it bookmarked for the long and lonely times I will surely be spending looking for lab jobs up North in the next few months. ^-^

 

[bèlla]

Thanks, Bella. I will have it bookmarked for the long and lonely times I will surely be spending looking for lab jobs up North in the next few months. ^-^

What area are you heading to?

 

[SarahsKnight]

What area are you heading to?

Started looking at a lot of places. Niagara Falls on both the NY and Canada sides, Michigan, and Minnesota.

 

[bèlla]

Started looking at a lot of places. Niagara Falls on both the NY and Canada sides, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Wow that's great! What are you looking for job wise? I'll pray about it this week. Have you considered Massachusetts? Your degree in agriculture would be attractive. The demographic is favorable and given the number of colleges and universities there's always an influx of people.

 

[.Mikha'el.]

Niagara Falls on both the NY and Canada sides,

Remind me, isn't @YankeeGirl from somewhere around there?

 

[SarahsKnight]

Have you considered Massachusetts? Your degree in agriculture would be attractive. The demographic is favorable and given the number of colleges and universities there's always an influx of people.

Thanks, but the northeast to east coast parts of America are out of my areas of consideration, lest the Spirit guide me otherwise. Ultimately, I think Mississauga in Ontario, Canada, would be ideal. Of course, I have only been to Toronto and Niagara Falls in person before, so I would have to check out Mississauga for myself, sometime.

Early this morning was only the beginning of my search for work, but surprisingly several attractive lab jobs have shown up in Buffalo, New York, which I passed through on my way to Canada last time I visited several years ago, and I remember Buffalo seeming pretty at a glance .... despite the rather unattractive name. ^-^ It also seems to rank high in most every quality of life category on one site that I checked out. The only aspect that ranked poorly was the cost of living, which I already expected of New York as a whole.

Michigan so far did not turn out as attractive as I would have thought, at least not in the two towns that I looked up, Houghton and South Haven. And it was surprising in Houghton's case as I just couldn't help but think of any town in the northern area surrounded by the Great Lakes would be very nice to live in. But there are other places I have yet to look into, and it's only the first day I have started pursuing this. @Saucy , you are from Michigan, right? If so, do you have any recommendations in your state by chance?

 

[SarahsKnight]

By the way, that time about three months ago that I went to the ER and found out that it was merely the stomach flu?

Just got the bill for that. Over a thousand dollars ... WITH insurance.



Well, I guess there is a reason that Arkansas ranked among the ten lowest states in terms of healthcare, on the site that I found rating each state by various quality of life aspects.

I also found that Louisiana was the worst state overall, which is a pity seeing as I rather enjoyed my two to three years living in the Shreveport/Bossier City area there.

 

[GodDoesListen55]

I never thought I would write this many poems like ever, lol; this book is challenging, and I kind of like it!

 

[bèlla]

Thanks, but the northeast to east coast parts of America are out of my areas of consideration, lest the Spirit guide me otherwise. Ultimately, I think Mississauga in Ontario, Canada, would be ideal. Of course, I have only been to Toronto and Niagara Falls in person before, so I would have to check out Mississauga for myself, sometime.

I'll pray about those and ask for the Lord's direction and favor on your behalf. New York has a lot going on and a steady exodus. Buffalo is upstate and I knew someone who lived there. If you're considering NY check out Cash Jordan. He reports on it frequently.

I don't have a word for you but I'll say this much in light of your wants. If marriage is a priority give it primacy. Look at the demographics. Percentage of men and women and disparities. Are the numbers even or imbalanced? What percentage are married? You want a place where that's the norm. You're more likely to encounter likeminded persons. Look at family friendly areas and reach out to realtors. Whether you're buying or not they know the area and can point you to the places where you'll find others like yourself.

And don't forget about your faith. Don't move somewhere that's spiritually dry. Look for reports on Christianity and church attendance for the areas you're considering. Barna Group and Pew Research are a good starting point. Look up churches too. See what resonates and listen to their messages.

Don't forget to visit. Things look great online but you need to get a feel for the place and that's only possible in person. City-Data is a good resource too.

~bella

 

[Saucy]

Thanks, but the northeast to east coast parts of America are out of my areas of consideration, lest the Spirit guide me otherwise. Ultimately, I think Mississauga in Ontario, Canada, would be ideal. Of course, I have only been to Toronto and Niagara Falls in person before, so I would have to check out Mississauga for myself, sometime.

Early this morning was only the beginning of my search for work, but surprisingly several attractive lab jobs have shown up in Buffalo, New York, which I passed through on my way to Canada last time I visited several years ago, and I remember Buffalo seeming pretty at a glance .... despite the rather unattractive name. ^-^ It also seems to rank high in most every quality of life category on one site that I checked out. The only aspect that ranked poorly was the cost of living, which I already expected of New York as a whole.

Michigan so far did not turn out as attractive as I would have thought, at least not in the two towns that I looked up, Houghton and South Haven. And it was surprising in Houghton's case as I just couldn't help but think of any town in the northern area surrounded by the Great Lakes would be very nice to live in. But there are other places I have yet to look into, and it's only the first day I have started pursuing this. @Saucy , you are from Michigan, right? If so, do you have any recommendations in your state by chance?

Okay, so Michigan is EXTREMELY beautiful. I love living here and this place is my home. BUT, with that being said, there are a few unattractive areas. We are in the Rust Belt, so some towns are still reeling after the auto industry pulled out and left with all their jobs. A lot of these areas are cleaning up their act. Detroit has a reputation, but they have been actively rebuilding and much of the city is clean and pretty. The suburbs of Detroit are upscale and beautiful. Flint is still bad, the suburbs of Flint are nicer.

I'm not sure what you saw about South Haven that turned you off, but it's a nice area right on the lake. Check out Cadillac, Traverse City, Birmingham, Farmington Hills, Rochester, Grosse Point, Petoskey, Muskegon, and my favorite place is Clarkston where I hope to move to in the near future.

 

[bèlla]

If I had a choice I'd go elsewhere and thankfully you do. You're young and unencumbered. This is the time to leap and explore new horizons. You can't have this conversation without addressing the elephant in the room. There's too many crossing the border. Whether you agree or not there's going to be consequences. You can't take in millions during an economic downturn without making compromises.

I'd be hard pressed to chart a future in a place where a portion of the government (i.e. all) is pursuing an agenda that compromises my welfare. I don't have to be political to recognize it's wrong. There will come a time when leaving will be more difficult. One of the benefits of Canada is dual citizenship and extra mobility. That would be my course if I was thinking strategically. It's better to have options than not.

I've had to confront the same in our preparations and the ever changing immigration rules of one of our destinations. But they aren't alone. Others are following suit. There's been a quiet exodus since 2020. Mostly permanent moves or second homes. Many secured additional passports.

I mentioned the necessity of being like the children of Issachar on my thread. They understood the times and seasons and moved accordingly. When you see the handwriting on the wall you can explain it away but that won't quench its momentum.

There's an old adage everyone's heard. Follow the money. Because the poor man's the last to know. When you see certain groups do things en masse it should raise alarms. They're the first to know. That was an integral part of Obama's film. Liquidate assets, go elsewhere then things go south.

We have to see the world with spiritual eyes. God isn't going to stop everything. Evil has casualties. We have to ask ourselves what can we live with. I'd rather make an effort than wait too long and do nothing. There's a common theme in these films. The people are stuck and can't get out. Stuck on the road or stuck in a town. They flee and there's nowhere to go.

The civil war movie is being released on April 12th. The American Civil War began on April 12, 1861. The Obama film ended in civil war. Coincidence? Maybe.

I wouldn't remain here if I didn't have to. That's not to suggest that problems won't occur elsewhere. But the designs for this nation are more extreme. That isn't something I'm willing to live with.

In times like these you have to know how to reverse engineer the tide. If it's chasing convenience change course and do the opposite. What would you if your circumstances changed? How would you support yourself? Where would live? How would you reduce your expenses? Who would you rely on? Have you ever considered it? Don't wait for things to happen. Put things in place before it does and sharpen your skills.

If a move is on the horizon I recommend this post.

Prepping 101

I would like to create a cohesive guide for those new to prepping or curious about the practice. Opinions abound and many assume its practitioners are in the wilderness or living off the grid and that isn't the case for most. So, let's educate them. :) How do you define prepping? Why do you do...

www.christianforums.com

Even if it isn't you'll gain insight about your surroundings. If you can get a house do so. If that isn't possible try to find a place with a backyard you can plant in. If that isn't available look for areas with community gardens and make sure there's availability.

I included multiple recommendations for different ages and life seasons and encourage you to peruse them. At the very least you'll be more informed.

If you're Canadian check out Little Mountain Ranch.

 

[GodDoesListen55]

Disappointed...