What's on your mind?

[sampa]

Thinking of ways that I can wear dress without having heels on. I won't be able to wear heels probably till February. Just saw a picture of my cousin's girls for homecoming wearing Converse shoes with their dresses. I've been noticing more and more a trend of this.
Most likely I will try to find some kind of ballerina flats, maybe something like tirjs that will have some kind of cushion for my planter fasciitis rupture.
Running seems such a far dream at this moment.

 

[DragonFox91]

I am trying to think of a new thread.

 

[DragonFox91]

A lot of people my age value drinking & drugs. Men & women both.

 

[DragonFox91]

When my parents raised me, they never told me I'd be in the minority. I honestly think they thought I'd be in the majority.

 

[sampa]

When my parents raised me, they never told me I'd be in the minority. I honestly think they thought I'd be in the majority.

If you're talking being single the percentages are rising. I would say close to 50% are single nowadays. I even go to Bible studies now, and what it was two decades ago, I find more single people. My New small group someone was talking to me yesterday that was my age and she asked me if I was married or kids, common question, and I said no and she said herself also but she has a kid. Another gal that was sitting next to me probably never married or kids either. Both of them probably would have felt very alone since the house was crowded with 15 to 20 kids. 20 years ago in the church I found it a lot harder to be in the never married crowd and no kids, but I'm serious in saying that a lot of that has changed now. My status does not make me feel weird anymore and I don't get as many questions about it.

 

[DragonFox91]

They were pretty lax. They followed the ‘we don’t want to get accused of indoctrinating our kids’ style of parenting. They took me to church but that’s about it. We didn’t talk about God in the house. They didn’t have us pray. It was a Sunday morning only kind of thing. But even the church’s Sunday School, starting from when I was in middle school & throughout high school, had the same attitude. It was social hour instead of actually learning. I unfortunately dropped the ball & wish I had tried to witness more than I had, or told my parents this just isn’t a very good church for me.

I think my parents goofed too. Their style of parenting is why we’re in this mess to begin w/. They’re blessed I turned out the way they wanted, most kids choose to embrace the world when the parents don’t teach them about God.

 

[DragonFox91]

If you're talking being single the percentages are rising. I would say close to 50% are single nowadays. I even go to Bible studies now, and what it was two decades ago, I find more single people. New small group that I'm part of right now someone was talking to me that was my age and she asked me if I was married or kids, common question, and I said no and she said herself also but she has kids. Another person that was sitting next to me probably never married or kids either. Both of them probably would have felt very alone since the house was crowded with 15 to 20 kids. 20 years ago in the church I found it a lot harder to be in the never married crowd and no kids, but I'm serious in saying that a lot of that has changed now. My status does not make me feel weird anymore and I don't get as many questions about it.

I actually meant Christian.

I think most people still identify as being Christian in the country, but let's be honest, that's the 'attend church on Christmas only, maybe Easter if I'm feeling it' type.

Maybe they really are Christian, I won't judge them based on church attendance, but let's be honest again, those are the same types of people who embrace the world's view on things. Plus nowadays a lot of churches just teach what the world's teaching. 'An atheist debated those churches & it turns out they agreed on everything.'

 

[DragonFox91]

I also meant not being into drugs, drinking etc. I don't mind a little drinking, or getting drunk once in a while, but people are obsessed w/ getting drunk.

 

[High Fidelity]

A lot of people my age value drinking & drugs. Men & women both.

Nothing wrong with drinking. Drunkenness is the sin.

As with all things in life, moderation is key.

 

[sampa]

I actually meant Christian.

I think most people still identify as being Christian in the country, but let's be honest, that's the 'attend church on Christmas only, maybe Easter if I'm feeling it' type.

Maybe they really are Christian, I won't judge them based on church attendance, but let's be honest again, those are the same types of people who embrace the world's view on things. Plus nowadays a lot of churches just teach what the world's teaching. 'An atheist debated those churches & it turns out they agreed on everything.'

Ahhh, gotcha.

It is true. In college I was a newer believer (1994) and on fire asking everyone that wore a cross necklace if they were a Christian. They would say yes, and then I would see their lifestyles not demonstrating what I believed at the time a Christian would be doing. I remember a dear friend telling me going to church made her feel good and warm.

Today the number has grown with those that attend just during the holidays. One way church attendance today is demonstrated by all the marathons that land on Sundays. There was a time that parents were boycotting school sports that had Sunday schedules. And the Sabbath concept is gone in many places. I can just look aroundy neighborhood and see many doing yardwork and cutting lawns. Including myself.

And now, what happened to Bible studies, their called life groups now. I get corrected on this all the time, people seem surprised that I want to study the Bible.

 

[bèlla]

Not so normal. I plan on calling tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers.

How are you feeling today? Any progress with the doctor?

 

[bèlla]

Maybe they really are Christian, I won't judge them based on church attendance, but let's be honest again, those are the same types of people who embrace the world's view on things. Plus nowadays a lot of churches just teach what the world's teaching. 'An atheist debated those churches & it turns out they agreed on everything.'

I live in walking distance to several churches: Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, Episcopal, and several non denominationals. And I don’t want to go to any of them. Several have doctrinal beliefs or practices I cannot abide. Some have gay clergy in relationships. And the requisite scandal for good measure.

I’ve gone to several in the past and wish we had a Mennonite congregation in the area. The closest is woke and a hotbed for activism. Nevertheless, I haven’t given up. I know I’ll find the right place in time. But I won’t abide a lie for the sake of fellowship. Once you embrace a deceiving spirit you get more of the same.

~bella

 

[MehGuy]

What would be an example of exciting?

@Saucy how are you feeling?

Right now, if my life wasn't so predictable. Seems like I do the same thing every day now. Almost down the minute.

 

[bèlla]

Right now, if my life wasn't so predictable. Seems like I do the same thing every day now. Almost down the minute.

Maybe you need a hobby. Something that gets you out of your comfort zone that isn’t the norm. There’s a lengthy list of suggestions (for men) I saved in the past. I’ll see if I can find it. Maybe you’ll see something there that strikes a chord.

~bella

 

[MehGuy]

Maybe you need a hobby. Something that gets you out of your comfort zone that isn’t the norm. There’s a lengthy list of suggestions (for men) I saved in the past. I’ll see if I can find it. Maybe you’ll see something there that strikes a chord.

~bella

Yeah. Maybe I should. Just seems right now... I mostly work and sleep. With a few brief hours of free time in the middle. Which I just spend browsing the internet.

 

[bèlla]

Yeah. Maybe I should. Just seems right now... I mostly work and sleep. With a few brief hours of free time in the middle. Which I just spend browsing the internet.

I didn’t see the pdf but here’s something to go on. Maybe you can resolve your. boredom and add the excitement you crave. Work and sleep get monotonous after awhile.

100 Hobbies for Men
186 Best Hobbies for Men

~bella

 

[Saucy]

How are you feeling today? Any progress with the doctor?

I'm actually feeling a lot better today. Was able to get a good shower in as well, which improved my mental well being quite a bit.

Already down 11 pounds, 99 pounds total!

 

[sampa]

Yeah. Maybe I should. Just seems right now... I mostly work and sleep. With a few brief hours of free time in the middle. Which I just spend browsing the internet.

Sounds hard. What about cooking something new every other week? Having something that you look forward to might break things up just a little bit. Maybe even trying take out from a new restaurant.

I'm actually feeling a lot better today. Was able to get a good shower in as well, which improved my mental well being quite a bit.

Already down 11 pounds, 99 pounds total!

I'm glad that you're feeling better today and mental too. Congratulations on the weight loss. Do you have a follow-up appointment with your doctor?

 

[bèlla]

I'm actually feeling a lot better today. Was able to get a good shower in as well, which improved my mental well being quite a bit.

Already down 11 pounds, 99 pounds total!

I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better and congratulations on the weight loss! Do you have help when needed and others you can share your journey with who’ve experienced the same?

There were groups on SparkPeople when I went there long ago. I’m sure there’s more now. Encouragement is an important part of the journey as is a safe space to share your concerns. People who haven’t wrestled with the same are unaware you’re carrying things within and without and a lot will come up.

You will change. Embrace the process and give yourself grace while it occurs. Try to exercise to reduce excess skin. And remember, you didn’t get there overnight. Losing weight is easy. Keeping it off requires a different spirit.

You must see your temple as it is and be vigilant against its reoccurrence. That’s the only way you’ll keep it off. I know a lot of people who’ve had those surgeries and the weight came back for the reasons stated.

But I know you can do it. So does the Lord. He gave you this opportunity for a reason. Stay prayerful and give thanks for what He’s done.

I started losing weight a couple months ago. We made some dietary changes and moved to ancient grains and fermented foods. I’m sleeping more and that helps.

My diet wasn’t the culprit. I didn’t eat enough and my body was accustomed to limited rest which affected my metabolism. The absence of hunger was due to non consumption. A wonky circle but the Lord resolved it and I have bedtime.

The weather is cooler now and I’ll resume my walks. I love to walk in the winter. Don’t ask me why. There’s something about that period I enjoy. I have cold gear and spikes for my shoes. My family shakes their head!

Although you’re single, I recommend pairing with someone who’s health conscious who will support your results and keep you on the right track. Fitbit has a lot of groups.

~bella

 

[sampa]

There were groups on SparkPeople when I went there long ago. I’m sure there’s more now. Encouragement is an important part of the journey as is a safe space to share your concerns. People who haven’t wrestled with the same are unaware you’re carrying things within and without and a lot will come up.

These are some great thoughts that I hadn't even considered the mental aspect. It's weird because last Saturday when I was talking to my strength trainer, he shared with me that he was 400 lb when he was 16 years old. I think he's in his early 40s now and an avid baseball player. Besides being the wellness director at that YMCA. I looked at him and said "that had to be hard the mental aspect". He agreed and said that it was mind-blowing because people who were not his friends before were now his friends and people who would not give him the time of day were suddenly giving him the time of day. I think all of that makes him the person that he is today and how he cares for each client that he has on helping them to lead a better life. Talking to him it sounds like he works with a lot of older individuals in their 60s and seventies. Which I think is pretty amazing. I also like how he integrates encouragement, I think we all can use some of that. Anyways, good thoughts Bella.

@Saucy continuing prayer for you and your healing. Both physically and mentally.