What's on your mind?

GospelS said:

Hello sweetie pie, beloved in Christ, do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has overcome to open the scroll and its seals.

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Amen; thank you so much for that!

venksta said:

Hopefully a side trip to Canada will happen.

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.Mikha'el. said:

That would be wonderful.

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Are y'all talking about Miss GospelS coming by?

Or Jesus?

I mean, either way it's a good thing. I honestly just need clarification.

sampa said:

Self care tonight: Having some turmeric nut milk latte and reading a job hunting book to explore a second career. Gotta look at the possibilities for the future.

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Actually you mentioned something, I think back in January, Sampa, to myself and @Multifavs about taking up writing as a way of being of service to the coming Kingdom. And I said that I wasn't sure how the one idea I have even been seriously toying with for writing a book could really even get off the ground with a sound narrative structure since it would be based off of a game my boy Lantis and I made with RPGMaker 1 (I mean, again I always say that surely I couldn't do worse in writing than the Left Behind books were, and they sure made money, but still), much less be of any honor to the Lord or His coming Kingdom. @bèlla also said here once a long time ago, all the way back in 2020 and 2021 actually, when I was talking about this kind of thing that she would be willing to help if I ever seriously tried such a venture.

I could be a jack-of-all-trades kind of laboratory worker with one New York Times best seller fantasy on the side as a "second career", who knows?

I at least suddenly had an idea recently of how to begin the story of Arc Arath, and it has piqued my interest in at least trying to start writing again just a bit.

SarahsKnight said:

Kingdom. @bèlla also said here once a long time ago, all the way back in 2020 and 2021 actually, when I was talking about this kind of thing that she would be willing to help if I ever seriously tried such a venture.

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I was wondering, thanks for the update. Yes, I do think you could cultivate this on the side and could turn into something fulltime by retirement.

SarahsKnight said:

@bèlla also said here once a long time ago, all the way back in 2020 and 2021 actually, when I was talking about this kind of thing that she would be willing to help if I ever seriously tried such a venture.

I could be a jack-of-all-trades kind of laboratory worker with one New York Times best seller fantasy on the side as a "second career", who knows?

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This is a good time to revisit ideas while you're between jobs. You have time to think and plan without interruption. There are options available for aspiring Christian authors you may be interested in. Some help you flesh out the idea and others are devoted to publishing your first book.

Whatever you decide, it's important to become conversant in the publishing industry and your genre of interest. Look up professional groups and conferences in your specialty. You'll gain a lot of useful information that will help you along the way. Unlike before, writers need a platform. Self-publishing is a possibility but if you want a shot at an NYT or the speaking circuit as @sampa mentioned you'll need to do it the old fashioned way. If you build the platform beforehand you'll have an easier time pitching the book.

Given the subject you'll want to think of related interests that might appeal to your audience. Some include the writing life, favorite books and games, and something that makes you unique. You could play with the knight persona as your nod to whimsy (similar to Desi) or a similar passion.

~bella

@bèlla You mentioned earlier how God brings people into our lives. I hope others find this encouraging. This past Sunday, I saw that being very true. First, there is the sister who I'm training with the sound board. Shes married, and around my age. As we waited for the service to start, I asked her about what she was currently studying in the Bible. Our conversation was fruitful. Especially hearing she was also teaching the Bible to her children at home, rather than relying on Sunday school. It gave me a picture of a type of godly mother, I didn't see before.

About a month back or so, God brought to mind of getting a mentor. A person came to mind, but I didn't think much about it. So this past Sunday, that person was giving the sermon. He use to be a pastor at his old church. We've talked before, after Sunday services, and its always an edifying conversation around God's word. He has a vast depth of knowledge and love for God, and His word, which I rarely come across. So before the service, I went to hand him the wireless mic. I knew he was speaking on John 20, which we had just finished in our young adults bible study. There was a verse I didn't understand fully, so I asked about it, to get his thoughts. It was a short conversation, but he ended it with how much he enjoyed talking to me, and wanting to spend more time in doing so. Seeing his eagerness, I'm definitely going to pursue asking him about the opportunity to being a mentor for me.

I hope others are looking out for those who God is bringing into their lives, where the opportunity to receive wisdom and become further prepared for what His will is for our lives.

venksta said:

As we waited for the service to start, I asked her about what she was currently studying in the Bible. Our conversation was fruitful. Especially hearing she was also teaching the Bible to her children at home, rather than relying on Sunday school. It gave me a picture of a type of godly mother, I didn't see before.

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That's how it used to be long ago. Your comment reminded me of an old favorite from my shelves. Here's a snippet you might enjoy.

In virtually all Victorian households, Sunday or the Sabbath was set aside as a day of worship, rest, and family time. Victorian families were devoted to their Sunday rituals: morning church services followed by the week’s most elaborate dinner, to which the entire extended family was invited, followed by afternoons set aside for wholesome family recreational pursuits ending with evening Bible readings and the singing of hymns.

It was considered one of Mother’s responsibilities to come up with spiritually uplifting and morally edifying pastimes for the entire family. In fact, so widespread was this typical observance of the Sabbath that many women’s periodicals such as Good Housekeeping regularly included columns containing Sabbath activity ideas for mothers who were expected to set aside Sundays for character building and the religious training of children.

I've been tidying off and on today and trying to restore my rhythm and your post was a blessing. As I copied the words I couldn't help but smile at the gentle nudge and the answer that eluded me.

venksta said:

There was a verse I didn't understand fully, so I asked about it, to get his thoughts. It was a short conversation, but he ended it with how much he enjoyed talking to me, and wanting to spend more time in doing so. Seeing his eagerness, I'm definitely going to pursue asking him about the opportunity to being a mentor for me.

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When the student is ready the teacher appears. It sounds cliche but there's a lot of truth in those words. I wish you abundant growth in your time with your friend and hope the connection brings you to the place the Lord has in mind. Enjoy every moment.

venksta said:

I hope others are looking out for those who God is bringing into their lives, where the opportunity to receive wisdom and become further prepared for what His will is for our lives.

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I had an unexpected conversation during our Costco visit the other day. We usually leave once we've checked out but this time was different. We sat down and packed away our purchases and struck up a conversation with two ladies sitting at the table beside us. We discussed different topics and were united in our perspectives and shared resources with one another.

An hour passed and we all were lightened. The ladies were watchmen and faithful to their work. We encouraged their efforts and offered our support in prayer. They acknowledged their loneliness and the absence of companions who felt the same. But the Father met them in their place of need and it was wonderful to witness. He sent us to comfort them and were strengthened in return.

~bella

Earlier this week, I realized I was going to be 33 next month. I cried a little.

peaceful-forest said:

Earlier this week, I realized I was going to be 33 next month. I cried a little.

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Girl, dry your tears. The best is yet to come!

You know...

It took me a long time to realize how unhappily married believers loathed our freedom.
It took me awhile to realize how many wished they had a do over and could be where we stood.
It took me some time to realize how many wished they'd chosen differently and had a chance to do it again.

Don't despise your condition. There's a lot of people who wish they were in your shoes and had a chance to start again. People who leaped where you didn't and walked through doors we forsook.

Never believe you're behind. Time has proven we're better off.

peaceful-forest said:

Earlier this week, I realized I was going to be 33 next month. I cried a little.

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I felt the same at that age. A Christian once compared that age to Jesus and when he went to the cross. I found a lil comfort in that.

.

A personal miracle happened to me on my 33rd birthday which changed me forever. It was the most beautiful day of my life, during which I experienced His love like never before. The intensity of the experience compelled me to ask Him to slow down a bit and help me process it.

He took me to another realm of His Glory, similar to what He did with Ezekiel. I was transported and transfigured in the Spirit and knew I saw Him face-to-face. In that moment, I knew Him fully and was fully known by Him. There is no greater feeling and power than this.

This experience came after persevering through battles and at a great price. It was a near-death and near-birth experience all in the same moment, as I shared in His suffering and resurrection. That is the only way I can try to explain in human terms.

sampa said:

I'm not sure how to process this. The guy I liked 3 years ago has 2 mug shots within a years time for assault. The Lord really protected me and I pray for the one he married. Something I need to pray about when and if I ever become attracted again and listening to that instinct. The holy Spirit told me through dreams, but I continued to be curious as to why.

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Because he represents something you desire you're unwilling to admit. That's why you persisted and I told you he'd choose her. It was a rookie mistake and one you'll learn from if you're willing to see the situation for what it is and how it relates to your other suitors. There's a common denominator in them all.

How did you find the images? They wouldn't appear on your feed. You'd have to look for them. Why are you doing it? Is he still in your head? You don't have to answer that but you need understand why you'd bother looking in light of the circumstances.

~bella

sampa said:

I'm not sure how to process this. The guy I liked 3 years ago has 2 mug shots within a years time for assault. The Lord really protected me and I pray for the one he married. Something I need to pray about when and if I ever become attracted again and listening to that instinct. The holy Spirit told me through dreams, but I continued to be curious as to why.

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One of my ex-boyfriends went to prison last decade for something very bad. He gets out in 2 years. I would rather he stay in prison because I believe he will commit the same crime again.

sampa said:

I'm not sure how to process this. The guy I liked 3 years ago has 2 mug shots within a years time for assault. The Lord really protected me and I pray for the one he married. Something I need to pray about when and if I ever become attracted again and listening to that instinct. The holy Spirit told me through dreams, but I continued to be curious as to why.

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That is really scary. I'm glad you escaped being with him. I know from my own personal experiences that it's wisest to listen to those gut feelings and to not ignore any red flags.

2024 is shaping up to be the year of exposure. The hidden things are uncovered and reckonings are underway. It's an important reminder for children of God to repent and come clean.

I finished Leave the World Behind the other day and the book and movie were worlds apart. The movie emphasizes racial disharmony while the book shows them getting beyond their suspicions fairly quick. The movie advises you not to trust anyone while the book shows the couples working together. The movie says you're trapped. You can't leave by plane, boat, or car. But that wasn't in the book and they chose to hunker down.

The movie ends in civil unrest and the book closes with them heading home (the place of refuge) together. It shows their willingness to love their neighbor and provide sanctuary during a period of uncertainty. While the movie says every man for himself.

Few films are true to the book but this was produced by the Obamas and the subject is America. Many have chimed in on the symbolism and there's a lot of occult references including 666. The lettering on the cover spells out a name.



The movie was released on December 8th and 18 weeks later the Civil War film came out on the anniversary of the civil war and it's about America too. Coincidence? You be the judge. I think Christians should see them both so they'll know how to pray. Especially those in America.

I'm going to see the film this week if I can. Movies are mediums for influence. They make us feel happy, sad, excited, etc. But when you move beyond entertainment you realize you're looking at a parable. Do you remember why Christ did the same?

This is the reason I speak to the crowds in parables: because while [having the power of] seeing they do not see, and while [having the power of] hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand and grasp [spiritual things]. In them the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘You will hear and keep on hearing, but never understand; and you will look and keep on looking, but never comprehend.

The devil copies everything.

~bella

Had another possible opportunity open up at church to serve. At the prayer and fellowship night, on Friday, our interim pastor shared he was retiring. He was the one who lead the prayer night, along with a devotional, before we prayed. As I was already scheduled to lead, in two weeks, God put another scripture in mind that would be perfect for the following prayer night. Which would be right before Mother's Day. Seeing this new need, has given me an eagerness to step up and offer to lead going forward, if the church elders agree. I'll have to spend time in prayer though, to make sure its God's will. Also need to see how it goes when I have my first chance to lead, in two weeks.