“I do too much”

 That sounds like a incredibly full plate! Juggling college, raising three kids, managing a household, running a Poshmark shop, working on weight loss, and trying to create daily video content for Flip is a huge undertaking. It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when you have so much going on.

It might be helpful to break down your goals and commitments into smaller, more manageable pieces. Could you perhaps identify one or two areas where you feel you could either delegate a task, or perhaps find a more efficient way to handle it? Sometimes even a small adjustment can make a big difference in a busy schedule.

I also like blogging 😏

Blogging on top of everything else? Wow. Your plate is not just full; it's overflowing. It's truly incredible that you're managing college, three kids, a household, a Poshmark shop, weight loss, video creation, and a blog all at once. It's completely normal and understandable to feel stretched thin with that much on your to-do list.

With so many commitments, it might be helpful to think about which ones have a hard deadline or are absolutely essential, and which ones might be more flexible. For example, are there certain tasks you have to do every day, or are there some you could put on hold for a week to catch your breath?

I live across the street from a football field

 It's funny, the things you get used to. For most people, the soundtrack to a Friday night might be the latest streaming binge or dinner with friends. For me? It's the roar of the crowd from the football field across the street. Living this close means game nights aren't just something you hear about – they're something you live next to. And let me tell you, stepping out into my front yard when a big game is happening is a trip.

One minute, I'm watering my petunias, the next, a wave of sound washes over me that could rival a rock concert. You can feel the energy in the air, the vibrations almost. The stadium lights blaze so bright they cast long shadows down my street, turning a regular evening into something almost cinematic. And the voices! A constant hum of cheers, groans, and the occasional booming voice of the announcer, narrating a story I'm only catching snippets of.

It's a strange feeling, being right there but also removed. The excitement is palpable, you can practically taste it, but I'm just standing on my lawn, in my own little bubble. Sometimes a stray cheer will erupt that tells a whole story in a single burst of sound. Other times, it's just a low rumble, a collective holding of breath during a tense play.

I've seen it all from my little patch of green. The celebratory fireworks that light up the sky after a big win, the somber quiet that descends after a tough loss. People streaming down the street, their faces painted with team colors, their energy infectious. It's like having a front-row seat to the collective heartbeat of my town, all without ever having to buy a ticket or fight for a parking spot.

Is it always peaceful? Definitely not. Parking can be a nightmare, and sometimes the noise goes on a little longer than I'd like. But there's also something undeniably cool about it. It's a constant reminder of the community I live in, the shared passions that bring people together. And yeah, that one time a stray football actually rolled into my flowerbed? That was a story I still tell.

So, while some people might dream of a quiet suburban street, I've got the Friday night lights just across the way. It's different, for sure. Sometimes a little crazy. But it's my view, and in its own way, it's kind of cool.

***I don’t have petunias. It’s not quite as loud as a rock concert. & there’s not ever celebratory fireworks. Ai 🤖 might not know it quite exactly like we do. But close enough you kinda get the idea. Also, I wouldn’t call parking a nightmare. Just gotta make sure no one takes our spot so hubby has somewhere to park when he gets home from work. & the noise doesn’t exactly “go on longer than I’d like” it’s all good. People are pretty decent around here. One time a football 🏈 hit our door 🚪 (not flowerbed) and  I jumped about 10 feet lol. Whoa 😱 lol. It was a little startling, but I survived lol. I was sitting there all peaceful 😌 and suddenly 💥 bang. ❗️ but that was only 1 time in the (almost) 13 years we’ve lived here. There might’ve been like one or two other times but it was all good. 99% of the time no footballs are flying over here lol. 

The main reason I made this post is because I overheard the band practicing this morning. Drums and such mostly. Didn’t look out the door to see exactly what was going on. Sometimes I do. But now the music has stopped so maybe practice is over? Anyway… so yeah. Living next to the football field is interesting. (Especially in the fall) 

Good Morning

 

I saw a Baptist Non Denominational Church…Wonder if this info from Ai 🤖 is accurate … hmm 🤔

 That's an interesting and increasingly common thing to see. It can definitely be confusing, because on the surface, it seems contradictory.

Here's a breakdown of what that might mean:

 * Baptist Churches are part of a specific Christian tradition with roots in the Protestant Reformation. They hold certain core beliefs, such as the baptism of believers by full immersion, and a congregational form of church government where each church is self-governing. They are part of a larger denominational family, even if they aren't tied to a specific convention.

 * Non-Denominational Churches are typically independent and not formally affiliated with any larger group, hierarchy, or convention. They often focus on a specific style of worship or community that may not fit neatly into a traditional denomination.

The reason a Baptist church might use both labels is often about communication and identity. The church is likely trying to convey that while they hold to key Baptist beliefs (like believer's baptism and congregational rule), they are not officially affiliated with a specific Baptist convention (like the Southern Baptist Convention).

In this way, the "non-denominational" label serves to emphasize their independence and may also be a way to attract people who have been turned off by traditional denominational labels. It's a way of saying, "We follow the Baptist tradition, but we're not bound by a larger organization."

Christianity since “in the beginning”

 That's a good way to summarize a very significant theological framework within Christianity, particularly in some Protestant traditions. You're touching on a key concept in Christian thought: the progression of God's relationship with humanity through different eras or dispensations.

Here's a breakdown of the key ideas you've mentioned:

 * God and Israel: Many Christians believe that after the creation and fall of humanity, God chose the nation of Israel to be his special people. Through them, he revealed his laws and made promises (the covenants). Israel's purpose, in this view, was to be a "light to the nations" and prepare the way for the Messiah, who would ultimately fulfill these promises.

 * The Church Age: This is a term used to describe the current period, which began with the coming of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection, and the establishment of the Church. The belief is that the "gospel"—the good news of salvation through Jesus—is now to be shared with all people, not just the nation of Israel. In this view, the Church is the new body of believers, made up of both Jews and Gentiles, and is the primary instrument for spreading the gospel today.

This perspective highlights a theological transition from a focus on one specific nation (Israel) to a universal, global mission through the Church. It's a way of understanding how the story of God's work unfolds from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

I asked Ai: “what’s been going on in Christianity over the years?”

 Christianity has an incredibly long and complex history, so summarizing its journey over the years involves looking at major shifts in doctrine, geography, and cultural influence.

Here's a broad overview of some of the most significant changes and trends:

Early History and Major Splits

 * From Persecuted to Dominant: Christianity began as a small, often persecuted movement in the Roman Empire. Its fortunes changed dramatically when Emperor Constantine legalized it in the 4th century, eventually making it the state religion. This shift gave it immense political power and influence.

 * The Great Schism: In 1054, Christianity experienced its first major division, splitting into the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East. This was due to a combination of theological differences and political and cultural tensions.

 * The Protestant Reformation: The 16th century saw another monumental split with the Protestant Reformation, which was sparked by figures like Martin Luther. This movement challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the creation of numerous new denominations, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, and many others.

Modern Trends (20th and 21st Centuries)

 * Geographic Shift: A major trend in the last century has been the significant shift in Christianity's global center. While it was once heavily concentrated in Europe and North America, its fastest growth is now in the "Global South," particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.

 * Decline in the West: In many Western countries, there has been a steady decline in church attendance and the number of people who identify as Christian. This has led to the rise of the "nones" (people with no religious affiliation) and a greater diversity of religious beliefs.

 * Politicization and Social Issues: In many parts of the world, particularly the United States, Christianity has become increasingly intertwined with politics. This has led to deep divisions within denominations and congregations over social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and the role of the church in public life.

 * New Forms of Worship: The rise of technology has led to new ways of practicing faith, from megachurches that use modern music and multimedia to a growth in online and digital evangelism. The nondenominational movement has also become a significant force, as many people seek a spiritual home outside of traditional church structures.

Lately (the last 5 years)

 The first half of the 2020s has been incredibly eventful, marked by a combination of global challenges and rapid technological advancements. Here's a summary of the major themes:

Global Events and Society:

 * The COVID-19 Pandemic: This was the defining event of the early 2020s. The global lockdowns, the shift to remote work and school, and the development and rollout of vaccines fundamentally changed daily life, economies, and social interactions worldwide.

 * Geopolitical Conflicts: The decade has been shaped by significant international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

 * Social Movements: Protests against police brutality and for social justice, like the George Floyd protests, sparked a global conversation about race and systemic inequality.

Technology:

 * The Rise of AI: Artificial intelligence has moved from a niche field to a mainstream technology. The public release of tools like ChatGPT has made generative AI accessible to a wide audience, sparking both excitement and concern about its impact on creative work, education, and the future of labor.

 * The "Creator Economy": Social media continued to evolve, with platforms like TikTok and the rise of short-form video content changing how we consume media. The creator economy, where individuals build audiences and monetize their content, has become a significant force.

 * Remote Work: While the shift to remote work was accelerated by the pandemic, it has become a lasting trend for many industries, fundamentally altering the traditional office environment.

This has been a period of immense change and disruption, where a global health crisis and its aftermath have coincided with a technological boom that is reshaping our future.