Long story short, I struggled with my health and focused completely on putting myself together in early adulthood. I'm finally dating someone and it's very new. He knows what I've been through since I'm very open, but I want to tell him about how I wear a wig/have implants. I don't want him to feel pressured or like he is a bad person if he wants to reject me- what would be the best way to tell him?
Long version when I was a teenageyoung adult, I had health problems. I lost a lot of weight, most of my hair, and was at risk for organ failure. I also had an amputation that you can't see with a prosthesis, among other things which resulted in me having breast implants and a human hair wig (which looks rather realistic since it was custom-made to look like mine before I was sick). Also, my implants fit my frame. I'm a B cup now and I think it looks natural under clothes. So basically to the eye I now look "normal" and have been cleared to workout, work, etc.
As an adult I spent all my free time studying, reading, working out, etc. I'm close to my mom now, I have a good job as a UI designer, and I have a nice group of friends that I go to pilates, coffee, watch movies, hike, etc with. I'm grateful for my health and life now because many people would be in much worse shape after what I went through. I spend my free time working on creative projects, and volunteering, and am a bit of a homebody. I finally met someone so wonderful. He is intelligent, smart, kind, and creative. I really care for him and enjoy spending time with him, but I want to be upfront about my situation without pressuring him.

My birthday is coming up and I have been reflecting a lot. I'd really love to have advice about entering your later 20s. I didn't have the most traditional route in life and for the first time I have a chance to live a more normal life. I would love to have some input on what to pay attention to, general advice, or anything that you can think of that you wish you knew for this time.
Up until this point, I had a really untraditional life. When I was a teenageyoung adult, I had health problems. I lost a lot of weight, most of my hair, and was at risk for organ failure. I also had an amputation that you can't see with a prosthesis, among other things which resulted in me having breast implants and a human hair wig (which looks rather realistic since it was custom made to look like mine before I was sick). So basically to the eye I now look "normal" and have been cleared to workout, work, etc.
As an adult I spent all my free time studying, reading, working out, etc. I'm close to my mom now, I have a good job as a UI designer, and I have a nice group of friends that I go to pilates, coffee, watch movies, hike, etc with. I'm grateful for my health and life now because many people would be in much worse shape after what I went through. I spend my free time working on creative projects, volunteering, and am a bit of a homebody.
I don't have a lot of people to go to for advice since I don't have a large extended family so any input you could share from your experiences or that you think could be beneficial to me would be great.

I'm really active person, went to gym 3-4 times a week, occasional swimming and bouldering, lots of cycling and was practising advanced yoga. Disclaimer: I'm working from home and mostly am seated at my desk. Read books a lot/on my phone with my head bent down.
My CT started with pins and needles in the left arm a little more than a year ago during body pump classes when the bar was pressing on my shoulders and when I was deadlifting. Not long after I went to see my first physiotherapist, I started to feel pain in both elbows in July 2023, so I stopped the exercises and got a referral further to see a specialist. We run an EMG, and an MRI test on my neck and left arm, that showed a compressed nerve in my elbow and a little decompression in my neck. ("Early disc osteophyte bars are seen at C4-5 and C5-6 but there is no foraminal narrowing no canal stenosis no involvement of the exiting nerve roots.") I started with another physiotherapist and started hand therapy as well and was put on Gabapentin 300mg once a day.
Nothing seemed to help easing the growing pain in my arms, so I had a nerve release op in January this year on my left arm. At this point my dosage was Gabapentin 300mg 3x/day. The symptomps didn't get much better after the op, but it's slightly more comfortable to sleep with my left arm now. I went back to the gym, recommeded by my physio and doing forearm, upper arm workouts with the cable, trx and crosstrainer. Also I'm able to do pilates and LBT classes which was unimaginable before. So my mental health definitely improved due to these changes.
I recently had another EMG test which showed us that the pain is coming from my neck rather than my elbows. The doctor who did the test has advised me against doing any form of exercises, not even cycling as my neck needs to rest. This also means to me that the surgery was kind of pointless - even though the nerve was so decompressed that it was discoloured according to the surgeon at the time.
So with the hand therapy and the physio we were more focused on my arms, not my neck as that minor compression in the neck was disregarded at the beginning of the treatments. Obviously they both know that the ulnar nerve is originating from my neck, but I feel like everyone was treating me without knowing what was causing the pain, and we can start this all over after half a year. I'm also on Gabepentin 900mg 3x/day as the pain got so bad over time.
Still waiting for my blood test results which could show constant inflamation in my body, that could be another potential source of my pain, but just wanted to ask if any of you had similar cases or have anything that helped you, in terms of exercises or anything at all? I'm going mad with the constant pain as it's affecting my life so much, and tired of hearing different doctors telling me such different ideas on the ideal form of exercise.

Link to a google doc on my Saxenda Journey.
About me:
I'm a 35 years old woman. 160cm tall and my highest weight this year was 116kgs.
Timing: I jab at night around 10pm. This is mainly due to my mornings being hectic so it's easier to do it at night. I do my belly area and after the first few weeks, I make my husband jab me instead. The mental block of forcing myself to hurt myself was delaying everything. So now I make him do it and it's quick and done. (He hates it because he hates making me flinch)
I have jabbed in the morning to see what happens and I was just hungry in the morning and then not hungry at dinner at all. Meanwhile, if I jab at night then I don't feel hungry during the day and then eat for dinner.
Symptoms: The first few days I was pretty nauseous. I was very lethartic and borderline depressed. That did go away but I was also working on other parts of my health (Turns out I was low in iron, B12 and Vit D.) which might have contributed to parts of the early symptoms. Unsure.
Period time: I did notice my period came earlier, I had stronger cramps and I became really depressed right before one of my periods. It was a little scary as I just went numb. I was able to snap out of it 2 days later once my period began. I did notice that my period was shorter than previously.
Libido: I noticed a small uptick in interest in my husband than normal. I worried that this would kill my libido but I would say it's slightly increased it, which we are both pleased about ;)
Diet/Exercise: Nope. I don't calorie count (Don't come for me. It's never worked for me.) and I haven't had a lot of time to go to the gym (Work + study has been insane at the moment+ youngest kid in sleep/nap limbo not going to sleep until 9:30pm some nights). I have tried many forms of exercise and I enjoy weight lifting, walking, yoga, pilates, swiming and dancing.
Reflux: I have chronic reflux. It's one of my motivators to decrease my weight as I noticed my reflux isn't as bad when I'm at a reasonable weight compared to the obesity that is me at the moment. I was worried that it would get really bad (It was very very bad when I was pregnant) but I can say that my reflux is actually better than when I was off it. Not sure on the logic but I take less Nexium now than before Saxenda.
Constipation/Diahorrea: No real change. I think I had some diahorrea at the beginning but nothing more than half a day.
Dosage: My doctor was happy to let me try it with the dosage that I felt comfortable. Ideally I would have loved to stay on 0.6mg for ever and then keep my costs down but that was not what happened. As you can see I did increase my dose that I am having my first 3mg dose tonight. I kept track of my weight and the moment I noticed it starting to creep up again I would increase the dose.
My doctor: She was happy with my results after 5 weeks. She loved the graph. She was heading off to Mat leave so she gave me a script and repeats to keep my until October when she is scheduled to come back.
Weight loss to date: I am currently 108.7kgs which brings me to 5.4kgs in almost 2 months.
Thoughts?: At this point I am going to continue with the medication on 3mg and see what it's like at full dosage and see. I would like to incorporate some exercise into my routine although with my current work load that might prove easier said than done.
Happy to answer any questions.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1n32IxtnkR-HlzKM5E3Vso0Oclus8o7wtxUg-Cq-7Z08/edit?usp=sharing

I had some health issues that left me bedridden and unable to care for myself. I lived on a diet on fast food and I was unable exercise. Over 3 years I gained 100 pounds. I applied the discipline I have gained mastery of: how strictly I could follow a diet when I believed it could work. Honestly the 100 pounds that I had gained over the recent few years came off at a head spinning rate. It took about a year and a few months. The 60 pounds after that have come off very slowly with many lengthy plateaus. The reason it continues is because instead of saying "I'm going to lose weight" I changed my narrative to "I'm going to make the healthiest choices for myself as possible'
This journey started in 2018, as soon as I finished a long but obsessively researched and well written article called "Everything you know about obesity is wrong" by Michael Hobbes (yes, the one from the spectacular podcast Maintainance Phase). I lost all faith in diets. I was 365 pounds and just absolutely accepted that this was the weight I'd be forever. The idea that it was so statistically improbable that I'd lose the weight wasn't a burden anymore. I was free! So, I decided to eat whatever I wanted. But I was so insanely sick of the same food all the time aftet spending so many years eating from local resturnts. So I started to cook as from scratch as I was able. I prepped food over the weekend as much as possible to make after school meals fast yet from scratch.
Soon I found myself enjoying food again. I use butter, whole milk and eat strictly whole milk yogurt.We have all these prepackaged items that taste unexceptional that do not cut down time enough to make it worth it. I started small, focusingon making stuff from scratch that takes nearly the same amount of time as the prepackaged.
My exercise journey started out with a script for aquatic physical therapy. I began really looking forward to slowly stretching in nearly a hot tub. I propped my phone on the edge and soundlessly caught up on my fantasy dramas from Korea. Eventually I was fit enough to add in laps. Then pilates about a year after that. Eventually I had a diverse and consistent exercise regiment.
I only weigh myself once a month (if that), now.
I still have to remind myself that deessert is a taste of sweetness, not a meal. It is limited to once a day. I also always drink a glass of water right beforehand. I myself slowing down as a result.
Because I snack on nutritionally complex and diverse snacks all day I eat significantly less of my biggest meals. This reduced my shame spiraling about food so much and makes it way easier to control my portions. I feel full nearly all the time, because I listen to what my body needs. I still look up the nutritional profile of what I'm craving and find things that are healthier that I enjoy eating and choose the healthiest option. I tried a LOT of new foods and recipes.
It's significantly cheaper and healthier to make everything from scratch. Most of my recipes come from the cookbooks from 1900-1940. My local library also has a free cooking class where we prep and cook a variety of vegetables and go home with a 20 pound box of the same veggies. I learned lots of recipes and made friends I probably wouldn't have otherwise, but whom I cherish.
I eat slowly, focusing as much as the situation allows, on the taste. I try to be in the moment. If I've eaten my main course and 2 healthy sides, one of which is always a vegetable, I wait 20 minutes before a second helping.
At first I set timers to snack. It had been essentially forbidden. And when it was allowed it was never filling enough to make it worth it. So now I try to focus on making myself nutritionally dense snacks. On the days I sense the neurospiciness is strong within, I still set snack timers. I always drink water whenever I eat, too. At least 32 oz a day.
If I've recently eaten, I still have to ask myself "Am I bored, upset, depressed, anxious or thirsty?" If the answer is yes to any of them, I address the issue as well as my coping skills allow; typicallyI forget my food cravings at that point. Those are usually the times I would have made food decisions I'd quickly to eventually regret.
I stretch frequently throughout the day. I meditate and practice mindfulness daily. I have a daily creative outlet. I Strictly limit social media time. I engage in weekly social gatherings. I get regular therapy. I get medical attention when it's needed. I'm a single mom and I strictly enforce my healthy self care, no matter how many parts of me resist. That voice that says 'you don't deserve to be happy" gets weaker and weaker. I celebrate all my accomplishments, big and small. Some days I can do 3 loads of laundry and some days I can get what I wore into the hamper. I do not need outside validation to consider something a personal victory. Only I get to decide what is or isn't a personal victory and the more I notice the happier I am.
My transformation was only possible because for every decision, especially the little ones throughout the day, I've done my best to aim for the healthiest option possible as often as possible.
When I enivedably fail at making the healthiest decision possible I remind myself that mistakes are necessary in learning and acceptance is necessary in self growth. Then I try better the next time.
TL:DR- I decide countless times everyday to make the healthiest choices possible. When I inevitably fail I brush off my pride and keep doing my best

Warning this will be a long post, it has everything I've learnt in the past couple of years from hair growth, to styling, to weightloss, to nervous system regulation and more.
I'm in my early 30s, I have 3B hair, tall, two years ago I was obese, prediabetic, I had anxiety problems, now I'm just a tall [seemingly ;) ] effortlessly pretty black girl and I want all my beauties on here to have my beauty secrets.
Topics discussed:

• Haircare
• Style
• Makeup
• Teeth
• Skincare
• Weight loss vs Fat loss
• Healthy Fat loss
• Body Recomposition
• Inflammation
• Gut Health
• How to lower androgen/testosterone levels
• Nervous System Regulation/Stress Management
• Tea Cycling
• Seed Cycling

Hair

I have PCOS so it affects my hair growth and causes hirsutism, basically male patterened facial hair and male patterned baldness.
Hair Growth: Here is the true secret sauce to hair growth, stimulating your scalp. I do daily scalp massages with a bamboo brush (even the bristles are made of rounded bamboo) very gentle. This is the one I use: Golab Beauty I do short strokes which prevents any tangles. Morning and Night. I then go in with a scalp serum, I use The Oui scalp serum but it costs a pretty penny. In the first yearish I used (The 'Ordinary' Haircare Growth Set Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density) which worked wonders and was cost effective. At nights I seal with any scalp oil that has rosemary oil. Sadly Mielle's formula no longer works for me, but As I Am rosemary oil has been working, I also like the Camille Rose Rosemary Oil Strengthening Hair and Scalp Drops. For Washing my hair I suffer from sebaceous dermatitis which causes scaliness. Paradoxically my scalp is so oily which is what triggers the ezcema and develops the dry patches. Reversing my PCOS symptoms fixed this but what also helped was the Nizoral shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole. It's harsh so I do it once to twice a month at most and I always follow up with a moisturizing shampoo, and of course finish with a wash out conditioner & leave in conditioner.
Hair Retention: This is the info we all know about preventing breakage but I'll include just in case. Hair growth happens in the scalp like said before but to retain that growth it's important to wear protective hairstyles (especially while asleep), a silk/satin bonnet or wrap, silk/satin pillowcase, do not let your hair air dry at night. There is debate about this but I've seen hair specialists and scientists say our hair is especially fragile when wet (especially curly/kinky hair). Therefore, we are much more prone to snags and breakage while our hair is wet. So going to bed make sure your hair is dried. If you're air drying your hair during the day try not to touch it too much - as little manipulation as possible. Personally choose to diffuse/blow dry my hair and this has prevented most of the breakage I was previously experiencing. Lastly, moisturize and oil your ends. I won't pretend like I know which order is best or even if it's important but I've found that using hair moisturizediluted leave in conditioner then hair oil works best for me.
Hirsutism/Facial Hair: Spearmint essential oil. I add 1-2 drops of the oil to my moisturizer each time I put on my moisturizer and it helped A LOT with reducing my facial hair. I also drink a lot of spearmint tea. Spearmint specifically has been proven to lower androgen/testosterone levels which is why it helps. I also took supplements which I'll include at the end because they served multiple purposes. Be sure not to add the oil to the entire bottle because that will ruin your moisturizer's formula. Just add the drops in your palm/finger tips and mix in your face cream each time you moisturize your jawline, chin, underneck. Also, do this after moisturizing the upper part of your face without the oil because it's harsh and the scent can be irritating to your eye area.
Body hair: Personally I sugar wax my arms and legs, the hair has grown back so thin now. I make it myself and follow tutorials from abetweene on youtube.
Hair colouHairstyle: This will depend on your face shape and color season. I'm a dark winter colour season and I have a heart face shape. I used the Dressika app to discover my color season before I could afford to get myself professionally assessed and I got the same results. Just be sure to use natural lighting, like by a window. Once you have your colour season you can choose hair colours that work best for you (although natural almost always works best). For my hairstyle I try to choose styles that compliment my heart shaped face. I used the youtube channel Dear Peachie to help me with figuring this out.

Style

I think most of us know about Kibbe and colour seasons. This was how I upgraded my wardrobe. I'm a soft dramatic so I wear things that work for my tall height and accentuate my waist.
This was the game changer with colour seasons. Most of us know about our true seasons, but it can get restrictive. Sister seasons and colour dissonance is also helpful to know.
My colour season is dark winter, so my sister seasons would be dark autumn and true winter. Thid gives me more wiggle room to style myself.
Dissonance are colours that are outside your true season and your sister seasons, you sprinke this in to add interest. Think of an outfit that is extremely matchy and cohesive but has that one accessory or item that stands out and adds interest. It's really fun in art and in fashion.
For my shoes I've started wearing dancing heels which help my flat feet lol and look stylish. Heel insoles help too, as well as the product Shoe Gummi. I still can't last more than 2, 3 hours at most but it's definitely bearable compared to before.
Matching pajamas and loungewear. You just feel so luxurious dressing up at home and they can (should) be comfy :)
Accessories:

• I wear glasses that work with my heart shaped face.
• I have a neutral leaning warm undertone so I wear gold jewelry, if I wear pearls or other gem stones I mix in gold to provide more harmony with my skin.
• Perfume, wear what works with your body chemistry. Some smell delictable on people I know and icky on me, and vice versa. Wear what works for you.
• Nails, press ons. So convenient, so cheap.
• Hair accessories, bows, barretes, clips, scrunchies, a ribbon, you could be wearing jeans and a t shirt but a simple hair accessory upgrades the look automatically.

Makeup

I used the youtube channel Dear Peachie to help me with finding eye looks, brows, blush placement for my face shape
I have a low visual weight face and I am a romantic ingenue, because of this I go for more subtle looks that emphasis two facial features maximum at a time (eyes, lips, cheeks).
Don't get me wrong I love glam bold makeup but soft and subtle makes me glow, I turn heads when my makeup is done like this.

Teeth

• Wax free floss (Cocofloss $10 expensive but I love it 😅, Burst black floss, Moon graphite floss, Twice floss, Dr. Jen’s silk floss)
• Oil pulling (coconut oil with clove & tea tree oil, or Guru Nanda oil pulling product)
• Brush teeth
• Tongue scraper (not everyday, couple of times a week and not too hard)
• Alcohol free mouthwash (TheraBreath)
• More so related to my lip area but I try to use wrinkle preventing straws or when I do use regular straws, I place it on the side of my mouth. The reason this works is because puckering the lips excessively causes smokers lines/wrinkles around the mouth.

Skin

Skincare. This was something that took me a while to work on because of my PCOS, age, weight and etc.
Facial Care: The basics includes chemical exfoliation, retinol, moisturizerecover. I cycle my nightly skincare routine with this in mind and always keep the same morning routine. Mornings look like this (Jojoba oil to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, vitamin c/peptide serum, moisturizer with a drop or two of glycerin, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, finish with sunscreen).
My nights I alternate these routines in this order
Night 1 - Chemical Exfoliation (Oil cleanser to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, glycolic/lactic acid, moisturizer with a drop or two of glycerin, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, castor oil on lashes and brows)
Night 2 - Retinol (Oil cleanser to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, retinol, moisturizer, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, castor oil on lashes and brows)
Night 3 - MoisturizeRecovery (Oil cleanser to help while I use my gua sha, Water based cleanser, eye cream, retinol, moisturizer with a drop or two of glycerin, rosehip oil as sealant on entire face, spearmint oil mixed with face cream on the jawline & neck area, castor oil on lashes and brows)
Repeat Night 1 - 3 (sometimes I need more days to recover if my skin is sensitive or acting up, do what works for you personally)
Other things that I've done/used to help: red light therapy (helps with both hair growth, so I use it on my scalp, and with stretch marks so I use it on my face and body), Microcurrent device (helps with collagen production and stretchmarks) - I use the brand NuFace & NuBody, Volufiline (a skin serum I mix with eye cream that helps with hollowness under the eyes, Kigelia Africana Skin Cream (I use the brand Maelys B-Perky which contains this ingredient and helped to tighten my chest area and my loose skin on the area), face yoga and myo fascia face massage, these help with the tautness of my face (basically everything else helps with wrinkles, these exercises and the microcurrent helps and prevents, sagging especially jowls). I follow tutorials I search for from youtube.
Body Care: Similar to facial care body care includes exfoliation, retinol, moisturizerecover
Night 1 - Physical Exfoliation (Dry brush/Body Scrub, Hydrating lotion with a few drops of glycerin, rosehip oil as sealant on entire body)
Night 2 - Retinol (Jojoba oil to help while I use my gua sha, retinol body wash, retinol body lotion)
Night 3 - MoisturizeRecovery (Jojoba oil to help while I use my gua sha, Hydrating lotion with a few drops of glycerin, rosehip oil as sealant on entire body)
Again, repeat Night 1 - 3 use more days for recovery if needed
Stretch marks/loose skin: Whether due to weight gain, pregnancy, etc. we can't ever truly get rid of loose skin or stretch marks but moisturizing the skin and derma rolling can help with the appearance. Especially derma rolling. Do NOT derma roll while pregnant but you can do so after when you’ve recovered and talk to your doctor (if you've had a c section you have to wait before derma rolling). I used this video as motivation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChG8aSvEU6A
For the body I never went beyond 1.5mm it worked for my deepest stretch marks. If this is too aggressive 1.0mm still works just as well. Make sure you use 70% alcohol as this is what experts say is better at disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria. The disinfecting power of rubbing alcohol drops at concentrations higher than 80%-85%. Make sure you disinfect the derma roller before and after use, and make sure you disinfect your area of contact before rolling as well. Do not do heavy workouts workout or sweat inducing activities for at least 3 days after and avoid harsh products.
I started derma rolling while working on losing weight (at the beginning of my journey while still obese) and continued a year after losing 130lbs. Derma rolling works by causing micro tears, the skin heals the area and in the process of doing so develops more collagen - leading to thicker skin, lighter stretch marks and tighter skin. Since I did this before losing the weight it helped my skin adapt a lot. I won't pretend like I have 0 loose skin or stretch marks but it's barely visible. Someone has to be intimately close to notice. Obviously genetics, how slowly you lose the weight, diet, and moisturizing the skin helps but my PCOS contributed to low collagen (thin skin) and so the derma rolling really helped.

Weight loss vs Fat loss

Tons of info here but I promise if you read through it helps to know this stuff.
Weightloss comes down to calories in versus calories out. I know that's rudely simpliflied and not that easy, but it truly is the answer to weightloss (which may be fat, water, or muscle). This is why people can eat barely nothing, lose weight but their shape stays the same (basically skinny fat). It's also why fasting or going low carb works so fast (water weight is the first to go).
Fatloss on the other hand is more complicated. This involves our TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure).
TDEE includes: Resting/Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Metabolic Equivalent of Task or Exercise activity thermogenesis (EAT), Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), Thermic Effect of Food (TEF), and Adaptive Thermogenesis (AT).
BMR (~70% daily energy) the energy taken to exist, so tasks like breathing. Your sex, body composition (muscle to fat ratio), age, and genetics play a role in this EAT (~5% daily energy) the energy taken for exercise weight lifting, swimming, high intensity walks, etc. NEAT (~15% daily energy) the energy taken for non exercise movements like walking, fidgeting, showering, standing, etc TEF (~10% daily energy depending on the macronutrients of your meal) the energy taken to digest, protein has the highest TEF of all the macronutrients, Carbs have a TEF of around 5-10%, while Fats have the lowest TEF, around 0-3%.
Adaptive Thermogenesis (AT) is the changes in energy expenditure (energy used) that occur in response to changes in energy balance. For example when you eat more food than you need, your body may increase energy expenditure to prevent weight gain eg. move more, eat less the next day, etc.. On the other hand, when you eat less food than you need, your body may decrease energy expenditure to conserve energy and prevent weight loss eg. less movement, eat more the next day.
Other things that affect AT include diet composition (eg high/low protein, high/low carb, calorie dense foods, etc), physical activity (eg. weights vs. cardio), and environmental factors such as temperature and altitude.
Things that influence AT can make weight management challenging, as it can lead to plateaus or rebounds in weight loss efforts. This is why lack of sleep, hormonal issues, aging, etc. makes weightloss harder.
Here is a clearer example of this
Things that affect calories in:

• 8-9 Hours of sleep (Maintains metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, hormonal processes). Compromised sleep lead to:
  • Increased Gherlin (hunger hormone - feeling hungrier & therefor eating more)
  • Decreased Leptin (sensation of satiety - needing to eat more to feel full)
• Insulin resistance: This is when the cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don't respond well to insulin and can't easily take up glucose from your blood. This results in excessive sugar in the blood & as a result the body produces more insulin in order to try to help the cells obtain the energy from glucose. This leads to weight gain as the insulin increases hunger. Also, since the body is insulin resistant, the excess glucose is converted to fat for long-term storage.
  • Things that can cause insulin resistance: PCOS, Inactivity/sedentary lifestyle, family history of diabetes, gestational diabetes, hypertension, alcohol abuse, poor sleep habits, high cholesterol levels, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, high bodyweight, acromegaly

Things that affect calories out:

• Body Composition (Fat to muscle ratio)
• Gut health
• Compromised sleep affects our energy levels which leads to
  • Decreased NEAT (Non exercise activity thermogenesis)
• Hypothyroidism (lowered levels of T3 and T4)
  • Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 affects every cell and all the organs in your body by regulating the rate at which your body uses calories/energy which is known as our bmr, meaning this affects your metabolic rate.
• Too few calories lowers daily NEAT
  • By eating below your BMI (calories needed to perform basic biological processes), your body makes up for this through energy conservation by lowering your NEAT (non exercise activity thermogenesis). Basically you lack the energy to perform your normal daily activities. This also affects your body composition and cardio health as you become sedentary (stop moving as much).

Healthy Fat loss

So to lose fat in a healthy way you need to:

1. Get enough sleep (8-9 hours per night)
2. Manage your stress levels/nervous system regulation
3. Look after your gut health
4. Manage inflammation
5. Increase your daily steps (8-10k per day)
6. Weight lift
7. Eat high protein (protein takes the most amount of energy to digest).
8. Manage your insulin resistence
9. Eat in a caloric deficit (make sure your calories in do not exceed calories out).

Futher information about the bold items in the list is included below. Also, I know this all seems overwhelming but keep in mind you are creating a lifestyle change. This is not a quick fix.
To manage your insulin resistance (info from the book Glucose Goddess by Jessie Inchauspé):

• Eat within an hour of waking up
• Protein with breakfast
• Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar before each meal (diluted in a glass of water)
• Eat foods in this order, veggies -> protein -> fat -> starches -> carbs -> sugar
• Never eat sweets/dessert/carbs on an empty stomach (dessert after dinner)
• Keep refined carbs and added sugar at a minimum.
• Minimize alcohol intake
• Try to minimize sodas, fruit juice and sweet drinks (this is because there is no fiber to help with the glucose spike or at least try to have these drinks after eating something fiberous)
• Only eat fruit whole, not transformed eg. eat the orange instead of having the orange juice, again fiber makes a world of a difference
• Put clothing on your carbs. Eg. have protein/fats/fiber with your carbs
• A short walk after carb heavy meals
• Fasting - this is controversial and I should add a disclaimer, if you in any way shape or form have or had an eating disorder, especially restrictive eating, I highly recommend against fasting. Intermittent fasting has a lot of studies out there that were done on men. The book Fast Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz includes a nuanced view of fasting that takes into account our hormones and our monthly cycle. She also has a free app 'Fast like a girl', you log your period and it tells you how long to fast. However, bioindividuality is key here, genetics, etc. Please if you are considering fasting make sure you get bloodwork done first. Manage your electrolyte levels, do not neglect iron and protein levels. Personally, I prefer using the other methods since fasting can also inadvertently worsens insulin resistence due to increased stress/cortisol which cause higher hunger cues. Some with insulin resistence found fasting to be helpful. So make sure you do what works for you and always consult your doctor.
• Supplements:
  • Vitamin D paired with Vitamin K1 & K2
  • Magnesium Biglycinate (I take this before bed)
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Turmeric
  • Coenzyme 10 (Take with Clomid & Vitamin E)
  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
  • Inositol
  • Zinc (Important to Note: It works inversely with testosterone - raises testosterone if your levels are low and lowers it if your levels are high)

To eat in a caloric deficit, calculate your TDEE and subtract 200-500 calories from that number. I like using this calculator. https://tdeecalculator.net
Eg. If it's calculated to be 2000 calories, you subtract 200, so 1800 should be your daily calorie intake. For the activity levels make sure you do not oversell yourself. Here is a general guide:

• Sedentary: Office job sat all day or less than 3000 steps per day
• Lightly Active: Exercise 1-3 times per week or 3-10k steps daily (up to 3-4 miles daily)
• Moderately Active: Exercise 3-5 times per week or 10-15k steps daily (up to 4-7 miles daily)
• Highly Active: Hard exercise 6-7 training days per week or 15-20k steps daily (up to 7-10 miles daily)
• Extremely Active: Intense daily exercise/hard physical labour 7 days a week or 25k+ steps daily (up to 10 miles daily)

As you lose weight your body adapts so after a while you may need to recalculate your TDEE and deficit. Once you are at your ideal weight, you no longer subtract the 200-500, you simply eat the TDEE amount to maintain but you do this gradually. After I lost the weight I came out of the deficit by adding 50 calories to my daily intake per week, till I was at maintenance/my TDEE. This prevented me from gaining fat or water weight.
Lastly, muscle mass (increase in muscle raises your metabolic level, meaning you burn more calories at rest). This is ideal and is also how you'll see someone who is short, seemingly small but weigh more than you imagined. Muscle density weighs more than fat. Think of a 50 pound dumbbell versus 50 pounds of feathers, you would need a whole lot of feathers to match the weight. Same difference, you need a larger volume of fat to equal to the same amount of muscle. Therefore, lifting weights is ideal because you will become more toned, burn more calories at rest, be able to eat more even when you've lost the weight to maintain your phisique, you'll be more insulin sensitive, and you will have stronger and higher bone density (really important for women, we lose up to 5% of muscle mass per decade after the age of 30).

Body Recompositon: Weightlifting for health (and aesthetics), lose fat & gain muscle

It is possible to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time. I followed Huskular Goddess and and LexiiGettingFit for inspiration and they were really the ones that opened my eyes to the concept of body recomposition (gain musle while losing fat).
The benefits of this is as you're getting smaller your TDEE is increasing. This means by the time you lose the weight you'll still be eating an adequate amount. The other benefits include insulin sensitivity versus insulin resistence, higher metabolism, and a improved body composition like I mentioned before in the dummbell versus feather example. The downside is the number on the scale won't have a dramatic shift while your clothes will be fitting looser. Again, weight density plays tricks on us and it's easy to get caught up in body dismorphia but I promise it works.
In order to sustain and build muscle while losing fat, you need to be consuming enough protein while remaining in a caloric deficit. So 60-80g of protein per day minimum to lose 1-2lbs per week. Ideally it should be 0.8-1g of per pound of lean body mass. Eg, someone is 300lbs and they want to get down to 150lbs. They would eat 120-150g of protein per day. If this is too much, try to get at least 60-80g like I mentioned before. Remember even though 1-2lbs per week sounds small, the changes are significant because of the muscle gained. You will look and feel smaller.
Weightlifting for a rounder booty (I reshaped my glutes by weightlifting. Hormones can actually affect the shape and my PCOS did a number on me. I developed a V shape over the years. Round, square, heart, A shapes are all based on your bone structure and fat placement. Some of us just have those stubborn fat deposits in certain areas that are genetic, even when we lose the weight, it's a smaller version but the same shape. V shape on the other hand is largely seen in older women post menopause and in younger women with hormonal disorders. This is becuase the hormonal imbalances also causes muscle imbalances. Regulating your hormones helps but it won't grow the muscles for you, so I used Fit With Emely's glute guide based on your glute shape (completely free, I watched all her videos to get this info and it took me two years to go from a V shape to a round shape.
Here is the guideline for each shape:
Glute Maximus - Everyone should be working on glute maximus. It builds the shelf and overall size. Step ups (all variations), hip thrusts (all variations), lunges, rdl, leg press, all squat variations Glute Minimus - (V and Square shapes), this muscle fills in the middle between the top and lower glute. Hip abduction, single leg bridge, Standing hip abduction/cable raises Gute Medius - (Heart, Round, and A-shaped) this muscles builds a longer hip for top portion of the glutes. Eg. Single leg squat, Single leg deadlift, Cable clamshells, Reverse lung, step ups Underbutt - Everyone should be working on underbutt but this is especially useful for V shaped folks. It works the hamstrings and lower portion of glutes. Good mornings, single leg rdl (also works minimus), single leg hip thrust (also works maximus), hip abductors (also works minimus)
How to structure workout:

• Warm up/Dynamic Stretches (specific to the muscle group you're working eg. lower body warm up or upper body warm up, etc.)
• Compound exercises (2-3 exercises eg. single leg rdl, good mornings, leg press - for each exercise you do 3-4 sets, 8-12 reps, with 3-4 minute rest between sets). That probably sounds like a foreign language to some, so for instance:
  • Start excercise 1
  • Set 1 (repeat exercise 1 - rdl 8 times)
  • 3 minute rest
  • Set 2 (repeat exercise 1 - rdl 8 times)
  • 3 minute rest
  • Set 3 (repeat exercise 1 - rdl 8 times)
  • Move on to exercise 2
  • Set 1 (repeat exercise 2 - leg press 8 times)
  • 3 minute rest
  • Set 2 (repeat exercise 2 - leg press 8 times)
  • 3 minute rest
  • Set 3 (repeat exercise 2 - leg press 8 times)
  • Move on to exercise 3
  • Set 1 (repeat exercise 3 - good mornings 8 times)
  • 3 minute rest
  • Set 2 (repeat exercise 3 - good mornings 8 times)
  • 3 minute rest
  • Set 3 (repeat exercise 3 - good mornings 8 times)
• Secondary Workouts (2-3 exercises eg. step ups, bulgarian split squats, lunges - for each exercise you do 3-4 sets, 8-12 reps, with 3-4 minute rest between sets)
• Isolated/Accessory Movements: these exercises work one part of the muscle more than others, for example an overbias on the underbutt/hamstring like I mentioned before to help with the V shape ( eg. hip abductors, kickbacks, glute bridge, lying leg raises, etc. (1-2 exercises high repetitions, low weight 2-3 sets, 15-20 reps, 1-2 minute rest between sets)
• Static stretch/cool down (specific to the muscle group you're working eg. lower body cool down or upper body cool down, etc.)

Keep in mind that you only need to work on a muscle group 2-3 times a week. So I only do glutes Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Also keep in mind while I work the lower body I am also working my upper body (eg. while doing rdls I am lifting the weight with my upper body), which is why I don't have tailered upper body days, this is for aesthetic reasons, and because weightlifting more than 3 days per week is not feasible with my PCOS.
My full routine is:

• Monday- lower body
• Tuesday - Pilates/core
• Wednesday - Rest (I still go for walks on these days)
• Thursday - lower body
• Friday - Pilates/core
• Saturday - lower body
• Sunday - Rest (I still go for walks on these days)

I also used primarily resistance bands in the beginning because gym equipment intimidated me (not anymore :) ). I started with 25lb resistance and went up to 125lbs. I use the product BandBar which allowed me to use the resistance bands like a barbell at home. This isn’t the only option and you can definitely buy resistance bands and do it without the bar. BandBar
For the ab separation from being obese, I did this workout 3 times a week (also helpful post pregnancy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smiGsW-mQX0
For my chest to help with getting perkier boobs (the derma rolling was what made the biggest difference, but this exercise helped as well though it took 6+ months for the changes to be significant. Women tend to take longer to grow chest muscles): https://youtu.be/hg7_R29jGIE?feature=shared
I also did workouts to help with my posture and mobility 3 times a week (any I could find online)
The last thing I will say is be mindful that you may gain weight initially when you start lifting weights. This is due to slight inflammation/water gain from foreign tension, which will last about a month or two before you adapt BUT your body will adapt, I promise. Keep in mind if it's days before your period or if you are on your period. It's not if, but when, our weight fluctuates. As long as you are in a deficit and doing everything right, the number will go down. Do not get discouraged!!!
Here is the edit to this post which includes my supplements, how I managed my inflammation, and how I improved my gut health. I also edited the information I shared prior to include a few more tips and lifestyle changes I made, and included a few more details. I also rearranged things so there is a separation between style/haiskin and health information. The post is getting really long so I may create a separate post for personal development/mindset tips.

Inflammation

In my case my inflammation was caused by my PCOS, insulin resistence and my obesity, but it can be caused by chronic stress, other autoimmune disorders like IBS, Crohn's disease, etc, smoking/alcohol, age related diseases, environmental toxins, diets high in processed foods, sugars, trans fats & high omega-6 fatty acids.
In my case the inflammation from the PCOS led to gut inflammation due to the high levels of coritsal (stress hormones) in reaction to the high testosterone and insulin resistence. I also experienced metabolic inflammation (non alcoholic fatty liver disease), skin inflammation (as I mentioned earlier the ezcema on my scalp, alopecia, and hirsutism), adipose tissue inflammation, chronic low grade inflammation (this led to edema or fuid retention -> insulin resistance and my high testosteron/androgen levels also exacerbated this).
To fix this these were the thin I added to my life:

• Dry brushing 2-3 times a week
• Body Gua sha
• Face Gua Sha or Face Yoga or Myofascial Massage
• Jump Rope
• Trampoline/Rebounder
• Vibration Plate (very useful for after a workout or while sitting down)
• Acupressure mat
• Arvigo (Mayan Abdominal massage) & Lymphatic drainage massage
• Leg elevation, I sleep with a pillow under my knees. In the evenings I keep my legs up.
• Massages
• Sweat more (exercise/sauna/steam room)
• Portable Infrared Sauna (reduce cortisol by 25%)
• Microcurrent
• Compression socks
• Castor oil pack 3-4x per week
• Eliminate inflammatory triggers (mine were gluten & dairy)
  • Switch to sourdough
  • Eliminate seed oils
  • Avoid alcohol & smoking
• Supplements
  • Vitamin D paired with Vitamin K1 & K2
  • Magnesium Biglycinate (I take this before bed)
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Turmeric
  • Coenzyme 10 (Take with Clomid & Vitamin E)
  • N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
• Teas that helped
  • Turmeric
  • Red Rasberru Leaf Tea
  • Fennel
  • Chamomile

Gut Health

Your microbiota needs the right bacteria in the right amount to perform its hormone regulating functions properly. When the type or number of bacteria gets disturbed by events such as stress, or poor diet, or your gut can no longer accomplish its job meaning you'll have inflammation, increased risk of chronic disease, skin conditions, mental health issues, weakened immune system, nutrient absorprion problems, and weight management challenges.
For weight loss issues, gut microbiomes influence hormones in producing and signaling leptin and ghrelin (these hormones regulate hunger and fullness signals). Inflammation and insulin resistence is also associated with gut health problems as mentioned before. Energy extraction from foods, certain gut bacteria are more efficient at extracting energy from food, particularly carbohydrates. When there is an imbalance, more calories can be absorbed from food leading to difficulties gaining or losing weight.
Things I did to improve gut health/intestinal permeability:

• Ate foods rich in digestive enzymes (mangoes, pineapple, etc.)
• Pre and probiotics (incorporate bifidobacterium and lactobacillus)
  • Favorite brand: Seed Heath Probiotics
• Pickles (without vinegar): Great source of prebiotics
• Apple Cider VinegaKimchi/Kombucha/Sauerkraut
  • Beware of certain types of vinegar contain chemicals which kill bacteria, “the good bacteria”, and leave the yeast Candida albicans alone.
  • Raw apple cider vinegar contains: Natural probiotics (friendly bacteria), which may help with your immune system and gut health.
    • Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (diluted in a glass of water) before each meal
  • Balsamic vinegar: Acetic acid is the active compound in balsamic vinegar. This acid contains strains of probiotics that aid digestion. The probiotics found in acetic acid can help promote good gut health and digestion while supporting overall immune function.
• Raw Carrots (has the type of fiber that binds and flushes out toxins in gut, good to have as daily hormone & digestion support)
• Limit Processed foods and Sugar
• No drinking or smoking
• Stress managment (which I'll expand on just below)
• Increase fiber intake
• Regularly exercise
• Supplements
  • Ginger
  • L-Glutamine
  • Olive leaf extract (especially helpful if you have candida overgrowth)
  • Turmereric
• Teas
  • Ginger
  • Lemon Balm

Lower androgens/testosterone

• Teas
  • Nettle Tea
  • Spearmint tea
• Spearmint oil topically for hirsutism
• Supplements
  • Schisandra (adaptogen - stress management & hormone balance)
  • Saffron (Also helps reduce testosterone, lower blood pressure and prevents bad cholesterol)
  • Inositol
  • Holy Basil
  • Magnesium Biglycinate (I take this before bed)
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Coenzyme 10 (Take with Clomid & Vitamin E)
  • Zinc (Important to Note: It works inversely with testosterone - raises testosterone if your levels are low and lowers it if your levels are high)

Nervous System Regulation/ Stress Management

Stress is one of the things that age us the most, and people with PCOS already have higher levels of cortisol so these are the things I do to manage my stress levels:

• Regulate circadian rhythm, direct sunlight upon waking up. I use a sunrise alarm clock lamp for this
• Same bedtime everynight (pre midnight)
• Invert screen colors at bedtime (red filter on screens)
• Pillow under knees
• No loud alarms
• Magnesium biglycinate supplement before bed
• Regulate circadian rhythm, view the sunset before bed. I use a sunrise alarm clock lamp for this
• Spend a few minutes breathing through left nostril only
• Epsom salt foot soak
• Journal
• Get back to using my coloring books (I even invested in alcohol based markers it's so fun). Regulates me and gets me in touch with my inner child
• Time with friends, my puppy, and my family
• Supplements
  • Holy Basil (adaptogen - stress management & hormonal balance)
  • L-Theanine
  • Magnesium biglycinate
• Teas
  • Red raspberry leaf (adaptogen - stress management, also good for menstrual cramps)
  • Reishi Mushroom
  • Lemon Balm
• Night time mocktail (have after dinner and not on an empty stomach due to the sugar levels in the tart cherry)
  • Teaspoon of tart cherry (high levels of melatonin)
  • Magnesium biglycinate powder
  • Probiotic soda (good for gut health)

Tea cycling

• On your period
  • Nettle leaf: Increase iron levels
  • Moringa: Increase iron levels
  • Red Raspberry leaf: Helps with period cramps (best to drink throughout the month, especially at the end of the luteal phase
  • Chamomile: Helps with wellness wind down routine when you're feeling extra tired
• Follicular phase
  • Focus teas: Peppermint, Spearmint
  • Adaptogens: Lion's mane, Adaptogen latte, and Chaga mushroom
  • Detox: Dandelion Root
• Ovulation phase
  • Detox: Dandelion root tea
  • Bloating: turmeric tea latte/golden latte
  • Estrogen dominance - symptoms (bad hormonal migraines, hot flashes, nausea): Schisandra berry, Lemon balm
• Luteal phase
  • PMS symptoms: Raspberry leaf, Schisandra berry, Ginger root (powder or tea)

The best teas for PCOS

• Spearmint
  • For reducing androgens & lowering hirsutism (facial hair)
• Cinnamon tea (improves insulin sensitivity)
• Chamomile tea (Adaptogen)
• Nettle Tea (reduce androgens)
• Red raspberry leaf (adaptogen/stress relief, also good for menstrual cramps)
• Schisandra (adaptogen/stress relief & hormone balance)
• Saffron (Also helps reduce testosterone, lower blood pressure and prevents bad cholesterol)
• Ginger (ginger offers anti-inflammatory, fertility and hormone-balancing benefits, aides digestion )

Seed Cycling

What is seed cycling? Seed cycling refers to the consumption of specific seeds at different times of the month in order to improve the production and levels of sex hormones, specifically estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Seed cycling divides the female menstrual cycle into two parts:

1. During the first half of the menstrual cycle, or days 1 through 14, seed cycling encourages daily consumption of flax and pumpkin seeds.
2. During the second half of the menstrual cycle, or days 15 through 28, seed cycling encourages daily consumption of sunflower and sesame seeds

Results from seed cycling will not happen overnight. Normally women observe improvements after approximately three months of seed cycling adherence. It took me about 4ish months.
The Benefits of Seed Cycling: Support hormonal balance, alleviate PMS symptoms, decrease hormonal acne, alter irregularity of menstrual cycles, and fight stomach bloating and fatigue.

The End of the Old Testament

Beginning in 606 BC, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon launched the first of three successive attacks upon the city of Jerusalem and the people of Judah. During the second attack (597 BC), Ezekiel, Daniel, and about 10,000 other inhabitants of Jerusalem were carried into captivity. During the third attack (587-586 BC) Jerusalem was completely destroyed. Her walls were broken down. The gates were burned. The temple was destroyed. The city was left desolate in shambles.
While in captivity, Daniel foretold that the Babylonian Empire would be overtaken by the Medes and the Persians, the Medes and the Persians would be conquered by the Greeks, the Greeks would be conquered by the Maccabeans (Hasmoneans), and the Hasmoneans would be conquered by the Romans. The Romans later installed the Herodians as vassal (or "client") kings of Rome over Judea. Daniel further foretold that the establishment of the kingdom of God would take place during the days of the this mixed empire (Dan. 2:41-44); this empire began near the end of the "intertestamental period," spilling over into the times of the New Testament.

The Intertestamental Period

The time between the last writings of the Old Testament and the appearance of Christ is known as the “intertestamental” (or “between the testaments”) period. It lasted from the prophet Malachi’s time (about 400 BC) to the preaching of John the Baptist (about AD 25). The political, religious, and social atmosphere of Israel changed significantly during this period. Again, much of what happened was predicted by the prophet Daniel. (See Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8, and 11 and compare to historical events.)
Israel was under the control of the Persian Empire about 539–332 BC. The Persians allowed the Jews to practice their religion with little interference. They were even allowed to rebuild and worship at the temple (2 Chron. 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-4). This span of time included the last 100 years of the Old Testament period and about the first 100 years of the intertestamental period. This time of relative peace and contentment was just the calm before the storm.
During the intertestamental period, Alexander the Great defeated Darius of Persia, bringing Greek rule to the world. Alexander was a student of Aristotle and was well-educated in Greek philosophy and politics. Alexander required that Greek culture be promoted in every land that he conquered. As a result, the Hebrew Old Testament was translated into Greek, becoming the translation known as the Septuagint. Most of the New Testament references to Old Testament Scripture use the Septuagint phrasing. Alexander did allow religious freedom for the Jews, though he still strongly promoted Greek lifestyles. This was not a good turn of events for Israel, since the Greek culture was very worldly, humanistic, and ungodly. As a result, many in the Jewish population would begin to adopt increasingly Hellenistic views and ways of thinking about God and the Scriptures.
After Alexander died, Judea was ruled by a series of successors, culminating in the Selucid king Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus did far more than refuse religious freedom to the Jews. Around 167 BC, he overthrew the rightful line of the priesthood and desecrated the temple, defiling it with unclean animals and a pagan altar (see Mark 13:14 for a similar event to take place in the then future). Antiochus’ act was the religious equivalent of rape. Eventually, Jewish resistance to Antiochus, led by Judas Maccabeus and the Hasmoneans, restored Jewish priests and rescued the temple. The period of the Maccabean Revolt was one of war, violence, and infighting.
Around 63 BC, Pompey of Rome conquered Israel, putting all of Judea under control of the Caesars. This eventually led to Herod being made the vassal (or "client") king of Judea by the Roman emperor and senate. This is the nation that taxed and controlled the Jews and eventually executed the Messiah on a Roman cross. Roman, Greek, and Hebrew cultures were now mixed together in Judea.
The years of Herod’s rule were a time of turmoil for the Jewish people. He was an Idumean. His ancestors had been forced to convert to Judaism, but the Jews never accepted Herod. In fact, they resented him. He was the representative of a foreign power. Scheming, jealous, and cruel, he killed two of his own wives and at least three of his own sons. Just five days before his own death, Herod had his oldest son, Antipater, put to death. Augustus once said that it was better to be Herod’s pig than his son (a wordplay, since the Greek words for pig, hus, and for son, huios, sound very much alike). His relations with Rome were sometimes troubled due to the unsettled conditions in the empire. Herod was a strong supporter of Antony, though he could not tolerate Cleopatra with whom Antony had become enamored. When Antony was defeated by Octavian (31 BC), Herod pledged his full support to Octavian.
Herod proved himself an efficient administrator on behalf of Rome. He kept the peace among a people who were hard to rule. He was a cruel and merciless man. Yet, during a time of great famine, he used his own funds to feed the people. Among his many building projects in Jerusalem, his greatest contribution to the Jews was the beautification of the Temple in Jerusalem. This beautification seems to have largely been an attempt to conciliate his subjects. The Temple, decorated with white marble, gold, and jewels, became proverbial for its splendor: “Whoever has not seen the temple of Herod has seen nothing beautiful.”
It was during the reign of Herod that Jesus was born (Matt. 2:1-18, Luke 1:5). Herod was the king who ordered the execution of the male babies in Bethlehem, for fear of being usurped by the prophesied Messiah (Matt. 2:16-18).

Major Political Events of the New Testament

At his death (4 BC), Herod left his kingdom to three of his sons. Antipas became tetrarch (“ruler of a fourth”) of Galilee and Perea (4 BC–AD 39). Philip became tetrarch of the Gentile regions to the northeast of the Sea of Galilee (4 BC—AD 34). Archelaus was to be king of Judea and Samaria, but Rome refused to give him the title of king. He was ethnarch (“ruler of the people”) of these two territories. He proved to be a poor ruler and was deposed (6 AD). His territories were placed under the direct rule of Roman procurators under the control of the governor of Syria.
John the Baptist rebuked Antipas for divorcing his wife in order to marry Herodias, the wife of Philip, his half brother. In retaliation, Herodias induced her dancing daughter to demand the head of John the Baptist. Antipas yielded to the grisly request (Mark 6:17-29, Matt. 14:3-12). Jesus once referred to Antipas as “that fox” (Luke 13:32). Later Jesus stood trial before him (Luke 23:7-12).
Except for brief periods, Roman governors ruled Archelaus’s former territory. The fifth procurator appointed to rule over Judea was Pontius Pilate, before whom Jesus stood trial prior to his crucifixion. Interestingly, three times Pilate pronounced Jesus innocent, yet he lacked the courage to set him free for fear of the angry mob whipped up by the enemies of Christ (John 18).
Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, executed James, the apostle and son of Zebedee, and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:1-5). He was smitten of God when he accepted the praise of the people, “It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.” Luke tells us that because “he gave not God the glory,” “the angel of the Lord smote him" and "he was eaten of worms," and died (Acts 12:21-23).
The governor Felix heard the apostle Paul preach the gospel and trembled at the word, yet postponed obeying the gospel (Acts 24–25). He hoped that Paul would bribe him with money, but Paul never did and remained a prisoner for two years under the governor Felix.
Festus, who took the place of Felix, also heard Paul’s case (Acts 25). Willing to do the Jews a favor, Festus suggested that Paul return to Jerusalem to stand trial. Being a Roman citizen, and knowing that the Jews intended to kill him, Paul appealed his case to Caesar.
This presented a problem for Festus. He had no choice but to send Paul to Rome. The problem was that he did not have any charges to write in the papers to accompany Paul to Rome. Thus, he asked Herod Agrippa II, great-grandson of Herod the Great, to listen to Paul’s self-defense and see if he could determine what charges should be written against Paul before sending his case to Rome. Agrippa heard Paul’s self-defense and was “almost” persuaded to become a Christian himself (Acts 26:28).
Upon the death of Festus, Albinis and then Florus were appointed governors of Judea. It was during Florus' reign that the Jewish revolt of AD 66-70 took place, which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70.

Groups, Peoples, and Philosophies of the Day

During the span of the Greek and Roman occupations, some important political/religious groups emerged in Israel. In a study of the New Testament, it is important to consider the historical background and significance of some of the Jewish groups in Palestine at the time, whose names are familiar as participants in the drama of early Christianity. These were the groups with whom Christ Jesus had to deal as he observed and often challenged their views. Entrenched in positions of authority and leadership through anciently established hierarchy, tradition, or inheritance, their resistance to change was almost inevitable.
Most familiar of the New Testament parties and groups in political and religious life were the Sadducees, the Pharisees, and the scribes. The nationalistic and revolutionary Zealots are also mentioned. The Herodians were exclusively a political party, members and supporters of the family of the Herods, whose titular authority was permitted by Rome. Finally, there's the Galileeans and the Samaritans, who weren't necessarily attached to any of the aformentioned ideologies, but were citizens of their respective states.
Jews and Samaritans were to have no dealings with each other, so Samaritans technically had no dog in this fight between the Jews' themselves and their own ideologies, but it's important to mention them because they contribute to the narrative of the New Testament through Jesus' dealings with them, and his famous parable of "the Good Samaritan."
THE SADDUCEES
The Sadducees constituted a conservative priestly party among the Jews. Their name probably derived from Zadok, the high priest who anointed Solomon as king (1 Kings 1:39). Comprised of high-priestly families from the Jewish aristocracy, who had come into power largely during the Maccabean War, they were educated and wealthy men, fairly few but wielding great power. No man who was unable to trace his descent from a priestly family could offer sacrifice in the Temple. The Sadducees represented the aristocrats and the wealthy. The Sadducees, who wielded power through the Sanhedrin, rejected all but the Mosaic books of the Old Testament. They refused to believe in resurrection and were generally shadows of the Greeks, whom they greatly admired.
While upholding the spread of Greek culture, the Sadducees stressed the letter of the Mosaic Law, or Torah. They denied the authority even of ancient tradition, and rejected the current concepts of angels, immortality, resurrection, and final judgment (Mark 12:18‐27, Acts 4:1-2; 23:8). They jealously guarded Temple worship and sacrificial rites, objecting to Jesus' cleansing of the Temple, which infringed their religious authority. After the destruction of the Second (or Herod's) Temple in 70 AD, when the Jewish state came to an end, their sway virtually ceased. In the absence of the Temple, the office of priest became obsolete, to be succeeded by that of the rabbi in the synagogue.
THE PHARISEES
It was when the people were in exile, Solomon's Temple having been destroyed, that the need arose for local gathering places, which became the forerunners of the synagogue. Even after some of the exiles returned to Palestine, and the Second (or Zerubbabel's) Temple was built, the continued dispersion of many Jews and the demand for Scriptural knowledge that came with the religious reformation of Ezra and Nehemiah made the synagogue and its school increasingly necessary. In New Testament times they prevailed in all cities and towns where Jewish people resided.
The beginnings of Pharisaism go back to the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, who lived about 450 years before the New Testament era. Ezra did much to bring stability to his nation in a period of downfall and discouragement. He upheld two main concepts, which formed, as it were, the heart of Pharisaism. First, he erected a distinct barrier between Jew and Gentile. The Jews he regarded as God's holy people. Intermarriage between them and others of mixed ancestry', such as the Samaritans, was not to be tolerated. Also, he made the Law of Moses the central point of Jewish religion, virtually establishing it as the constitution of the Jewish people.
In their objection to the Hellenizing of Judaism, after the rise of Alexander the Great, many Jews became even more strict in their desire to maintain the purity of their law and tradition. Thus it is easy to see how they came to be called Pharisees (Hebrew Perushim), meaning literally "separatists." These were the ones who adopted, or popularized, a prescriptive method of interpreting the Law of Moses, as opposed to the "descriptive wisdom" methodology of Jesus as seen in the New Testament.
Contributing a democratic influence in Judaism, Pharisees were basically laymen, coming from all walks of life, often including scribes and priests. Like the Sadducees, they sought to uphold the Mosaic Law, but their concern was to adapt its teachings to current situations, and their influence was primarily in the synagogue.
Much of the strength of Pharisaism came from the adaptability of this movement to changing conditions, a tendency which helped in preparing for Christianity. It was the Pharisees who were largely responsible for taking the Messianic idea and keeping it alive in the hopes of the people. Also, it was they who upheld the belief in immortality and the resurrection, to which the Sadducees took great exception. Unlike the Zealots, they generally rejected violence as a means to national liberation.
While modern research is providing justification for more favorable opinions concerning the Pharisees' role in history, there was ample room for Jesus' repeated denunciations of the abuses and inconsistencies he observed. The Pharisees added to the Law of Moses through oral tradition and eventually considered their own laws more important than God’s (Mark 7:1-23). While Christ’s teachings often agreed with the Pharisees, he railed against their hollow legalism and lack of compassion. Nevertheless, Pharisees such as Nicodemus (John 3:1; 19:39), Gamaliel (Acts 5:34) and his famous pupil, Saul of Tarsus (Acts 22:3) certainly represented the highest thought in Judaism.
THE SCRIBES
The powerful seventy-one-member Sanhedrin or Council, the highest Jewish court, was made up of Pharisees and Sadducees, with the high priest as president.
The scribes, strictly speaking, formed a legal profession rather than a party. They—and a nearly identical group, the lawyers—were usually Pharisees, though occasionally there were Sadducean scribes as well. They were professional teachers who were interpreters and transcribers of the Law at a time when hand-copying was the only method of preserving any document.
So insistent were the Jews upon maintaining the absolute accuracy of their sacred Scriptures that the work of the scribes demanded exceptional skill and mastery of the text. The Jews considered the Law of Moses to be the infallible standard, God's own law. It was their national, civil, moral, and religious law in one.
The scribes not only transmitted but contributed to "the tradition of the elders"—an ever-increasing body of legalistic detail, which, when committed to writing, formed the Talmud.
It was usual for the scribes to have another occupation to supplement their unpaid teaching and writing work. Their work combined the many functions of judge, lawyer, preacher, teacher, and scholar. The office of the scribe gradually merged into that of the rabbi, for when the canon of the Old Testament was finally settled in 90 AD—largely the result of the Pharisees' work—the need for the scribes as interpreters of the Law diminished.
There are many references to scribes in the Old Testament, but clearly "Ezra the scribe" (Neh. 8:1; 12:26) was the true antecedent of those referred to in the New.
THE ZEALOTS
The Zealots were members of a first-century political movement among Judean Jews who sought to overthrow the occupying Roman government. The word zealot derives from the Greek zelotes, meaning “emulator or (zealous) follower.”
According to the Jewish historian Josephus, the Zealots “agree in all other things with the Pharisaic notions; but they have an inviolable attachment to liberty, and say that God is to be their only Ruler and Lord" (Antiquities 18.1.6).
Hezekiah, under whose leadership the Zealots arose, was martyred by Herod. Their appearance on the political horizon of Palestine came early in the Roman occupation. According to Josephus, they "were particularly active in AD 6 during the revolt of Judas of Gamala, in Galilee, who maintained that compliance with the Roman demand for a census would constitute an act of enslavement 'among Palestinians." Josephus was apparently unaware of the role played by Hezekiah in the rise of the Zealots. This appears from his reference to Judas as their author.
They "were most influential in Galilee and later in Jerusalem, especially from the time of Herod (37 BC –AD 4) until the fall of Jerusalem (AD 70)."
"They refused to pay taxes and considered it a sin to acknowledge loyalty to Ceasar." They "harassed the Roman administration with every means at their disposal." They "relentlessly opposed the Roman attempt to bring Judea under her idolatrous rule."
It was from among the Zealots that the extreme Sicarri arose. The Sicarii were famous for hiding their daggers in their cloaks and using them to secretly target their enemies during the festivals (Antiquities 20.8.10). Some sources make a sharp distinction between the Zealots and the Sicarii, while others do not. It seems fair to say that the Sicarii were part of the Zealot movement, but not all Zealots were Sicarii. Thus, “Zealot” was an umbrella term for the revolutionaries who rebelled against Rome.
Some sources say that those who belonged to the family dynasty of Hezekiah were all Sicarii. Wikipedia designates the Sicarii as “a splinter group of the Jewish Zealots.” The Sicarii are mentioned in Acts 21:38, where Paul was asked if he was the Egyptian who had led 4000 assassins (or “dagger-bearers”) into the wilderness.
Of importance in New Testament history, the Zealots led a rebellion when Rome introduced imperial cult worship. The Great Jewish Revolt began in AD 66. The Zealots successfully overtook Jerusalem, but their revolt was ultimately unsuccessful. In AD 70, the Romans destroyed the city of Jerusalem and the Temple. A remnant of the Zealots then took refuge in Masada.
Josephus records many of the atrocities committed by the Zealots when they possessed Jerusalem, blaming them for being the ones truly responsible for its destruction, as the city was left quite desolate and chaotic by the time the Roman general Titus even came to finish it off.
It is my belief that there are, in fact, 5 kingdoms which precede the kingdom of God in Daniel chapter 2, and not 4, as commonly taught. It is also my belief that the fourth kingdom was the Hasmonean (Maccabean) Dynasty, and that the fifth kingdom (thus, the "Beast" of Revelation; see Daniel 7) wasn't Rome, but apostate Israel instead. It is my belief that the Beast represents apostate Israel as a whole, the culmination of which was the Zealots. This explains how it had authority over every nation (the Jewish Diaspora) and how it conquered the saints (same). The Zealots were just a symptom of the disease, but John’s vision focuses on them more because they were the ones who brought about the eschatological war.
THE HERODIANS
The Herodians held political power, and most scholars believe that they were a political party that supported King Herod Antipas, the Roman Empire’s ruler over much of the land of the Jews from 4 BC to AD 39. The Herodians favored submitting to the Herods, and therefore to Rome, for political expediency. This support of Herod compromised Jewish independence in the minds of the Pharisees, making it difficult for the Herodians and Pharisees to unite and agree on anything. But one thing did unite them—opposing Jesus. Herod himself wanted Jesus dead (Luke 13:31), and the Pharisees had already hatched plots against him (John 11:53), so they joined efforts to achieve their common goal.
The first appearance of the Herodians in Scripture is Mark 3:6, "And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him." Jesus had been doing miracles, which caused some of the people to believe in him for salvation, and that threatened the power and position of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Herodians. The Herodians again joined with the Pharisees to challenge Jesus, to see if they could trap Jesus in his words by a trick question, to either discredit him or to get him to stop preaching (Matt. 22:15-22).
Jesus regarded the two groups as in unity against him and warned his followers against them: "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod." (Mark 8:15b). Yeast in this context is false teaching, the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, and hypocrisy. Many scholars believe that the Herodians looked to Herod as a messiah, a savior of sorts who would put the Jewish land in favor with the Roman Empire and bring blessings to them. Jesus’ presentation of himself as the Messiah was a threat to the Herodians' attempt to make Herod the influential political power in the land.
In the then future (now past; we're Preterists), the Bible tells us that many would be deceived by an Antichrist figure and would view this Antichrist as a "messiah." He would be a political leader as well as a false religious leader, and he would promise peace and prosperity through policy. The Herodians at the time of Jesus were also focused on political goals rather than the eternal goals that Jesus proclaimed. They thought Herod might bring peace politically. But Jesus came to bring us salvation from our sins. The lesson we learn from the error of the Herodians is that we are not to trust in man's devices or politicians, as they trusted in Herod (Psa. 118:8). We are to put our trust in the Lord.
THE GALILEEANS
A Galilean was an inhabitant of the area in Israel near the Sea of Galilee. In the time of Christ, Galilee was the northernmost of the three provinces of Israel, above Samaria in the middle and Judea in the south. Approximately 700 years before Christ, Galilee’s Israelite inhabitants were conquered by Assyria. Most of the Jews living there were relocated to Assyria, while non-Jewish immigrants moved into Galilee (2 Kin. 15:29–17:24). This is why the Bible sometimes refers to the area as “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Isa. 9:1, Matt. 4:13-16).
Judeans tended to look down on Galileans, viewing them as uneducated and of questionable ancestry (John 1:46; 7:52). Galileans also had a reputation of being rabble-rousers, as they often took part in protests and uprisings against the Roman occupiers. It is significant that Jesus grew up in Galilee (Matt. 2:19‐23) and in Galilee recruited most of his disciples, started his ministry, and performed his first miracles (Matt. 4:17-23, John 2:11). Being Galilean, Jesus “was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isa. 53:3).
We see glimpses in Scripture of how Galilee may have been a trouble spot for Roman rule. Gamaliel mentioned a failed revolt led by “Judas the Galilean” in Acts 5:37. In Luke 13:1-3, some people told Jesus about an incident involving Galileans: “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices” (vs. 1). Neither Scripture nor secular history gives any more details regarding this massacre, but it is likely that the Galileans, visiting Jerusalem to offer sacrifices, had been caught up in a nationalistic fervor and started a commotion on the temple mount. The Roman governor Pilate quickly and violently quelled the disturbance, killing the Galileans along with their sacrificial animals, perhaps as a public demonstration of how violators must “atone” for their “sins” against Rome.
Jesus responded to hearing about the massacre of the Galileans with a warning: “Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:2b-3). Instead of conjecturing on the Galileans’ sin, Jesus said to his audience that they needed take care of their own sin. They all needed to repent.
Peter, being a Galilean, spoke in a northern Aramaic dialect, and his accent and vocabulary gave him away when he was trying to remain anonymous on the night of Jesus’ arrest. As Peter was sitting in a courtyard during one of Jesus’ trials, a servant girl came up to him and said, “Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee” (Matt. 26:69c). Later, another servant girl said, “This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth” (vs. 71). A short time later, others said to Peter, “Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee” (vs. 73). Galileans naturally stood out to the people of Jerusalem.
The fact that Jesus lived and ministered in Galilee is yet another example of his identification with those the world rejects. He came to seek and to save the lost. Those who follow his example will likewise proclaim his message and live out his teachings among culture’s outcasts and minister to “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40).
THE SAMARITANS
A Samaritan was a person from Samaria, a region north of Jerusalem. In Jesus’ day, the Jewish people of Galilee and Judea shunned the Samaritans, viewing them as a mixed race who practiced an impure, half-pagan religion.
Samaritans, as a people distinct from the Jews, are first mentioned in the Bible during the time of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity (Ezra 4:17, Neh. 2:10). Both Ezra chapter 4 and a fifth-century BC Aramaic set of documents called the Elephantine Papyri point to a schism between the Jews and Samaritans during this Persian period.
The Samaritans saw themselves as the keepers of the Torah and the true descendants of Israel, from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. They had their own unique copy of the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses, and believed they alone preserved the original Mosaic religion. Samaritans also had a unique religious system and established their primary worship site on Mount Gerizim. They considered the Jerusalem temple and the Levitical priesthood illegitimate.
The historian Josephus and Jewish tradition trace the origin of the Samaritans to the captivity of the northern kingdom under Assyria in 721 BC. Jews of the northern kingdom intermarried with Assyrians after the captivity and produced the half-Jewish, half-Gentile Samaritan race. When the Jews accused Jesus of being a “Samaritan” in John 8:48, they were rudely suggesting that he was a half-breed, born of an unfaithful mother.
In New Testament times, the Jews despised Samaritans and would have nothing to do with them. The Samaritans were still living primarily around Mount Gerizim (John 4:1-42), but also kept to their own villages (Matt. 10:5, Luke 9:52). Scripture mentions encounters with Samaritans in towns bordering Samaria (Luke 17:11-19) and on roads between Jerusalem and Jericho (Luke 10:29-37).
Jesus met with difficulty when ministering to people in Samaritan villages (Luke 9:52-53) and at one point told his disciples not to enter them (Matt. 10:5-6). Nonetheless, Christ shared the good news with Samaritans, ministering to a Samaritan woman (John 4:4-26) and healing a Samaritan leper (Luke 17:11-19).
The most recognized Samaritan in the Bible is the one in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). A Jewish legal expert had put Jesus to the test, asking him to explain the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself”; specifically, he asked Jesus to define the word neighbor.
That’s when Jesus told his parable of a man in need, portraying the Samaritan as the hero in the story. In the lawyer’s eyes, the Samaritan was the least likely candidate to act lovingly and compassionately to his neighbor. As intended, the story shocked Christ’s audience of prejudiced Jews. Jesus showed that authentic love must transcend all human boundaries of race, religion, nationality, economic class, and educational status.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus told his disciples that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, they would be his witnesses in Samaria. In Acts chapter 8 the prophecy was fulfilled, and Samaria became an early mission field for the spreading of the Church.

The Shammaite and Hillelite Interpretations of Mosaic Law

Shammai and Hillel were two influential Jewish rabbis whose commentaries on the Torah shaped Jewish theology and philosophy for hundreds of years. The Shammaite and Hillelite schools were the two dominant approaches to Jewish Law during the years of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Unfortunately, the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD resulted in the loss of most records relating to the debates between these two groups. The Hillelite school quickly gained dominance after the Temple was razed, so much of what we know about first-century Hillelite and Shammaite law comes exclusively from later Hillelite writers. These writers portray the Shammaite-Hillelite divide in a manner similar to modern two-party politics, with each side seemingly bound and determined to contradict the other on everything.
According to tradition, Shammai was a Pharisee who taught in the years just prior to Jesus’ birth. In his commentary on the Law, he emphasized the need for Temple rituals, and his interpretation is characterized as strict, literalist, and Israel-centric. The school that followed those interpretations is referred to as the Shammaite interpretation of Jewish Law.
Rabbi Hillel, a contemporary of Shammai, was less concerned with temple worship. His commentary is seen as being more liberal, tolerant, and accepting of Gentiles. Hillel was also known for codifying traditional patterns for exegesis into seven individual rules. His Hillelite school was a rival to the Shammaite approach. After the destruction of the Temple, the influence of the Shammaite school faded, and Hillel’s philosophy became the dominant approach to Jewish Law for more than 400 years.
Scholars are unsure how many of the differences between the Shammaite and Hillelite schools are factual and how many are the products of revisionist history. While Jewish scholars prior to 70 AD make frequent reference to the disagreements between these two groups, the vast majority of surviving records are from Hillelite writers. It’s possible that the Hillelites exaggerated some of the differences between Shammai and Hillel in order to portray Hillel in a more heroic light.
Even with such open questions, it’s clear that the interplay between Shammai and Hillel influenced Judaism during the early Christian era. The rivalry between the two schools greatly contributed to Judaism’s growing belief that the oral law—such as promoted in the Shammaite or Hillelite schools—was as authoritative as the written Torah.
Some scholars debate which school, Shammaite or Hillelite, had a greater influence on the theology of the New Testament. Jesus’ restrictive rules on divorce echo those of Shammai, while Hillel allowed for a wider range of acceptable reasons to end a marriage. Jesus also phrased the “Golden Rule” using a more challenging, positive expression, in contrast to Hillel’s lighter, negative expression of the same basic idea. At the same time, Jesus was welcoming of non-Jewish people and often castigated the Pharisees for their excessive legalism. The fact is that Jesus presented the truth, and his agreement with either Shammai or Hillel was secondary and coincidental. Jesus spoke the Father’s Word, and his teaching cannot be seen as a defense of any rabbi (John 12:49).
There is also an academic debate over the influence of Shammai and Hillel on the theology of the apostle Paul. On one hand, Paul was a student of Gamaliel, who came from the Hillelite school and might have even been Hillel’s grandson. But, prior to his conversion, Paul (Saul) was hardly a tolerant, Gentile-friendly Pharisee. Rather, in opposition to Gamaliel’s teaching, Paul took a severe stance. And in his letters Paul expresses an Israel-centric, all-or-nothing obedience to the Law (Rom. 3:19-28; cp. James 2:10), which many scholars would identify more with Shammai. Of course, as he was writing inspired Scripture, Paul was not concerned with what rabbi might have had a past influence upon him; he was “moved by the Holy Ghost” and wrote what the Spirit wanted (2 Pet. 1:21).

The Ediomite Lineage of Christ's Enemies

Around 63 BC, the Roman Triumvirate Pompey brought Judea under Roman Rule. He pushed all the Jews into the areas of Gallilee, Jericho and Jersalem. Then he settled Greeks and Syrians in the rest of the land of Palestine. Originally, Galilee was settled by the tribe of Benjamin who always followed the tribe of Judah.
A few years earlier, Hyrcanus, a descendant of the Maccabees, conquered the land of Idumea. Idumea was the home land of the Edomites. He forced all the Edomites to be circumcised and follow the Jewish laws.
The Jewish Encyclopedia, 1903 edition, says under the heading Edom:

"They were then incorporated with the Jewish nation, and their country was called by the Greeks and Romans “Idumea” . . . From this time the Idumeans ceased to be a separate nation, though the name “Idumea” still existed (in) the time of Jerome."

The Edomites were the descendants of Esau. Esau married into the families of the Canaanites. The Canaanites were the people that God told Moses and the Israelites to kill and drive out of the land of Canaan. They were warned never to mix or marry with the Canaanites. God gave Edom the land south of Judea. They were driven westward by the Natabeans to the area that became Idumea. Their border was only 19 miles from Jerusalem.
Flavus Josephus who lived from 37 AD to 100 AD confirms Edomite occupation in southern Judea:

“That country is also called Judea, and the people Jews; and this name is given also to as many as embrace their religion (Judaism), though of other nations. But then upon what foundation so good a governor as Hyrcanus (grandson of Mattathias patriarch of the Maccabees, a family of Judahite patriots of 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.) took upon himself to compel these Idumeans (Edomites) either to become Jews or to leave their country, deserves great consideration. I suppose it was because they had long ago been driven out of the land of Edom, and had SEIZED ON AND POSSESSED THE TRIBE OF SIMEON (their land not the people), AND ALL THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, WHICH WAS THE PECULIAR INHERITANCE OF THE WORSHIPERS OF THE TRUE GOD WITHOUT IDOLATRY…”

The word “Jews” in Scripture often refers to the inhabitants of the land of Judea. But it can also mean the tribe of Judah in some cases, or those who simply follow the Jewish religion (Judaism). The name for the land of Palestine was called Judea because they combined the name Judah and Idumea.
Now at the time of the Messiah, the Sadducees were in control of the Temple. Pharisees were the synagogue leaders. According to the Ency. Britannica and Philo, there were 6,000 Pharisees during the time of the Messiah.
Some had to be non-Jews and Edomites. When Herod came to power, he solidified his position by bringing in relatives from Idumea and appointing many non-Jews to important positions. And he killed the entire Sanhedrin except Hillel and Shammai. Herod was practicing Judaism, as many Edomites and Nabateans had been commingled with the Jews and adopted their customs.
The Edomites were called the Herodians in Scripture, and were politically aligned with Herod. As shown earlier, they plotted with the Pharisees to kill the Messiah.
The Bible also shows that some of the Pharisees were Edomites. Notice the verse below:

"They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?"-John 8:33

The Pharisees told the Messiah that they had never gone into bondage. This could only apply to the Edomites because the tribe of Judah was taken into captivity in around 586 BC by Babylon. They would have never told the Messiah that they never went into captivity. This verse proves that the Edomites were mixed among the Pharisees.
In the time of Christ, there were two Sanhedrins operating in Jerusalem, the first of which was a 23-member court run by the Sadducees that handled local affairs. Its larger counterpart, the Great Sanhedrin, was comprised of 70 elders with a president, who in the time of Jesus was Gamaliel. Acts 5:25 shows this group and the Great Sanhedrin coming together to discuss the problem of the Christians. The Great Sanhedrin functioned much like a combination of the Senate and Supreme Court, and most of its members at the time of the crucifixion were Pharisees from the school of Shammai.
You will note in the Book of Acts that Gamaliel, the president of the Great Sanhedrin, encouraged tolerance of the Christians. But because he and his followers were outnumbered by the aristocratic Sadducees and the Shammai-oriented Pharisees, the Great Sanhedrin ultimately elected to persecute the Christians. At the trial of Jesus before the elders of Israel, Gamaliel may not have been present. If he had, the circumstances may have turned out quite differently. The trial held to try Jesus was hurriedly assembled and included almost across the board members who were either Sadducees, or else Pharisees from the school of Shammai. It is possible that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimithea represented the school of Hillel.

Conclusion

It's important to keep in mind when studying all this that Jesus came to establish the New Covenant, which is about a heavenly Jerusalem, not an earthly one like the Zealots and Pharisees of Jesus' day thought or like how Zionists today think: "And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20-21). Jesus even said, "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36b).

Maximizing Gym Benefits: A Holistic Approach to Fitness
Introduction: In today's fast-paced world, maintaining physical fitness is essential for overall well-being. Gyms serve as sanctuaries where individuals strive to enhance their health, build strength, and foster mental resilience. However, merely stepping into a gym isn't enough to guarantee optimal results. To truly harness the benefits of gym culture, one must adopt a holistic approach that encompasses various facets of fitness. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted aspects of gym usage, exploring physical, mental, and social dimensions to maximize the benefits of your gym experience.
Evolution of Gym Culture:
Traditional gyms were often characterized by rows of weightlifting machines, treadmills, and mirrored walls, catering primarily to bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. However, as societal attitudes toward health and wellness have shifted, so too have the expectations placed on gyms. Today's fitness enthusiasts seek more than just a place to sweat; they crave holistic experiences that address their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
In response, gyms have undergone a radical transformation, embracing innovation and diversifying their offerings to meet the evolving needs of their members. From boutique fitness studios specializing in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to wellness centers offering yoga, meditation, and spa services, the modern gym landscape is as diverse as it is dynamic
Physical Fitness: At its core, the gym is a temple of physical transformation. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, or improve cardiovascular health, structured exercise regimens play a pivotal role. Strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and flexibility exercises form the cornerstone of a well-rounded fitness routine.
Strength training, encompassing exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, stimulates muscle growth, enhances bone density, and boosts metabolism. Through progressive overload, where you gradually increase resistance over time, strength gains become tangible, empowering individuals to surpass their previous limits.
Cardiovascular exercises, such as running, cycling, or rowing, elevate heart rate, improve endurance, and torch calories. Engaging in regular cardio sessions not only aids in weight management but also enhances overall cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Moreover, flexibility exercises like yoga or Pilates promote joint mobility, alleviate muscular tension, and enhance posture. Incorporating these into your routine not only prevents injuries but also fosters a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Nutrition: In the realm of fitness, exercise is only half the battle; nutrition forms the other critical component. The adage "you are what you eat" rings true in the gym environment. Fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods provides the energy and resources necessary for optimal performance and recovery.
Proper nutrition entails striking a balance between macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Carbohydrates serve as the body's primary energy source; proteins aid in muscle repair and growth; and healthy fats support hormone production and cellular function.
Meal timing also plays a crucial role in maximizing gym benefits. Consuming a balanced meal containing both carbohydrates and proteins before a workout provides the necessary energy and amino acids to fuel and repair muscles. Post-workout nutrition is equally vital, replenishing glycogen stores and facilitating muscle recovery.
Hydration: Amidst the grind of gym sessions, hydration often takes a backseat. However, maintaining optimal fluid balance is imperative for peak performance and overall health. Water regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and aids in nutrient transport and waste removal.
Lack of proper hydration can hinder both physical and cognitive abilities, resulting in reduced exercise performance and a heightened risk of injury. Thus, it's essential to sip water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after workouts. Electrolyte-rich beverages, such as sports drinks or coconut water, can also help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat during intense exercise sessions.
Rest and Recovery: In the pursuit of fitness goals, rest and recovery are often overlooked but are equally as important as exercise itself. Continuous exertion without adequate recovery can lead to overtraining, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to injury.
Quality sleep plays a pivotal role in the body's repair and regeneration processes. During sleep, the body releases growth hormone, facilitating muscle repair and growth. Strive to achieve 7-9 hours of undisturbed sleep each night to enhance both recovery and performance.
In addition to sleep, incorporating rest days into your workout schedule allows muscles to repair and rebuild. Active recovery activities like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can promote blood flow and alleviate muscle soreness without placing additional stress on the body.
Mental Health: Beyond physical gains, the gym offers profound benefits for mental health and well-being. Exercise has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress by triggering the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Moreover, the gym provides a sense of community and belongingness, fostering social connections that are essential for mental health. Whether through group fitness classes, personal training sessions, or casual conversations with fellow gym-goers, the camaraderie found in gym environments can boost morale and motivation.
Setting and achieving fitness goals also enhances self-esteem and confidence, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles both inside and outside the gym. Celebrating progress, whether it's lifting heavier weights, running faster, or mastering a new yoga pose, reinforces a positive mindset and cultivates resilience in the face of challenges.

In the fast-paced digital era, the fitness industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. Gyms, once traditional spaces solely dedicated to weightlifting and cardio, have now evolved into multifaceted wellness hubs integrating technology, personalization, and community engagement. This article delves into the profound changes shaping the modern gym landscape, exploring how these establishments are adapting to meet the diverse needs and preferences of today's health-conscious consumers.
The Rise of Fitness Technology: Technology has become an integral part of the fitness experience, revolutionizing how people exercise, track progress, and connect with others. From wearable fitness trackers to immersive virtual reality workouts, advancements in technology have empowered gym goers to personalize their fitness routines like never before. For instance, smart gym equipment equipped with sensors and AI algorithms can provide real-time feedback on form and performance, enhancing the effectiveness of workouts while minimizing the risk of injury.
Moreover, mobile apps and digital platforms have emerged as indispensable tools for gym members, offering features such as workout scheduling, nutrition tracking, and social networking. These digital solutions not only streamline the fitness journey but also foster a sense of community among users, enabling them to share achievements, participate in challenges, and seek support from peers and coaches.
Personalized Training Programs: In the past, gym-goers often followed generic workout routines that lacked personalization and specificity. However, with advances in data analytics and machine learning, gyms are now able to offer tailored training programs tailored to individual goals, preferences, and fitness levels. Through comprehensive assessments and consultations, certified trainers leverage data insights to design personalized workouts, adjust intensity levels, and provide ongoing guidance and support.
Furthermore, the integration of biometric tracking devices and health monitors allows trainers to monitor clients' progress remotely, enabling timely adjustments and optimizations. By adopting a personalized approach to fitness, gyms can maximize member satisfaction, retention, and results, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and achievement.
The Wellness Revolution: Beyond physical fitness, today's gym-goers are increasingly prioritizing holistic wellness encompassing mental, emotional, and social well-being. Recognizing this shift, gyms are expanding their offerings to include a diverse array of wellness services, such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness workshops, and nutritional counseling. These holistic programs not only complement traditional exercise routines but also address the broader needs of members seeking balance and fulfillment in their lives.
Moreover, gyms are partnering with health professionals, therapists, and wellness experts to provide integrated care and support for issues such as stress management, sleep quality, and nutrition education. By embracing a holistic approach to wellness, gyms can differentiate themselves in a competitive market while empowering members to achieve optimal health and vitality.
Community Engagement and Social Impact: In an age of social isolation and digital disconnect, gyms have emerged as vibrant community hubs where like-minded individuals come together to pursue their fitness goals and forge meaningful connections. Group fitness classes, team challenges, and social events create opportunities for camaraderie, accountability, and mutual encouragement, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity among members.
Furthermore, many gyms are leveraging their platform to drive positive social impact by supporting local charities, organizing community outreach programs, and promoting environmental sustainability initiatives. By aligning their values with those of their members and the broader community, gyms can become catalysts for positive change, inspiring individuals to not only transform their bodies but also additionally, by making a positive impact on the world around them, gyms can contribute to creating a better society and environment.
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Conclusion: In the bustling world of fitness, the gym stands as a beacon of opportunity for individuals seeking to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By adopting a holistic approach that encompasses exercise, nutrition, hydration, rest, and mental health, one can maximize the benefits of their gym experience.
Remember, fitness is not a destination but a journey—a journey marked by progress, setbacks, and personal growth. Embrace the process, listen to your body, and celebrate the small victories along the way. With dedication, consistency, and a commitment to holistic health, the gym can serve as a transformative space where individuals flourish and thrive.
The modern gym represents far more than a mere venue for physical exercise—it is a dynamic ecosystem that integrates technology, personalization, wellness, and community engagement to empower individuals on their journey toward optimal health and vitality. By embracing innovation and embracing the evolving needs of their members, gyms can position themselves as indispensable allies in the pursuit of holistic well-being in the digital age.

Zecharia Sitchin did an amazing job, but it is surprising that he left the New Testament texts without much attention. The information contained in them, after some amendments, significantly complements the hypothesis of the planet Nibiru and makes it more reasonable. The New Zavaet contains some astronomical details and sheds a lot of light on past and future events. The considerations that will be discussed contradict some of Sitchin's statements, but this does not pose much of a problem. I managed to find the contacts of Zecharia Sitchin's brother, who helped him with astronomical calculations and will share his ideas. He briefly thanked me for the information and said that such changes could well be made. This is not surprising because even modern astronomers, using advanced computer models, are faced with a lack of data for accurate long-term forecasts. The very first New Testament evidence of Nibiru, from which the New Testament actually begins, is the Star of Bethlehem. To date, there are several hypotheses about the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem. It is assumed that it was an unknown comet or a supernova explosion, but these versions do not have sufficient confirmation.
Nevertheless, Vallaam's "star prophecy" from the Old Testament book of numbers foreshadows the event: "I see Him, but not yet; I see Him, but not close. A star rises from Jacob."
What is known about the Star of Bethlehem from the New Testament?
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, magicians from the east came to Jerusalem and said: Where is the King of the Jews who has been born? for we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him—Matt. 2:1-2
They, having listened to the king, went. And behold, the star that they saw in the east went before them, until at last it came and stood over the place where the Child was. — Mf. 2:9-11
It is also known that having fulfilled its purpose, the star disappeared from the sky when the Magi came to Jerusalem so that Herod could not see it, and then returned again. Some apocryphal texts contain astronomical details not found in the canonical gospel. Usually, the Star of Bethlehem is spoken of briefly, but the First Gospel of James describes it this way: “His star rose bright, and it so surpassed all other stars in heaven in its brightness that they were no longer visible.”
In addition, the star also had other unusual features, because of which St. John Chrysostom and Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria considered it to be a divine power: When you hear about a star, do not think that it was one of the ones we see: no, it was a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star. Since the Magi were engaged in the science of the stars, the Lord led them with this, for them a familiar sign, just like Peter the fisherman, amazing with many fish, attracted to Christ. And that the star was the power of an angel is evident from the fact that it shone brightly during the day, walked when the Magi walked, shone when they did not walk: especially from the fact that it walked from the north, where Persia, to the south, where Jerusalem: but the stars never travel from north to south. - Theophylact of Bulgaria
To summarize: the star appeared in the east, was unusually bright so that it was visible during daylight hours and moved from north to south. For a while she disappeared from the sky but then reappeared.
Now let's put aside this information for a while and consider another astronomical phenomenon from the New Testament - a solar eclipse during the crucifixion of Christ, which occurred according to the scripture in 33 AD. Most of the texts only briefly say that darkness has come. The Gospel of Nicodemus reports the following details: “It was the sixth hour and darkness descended on the earth, even until the ninth hour. The sun darkened, and now the veil in the temple was torn into two parts from top to bottom. In the Gospel of Peter it is written as follows: "It was noon, and darkness found over all Judea,
Many went out with lamps, thinking that night had come... And at that moment the veil of the temple of Jerusalem was torn in two. And they took the nails out of the hands of the Lord and laid Him on the ground, and the earth shook, and there was great fear. And the sun shone again, and it turned out that it was already the ninth hour."
And Pilate, interrogating the Jews, said to them: “Did you see what happened?” And they answered the ruler: "The sun is eclipsed as it usually happens."
Thanks to the astronomical calculations carried out by scientists, it is reliably known that at that time a solar eclipse by the Moon could not have occurred. But at the same time, the New Testament claims that it happened and at the same time was unusually long.
Now we already have two evidence of unusual astronomical events, which have not yet been confirmed explanation. How do these events relate to Zecharia Sitchin's speculation about Nibiru's orbit? According to Sitchin, Nibiru has a retrograde (counterclockwise) elongated orbit at an angle to the plane of the eclipticti. At the same time, Nibiru appears in the northern hemisphere, and, crossing the plane of the orbits of the solar system, moves away in the southern. Considering that, according to the New Offset, the Star of Bethlehem was visible in the light time of day, then we can conclude that Nibiru appeared in the solar system from the direction of the sun relative to the Earth and, having a retrograde orbit, moved towards the Earth. Then given the Earth's rotation, it should have become visible from about the wee hours of rising in the east! With sufficient brightness, it could be seen after dawn, then became invisible due to sunlight and went beyond the western horizon. After that, at dawn, it again rose in the east. And moving from the northern hemisphere to the southern one, each time it gradually shifted from north to south. Now about the eclipse - could it happen due to the fact that Nibiru passed between the Sun and the Earth? According to the hypothesis of Zecharia Sitchin, Nibiru crosses the solar system in the asteroid belt beyond the orbit of Mars. This makes it impossible for the eclipse of the Sun by the planet Nibiru. Based on the previously proposed model, Nibiru, having appeared from the direction of the Sun, should, after its appearance, go around the earth and become visible at night throughout its stay in the solar system, which, according to Sitchin, lasts about 30 years.
But there is another possible option. In order for it to be possible, it is necessary to slightly correct the hypothesis of the collision of Nibiru with Tiamat and the formation of the Earth. The initial conditions remain the same. In place of the asteroid belt beyond the orbit of Mars was the large water planet Tiamat, in the current orbit of the Earth was the Moon. Nibiru burst into the solar system along an elongated retrograde orbit at an angle to the plane of the ecliptic and passed next to Tiamat, driving its satellites into it - 4 vortices from the Sumara poem about the creation of the world. Because of this, one part of Tiamat broke off and became an asteroid belt, and the other received a huge depression in the place of the Pacific Ocean and was thrown into the orbit of the Moon, where it is now becoming the Earth.
The correction that should be made to this theory concerns the orbit of Nibiru. The Earth's orbit is quite natural - having received a counter blow, it lost speed and began to fall into a lower orbit around the Sun. On the way, she was picked up by the Moon and she remained in the same orbit with her. As for Nibiru, as a result of the collision, she also received an impulse and her orbit also had to change and no longer pass through the asteroid belt. Instead, it may have, like the Earth, lost speed and switched to a lower orbit, approaching in its perihelion closer to the Sun than the Earth picked up by the Moon. Thus, there is a possibility that Nibiru can pass between the Earth and the Sun and cause an eclipse.
Prophet Amos:
"And it shall come to pass in that day, says the Lord God, that I will make the sun go down at noon, and darken the earth in the midst of the bright day."
Prophet Zechariah:
"And it will be in that day: there will be no light, the luminaries will be removed. This day will be the only one known only to the Lord: neither day or night; only in the evening will light come." Now the question arises - how close can a giant planet come to Earth for a long solar eclipse to occur and not cause a catastrophe? The Bible does not speak of any catastrophic events other than the torn veil of the temple. They are also not mentioned in history, although it is known about earthquakes in Israel before and after these events with an interval of several centuries, but not during them. Only favorable and non-catastrophic floods in the Nile are known from 30 BC. e. and until 155
At the same time, the distance at which Nibiru should approach the Earth so that its apparent size is equal to the size of the Sun and closes it is about 7,000,000 km. This is much more than the distance to the Moon of 384,400 km, but still such a proximity to the giant planet raises serious concerns. Doubting my assumptions, I asked this question to various people somehow connected with astronomy and their opinions were very divided. Most, of course, supported the opinion that the appearance of Nibiru in the solar system is catastrophic in itself. In fact, this question is not unambiguous. According to some estimates, in order for a planet the size of Nibiru to pass between the sun and the Earth without consequences, it could be between Venus and Mercury (this is about 50,000,000 km). Most likely, this would only cause the acceleration and deceleration of the Earth, the same as when it approached with the giant planets Jupiter and Saturn, which is almost imperceptible to us. The only problem is that at this distance, Nibiru will cover only a very small part of the Sun and this eclipse will be almost invisible. This does not at all coincide with the biblical text, which says that darkness enveloped the earth from noon to the ninth hour. This is much longer than the two hour duration of a normal eclipse and means that Nibiru must have passed very close.
Another opinion is that passing from the Earth at a distance of 7,000,000 km, Nibiru will not cause any catastrophic consequences.
The fact that Nibiru moves in a retrograde orbit opposite to the Earth significantly reduces the time spent by the planets close to each other. This reduces the interaction time of gravitational forces. If the planets were moving towards a meeting fast enough , they could simply slip through each other by inertia. If you take a magnet and move it quickly past another magnet, the attraction you feel will be short-lived and not at all the same as if you do it slowly. Of course, this will cause some deviations in the speed and orbit of the planets. The orbit of the Earth will become a little closer to the Sun, this will only affect as a warming of the climate with consequences like floods in the Nile and no more.
It looks like this assumption will be the subject of endless criticism, but it gives something else. First, it removes the controversy from Sitchin's flood hypothesis. He wrote that the Flood was caused by the approach of the Earth to Nibiru, which caused the glaciers to split. Such an approach would not be possible if Nibiru crossed the solar system in the asteroid belt, much further than the safe distance. It is quite another matter when Nibiru almost crosses the orbit of the Earth.
Secondly, it gives a different chronology for the appearance of Nibiru in the solar system, which roughly coincides with some significant events. Moreover, this version differs from Stchin's chronology by only about 500 years. This may well be explained by Nibiru's high-altitude years, which average 3600 years, or by a gradual change in its orbit. Such a disparity could well have developed over a long period of time.
If we take the year 0 of the birth of Christ as the starting point and count back two periods of 3600 years, we get an interesting coincidence. Around 7500 B.C. (a difference of 200 years) climate changes have occurred on Earth, which are associated with a global cataclysm. In 7220 BC. e. there was an eruption of Mount Edgecumb volcano in Alaska and a large outflow of fresh water from the Black Sea into the Aegean Sea, which could be the result of the approach of Nibiru. And the greatest cataclysm occurred in 7640 BC. e. There is a theory that Tolman's hypothetical comet hit the Earth, but little is known about this.
3879 years after that, in 3761 BC. e., according to the Bible, the creation of the world took place. After 3761 years, year 0 has come - a new starting point has been assigned. These intervals differ from the period of 3600 years by a couple of centuries, which may have different explanations. One way or another, the next appearance of Nibiru should occur around the year 3600.
This is not the only information from the New Testament texts. They contain other interesting records that can shed light not only on the past of human civilization, but also on the future. Indeed, in this case, the New Testament is the message of the Anunnaki specifically to us, people living today. This is exactly what its name implies

”“Yahweh your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers; you shall listen to him. This is according to all that you asked of Yahweh your God in Horeb on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of Yahweh my God; let me not see this great fire anymore, or I will die.’ And Yahweh said to me, ‘They have spoken well. I will raise up a prophet from among their brothers like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And it will be that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him. But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ Now you may say in your heart, ‘How will we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken?’ When a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.“ ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭18‬:‭15‬-‭22‬ ‭LSB‬‬
A King like David…
”My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my salvation are the words of my groaning. O my God, I call by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest. Yet You are holy, Enthroned upon the praises of Israel. In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You rescued them. To You they cried out and were granted escape; In You they trusted and were not disappointed. ¶But I am a worm and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; They smack their lip, they wag their head, saying, “Commit yourself to Yahweh; let Him rescue him; Let Him deliver him, because He delights in him.” ¶Yet You are He who brought me out of the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother’s womb. ¶Be not far from me, for distress is near; For there is none to help. Many bulls have surrounded me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. They open wide their mouth at me, As a lion that tears and roars. I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. I count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots. ¶But You, O Yahweh, be not far off; O my Strength, hasten to my help. Deliver my soul from the sword, My only life from the power of the dog. Save me from the mouth of the lion; From the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me. ¶I will surely recount Your name to my brothers; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You. You who fear Yahweh, praise Him; All you seed of Jacob, glorify Him, And stand in awe of Him, all you seed of Israel. For He has not despised and He has not abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; And He has not hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard. ¶Of You is my praise in the great assembly; I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him. The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise Yahweh. May your heart live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to Yahweh, And all the families of the nations will worship before You. For the kingdom is Yahweh’s And He rules over the nations. All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship, All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, Even he who cannot keep his soul alive. Their seed will serve Him; It will be recounted about the Lord to the coming generation. They will come and will declare His righteousness To a people who will be born, that He has done it.“ ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭31‬ ‭LSB‬‬
and a Priest…
”Yahweh says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I put Your enemies as a footstool for Your feet.” Yahweh will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Have dominion in the midst of Your enemies.” Your people will offer themselves freely in the day of Your power; In the splendor of holiness, from the womb of the dawn, The dew of Your youthfulness will be Yours. ¶Yahweh has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at Your right hand; He will crush kings in the day of His anger. He will render justice among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will crush the head that is over the wide earth. He will drink from the brook by the wayside; Therefore He will lift up His head.“ ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭110‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭LSB‬‬
Isaiah prophesied that He would suffer for the sake, and at the hand, of those who He came to save…
”Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed? For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. ¶Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our peace fell upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But Yahweh has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. ¶He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth. By oppression and judgment He was taken away; And as for His generation, who considered That He was cut off out of the land of the living, That for the transgression of my people, striking was due to Him? So His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth. ¶But Yahweh was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; If You would place His soul as a guilt offering, He will see His seed, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of Yahweh will succeed in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will divide for Him a portion with the many, And He will divide the spoil with the strong; Because He poured out His soul to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.“ ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭LSB‬‬
Ezekiel said He would give us His Spirit, and would cleanse us through Him…
”Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to do My judgments. And you will inhabit the land that I gave to your fathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.“ ‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭36‬:‭25‬-‭28‬ ‭LSB‬‬
There is ONE Who’s testimony fulfills all of these, and He has come… Yeshua Hamashiach!
”Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and bear witness of what we have seen, and you do not accept our witness. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? And no one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light lest his deeds be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been done by God.”“ ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬-‭21‬ ‭LSB‬‬
”And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” Now it happened some eight days after these words, that taking along Peter and John and James, He went up on the mountain to pray. And it happened that while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him, and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to fulfill at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. And it happened that as they were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three booths: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.“ ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭36‬ ‭LSB‬‬
”So he then delivered Him over to them to be crucified. They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. And Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews;’ but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’ ” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, a part to each soldier and also His tunic; now that tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be;” this was in order that the Scripture would be fulfilled: “They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He *said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He *said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been finished, in order to finish the Scripture, *said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭16‬-‭30‬ ‭LSB‬‬
”John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from the One who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the might forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Yes, amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the witness of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, saying, “Write in a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. And His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters, and having in His right hand seven stars, and a sharp two-edged sword which comes out of His mouth, and His face was like the sun shining in its power. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not fear; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.“ ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭19‬ ‭LSB‬‬
The Messiah was also prophesied to be a military Leader, a Shepherd, a Savior, a Teacher, etc.; all of these individually could be regarded as an anointing types distributed to a multitude of men, but our Lord Jesus is the Anointed One, and all anointings are a reflection of His, as He is source of all anointing oil.
Christ means “Anointed One”, and Christian means “little anointed ones”; because we are a reflection of His anointing, just as those who came before us, even from the beginning.
Therefore, just as the Word is a perfect reflection of the will of Father, and the word is a perfect reflection of the Spirits testimony, which is the Revelation of the Word, and a Light to the world, we are also to be a reflection of the Word, and witnesses of the Spirits testimony, which is the Light, according to the will of the Father.
If that was confusing, it’s ok, it was difficult to write lol; but it’s basically just a statement that we have been made aware of Jesus, and are given knowledge of Who He was, and who we are to be in Him, by the Spirit and word.
Be a reflection of Him.

Introduction

The word "eschatology" stems from the Greek word eschatos, meaning "last" or "final," and it pertains to the study of the last or the end of things. This involves the events pertaining to Jesus' Second Coming, including both what happens just before Jesus' Second Coming and what happens just after Jesus' Second Coming.
Preterism is a system of Eschatology that views the end time events as taking place in the first century. The word "Preterism" derives from a Latin word that means "past in fulfillment." Preterism is the teaching that the big three, the Judgment, the Resurrection, and the Second Coming, all took place in 70 AD signaled by the destruction of Jerusalem. Preterism takes the time statements in the Bible at face value and believes that Jesus returned in the first century, just as He said He would.
Like most Christians, I used to believe that the Second Coming of Christ was a physical event that would transform the earth. I saw it as the end of the physical world, a cataclysmic, earth-burning, total destruction of life as we now know it. The thing that changed my thinking was the time texts of the Second Coming. I began to see that almost on every occasion when the NT Scripture talks about the Second Coming, it gives a time indicator. The Second Coming was to happen in the lifetime of those first-century believers; in fact, it was to happen while some that were standing there with Jesus were still living (Matt. 16:28). In that very generation, it was at hand (near). Jesus would come quickly, and this was constantly repeated all throughout the New Testament Scriptures (Matt. 10:23; 24:34, John 21:21-22, Rom. 13:11-12; 16:20, 1 Cor. 1:7-8; 7:29-31; 10:11, Phili. 1:6; 4:5, 1 Thess. 5:23, 1 Tim. 6:14, Heb. 10:37, Jam. 5:7-9, 1 Pet. 1:13; 4:7).
In this post, I'll be attempting to summarize the main arguments often used in favor of Preterism, over the more popular stance of Futurism.

A Reminder About Prophetic Language

When reading the Bible, we have to understand that it was written in a time far removed from ours and in cultures quite strange to us. As we try to discover the author's meaning, we must learn to read his writing as one of his contemporaries would have. To do this, we must understand the Old Testament as they did. For example, look at Revelation:

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."-Revelation 1:7

Most modern Christians view this as a literal, physical coming. But if we are familiar with the Old Testament, we know that the Lord is often depicted as riding a cloud (Psa. 18:7-15; 68:4; 104:3, Nah. 1:8). When we place the Biblical image in the light of the ancient Near East understanding, we realize that God's cloud is a chariot that He rides, bringing judgment.

"The burden of Egypt. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it."-Isaiah 19:1

We know from chapter 20 of Isaiah that YHVH used the Assyrians as instruments of His wrath on Egypt, yet it says that "the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and [...] Egypt shall be moved at his presence,". YHVH came to Egypt. Did He physically come to Egypt? No. How did He "come" to Egypt? He came in judgment. His presence was made known in judgment. But it was the Assyrians who were literally present.
Likewise, when the New Testament talks about Jesus riding a cloud, we understand that this is not a white, fluffy cloud. On the contrary, it is a storm cloud that he rides into judgment. The more we understand the Old Testament, the better we will understand the language of the New Testament.
Every mention of the "coming of the Son of man" is meant in judgment, per the OT. This includes the dramatic and apocalyptic language of the heavenly bodies being darkened. Apocalyptic language is more metaphorical than ordinary prophetic language, for it uses cataclysmic language in the natural realm to describe such events in the social, religious, or political realm. Apocalyptic language is even used when describing Babylon's conquest of Israel (an actual event in history). In apocalyptic language, great commotions and judgments upon earth are often represented by commotions and changes in the heavens. This language is not to be taken literally.
Even today, you'll sometimes hear others say, “I have some earth-shattering news,” but the earth was not shattered. And what is the older description of the Middle Ages, when Europe was ravaged? The Dark Ages.
God plainly told Bible students that prophets do not use express or literal language, but rather the metaphorical language of similitudes and signs (Hos. 12:10, John 12:33; 21:19, 1 Pet. 1:11, Rev. 1:1). For devotees of C.I. Scofield’s literalism, consider a few examples of prophetic and poetic language:

• Whose heel did Satan bruise (Gen. 3:15)? Would shoes have helped? Was this man still able to walk?
  
• Sun, moon, and stars are common metaphors for prophets. Consider Joseph’s dream (Gen. 37:9-11).
  
• What houses survived a land flowing with milk and honey (Exo. 3:8)? Are wine and meat inferior?
  
• Jacob blessed his sons, and Solomon described old age, by metaphors (Gen. 49:1-27, Ecc. 12:1-7).
  
• Did the mountains literally skip as mentioned in Psalm 114 (vss. 1-4) when speaking of Israel's salvation during the Exodus? No!
  
• Isaiah 13 uses fantastic language to describe merely the overthrow of Babylon by the Persians.
  
• Elijah did not literally return to Israel; he figuratively came in John the Baptist (Luke 1:16-17).
  
• If you have trouble with Matthew 24:29-31, what will you do with Psalm 18:6-19? Make a sci-fi movie?
  

"The Earth" In Scripture Is a Common Reference to Israel and the Roman World Specifically

Whenever the Bible talks of "the nations" or "the whole world," the Greek typically actually means "the Roman world" and nothing beyond it. In other words, the imminent preaching of Jesus concerning the establishment of his kingdom was meant for those living in the Roman world to warn of the upcoming judgment on Jerusalem. Similarly, "all tribes" usually only means the tribes of Israel.
“Land” and “earth” are often used interchangeably in Scripture, with a meaning that is localized rather than universal. For example, Matthew 23:35 says:

"That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar."

Acts 4:26-27 says:

"The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,"

And then there's Romans 10:18, which states:

"But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world."

The list of examples given here are by no means exhaustive. Just read through the book of Revelation and you'll find more passages which use the phrase “the earth” in this way.

The "New Heavens and New Earth" Are Spiritual

If the Second Coming of the Lord was to be soon and if the Lord and the apostles taught that it was to happen in the first century, then the nature of the Second Coming must have been spiritual and not physical. And it is very clear that the New Testament speaks of a near coming of Christ.
In the Bible, the phrase "end of the world" doesn't mean end of the cosmos, as we normally think of it. It can be translated as "end of the age," and it means end of a period of time, per the Greek. When mentioned by Jesus, it usually implies the Old Covenant versus New Covenant—the end of the age/"world" of the physical temple versus the start of God's PEOPLE as the temple itself.
In Genesis 37:9-11, Jacob (Joseph's father) interpreted Joseph's dream as referring to himself, his wife, and their sons, who were the heads of the twelve tribes identified as the sun, moon, and stars, respectively. They represented the foundation of the whole Israelite nation. When the Biblical writers, therefore, spoke of the sun being darkened, the moon not giving its light, and the stars falling from heaven, they were not referring to the end of the heavenly bodies, but of the complete dissolution of the Jewish state. We see this in Leviticus 26. YHVH, talking to Israel, says: "And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:" (vss. 17-19)
Notice how the character of Israel's disposition in God's view is personalized, "YOUR heaven" and "YOUR earth." So, the terms "heaven" and "earth" belong or relate to Israel; they evidently constitute a "heaven" and "earth."
In the Bible, the temple is portrayed as being the place where heaven (God's dwelling) and earth (our dwelling) meet. Back then, in the Old Covenant, one would have to go to the physical temple in order to properly worship God. A part of what makes the New Covenant so special is that believers can now directly commune with God without the physical rituals required in the OT after Jesus accomplished his Messianic work and sacrifice on the cross. We worship YHVH in a "new and living way" (Heb. 10:20), previously not able to be done before.
Some people will point to 2nd Peter 3 as a proof text that the Bible teaches literal, cataclysmic "end times" events are going to take place at some point in the future upon the entire earth. Let's see what that passage says:

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (vss. 10-13)

The word "elements" here is from the Greek word stoicheion. Some see this as referring to the scientific idea of the elements of matter, all the atoms of the 'universe' burning up. But is this what the word "elements" means? The Greek word stoicheion is only used seven times in the New Testament, and looking at its usage we see it has two main meanings; stoicheion is used as "elements of religious training, or the ceremonial precepts that are common to the worship of Jews."
In Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the literal meaning of the word is "element, rudiment, principle." In other words, this is the elements of religious training, or the ceremonial precepts that are common to the worship of Jews and of Gentiles.
So, what is it that is being "dissolved?" The Old Covenant system is being dissolved, not the literal earth.
Contrary to popular belief, nowhere do the Scriptures teach that the physical creation will be destroyed. Notice what God said after the flood of Noah's day:

"And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done."-Genesis 8:21

Now, folks will say that the Lord destroyed the earth by water one time, and He'll destroy it by fire the next time. Is God's promise here to just change His method of destroying everything? Is there comfort in being destroyed by fire instead of water? Or is He promising not to destroy the earth again?

"Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass."-Psalms 148:4-6

What decree did God make concerning the establishment of the heaven and the earth that will never pass away? Genesis 8:21! God said that He would never again destroy every living thing. God can be trusted; He keeps His word.
Now, where do we have a promise about a new heaven and earth in the Old Testament? Peter was surely thinking of the book of Isaiah, chapters 65 and 66, when he wrote his second epistle.

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind."-Isaiah 65:17

If you read Isaiah 65 and 66 you will notice that before God creates the new heavens and a new earth, He will pour out His wrath against Jerusalem, His rebellious people (Isa. 65:1-7, 11-17; 66:3-6, 15-18, 24). When God created the new heavens and earth, notice that physical death will remain (Isa. 65:20; 66:24), home construction and agriculture will continue (Isa. 65:21-22), we will have descendants (Isa. 65:23; 66:22), YHVH will hear their prayers (Isa. 65:24), and there will be evangelism (Isa. 66:19). The new heavens and earth must therefore be referring to a period in human history. This is the period of the kingdom of God which YHVH rules in the hearts of believers.

"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."-Luke 17:20-21

Futurists teach that the earth will be a physical paradise when Revelation 21 and 22 are fulfilled, but is that what the Scriptures say?:

"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."-Revelation 22:1-2

When we look at this verse, a question immediately comes to mind: why would the nations need healing? If one adopts a Futurist view, then one is at pains to explain this tree. If, however, one adopts the Preterist view, the explanation is quite easy.
How could we be in the new heavens and earth? This is easy to understand when one realizes that the new heavens and earth is the New Covenant.

"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all."-Galatians 4:22-26

What exactly is this "Jerusalem above" who is our mother? You must keep in mind that the comparison here is between two covenants. Earthly Jerusalem represents the Old Covenant, so this heavenly Jerusalem represents the New Covenant.
If heaven and earth have not passed away, we are still under the Law of Moses, per Matthew 5:17-18:

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

There are some movements who are adamant that we as believers must still continue to observe the entire Law as given to Moses, or at least, that worshippers of YHVH must prepare to do so again in the future (since these folks also happen to believe that another physical temple, sanctioned and approved by God, will be built some day again as well). Is this assertion true?
In short: No.
The Old Covenant and New Covenant overlapped in the 40 years that transpired between the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (30-33 AD) and the destruction of the second temple (70 AD). Now that the (physical) temple has been destroyed, there exists no overlap anymore.
This would explain those passages where we find Paul continuing to abide by the Law of Moses (which, was given through the covenant made with physical Israel at mount Sinai), despite seemingly contradicting his stance that new Gentile converts are no longer required to put themselves under that same covenant.
This also gives us greater insight into what the book of Hebrews is talking about when it says: "A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away" (8:13b). The 'Old Covenant' had not yet "vanish[ed] away" when this Scripture was written.
Furthermore, this allows us to understand what kind of audience the book of Hebrews was even written to, as well as the context that said book was written in. The audience consisted of Hebrew believers who felt pressured to abandon the faith, as they were being persecuted by non-believing Jews who told them to renounce their faith in Jesus as the Messiah, otherwise they (the non-believing Jews) would not allow them (the believing Hebrews) to offer sacrifices anymore at the temple (which, still stood at the time the letter was written in; see Hebrews 9:6-10, 10:1, and 13:10). The author thus attempts to provide comfort to those he or she is writing to by reminding them that they were under a better covenant, and that the old one was ready to disappear. This is part of the reason why they state: "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" (13:5).
Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body" (John 2:19b-21). We see in Revelation the physical temple was not seen in the New Jerusalem, but rather that the temple is now spiritual: "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it" (21:22).
Jesus alone is not the temple of God, rather he is the corner stone of this temple. All who are united with Jesus become living stones, building up the dwelling of God with man (Luke 17:20-21; 20:17, 1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20, 2 Cor. 6:16, Eph. 2:19-22; 4:11-16, Heb. 3:5-6, 1 Pet. 2:4-10, Rev. 3:12).

"Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."-John 4:20-24

"But what about Ezekiel's temple," you might ask? Well, according to Jeremiah 18:7-10, certain prophecies were conditioned upon a nation's obedience. This just so happens to be one of them.

"Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern. And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them."-Ezekiel 43:10-11

Question: Did Israel feel ashamed for their disobedience to God?
No, they did not. Thus, Ezekiel did not "shew them the form of the house [...] that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them."

Conditional Immortality

Preterists (at least, those who are consistent in their theology) will usually affirm that each person by default has a finite existence, and then only those who meet the condition of faithful obedience to God will receive eternal life.
This is in contrast to the Hellenistic idea that each person is already born immortal, and then it's only a matter of where he or she will spend that infinite existence. This means that most Preterists reject the doctrine of Eternal Conscious Torment (i.e., ECT), in favor of Annihilationism.
The Bible teaches that the unsaved would perish if they did not accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Perish means perish; it's exactly what it sounds like. The unrighteous would (at least eventually) cease to exist when they died, whereas the righteous would receive everlasting life.
Interestingly enough, it was the serpent who was first to suggest that sinners would not die: “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:” (Gen. 3:4). Sadly, this is the same lie being told today, that everyone lives forever.
Because people are so deeply influenced by Pagan, Greek ideas about the composition of the human mind and body, it is important to understand what the Bible actually teaches about the "soul," and untangle some of the harmful pressupositons of Dualism (an unbiblical philosophy that plagued the Church, even in the very beginning).
First and foremost, human beings are creatures of dust (Gen. 2:7 c.f. 3:19; 18:27, Psa. 103:14). We do not have souls, we are “living soul[s]” (Gen. 2:7), as are the animals (Gen. 1:20, 21, 24, 30; 2:19).
The spirit of God inbreathed is what gives life; the outgoing of the spirit returning to God who gave it, is death for human and animal alike (Gen. 1:30; 6:17; 7:15, 22, Job 34:14-15, Psa. 104:29-30, Ecc. 3:18-21; 12:7).
In the Old Testament, in the state of the death, there was no remembering (Psa. 6:5); no praising (Psa. 6:5; 115:17, Isa. 38:18); no thinking (Psa. 146:4, Ecc. 9:4); no hoping (Ecc. 9:4, Isa. 38:18); only silence (Psa. 115:17). The dead, good and bad alike, were said to be "asleep" (Dan. 12:1-2, 1 Thess. 4:13-18). Wicked Jeroboam slept with his fathers (1 Kin. 14:20), as did evil Ahab (1 Kin. 22:40). Faithful Job expected to “sleep in the dust” (Job 7:21).
Prior to Jesus' Messianic work, no one went to heaven (John 3:13). Where, then, did people go to before the ressurection? Well, the Old Testament calls it sheol in Hebrew. In the New Testament, the Greek word for this place was hades. But in the King James, both words were translated in English as hell.
It is important to note that the word translated as "hell" in the King James wasn't always used to refer to the same place. Translators would sometimes use "hell" to refer to sheol (hades; the grave), gehenna (the lake of fire; a specific valley that used to burn just outside of Jerusalem), or tartarus (a temporary prison, or "abyss," for certain disobedient angels) depending on the context.
Regardless, sheol (or "the grave") was the unconscious intermediate state where every human being went to when they died. When Jesus came and accomplished his Messianic work, he made a way for the righteous to now go to heaven through faith in him. This means that the righteous dead saints who came before are now awakened out of their "sleep," and currently possess entirely new and spiritual bodies; this does NOT mean their physical, rotting corpses in the ground were raised up and simply refashioned to be made "new." No, that would be a great misunderstanding on the nature of the general ressurection itself (1 Cor. 15:33-50, 2 Cor. 5:1, Eph. 2:5-6).
All believers get to now spend eternity with God in His glorious kingdom (1 Thess. 5:10; Rev. 21:1-3). Unbelievers, those whose names are not in the Book of Life, experience shame and everlasting contempt. They have been judged and condemned (Dan. 12:2, John 5:29, Acts 24:15) to die a “second death” (Rev. 2:11, 20:14). When they physically die, they will “consume away”; they will “be cut off”; they will “perish”; “be burned up” and “be no more” (Isa. 66:22-24, Dan. 12:1-2, Matt. 25:46, Gal. 6:8, 2 Thess. 1:5-10; 2:1-8, Jude 13, Rev. 14:9-11; 20:10-15).
In the context of Preterism and eschatological fulfillment, the destruction of the wicked and the salvation of believers as mentioned by Jesus mostly meant that God would spare a REMNANT by saving Christians from the destruction. This was a literal occurrence, as Christians fled before Jerusalem fell while hundreds upon thousands of Jews died, due to large numbers of Jews traveling to Jerusalem for Passover at the time of its destruction.
As stated earlier, "gehenna" is one of the words which was translated as "hell" in the New Testament. Gehenna is used 12 times in the New Testament, 11 in the Gospels and once in James, which says the tongue is set "on fire by hell [gehenna]" (3:6). The 11 in the Gospels are not speaking of final punishment, but of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Every use of Gehenna (except for the one in James) is from Jesus speaking to Jews that live in or around Jerusalem. It is never used of Gentiles and never used outside the Gospels because Gehenna was the city dump outside Jerusalem. So, none of the KJV's uses of "hell" have anything to do with a fiery place of torment.
Gehenna was a place that had become identified in people's minds as a filthy and accursed place where useless and evil things were destroyed, as it was first used as a place of human sacrifice in the days of King Ahaz. Gehenna is referred to in Jeremiah 7 as the Valley of Hinnom. In this passage, people are burning their own sons and daughters as human sacrifices. That is how dedicated and committed they are to the worship of the fire god, Molech. It was a defiled place, and it became the garbage dump of Jerusalem. Fires smoldered there continuously; repulsive and ugly worms ate at the garbage. That became the symbol of judgment, as Isaiah spoke of Topheth (the Valley of Hinnom) as the fiery destiny of an enemy of God (30:33).
Isaiah closes his book with the following words:

"And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh."-Isaiah 66:24

This verse is talking about God's destruction of Jerusalem in the generation when Jesus was crucified. When Jesus quoted these words in Mark 9:48, "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched," the disciples would have been familiar with these words as referring to a national judgment.
What is the "unquenchable fire" that Jesus talks about? The key to understanding this phrase is found in Jeremiah 17:

"But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched." (vs. 27)

Israel did not heed the warning, and as a result, Jerusalem and the temple of God were burned to the ground by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kin. 25:8-9). Is Jerusalem burning today? Obviously not. An unquenchable fire clearly does not burn forever. So, what does the phrase mean? A fire that cannot be quenched burns until its divine purpose has been accomplished and then it goes out. Man cannot extinguish or quench the fire, but it does indeed go out when there is nothing left to burn.
Gehenna is not a reference to Eternal Conscious Torment, or the unbiblical and Pagan ideas often associated with it that have been perpetuated and popularized by fictitious works such as Dante's Inferno. It is a reference to national judgment, a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The only people ever threatened with Gehenna were the Judean Jews of Yeshua's generation. Much of John the Baptist's minstry specifically had to do with warning the unrepentant Jews of his day that judgement was coming upon them and Jerusalem if they would not accept Jesus as the Christ (Messiah). Jesus' ministry was likewise filled with interactions where He would warn others about his coming judgement, which is why he spoke so often on "hell" (gehenna).
[Note: The prophet Malachi is recommended reading for those who are interested in further studying this subject, and those who are seeking Scriptural proof for the claims I've raised here.]

Daniel's 70th Week, the Abomination of Desolation, and the Identity of the "Beast" of Revelation

Daniel's "70th Week" took place in the first century, and is not a yet future span of time or unfulfilled event. The entirety of Futurism (Preterism's opposite) and its system of Eschatology rests upon a misinterpretation of who exactly confirms the covenant mentioned in Daniel chapter 9. Futurists believe that Daniel saw a future Antichrist figure who would make a 7-year political covenant with Israel, then break it 3.5 years later, before presiding over another 3.5 years of world-wide turmoil and catastrophes. This is to be the so-called "7-year tribulation" period. But the text (Dan. 9:24-27) says none of these things. The covenant of Daniel 9:27 is parallel to Jesus’ words on the night He was betrayed by Judas (Matt. 26:28). Scripture is clear that it is Jesus who confirms the covenant (Gal. 3:17), and NOT an Antichrist figure.
We know that each “week” in Daniel’s prophecy represents a period of seven years. We also know that Jesus laid down his life as a sacrifice after 3.5 years of ministry (“...in the midst of the week...”), and that his sacrifice brought an end to the sacrifices and offerings under the Old Covenant. There goes the idea that sacrifices must be restored in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem in our future, and the only Scriptural basis for a 7-year tribulation period.
If we compare the 3 synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which talk about the “overspreading of abominations” of Daniel 9:27, Luke clearly identifies what the abomination of desolation is!:

"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)"-Matthew 24:15
"But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:"-Mark 13:14
"And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh."-Luke 21:20

Luke chapter 21 is talking about the exact same events as Matthew 24 and Mark 13. The abomination was the unlawful placement of the false messiah(s) in the temple that the Jewish Zealots would elect as their leader(s) whenever they eventually took control of Jerusalem through military action.
[Note: It's said that it was only the Christians in Jerusalem who escaped the wrath of the Lord when Jerusalem and the temple were ultimately destroyed. Why were the Christians the only ones who fled from Jerusalem and Judea? Because they heeded Jesus’ warning written in Luke 21:21, and fled into the mountains!]
Put bluntly: The "feet" kingdom mentioned in Daniel chapter 2 (and thus, the "Beast" of Revelation) wasn't Rome, but Zealot-led Israel instead. History confirms this, as does Scripture.
The Bible is clear that there are many Antichrists (1 John 2:18). Thus, the term isn't synonymous with some specific, future and supernatural individual. It just means anyone who denies Jesus as the Christ/Messiah, and places someone else in his stead. This means that the "son of perdition" mentioned in 2nd Thessalonians 2 isn't the Antichrist, (though, he certainly was AN Antichrist).
Furthermore, the identity of the "son of perdition" could probably be found out by looking at the list of heirs to Hezekiah's dynasty, and those who happened to exist at the time of Jerusalem's fall. This is because the Zealots (the political/religious Jewish sect that sprung from and was led by Hezekiah's dynasty) were the ones truly responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem in the end (according to the Jewish historian Josephus himself).
For lack of space here, I will not be referencing the historical evidence which supports these claims, as said claims can be studied out on their own time. That being said, one can start their research by looking at Daniel 11, and comparing this passage with the New Testament Scriptures, as well what we know about Judea's history and the timeline of Hezekiah's dynasty through outside and secular sources.

The Identity of the "Whore of Babylon"

The Whore of Babylon mentioned in the book of Revelation was Jerusalem. Here's why:

• The Whore of Babylon is a prophetic symbol whose roots are in the prophets (Old Testament). Babylon was the place of Israelite captivity, so the Whore of Babylon is the unclean imprisoner. The language of harlotry and adultery used in Revelation imply that whatever the Whore represents had some kind of covenental relationship with God. In the OT, Jerusalem is always portrayed as a whore, for she was wed to God but whored herself to other gods and nations. The vassal kings of Judah at the time of Christ were even more loyal to the reigning political powers over Judea than to God.
  
• The destruction of Jerusalem fits within the time frame of the book (1:1, 3; 11:1-2; 22:12).
  
• The woman is drunk on the blood of the saints (17:6). Jesus told the religious leaders of Israel in his day that they would be held responsible for the bloodshed of God's saints. Rome would persecute the Church, sure, but the primary persecutor of Christ and his Church in the New Testament is apostate Judaism.
  
• She is called "Mystery Babylon" because her religion was ruled by the Talmud, which came out of the Babylonian captivity.
  
• The apostle Peter sends greetings from "Babylon" at the end of his first epistle. We know that Peter was in Jerusalem as a witness to the Jews.
  
• The title of "great city" (17:18) is used in Revelation 11:8 to refer to the city "where also our Lord was crucified.” Jesus, of course, was crucified in the vicinity of Jerusalem.
  
• God's people are commanded, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (18:4). The only city Jesus ever commanded his followers to flee from was Jerusalem.
  
• The description of the Harlot’s attire (purple, scarlet, gold, jewels, and pearls; 17:4) was nearly identical to the ephod worn by the high priest (cf. Exodus 28:5-21). The golden cup she held was likely symbolic of the temple vessels, the greatest part of which were gold and silver, according to Josephus (Wars 5.4.4). On Aaron’s forehead was the inscription, “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” (Exo. 28:36). The Harlot’s forehead, on the other hand, bore the title, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH” (Rev. 17:5).
  

Thus, the "Beast" was the sect of the Zealots/Hezekiah's dynasty, while the "Whore of Babylon" was the city of Jerusalem in general (as Jerusalem first welcomed and affirmed the authority of this ungodly and rebellious institution).

Jesus Seen in the Clouds in 66 AD

The following may seem unbelievable. However, all information below is taken from unbiased historical records and is easily verifiable.
In Mark 14:61-62, Jesus declares that the high priest who delivered him over to the Romans for execution will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven. Then in John 21:22-23, Jesus says that the apostle John will remain alive until his return. Jesus also promised to return within his generation in Matthew 16:27-28, Matthew 24 and Mark 8:38–9:1. Because of statements like these, the disciples all believed that Jesus would return within many of their lifetimes.
The Second Coming is described in detail in Revelation 19:11-14. Here, Jesus rides a white horse leading an army of angels on horseback on the clouds. An eerily similar event is recorded to have occurred in Iyyar of AD 66 at the start of the worst war in Israel’s history, Israel’s war with Rome:
"[O]n the twenty-first day of the month of Artemisius [Iyyar], a certain prodigious and incredible phenomenon appeared; I suppose the account of it would seem to be a fable, were it not related by those that saw it, and were not the events that followed it of so considerable a nature as to deserve such signals; for, before sunsetting, chariots and troops of soldiers in their armor were seen running about among the clouds, and surrounding of cities."
The first-century Jewish historian Josephus describes a heavenly army in the clouds much like the army Jesus leads in Revelation 19:11-14. This event is also recorded by other historians. The first-century pagan historian Tacitus also mentions this event: “In the sky appeared a vision of armies in conflict, of glittering armour.” Pseudo-Hegesippus also describes the coming of Christ on the clouds with his mighty angels at that time when he writes, “A certain figure appeared of tremendous size, which many saw, just as the books of the Jews have disclosed, and before the setting of the sun there were suddenly seen in the clouds chariots in the clouds and armed battle arrays by which the cities of all Iudaea and its territories were invaded." The medieval Jewish historian Sepher Yosippon expounds upon this angelic army in the sky of AD 66 by saying, “Moreover, in those days were seen chariots of fire and horsemen, a great force flying across the sky near to the ground coming against Jerusalem and all the land of Judah, all of them horses of fire and riders of fire.” The parallels between these accounts and Revelation 19 are striking. However, in Yosippon’s account one can see how 2nd Thessalonians 1:7-8 was explicitly and LITERALLY fulfilled in 66 AD:

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:”

As for the "1000 years" mentioned in Revelation, they are apocalyptic metaphor for the 40 years Christ "reigned" (triumphed) over his enemies both human and spirit, with the final triumph being the judgement of apostate Jerusalem. The "1000 years" began with his ascension, and ended with this judgement.

Conclusion

Although all prophecy has been fulfilled, God didn't mean for the rest of history to be anticlimactic. His plan for us is an ever-deepening experience of His presence, and an unfolding realization of His sovereignty over all things.
God called Israel to be a light to the nations, to lead all people into a covenant relationship with the Father. His purpose for the Church, the "Israel of God," was the same. Believers today are to be calling the world to drink of the living water God has prepared in the New Jerusalem for those who love Him (Rev. 22:17).

Any questions I should go in asking the doctor?
I’m a bit nervous. I really don’t want surgery because I’m scared of the complications and I’ve never had surgery before in my life.
These are my MRI results: L5-S1: Posterior disc bulge with a left subarticular disc protrusion, partially effacing the left subarticular recess, and contacting the traversing left S1 nerve root. No significant canal narrowing. Minimal bilateral foraminal narrowing.
My story: I hurt my back April of 2023 playing basketball with my kids. Went to the docs they gave me some muscle relaxers and pain meds that I did not take. Just slowly walked it out and felt better in about a week.
July 2023 went overseas and my back started hurting. I feel like this was due to my backpack and all the walking we were doing (10+miles)
We come back home and I feel a tightness in my calf that just won’t go away. I go to yoga and try to stretch the muscle out but nothing.
August 2023 - I go on a short plane ride and the leg discomfort is getting worse. I now can’t relax in a lounging chair and getting comfortable is a challenge.
I go to the doc again and she said it’s sciatic. At this point I had no other symptoms but this annoying calf pain and feeling uncomfortable if I tried to recline like in a pool chair. They think it could be a blood clot issue because I had been traveling. They rule it out.
It just continues to get worse - now I’m having cramps in the middle of the night that’s waking me up, I can no longer sit on the couch, I’m walking for hours because I can’t sleep due to the pain. Back to the doctor. It’s September now and I’m getting a referral to physical therapy.
I’m doing the physical therapy exercises and trying to push through the pain. At this point, I’m on gabpentin, meloxicam, and muscles relaxers. I’m training for a 1/2 marathon and again pushing myself through the pain. After a 5 mile run, my toes go numb on the left side. And now I’m worried.
Back to the doctor, who just ups my gabepentin subscription. Says the toes being numb is just a part of sciatic and there’s nothing else I can do.
I buy a new mattress (sleep number - trash 0/10 do not recommend, am returning it and looking for something else) PT says to stop doing yoga as that’s making it worse. I can’t sleep now - I’m up every couple of hours. Back to the doctor. They finally order an MRI in February 2024. Results above. They send me to the pain management clinic for an ESI.
I get one March 1st 2024. I feel great - I can lie on the couch and get up without crying! Woo hoo! The pain management doctors says to do Pilates. So I do. It last all of 2 weeks and I’m back in worse pain than before. I can’t do any of the PT exercises I was doing before like a bridge. I’m so defeated. 😞
Go back to the doc for new meds. Tell them the meds I had been taking aren’t working. They put me on higher dose of ibuprofen and an antidepressant amtriphline for nerve pain. It works for one week.
The pain gets so much worse. Like I’m getting out of bed and I’m screaming - the whole leg is on fire. I’m shaking teeth chattering pain will not go away I can’t walk it out anymore husband gets scared and we go back to the doctor. They give me oral steroids and an acupuncture referral and a surgery referral it’s April 1s 2024.
I starting take the oral steroid taper I go to acupuncture and I’m able to take the pain down from a 10 to a 7.
Since then I’ve done another round of acupuncture and laser regenerative treatment (out of my own pocket which idk if it’s actually doing anything)I’m off all prescription medication - using over the counter aleve tyenol and advil as needed i walk about three miles a day so very slowly and usually with the aid of a walking stick and one mile at a time. But sitting in a car hurts like a mfer it tingles cramps and getting out of bed is such a pain too I usually have to walk and pace before I can pee I can’t really bend down or put on my socks so idk. Should I even entertain surgery if I’m not at a 10 anymore? Ami I getting better? I given up so much of life and when I try to push through I pay for it later like I wanted to watch a movie with my kids and so I tired laying on the floor and I got 1/2 way through cars 2 before I had to get up crying and take a hot shower to calm the nerve. I guess I don’t want to waste this opportunity with the surgical consult.. thanks!

HW: 220lbs / 100kg PD : 205lbs / 93kg SW: 198lbs /90kg GW: 152 lbs / 60kg
Hello gastric sleeve trust,
I had LBS this morning and currently in my hospital bed. I used this platformfor so much for advice so I wanted to share my experience on here to help others as I didn't find many related Pre-Diet (PD) and Starting Weights (SW) weights.
A bit of background, I put on 30kg after both kids while working full time and re-buildjng our house, right back to stumps, frames and all new roof, plumbing and electrical with newborns.
Then couldn't keep it off if I lost anything or it would take my body FOREVER to change/show results.
After trying just about every diet, peronsal training, walking, running, pilates and yoga I had some success after seeing a weigh loss specialist and being prescribed GLP-1 meds (after 8 months of working with her).
I lost quite a bit on the drugs however there was/still is a huge supply issues of Ozempic and semaglutide and Ive stacked it all back on again very very quickly.
Then when my doctor suggested the surgery (I've been offered it before any times) and mentioned the long term success studies on the procedure vs weight loss drugs I seriously started considering it.
I didn't find the pre-op diet difficult at all as I was already low carb and no sugar. Coffee is what I struggled with the most and thinking I could push myself with walking the kids to school still then crashing badly.
We have moved to a very active community in the mountains at the foothills of the ski resort and I'm looking forward to being able to move my body on my skis and snowboard this ski season, progress with Mountain Biking a new sport I just picked up and not hurting as much after walking up the mountain trails with my hiking buddies.
I've slept on and off for most of the day post op coming out of surgery and have finally woken up after 12 hours of it. The pain and anti-nausua meds work quick and I haven't been in much pain at all.
It took speaking to 3 surgeons before finding one who listened to my story and wanted to help as my BMI was 33, so don't be discouraged by a no, you know your body better than anyone.
Thanks everyone, I hope my experience may help others to. I'm looking forward to learning new habits and getting my active and strong body again.

Prompt: Entertain this and turn it into a story: Adam and Eve were in fact made by god, and god is actually just advanced aliens, but there were many other humans on Earth who had evolved naturally. Adam and Eve’s kids intermingled with the natural humans over generations. The ethnic group where Adam and Eve’s descendants concentrated the most goes on to play the role of God’s chosen people. End the story about 2,000 years ago, right before Jesus would have come into the picture.
In the beginning, a highly advanced alien civilization discovered Earth and found it teeming with life, including a primitive species of hominids on the cusp of evolving into modern humans. Intrigued by their potential, the aliens decided to conduct an experiment. They created two genetically enhanced humans, Adam and Eve, endowed with superior intelligence and physical attributes.
The aliens, whom Adam and Eve referred to as "God," placed the pair in a lush garden, providing them with everything they needed to thrive. However, Adam and Eve's curiosity led them to explore beyond the garden's boundaries, where they encountered other humans who had evolved naturally on Earth.
As time passed, Adam and Eve's descendants began to intermingle with the natural humans, sharing their knowledge and skills. The two populations grew closer, and their genetic lines became increasingly intertwined. Over generations, the enhanced genes from Adam and Eve's lineage spread throughout the human population, leading to rapid advancements in intelligence and technology.
One particular ethnic group, concentrated in the Middle East, carried a higher proportion of Adam and Eve's enhanced genes. This group, known as the Israelites, began to stand out from the rest of humanity. They displayed remarkable abilities in various fields, from agriculture and craftsmanship to military strategy and leadership.
As the Israelites' reputation grew, they came to believe that they were "God's chosen people." They attributed their success and prowess to divine favor, unaware of their true origins. The Israelites developed a strong religious and cultural identity, with tales of their ancestors Adam and Eve, and the garden of Eden, woven into their oral traditions.
The Israelites faced numerous challenges and conflicts with neighboring tribes and empires. They endured slavery in Egypt, fought for their promised land, and established a kingdom that reached its zenith under the rule of King David and his son, Solomon. Throughout their history, the Israelites maintained their belief in a single, all-powerful God who had created their ancestors and guided their nation's destiny.
By the time the Roman Empire began to exert its influence over the region, around 2,000 years ago, the Israelites had become a distinct and resilient people. Their unique heritage, a blend of divine intervention and natural human evolution, had shaped their identity and set the stage for the emergence of two of the world's major religions, Judaism and Christianity.
Little did they know that their entire history, from the creation of Adam and Eve to their status as "God's chosen people," was the result of an ancient alien experiment. As the Israelites stood on the brink of a new era, the true nature of their origins remained a mystery, waiting to be unraveled by future generations.
Additional Prompt: Continue the story, have the aliens choose a human to give birth to a special person that they helped design. This baby grows up and is capable of miraculous things along with being compassionate and wise. Then the humans crucify him in adulthood, creating a new religion, Christianity.
Additional Response:
As the world turned and empires rose and fell, the advanced alien civilization continued to observe humanity from afar. They watched as the Israelites, the descendants of their genetically enhanced creations, Adam and Eve, struggled and persevered through countless challenges. Recognizing the potential for great change, the aliens decided to intervene once more.
The aliens carefully selected a young Israelite woman named Mary, who was known for her kindness and devotion. They genetically engineered a child within her womb, a boy who would come to be known as Jesus. This child, born in humble circumstances, was endowed with extraordinary abilities and a profound sense of compassion and wisdom.
As Jesus grew, he began to perform miracles that astonished all who witnessed them. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and turned water into wine. His teachings, rooted in love, forgiveness, and the oneness of all beings, attracted a growing number of followers who recognized him as the promised Messiah.
However, Jesus' radical ideas and growing influence also earned him powerful enemies. The religious and political leaders of the time, threatened by his message and the devotion of his followers, conspired against him. They accused Jesus of blasphemy and sedition, and eventually succeeded in having him arrested and brought before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
Despite finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate bowed to the pressure of the crowd and condemned him to death by crucifixion. Jesus, aware of his fate and its significance, willingly accepted his destiny. As he hung upon the cross, he forgave his executioners and committed his spirit into the hands of his Father, the alien beings who had set these events in motion.
Three days after his death, Jesus' followers discovered that his tomb was empty. They encountered him, resurrected and glorious, and listened as he instructed them to spread his message of love and salvation to all nations. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, began to preach and perform miracles in Jesus' name, attracting thousands of believers and establishing the foundations of the Christian Church.
As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, the teachings of Jesus and the story of his life, death, and resurrection became the cornerstone of a new faith. The religion, born from the intervention of an advanced alien race, would go on to shape the course of human history, inspiring countless acts of charity, art, and devotion, while also being used to justify wars, persecution, and oppression.
Unbeknownst to the followers of Christ, their savior was the product of genetic engineering, a being created by the same alien civilization that had shaped the destiny of the Israelites. As Christianity grew and evolved, the true origins of Jesus and the events that had led to his birth and death remained a closely guarded secret, known only to the alien observers who continued to watch over humanity, marveling at the impact of their celestial experiment.

Giving you the full, short story so hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. I am going to the AbilityLab in two weeks, but if I can find a tip ASAP of course it would be better to start working on it now.
Following the Chicago Marathon on October 8, I experienced typical cramps in my quads and hamstrings at the end of the race. Subsequently, I reduced my running mileage to 10-20 miles per week from my usual 40-60 miles per week. During this period, I focused on improving my running form, specifically increasing my cadence. Despite my cadence usually being 170+, I worked to elevate it further, especially during easier runs.
On November 1, after experiencing cramping in my overworked quads and hamstrings, I attempted to address the issue by focusing on glute exercises during my lunch break. However, later that day, during a 7-mile run, I encountered tightening in my hip flexor at the end of mile 7. Subsequent attempts to run resulted in similar tightening.
Following these events, I ceased running entirely for the first two weeks of November due to persistent pain. On November 16, I ran, and as the pain persisted, I sought treatment from a physical therapist (PT) and engaged in sessions until December 10. The PT sessions primarily focused on glute and hip flexor strengthening exercises. Despite experiencing 100% relief from November 28 to December 2, the pain returned on December 3, manifesting mainly as a burning sensation in my upper glute.
Subsequent imaging, including an MRI and X-ray of my hip and lumbar spine, revealed a labral tear and hip impingement, as well as L4 & L5 disk bulge without nerve compression. However, despite receiving a cortisone shot, typically effective for alleviating pain associated with a labral tear, there was no improvement. Moreover, heavy glute work exacerbated the pain, with activities such as climbing stairs further irritating it.
Despite incorporating yoga, pilates, and at-home recommendations from my doctors into my routine, I have not experienced significant relief. I still stretc, massage and use pain medications, but these interventions did not alleviate much symptoms. Additionally, attempts to resume running or biking in minimal amounts have not made things worse, but prolonged sitting really exacerbates the pain. Overall my pain ranges from a 2 to a 4, but it is constant pain in the upper glute (burning) and deep pain in the hip.
I also had 1 month where I tried an inversion table, but I pulled my back erector muscles twice so I stopped that. I dont think it helped much, but it did relieve it while I was upside down, but sometimes just moving will help it.
I am desperate to run longer than 2 or 3 miles, bike long distances, and most of all eliminate this pain from my life. I am so very active and will do whatever it takes to eliminate the pain, but I am getting nowhere.
TL;DR: Before the Chicago Marathon I was running 40-60 miles/week with no issues, during the marathon I cramped, then I decreased miles 10-20 miles/week focusing on form improvement. Then hip flexor tightening led to PT revealing a labral tear and hip impingement, although no relief from cortisone shot. This reveals its not from that area. Pain persists, worsened by heavy glute work and activities like stairs. Lumbar MRI showed no nerve compression, but bulging discs in L4/L5. Despite yoga, pilates, and PT, chiro, no relief. Sitting exacerbates pain; no intervention brings relief. Upper glute and deep hip pain 24/7.

How Do I Get Rid of Cankles: Cankles, the area where the calf and ankle meet without clear definition, often lead to frustration and body image concerns for those seeking a more toned leg appearance, potentially due to poor circulation. Unlike the well-defined ankles admired in summer footwear, cankles can make finding flattering shoes a challenge and dent self-confidence. The good news is, targeting cankles is not as daunting as it seems. With the right approach combining diet adjustments, specific exercises, and lifestyle changes, you can work towards sculpting the defined ankles you desire. This post dives into practical strategies to bid farewell to cankles, offering insights into how minor tweaks in your daily routine can lead to significant changes in how you feel about your legs.

Key Takeaways

• Understand Your Body: Recognizing the underlying causes of cankles, which can range from genetics to lifestyle factors, is crucial for effective management and treatment.
• Exercise Regularly: Incorporating specific exercises, such as calf raises and cardiovascular activities, can help tone the lower leg area and reduce the appearance of cankles.
• Adopt a Balanced Diet: Consuming a healthy, balanced diet low in sodium and rich in potassium can aid in reducing water retention that often contributes to the formation of cankles.
• Make Lifestyle Adjustments: Simple lifestyle changes, including elevating your legs when resting and avoiding tight footwear, can significantly impact the reduction of cankles.
• Explore Treatment Options: For those seeking more immediate results, exploring medical treatments like liposuction or laser therapy could be beneficial, but it's important to consult with a healthcare professional first.
• Prevention is Key: Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet are fundamental preventive measures to avoid the development of cankles in the future.

Understanding Cankles

Definition and Causes

Cankles, a term blending "calf" and "ankles," describe the appearance of thick ankles with no clear separation from the calves. This condition stems from a variety of factors, both genetic and environmental. Common causes include genetics, certain health conditions, and lifestyle choices. It's crucial to recognize that both internal and external influences, including specific training, play significant roles in the development of cankles.

Genetics Role

Genetics significantly contribute to the formation of cankles. Many people inherit their lower leg shape, including the propensity for thicker ankles. The way fat is distributed across our bodies and how our muscles are structured are largely dictated by our genes. Understanding your genetic background is vital when addressing issues related to cankles.

Health Conditions

Several health conditions can lead to the development of cankles. Obesity, diabetes, and venous insufficiency in the ankle area are among the top culprits. Hormonal imbalances and systemic diseases also play a role in exacerbating lower leg swelling. In cases where health conditions are at the root of cankle formation, seeking medical intervention becomes necessary.

Other Triggers

Beyond genetics and health issues, various lifestyle and environmental factors can trigger the onset of thick ankles. Prolonged periods of sitting, high salt consumption, and exposure to warm climates all contribute to this condition. Pregnancy and certain medications also have a significant impact on ankle swelling. Insect bites or stings that go untreated can lead to severe swelling in the ankle area.

Cankle Exercises

Calf Strengthening

To combat cankles, focusing on calf strengthening is crucial. Exercises like calf raises specifically target these muscles, enhancing definition and strength. Incorporating weight training can significantly boost muscle mass around the calves. This not only improves the appearance but also enhances leg function.
Weighted calf raises and leg presses are effective for building calf muscles. They should be part of a regular exercise routine. The benefits of calf strengthening extend beyond aesthetics. They include better stability, improved mobility, and reduced ankle swelling.

Toning Workouts

Toning workouts play a vital role in reducing cankles by promoting fat loss and muscle toning throughout the body. A balanced approach combines cardio exercises with strength training. This helps lower overall body fat percentage while improving muscle tone.
A recommended routine might start with a 30-minute cardio session to increase heart rate and burn calories. Follow this with strength training exercises focusing on the lower body, such as squats and lunges. Include flexibility exercises like stretches or yoga poses to ensure balanced toning.
Regular engagement in these activities leads to a more defined calf area, indirectly benefiting those struggling with cankles. The key is consistency and integrating both cardio and strength elements into your workout plan.

Flexibility Routines

Improving flexibility in the ankles and calves is essential for addressing cankles. Stretching exercises not only reduce tightness but also enhance circulation in the lower legs. Yoga and Pilates are highly effective for increasing flexibility, offering routines that specifically benefit the lower leg area.
Incorporating daily stretches for the calves and Achilles tendon can make a significant difference in flexibility over time. Regular yoga or Pilates sessions contribute to better posture, reduced risk of injuries, and improved overall leg appearance by promoting circulation.
The importance of regular flexibility routines cannot be overstated for those looking to improve their cankle situation. These practices support healthy movement patterns and contribute to a more toned appearance of the calves.

Dietary Advice

Fat Reduction

Reducing fat in the body, including the lower legs, requires a balanced approach to diet and exercise. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps in overall fat loss. It's vital to create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than the body burns. This strategy aids in reducing body fat, which can consequently decrease the size of cankles.
Exercise plays a crucial role too. While targeted exercises do not directly reduce fat in specific areas, they help tone muscles and improve body composition. Combining cardiovascular exercises with strength training enhances fat loss across the body, including the calves and ankles. Sustainable lifestyle changes trump quick fixes every time. They ensure lasting results rather than temporary solutions that might lead to weight regain.

Improved Circulation

Activities like walking or cycling boost blood flow to the lower extremities, enhancing circulation. This is beneficial for those looking to minimize cankles. Improved circulation helps in reducing swelling and prevents fluid accumulation around the ankles and calves.
Elevating the legs above heart level several times a day promotes venous return and decreases edema. Compression garments also aid in maintaining proper blood flow, offering support to the veins and reducing swelling. These methods work together to alleviate current swelling while preventing future occurrences of cankles by ensuring healthy circulation.

Hydration Importance

Staying hydrated is key in managing cankles as it helps reduce fluid retention—a common factor contributing to swollen ankles and calves. Adequate water intake ensures that the body functions optimally, flushing out toxins that could lead to inflammation and swelling.
Dehydration aggravates swelling because when the body senses a lack of water, it holds onto fluids, worsening edema in areas like the ankles. The recommended daily water intake varies depending on individual factors such as weight, activity level, and climate but aiming for at least 8 glasses a day is a good start. Adjust this amount based on your personal needs and levels of physical activity.

Lifestyle Changes

Routine Adjustments

To combat cankles, modifying daily routines plays a crucial role. A balanced diet, especially one low in sodium, significantly reduces water retention. This change alone can make a noticeable difference in the appearance of cankles.
Taking short breaks to elevate the legs helps too. It's beneficial during long periods of sitting or standing. Elevating the legs aids in reducing swelling by improving circulation.
Quitting smoking is another vital step. It enhances vascular health and, as a result, may reduce the prominence of cankles. Improved blood flow supports the body's natural mechanisms for managing fluid and fat distribution.

Positive Body Image

Developing a positive body image is essential, regardless of cankle presence. Acceptance and appreciation of one's body foster a healthier relationship with oneself. This mindset shift encourages focusing on what the body can do rather than how it looks.
Strategies to focus on functionality over aesthetics include celebrating physical achievements and acknowledging the body's capabilities. Such an approach boosts self-esteem and contributes to overall well-being.
The psychological benefits of maintaining a positive body image are immense. They include increased happiness and reduced stress levels, which indirectly support efforts to address physical concerns like cankles.

Stress Management

Stress management directly influences body composition, including areas prone to fat accumulation like cankles. Techniques that reduce cortisol levels play a significant role here. Lower cortisol levels help in managing body fat distribution more effectively.
Mindfulness, meditation, and regular physical activity are proven stress reducers. They not only manage stress but also promote healthier lifestyle choices that contribute to addressing cankles.
Effective stress management leads to better sleep patterns, dietary choices, and exercise habits. These changes collectively support the goal of reducing cankle appearance by fostering an overall healthier lifestyle.

Treatment Options

Self-Care Practices

Regular foot and calf massages play a crucial role in combating cankles. They enhance circulation, easing the swelling. It's a simple yet effective method to address fluid retention issues.
Epsom salt baths offer another natural solution. Soaking your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salts can significantly reduce swelling and discomfort. This remedy draws out excess fluids, providing relief from swollen ankles and feet.
Wearing shoes that fit well is essential. Tight or poorly fitting footwear can exacerbate pressure on the ankles, worsening the condition. Opt for shoes that support and cushion your feet without adding unnecessary strain on your ankles.

Medical Treatments

For those whose cankles stem from underlying health conditions, medical interventions might be necessary. These could range from simple medications to manage symptoms to more advanced treatments like compression therapy or surgery.
Medications can help control factors contributing to swelling, such as high blood pressure or heart conditions. Compression stockings are another effective option, improving blood flow and reducing fluid buildup in the affected areas.
Surgical options exist for severe cases where other treatments have not been effective. Procedures like liposuction or calf reshaping might be considered to achieve a more balanced appearance between the lower leg and ankle. However, these are typically last-resort options due to their invasive nature.
Consulting with a healthcare professional is imperative before choosing a treatment path. A doctor can provide a personalized plan based on the specific cause of your cankles, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care.

Preventive Measures

Regular Check-ups

Regular medical check-ups play a crucial role in managing health conditions that might contribute to cankles. Early detection of potential issues can significantly prevent the situation from worsening. Doctors often spot signs of fluid retention, hormonal imbalances, or circulation problems early on. These factors can lead to the development of cankles if left unchecked.
Keeping a health diary is highly beneficial. It helps track symptoms, dietary habits, and physical activity levels over time. This record becomes invaluable during medical appointments, offering insights that might hasten diagnosis and intervention.

Healthy Habits

Adopting a holistic approach to health is essential for anyone looking to reduce cankles. This means prioritizing not just physical well-being but also mental health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports overall body health and can aid in reducing unwanted fat accumulation around the ankles.
Exercise plays a pivotal role too. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling improve circulation and promote fat loss without putting excessive strain on the legs. Moreover, strength training targeting the lower body can help tone the area around the ankles.
Mental well-being should not be overlooked. Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises can help mitigate stress-induced eating behaviors that contribute to weight gain.
Setting realistic goals is key. Celebrating small victories along the way keeps motivation high and makes the journey more enjoyable. Whether it’s losing a bit of weight, being able to walk further than before, or simply feeling healthier—every achievement matters.

When to Seek Help

Recognizing Symptoms

It's crucial to identify the signs that suggest a need for professional advice. These include sudden, severe swelling or pain in the ankles and legs. Such symptoms should never be overlooked as they could hint at more serious health conditions.
Individuals must pay attention to changes in their lower extremities, particularly after starting new physical activities or making dietary adjustments. Persistent or worsening swelling, accompanied by discomfort, demands immediate medical evaluation. Ignoring these signs can lead to complications.

Professional Guidance

The importance of seeking professional guidance cannot be overstated when dealing with cankles. Doctors, nutritionists, and fitness experts bring invaluable expertise to the table. They offer personalized plans tailored to meet each person's unique needs and challenges in reducing ankle swelling.
A team approach ensures comprehensive management of one’s health and wellness goals. This collaborative effort maximizes the effectiveness of interventions designed to minimize cankles. It addresses not only the physical aspect but also nutritional and lifestyle factors contributing to the condition.

Success Stories

Before and After

Many people struggle with the appearance of their cankles, feeling self-conscious and seeking ways to reduce them. Success stories often begin with individuals feeling frustrated after noticing little to no definition between their calves and ankles. However, through dedication and targeted efforts, remarkable transformations are possible.
It's crucial to set realistic expectations for the journey ahead. Results typically don't appear overnight. Most success stories highlight a period of several months to over a year of consistent effort before seeing significant changes. This timeline varies from person to person, depending on factors like genetics, starting point, and the specific strategies employed.
Consistency and patience play vital roles in these transformations. Incorporating regular exercise, particularly activities that focus on toning the lower legs, alongside dietary adjustments, has proven effective for many. It's also important to note that while some individuals may see drastic reductions in their cankle appearance, others might notice more subtle changes. Both outcomes represent progress and are worth celebrating.

Testimonials

Personal testimonials offer a glimpse into the varied paths individuals have taken to manage their cankles successfully. From structured workout programs focusing on lower leg exercises to dietary changes and even medical interventions for those who sought professional help as discussed in the previous section.
One individual shared how incorporating daily walks, coupled with specific calf-strengthening exercises, gradually reshaped their lower legs over twelve months. They emphasized how initial discouragement gave way to excitement as they began to notice changes not just in appearance but in their overall health and stamina.
Another testimonial comes from someone who combined physical activity with mindful eating. They found that reducing sodium intake helped decrease water retention significantly, contributing to a more defined ankle area. Their journey was not only about reducing cankle appearance but also about adopting a healthier lifestyle overall.
These stories underscore the importance of finding a personalized approach that works for each individual. They serve as powerful reminders that while everyone's journey is unique, determination and adaptability are key components of success.

Summary and Recap

Key Takeaways

Understanding the causes of cankles is crucial for effective treatment. Various factors, including genetics, obesity, and water retention, contribute to their appearance. Recognizing these causes helps tailor treatment plans that are more likely to succeed.
Lifestyle changes play a significant role in managing cankles. Increasing physical activity, especially exercises that focus on the legs, can improve circulation and reduce fat accumulation. Adjusting diet to decrease salt intake and increase water consumption also helps minimize swelling.
Medical treatments and self-care should not be overlooked. Compression stockings aid in reducing swelling by improving blood flow when standing or sitting for long periods. In some cases, surgical options like liposuction may be considered for those seeking more dramatic changes in appearance.
While cankles can be a cosmetic concern for many, it's important to remember that overall health and well-being should always be the priority. Success stories from individuals who have managed their cankles show that focusing on general health brings the most satisfying results.

Next Steps

To begin addressing your concerns with cankles, consider the following checklist:

• Assess your lifestyle for areas of improvement such as diet, exercise, and time spent standing.
• Explore non-invasive treatments like compression stockings or leg elevation during rest.
• Consult with a healthcare provider for a personalized assessment and to discuss potential medical treatments if necessary.

Scheduling a consultation with a healthcare provider is an essential step. They can offer personalized assessments based on individual health conditions and goals. This professional guidance ensures that any underlying issues contributing to cankles are addressed.
Setting realistic goals is vital. Expecting immediate results may lead to disappointment since reducing the appearance of cankles often requires time and consistent effort. Seeking support from a community or professionals who understand the journey can provide motivation and valuable advice.

Summary and Recap

Tackling cankles requires a blend of targeted exercises, dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and possibly medical treatments or preventive measures. You've learned the ropes—from understanding what cankles are to exploring various ways to reduce their appearance. Success stories prove that with persistence and the right approach, improvement is not just possible; it's within your reach. Remember, the journey to overcoming cankles starts with small steps. Whether it's incorporating new exercises into your routine, adjusting your diet, or seeking professional advice, every effort counts.
For more great tips read my article here

On Day 16 over here! Reading the experiences of people further along in their 75 Hard journeys have been so motivating for me. I shared a recap of my first week and thought I'd do the same here after my second:
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PROS / WINS
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• Everything I said last week (linked above) still applies.
• Dropped another pound or two!
• Feeling great! I have great energy, look forward to working out, and brain fog has disappated.
• Earlier to rise means earlier to bed so I have less lounging time after work which results in less mindless phone scrolling and online shopping. Another financial benefit!
• My husband is joining me for a morning walk. We are both working parents so having this hour in the morning of our busy days has been so wonderful for us to connect.

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CONS / CHALLENGES

• I decided to start 75 Hard one night at 9pm and I started the next morning. Would recommend getting ducks in a row first in general, but for me the only place this screwed me up was on the book. I had to go with one I had in the house before ones I really wanted to read were requested and arrived at the library. Next time I'd plan ahead or just buy the freaking book instead of waiting for the library. I got my reading done, but I would have enjoyed it more with that planning. (Just started on Ryan Holiday's Discipline is Destiny)
• I can't figure out how to fit much socializing in. We host a TON in summertime (have yard and pool) so I'll be done by then, but unless a friend is joining me for a walk or yoga class, I don't feel like I have the time to socailize and meeting for dinnedrinks is a headache during this time. I COULD make it work, yes, but I'm not trying - I'm just focusing inward (self and family and home life) for a season.
• I'm antsy to do my 2nd workout during my workday or immediately thereafter so I'm finding myself completing my day before the 7pm yoga classes I used to attend. I'm likely to pause or cancel my ClassPass for a bit.

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TIPS

• I get half my water down by 9am. I won't walk out the door for work until 32 ounces of water is down and I won't get out of my car, from the parking lot, until another 32 ounces is done. From there, the rest doesn't have to be forced.
• PB2 (mixed into non-fat Greek yogurt with blueberries) has a been a fun addition for more protein on a caloric deficit.
• At my son's weekend soccer game, I spent the time walking in place, doing squats and lunges, and doing stretching standing up. I didn't count it as my workout that day - just trying to constantly stay moving. I don't think anyone noticed me (far end of sidelines) and if so, who cares! It's easier than expected to fit in movement when we put our minds to it.
• YouTube workout videos work great for me at home. I like MrsandMrsMuscles (dumbbell workouts) and Move with Nicole (Pilates) have been in rotation.

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Wishing everyone continued success!

Been going to Barry’s for a year : ~3x/week, along with occasional spin / Pilates sprinkled in the week as well
Today I went to the doctors and they measured my blood pressure with the top number reading 100 (this is after I was chatting / drinking coffee which should in theory hyper-inflate this number)
the nurse asked “are you a runner?” which I thought was so interesting! Before I started going to Barry’s I was more of a power lifter, with blood pressure usually reading “normally” at 120/80
Anyone else have a below normal blood pressure as a result of Barry’s / running ?

I've been avoiding posting this for awhile, mostly because it was distressing to think about. Egg freezing and IVF is an extremely vulnerable process and we don't expect to need to do it until we... need to do it. I decided to freeze my eggs in late 2022, just after turning 34. I had no partner, and I had to shell out thousands of dollars on my own. To this day, when I'm asked if I'm glad I did it, I'm honestly not sure what to say. I didn't have a good experience of it, and I kept questioning whether my experience was because of where I went, or if the process is just poorly managed in general.
I do want to post this review for anyone considering going to a specific place for IVF or egg freezing -- Aspire HFI in Houston, Texas. TLDR: don't go there.
To start, I filled out a survey right after my egg retrieval procedure (before I received my results of the procedure) with low-ish to medium scores on multiple measures about the experience with Aspire HFI. I received an e-mail from someone there, and responded with the e-mail below. They never replied back (this was over a year ago):
"I've put together a list of reasons why I provided the scores that I did, below.

• I was shuffled around a lot initially, just not knowing what I should be doing and not getting clear answers to my questions -- do I apply for a loan? Do I wait for pre-authorization? Do I put my life on hold? I felt like I was in the dark until they told me to be somewhere and the time. I ended up telling my job that I'm freezing my eggs (which I didn't want to do), otherwise I worried about how erratic my schedule was looking.
  
• Billing was a mess -- there was no phone number to reach the billing person, and I don't understand why pre authorization and other steps were not initiated at consultation or when I did my labwork. The whole process was delayed just because I was trying to figure out billing, and ended up deciding to use a big chunk of my savings to not feel like I'm being taken advantage of by a loan company and to avoid staying on Enskyce with all of its side effects for so long.
  
• Enskyce was something I didn't expect to be put on, and its side effects are oddly minimized. I felt like my emotional bandwidth was very restricted, particularly at a time when I needed extra bandwidth to deal with this process.
  
• I saw my doctor 4 times total - at consultation, another visit to discuss my lab results and whether to proceed with egg freezing, he performed one ultrasound, and at the "complimentary" follow-up visit that wasn't going to be scheduled unless I asked. Most of my ultrasounds were performed by the nurses, who I found out are actually medical assistants or LVNs.
  
• During the "stimming" or injection period and days into starting Cetrotide, I got incorrect instructions that left off Cetrotide, meaning I was not told to take it between Friday and Monday. I called after hours to double check this and thankfully got corrected instructions. I was horrified at how close I was at losing an entire cycle if I hadn't been researching each of these drugs on my own and double checking everything.
  
• While all staff were polite and nice, everyone who wasn't brand new seemed a bit burned out and it made me uneasy each time I went there.
  
• The only info I got about my eggs after retrieval was in a message on my portal, telling me the number of eggs frozen.
  
• The follow-up visit was optional, so I had to call to schedule it. They tried to charge me for the visit when I went in and I reminded them that it's a complimentary follow-up.
  
• It was only at the follow-up visit that I learned how many mature eggs I had and the egg quality. I was devastated. It was much lower than my doctor would have predicted, and much lower than my labwork and lifestyle habits would have suggested. I also don't know if I ever would have learned this had I not scheduled the follow-up, as none of this detailed information was provided in the patient portal.
  
• I followed all recommendations and avoided exercise for over two weeks after my egg retrieval. Almost 3 weeks after my egg retrieval, I went to a pilates class and experienced such intense pain that I went to the ER. They suspected ovarian torsion, though thankfully they believed I was not stuck in torsion and could get "untorsed." Once again, I was horrified at the effects of this whole experience and how even following instructions did not keep me from having to go to the ER.
  

I hope this clarifies my scores."
I included information I got about my retrieved eggs in my feedback, although I had provided my survey responses before getting this information. I never got a response to this feedback.
There were some positives to the experience, like the staff at the surgery center all being lovely and highly professional, and the phlebotomists being warm and gentle. The nurses were generally nice, though I felt that I had to advocate for myself often with things like checking on appointments/what needs to be done/finding out what's going on in general. Ultimately, I felt like I was more of a for-profit medspa client than a patient getting invasive medical care. I cried during my follow-up visit with my doctor when he told me the results and suggested I pay for another cycle. I don't have that kind of money, and I couldn't imagine how doing this again could realistically go better given how things were run.
To be clear, the total number of frozen eggs I had were in the low-average range for someone without a co-occurring illness, but only half of them were mature. This is another odd thing in my eyes but is not why I'm posting this review. I do want to note that I was told that I would be stimming for longer than they ended up letting me go for before the procedure, and I do wonder what would have happened in terms of egg maturity had I gone for longer before the procedure. Of course, there's no answer to that so I've let this one rest.
The final straw was the fact that my initial info package said that the annual freezing fee was around $600 and "subject to change." The change was a 25% increase the following year, to $750. I called the center to find out how they could increase the fee so steeply in ONE year, and they said it's the clinic (Aspire HFI) that sets the fee.
So yeah, this was my experience. Feel free to comment/PM me if you have any questions. Cross posted in IVF.