Great things to say to your lover

My study today was spent defending Jesus as a law-giver and law-keeper. I learned that Jesus' interpretations of justice and mercy were always in existence. We were not made privy to them because of our human frailty, and our hearts hardened by sin. (Matthew 19:8, Mark 3:1-5, Romans 5:13) Even now, the parables reveal things to us that we were not ready to receive when our Lord walked the earth. (John 16:12-15)
We're made in God's image. Every lesson of life we learn, makes us more like Him. As we grow spiritually, we leave behind logic that no longer seems reasonable. (Psalm 17:15, Matthew 10:25, 1 Corinthians 13:11-13)
Jesus, the prophesied Messiah, came to give us a greater, and more glorious law. (Deuteronomy 18:15, Acts 3:22, Jeremiah 31:31-34) Mankind was not ready to receive, much less live out, the fullness of the law when it was given on Mt. Sinai. Even now, we are being perfected and learning, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 18:15-19, 1 John 2:27) Jesus explained, "I did not come to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fulfill." He also explained how vital it is to keep the whole law. (Matthew 5:17-20)
Throughout the Hebrew scriptures, we are warned not to "turn to the right hand or the left" in keeping the law. (Deuteronomy 5:32, Deuteronomy 17:1, Deuteronomy 28:14, Joshua 23:6) It means not to do more or less than what it says. The way Jesus kept the law (including the Sabbath law) was a correction of the rulers' current practices. Jesus used scripture, creation, and divinely appointed miracles to show people that they were the ones in the wrong.
Most of the laws Jesus explained to us are more easily broken than the law of Moses. We are no longer even allowed to hate, much less murder. (Matthew 5:43-45, Psalm 139:21-22) We can only keep these laws by the power of the Holy Spirit who changes our hearts. God's Holy Spirit makes us people of truth and love.
All Jesus' corrections of the commandments were scorned in his day. Don't you find it strange that Jesus, the Author of Life, is constantly condemned for promoting life and love in the Bible? (Matthew 12:1-24) The Word of God says, "When my father and mother forsake me, the Lord shall take me up." (Psalm 27:10) Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, kept his promises, even on the Sabbath. (John 1:1, John 1:14, Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 40:8) This is the greatest complaint against him among our Jewish brethren today.
In this study, I learned that God has always worked on the Sabbath he gave us. (John 5:17, Mark 2:27) It was God that kept manna from spoiling and breeding worms every Sabbath day in the wilderness. (Exodus 16:24) Jesus used King David, and those who served in the Temple as examples and proof of God's will. We are to serve God and support life every day, including the Sabbath. I finished this study wondering if, "a day with the Lord is as a thousand years," was a literal statement. (2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4) I hope that God will be finished making us into our final form when Jesus is ready for his Sabbath rest with his bride. (Psalm 95:6-11, Hebrews 4:1-12, John 3:26-36)
In Jesus' day, it went against Jewish tradition to fast on the Sabbath. Jesus' disciples did not have food to eat. They were not offered a meal by their peers. Instead they accused Jesus' disciples of breaking the Sabbath because they made produce fit to eat by using their hands to take and rub clean the food God gave them. (Deuteronomy 23:25, Matthew 12:1-7)
I believe the only accusation anyone can have against Jesus is over whether or not he really was one with God. There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus spoke the truth of who he was, and it cost his life. (Matthew 26:65, Isaiah 53:12)
I spent quite a bit thinking on this passage, where Jesus was nearly stoned to death before his crucifixion. The scene takes place during Hanukkah, which is also a time when fasting and mourning are not lawful... yet hate and envy seem to be allowed? No wonder we needed a Messiah to change our hearts! (Zechariah 12:10, John 19:34-37)
John 10:22-33 NLT
22 It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication, 23 He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon's Colonnade. 24 The people surrounded him and asked, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name. 26 But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one." 31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. 32 Jesus said, "At my Father's direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?" 33 They replied, "We're stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God."
How can anyone save people who can't discern between their friends and their enemies? How could people bent on causing death appreciate the life-supporting logic of Jesus?
Jesus' logic made sense to those who realized that "an eye for an eye" would make the whole world blind. They had learned enough about judgment to see their need for mercy.
It was God's love for mercy that drove him to sacrifice for us, Jews and Gentiles alike. May we show one another mercy, by resisting our judgmental, sinful nature. (Hebrews 12:2-4, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hosea 6:1-6)
Acts 17:30-31 NLT

30 "God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead."

Scripture references:
Jesus' interpretations of justice and mercy were always in existence. We were not made privy to them because of our human frailty, and our hearts hardened by sin.
Matthew 19:8 NLT

8 Jesus replied, "Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended.

Mark 3:1-5 NLT

1 Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man's hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, "Come and stand in front of everyone." 4 Then he turned to his critics and asked, "Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?" But they wouldn't answer him. 5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!

Romans 5:13 NKJV

(For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Even now, the parables reveal things to us that we were not ready to receive when our Lord walked the earth.
John 16:12-15 NLT

12 "There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, 'The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.'

We're made in God's image. Every lesson of life we learn, makes us more like Himself. No person stays a child forever.
Psalm 17:15 NKJV

15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

Matthew 10:25

“It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!

1 Corinthians 13:11-13 NKJV

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Jesus, the prophesied Messiah, came to give us a greater, and more glorious law.
Deuteronomy 18:15 NKJV

15 "The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear,

Acts 3:22 NKJV

22 "For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 NKJV

31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 "No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

Mankind was not ready to receive the complete law when it was given on Mt. Sinai. Even now, we are being perfected and learning, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit
**Deuteronomy 18:15-19 NLT - 15 Moses continued, "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. 16 For this is what you yourselves requested of the LORD your God when you were assembled at Mount Sinai. You said, 'Don't let us hear the voice of the LORD our God anymore or see this blazing fire, for we will die.' 17 "Then the LORD said to me, 'What they have said is right. 18 I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. 19 I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf.
1 John 2:27 NLT - 27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true--it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.
Jesus explained that He didn't come to destroy God's Laws. He also explained how vital it is to keep them.
Matthew 5:17-20

17 "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to complete them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20 "But I warn you--unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

Scripture warns us not to "turn to the right hand or the left" from following God's commands. This means not to do more or less than what it says.
Deuteronomy 5:32 NLT

32 So Moses told the people, "You must be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God, following his instructions in every detail.

Deuteronomy 17:1 NLT

1 "Never sacrifice sick or defective cattle, sheep, or goats to the LORD your God, for he detests such gifts.

Deuteronomy 28:14 NLT

14 You must not turn away from any of the commands I am giving you today, nor follow after other gods and worship them.

Joshua 23:6 NLT

6 "So be very careful to follow everything Moses wrote in the Book of Instruction. Do not deviate from it, turning either to the right or to the left.

The way Jesus kept the law was a correction of traditions. Jesus used scripture, creation, and miracles to show people the truth.
Under Jesus' glorified laws, we are no longer even allowed to hate, much less murder. We can only keep these laws by the power of the Holy Spirit who changes our hearts.
Matthew 5:43-44 New Covenant: love your enemies, hate their sin.

43 "You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

Psalm 139:21-22 Old Covenant: hate those who hate God.

21 O LORD, shouldn't I hate those who hate you? Shouldn't I despise those who oppose you? 22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies.

Jesus' corrections of the commandments were scorned in his day. The Sabbath corrections were only well-received by those who knew they needed mercy.
Matthew 12:1-24 NLT

1 At about that time Jesus was walking through some grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, so they began breaking off some heads of grain and eating them. 2 But some Pharisees saw them do it and protested, "Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath." 3 Jesus said to them, "Haven't you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. 5 And haven't you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? 6 I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! 7 But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' 8 For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!" 9 Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, 10 where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, "Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?" (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.) 11 And he answered, "If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn't you work to pull it out? Of course you would. 12 And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath." 13 Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! 14 Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus. 15 But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, 16 but he warned them not to reveal who he was. 17 This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him: 18 "Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 19 He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. 20 He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. 21 And his name will be the hope of all the world." 22 Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn't speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. 23 The crowd was amazed and asked, "Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?" 24 But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, "No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons."

Psalm 27:10

10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will take care of me.

God keeps his promises, even on the Sabbath.
John 1:1, 14 NKJV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Numbers 23:19 NKJV

19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Isaiah 40:8 NKJV

8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever."

God has always worked on the Sabbath he gave us.
John 5:17 NKJV

17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."

Mark 2:27 NKJV

27 And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

Exodus 16:24 NKJV

24 So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it.

The rulers of Jesus' day made Sabbath laws that conflicted for the poor. They falsely accused Jesus' followers of harvesting on the Sabbath when they legally took what God provided.
Deuteronomy 23:25 NKJV

25 "When you come into your neighbor's standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor's standing grain.

Matthew 12:1-7 NKJV

1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. 2 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" 3 But He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 "how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 "Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? 6 "Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. 7 "But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.

Some people say Jesus deserved to die for breaking the law. I know that Jesus spoke the truth of who he was, and paid for it with his life.
Matthew 26:62-65 NKJV

62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?" 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" 64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy!

Isaiah 53:12 NKJV - 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
Jesus was nearly stoned to death before his crucifixion. The account takes place during Hanukkah, a time when fasting and mourning are not lawful... yet hate and envy seem to be allowed? We needed a Messiah to change our hearts!
John 10:22-33 NLT

22 It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication, 23 He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon's Colonnade. 24 The people surrounded him and asked, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name. 26 But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. 30 The Father and I are one." 31 Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. 32 Jesus said, "At my Father's direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?" 33 They replied, "We're stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God."

Zechariah 12:10 NKJV

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

John 19:34-37 NKJV

34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken." 37 And again another Scripture says, "They shall look on Him whom they pierced."

Jesus' logic made sense to those who had seen enough judgment to realize their need for mercy.
God's love drove him to sacrifice for us, Jews and Gentiles alike. May we show one another mercy, by resisting our judgmental, sinful nature.
Hebrews 12:2-4 NKJV

2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Hosea 6:1-6 NKJV

1 Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. 2 After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight. 3 Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth. 4 "O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away. 5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of My mouth; And your judgments are like light that goes forth. 6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Acts 17:30-31 NLT

30 "God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead."

May God's truth and love permeate our lives and make us more like Him.

I guess I’m just here venting my feelings because life has been pretty hard lately and I don’t really have anywhere else to go with these thoughts at the moment. Feel free to stay if you can relate to my struggles, or don’t, the choice is yours. 99.9% of the time, it feels like I’m always wishing I could’ve been born into someone else, because I can’t stand how difficult my life has been made to be, and it just feels like too much of a burden to take on. I’m not sure if many other people here can relate to this feeling, but it feels as if I was born to just have a really insufferable and miserable life.
I was born gay, black (technically mixed but by a quarter), and not very good looking if I’m being honest. I grew up in the western US, and ever since I was about twelve, I was bullied for everything someone could be bullied for. The way that I looked, the way i spoke, being black, not being black enough, being occasionally (presumed) gay, etc. I just quite simply never fit anywhere and I was constantly reminded that I’m never good enough. I hated what I saw in the mirror so much to the point where I’d avoid every mirror possible and I would begin to feel resentment towards my family for birthing me into being at the absolute bottom of the social ladder. I know it’s not their fault that the world is the way it is and I do truly love them, but I just couldn’t stand the fact that my life was made incredibly difficult because I was born to them and not a more privileged family that could’ve provided me an easier life. Instead, I was given the burden of being born different in a society that just doesn’t like me for multiple reasons, and it’s now my job to completely change myself so that I can have a chance at a better life.
I spent a lot of time alone as a kid since I always felt insecure about myself, and I would work tirelessly to be more attractive, charming, and endearing so that others would treat me with kindness and respect. Instead of going outside and playing with others in the summer, I spent my summers doing what people now call “looksmaxxing”. I would stay out of the sun because I’d get picked on if I was “too dark”, spend everyday working out, grow my curly hair out to take attention away from my nose which I hated, practicing to hide my “gay voice”, and finding the coolest clothes to wear so people would be impressed with me by the next school year. I would never hang out with my school friends and never go out and just be a kid having fun like others did. I hated myself too much to do anything else because it felt like everyone else hated me or looked down on me for just existing. I just wanted to be someone that could have more in life, but it felt like I’d have to run myself into the ground trying to change enough to actually have a shot.
The sad and telling thing is that this actually would work. With each year that went by in school I became closer to my goals. I was now about as light as Zendaya and more handsome. I hung out with the popular crowd beginning in freshman year of hs and started to feel better about myself because I started to gain recognition. All of this however took a turn when, long story short, I fell in love with my best friend since middle school and he turned on me in sophomore year due to him being closeted. He shut me out, and my other friends didn’t talk to me anymore because he was basically the leader of the popular kids. I switched schools in junior year and fell into a really deep depression that honestly I never fully healed from. I’m 22 now, and I’m honestly pretty messed up because I’ve had such a horrible childhood. I guess you could say I glew up dramatically in the years after hs, but only because I was bullied into basically becoming a different person, and I still feel the need to constantly change things about myself and obsess over my appearance. I don’t know how to get over the things I’ve been through and my life is still shitty today because of trauma and unfavorable circumstances I find myself in.
I see other people who are my same age or younger, and I get extremely angry because they have lives that seem so much better than my own; Friendships, relationships, happiness that they didn’t have to slave away for. I envy the ease that life has provided them and the freedom they must feel, while I always feel caged and confined to a life of hardship because I’m me… and they’re them. I want my life to be different, but it feels like the life they have was never meant for someone like me, and I have to spend years of my life trying to be where they were born. It’s so frustrating, and it all just feels like too much to bare. I don’t really know what the point of me writing all of this was, maybe just me letting off steam or reaching out into the void, but If you’re still reading this thanks for sticking around till the end lol. If anyone has any words of encouragement, I could definitely use it right about now because I’m really struggling 😂

What I'm going to describe now is something a lot of you maybe won't understand or think it's silly, but it's something real for me, and the reason I'll forever remember chants of sennaar as a game.
Since childhood I've always been fascinated with videogames, but I live in a third world country that unfortunately taxes everything through the roof.
So it is really hard to be able to enter this world for real here, just like thousands I've grown up watching others play on the internet cause it was the closest thing that little me had to be able to enjoy the games he loved so much.
Fast forward to nowadays, I got my Xbox one 2 months ago and took one month for me to begin signing gamepass, and in gamepass I found chants of sennaar never having heard of it and after reading the description it gained my interest and I downloaded it.
Today at exactly 01:37 AM I managed to finish the game's true ending, the first time that I finish a game myself, not watching others play it and a game I found myself too.
I know it might sound ridiculous that me currently at 19 y old is crying because of a videogame that doesn't even have a sad ending.
But idk what to say honestly, how do explain this feeling? I don't even know why I decided to post this.
I just feel so happy...really happy.
Things have not been easy recently, looking for a job, looking into college options, having to support my small brother through the divorce of my parents, and all of that without most my friends since (I live in a pretty countryside town and my school was in another town).
But even tho things might not been easy, atleast today the nerd child inside my heart has the satisfaction to see that it can finally seek solace in the hobbie it loved so much.
Anyways, that's my motive why I think this game will probably stick to my memory like bubblegum.
If you're getting in the game now or anytime soon relish every single moment, you have a wonderful journey ahead.
And if you find myself in the same situation I grew up in, Bright up! One day you'll reach that which you desire so much.
Be safe out there.

I’ve seen all these negative people saying they gonna make “loads” shorting nvda. Like ok? They are obviously praying on its downfall but they want that thing dying just like other people want that thing to be $2000 worth or $1500 worth, and splitting and reaching that $120-$140 range if im even being realistic - or should happen. It’s been a crazy run.
What do you guys think about the price in 3, 5, 10 years from now? I look back from 4 years ago and if I had my early teens lawn mowing money in that thing it would be a pleasurable amount of shares to own as a young adult. The days where it was $600 before that 4/1 split and I dropped my jaw when I saw 10/1.
Looking in the future, it can’t go down and extended away from the all time high, right? It’s going to trend down at some point (like always with other crashes), but will we see it rebound $200+? It’s just been such a cool stock to look at the last few years so im done looking, throwing money on it whether market is up or down, and not cashing out (I’ll go down with the company if I have to, no worries since they are making a RTX 5090 😭😂). It’s not gonna last forever (this run), but it will resurge 1-2 years after if these ai chips continue.
And yeah, for those who pray for the downfall, I’ll throw penny by penny on it. Go short something that is more realistic like AMC. I hope for your best, but this AI crap isn’t fake and I would be very suprised if this never reaches $250 after 10-1 split within 5-10 years. I’m here for the long. I will take suggestions as well.

Hey everyone,
I'm wondering if anyone has had a great experience with a personal development retreat, program, class, etc that you would strongly recommend.
Some context:
I'm 28F and feeling LOST. I feel so incredibly lucky on the surface - I'm in a great relationship, I'm decently financially stable (not a huge amount of cash but modestly on track in terms of retirement savings), and I'm employed.
And yet, for some reason, despite all this beauty... I'm waking up and hating myself way more often than I want to admit. I'm longing for the optimism of my early 20s, and squaring up to the reality that my career may not be the runaway success I'd fantasized about my whole life. I'm restless, and really struggling with ADHD. I'm a social person but I work from home, and spend a lot of the day feeling truly addicted to my phone, social media, and the paralysis of infinite attention-grabbing media constantly being thrust in my face. I can't wait to start a family, but I also don't want to be the emotional, unstable wreck I currently feel like when I become a mom.
And recently, I've been spending more and more days just hating myself. Not sleeping, self-medicating, actively getting in my own way. Getting angry and binge-eating and wanting to throw things at the end of the day because I'm so fed up with the same spiral of self-loathing thoughts day in and day out.
My current job ends in August, and I'm beginning to think that perhaps it might be worth dedicating September to truly trying to get out of this spiral. To do some radical, like moving across the world, taking a multi-week backpacking trip, or... going on a retreat! WHICH IS ALL TO SAY...
If any of you have a suggestion for a retreat that might be suitable... I'm all ears.
Thanks all.

I've been playing Emerald Beyond for a while now, and lately, something strange has been happening. I keep seeing visions and images of what a remake of Unlimited SaGa might be today, rebuilt into the same style and structure as Emerald Beyond.
Exploration
It seems like such a perfect fit. You freely run around flat, storybook-like dungeons with pop-ups that you can interact with. Depending on the order of things you do, events unfold differently instead of using a time limit. Emerald Beyond's worlds already feel dungeon-like, and a potential Unlimited SaGa remake could be the same without losing the original feel of the game. They could use their same Unity engine for the remake, and it would work fine.
Battle System: Timeline
In such a remake, I think it's best to do something like Minstrel Song where the original game systems are overhauled while retaining the original concept.
What if a revised battle system for Unlimited SaGa is yet another variation of Scarlet Grace and Emerald Beyond? The timeline is already there in Unlimited SaGa. In fact, Emerald Beyond's combo system very closely matches Unlimited SaGa. Characters with similar speeds next to each other can combo, but if a monster is wedged in the timeline between those characters, the combo will be broken. It's the same idea, just much more visible and interactive in Emerald Beyond. The remake can just adopt Emerald Beyond's combo system wholesale and it would feel right. What would be different is Unlimited SaGa's party swapping and skill ecosystem.
Battle System: Party Swapping & Healing
Unlimited SaGa is the only game that gives you access to your entire roster of characters in the same fight. This ties into its healing system, where inactive characters restore health. This mechanic alone adds an incredible amount of complexity by itself, since it expands your available options ten-fold and gives purpose to making sure your entire roster is fully-geared. This alone is where Unlimited SaGa shines the most, as nothing quite matches the level of attrition battles become, and it's as exciting as it is terrifying. The only problem is that this health restoration needs to be much more visible, with a big "+120HP" (for example) pop-up every turn for inactive characters.
Battle System: HP/LP and Skills
The biggest drawback of Unlimited SaGa is how invisible and confusing a lot of its mechanics are. The "third pillar" of its battle system suffers from the same problem, and that is its HP/LP system and how weapon arts interact with it. While it is definitely interesting, I think this part of the battle system should be scrapped altogether and replaced with Emerald Beyond's ecosystem.
That means, instead of arts being balanced around speed, accuracy, HP damage and LP damage potential, the LP part would be swapped out with BP cost. It would be a significant change, where HP cost would be gone, HP recovery would be gone as well, replaced with a BP system that regenerates for inactive characters. BP would be per-character instead of shared.
This system would still fit with Unlimited SaGa's focus on heavy and light weapons/arts. Instead of heavy weapons/attacks dealing more HP damage and lighter ones dealing more LP damage, heavy weapons would cost more BP while light weapons would be cheaper and more BP-cost-efficient. This would switch the roles of heavy/light weapons for normal/boss battles, but it would make more intuitive sense. You would also be able to apply strategies like keeping one character in the backline as an "artillery-style glass cannon" that only appears at the end of battle to do that massive, high-BP move.
The Reels
While these were interesting for reinforcing that tabletop gameplay concept, I think it's too controversial to be left intact. I'm fine with it personally, but what I dislike is that it takes attention away from other, less-flashy-but-brilliant ideas like the party-swapping/healing system.
The Shape
Scarlet Grace uses a lot of circles. Emerald Beyond uses a lot of triangles and diamonds. Unlimited SaGa already has its growth panels that are hexagons. So, hexagons would be the main UI theme for a potential remake, I would say. It fits and stays true to the game.
Closing Thoughts
I always feel that Unlimited SaGa never got a fair chance and deserves a remaster with built-in guides to fix its reputation. However, a brand new game in the same vein as Minstrel Song that simply takes inspiration from its predecessor would be amazing as well. Same characters, same unique, ethereal, mystical vibe of a misty world beneath the Seven Wonders, but "back-propagating" newer innovations and lessons learned back to rejuvenate the old product.
Before now, the idea of a full-on Unlimited SaGa remake felt a bit out-of-grasp. With two big games now that are table-top style, not to mention other similar titles like Voice of Cards and Dungeon Encounters, the world seems primed for a remake of this game like never before.
Something like Unlimited SaGa: Prismatic Wonders. A sequel to Emerald Beyond as well as a throwback to the most underrated mainline SaGa in the series.

Just describing and interaction. This is in Dallas Texas in a pretty multicultural area. Was at Chik Fil A eating with a friend. At a table with about 8 seats, we had taken 2 of them. Soon after a group of white men who looked to be in some type of construction or civic service came over and asked "is anyone sitting here?" I say politely " No, you're good", saying that it's fine to sit there. I resume conversation with my friend.
Within 2 min of resuming my conversation, I hear some talk out of the corner of my ear and I can just make out one of them saying " Well now we're sitting with the Asians". Whether this was meant derogatorily, or in what manner or reference this man was speaking to I cannot really say, as I tried to ignore their conversation. I knew if I listened in any more it would be very obvious and it would make it worse. It really bugged me however the fact that I heard this in passing. It's sometimes so unbelievable to me that I think I'm having auditory hallucinations.
Are you just allowed to say something so divisive in plain english out in the open? What is this guys thought process? Is this just a dig to see if I get riled? Does he get sick satisfaction knowing that he can talk shit to his buddies right in front of me and I can't do anything about it? What is the endgame here? Are you just a sourpuss that blames every slight in your life on everyone but you? What is the purpose of that comment?
More than that, I started to imagine the vitriol I would receive if after they had sat down I had said " Well now we're sitting with the whiteys" or something to that effect. These big, burly, bearded, construction fucks would have ripped me a new one if I had said the same thing as them and they wouldn't hesitate one bit to call me out on it.
I understand this is Texas, though it being Dallas, one of the most multicultural cities. I understand there are lower level redneck white people who never picked up anything more to read than a bud light can. I understand that there are negative sentiments out there in the zeitgeist. What really pisses me off is the fact that I am barred from behaving the same way and having the same right to "free speech" or heehawing my mind like a well tuned donkey. People do not have equal rights socially in this country. We as Indians have to meekly take the hit, and keep kissing ass, thinking the black people or white people or asian people will see our good will and wisen up. We have to do this because there is very little solidarity among Indians to begin with.
Yet I just have to be quiet and go about my conversation as if I heard nothing while my blood boils on the inside and I have to post it anonymously on reddit.
I am also aware that many of you will see this as an overreaction. Then go out and do the same in front of a group of white people, let them hear you, and when they react, call it overt, see what happens and please get back to me.

I (24F) use to date a guy (duration around 1.5 years) who was vv toxic and abusive towards me. He always found fault in my behaviour, once he fought with me because I wore heels. Whenever I got over drunk and puked (happened only 3 times during our relationship) he was so grossed out and irritated, that he barely took care of me, and usually shouts at me (while I am in drunk). Even next day also he remains angry for my behaviour. Also it's not like I created a mess, i always cleaned up my stuff. But still he always was angry, to the point that he always used to say to me, I really want to leave you alone while you're drunk but because I am your bf, and other people are watching I stayed around.
Anyways, so eventually I left him. I recently started dating a guy casually. We were at his place the other night, and while I over ate, I suddenly puked, even though I rushed to washroom, there was a little mess. I came out totally embarrassed and started apologising, expecting him to be irritated. But he handled it with such patience, he helped me clean up the stuff, and then politely asked me we should shower together.
I know both situations are different, but not once in my life my ex treated me even with half decency. My point of telling this was, when you're in toxic relationship it feels like there is no end, this is my life. I used to be soo stressed out. But things turned out to be good.
Tl;dr: how when I puked, my ex always grossed out and shouted at me. But this other guy handled it with such patience, and even cuddled me afterwards.

My partner is trans-masculine non-binary and I'm a cis woman who identifies as a lesbian. The following are just some thoughts I wanted to get out of my brain. I'd really appreciate hearing from another person who has had a similar experience and how they navigated it.
I've brought it (having sex) up but everytime they say that they're not comfortable with that yet (because of gender dysphoria), which I respect, of course, because consent is vital... I miss it though and wonder if they still find me attractive. I also haven't looked closely at their vulva in a long time and am a little bit apprehensive that they might have some bottom growth as an effect of being on T, and I kind of don't know what to expect...
Another aspect to complicate things is I'm definitely more of a top in our relationship (at least that was the case a year ago when we last had sex) and I experience arousal from turning them on...so yeah. I get turned on by turning them on. It feels weird, emotionally, and not great, but now I just sneak in me time with my vibrator when our schedules being at home don't align... It feels kind of shameful, but I really feel so good after having an orgasm and don't want to deny myself of that pleasure.
Anyways, thank you for providing me a safe space to ramble about this very vulnerable topic.

What I'm going to describe now is something a lot of you maybe won't understand or think it's silly, but it's something real for me, and the reason I'll forever remember this game.
Since childhood I've always been fascinated with videogames, but I live in a third world country that unfortunately taxes everything through the roof.
So it is really hard to be able to enter this world for real here, just like thousands I've grown up watching others play on the internet cause it was the closest thing that little me had to be able to enjoy the games he loved so much.
Fast forward to nowadays, I got my Xbox one 2 months ago and took one month for me to begin signing gamepass, and in gamepass I found chants of sennaar never having heard of it and after reading the description it gained my interest and I downloaded it.
Today at exactly 01:37 AM I managed to finish the game's true ending, the first time that I finish a game myself, not watching others play it and a game I found myself too.
I know it might sound ridiculous that me currently at 19 y old is crying because of a videogame that doesn't even have a sad ending.
But idk what to say honestly, how do explain this feeling? I don't even know why I decided to post this.
I just feel so happy...really happy.
Things have not been easy recently, looking for a job, looking into college options, having to support my small brother through the divorce of my parents, and all of that without most my friends since (I live in a pretty countryside town and my school was in another town).
But even tho things might not been easy, atleast today the nerd child inside my heart has the satisfaction to see that it can finally seek solace in the hobbie it loved so much.
Anyways, that's my motive why I think this game will probably stick to my memory like bubblegum.
If you're getting in the game now or anytime soon relish every single moment, you have a wonderful journey ahead.
And if you find myself in the same situation I grew up in, Bright up! One day you'll reach that which you desire so much.
Be safe out there.

Im sick of hearing "primacy but not supremacy" its the same thing primacy is defined as "the fact of being primary, preeminent, or more important." and is even used in 1960s Catholic theology books. Affirming papal primacy doesn't go with eastern orthodox theology. Also eastern orthodox can cope with "First among equal!" or "Extra honor but no extra authority!" that's completely wrong to the early church and first among equals isnt a good term, if i were always first at something i would be more supreme then another. In regards to the early church Heres some references, Quoted in “Athanasius Quoted works” page 110 Pope Julius Letter to the eusebians at Antioch “And why is nothing said to us (The Apostolic see) concerning the Alexandrians in particular, are you ignorant that the custom has been for word to be written first to us and then for a just decision to be passed from this place” so he is saying in the matter of disputes matter should be brought to the see of Rome as to make a judgment and this is the east he is speaking to not just his patriarchal territories. Then he goes on and says “I beseech you readily bare with me what i write is for the common good, for what we have received from the Blessed apostle Peter that i signify unto you and i should have not written this as deeming that these things should be manifest unto all men had not these proceedings so disturbed us”
some might say this is peter syndrome where we get all giddy and excited when peter is mentioned and Rome is mentioned but i would like to say Pope Julius said he has received something from the Blessed apostle Peter that disputes in the east should be brought to his judgment to be settled.
Now from the writings of the early Church Historian sozomen source: Volume 2 of the nicene and post nicene fathers second series. Book 3 Chapter 10. Heres what he says about this whole affair of Pope Julius writing to the antiochians and what he ment in that segment “the bishops of Egypt having sent the declaration in writing, that these allegations were false and julius having been apprised (to give information to someone) that Athanasius was far from being in safety in egypt send for him to his own city he replied at the same time to the letter of the bishops who were convened at antioch (convened: to bring together a group of people for a meeting, or to meet for a meeting) for just then he happened to receive the epistle and accused them of having planned clandestinely(in a secretive and illicit way.) introduced innovations Contrary to the nicene dogmas and of having violated the laws of the church by neglecting to invite him to join their synod for he alleged that is a sacral Canon which declares that whatever is enacted contrary to the bishop of Rome is null."
Now from Nicea II Pope Hadrians Letter
‘Stand firm; for if you abide with perseverance in the orthodox Faith in which you have begun and so through you the sacred and venerable images are restored in those regions to their former state—just as the lord and emperor Constantine of pious memory and blessed Helena, who promulgated the orthodox Faith, raised up the holy, catholic, and apostolic church of Rome as your spiritual mother, and with the other orthodox emperors venerated it as the head of all the churches...'"
"...of all the churches... If, moreover, following the traditions of the orthodox faith, you embrace the judgment of the church of the blessed Peter prince of the apostles and, as the holy emperors your predecessors did of old, so you too venerate it with honor and love his vicar from the depths of your hearts, or rather if your rule granted by God follows their orthodox faith in accordance with our holy Roman church, the prince of the apostles, to whom was given by the Lord God the power to bind and to loose sins in heaven and on earth."https://orthodoxchurchfathers.com/fathers/npnf214/npnf2258.html
the blessed Cyril, bishop of Alexandria, says: "That we may remain members of our apostolic head, the throne of the Roman Pontiffs, of whom it is our duty to seek what we are to believe and what we are to hold, venerating him, beseeching him above others; for his it is to reprove, to correct, to appoint, to loose, and to bind in place of Him Who set up that very throne, and Who gave the fulness of His own to no other, but to him alone, to whom by divine right all bow the head, and the primates of the world are obedient as to our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
St. Damasus, Pope of Rome (A.D. 304-384)
“Although the catholic churches diffused throughout the world are one bridal chamber of Christ, yet the holy Roman church has been preferred to all other churches, not by any synodical decrees, but has obtained the primacy by the voice of our Lord and Savior in the gospel, saying: ‘You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell will never prevail against it; and I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven…..Therefore, the first see of Peter the Apostles is that of the Roman church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing” (Decree of Damasus, Roman Synod 382. Patrologia Latina 13.374; Jalland, T.G. (1944). Church and Papacy. London: Morehouse-Gorham Co. p. 255-57)
“For in view of our office there is no freedom for us, on whom a zeal for the Christian religion is incumbent greater than on all others, to dissimulate or to be silent. We bear the burdens of all who are oppressed, or rather the blessed apostle Peter, who in all things protects and preserves us, the heirs, as we trust, of his administration, bears them in us…[proceeds to list a number of errors being promoted in Tarragona (Spain)]… it is also inappropriate henceforth for you to deviate from that path, if you do not wish to be separated from our company by synodal sentence….Enough error on this matter! All priests who do not wish to be torn from the solidity of the apostolic rock, upon which Christ built the universal Church, should now hold the aforementioned rule…[lists more errors]…let them know that they have been expelled by the authority of the apostolic see from every ecclesiastical office, which they used unworthily…[lists more errors]… there is freedom for no priest of the Lord to be ignorant of the statutes of the apostolic see and the venerable decrees of the canons…” (Pope Siricius to Bishop Himerius of Tarragona 385 AD, Epistle 1, Directa Ad Decessorem. Patrologia Latina 13.1132; Ed. Pierre Coustant, Epistolae Romanorum pontificum (Paris, 1721; reprint Farnborough, 1967), 623-638.)
St. Innocent, Pope of Rome (401-417)
The reply of Pope St. Innocent in 417 to the Africans concerning their appeal on the controversy of Pelagius/Celestius goes like this:
“In making inquiry with respect to those things that should be treated with all solicitude by bishops, and especially by a true and just and Catholic Council, by preserving, as you have done, the example of ancient tradition, and by being mindful of ecclesiastical discipline, you have truly strengthened the vigour of our Faith, no less now in consulting us than before in passing sentence. For you decided that it was proper to refer to our judgement, knowing what is due to the Apostolic See, since all we who are set in this place, desire to follow the Apostle (Peter) from whom the very episcopate and whole authority of this name is derived. Following in his steps, we know how to condemn the evil and to approve the good. So also, you have by your sacerdotal office preserved the customs of the Fathers, and have not spurned that which they decreed by a divine and not human sentence, that whatsoever is done, even though it be in distant provinces, should not be ended without being brought to the knowledge of this See, [39] that by its authority the whole just pronouncement should be strengthened, and that from it all other Churches (like waters flowing from their natal source and flowing through the different regions of the world, the pure streams of one incorrupt head), should receive what they ought to enjoin, whom they ought to wash, and whom that water, worthy of pure bodies, should avoid as defiled with uncleansable filth. I congratulate you, therefore, dearest brethren, that you have directed letters to us by our brother and fellow-bishop Julius, and that, while caring for the Churches which you rule, you also show your solicitude for the well-being of all, and that you ask for a decree that shall profit all the Churches of the world at once; [40] so that the Church being established in her rules and confirmed by this decree of just pronouncement against such errors, may be unable to fear those men, etc.” (Pope Innocent I, Epistle 29, to the Council of Carthage (In requirendis). Jan 27, 417 AD. Patrologia Latina 33.780)
Pope St. Zosimus (AD 417)
Innocent’s successor, Pope Zosimus, continued to write letters to Africa concerning the same Pelagian issue:
“Although the tradition of the Fathers has attributed such great authority to the Apostolic See that no one would dare to disagree wholly with its judgment, and it has always preserved this [judgment] by canons and rules, and current ecclesiastical discipline up to this time by its laws pays the reverence which is due to the name of Peter, from whom it has itself descended …; since therefore Peter the head is of such great authority and he has confirmed the subsequent endeavors of all our ancestors, so that the Roman Church is fortified … by human as well as by divine laws, and it does not escape you that we rule its place and also hold power of the name itself, nevertheless you know, dearest brethren, and as priests you ought to know, although we have such great authority that no one can dare to retract from our decision, yet we have done nothing which we have not voluntarily referred to your notice by letters … not because we did not know what ought to be done, or would do anything which by going against the advantage of the Church, would be displeasing.…(From the epistle (12) “Quamvis Patrum traditio” to the African bishops, March 21, 418. Patrologia Latina 20. 676; Denzinger, H., & Rahner, K. (Eds.). (1954). The sources of Catholic dogma. (R. J. Deferrari, Trans.) (p. 47). St. Louis, MO: B. Herder Book Co.)
MG 54.743. Jerome: "I keep the unity in communion with your Beatitude, that is, with Peter's chair. I know that the Church has been built upon that rock." (Epist. 15.1, to Pope Damasus, ML 22.355).
The Roman See is the "Apostolic Chair" or the "Apostolic See." Augustine: "The sovereignty of the Apostolic Chair was always in the Roman Church" (Epist. 43, ML 33.163); "Apostolic See" (Serm. 131.10, ML 38.734).
The Roman Church presides as a sovereign over all the other churches. Gregory of Nazianzus: "It presides over all" (Poems, 2.1.12, MG 37.1068); Theodoret of Cyrus: "That most holy see holds in many ways the sovereignty over the churches of the entire world, especially because it kept immune of heretical corruption, and never a dissenter sat in it, but everyone
The Roman See is the source of all rights in the Church. Ambrose: "From that See derive into all the rights of the venerable communion." (Epist. 11.4, ML 16.986).
"Rome has spoken, the case is closed" ("Roma locuta est, causa finita est"). This famous axiom derives from Augustine saying about the debate on Pelagian heresy: "Concerning this question two conciliar decisions have been sent to the Apostolic See: also rescripts came from there, hence the trial is over." (Serm. 131.10, ML 38.734).
The Roman Pontiffs themselves constantly asserted their primacy, as is shown in the following summary of their doctrine.
They apply to themselves Christ's words to Peter, Matt 16.18 ff.: "Thou art Peter..." and John 21.15-17: "Feed My lambs..." Thus Siricius, Boniface I, the "Decree of Gelasius," Hormisdas, Pelagius I, Nicholas I (Denz. 184, 234, 350, 383, 446, 640).
Sure, here is the transcription of the text from the third image:
The Roman Pontiff is Peter's moral person. Siricius: "[The Roman Pontiff is] the apostolic rock." (Denz. 184). Innocent I: "Whenever a question of faith is dealt with, all must refer only to Peter, that is, to the one who bears his name and his honor." (Denz. 218). Leo I: "The blessed Peter did not leave the government which he received... In his See [that is, the Roman] his power is alive and his authority is visible." (Serm. 32 f., ML 54.145 f.).
Peter remains in his successors. See Leo I, just quoted. Philip, apostolic legate to the Council of Ephesus: Peter "is always living in his successors." (Denz. 3056).
The Roman Pontiff is "Peter's heir" (Siricius, Denz. 181) and has "Peter's See" (Leo I, quoted above; Gelasius, quoted below).
The Roman Pontiff has "the care of all the churches." (Innocent I, Denz. 218; Leo I, Serm. 5.2 ML 54.153). He is "the head of all the churches" (Boniface I, Denz. 233; "Decree of Gelasius," Denz. 350; Pelagius I, Denz. 446, 640).
The honor of writing the last Latin manual of Scholastic theology truly belongs to Emmanuel Doronzo (1903-1976), the eminent sacramental theologian of Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.) in the mid-to-late 20th Century. He wrote a complete, traditional Scholastic, dogmatic manual in 1966, a year after the closing of Vatican II
The Science of Sacred Theology by Doronzo Emmanuel.
https://obrascatolicas.com/livros/Teologia/Doronzo%20The%20Science%20of%20Sacred%20Theology%20for%20Teacers%20Bk%204.pdf
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2018/02/papal-participation-in-the-first-seven-ecumenical-councils.html since i was reasearching constantinople I i had came across this: "This council also was convoked by an emperor, Theodosius I. [Ibid.] The language of his decree suggests he regarded the Roman see as a yardstick of Christian orthodoxy."
Pope Vigilius came to become Pope amid much turmoil in 537, as his predecessor, St Silverius, had been accused of treason, defrocked, and exiled by Belisarius, the general under Empress Theodora. Silverius had refused to re-instate the monophysite patriarch of Constantinople, whom Pope Agapetus had deposed — even here, a recognition of the canonical authority of Rome to depose and judge the other most prominent and important Sees of Christendom was something the Popes fought bitterly to maintain against the emperors.
Where was this canonical authority established? In fact, it was as old as the Church itself. When Athanasius had been exiled by a judgment of the Alexandrian Church, Pope Julius had written on his behalf (341): “Judgment ought to have been made, not as it was, but according to the ecclesiastical canon. It behoved you all to write us so that the justice of it might be seen as emanating from all.” Again: “Are you ignorant that the custom has been to write first to us and then for a just decision to be passed from this place [Rome]?” For Pope St Julius, the judgment of Athanasius which had not sought approval from Rome was a canonical novelty: “not thus are the constitutions of Paul, not thus the traditions of the Fathers. This is another form of procedure, and a novel practice.” However, the reference of judgment to the Apostolic See was something taught by the Apostle Peter: “For what we have heard from the Apostle Peter, these things I signify to you.”
Cope.

My current car (2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid) got hit with softball-sized hail in Missouri over the weekend, and based on its age and mileage (300k miles), I'm expecting insurance will write it off as a total loss. (Car still drives great, but now with broken glass and now has a uniform golf-dimple finish) Which means, I am unexpectedly back in the market for a new vehicle.
I am looking for something just a few years more recent (say 2014 to 2018), not married to any brand or car type, but one thing I am looking for would be a car with 4 wheel drive/all wheel drive, and/or higher clearance would be a bonus. I driven over the craziest two-track jeep trails in the southwest in standard 2wd cars that have zero place on such roads, but I would still prefer to have an actual vehicle that is made for such places.
Don't really care how it looks, or if it is 'sexy' or 'impressive', I'm more interested in reliability and interior comfort, given that I average about 50k miles on the road each year. Better gas mileage would definitely be a plus, too (hybrid if that's an option, but not expecting it) It's just me (so no passengers), and currently WFH (so no daily commute).
Looking on Carmax, for vehicles in the $15k to $20k range, this includes Ford Explorer, Toyota Rav4, Ford Escape, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep Compass, Ford EcoSport, Ford Escape, Jeep Renegade, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Volkswagen Touareg. All basically with 50-100k miles on them.
Out of these, any that deserve more scrutiny? I did rent a Jeep last year to try it out (when I went out to visit a really remote spot in the Grand Canyon-Parashant), and I'm less impressed with the Jeep brand, but it's not a dealbreaker if it's the best choice.
Thanks for any advice!

Hi everyone, I am getting my first PAO/labrum repair tomorrow and wanted to see if anyone could answer some questions I have/give me some advice as I am pretty nervous! I feel like I was ready and mentally prepared for this when it was further away, but now that it's so close, I find myself having a really hard time actually thinking about it happening and realizing it is real.
First, I would just like to ask for any advice at all. What would you have wanted to know before the surgery, is there anything that you weren't aware of/expecting?
How many nights did you end up spending in the hospital? I am supposed to spend 2 but I feel like from what I've gathered, most people end up spending more than that.
What did you bring to the hospital? I am pretty high maintenance as well as an over packer so I'm wondering if I should bring things like makeup and skincare or if it would be a waste to bring them since I will be so out of it.
What does it feel like? What was your experience waking up? I've only ever gotten my wisdom teeth out and I remember it was like I blinked and it was over. Just wondering if it will be a similar experience to that? (Obviously I know this is a much more majointense surgery).
Are there any products you would recommend to make life easier? I have crutches, a grabber tool, and a commode/shower chair so far. Will they provide things I need at the hospital?
If you had to wear a brace after surgery, what can you tell me about that? I know I have to wear mine at all times unless I'm showering for a period of weeks.
Is this surgery the most painful thing you've experienced? I'm used to having pain in my hips/knees/back, and I can't even put my full weight on the side that is being operated on due to pain, but I am honestly terrified of pain that I am going to experience. My chronic pain has led me to believe I have a really low pain tolerance because something always hurt, so I am extra nervous to deal with the pain/
I will be getting an epidural and really don't know what that will entail at all. If you got one, please let me know your experience with it!
If you have bilateral hip dysplasia, did you notice the side that was not operated on deteriorate fastehave any new problems due to the heavy overcompensation?
Any shoe recommendations? I imagine slip-ons are ideal, but also something that will stay on the foot?
Did you fast before surgery or were you given a drink?
What was the hardest part(s) for you?
Sorry for all the questions...any response will be greatly appreciated! Feel free to reach out if you are going through this surgery soon as well!

Honestly? I know posting this again and again on this sub is what I’ve been doing lately and I’m now kind of loosing hope. But even if someone still seems interested? I’ll post again!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful time.
Pls ignore if you want to ghost.
A little bit about myself- So basically I love movies, loves some good music, I read sometimes, I meditate, does workout, watches cartoons too sometimes(SpongeBob SquarePants & Adventure time are my favorites), Chainsaw man has been my favourite anime, recently finished berserk now reading the manga, kind of a foodie, can cook also & I have a huge collection of memes & yeah I’m a straight man.
I’d really like make some friends here. I’d really love to have some deep,weird,funny conversations no matter what you’d like to talk about even if they’re nsfw. But would really love some real connections & I'm up for long term friendships.
Have been on a rough place mentally, so kind of knows what it feels like to be alone & the irony is that I’m still alone. But would love to have someone to talk to, to be there if someone needs or want to vent out. Still going through a very rough patch. But it’ll be fine. Can say I’ve changed but for good.
My hands made me popular- So I accidentally found about that theres a thing about hands people like? So I started posting from last year as people like my hands. Eventually people also started to catfish people around the internet using my hand pictures. Fixed that! But had to make a Tumblr account. So I mostly post there now. Honestly? From last year till now? I’ve discovered so many new things & yes most of them are nsfw. Currently active on Tumblr as I’m posting more of my hands there.
Kind of bad at conversations at first but once I understand the vibe of the person I’m talking to I try to match the vibe. Im a quick Lerner & a good listener too!
Yes! I’m a biker too!
I do have a doggo too, so I can like send u pictures of him. & yes, I’m a guy!
Also my chats here are messed up so if you want? do add me on discord or Snapchat.
It'll be all upto u that it's SFW or NSFW! But do just point it out. Cause it's important to know before a great start of our conversations also I'm like making NSFW reference jokes all the time & into NSFW big times. Currently practising SR and yeah it’s cool. But if you have a dirty mind? It’s a bonus cause I’m big times into nsfw and I’d love to be able to talk freely about anything.
Superpowers I have? Well I have a photographic memory, sometimes I can continue the dream I left of after waking up to to go pee and come back to sleep, my visualisation game is way too strong like if you tell me a story or an incident, I'm mentally there and could see it. I once did NoFap for 111 days.
Pros of having me as a friend? · I'm there for you whenever you want someone to talk to or vent to. · I barely judge anyone, so I just make sure if someone is comfortable around me. · I'm actually pretty good at giving some good advices. I've saved life's if u want know. · I'll send you memes everyday. Best ones. · I'm dominant person!
Cons of having me? · I send you memes everyday!
& if no one told you today, you’re really amazing/beautiful, you’re doing great! You got this! have a wonderful weekend & you’re not alone!
Let's see how many times I have to post such stuff to find a friend! Sigh
Since reddit is broken, add me on discord! Or telegram & Please wherever you add me or text me kindly give an introduction! And please don’t just send “Hi” or “Hello”. I’m putting much efforts to tell you so much so I’d like at least a little introduction of yours.
P.s. I have a humble request, if you’d ghost me after just having a conversation once, then please don’t text. It hurts when you’ve been ghosted while u had a conversation with a person and you plan to talk about more stuff but you’re ghosted! It’s just stupid.
Also! I'm straight. So freaky guys! Just no please. 🤦🏻‍♂️
Sorry if I didn't respond to your message, my reddit chats are going bonkers lately! Kindly add me on discord.
Sorry for a really long text! Here’s a Doggo u can pat 🐶

Im sick of hearing "primacy but not supremacy" its the same thing primacy is defined as "the fact of being primary, preeminent, or more important." and is even used in 1960s Catholic theology books. Affirming papal primacy doesn't go with eastern orthodox theology. Also eastern orthodox can cope with "First among equal!" or "Extra honor but no extra authority!" that's completely wrong to the early church and first among equals isnt a good term, if i were always first at something i would be more supreme then another. In regards to the early church Heres some references, Quoted in “Athanasius Quoted works” page 110 Pope Julius Letter to the eusebians at Antioch “And why is nothing said to us (The Apostolic see) concerning the Alexandrians in particular, are you ignorant that the custom has been for word to be written first to us and then for a just decision to be passed from this place” so he is saying in the matter of disputes matter should be brought to the see of Rome as to make a judgment and this is the east he is speaking to not just his patriarchal territories. Then he goes on and says “I beseech you readily bare with me what i write is for the common good, for what we have received from the Blessed apostle Peter that i signify unto you and i should have not written this as deeming that these things should be manifest unto all men had not these proceedings so disturbed us”
some might say this is peter syndrome where we get all giddy and excited when peter is mentioned and Rome is mentioned but i would like to say Pope Julius said he has received something from the Blessed apostle Peter that disputes in the east should be brought to his judgment to be settled.
Now from the writings of the early Church Historian sozomen source: Volume 2 of the nicene and post nicene fathers second series. Book 3 Chapter 10. Heres what he says about this whole affair of Pope Julius writing to the antiochians and what he ment in that segment “the bishops of Egypt having sent the declaration in writing, that these allegations were false and julius having been apprised (to give information to someone) that Athanasius was far from being in safety in egypt send for him to his own city he replied at the same time to the letter of the bishops who were convened at antioch (convened: to bring together a group of people for a meeting, or to meet for a meeting) for just then he happened to receive the epistle and accused them of having planned clandestinely(in a secretive and illicit way.) introduced innovations Contrary to the nicene dogmas and of having violated the laws of the church by neglecting to invite him to join their synod for he alleged that is a sacral Canon which declares that whatever is enacted contrary to the bishop of Rome is null."
Now from Nicea II Pope Hadrians Letter
‘Stand firm; for if you abide with perseverance in the orthodox Faith in which you have begun and so through you the sacred and venerable images are restored in those regions to their former state—just as the lord and emperor Constantine of pious memory and blessed Helena, who promulgated the orthodox Faith, raised up the holy, catholic, and apostolic church of Rome as your spiritual mother, and with the other orthodox emperors venerated it as the head of all the churches...'"
"...of all the churches... If, moreover, following the traditions of the orthodox faith, you embrace the judgment of the church of the blessed Peter prince of the apostles and, as the holy emperors your predecessors did of old, so you too venerate it with honor and love his vicar from the depths of your hearts, or rather if your rule granted by God follows their orthodox faith in accordance with our holy Roman church, the prince of the apostles, to whom was given by the Lord God the power to bind and to loose sins in heaven and on earth."https://orthodoxchurchfathers.com/fathers/npnf214/npnf2258.html
the blessed Cyril, bishop of Alexandria, says: "That we may remain members of our apostolic head, the throne of the Roman Pontiffs, of whom it is our duty to seek what we are to believe and what we are to hold, venerating him, beseeching him above others; for his it is to reprove, to correct, to appoint, to loose, and to bind in place of Him Who set up that very throne, and Who gave the fulness of His own to no other, but to him alone, to whom by divine right all bow the head, and the primates of the world are obedient as to our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
St. Damasus, Pope of Rome (A.D. 304-384)
“Although the catholic churches diffused throughout the world are one bridal chamber of Christ, yet the holy Roman church has been preferred to all other churches, not by any synodical decrees, but has obtained the primacy by the voice of our Lord and Savior in the gospel, saying: ‘You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell will never prevail against it; and I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven…..Therefore, the first see of Peter the Apostles is that of the Roman church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing” (Decree of Damasus, Roman Synod 382. Patrologia Latina 13.374; Jalland, T.G. (1944). Church and Papacy. London: Morehouse-Gorham Co. p. 255-57)
“For in view of our office there is no freedom for us, on whom a zeal for the Christian religion is incumbent greater than on all others, to dissimulate or to be silent. We bear the burdens of all who are oppressed, or rather the blessed apostle Peter, who in all things protects and preserves us, the heirs, as we trust, of his administration, bears them in us…[proceeds to list a number of errors being promoted in Tarragona (Spain)]… it is also inappropriate henceforth for you to deviate from that path, if you do not wish to be separated from our company by synodal sentence….Enough error on this matter! All priests who do not wish to be torn from the solidity of the apostolic rock, upon which Christ built the universal Church, should now hold the aforementioned rule…[lists more errors]…let them know that they have been expelled by the authority of the apostolic see from every ecclesiastical office, which they used unworthily…[lists more errors]… there is freedom for no priest of the Lord to be ignorant of the statutes of the apostolic see and the venerable decrees of the canons…” (Pope Siricius to Bishop Himerius of Tarragona 385 AD, Epistle 1, Directa Ad Decessorem. Patrologia Latina 13.1132; Ed. Pierre Coustant, Epistolae Romanorum pontificum (Paris, 1721; reprint Farnborough, 1967), 623-638.)
St. Innocent, Pope of Rome (401-417)
The reply of Pope St. Innocent in 417 to the Africans concerning their appeal on the controversy of Pelagius/Celestius goes like this:
“In making inquiry with respect to those things that should be treated with all solicitude by bishops, and especially by a true and just and Catholic Council, by preserving, as you have done, the example of ancient tradition, and by being mindful of ecclesiastical discipline, you have truly strengthened the vigour of our Faith, no less now in consulting us than before in passing sentence. For you decided that it was proper to refer to our judgement, knowing what is due to the Apostolic See, since all we who are set in this place, desire to follow the Apostle (Peter) from whom the very episcopate and whole authority of this name is derived. Following in his steps, we know how to condemn the evil and to approve the good. So also, you have by your sacerdotal office preserved the customs of the Fathers, and have not spurned that which they decreed by a divine and not human sentence, that whatsoever is done, even though it be in distant provinces, should not be ended without being brought to the knowledge of this See, [39] that by its authority the whole just pronouncement should be strengthened, and that from it all other Churches (like waters flowing from their natal source and flowing through the different regions of the world, the pure streams of one incorrupt head), should receive what they ought to enjoin, whom they ought to wash, and whom that water, worthy of pure bodies, should avoid as defiled with uncleansable filth. I congratulate you, therefore, dearest brethren, that you have directed letters to us by our brother and fellow-bishop Julius, and that, while caring for the Churches which you rule, you also show your solicitude for the well-being of all, and that you ask for a decree that shall profit all the Churches of the world at once; [40] so that the Church being established in her rules and confirmed by this decree of just pronouncement against such errors, may be unable to fear those men, etc.” (Pope Innocent I, Epistle 29, to the Council of Carthage (In requirendis). Jan 27, 417 AD. Patrologia Latina 33.780)
Pope St. Zosimus (AD 417)
Innocent’s successor, Pope Zosimus, continued to write letters to Africa concerning the same Pelagian issue:
“Although the tradition of the Fathers has attributed such great authority to the Apostolic See that no one would dare to disagree wholly with its judgment, and it has always preserved this [judgment] by canons and rules, and current ecclesiastical discipline up to this time by its laws pays the reverence which is due to the name of Peter, from whom it has itself descended …; since therefore Peter the head is of such great authority and he has confirmed the subsequent endeavors of all our ancestors, so that the Roman Church is fortified … by human as well as by divine laws, and it does not escape you that we rule its place and also hold power of the name itself, nevertheless you know, dearest brethren, and as priests you ought to know, although we have such great authority that no one can dare to retract from our decision, yet we have done nothing which we have not voluntarily referred to your notice by letters … not because we did not know what ought to be done, or would do anything which by going against the advantage of the Church, would be displeasing.…(From the epistle (12) “Quamvis Patrum traditio” to the African bishops, March 21, 418. Patrologia Latina 20. 676; Denzinger, H., & Rahner, K. (Eds.). (1954). The sources of Catholic dogma. (R. J. Deferrari, Trans.) (p. 47). St. Louis, MO: B. Herder Book Co.)
MG 54.743. Jerome: "I keep the unity in communion with your Beatitude, that is, with Peter's chair. I know that the Church has been built upon that rock." (Epist. 15.1, to Pope Damasus, ML 22.355).
The Roman See is the "Apostolic Chair" or the "Apostolic See." Augustine: "The sovereignty of the Apostolic Chair was always in the Roman Church" (Epist. 43, ML 33.163); "Apostolic See" (Serm. 131.10, ML 38.734).
The Roman Church presides as a sovereign over all the other churches. Gregory of Nazianzus: "It presides over all" (Poems, 2.1.12, MG 37.1068); Theodoret of Cyrus: "That most holy see holds in many ways the sovereignty over the churches of the entire world, especially because it kept immune of heretical corruption, and never a dissenter sat in it, but everyone
The Roman See is the source of all rights in the Church. Ambrose: "From that See derive into all the rights of the venerable communion." (Epist. 11.4, ML 16.986).
"Rome has spoken, the case is closed" ("Roma locuta est, causa finita est"). This famous axiom derives from Augustine saying about the debate on Pelagian heresy: "Concerning this question two conciliar decisions have been sent to the Apostolic See: also rescripts came from there, hence the trial is over." (Serm. 131.10, ML 38.734).
The Roman Pontiffs themselves constantly asserted their primacy, as is shown in the following summary of their doctrine.
They apply to themselves Christ's words to Peter, Matt 16.18 ff.: "Thou art Peter..." and John 21.15-17: "Feed My lambs..." Thus Siricius, Boniface I, the "Decree of Gelasius," Hormisdas, Pelagius I, Nicholas I (Denz. 184, 234, 350, 383, 446, 640).
Sure, here is the transcription of the text from the third image:
The Roman Pontiff is Peter's moral person. Siricius: "[The Roman Pontiff is] the apostolic rock." (Denz. 184). Innocent I: "Whenever a question of faith is dealt with, all must refer only to Peter, that is, to the one who bears his name and his honor." (Denz. 218). Leo I: "The blessed Peter did not leave the government which he received... In his See [that is, the Roman] his power is alive and his authority is visible." (Serm. 32 f., ML 54.145 f.).
Peter remains in his successors. See Leo I, just quoted. Philip, apostolic legate to the Council of Ephesus: Peter "is always living in his successors." (Denz. 3056).
The Roman Pontiff is "Peter's heir" (Siricius, Denz. 181) and has "Peter's See" (Leo I, quoted above; Gelasius, quoted below).
The Roman Pontiff has "the care of all the churches." (Innocent I, Denz. 218; Leo I, Serm. 5.2 ML 54.153). He is "the head of all the churches" (Boniface I, Denz. 233; "Decree of Gelasius," Denz. 350; Pelagius I, Denz. 446, 640).
The honor of writing the last Latin manual of Scholastic theology truly belongs to Emmanuel Doronzo (1903-1976), the eminent sacramental theologian of Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C.) in the mid-to-late 20th Century. He wrote a complete, traditional Scholastic, dogmatic manual in 1966, a year after the closing of Vatican II
The Science of Sacred Theology by Doronzo Emmanuel.
https://obrascatolicas.com/livros/Teologia/Doronzo%20The%20Science%20of%20Sacred%20Theology%20for%20Teacers%20Bk%204.pdf
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstrong/2018/02/papal-participation-in-the-first-seven-ecumenical-councils.html since i was reasearching constantinople I i had came across this: "This council also was convoked by an emperor, Theodosius I. [Ibid.] The language of his decree suggests he regarded the Roman see as a yardstick of Christian orthodoxy."
Pope Vigilius came to become Pope amid much turmoil in 537, as his predecessor, St Silverius, had been accused of treason, defrocked, and exiled by Belisarius, the general under Empress Theodora. Silverius had refused to re-instate the monophysite patriarch of Constantinople, whom Pope Agapetus had deposed — even here, a recognition of the canonical authority of Rome to depose and judge the other most prominent and important Sees of Christendom was something the Popes fought bitterly to maintain against the emperors.
Where was this canonical authority established? In fact, it was as old as the Church itself. When Athanasius had been exiled by a judgment of the Alexandrian Church, Pope Julius had written on his behalf (341): “Judgment ought to have been made, not as it was, but according to the ecclesiastical canon. It behoved you all to write us so that the justice of it might be seen as emanating from all.” Again: “Are you ignorant that the custom has been to write first to us and then for a just decision to be passed from this place [Rome]?” For Pope St Julius, the judgment of Athanasius which had not sought approval from Rome was a canonical novelty: “not thus are the constitutions of Paul, not thus the traditions of the Fathers. This is another form of procedure, and a novel practice.” However, the reference of judgment to the Apostolic See was something taught by the Apostle Peter: “For what we have heard from the Apostle Peter, these things I signify to you.”
Cope.

From observing this sub for a while, I’ve noticed a common theme among the opinions of players: the economy sucks bad. I don’t disagree - but as an experienced mobile player I thought I’d put some information out there that PC only players may not be fully aware of.
I know many of you already know that there’s many maps missing from the PC version. But what does this actually mean?
What you might not know, is the loot economy of all maps is not equal. Some of the future map designs have significantly higher risk and difficulty, and thus will consistently offer much better rewards as loot. This is indisputably good balancing. I think we’d all agree that higher risk of dying = more money.
Farm is generally regarded as the beginner map. Normal mode especially so. You can safely expect the loot economy of normal farm to be the worst in the game. Lockdown will offer a bit better loot than normal modes, but on average it’s nothing compared to the loot economy future maps. On mobile, people only bring T5 and T6 to farm in the hopes of killing other players for $$$. Most don’t go there in good gear hoping to get rich off loot - they’ll play other maps for that.
For someone who has played this game a lot, I think it’s genuinely a good thing for how the economy works. Play hard maps: high risk, high reward. If they increased normal farm loot, then they’d have to increase lockdown loot even more… and then the difficult maps even more, to the point it’d certainly begin crashing the economy. I think the current PC loot economy is designed with the more advanced maps in mind, which is probably a bit of oversight since those maps are unavailable for the moment. This makes the economy and map options quite underwhelming.
Anyways, I’m not sharing this with the intent to quiet the discussion about the bad economy. If it sucks - complain! Make your voice heard. That’s the purpose of a beta test. What I am trying to say is: be patient. Don’t make conclusions about the economy as a whole and write the game off as unplayable yet. I’ve seen quite a few people say they’ve already given up on the game due to the economy. The economy of PC is especially bad because we only have the lowest economy maps available. I hope once they release the higher economy maps, players will be at least a bit more satisfied with the loot diversity and choice of risk vs. reward they’re able to make.

Posting here as GaylorSwift felt this should be a post in a megathread (ie ? low effort post) probably because somebody dared to speak up about POC even though they have a post approved and up right now that is commenting on the significance of a period (the punctuation mark) in the Spotify lyrics. Classic Swiftie racism and lack of intersectionality recognition continues great job GaylorSwift mods
Also excellent modding on this thread as if your post mentions donations to a certain place, the mods autoremove your post
Bigger Than The Whole Sky - Lyric Analysis
Starting by establishing a few ground rules here and requesting respectful and considerate engagement

1. I do not condone commenting on nor do I speculate on women’s bodies or family planning. What they wish to do with them is their right
2. I used to be a Swiftie since 1989 but Taylor’s unparalleled greed and complete disregard for anything but her wealth, tokening POC and our bodies, and lack of support for the human suffering around the world has made me unsubscribe and sell my Eras tickets. Beyonce has spoken up more than Taylor for POC and LGTBQ+ peoples. The Weeknd has donated millions. Taylor loves to speak about and highlight her charity even with strategic PR but only does what benefits her so I again will not give this woman money or time. In terms of safety and privilege, nobody on Earth comes close to Taylor’s other than other billionaires and again nobody is forcing her to tour if “it is So UnSAfE”. It is okay to sit at home and do the right thing instead of constantly rip off your fans and tokenize POC for more money.

Given some deep losses I have experienced and the horrors that have made even the major news outlets recently, I found myself listening to Bigger Than The Whole Sky
I cannot hear this song in any other light than the loss of an unborn child, and to go back to point 1, given her history of singing about her friend’s kids, it may have even been about a friend’s or family’s pregnancy loss
Do you hear other interpretations to this work? I would welcome any respectful discourse

Six minute read *** I was also unable to post this to relationship advice***
So I go to college in CO but am from MN which is where my boyfriend and I met in senior year of highschool. Everything was great, I even moved to CO so that I could go to school near him because he was moving there. Once college started insecurities started to show, after being SA'd by a guy at college he demanded that if I am hanging out with people I have to tell him the names of everyone one there. He also to this day says that I technically cheated on him when I was SA'd because I didn't tell him the name of the guy right away. I've been r*ped for three months in a past relationship so it was an honest trauma reaction when I didn't tell him the name and I told him that. The controlling got worse and worse to the point tha I would be anxious to the point of being nauseous if I hung out with even friends that he knew. If I was asked to go to the club I would have to ask permission which would 100% of the time lead him saying no. I should add that after the SA incident we broke up for three months, I expected to never talk to him again and was really happy being single and free but he wiggled his way back into my life leading to us getting back together. This last winter break I was so done with it, I gathered the courage to have a serious talk about his controlling behavior specifically about him saying I can't go to the club, not because I wanted to go party but because of the fact that he thought he could tell me yes or no. In my mind I was ready to end things based on how he reacted to the talk, but he reacted well and so we stayed together and now I am allowed to go to clubs etc. I also must add that when we are in person hanging out everything is fine, we don't fight, we just chill and have fun. We just don't know how to communicate until things start to boil over because it makes both of us very uncomfortable to talk about issues in our relationship in person (I know that is not good and have been working on it) I do feel that things aren't the same as they used to be, there is a feeling of walking on egg shells around him a good amount of the time, things have been better recently. If one little thing happens he will be crabby and just shut down the rest of the day, even losing a game. When my older sister F(23) came to visit a few weeks ago he said that he would take us to the aquarium, we were getting food at the dining hall at my school and so I went out to his car to invite him to sit with us until we are ready to leave. He was in one of his "moods" and was angry, he just said no and that he will wait for us in his car and then hit the gas and loudly sped away when I was three feet away from him car. Later that night we were all drinking and he admitted with a laugh and smile on his face that he acted like that because he was listening to logics new album or something and "just needed to grind" whatever the fuck that means. My sister was driving in his car alone with him for maybe 15 minutes max. and said that even she felt like she was walking on egg shells and that she understood me now because he would get upset at the smallest things. It honestly just embarrassed me that he couldn't try to be nice around my sister, that just shows me that he doesn't care.
So now to get to the actual story, sorry that I rambled, I am currently visiting my family in MN for two weeks, he is still in CO. A week ago I went to visit one of my only friends from highschool for a sleepover, we went down to eat dinner and when we came back upstairs I saw that I had a missed call from him, I then saw this exact text: "Hey J***a! I miss you a lot right now. I know you're having a fun time out in Minnesota with your friends and your family. I love and care about you very much, I know you know that. It's time to move on from each other. This hurts a lot and I'm shaking while typing this. But I need to fly solo for a while and figure some shit out on my end. " My honest reaction was "I think blank just broke up with me?" My friend was so nice and then asked me how I felt, I honestly didn't feel sad, I was mainly just confused because of how random it was, he was acting completely normal up until then. I tried calling him back but it went straight to voicemail sp I texted him this: "I wish we could've had this talk on the phone. I was eating dinner downstairs when you called. I tried calling but you aren't answering so.
I agree, I feel like we haven't been in love like we used to for a long time, and I think moving on is the best thing for both of us." He never replied the rest of the night. The rest of the night I didn't cry or feel sad, I called my girl friends that I'm living with in CO, after them asking me how I felt and stuff we just started making fun plans for our single girl summer. Every single one of my friends does not like my boyfriend including my sister. They have been telling me to break up with him for months but I am honestly too scared and uncomfortable to, plus things are good when we are hanging out in person so I figured to just not worry about it. The next day my ex snapchatted me asking if we could have a phone call later if that is okay with me, I said sure expecting him to just tell me why he wanted to break up. But instead he said that the night before he saw some old screenshots (from the old SA incident) that made him go into a downward spiral. I will say I said some awful stuff behind his back which was the screenshots he was looking at. He then convinced himself that I had cheated on him and that I didn't actually get assaulted and that all of the times that I studied with my guy friends or hungout with them that we were fucking. So he just sent that text and powered off his phone. I will also say that I have never cheated on him. The next day he woke up and regretted it, he admitted that he also felt nauseous and scared which is think means he was just scared to be alone because we've been together for so long and he doesn't have any IRL friends in CO, so he would've basically been alone. So anyways on the phone the day after breaking up with me he told me why he sent the text and then started talking about how he was sad because he wasn't thinking lastnight, that he was only thinking about the bad things but then started thinking about all of the good times we have had and that that was what made him so sad the next morning. He said he truly loved me and wanted to at least say that he tried to get me back. I was again just very confused and shocked at this information, I tend to feel really bad for people even when they don't deserve it and so when he said he would've regretted this for the rest of his life and that he really loved me I caved and agreed to see if we can work things out. That being said I made sure to let him know that what he did was really shitty and not normal, and that it of course hurt me the way he went about it all. I have been telling him that he needs to go back to therapy for a year and he kept saying no, so on the phone I told him that if I'm even going to consider getting back with him he is going to get therapy. I know that may be shitty and I don't like telling people what to do but that is honestly what I think he needs if we even have a chance at getting better as a couple. At this time we are also planning to see eachother when I get back to CO to have an in-person talk about a lot of stuff. I told him that we can "stay together" but that I need time to think and I don't want to be official until I see major amount of change from him. Which historically has never really happened or the changes he made he eventually let slip and went back to his old ways which were toxic.
So now I am here, not sure what to think. I have been trying to really think about what I want and how I feel without thinking about his feelings but it's been really hard. We agreed to reconvene and see if things are better at the end of the summer, allowing him time to work on himself. But I don't know if I want to do that. I feel like things won't change, only because they haven't in the past when he said that they would. I also don't know how to end things if I were to.
If you were me what would you honestly do? It's hard to end such a long relationship.

Okay kids, gather around. Time for me to say something. No one is saying it so I will.
Let’s be real. This album isn’t that great. The cover art is dumb. The music videos were very low effort and budget. The songs have little to no lore. You know you were underwhelmed. As much as we love watching Tyler and Josh dick around, that’s not what we expected to watch for 1.5 hours when the album dropped last week. This story has been over a decade in the making and this is how you end it?
“I created this world to feel some control. Destroy it if I want…”
First theory: He told us from the start. This album is toying with the idea of destroying this world he’s created. This is why the album cover is a photo of heavy fire behind Josh and Tyler. Tyler wanted to see what happens if he burns it to the ground after all these years. The “it was all just a dream” approach to Josh never having been real and Tyler still being captured by Blurryface is not the ending anyone wanted. There’s something comforting about that though. As humans we have a desire to push through. To survive. None of us want this to be the ending. That’s why it won’t be.
Background: Scaled and Icy was intentionally and conceptually bad. After blowing up with Blurryface and Trench there was great potential to intentionally sell out with the next album, making Dema a meta experience with the real world. Scaled and Icy was conceptually bad because they wanted to make a bunch of pop songs that take over the radio. Had this been successful it would have made the story so so much more powerful, but the songs they made were mediocre. They didn’t end up selling out. If anything, they chased away the fans who started to feel they were getting too old for twenty one pilots. SAI was a flop and must have been difficult for Tyler to experience, especially after years of executing so many of his previous ideas so well. Genius intention though.
First theory conclusion: The album Clancy is remnants of the Scaled and Icy experience. Tyler’s insecurities (bishops, Dema, whatever you want to translate them as) are the reason he’s toying with the consequences of simply destroying the world he’s created. A piece of him may feel that he’s already destroyed it a bit and wonders what happens if he goes all the way. (Side note: There’s beautiful irony though when one considers the belief that “destruction is a form of creation.”) Destroying this world would most definitely look like what we got. Another borderline pop album desperate for radio play with the lore simply being “Josh was never real it was all just a dream and Clancy gets captured by Blurryface.” Tyler made it very clear when he asked on the livestream though. “You tell me. Does this sound like the end?” No, of course not. Saying “Hello Clancy” does not sound like the end.
Second theory: This is all we get. The album Clancy. Tyler is over telling this story for the last 10 years. He’s destroying the world he created because he’s moving on. His lyricism isn’t nearly as passionate as it used to be and maybe that’s because he no longer deals with the struggles/insecurities that haunted him for so long. Everyone’s been wondering why we didn’t get any screaming in this album. He’s grown and is moving on. That’s what we all have to do in real life at one point or another. That’s the lesson to be learned. Create as much as you have to for however long you have to in order to stay alive.
Third theory: Twenty One Pilots have been on the hunt for another band member ever since it originally broke up and Josh joined. All this music has been attempts to find someone out there who can relate to his life experience so much that they understand all these cryptic lyrics with so many levels to them. Blurryface had multiple levels that the lyrics somehow told including surface level mental illness, then religious exploration, and then a fictional yet symbolic story/world he’s created. As much as any of us might relate to this music, only Tyler understands the lyrics to their profound depths they explore. He’s felt alone and in the end, he thinks that’s the case. He’s accepted that. This is why despite Josh helping him so much through it all, he was never there experiencing what Tyler was experiencing.
I’m now going to address you all as a disappointed father. Y’all. The clique is not what it used to be. There is so much to be discovered. Tyler always gives so much for us to discover. The employee at the exhibit is the one that had to show people that there was something to be discovered and that’s where we got “Clancy The Ultimate Chapter 25” from. Y’all, all that had to be done was a simple translation! What is going on with the clique? Remember how dedicated everyone was with discovering Trench? Remember how dedicated was with the simple single “Level of Concern” during covid? Are y’all really gonna pretend to just be content with this album and these lame music videos? What is going on? Dig deeper! That’s the whole fun of being a twenty one pilots fan (other than being convinced not to kill yourself, of course, but as worth it as it is, that’s not always fun). Obviously there is more to this album whether it be a double album, a film, a book, all of the above, whatever. It’s out there waiting to be discovered! Don’t sit around waiting until as late as August for it to be handed to you on a silver platter you lazy victims of late stage capitalism.
I said what I said. Defend yourselves, contribute your input, apologize, theorize, do whatever. Let's just get more discussion going.
This is all. Stay alive, friends. It’s so worth it, I promise.
Personal context: I’m a 25 year old artist. I stopped listening to twenty one pilots entering my early 20’s. But from 14-18 years old I religiously held onto twenty one pilots because my life sure as hell depended on it. I’ve never heard of anyone as devoted to them as I was (neither people I’ve known in my life nor strangers on the internet). Their music was something sacred and I sincerely considered myself the third member when hearing about the few, the proud, and the emotional.
After all, these lyrics aren’t for everyone, only few understand.
I moved to Mexico and lived there from October 2017 - October 2019 to serve a religious mission for a church I eventually ended up leaving. I had no access to the internet or music. I completely missed the Trench era and hype. It was absolute torture when I heard they had finally come out of hiatus but I had no way to hear the music or watch the videos. By the time I returned to the US and reconnected with society, I slowly forcefully convinced myself I didn’t need twenty one pilots anymore and refused to listen to them. (I was also simply scared to fall out of love with something that was once so special to me.) As bittersweet as it was, this helped me grow and mature a lot and my music taste has expanded exponentially ever since. I’m an audiophile, musician, photographer, writer, and a licensed pilot now. As much as I have intentionally disconnected myself from this band, I owe it a lot and will forever be grateful they convinced me to stay alive during such hard times in my life.

So many ways and so many things I want to say. It isn't often you run across someone who you think can handle your soul. Who seems to want to know every part of you. What do you like, what is your story, why are you the way you are? I ask because I love you the way you are and want to know the deepest part of you. I'll tell you my secrets if you tell me yours. We spend so much time pretending to be. Sharing parts of us but never all of us. We pretend to be happy. That sharing little bits with different people counts. But no one ever knows all the peices as a whole. Till you. I crave to share them all with you. I'm not sure if it's a desperate grab on hope and understanding or if we were brought together for a reason. Perhaps hope even a false one is reason enough...how do I keep boundaries yet fight my craving to get to know you. I have no expectations when and if we dig deep into our souls. Long as your honest. Hope for such is invigorating yet heartbreaking. I try to not focus on things with a low probability rate of happening. Though you make me hope against the odds. Foolish I know. Especially from me to you. A 10 to a 5. The distance iv maintained makes this work for now. Should my wall ever crumble I may have to walk away and if that's the case I'm sorry.

New shopper here. I never knew shopping could be so stressful. Like wtf is actually going on here. It takes me 1.5 hr - 2 hrs to complete a batch. I’m working in Long Island (Nassau County). The batches have been solid. But its just so many fucking things.
For ex, I spent 25 minutes looking for this one item. The store employees could not find it either. Eventually found it and was so happy.
im really slow, but i make sure i get the order correct.
and, also how is finding an address SOO fucking hard. ive already ran into houses where its on a dead end/obscured and super hard to find. Holy fuck.
What a job. Serious respect to people who are grinding this.
Worked like 3-5 hours a day made between 40-75$ a day. really shit but it helps out
I’ve always tipped well on my instacart orders (always 20%) but for the future, if i get instacart im gnna leave a fat tip and message the shopper saying “take your time, no rush, no worries, feel free to contact me at any time. seriously dont stress”
Any tips that i must know for a new shopper?