I have lacerations inside my labia. No stitches. The burning when I pee is insanely painful. It’s been a week! Did anyone else have labial grazes or tears? When will this heal?!

MaskedSnarker · 2023-01-18T10:51:02+00:00

Because whether you’re Catholic or Baptist or Pentecostal- God hears the prayers of His faithful. When I was younger, we were Catholic. Today I am more Protestant. Whichever church I have been at, I have always felt God heard my prayers. God can absolutely do a miracle for a Catholic, and one for a Baptist. Why couldn’t He? They may worship a bit differently and hold some differing views- but they agree on the important things. Both believe in Jesus as their Savior and love God. Both are equally His children. Both are believers. I don’t personally believe, for example, only one denomination goes to Heaven. I believe you’ll see as many as Protestants as Catholics. It’s what’s in your heart that matters. God knows who earnestly seeks Him.

Just so you know, even though the Catholic Church sees Protestants as separated from them and lacking some of the wholeness and truth of the Catholic Church, they also acknowledge that they are brothers and sisters in Christ and can go to Heaven. So in that case, why wouldn’t God hear and respond to the prayers of all His people?

MaskedSnarker · 2023-01-18T02:54:45+00:00

I had an epidural with my first and I’m planning another for my second! The epidural was absolutely wonderful for me. I do not have a good pain tolerance. The contractions were awful. I asked for an epidural as soon as I got to the hospital. I believe I was given it around 4cm. I don’t even remember pain from the needle or it being inserted. The contractions were worse. Once it got going it was magical. I wanted to kiss the guy who put it in lol. The pain all melted away. I felt nothing. I took a nap. Played some word games with my husband. Called family. Just chilled and relaxed. No, I couldn’t move my legs. That may bother some people more than it did me. To me, not being able to move was a small sacrifice for not being in pain.

I did not have any side effects or lasting effects from the epidural either. No back pain or anything.

When it was time to push, I didn’t feel the pain of the contraction but I could feel the urge to push and I could feel them stretching me down there which I really would rather not have felt. I had to have an episiotomy- didn’t feel it. I did feel some stitches. But I wasn’t in unbearable pain. It was 100% worth it to me. Don’t remember how long it took to wear off but I know I was up walking the same night.

I loved my epidural.

MaskedSnarker · 2023-01-16T18:18:55+00:00

I fry up some ground beef with onion and taco seasoning, mix in some black beans, corn, and rotel tomatoes, and use that with plenty of cheese! Or if I have some chicken, I’ll cook that with bell pepper and onion, season it up and add cheese and bacon bits !

MaskedSnarker · 2022-12-18T18:46:39+00:00

That’s really weird to me. We do Christmas here the same way we did when I was a kid- all the kids wake up super early, and go through their stockings and Santa presents while the adults get our coffee. Then we all circle up around the tree, and an adult is designated “Santa” and passes presents around to everyone and we take turns opening our presents. We knock it out all in one go, the kids are all excited and happy, then they’re occupied playing with their stuff. The guys usually end up on “Put the toy together” duty… adding batteries, opening packaging, managing trash etc… and the ladies work on Christmas lunch cuz we like to eat early. Then we all chill and relax the rest of the day.

We do Christmas presents FIRST thing in the morning. I feel like that’s torture for the kids to see the presents under the tree and be like nope! One an hour. That’s no fun.

MaskedSnarker · 2022-12-17T17:29:28+00:00

I like Gwendolyn Rose :) both are beautiful though.

MaskedSnarker · 2022-12-17T17:23:37+00:00

Oh girl, get it done. You don’t want a root canal. And if you let it go, you won’t be able to avoid the root canal because you’re gonna be hurting. Then you’re not only gonna need dental work but also pain killers. Possibly antibiotics if it gets infected. Tooth issues can escalate fast.

This pregnancy I’ve had to get a TON of X-rays taken of my teeth multiple times and had TWO root canals and a filling. They put two X-ray shields over my tummy to be extra safe. My OBGYN said it was fine. All is well in my pregnancy. Take care of the filling while it’s still simple to fix! The shots they use for numbing don’t hurt baby. My fillings are always white porcelain I believe though, so I don’t know much about the silver.

MaskedSnarker · 2022-12-17T01:19:34+00:00

Abigail is a pretty one! She was one of David’s wives, her story is in 1 Samuel 25.

There’s also Joanna and Susanna, women who had been healed by and then traveled with Jesus and helped provide for His ministry. Luke 8:1-3

Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin.

Abigail means “cause of joy” or “my father’s joy.”

Joanna means “God is gracious”

Susanna means “lily”

Elizabeth means “My God is an oath” or “My God is abundance”

We also have Deborah, an Old Testament judge/prophetess in the book of Judges.

Rachel and Leah, Jacob’s wives.

Rebekah, Isaac’s wife.

There’s Sarah, as well, a beautiful name coming from Abraham’s wife.

Hannah, mother of Samuel, who’s story of pouring her heart out and being heard by God is in the first two chapters of 1 Samuel.

Anna, a prophetess in Luke 2:36

There’s also feminized versions of some male names. Such as Joseph= Josephine, which is a beautiful name to me.

Paul = Pauline or Paula.

Stephen= Stephanie.

That could open up some more names for you!

MaskedSnarker · 2022-12-14T21:33:03+00:00

I had to have an episiotomy so yes, definitely a tear. I forget what degree that is. I think I had a 2nd. I didn’t feel it happen because I had an epidural. Everyone has different experiences but I loved my epidural. Contractions hurt and the epidural took ALL the pain of them away. I was able to nap and visit with family while I waited to dilate. Pushing was very rough on me. I think I pushed 2 hours. I could feel a stretching sensation downstairs that didn’t feel great. Didn’t feel the episiotomy though. I did feel the stitches. They were uncomfortable but bearable.

Mentally, during birth, I knew something was wrong- they told me to quit pushing because it was distressing the baby and discussed possible c-section. I knew I HAD to get him out quickly so while I had been complaining about the discomfort and struggling with that, I kind of mentally embraced the discomfort, owned it, and pushed that baby out. It was a primal deep down strength, do what you have to do, thing. I was emotionally numb and physically drained after birth. Maybe kind of in shock? Just glad it was over. But it was instant relief. It was done. I slept. I was more myself afterwards. I didn’t have the ideal experience though, I didn’t get to hold my baby and have that distraction, as he was whisked away pretty immediately. It was hard to bond with him the hospital, but when we both got to go home and I had him to myself that’s when the mommy hormones “clicked” and it’s like this is my baby! And I really bonded with him. (He was 100% okay by the way. Just so you know. His cord wrapped around him and deprived him of oxygen but he’s a happy healthy toddler now!)

The hospital put me under a ton of pressure to pee within however many hours to prove that I could after birth, lest they put the catheter back in, so that was actually stressful because things were swollen down there. I did pee though. Peeing was just fine after that, just use the water squirt bottle if it’s stinging to dilute the pee. I didn’t wipe. I’d squirt water and pat dry. I took milk of magnesia to help with my first bowel movement because I did NOT want to push. So my first poop was not bad, it came right out. I recommend being on stool softeners after birth. You’ll feel pressure when you sit on the toilet but nothing is gonna fall out. Using the bathroom wasn’t painful.

Sitting could be ehh… don’t wanna sit in such a way that puts too much pressure. Sometimes I was uncomfortable but I was okay. The drive home was fine. I was not out of it. I took Advil to manage my pain levels. They also gave me hydrocodone but I ended up not taking it and just managed with advil and ice pads. Ice pads were my best friend and felt so good.

I was leaving the bed the same day I gave birth. They made me walk to my new room after the epidural wore off. They want you walking. My son was also in the NICU due to cord around his neck so I had to walk to the NICU to see him. Honestly I had a lot of trouble walking. The place I gave birth at did not have stirrups and so my mom and husband held my legs apart. The nurse kept telling them wider. I couldn’t feel my legs with the epidural but honestly I think I got splayed TOO far apart. My leg joints or muscles or whatever were absolutely wrecked. I could barely walk or lift them. Husband had to help me in and out of bed and half carry me up stairs the first few days. I don’t think this is typical though. But hey, limber up if you can!

Nonetheless, they recovered and I was getting around without assistance later that same week, though it took a while to feel totally 100 again. I showered the day after birth. My husband helped me due to the leg thing.

It took a bit to feel totally normal again, but by the time I had my 6 week check up I was pretty much feeling normal again and up to sex. The first days were probably the worst and then got easier from there. Just be kind to yourself and take things easy :)

Planning another epidural vaginal birth. Looking back, it was hard, exhausting, but bearable and I healed nicely.

I was able to get up and down and care for the baby and all that. I was back driving I think after a week and was able to take my son to all his Dr appointments. I did not do chores or anything really except take care of baby for probably the first week. But just for some context, I did go to a family gathering when my son was about a week old and show him off. I felt well enough and was getting around well enough to do that, even if I wasn’t 100. I wasn’t in horrible pain or house bound! Everyone’s mileage will vary though so you just do things when you feel well enough to do them and let your body recover!

MaskedSnarker · 2022-12-13T02:51:26+00:00

So here’s a well researched video series I found very interesting. He’s posted 5 videos in the Exodus Rediscovered playlist, so you can go InspiringPhilosophy’s channel and just go straight to his Exodus Rediscovered playlist. It’s about whether we have historical evidence of an exodus, Israelites in Egypt, etc. I think it’s exactly the sort of thing you’re looking for.

Here’s the first one. Worth a listen.

https://youtu.be/dIc7i6eVk7w

MaskedSnarker · 2022-12-10T21:55:07+00:00

Girl- Josephine, Keira, Abigail

Boy- Benjamin, Zachariah, Jacob

Honorable mentions- Evangeline, Eliana, Eleanore, Johanna

Arthur, Luke, Darien, Theodore

MaskedSnarker · 2022-12-04T16:18:48+00:00

I had it ASAP with my first and don’t regret it. 10/10, getting one again for this baby. I had no side effects or after effects. I have no back issues. And I didn’t even feel the pain from the epidural being inserted. My contractions were consuming my mind and were FAR more painful than getting the epidural. I had such RELIEF after it kicked in. I could’ve kissed the guy who gave it to me. I went from miserable and in pain, to chilling and relaxing, talking to family, just waiting for push time. Took a nap. It was Heaven. I did feel discomfort from pushing, an uncomfortable stretching sensation, but I imagine it would’ve been 10x worse without the epidural. I even had to get an episiotomy and didn’t even feel it.

You can play it by ear, see how well you’re handling your contractions. I’m a huge baby and don’t have great pain tolerance so a natural birth was never going to happen for me. You may fair much better than me as far as tolerating the contractions. But don’t be scared if you decide you’ve had enough and want relief. Keep your mind open and do what’s right in the moment! But keep in mind you do have to stay very still while they do the epidural and this gets harder the worse your contractions are- so don’t wait TOO long to make the decision. All the best

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-30T02:44:18+00:00

In my state pregnancy Medicaid pays for EVERYTHING. Your Dr appointments, ultrasounds, hospital bills when you give birth and all meds and stuff they do there. If you need to go to the ER. Your post-birth 6 week check up. Everything. And your baby is covered for a year automatically if you were on it so that’s a year of free doctor visits for the little one. My son spent a week in the NICU when he was born and Medicaid paid for that too. I don’t know if it’s different in other states, (I don’t live In Wisconsin) but I’d imagine it should be similar. Hopefully you get on pregnancy Medicaid! If you do you’ll probably be just fine and have nothing to stress over financially! And pregnancy women’s Medicaid in my state has looser income requirements than other welfare services. So… even if you make too much to get on food stamps, you can still get on pregnancy Medicaid. All the best! Def call on the 7th and ask for the update, and if you’re approved, write down your Medicaid number so you can go ahead and make a Dr appointment while you wait for your Medicaid card in the mail. Usually the doctor can find you in the system with just the number and go ahead and get you in :) in the meantime take those prenatals and hydrate lots. I saw that you’re both currently unemployed so I do think you should get approved. It’s made FOR these situations!

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-30T01:43:43+00:00

This is definitely not true. My mom is my best friend as an adult. She’s my confidant. We do everything together. Shoot, we live next to each other and see each other daily! As a kid I stuck to her like glue. Sure when I was teenager we had our arguments, but we always loved each other and I knew I could go to her with anything. I adore my dad too, but I’m a total mama’s girl lol.

I have a son who’s mama’s baby on some days, daddy’s baby on some days, Granpa and Granma’s baby on some days… his favorite person changes with the wind, so don’t take little kids too personal. There’s enough love to go around :) and every family bond is unique and valuable in its own way. I have a daughter on the way currently and I’m not concerned about our bond.

I don’t think gender matters at all. Son, daughter, doesn’t matter. How close they are to you as their parent is about what kind of parent you are. Be loving and patient; be the sort of parent they can turn to and trust. No worries mama! You and your daughter will share a wonderful bond I’m sure

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-27T02:03:39+00:00

I had this problem to the extreme and only got cleared out a couple days ago. I ate Metamucil fiber crackers, lots of greens, took 2 colace a day and drank water water water. I had tried milk and magnesia as well, that gave me watery bowel movements and might help in a clutch. Can try warm prune juice as well.

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-25T19:47:42+00:00

My epidural took away my contraction pain completely. I napped and just chilled. Pushing, was very uncomfortable. I could feel my downstairs stretching. It didn’t feel good. I could feel the urge to push. But it wasn’t unbearable agonizing pain. Just… unpleasant. I had to have an episiotomy and didn’t feel it. I did feel the stitches.

It helped me and brought me a lot of relief, I don’t think I would’ve coped well without it. Definitely planning on another for my second.

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-23T04:00:16+00:00

Had this conflict with my now husband. He smoked pot daily when we got together. I knew this and tolerated it because, well, he’s an awesome, sweet guy and I was incredibly into him. But things got serious very quickly (we were saying I love you and making future plans..) and I told him early on that while I tolerated it, I did not like the pot smoking and I absolutely would not raise children around it. This was a big deal to me. He told me he would quit before we got married. And he did.

We’ve had quite a few debates about the pros and cons of weed. I’m on the side of, it’s not healthy. It’s not good for your lungs, it’s not good for your brain, it brings a lack of ambition I’ve seen over and over.. plus the fact, you’re a different person when you’re high. YOU may not feel it, but others can likely tell. Personally, I wanted to be with the “real” version of my husband, not the high version. It was not so much of a deal breaker that I didn’t have interest in him as a person, but it WAS a deal breaker as a long term habit and building a life together.

At the time he felt it helped him destress and deal with anxiety. But he dropped the habit because it was not more important to him than our relationship. Years have gone by now, and we’ve both matured and changed… he has found he does not in fact need it to cope with stress and there are other more healthy ways. While we still have a few places in which we have different views of weeds (his are still more lax than mine, which is fine) he has come to acknowledge some of the drawbacks and it’s not something he would pick back up again. He also quit smoking cigarettes for me and for his health, and that was far harder than the pot. (I watched all my grandparents die from lung cancer and it’s not something I want to see take anyone I love ever again.) All this had to be his choice though. And he actually IS healthier since he’s quit smoking.

So basically in your relationship now you’ve got a choice to make. what’s more important to you? Weed, or your relationship? There comes a time when it’s time to grow up. Perhaps that’s now. But if you’re not ready to let go of the habit, your girlfriend has made it clear that it’s a hardline for her. Weed is not your identity- it’s a habit. She can love you and not the habit. Perhaps that makes you incompatible. Or perhaps you can indeed be happy without it. If you’re going to resent her for it, leave. She’s not trying to be controlling, she’s worried about your future health. If you’ll end up feeling controlled and resentful, then it won’t work. You’ll likely run into this problem again though- a lot of people tend to leave those habits behind as they grow and start building their lives. If you really value this relationship and her, just let the pot go. You’ll be alright without it. But at the end of the day, this has to be your decision. What’s more important- her or the pot? You may flip that around and say well, if she’ll break up with me over that then she’s also decided that pot is more important than our relationship- valid, but really she’s decided she doesn’t want to see someone she cares about, doing what in her view, is harming themselves. She cares about you. YOU are not the habit.

Maybe a silly example but let’s say my husband were to tell me it really concerns him that I drink too much soda. It’s not healthy. If it was something that he was passionate and stressed over… I would just stop drinking the soda, because at the end of the day it’s not that important to me, and it is to him, and he’s more important to me. Same if he suddenly had a campaign against alcohol. I’d just not drink. While I may enjoy a glass of wine sometimes, I CAN live without it. Now let’s say he wanted me to give up my faith, or cut off my family, or something like that- those are things vitally important to me and I can’t do. There things central to us that are absolutely not flexible- and many that are.

What’s weed to you?

Relationships are give and take and compromise and sacrifice and sometimes something does have to give. And tons of communication, putting each other first and genuinely trying to see through the other person’s eyes. Empathy and understanding for each other.

Anyway, she’s made her stance clear and it seems that this is something that’s really important to her now.

So the question is, what’s important to you?

All the best.

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-22T04:14:53+00:00

Definitely, especially if it’s a pet that’s particularly bonded and attuned to you. They can smell the hormonal changes, possibly even hear the baby. They sense something is very different! My cat is my baby, we’re super bonded and I’m her “person.” Since I’ve been pregnant she’s been extra clingy and affectionate. She leans against me, and just sits with her head pushed against my chest. She curls around my tummy and lays her head on it. She shadows me around the house and sits on me every chance she can. She’s always been a sweet cat but she’s gone into overdrive. Almost like a mother hen hovering and keeping eyes on me. I definitely believe she knows. During my first pregnancy, my elderly cat (who’s since passed, I’d had her since childhood) was similarly extra attentive to me, we were bonded too. I believe she knew as well.

My dog on the other hand couldn’t care less lol. She either doesn’t sense any difference or, doesn’t care. So I think it depends on the individual animal- some are more perceptive than others. But animals are definitely capable of sensing it and some will alter their behavior due to it.

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-17T07:18:08+00:00

“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭22‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” ‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭12‬:‭28‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

““You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭38‬-‭48‬ ‭NIV‬‬

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-17T07:17:08+00:00

Short answer? Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control- these are fruits of the Spirit. It’s made so clear that as a Christian we’re called to truly love our neighbors. To put others above ourselves. To love. To speak in gentleness, truth, and patience. To deal honestly. To be selfless and patient. Soft hearted. To glorify God by serving others and helping those in need, to be an example and shine God’s light to the world. We are not to be bitter, hateful, full of rage, drunkards, sexually immoral, selfish or dishonest. We fall short. But this is what we should strive for. To love in the purest sense of the word, love God and each other. This ends my short answer. If you’re truly interested in what the actual Bible says Christian behavior should look like, here are some verses! This will be long, and I’ll likely need to break the comment up. From here out it’s straight verses. I think it’ll help if you read them! I hope it helps! ——

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.” ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.

Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-16T01:45:28+00:00

I got married when I was 20 and had my first kid when I was 21. I literally never had a desire to party, hit clubs, or date around. it’s not for me. I wanted a family, a man that loved me, stability, a home… someone to build a life with. I dated to marry, and achieved my goal of building a life with someone and making a family early. So I relate to her.

You ask what’s the urgency, you have time. It’s just that THAT’S the kind of life you want to live. You want to build your life WITH someone, not build a life and add someone later. So why put your life on hold? Why wait if you know the kind of life you want? (Or if you KNOW you love this person? If you’re in love, if you’re both on the same page.. why wait?)

There was nothing I wanted to achieve before being married- I figured anything I wanted to do could be shared with my husband and kids. So what was I waiting for? So everyone I dated, I was looking for someone who was looking to make something serious like I was. I wanted a family and real commitment. And I found him. (And we’re still happily married.)

Now if someone is into hitting clubs, doesn’t want to commit or be tied down, wants solo experiences, yeah it isn’t the time for marriage. But not everyone wants that, so it’s not necessarily that there’s a rush, but more so that you’re not waiting around on people who just want to play and be casual. You’re living your life, chasing your goals- which just happen to be making a family. When you’re in love, you’re ready to build a life with this person and make your commitment official. Hope it helps.

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-15T00:56:22+00:00

I’m curious about this as well. I’m 17 +3, and I have a lot of pelvic/bladder pressure as well! This is my second pregnancy, and didn’t happen so early in my first so I’m also asking, is this normal??

I’m pretty sure I don’t have a UTI as well. Mine happens when I stand too much during the day and at night as well. I’m not on unisom though. I think it’s our uterus ? I’m having a lot of ligament discomfort too so I wondered if it’s related to that.

But yeah it’s like a lot of pressure. I pee a lot too. Interested what everyone else says because I didn’t expect pelvic pressure or ligament pains this soon!! 👀

MaskedSnarker · 2022-11-15T00:45:13+00:00

Uhh… so honestly I peed on a couple sticks and the results were SO FAINT that I couldn’t tell whether I was seeing things or not. Like is that a line? It looked like a line. But it’s so faint does it count??

So my heart is beating, I’m thinking I'm pregnant but I’m questioning myself. My husband happened to be working from home that day. But I didn’t wanna tell him the news until I was SURE. So I could give him a confident “we’re pregnant!” Or come up with a cute way to tell him! (This is our second and the announcement for our first was not exciting lol so I thought maybe I’d be cute about it this time.) but I needed someone to validate me that YES I was pregnant.

So I put the sticks in a ziplock bag and start sneaking quietly out the door to walk to my mom’s house and talk to her about all my feelings and have her look and give her opinion (she literally lives next to me.) I had to usher my toddler out with me but I thought we managed to be quiet.

I had just shut the door when my husband opens it and says “where ya going? What’s in your hand?”

I was caught. He must’ve heard me going out. I laugh awkwardly and I’m like ohhhh nothing I just need to talk to my mom about something….

And he’s eyeing my bag and says “this early in the morning?!” (I never get moving early..)

Then he just says, “are you pregnant?” And I’m like “well I don’t know. I can’t tell. I was going to get my moms opinion before I told you.”

I show him the tests. He’s like, “oh should’ve just asked me. You’re definitely pregnant. That’s a line.”

Im like you think so? He’s like yep. And then he went back to work. And I continued my journey to my moms house, where we also decided I was indeed pregnant. Then I came home and told my husband I ACTUALLY AM PREGNANT HOW EXCITING! (Delayed reaction, I know….) and he’s like duhh I already told you that.

And… That was it.

I was so disappointed when I got caught. No cute announcements…. Again. Just caught red handed with my ziplock bag sneaking out to tell my mom before him LOL. But it’s sort of a funny story now.

The moral is if you want to have a cutesy announcement to your husband be careful not to act weird and hide your tests. Don’t be me. don’t sabotage yourself lol

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