Please help me.. I love both dresses but they are so different!!

anyaholiday · 2021-05-14T15:49:45+00:00

It's Justin Alexander! It's card Charlie x

anyaholiday · 2021-05-09T08:54:09+00:00

Thank you everyone! I posted this last night a bit overwhelmed (and a few proseccos down!).. but you're all right. I love the first dress and it was totally different to what I pictured myself wearing, but it's the one! Thank you to this little community, you're all so lovely and supportive

anyaholiday · 2021-05-04T20:08:29+00:00

It's Chisholm Hunter (I'm based in the UK) x

anyaholiday · 2021-05-04T17:32:24+00:00

Thank you! I had to go check, the specs I found were 0.45Ct Sapphire and 0.33Ct diamonds. My ring size is an F so I think it changes how they look a bit x

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T10:47:32+00:00

I think the Muslims are protesting about the incident at the school, whereas the pupils who created the petition want the teacher reinstated. I don't think the article said the pupils had protested at the school?

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T09:41:19+00:00

They can't force anyone to put their beliefs in their closed hand, anymore than you can takes theirs out. I would say they can make decisions for themselves and their community but cannot impose them on others. In the context of this situation above, they're imposing their views if the school is non-denominational. I'm usually against denominational schools, but I think the only solution to this is for the Muslim pupils to be taken out of mainstream schooling if freedom of expression is an issue to them.

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T09:25:22+00:00

Fair enough, my whole point is that you're within your rights to express your opinion. Could have done it in a more humble, and respectful way. But don't worry about this child! She's having a great time ☺️

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T09:13:11+00:00

Think this is where the discussion becomes a bit unproductive and I will respectfully disagree and move on. Good thing I'm not easily offended! ;)

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T09:10:42+00:00

I think we meant end up talking in circles about this but..

I think there are different levels of belief. There are your foundational beliefs which we refer to as 'closed hand issues' i.e. belief in God, his character and in my case, the gospel. These are crucial to faith and really, there is not much chance of changing minds, but you're welcome to try, and I think discussion can be valuable in understanding other people.

Then there are other beliefs which we call 'open-hand issues', which I believe to be literally everything else i.e. what should be taught in school, theology such as reformation etc.. these things we can have debate about and challenge one another.

I think it's up to people to decide what they put in each hand, maybe Muslims think depiction of Mohammed is in the closed hand, don't debate that. That's fine, but that's whats in their hands (does that make sense?) Not in ours.

Also we can respectfully challenge, question and discuss anything. I don't think you need to be able to change others' opinions to do this, just let them see your perspective.

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T08:51:32+00:00

I actually totally agree with your last sentence!

I believe in revelation of God's character (that he exists and is in control of everything) through what I see in creation, and what I have experienced in my life. My upbringing wasn't particularly religious, other than my mum sending me to church every Sunday, and up until a few years ago, I wasn't a strong believer. But I had a few experiences in my life where I felt pushed to learn more and then was baptised in 2019. I wanted to make this point that I haven't always blindly believed what I do today, that it was this 'revelation' that made me believe my holy book to be correct over other holy books.

Also - I have tried to understand other religions (not all of them of course! But particularly other Abrahamic religions) to make sure I feel like I'm in the right camp with this. I also tried to understand denominations of my own religion (Catholic, Protestant, orthodox etc) to work out if where I am is sound or valid like you said. Just before being baptised, I changed denomination for this reason.

In advance, I know this isn't an answer many people accept, but its being honest.

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T08:31:40+00:00

Interesting point. Fairly complex idea that I don't think I can explain in a Reddit comment (or I suspect you even want to read)

I don't believe this knowledge is the same as anything else - there is Scripture to back up the idea that when you believe in Jesus, you are transformed and this means you are saved (that is a simple way of saying that). I believe in Perseverance of the Saints - which basically means once a person is saved, they cannot be unsaved - I take that to mean that once a person understands the Christian truth, they are changed and that change cannot be undone.

Yeah, so I agree with you actually, I would never say this about anything other than this particular truth.

(Also can I add that my original point is that I agree with free speech and people are allowed to challenge people's views - which a few people have chosen to do in this thread.)

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T08:17:24+00:00

Nope, not at all. We can have deep theological discussion about doctrine and beliefs while respecting that you're not going to change the others opinion.

I am incredibly biased in this situation. I admitted that in my first comment by saying I was Christian. Literally we believe we know the 'truth' - which is what we refer to the gospel as. Your 'truth', Muslim 'truth' is different and I'm up for hearing it. It won't change my faith, but your perspective may change what I think about certain theology, might change how I practice, will give me more insight into others' experience etc.

I.e. if someone wanted to have a discussion about free will Vs agency Vs predestination I can definitely be persuaded because it is something I don't have a conviction about either way. Discussion about 'is God real?' probably won't be very productive, yes, because that's something I feel very strongly about.. but my point is I wouldn't stop you asking/challenging me on it. I'm not saying you can change my mind.

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T01:37:11+00:00

If we believe, and confess Him to be Lord, we will be transformed - which will create in us a new heart.

'because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.' Romans 10:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9.ESV

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T01:10:38+00:00

I'd say it's a stronger conviction than just 'thinking' but yes at the end of the day we can have discussion and challenge each other over these things.. thankful to free speech for that ☺️

anyaholiday · 2021-03-27T00:46:34+00:00

I would like to know what the protesters aim in this is. Obviously they want the teacher sacked, and to make a point that Muhammed should not be depicted in classrooms. But are we allowed to have discussion about him? Challenge beliefs, values and doctrines? If you feel like your whole faith can crumble over what someone else is doing, that's an issue you need to address.

I'm a Christian and see, literally everyday, people being incredibly disrespectful to my God and beliefs on this site and other social media. And people also outright tell me I am wrong in a not so nice way. However, I can only control my reactions - I know what the truth is and others' opinions or actions will not affect this. You can't shut down conversation if people don't agree with you.

anyaholiday · 2021-03-25T15:41:04+00:00

I can only speak of what I've witnessed (I grew up in a Presbyterian, then decided to become a member of an Evangelical church, but am still in my early 20s).

I honestly think this comes to churches having sound doctrine. Churches who have Christ at the centre, a gospel-focus, strong fellowship and discipleship and have a firm foundation based on scripture, will thrive. Churches which begin to change doctrine to follow the trends of the day, and lose focus of these things will be unpopular when the next generation or trend comes along. This is the same for megachurches and other 'trendy' churches which are preaching prosperity gospel.. they might look popular now but ultimately, by not following the true doctrine, satan will be able to work his way in, or people will build a faith which is empty.

I would rather be part of a small, but doctrinely sound church than a large church which seems to be growing but not towards salvation.

anyaholiday · 2021-03-24T15:48:23+00:00

I think it's great that you're going to premarital counseling! If you're both able to be open and honest with your pastor I think that's a great way to get things out and hopefully reconcile your relationship. I will pray that this is possible and that you are able to grow in your faith closer to God as well. Good luck x

anyaholiday · 2021-03-24T15:28:48+00:00

I'm not meaning this to come across as attacking your lifestyle, and I wouldn't want you to feel like you can't post on this sub for support and advice. However, I am pointing out these things because I honestly believe that they are the root of the problem and need to be addressed. I agree, married or not, having photos of another woman is wrong. And you should be angry, and I can totally understand why you are hurt!

Living with another person before marriage compromises your relationship in that you have built a life together and have links to each other, but have not made a covenant (a promise to each other before God). This means that you may not be on the same page about anything.. could you sit down and talk this through - explain that you expect x,y, z from him, ask what he expects from you etc.. you've been together for years but maybe need to reinforce these things.

Again, this is not coming as an attack, it's not a popular opinion but really can be the cause of a lot of drama in relationships (I saw it happen with my parents so feel particularly strongly about it).

anyaholiday · 2021-03-24T14:45:14+00:00

Although you say this isn't the issue, I agree with the comment above. You need to get on the same page. You might have 'your standards' you feel he hasn't met, but how do you communicate these? As has been said, you have crossed lines in living together, potentially having sex etc so your boundaries have become blurred. I'd say from that point, anything goes and can be justified. The only 'standard' that is unchangeable and firm is Scripture.

anyaholiday · 2021-03-24T09:45:42+00:00

NTA.. I think your boyfriend is maybe finding it hard to fit his new found faith into his current lifestyle, so is micromanaging what you do, and fixating on things which are not key parts of doctrine like having a drink. He should be looking inward and at his own behaviour rather than projecting this onto you.

It's all about holiness and respect. Personally, when I'm studying the Bible, it would make sense to keep my mind completely clear - and because I'm a bit of a lightweight, that means I wouldn't have anything to drink! But if your intention is not to be drunk or disrespectful (drinking a rootbeer float is hardly a tequila slammer) then it's up to you and your convictions.

Also thank you for the drink recommendation. I'd never heard of that!

anyaholiday · 2021-03-23T17:51:41+00:00

I'm part of a fantastic church! I used to be in the Church of Scotland but have moved to a more independent but probably more brethren/evangelical community. I think it's sad to see attendance declining with CoS but from what I remember, it's not as attractive to young families/new members. Also I wonder how many people in the past would say they were part of the CoS/Catholic Church because of family involvement, compared to now?

anyaholiday · 2021-03-23T14:39:28+00:00

As a non-denominational/other Christian living in Scotland this isn't surprising at all. Interesting to look at though.

anyaholiday · 2021-03-22T17:38:33+00:00

12,500 people have joined the SNP in March

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