@futurebird I was never a fan of earbuds. But, when I got my hearing aids and found out they're really expensive earbuds, I had to switch from Android to iPhone so I could take advantage of them. I can take calls and stream music. It's set to auto answer calls at work and when driving.
I still have a problem with things in my ears, and it's been almost a year. But I'm able to hear people talk to me at work - which is a loud environment. And I can hear much more of the sound spectrum than I could last year.
Prolly not going to any more heavy metal concerts. Definitely not going to the flight deck of an aircraft carrier again.

@JulieB @WordyAnchorite @jfslicer @timamor thank you Julie, it's tough on all of us. But this is a place I feel comfortable to open up to the men's group - lay it all out. AA, family problems, spiritual struggles...and they truly care.

@AaronJSmith prayers going up.

@AaronJSmith Hi Aaron,
Have you thought about delivering pizza?
10 years ago, I started delivering pizzas to make a little cash on the side.
Now, after two painful layoffs, I'm General Manager at a pizza place. The only retirement I've got a chance of is to buy a franchise, which my company will help with. I've already got VPs asking when I'll franchise.

@JonR that's so cool!
I've played bass guitar for more than 30 years. My youngest daughter is great on piano, ukelele, and other instruments, but doesn't want to anymore.
So I put on my headphones and jam in my mancave.
And wish I had someone to jam with.
You're a lucky dad!

@cleopas @WordyAnchorite @jfslicer @timamor @JulieB
In her post, @WordyAnchorite mentioned that some churches (like my previous congregation) hosted studies where members had to purchase books or study guides. Little known fact, if you said, "I can't afford it," they would provide one for you.
My new congregation spares the embarrassment. They hand out the resources to those attending the class without requiring repayment.

@timamor I remember once thinking, "Lord, I will die for you."
And He asked,"But will you LIVE for me?"
That is much, much harder. Sin is waiting for us, trying to steal our minds from God, to break that connection. The enemy, by striving to separate us from the Father, tricks us into believing:
1. That we are worthless
2. "This isn't so bad..."
3. "That guy needs to be hurt."
4. "One drink would be all right."
5. <Insert temptation here >
Once the enemy has succeeded at drawing our attention, he needs do no more. We are paying attention to our own flesh, not the Spirit. And we spiral downward. We are no longer living for Him.
Yeah, it would be easy to be a martyr for Him. It's even harder to be His every day.