In this episode, dive into the significance of Palm Sunday, exploring the meaning behind the elements of the Mass and the powerful events that unfolded nearly two thousand years ago. Along the way, thought-provoking questions will encourage you to reflect on the depth and relevance of that first Palm Sunday.
The Evolution of My Blog: Future Plans & Upgrades
I love sharing my thoughts here on WordPress, but I envision something even bigger—a thriving, community-driven platform where blogging is just one piece of the puzzle. As I build toward this goal, each upgrade will happen as resources allow, ensuring steady growth and, hopefully, the opportunity to turn this into a sustainable livelihood.
The first and probably the best change will be a custom domain from Idotz.net and hosting through DreamHost as they have Paypal payments. I would have loved to stay with WordPress.com but they don’t have Paypal as a payment option for any of their hosting plans or other website products like themes or plugins. I don’t want to dive back into credit card debt when I’m in the process of getting rid of it! This upgrade will give me more flexibility with site customization and ensure that I’m building something sustainable—without financial setbacks slowing me down.
The next update will feature me switching themes from Twenty Twenty-five to GeneratePress. This will allow me to totally customize my site to the way I want it to feel going forwards. Currently on WordPress my options are limited to what I can do as a free member, and my themes are limited as well. Having a totally customizable theme will totally change everything – even before the bigger updates that will come after this one! With GeneratePress, I’ll finally have full control over my site’s look and feel, from fine-tuning design elements to improving speed and functionality. Even before the bigger updates roll out, this shift alone will make a huge difference!
With the theme and basic hosting out of the way, I’ll start integrating my other sites into my blog by adding WooCommerce and bbPress. With plugins for both, I’ll be able to add a lot of features to the site like a shop, services, memberships, and even a donation form that WooCommerce will be able to handle the payments for via Stripe and Paypal. The forums will replace my current Discord server for a community hub and place to find my beta modpacks for Minecraft. With WooCommerce Members, only paid members will get access to certain forums and posts, just like they do currently on my Discord server. Also, I’ll be able to shut down my Fourthwall shop with a WooCommerce plugin for a site like Printify which can handle the physical merchandise for me.
The second to last update would be adding an arcade via the MyArcadePlugin for WordPress. With addons to add stuff like theme integration, contests, feeds, and notifications, it will be certain to draw in a lot of people of all ages and encourage them to return and play some more!
The last update will be moving my video content off of YouTube and to either self-hosting or Vimeo – I haven’t decided which one. Regardless, both would allow me to add video content to WordPress with plugins for each option, and for the ability to make playlists via series. This is where another exclusive feature for members would start to shine – exclusive videos and live streams just for them. Members would also get other perks like the Beta modpack testing and feedback area in the forums, exclusive merch and merch discounts, and even exclusive contests in the arcade I mentioned earlier.
These updates are just the beginning, and I’m excited to take this journey step by step. My goal is to create a thriving, community-driven platform where blogging is just one part of something much bigger. As my blog evolves, I’d love to hear what you think—what features are you most excited about? Drop a comment and let’s make this space the best it can be together!
Creative Engineering E19: Automating Andesite Alloy!
In this episode, Swag dives into the Create mod to demonstrate how to automate andesite alloy production. Along the way, he teases upcoming automation for stone and smooth stone, bridging the gap between this episode and the next. Discover essential tips and tricks to master this crucial step in unlocking the full potential of the Create mod!
Swag Plays Factorio S2 E32: Optimizing Yellow Science & The Factory!
In today’s episode, I focused on boosting yellow science production to tackle the 500 needed for logistics research. By automating processes and improving green circuit output, I made significant strides toward speeding things up. Along the way, I discovered one of my iron mining operations was depleted, so I relocated it and added more miners to ensure a steady flow of iron ore to my smelters. Come see how these improvements helped streamline my factory and how far I progressed in the logistics research today!
Why I’m Voting the Way I Am
Normally, I would choose to not write about politics here on my blog, due to the fact that I want to keep this site family-friendly and politics is one area that most people steer clear of when doing such content. However, the stakes in our country’s future are so much higher in this election that I felt I needed to explain why I’m going to vote the way I am, and maybe convince you to vote the same way!
Canada is grappling with challenges unlike any we’ve seen in this generation. Now more than ever, we need leadership with a clear vision for the future—one that defends individual rights and ensures our nation remains independent, free from undue influence by external forces.
After examining the platforms of the Conservatives, Liberals, and New Democrats, I found that none of them align with the vision I have for Canada’s future. However, the Christian Heritage Party stands out as the one party that embodies every value and priority I hold dear.
My biggest reason for supporting this party—and proudly being a member—is their unwavering commitment to being pro-family, pro-life, and pro-freedom. True to their name, they aim to build on Canada’s heritage, rooted in Judeo-Christian principles, much like other Western nations. They steadfastly protect innocent human life, from natural conception to natural death—something I know none of the leaders of the big three parties, nor the People’s Party of Canada, will do.
Another reason I’m proud to support the Christian Heritage Party in this election is their commitment to restoring the definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman—just as the true Church and the Bible teach. I firmly believe that any other view of marriage is sinful and should be repented of, so I’m grateful to have found a party that shares this conviction.
My third reason for supporting the Christian Heritage Party is their sound financial policies, which make total sense. From replacing the GST with a fair tax on purchases to introducing a Personal Income Security Account (PISA) as an alternative to CPP, and enforcing mandatory balanced budgets—these are solid steps toward putting Canada back on the right financial track. Who wouldn’t want a nation that is economically strong and stable? The only ones who wouldn’t are those who don’t want Canada to be strong and free!
The Christian Heritage Party is committed to safeguarding Canada’s independence by withdrawing from the WHO and the Paris Climate Accord. They also prioritize ensuring our troops are well-paid and properly equipped for their peacekeeping missions. These are policies I wholeheartedly support and stand behind!
In this election, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the choice couldn’t be clearer. The Christian Heritage Party stands for the values and vision I believe will lead Canada toward a brighter future. If you share these convictions or want to learn more about their platform, I encourage you to visit their website and consider how your vote can make a difference.
Swag Plays Banished S2 E25 | Yearly Progress & Double Deals with Our First Merchant
In this episode of Swag Plays Banished, we journey through the seasons until late fall. As the year unfolds, citizens grow up and step into vital roles in the workforce, roads are built, and the much-anticipated new house inches closer to completion. But just as life seems to settle, a trader arrives with an intriguing array of goods. What deals were struck? Were they worth it? Watch to find out, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments—did we snag bargains or get swindled?
Episode 37: St. Peter
Dive into the extraordinary life of St. Peter—an apostle whose journey was forever changed by Jesus, both before and after His death and Resurrection that first Easter. Witness how an ordinary fisherman became a true ‘Fisher of Men,’ leading others to God.
My Dream of Owning a Home: A Path to Independence
Owning a home is a milestone many dream of achieving, and for me, it’s about more than just having a place to call my own. It’s about security, independence, and creating a space that truly reflects who I am. In this post, I want to share why I aspire to own a home someday and why it feels like the right path for me compared to renting or buying a condo.
Security is one of the most important reasons I want to own my own home. Having my own set of keys—and knowing no one else has access—would give me peace of mind. Although I’d have to take full responsibility for addressing issues, I believe the sense of safety and control is worth the extra effort. Unlike renting or condo living, owning a home means I don’t have to worry about others entering my space without my permission.
Another reason is maintenance and pest control. As a homeowner, I could tackle repairs and problems right away, without having to rely on a landlord. Waiting months for a mouse issue to be addressed, as I’ve experienced in the past, would be a thing of the past! Taking charge of my living environment is not just practical—it’s empowering.
Then there’s the matter of laundry convenience. While owning a home comes with water and electricity bills, it would save me from the frustrations of shared laundry facilities. No more waiting for machines or refilling laundry cards—I’d have the freedom to do laundry on my own schedule, in my own space.
Soundproofing is another appeal of homeownership. My current apartment doesn’t offer much insulation from noisy neighbors, which often disrupts my peace. With my own home, I could enjoy better soundproofing and the quiet necessary to focus on hobbies like recording videos and podcasts. It’s about reclaiming my space—and my time.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, owning a home would contribute to my financial stability and net worth. Paying a mortgage invests in my future, whereas renting only builds someone else’s wealth. Even though I don’t focus on my net worth as a number, it provides a cushion for hard times—a source of long-term security.
Owning a home is not just a practical choice; it’s a step toward independence and stability. It’s about creating a space that’s uniquely mine, where I can thrive and take pride in everything I’ve built. Thank you for taking the time to hear my thoughts—I’d love to hear any support, suggestions, or advice you have as I work toward this goal. May God bless you all!
Creative Engineering E18: Automated Stone Bricks & Supporter Stats!
In this episode, Swag first automates stone bricks and explains how the detector from Refined Storage works with the clutch to control production. He then builds a display board to show the number of subscribers, Twitch follows, and total supporters using the Create mod. Tune in to see all the fun and derps this episode has in store for you!