#but i love to read along in the Psalms as the days go by

[blessedarethebinarybreakers]

Every September, my friend Marc Hong, a professor at Louisville Seminary, hosts Psalmtember. He invites you to join in, too!

Think "Inktober," but in September and with a spiritual focus — and with any art form welcome, from drawing to poetry to photography and beyond. There's also no pressure to create something for every day — do as many or as few as you like.

Here's Marc's description of this artistic event:

Each year, I love to spend a month making art inspired by the Psalms. There are 30 days in September, meaning that I can evenly divide up the 150 Psalms into 5 sets of 30. So, if I do this for 5 years, I will have made art with all of the Psalms. Join me! The prompt list is in the image [as well as below the readmore]. But other words may stand out to you! Or you may try to make art that represents the wholeness of the Psalm. I encourage you to read the text of the whole Psalm each day, consider what emotions it stirs up in you, choose a medium that speaks to you, and make some art! Folks have painted, used ink, drawn with colored pencils, taken photographs, written haikus, and much more. Choose what stirs delight in you!

Tag your post with #psalmtember2023 so we can celebrate the Psalms through art together!

Marc and many others post on Facebook, but I'll be paying attention to the tag here on tumblr. If you create anything you'd like me to share on Facebook on your behalf, DM me.

PSALMTEMBER 2023 PROMPT LIST

SEPT 1 - Psalm 31 - Refuge

SEPT 2 - Psalm 32 - Waters

SEPT 3 - Psalm 33 - Breath

SEPT 4 - Psalm 34 - Radiant

SEPT 5 - Psalm 35 - Net

SEPT 6 - Psalm 36 - Mountains

SEPT 7 - Psalm 37 - Smoke

SEPT 8 - Psalm 38 - Burden

SEPT 9 - Psalm 39 - Burned

SEPT 10 - Psalm 40 - Bog

SEPT 11 - Psalm 41 - Rise

SEPT 12 - Psalm 42 - Deer

SEPT 13 - Psalm 43 - Altar

SEPT 14 - Psalm 44 - Dust

SEPT 15 - Psalm 45 - Robes

SEPT 16 - Psalm 46 - River

SEPT 17 - Psalm 47 - Throne

SEPT 18 - Psalm 48 - City

SEPT 19 - Psalm 49 - Graves

SEPT 20 - Psalm 50 - Tempest

SEPT 21 - Psalm 51 - Clean

SEPT 22 - Psalm 52 - Uproot

SEPT 23 - Psalm 53 - Bones

SEPT 24 - Psalm 54 - Upholder

SEPT 25 - Psalm 55 - Dove

SEPT 26 - Psalm 56 - Bottle

SEPT 27 - Psalm 57 - Shadow

SEPT 28 - Psalm 58 - Snail

SEPT 29 - Psalm 59 - Dogs

SEPT 30 - Psalm 60 - Cracks

#i'm sure i won't be creating art for most days #but i love to read along in the Psalms as the days go by #and to see what everyone else creates! #psalmtember #psalmtember2023 #psalms #Marc's super cool btw. one of my fave professors from seminary -- actively queer affirming & seeks to accomodate #disabilities and other lived experiences of his students

[solarisstyles]

MS.HONEY: LUNCH TIME

Pairing: Harry Styles x F!Reader Word Count: 2.3k+ Warnings: tooth rotting fluff!, mentions of periods and cramps :( Summary: It takes a village to raise a special needs child. Gemma's son is growing up and starting kindergarten in the fall. Uncle Harry is struggling with not being able to spend all day, everyday, with his nephew who he's grown quite attached to. When he accompanies Gemma and Arlo on his first day of school, he meets Ms.Honey. Harry decides Kindergarten might not be so bad after all. A/N: For the sake of the story, Gemma and Harry live in the states. I know more about the school system in America than the UK so it just made sense! This story is not meant to be a 100% depiction of what a family of this dynamic is like. Harry and Gemma Styles are very real people and are only being used for fictional purposes!

*please like and reblog to help your local fic writers*

The following week Arlo came home with two envelopes in his backpack. One with Gemma’s name on it and the other with Harry’s. Gemma opened the one with her name on it and pulled out a card. The front of it had a small bee on it and said ‘Bee-yond Thankful”. She couldn’t help but smile at the silly pun as she flipped open the card to read it, her smile grew even wider.

Gemma,

  I wanted to thank you for chaperoning the zoo trip last week! It was such a pleasure having you with us. I hope you and Arlo made plenty of memories! I know I did :)

-Ms.Honey

Immediately grabbing her phone, she hit Harry’s contact bubble to call him.

“Hello?”

“I need you to stop by my place when you have a few.”

“Why?” Harry asked, confused.

“You’ve got a card from Ms.Honey. I got one too and it was a thank you card” Gemma said in a teasing tone.

Harry chuckled, “Open it and read it to me then.”

Gemma was quick to pick up the envelope and tear it open. Pulling the card out, she began to read it silently to herself.

“Uh, Gemma?” Harry called through the phone.

“Sorry, sorry.” Gemma said, clearing her throat to read. “Harry, this was probably the most fun I’ve ever had on a zoo field trip and it was all thanks to you. You are the perfect chaperone partner anyone could ask for. You entertained the kids, and even entertained me.” a soft gasp could be heard from Gemma as he read the next part, “Since you were so forward to ask me out I would like to be forward in return. At the bottom of this card is my cell number. Call or text me whenever. Yours sweetly, Ms.Honey.”

“Holy shit.” Harry whispered while Gemma giggled manically like an excited school girl.

“I’m going to text you this number and you’re going to hang up and call her like NOW.” Gemma demanded, putting Harry on speaker to open their texts and quickly send him your contact information.

Harry’s text notification sounded in his ear quickly after Gemma sent it. “Fine, talk to you lat-” the end tone rang through his ear letting him know Gemma had hung up on him. Rolling his eyes, he opened the text and stared at your number. His psalm suddenly felt sweaty, his stomach turning with nerves. This was all becoming very real, very fast. He loved it but it also terrified him.

Quickly tapping the number before he could overthink it he held the phone up to his ear and listened to the nerve wracking sound of the dial tone.

It rang three times before you picked up, softly answering with a “Hello?”, making Harry melt into his chair. “Hey Ms.Honey. It’s Harry. I got your card.” he greeted back, picking his nail along the arm of the chair out of nervous habit.

“Oh! Hi Harry! I’m so glad you got it.” your smile could be felt through the phone and it helped ease his nerves some.

“It was very sweet. Thank you for all the kind words. I had a lot of fun with you and the kids at the zoo.” your cheeks were stained pink with blush, and so were his. This was the fun part of having a crush on somebody. Everything is so new and fun. You never know what to really expect that might knock you off your feet, or take your breath away.

“I had a lot of fun too. AJ and Sean have asked if you will come on more field trips with us.” you recalled with a tiny giggle. “They really took a liking to you. I shouldn't be shocked though considering how great you are with Arlo.” covering your mouth, you inwardly cringed hoping you didn’t say too much.

Harry was absolutely over the moon though and felt as though you really paid attention to him. It was genuine attention and not the ‘what can i get out of you’ attention like he was used to from most women. You saw HIM. Harry Styles. Not Harry Styles the world famous pop star.

“I’ll definitely be at any event your class has this year. I’ll make sure of it.” He guaranteed. “So, how was your day?” he decided to ask.

You sighed softly into the receiver of the phone, “As far as my class goes it was great. They’re so helpful! I was feeling under the weather today and they could tell. Arlo was so worried about me!” you giggled. 

Harry laughed with you. Arlo was always sensitive to those around him and never liked when somebody else was sad or sick. “I’m sorry you weren’t feeling well today. What’s wrong if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Well, this might be T-M-I but I’m on my period and the cramps have been horrible.” scrunching your nose in distaste at the mention of it. The heating pad that laid on your stomach helped relieve the pain some but not completely. “This is the worst it’s been in months.”

Harry was instantly sympathetic for you. He could remember his sister crying over her cramps and even having to buy her tampons and pads. “Are you craving anything in particular? My sister would always want something chocolate.”

“Chocolate sounds amazing right now.” you groaned, longing for it. “I’ve also been craving Wendy’s. It’s not my go to but for some reason I just want to dip my chicken nuggets in a chocolate frosty right now.”

“You what?!” Harry said, surprised by the combination.

You couldn’t contain your laughter. “I know it sounds disgusting and crazy but I swear it’s delicious!” you defended.

Harry shook his head, smiling at your ridiculousness, “I’ll take your word for it.”

You smiled as well, looking down at your lap and fidgeting with the cord to the heating pad. “I should probably get ready for bed. Got to be up early to teach some kids ya know?”

Glancing at the clock on his wall, Harry didn’t realize how late it was when he called her and suddenly felt stupid for calling so late. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize that time when I called you. Go get some beauty rest.”

“Oh, it’s no problem at all. I’m glad you called. I’ll talk to you tomorrow?” you asked hopefully.

“Of course you will. Good night Honey.”

“Good night Harry.” you teasingly said in return, ending the call.

Harry sat there for a minute with a goofy grin on his face, looking up at the ceiling. He instantly knew what he was going to do tomorrow.

The next day, Harry got an early start. His first stop was the pharmacy by his house. Picking up an assortment of chocolates for you and a new heating pad that you could use at school. His next stop was a little later in the morning to Wendy’s. Getting you the nuggets and chocolate frosty you were craving. 

At the school you were gathering your students together to take to the cafeteria for lunch. In a single file line they followed you with their lunch boxes in hand or to just join the line to get a hot lunch. Today was pizza day for those who didn’t pack a lunch. After dropping them off, you walked back to your classroom and to your surprise Harry was standing there in front of Arlo’s desk that was now covered in bags. “Well what a lovely surprise! To what do I owe such a pleasure?” you asked with a bright smile.

Harry returned the smile back to you. He couldn’t believe his luck to show up and surprise you. “Nothing m’lady. Just wanted to have lunch with you. I might have gotten you a few presents as well.” he shrugged nonchalantly.

Placing your hand softly over your heart you approached the desk with your bottom lip pouted out. You admired the bags of goodies before looking back up to him “Harry you shouldn’t have.”

“I wanted to.” he insisted, holding out the first bag to you.

Taking the bag from his grasp, you opened it and pulled out the box that held the heating pad, giggling when you realized what it was.

“I figured you should have one at school and at home. That way the pain won’t be so bad while you’re at work.” he shrugged.

“That’s so thoughtful of you. Thank you!” you said, setting it to the side and looking to see what else was in the bag. “Oh my gosh that’s so much chocolate!” you laughed. “I’m set for a couple months now!”

Looking up from the bag, he was now holding out a Wendy’s bag and a cup. 

“It’s the nuggets and frosty you told me about last night,” he explained.

Doing a little happy dance you took the bag and cup, “This totally beats the microwave dinner I was going to eat!” Setting it on the desk next to you, you then reached for Harry and pulled him into a hug. “Thank you.” you softly whispered in his ear.

Wrapping his arms around your waist he pulled you in closer, hugging you back. “A queen bee deserves to be spoiled.” he whispered back.

Giggling, you pulled away and pushed two of the desks together, “Join me.” you said, patting the desk in front of you.

“As you wish.” he bowed dramatically and brought his own lunch over, sitting in front of you.

“So, how are you feeling today?” he asked, taking a bite of his food then looking over to you.

He watched you take one of the nuggets and dramatically dip it into the frosty before taking a bite of it. Shrugging your shoulders as you chewed, you covered your mouth to be respectful. “Better than yesterday. That heating pad will be my best friend after this.”

He chuckled, nodding in understanding, “I’m glad it’ll come to good use. My sister had it rough too. She probably still does. I haven’t really talked to her about it.”

“She’s lucky to have a brother like you. Your mama raised you right.” 

Your compliment made him smile shyly down at his food. “Thanks. She could definitely tell you some horror stories about growing up with me.” he chuckled. “We would give her the world though.”

“I can tell.” you softly said with a gentle smile. “Have you always been this close with Gemma?”

“Yeah. It was mainly just the two of us when we were younger. Mum worked a lot to take care of us. Dad wasn’t really around. I do have other friends now like Brad and Llyod.” he explained, taking a sip of his drink.

“Who’s Brad? I hear Arlo mention him and Llyod sometimes.” you asked, leaning on your hand that was propped on the desk by your elbow.

“He’s Llyod’s best friend. We’ve all known each other so long that we consider ourselves brothers. So Arlo knows him as Uncle Brad. Don’t let the kid fool you either…I’m the favorite uncle.” he proudly said.

You laughed, shaking your head, “I never doubted that for a moment. Arlo adores you and he’s lucky to have you.”

“I think it’s more like I’m lucky to have him. I’ve learned so much being his uncle and I continue to learn everyday. I also wouldn’t have met amazing people like you. So, yeah I’m the lucky one.” the dreamy smile on his face as he looked at you made you blush.

“You sure know how to sweet talk.” The teasing wasn’t unnoticed by him and he was happy to see that you could be playful back to him. 

“Not hard when you’re the sweetest thing I’ve ever met.”

“Oh, please don’t make me vomit!” you both laughed together.

The laughter slowly faded and you both eat silently, stealing quick looks at one another and catching the other staring each time.

Glancing at the clock, you realized you only had five minutes till you had to go get your class from the cafeteria. “Oh, shoot I should clean up and go get my kids.” you said, standing up.

Harry held his hands out, taking your own in his, “Hey, don’t worry about it. I’ll clean up and be out of here before you get back. Don’t rush.”

“Are you sure?” your apprehension had you feeling guilty for wanting to accept his offer. He’d already done so much for you and the last thing you wanted to do was take advantage of his kindness.

Softly smiling at you, he gave your hands a soft squeeze, “I’m positive. Now you can walk and go get your kids.”

Standing from the desk, he pulled you in for another hug that you didn’t hesitate to return. “Thank you for having lunch with me.” he whispered once more to you.

“Thank you for bringing me lunch and the gifts.” you whispered back. “Better watch out or they’re going to start calling you Mr.Honey.” you teased.

His giggle made you smile and when you pulled away from the hug, his cheeks were as red as ever.

Feeling bold, he leaned forward and gently kissed your forehead, “It would be an honor to be Mr.Honey next to you.”

There was no doubt that your eyes were shining like a disney princess when she saw her prince charming for the first time. Never did you dream of such words being spoken to you, or such thoughtful gifts being given to you.

“Honey?”

“Yeah…”

“Go get your kids.”

“CRAP!” you whisper yelled, turning to quickly dash to the cafeteria. “Call me later!” you said as you walked out of the room.

When you returned, the desks were moved back to normal and the desks were cleaned off, Harry nowhere to be seen. Your leftover frosty now sat on your desk next to a little sticky note that Harry had scribbled on.

Have a good day

–Mr.Honey ;)

TAG LIST: @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @justlemmeadoreyou @squirreljoe @end-of-the-earth

#ms.honey🐝 #harry styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fic #harry styles x reader #sunny writes

[meonlyred]

BG3 Epilogue spoilers. A very long post.

Found a work around for the Unique Tav mod problem I was having. The epilogue would not trigger if I took the mod out and when I would put it back in then I got a body texture error giving my Tavs a darken grid skin texture. So I didn't take screen shots just played to see what happens. But I got screen shots now baby!!

Something I love about this game is that it gives dates. The game begins the 20th of Eleasis (August) 1492. For this play through it was the 15th of Uktar (November) when I finished the game. Meaning its around mid Mirtul (May) 1493 when the party takes place. The dialogue tab does not reflect the time skip but easy enough to do the math.

So some highlights.

Bro I straight up cried at Shadowheart's conversation. She has a house she has been fixing up, her parents are both still alive. Her father has been helping her take care of her animals and rebuild her home. Her mother has good days and bad but they did make a pie together and Shadowheart actually remembers it from her childhood.

Lark is not a hugging person but Shadowheart and her were close friends and I feel this was appropriate

I love that you can find some Selûnite slippers that are clearly Shadowheart's since she is walking around bare foot and wading into the river.

A duck from Halsin! This fits in with headcanon/ttrpg campaign things I have for Lark. She has a carved lark and a carved sparrow, for her and her brother that she found in the remains of her childhood home. The duck with go along side those.

Karlach 😳 ma'am.

FINALLY Justice for Karlach! Please I need her to come home! Because THIS SHIP NEEDS TO SAIL PLEASE!!!

Confession: for our Descend into Avernus campaign I almost made a barbarian lady who was married to a smith with like five kids back at home. But my party ended up having two paladins so I thought we had enough melee tanks. So I made a divine soul sorcerer instead. And then I played BG3 and THIS! THIS IS MY SHIP!!!

I had been wondering about this. Because I kind of felt really sad for the original Tadfools at the end. Of the original six (seven if you count Tav) only Shadowheart and Gale remained to celebrate their victory that night because of the choices I made. Lae'zel left with the githyanki, Wyll and Karlach had to leave immediately to go to Avernus to save Karlach. And Astarion had to flee into the shadows and didn't show back until the reunion party. Sure there was Minsc, Jaheira, and Halsin. But for this play through it was just Lark, Gale, and Shadowheart sitting around a table in the Elfsong going "damn, so all that happened to us." I have thought a lot about the moment right after defeating the Elderbrain. As I said above we know the game starts in Eleasis and keeps track of how many days go by. How many long rests you take will determined how long the game takes place. So for me the party had the tadpoles and shared thoughts for exactly 80 days. To suddenly not, to sit a cross from someone who you shared something unique and terrifying and to now have the silence of your own thoughts. I find it very interesting and very sad that several of the party were not present to share and come to terms with that moment together.

This was actually a bit surprising to me. I was wondering what class Wyll would become after losing his Warlock powers. I had thought a Paladin might suit him. A couple of my play throughs I have even muiltclassed him as a Palock. Fighter would have been my second guess. If you do the other story you find out that his ranger pet is a wolf name Lily! (If you have Wyll as a Duke then he names his adopted daughter Lily. Which is the cutest thing.)

(My Wyllmancer play through Psalm is bugged right now. Wyll, Karlach, and she went to Avernus together and right now all the companions think I romanced Karlach instead of Wyll. 😭)

omg I can't believe Lark married a wizard just like her mother. 🙄

Those who might have been reading my posts on Lark will know she was an import from one of my ttrpg campaigns. She is very near and dear to me. I was please that the timeline of our campaign and the timeline of BG3 allowed me to bring her into the game as bit older and more mature woman than she was in our campaign.

Romancing Gale with her was wildly fitting. Lark is the daughter of a Silvermoon trained Wizard and an Wild Magic Sorcerer Uthgardt barbarain (the roman use of the word, not the class.) I won't go too deep into it but its very fitting considering the reason Lark's parents died, it feels like history is righting itself. As Wither might say, balance.

As for Lark's relationship with Gale, she could argue with him passionately about magic. She could make her displeasure in how the gods interfere with morals loud and clear. But most importantly turn him away from the gods influence. What I found really interesting is that for Lark's play through, Gale still has the orb.

Both Lark and Psalm told Gale to not apologize to Mystra and told him not to try and fish the crown out of the Chionthar. Apparently he didn't listen to Psalm. But for Lark the orb apparently has become inert. Which I approve of a lot, especially for Lark's play through. She would never tell him to try to become a god, nor would she tell him to seek Mystra's forgiveness and to become her chosen again.

Lark has Wyll philosophy when it comes to the gods. You can't really be agnostic or atheist in Faerûn. But she is as close as you can get without risking ending up in the Wall of Faithless.

Anyways, I think its very cute that Gale has become a professor. He had made a comment wishing to teach if you say he is an apple during the Dryad's newly wed game.

LMAO she leans in for a kiss and he leans away. Sir, she is a sorceress and kind of a mean one at that. She is going to turn you into a frog and put you in a jar.

I did take the friendly options with Tara because yeah... after talking to her, yeah Gale is right, they are a lot alike. Tara and Lark conspiring, yeah... yeah that is right.

I did reload to see what she said if you were mean with her and smifomsdfioms the fireballs about to be thrown.

Anyways this is far more than I expected. I thought at best we were going to get the same as DoS2, a slide show of nice art and the narrator telling us what happens. Most of the conversations with the companions were much longer than just a handful of lines. Some of them longer than base game conversations. I am kind of floored by this epiloge.

#Baldur's Gate #BG3 #BG3 spoilers #BG3 Epilogue #Lark of the Cold Wood

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Mornings and Evenings with Jesus by William Jay

Morning, April 18th

"I hate vain thoughts." – Psalm 119:113

Vain thoughts are foolish thoughts, wandering thoughts, unbelieving thoughts, worldly thoughts, self-righteous thoughts, sinful thoughts. For observe that vain thoughts here do not mean empty ones, but evil ones; as when our Saviour says, “that every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” By “idle words” he does not mean merely frivolous, silly, and trifling words, but words of moral blame, and which will serve to condemn us in the last day. By these “vain thoughts”

David means his own vain thoughts,-not the vain thoughts of others. He could not be conscious of the thoughts of others, but he could know his own. He was forbidden to judge the thoughts of others, but he was bound to examine his own. He was not employed in exploring the vineyards of others while he neglected his own; and it would be much better for us if we lived, morally, more at home, and less abroad with others. It is a fine and striking remark of one whose “private thoughts” have been long before the religious public. “For many years back,” says he, “I have had nothing to do with the faults and failings of others, for I have had too many of my own to engage my time and attention.” Now, with regard to these vain thoughts we are led to notice two things:

First, That he had vain thoughts: and who has not? There are indeed some persons who have not had a vain thought for many years; but they are to be found in heaven, where we read of “the spirits of just men made perfect,” where that which is perfect is come, and where that which is imperfect is done away. But who upon earth are free from these? who can say, “I have made my heart clean; I am free from sin”? Why, “there is not a just man upon earth that does good, and sinneth not.” Why, “in many things we offend all.” We are to pray for our daily pardon as well as for our daily bread. If we take a Christian,-not a novice, but one who has been for years in the school of experience; hear him: “Oh,” says he, “I have good objects enough to command and engross my attention, especially my God and Saviour, who is all my salvation and all my desire, my glory and my joy; the ‘chief among ten thousand, and the altogether lovely.’

‘Why should I cleave to things below, And let my God, my Saviour, go?’

I love the Lord’s day, and call ‘the Sabbath a delight, and the holy of the Lord, honourable.’ And I know that I am commanded not to walk in my own ways nor to think my own thoughts. But, alas! how will these intruders invade my golden hours! I enter my closet, and I wish to exclude the world; but, before I can shut to the door, in rushes a rabble along with them and often fills the best part of the room. I love the habitation of God’s house, and repair to the place where his honour dwelleth; but there often I find it to be what he called the temple in the days of his flesh,-‘a house of merchandise,’ or ‘a den of thieves.’ I then repaired to his table. If any thing could fix my roving heart, surely it must be my dying God before me, when Jesus Christ is evidently set forth crucified among us; and yet even there I cannot wait upon the Lord without distraction; even then I am more concerned with the ‘outward and visible sign’ than with the ‘inward and spiritual grace.’”

Secondly, Here is something else: he not only had vain thoughts, but he hated them:-“I hate vain thoughts.” This is the difference between the naturally and spiritually minded. Evil thoughts are common to both; but let us mark the distinction. The natural man loves these thoughts; he therefore encourages them: the spiritually minded man hates them. But how can a man evince that, though he has vain thoughts, he hates them? Why, he will be sure to be humbled before God; and then he will be sure to pray against them; and if these prayers be sincere and importunate, why, then he will strive against them.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

18th April >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Thursday, Third Week of Eastertide 

or

Saint Laserian (or Molaise), Bishop.

Thursday, Third Week of Eastertide 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 8:26-40 Philip baptizes a eunuch.

The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, ‘Be ready to set out at noon along the road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza, the desert road.’ So he set off on his journey. Now it happened that an Ethiopian had been on pilgrimage to Jerusalem; he was a eunuch and an officer at the court of the kandake, or queen, of Ethiopia, and was in fact her chief treasurer. He was now on his way home; and as he sat in his chariot he was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and meet that chariot.’ When Philip ran up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ ‘How can I’ he replied ‘unless I have someone to guide me?’ So he invited Philip to get in and sit by his side. Now the passage of scripture he was reading was this:

Like a sheep that is led to the slaughter-house, like a lamb that is dumb in front of its shearers, like these he never opens his mouth. He has been humiliated and has no one to defend him. Who will ever talk about his descendants, since his life on earth has been cut short!

The eunuch turned to Philip and said, ‘Tell me, is the prophet referring to himself or someone else?’ Starting, therefore, with this text of scripture Philip proceeded to explain the Good News of Jesus to him. Further along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘Look, there is some water here; is there anything to stop me being baptised?’ He ordered the chariot to stop, then Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water and Philip baptised him. But after they had come up out of the water again Philip was taken away by the Spirit of the Lord, and the eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Philip found that he had reached Azotus and continued his journey proclaiming the Good News in every town as far as Caesarea.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 65(66):8-9,16-17,20

R/ Cry out with joy to God, all the earth. or R/ Alleluia!

O peoples, bless our God, let the voice of his praise resound, of the God who gave life to our souls and kept our feet from stumbling.

R/ Cry out with joy to God, all the earth. or R/ Alleluia!

Come and hear, all who fear God. I will tell what he did for my soul: to him I cried aloud, with high praise ready on my tongue.

R/ Cry out with joy to God, all the earth. or R/ Alleluia!

Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer nor withhold his love from me.

R/ Cry out with joy to God, all the earth. or R/ Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord, who hung for us upon the tree, has risen from the tomb. Alleluia!

Or: John 6:51

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the living bread which has come down from heaven, says the Lord. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever. Alleluia!

Gospel John 6:44-51 I am the living bread which has come down from heaven.

Jesus said to the crowd:

‘No one can come to me unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets: They will all be taught by God, and to hear the teaching of the Father, and learn from it, is to come to me. Not that anybody has seen the Father, except the one who comes from God: he has seen the Father. I tell you most solemnly, everybody who believes has eternal life.

‘I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the desert and they are dead; but this is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that a man may eat it and not die. I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

--------------------------------------

Saint Laserian (or Molaise), Bishop 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 13:46-49 Since you have rejected the word of God, we must turn to the pagans.

Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly. ‘We had to proclaim the word of God to you first, but since you have rejected it, since you do not think yourselves worthy of eternal life, we must turn to the pagans. For this is what the Lord commanded us to do when he said:

I have made you a light for the nations, so that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth.’

It made the pagans very happy to hear this and they thanked the Lord for his message; all who were destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the word of the Lord spread through the whole countryside.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 88(89):2-5,21-22,25,27

R/ I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.

R/ I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your dynasty for ever and set up your throne through all ages.

R/ I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

‘I have found David my servant and with my holy oil anointed him. My hand shall always be with him and my arm shall make him strong.

R/ I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

‘My truth and my love shall be with him; by my name his might shall be exalted. He will say to me: “You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me.”’

R/ I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 23:9,10

Alleluia, alleluia! You have only one Father, and he is in heaven; you have only one Teacher, the Christ. Alleluia!

Or: Matthew 28:19,20

Alleluia, alleluia! Go, make disciples of all the nations. I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. Alleluia!

Or: Mark 1:17

Alleluia, alleluia! Follow me, says the Lord, and I will make you into fishers of men. Alleluia!

Or: Luke 4:18

Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives. Alleluia!

Or: John 10:14

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own sheep and my own know me. Alleluia!

Or: John 15:5

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty, says the Lord. Alleluia!

Or: 2 Corinthians 5:19

Alleluia, alleluia! God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled. Alleluia!

Gospel Matthew 9:35-37 The harvest is rich but the labourers are few.

Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness. And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[hecksupremechips]

Ive referenced this tale a few times but I think because it’s easter Saturday and I’m a fed up little shit this year, it’s time I tell the story of THE easter saturday

So to establish a few things to anyone who wasn’t raised as a damn catholic, easter saturday mass is kinda infamous for just being the worst. First off, it often starts later, like at 8. Secondly, it lasts forever. Normal mass will have a reading from the bible, a responsorial psalm, and then a second reading. This mass has 7 readings and yes, there is a responsorial psalm between each of them. If you’re lucky, the priest will decide to only do like 3 readings and then just move on. And the last few things about easter saturday mass is that for the part with all the readings, all the lights are out and everyone has to hold a candle. Symbolizes some shit about everyone being lost without jesus or some shit idk. And there’s a part after communion where anyone who wants to be confirmed into the catholic church can do so

Most people don’t go to easter saturday mass because really why would you, but around the time I was a teenager my family always went on saturday instead of sunday just cuz we didn’t wanna get up early and also cuz easter sunday is like the biggest day of the year and it’s crowded as absolute fuck it’s awful. And I mean, we never really had to deal with too much bullshit cuz the priest cut down the readings and often didn’t even bother playing music cuz no one wanted to be there lol. It was a pretty good deal

Enter THE easter saturday. I believe I was 17 and I still had to go to church but I was very much not having it anymore lol. And we were gonna do the usual late mass but a little special curveball came along. My sisters ex boyfriend, let’s call him Gary, decided he wanted to become catholic. Why. And when you get confirmed you need a confirmation sponsor, aka someone who’s already been confirmed, to be there with you. And he asked my sister to do it. Which is pretty weird cuz they had this complicated on again off again relationship but like, I’m pretty damn sure they weren’t dating at the time??? Why the fuck would you ask your ex girlfriend to be your fucking CONFIRMATION SPONSOR of all things that’s so bizarre lol

What’s even more bizarre is the fact that my parents decided to show up to support him. Gary was the ideal guy, good country boy, good ball player, with a good head on his shoulders. They definitely loved him more than my sister did and like still to this day talk about him all the time even though both him and my sister have moved on 😟. So fine okay this is what we’re doing, we were gonna go to stupid easter saturday mass anyways, we may as well support Gary in this catholic journey shit because we’re obsessed with him I guess. Whatever. But to make things EVEN WEIRDER, my fucking GRANDMA decides to come too. To support my sisters ex boyfriend. Because she thinks he’s the greatest guy since sliced bread and because she’s a hardcore catholic who loses her shit over new members of the church. So fucking. It’s me, my parents, and my grandma driving an hour and a half to the city to see this guy get confirmed. At least we won’t have to go to church in the morning

So we get there to this honestly very beautiful church like it’s one of those really old big city churches with massive stained glass windows and like 8 sets of pews and columns and shit. We meet up with Gary’s family, theres like 7 of them and none are catholic btw so they had no idea what to expect from this experience. Oh how I wish I could’ve saved them. We all try to sit together in one pew for some reason and it’s like very crowded and we have no room, something that was very unnecessary cuz we were literally in an almost completely empty church. Before the mass even starts, I’m getting lightheaded and sweating bullets from how cramped everything is, and cuz I was wearing "fancy clothes" aka a pink sweater and black joggers covered in lint cuz I was having an identity crisis and this was my fashion taste lol. I obviously didn’t wanna be there was just a lot of hostility towards me from everyone cuz I’m. You know. A fairy 🙊 and a bitch lol. So I feel a meltdown coming and I’m literally crying so I go to sit in this tiny pew kinda in the shadows where no one can see me. My dad joins in too so we’re just in this private spot away from the families

Then the mass finally starts. We go outside and get our candles lit in a big fire and sing a damn song and go to sit down in the pitch black church. We have the typical intro and. Then. This fucking like 25 year old altar boy gives a basic summary of the events of easter. We all know the hell out of them, we don’t need a reminder, but we get one anyway. This should’ve been like a reading that maybe lasted 2 minutes maximum. But no, no, Catholics don’t want you to have it easy and short. You came to easter saturday mass, and Buddy, you’re getting that goddamn easter saturday mass

This man. Sang, the entire summary. In that awkward chanty singing style that priests do sometimes. And it lasted, according to my watch, for 20 minutes. 20 minutes of this guy in this pitch black church with his face ominously illuminated by the candle he’s holding in his shaking hand just. Singing on the fly. The entire church is completely quiet the entire time and to make it worse he kinda just kept repeating the same point over and over he was like THIS IS THE NIIIIIGHT OHHHHH HOOOOOLYYYY NIGHT WHERE JEEEEESSUUUUUSSS DIIIEEED OHHHHHHH HE IS THE SON OF GOD, WHO IS ALSOOOOO CHRIST AND HIS NAME IS JESUUUUSSS CHRIST. I’m not even exaggerating here good god I wish I was. It was that bad. I was kinda just in that zoned out trance you enter whenever you’re at a church and you’re bored to death but at like the 10 minute mark I realized this man was STILL GOING and I just. I fucking lost it I couldn’t breathe I was very thankful the lights were out cuz I was absolutely dying. Even my dad, who’s so insanely catholic it’s creepy, started playing on his phone in the middle of it. And we had to sit there. And this was the BEGINNING, we still had god knows how long left of this thing

Finally, the altar boy stops singing and then probably went to go drown himself afterwards because how the fuck to you come back from that. The infamous readings start and ofc they do all 7 of them, why wouldn’t they. And the psalms in between were like 10 verses each and they of course sang every single one. And it was like some poor college kid who just looooves jesus so much singing and she. Couldnt sing for shit. And there was like piano and idk, a tambourine probably. I blacked out halfway through and just accepted that I was actually just gonna die in this church, I’d never ever escape. This is my life for the rest of time

And we couldn’t just leave is the thing. Not just cuz my family is so toxically devout, but cuz the one thing we were here for still had yet to happen. The fucking confirmation. How long did we have to wait before we got there? 2 and a half hours. And do you know how long it took? Less than 10 minutes. All for this stupid Gary, stupid fucking Gary who decided he just HAD to be catholic, we waited just for him. His poor family showed up for him, there were children man. Like, hyper, preschool aged children who had to sit through that. And then at 3 hours it finally ended and I just. Couldnt feel anything anymore. I looked at these people and I just wanted them all to feel the pain of a thousand deaths for making me sit through that shit. I literally suffered more than Jesus Christ

Gary, I hate you. You are nothing. You’re gonna love being catholic you stupid stupid shit stain

#the klock keeps ticking #im sure there were a lot more traumatic moments that happened but i mean i just i #i couldnt be bothered to pay attention i was experiencing death i was experiencing purgatory #i think that was when i just realized. i resent these people in my life they are worthless to me and never ever again #will i even set foot inside a catholic church unless im holding gasoline and a lighter #and i get to burn burn burn that bitch to the fucking ground along with everyone inside

[childofchrist1983]

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16:32-33 KJV

There are many times in our lives when we feel alone.

Teenagers often feel alone thinking that their parents don't understand them, they don't fit in with the popular crowd in school, or they're not sure they even like themselves. The elderly can feel alone when they have lost many of their friends; they may have lost a spouse or a child. They may have had to sell their home or had to move into a nursing home far from family. Young mothers can feel alone, unsure of their ability to cope with a newborn and without the stimulation of adult conversation. When all the children have left a home, the parents often feel alone, wondering who they are now that their parenting days are over. Retirees often have a sense of loss of their identity. When a tragedy strikes, we can even feel abandoned by God.

In this Bible passage, Jesus Christ is speaking to the Apostles fully knowing that they will abandon Him and scatter in fear, leaving Him alone. However, He is also telling them that He is not alone; the Heavenly Father is with Him and will not abandon Him. Even as He quotes Psalm 22 while He hangs on the cross at Calvary, He is stating in steadfast belief and faith that He is not alone. His Father, who has been with Him all along, is with Him even then. It is the same with us. No matter what is going on in our lives, God is with us. Even before we were born and conceived. He is a loving Father in the Kingdom of Heaven who will never leave us. I have always loved the verse in Isaiah 49 as well, in which God lets us know and reminds us that "Though a mother may forget her child, I will not abandon you."

If you are feeling alone, turn to Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ. Close your eyes as you sit in your favorite spot and picture His presence beside you as you breathe in His peace and love. Turn to Him daily through prayer and reading the Holy Bible. God did not abandon Jesus in His hour of need and He will never abandon us. And we must never abandon Him nor stop believing in Him. May we always be aware of Him and His loving presence in good times and in bad, and give Him all the thanks and praise and glory.

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His mercy and grace. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives and give us a new direction according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

May we make sure that we give our hearts and lives to God and take time to seek and praise Him and share His Truth with the world daily. May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and obedient and help us to guard our hearts in Him and His Holy Word daily. May He help us to remain faithful and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful Lord, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

[fenimores-book-nook]

day 18 // a lil' life update :)

dates written : January 16th/17th - 2024, Tuesday/Wednesday

Well! It has been quite a while since I last wrote, hasn't it? Exactly two weeks, dang. So, I thought about just doing more of a life update for this one. ;) Which will probably, basically still be about self focusing.

!! WARNING !! I will be using a lot of photos. ;)))

Well, at the start of the month I had some friend hand outs I went to. My bestie since grade school and I hung out together finally, we don't see each other too often since she's still in school; senior year of high school, which is a very busy year. Or it was for me.

One of our favorite things to do that we've done since we became friends and "hangouts" were a thing for us, is dressing up to different, fun themes! So we did that again, bringing back old memories. :,) The theme above is: Going to a 1882 French Play. Very specific, I know. But that makes it more fun.

I had two more friend hangouts after, one was with some of my "once in a while friends." Like the friends you get together with once in a while. One of my close friends is involved in those hangouts, though, which I'm very grateful for since at times I feel like I don't completely fit with the group. But she helps. :) And I'm not saying my other friends are bad, they aren't, and I do like seeing them every now and then.

Speaking of that one close friend I mentioned:

Okay, okay, let me give context. At this group hangout, it was with my closer friends, for one friend's 19th birthday. One of the games we played was called "Stir the Pot." Which is a fun game, but it can be a little iffy sometimes. You just gotta remember it's a game. But me and another friend didn't want to be too mean, so we played more mellow cards.

Now, the photo context: one friend got this card to give to someone and during their time of debating who to give it to, Zainah and I (the one in the white dress) were being incredibly silly and laughing while Zainah was trying to pour some coca-cola into a cup. So the card ended up going to both of us which was probably the core highlight of the night, because we both absolutely lost it together.

Getting into the topic of all things books-of course-I got another bookshelf! I currently have three, but one of them is a very small one, and the other one is about half the size of the one in the photo, with less shelf room. So obviously, I need more book space. AND- I got this one for free! It used to be from someone my family knew that she was going to throw out. So with the help of my brother and virtual encouragement of my sister, we spent a day fixing it up and putting it in my room! The next day I shelved books and decorated it. :)

One of the books I'm making my way through is Live by Sadie Robertson. It's a really amazing book for me to read right now, it's helping with my faith and also gives me comfort! I really like Sadie's style of writing, so I'm enjoying this one. :) I have also been doing a study in Psalm too, I read at least one chapter a day, or at least, I try to. Focusing on myself has really helped me focus on my relationship with God too. It's been a rough time in the past, but it's better now. <3

Before I get too invested in talking more about my self focusing journey, some last minute things: it has been very cold here in good ol' Kansas. We've been getting a lot of snow and when, yes, it is so pretty and I love snow, I am SO ready for spring weather. But a cool thing that I was able to do, because it was so cold, is walk on a frozen lake! (or pond, my park ranger brother would know, haha) My parents and I visited my brother at his work where he's a park ranger and my brother and I walked along the edge of the lake! It was so cool to see all the frozen things beneath me. The little feather lookin' things on top of the water are frozen leaves! Even if it was freezing and I definitely should've worn boots, it was beautiful.

The other day, my mom and I went to one of our small town coffee shops; I can't remember exactly what drink I got but it was super good. I've come to really love that place and their drinks. :) When we got back home, Mom made a pot of tea and it was just a nice cozy day. It had started to snow and became very windy on the way home, so I'm glad we left when we did. It was a good day to just chill and hang out with my mom. :) <3

Back to some *new-ish* self focusing/discovery things!

(I hope you like my very well thought out title) ;p

So, a little bit of backstory: some people might remember, if you read my posts when I first joined tumblr, I would write some things about the Aspec/AroAce* community. Those posts are not up anymore, the reason being is that I stopped identifying as AroAce. But what I didn't realize until now is the real reason why I stopped identifying as AroAce. The reason I had thought why I stopped is, that I felt like I could/did (wanted to) experience romantic or sexual attraction. So, really, I was like: I was wrong (I was sad), I want a romantic relationship (do you, though? really think about it bro). I left the label behind, not wanting anything to do with it. I wanted to feel those attractions and when I thought about how I couldn't, I would feel really sad about it. How I would end up alone (which is not a bad thing) and my friends would all leave me behind to live lives with their romantic partners (my overthinking brain was telling me these things). I felt extremely lonely. That's when society's ideas and views on the Aspec community/labels started contorting my own. I started believing society's thoughts on it and thought that I just needed to stop being sad and how to do that was to ditch the AroAce label. (which, in some cases/for some people, ditching labels helps, but for me, labels can help me understand who I am and why I feel/think the way that I do)

Little did I know that the reason why I felt so sad every time I thought about being AroAce wasn't because I'm AroAce, but because of what society says about the Aspec community. I let those false ideas and thoughts into my head when I should've been kicking them to the curb. BUT! We all learn from mistakes and honestly, I think that it wasn't a complete mistake for me to stop identifying as AroAce. Because NOW, I have a much better understanding of myself and my identity, and some of it comes from me attempting to hide who I really am back then. (I say "back then," but it was really only a couple months ago)

Of course, I'm still working through my self acceptance and self discovery, but really, me realizing that I'm Aspec-again-couldn't come at a better time! It has helped me focus more on myself as well as help me discover more about myself. :) Earlier this week I had an amazing realization that God's timing really is perfect. If I wouldn't have been thinking about my Aspec identity, I probably would be struggling more to focus on myself. So it works out great!

*Aromantic Asexual - a person does not experience, or rarely experiences romantic or sexual attraction. There are many different kinds of AroAce and countless ways on how to be AroAce, and none of them are wrong! It just depends on the person and how they identify with their own Aspec identity. (Aspec definition in photo above)

(AroAce art from pinterest) The AroAce flag are those colors, if you didn't know. ;) (though, there are many different versions of the flag)

As you might've already gathered, I used to identify as "AroAce," now, I think I prefer "Aspec." I feel like Aspec is more broad than what AroAce is, in my own opinion. Honestly? I don't know exactly where I land on the Aromantic Asexual spectrum. And that's okay! I'm actually okay with that now. I'm fine with just doing my own research at my own pace, wanting to think about my Aspec identity as much as I want to. :) I had so much trouble accepting and loving my Aspec identity before and I'm not going to let that happen again. If later down the road, I decide it isn't a label for me, then okay! IDENTITY IS FLUID! Which can be very frustrating at times, but it's a beautiful thing too. :)

And now you see why I wanted to wait until the end to talk about my self focusing things: I have a LOT to say. So, don't be surprised if I have more Aspec-focused posts coming out! The world needs more Aspec representation!! Plus, I like writing about it. ;)

One last photo of my doggo, Charlie who got a haircut the other day and my mom brought him to our shop. He approves. ;)

I hope you enjoyed my life update! And if you didn't, well, no offense, but I don't really care. I do these writings for myself because I enjoy doing them. :)

And, if you are a fellow Aspec, remember that there is a place for you in this world! It is a wonderful and beautiful thing to be a part of this community. You and how you feel are valid, no matter who you are or how you identify.

Until next time,

Thalia <3

#life update #day eighteen #focusing on me writing series #aroace #aspec #identity #luv urself :)

[carriagelamp]

A few really superb books this month and few very "meh" ones. Nothing truly appalling though so that's something. If you read nothing else though, consider reading This is How You Lose the Time War because man that book made me feel things, I knocked that one out in a day

(EDIT: I am feeling very self-satisfied, this has been sitting in my drafts for a few weeks waiting for me to stop being lazy and post it and suddenly I have the entire internet backing up my assessment that Time War kicks complete ass. Go read it if you haven't, bigolas dickolas said so)

A Psalm for the Wild-Built

After reading Legends & Lattes last month I was really craving some more “cosy fantasy”. This one is obviously scifi instead, but it came highly recommend and it was exactly what I needed. It’s a pandemic lockdown novel and you can feel it, and I mean this in a very affectionate way. Everything from the characters, the narrative, to the tone feels rather healing now that we’re three years out from the initial covid outbreak.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a look at a world, not ours but an analogy of it, that had hit its industrial climate crisis and has since come out the other side. There are multiple catalysts, but one catalyst was the sudden sentience gained by the robots that they used. Not knowing how it was done but determined to allow the robots to self-determine, they allowed the robots to retreat into nature to find themselves, and they were left with the need to completely restructure their society without robotic aid. Humans stepped away from factories and manufacturing, and managed to recreate society — smaller scale, self-sufficient, and entirely based around the idea of existing in harmony with the natural world. Most of their planet has been left to re-wild itself, and humans keep to their own areas and focus on caring for their own communities. 

The main character, Dex, is a travelling tea monk that feels a calling for something more, something different than what they’re doing. That calling leads them further into the wilderness than they have ever gone before and in doing so runs face to face with a robot who has come down from the mountains in an effort to see how humans are doing since the separation.

A Prayer For the Crown-Shy

A lovely sequel and conclusion for A Psalm for the Wild-Built. In this story, Dex and Mosscap descend from the mountains into human populated land so that Mosscap can continue its mission to learn “what humans need”. Along the way it learns how complex and varied that answer is, even for someone like Dex.

The Darkness Outside Us

I read this a little while ago but never got around to reviewing it. Honestly, I mostly found it disappointing and I couldn’t tell you why. I really enjoyed the other books I read by this author, but The Darkness Outside Us did not do it for me. I didn’t like the protagonist. I didn’t like the world it painted. I didn’t like Kodiac or the relationship it was trying to set up or how it was doing it. I don’t know, I can be picky with scifi though and I don't love amnesiac plots, so your mileage may vary, I have heard it highly recommended.

Two astronauts from opposite sides of a global cold war find themselves on an assignment together, travelling through space on a rescue mission. Ambrose wakes with no memory of the launch, and is surprised to find any sort of companion at all, never mind a surly, reclusive coworker who is determined to keep their countries’ animosity alive and well. He tries to ignore Kodiac and focus on the need to rescue his sister, but being completely alone with only an AI and a single companion on a dangerous mission makes that easier said than done.

Dear NOMAN v1

Sapphic manga with vaguely shonen adventure vibes. Don’t bother reading it, it’s mediocre at best and kinda squicky at worse. The main character is fourteen I think? And the romantic interest, a crow demon, very much is presented as an adult woman. I just can’t. The story itself isn’t very interesting either, as the girl gets recruited into a vaguely Bleach-rip-off style ghost hunting job, but the relationship is just. No. Untenable. Moving on.

Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark // Sunset of the Sabertooth

I found myself rereading this to kids and honestly they really are just excellent, fun little introductions to chapter books. No notes, still charming. Love Jack and Annie and their ability to use books to travel through time.

Doctor Who: Scratchman

EXCELLENT read. A novel spin off of a show can always be hit or miss (see the Torchwood book coming up) but this one really knocked it out of the park. Tom Baker, unsurprisingly, has a great handle on the Fourth Doctor’s character voice, and the way he wrote Sarah and Harry is completely delightful. I’ve only seen a bit of the Fourth Doctor so this is actually my first intro to Harry, and it made me fall completely in love with this dingus.

This book felt like it knew what it should be: a fun adventure — occasionally tense, often funny — that isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. It fit very naturally into the world as a good, solid, simple Doctor Who adventure. The Doctor, Sarah, and Harry are intending just to stop for a break and a picnic, but soon find themselves doing their best to protect a host of villagers against an invading force of evil, skeletal scarecrows that are attempting to infect the humans around them. A necessary plot point is understanding how phone party lines work and this delighted me more than I can say for a book published in 2019.

Torchwood: Something In The Water

Meh. In the spectrum of Torchwood novels this falls smack dab in the middle. Not atrocious but certainly not good. It had instances I really quite enjoyed, the beginning was pretty fun, and there was a lot of promise to it, but reading about a fatal and rapidly-spreading respiratory infection that requires a government response hits VERY differently post-pandemic. Maybe it would have felt more believable or enjoyable in 2008, but when you know what a global response actually does/should look like? It ends up taking a book that should have really been Owen’s time to shine and just made him look like an absolute fucking moron. It was disappointing. I would secretly love to see it rewritten because it had potential, it had so much potential. Tosh was the only character with half a brain in the whole novel, god help her.

The Sprite and the Gardener

I’ve been meaning to read this for ages, ever since I found out that original comic that circulated tumblr was being developed in a fully fledged story. And it’s so worth reading, the art is stunning. The story is sweet, and every page is just such a pleasure to look at, I can’t get over the colour palette.

Before, caring for plants was the task of sprites... but that was before humans appeared and begin to carefully and rigidly cultivate them. Now sprites have little to do... except Wisteria finds herself enamored by one young gardener who is trying so hard but continuously failing to bring life to her dead little garden.

This is How You Lose The Time War

I was skeptical about this one because, again, I’m picky about my scifi and often don’t love time travel stories (ignore all the Doctor Who…) But this was one of the best books I read this month, easily. It’s a very quick read, and it’s more poetic imagery than heavy duty scifi. It feels like a pure example of the truly romantic love letter genre blasted into the future.

If you read any book from this list, I would recommend this one. It was so delightfully different from anything else I’ve read in a while.

EDIT: to allow the much more influential voice have a say:

Doctor Who: Time Lord Fairytales

Pure fun. This book is composed of various twisted fairytales all set in the Doctor Who universe. Some involve the Doctor, others borrow species, characters, or props. I had the audiobook of this and my mother, who knows almost nothing about Doctor Who, ended up listening to it and enjoying it immensely just as scifi-flavoured fairytales. 

The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp

I’ve been meaning to read this book for years and finally got around to it. It was a really fun middle grade read! If you liked Holes this hits a similar notes in the way it weaves a number of seemingly disconnected stories and histories together into a single narrative.

In part the story is about two raccoons who take over as the Sugar Man Swamp Scouts, who have the job of listening for Intelligence and to wake the Sugar Man in case of emergency. In another part, it’s about a boy who is trying to help his mom save their little cafe on the edge of the swamp. In part it’s about a conniving businessman and his alligator-wrestling colleague attempting to profit off the swamp. In part it’s about a grandfather who loved his grandson, his swamp, and wanted nothing more than to take a picture of a woodpecker.

The Underneath

I wanted to read another book by this author after reading True Blue Scouts (and Maybe a Fox, which a few years back) but this one didn’t do it for me. It was a fine book, and a fine animal adventure, but the pacing just felt like it dragged too much to really keep me interested. I could have finished it if I’d really wanted to, but there were other things I wanted to move on to more. If you feel like a rather melancholic, somewhat mythological middle grade animal story though you’d probably quite enjoy it.

Like True Blue Scouts, The Underneath weaves together a number of different stories, including one about a mythical snake and her daughter, a hateful isolated man, an old injured dog, and a mother cat. The dog, who stepped in front of his master’s gun at the wrong moment, is now kept chained in the yard and spends most of his time hiding beneath his master’s house. He was lonely and isolated… until a mother cat joins him and ends up giving birth to her kittens. They’re now both devoted to caring for the kittens, and trying to protect them from the horrible master in the house above.

#i actually had this ready BEFORE the end of april but then work got too busy and i got too lazy to end it... so here it finally is #tbh it ended up being more topical all things considered so i can't argue #book review #book reviews #queer lit #this is how you lose the time war #doctor who #torchwood #a psalm for the wild built #a prayer for the crown shy #the true blue scouts of sugar man swamp #kathi appelt #the sprite and the gardener #something in the water #scratchman #magic tree house #manga #becky chambers #amal el mohtar #time lord fairy tales #chatter

[azsdiary]

This is an exposition of my once broken heart

[press play, then read]

This song is so beautiful I had to look up who it was inspired by. Who was worthy of it?

The last time I did that it was with “Complicated” by Nivea and I found out the man she wrote it about she divorced shortly afterwards.

In the lyrics of Complicated, Nivea sings that her friends warned her this isn’t how love is supposed to go but she ‘refuses to believe’ because she’s convinced the red flags turning green is really happening to her. She states this love was life giving her something back, like she was owed it. And then declares her love before a sad guitar solo. The song even opens with the sound of rain.

I used to cling to that song as the ultimate love song. I see it as the antithesis of ‘So into You’ - so we can use it to explore how my mind’s view of love has matured by contrasting these songs against one another.

‘Complicated’ even by the title sounds like a sad song. The long rain sound opening and entire vibe of the song is completely sad sounding. How could it have been my ultimate love song of choice?

Because that was the love I knew. Love inseparable from toxic complications, doubts of commitment and a sad love that said ‘I’ll prove them wrong these red flags actually have a perfectly good explanation. They’ll see.’

I know this post is God. This morning I just happened to see this throwback of Lauren London pregnant- with lil Wayne’s child?! I never knew that happened… then now, looking for Nivea’s muse I find out she was pregnant by Wayne at the same time as Lauren. All in the same morning. Wayne was the complication she sung of when comparing him to her muse in ‘Complicated’.

One of the biggest red flags of complicated as a song was the lack of description of the muse she was in love with. It sings of a fairytale where only the woman’s journey is described. There’s no reason given for why she loves him or even if he loves her back. It sounds like a love that takes place in the singers head. Thinking and dreaming about him in her head all day, but no stories to sing of to match.

All we know is he made her his wife. The entire rest of the song is not bout him at all. As if there was nothing to say.

Tamia sings of thoughts of him running through her head but also of the real life reflection of how he is actually worth these thoughts.

Psalms shows when you love someone there’s a lot to say about what they’ve done.

It sounds like Nivea’s in love with the feelings she gets from thinking he loves her and repeats how she loves him will do whatever he asks, Tamia sings she loves what he’s Done to her and how he makes her feel is right. But also about ‘how you speak to and hold me. And you love me.’

Tamia sings of dreams too but also that they’re together firmly in the very next sentence and is aiming for a committed love.

Tamia sings let’s stay together - a combined effort, Nivea sings I’ll never let you go as if she’s the one holding them together

Nivea sings that she has no idea what’s happening or what he’s doing and is just grateful he’s in her life. That love is magic it can’t be described. Tamia sings that she can’t explain it but she is awake and aware of what he does and sees that what he does is good.

Nivea sings she dreams about him all day. Tamia sings he’s a dream come TRUE. It moved beyond fantasy of his potential - it was real love manifested in reality.

So I thought Love was something I was owed from the same man for the pain I would go through to stick by him despite the trouble and pain he put me through, correcting and improving him along the way.

Can I expose him for a second? His thoughts are thrown up in my mind for years to come. I feel nothing but I know how poor he was now. Poor in the mind. Poor in the heart.

“I would never call my wife or gf beautiful, that’s just not how I operate.” Never apologised for leaving me up waiting for calls several times, Late into the night. Said he finally decided to stop being petty only bc he realised being petty is a woman’s thing. Said wives obey their husbands bc they know if they disobey there’ll be consequences. He was colorist. Genuinely thought his country was supreme to others of the same race. girls are replaceable. Left me in a 3y unclear talking stage, had a rumoured gf for part of the first year that I had to find out about myself when he just said she was his prom date, announced he lost his ********* since after we started talking on livestream just after I joined. Told me id get no where in life overthinking when I explained how I felt. Said women are just another h** until he’s met their family. Thinks women can never be needed (marriage), just added to a life optionally.

When I told him I described some of his behaviour to a friend who said he would use me and discard me his reply was “Even if I did that’s none of their business it’s nothing to do with them.“

I was Nivea.

2.

They Don’t Know - Jon B is the male answer to Nivea’s Complicated. A man expressing how her friends are just jealous and he is a player but he just happened to quit when he met her. It used to read love to me but it sounds more to the tune of gaslighting, now. It was the voice I listened to, to reaffirm that he would change for me. Because the man I listened on behalf of would never tell me himself.

I thought he would change because I prayed enough for it. Because God wanted him to, I thought. I just had to hold it together for a while whilst he breaks me. Not God, him. No. That’s trying to love someone but it is not Love. If you’ve seen that Bruce Almighty scene then you know you can’t change someone who chooses to remain the same willingly.

3.

& now, our happy ending.

“So into you” is the only expression of stable committed love song I know by a female voice. The rest have an air of uncertainty like full commitment is still in question. Like best part by H.E.R “won’t you give yourself to me?” As if all was not already given. Listen closer to the lyrics of your favourite love song. Is It healthy?

Tamia sings of a Stable Love that she has already and wishes to continue, that she loves and is loved in action and word. Heaven sent.

It opens with the most beautiful warm sound and carries into a slow beautiful stable melody that sounds so relaxed. Like a warm day.

And who did this worthy man turn out to be? A fine then NBA Star, man of God who stuck though his wife coming 25 years now through illness and challenges on both ends. Real Love.

Of course - a marriage built on Christ can only stand. He invented it.

I’m praying for it.

Outro: well I came here to try and write about the new in my life which I wasn’t able to express and I guess the exposition of my heart up until the present which I then stopped at instead- and still can’t write about - shows I still can’t. But I love what I wrote today. I didn’t know what was happening to me I was so confused and darkened about love but these 3 years I’ve Studied Gods word I can see that I know that He is love. And so I know so much clearer what Love is.

1 John 4:7-12 “Whoever does not know 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.”

#nivea complicated #the-dream #2000s nostalgia #black girl diary #black it girl #heartbreak #healing #black love #toxic relationship #toxic love #healthy love #y2k black girl #lauren london #khloe kardashian #Tamia #grant hill #so into you #2000s rnb #love and hip hop #lil wayne #Jon b #they don’t know #2000s aesthetic #y2k #2000s black culture #black culture #christian girl #music studies #Black culture article #toxic masculinity

[not-tryin-2-have-a-debate]

4/28/23

god i hate so much getting triggered by other people’s self harm scars it feels so rude and invasive and fucked up but i like literally notice and get almost jealous in a weird way with the craving of wanting to do it. i think jealous because mine used to heal so well and i don’t have many scars and i would always get upset and have to cover myself again so that i stayed marked as a visible reminder to myself throughout the day that i deserved punishment etc....and i think i’m worried in some way that not having many scars from it means that it actually probably wasn’t so serious and i’m over-embellishing my memories for attention even though that doesn’t make sense. and i really miss being able to like rub my hands along all my scabs to remind myself that i had that conrol i guess. i miss the feeling of that. but now i don’t really think i deserve punishment usually. it just seems like it would feel very good at least in my memory because i’ve managed not to actually just straight up cut or burn myself or whatever and do the more subtle things. the control thing i guess.

i like driving my route to school and back home and its nice to be by myself in a way where i feel in control and independent. but sometimes i start driving and get really scared and dissociate so hard that i’m watching myself drive home in little bursts or i’m jsut suddenly getting out of the car. and sometimes i can’t stop thinking about how i could just decide to go off a bridge or just not turn the wheel and go straight off the road. but i don’t actually want to they’re just intrusive thoughts and they scare me and that’s probably usually why i start dissociating.

people are talking to me much more so i feel like there’s some visible sign that i’m doing better. i read a psalm for the wild-built earlier and it was very cute and i had such a deep feeling of inner piece. i’m happy in general and i think i’m doing a good job...i’m probably just getting in a weird palce right now because everything is still realyl tiring + i’m mad at my brother because he’s there all day and still not cleaning Anything lol.

i also wish i could read books about mental illness as a subject without getting very triggered i guess. i feel like there’s a better word or there should be a different one. idk. i’m coming out of it. i’m realizing i’m happy again and that i love everyone. this was a good impulse good job go team

[dailyaudiobible]

3/1/2023 DAB Transcript

Leviticus 24:1-25:46, Mark 10:13-31, Psalm 44:9-26, Proverbs 10:20-21

Today is the 1st day of the month of March, welcome to the Daily Audio Bible. I am Brian. Here we are, brand new, shiny, sparkly month out in front of us. The 3rd month of the year. The 60th day of the year. And it is a joy and an honor to gather together today, in our little sacred space, our little oasis that we create everyday, all around the Global Campfire. Moving into this month together and continuing our journey through the Scriptures together this year. And so, new month of course, but we will pick up right where we left off. And that will lead us back into the Book of Leviticus. So, we’ve gone through a lot of the priesthood and the requirements of the priesthood and the ordination of the priesthood, and through a lot of the sacrifices and what they were and what they represent. And then we’ve gone through festivals, parties, celebrations that are built into the culture. Times to stop what you’re doing and remember who you are and where you’ve come from and where you’re going and who God is. And so, we pick up the story, Leviticus chapter 24 verse 1, through 25 verse 46 today.

Commentary:

Okay, so really, just a really beautiful scene in the Gospel of Mark today. Jesus was becoming known as a teacher, as a prophet, and some were starting to wonder if He’s the One, the anointed One, the Messiah. And so, crowds are around Jesus. We’ve been reading about this since the beginning of the year. Crowds are around Jesus but parents are bringing their children to Jesus, that He might bless them. And that is, that is really, really beautiful. I think of a picture that I seen as a kid, Jesus sitting on a rock, it’s probably a famous picture, but it was around a lot when I was a kid. Jesus sitting on a rock, holding a little child. Children sitting around Him, standing around Him and then the adults kind of back a little bit. And I remember that, that picture because it kind of went along with Jesus loves the little children all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in site. Jesus loves the little children of the world. And we see this in the Gospel of Mark today. And it’s more than that He just loves them, He loves how they are. He’s looking at them and they have not lost their innocence to pessimism and cynicism yet. It’s just that Jesus disciples, they’re not tracking at all, so they’re trying to shoo kids away so that the grownups can be fed. And it’s Jesus that like, don’t, don’t do that, run them away from here. Don’t try to shoo them away from me. Truly I tell you, I quote from Mar, truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, will never enter it. And He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on them and blessed them. We encounter this story, and this point, this sentiment, in other Gospels. And the challenge and often for us, as adults is typically to imagine what it would be like to have the trust and faith of a child. But for those of us who are parents, let’s just think about our own kids. God has given them to us. Like, they’re ours to steward on behalf of the Kind and His Kingdom. They’re put in our care. And to them, we will be the most poignant representation of what God is like, in their lives. And so, how much of our spiritual journey do we withhold from them thinking they’re just too little to understand. When reality may be that they have so much for us to learn. And so, often we find ourselves in positions where it’s like, do what I say but not what I do. When what we do is telling them and instructing them a lot more than what we say. But what we’re learning from Jesus himself is that God’s kingdom is centered around what a child has. The faith of a child is valued in God’s kingdom. And we spend so much times on ourselves, trying to get back to that place while maybe leading our children in a direction, the same way we were led. So that they have to circle back around and figure out what it looks like for them. What if we understood that we are stewarding our kids for God. And it is not a lightweight thing. Like, it is the greatest responsibility in humanity. We can be going for our job promotions, we can be going for our education, we can be going for our career or anything that we can be going for, there isn’t going to be something that is, that carries more weight than in stewarding our children for the kingdom of God and doing everything that we can because the world is set against us, we know it. Doing everything that we can to preserve that spark of wonder that exists in their hearts where anything is possible. The faith of a child. Children who have been nurtured in this way, do believe nothing is impossible. I’ve seen this play out in my own life. I’ve seen this play out in the lives of my children. I’m watching this, like I have a granddaughter and her name is Regan. And I couldn’t love her more. But watching her learn the wonder of it, because she believes he world is a good place. And she’s just a little girl but she lives from that place. And I look at her, I look at Ezekiel, our son, and I think, I mean, for me, there’s nothing that taught me more about God or myself then my children. I had flawed parents. Like, I’m flawed, like everybody’s flawed. But they did show me that, and I’ve tried to pass that because I believe what Jesus is saying here. Because I’ve been in the world long enough to know that there’s every reason to mistrust everything. And everybody has an opinion about everything and there’s a lot of tension in the world and there’s a lot of mistrust in the world. And there’s a lot of divide and conquer going on and I’ve seen this my whole life. So, I’m a cynic by nature, I’m pessimistic by nature. I don’t buy into anything without a long period of discernment. And so, is that how the kingdom of God works? Like, maybe it’s smart to be wise but within us is the spark of wonder even there because there’s a spark that connects us to God, that connects us to the infinite, that connects us to the eternal. That connects us to how it’s supposed to be. If that flame goes out, it’s hard to get it lit again. And when we participate in blowing it out in our children’s lives, through our own brokenness, then that’s, that’s a problem. That’s a problem in the kingdom. And we can say, yeah but I didn’t have, like my parents, if you knew our origin story. If you knew how lucky I felt when I finally got out of there, but that’s really actually what I am talking about. No child of God should need to escape the place that they were placed to be stewarded, unless they weren’t stewarded at all, and instead broken and abused in some sort of way. And so, that leaves a lifelong struggle toward wholeness to try to put the pieces back together again. And I’m not saying to any of us are that kind of people. I’m simply saying, what if we actually paid a little bit more attention with intentionality, to the fact that we’ve been given gifts from God to steward and they are the future of this kingdom. And maybe if we would slow-down and not just offer all of the kinds of instructions that simply make our lives easier. But if we would slow-down and get to know them, we might find that they can remind us what of what wonder and awe feels like. They can teach us what the world has tried to beat out of us. Maybe we can steward and protect them and they can teach us what it looks like to be whole. It’s worth thinking about anyway. 

Prayer:

And so, Jesus, we invite You into that since we’re thinking about it. And we invite Your Holy Spirit into it. There’s, there’s no way to talk about this and make it a blanket thing, that one size fits all. We all have very different stories, very different backgrounds, very different everything. And so, there is no person that can say, here’s how this is done, except You. Except You. And You are here and You are available. And so, come Holy Spirit, into this. Into the relationships that we have with our kids, into the postures that we have toward them and others. Into the places that are young in us and how we treat those places inside of ourselves. May we realize that You have called us Your children, the children of God for a reason. And may we reclaim what has been stolen from us, that we might feel awe and wonder at Your creation and all that is in it and all that awaits us. Come, Holy Spirit, into this, we pray. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is home, home base and it is where you can find out what’s going on around here. And the alternative is the Daily Audio Bible app, which you can download free from whatever App Store is connected to your device. And so, check it out. Check out the Community Section, this is where to get connected on social media. This is also where the Prayer Wall that we speak of lives and is always available to us. So be aware of that, you can always reach out, you can always reach back. There’s always room for all us, and we can all participate in praying for one another. And so, check that out. 

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, thank you, humbly, we wouldn’t be here around the Global Campfire if we weren’t in this together. And so, thank you. There is a link on the homepage at dailyaudiobible.com. If you’re using the app, you can press the Give button in the upper right hand corner. Or the mailing address is P.O. Box 1996 Springhill, Tennessee 37174.

And as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement you can hit the Hotline button in the app or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that’s it for today, I’m Brian, I love you and I’ll be waiting for you here, tomorrow.

Prayer and Encouragements:

Good morning this is Few from Bright Spark, Chicago. I am out on the shores of Lake Michigan near Oakwood Beach. I wanna give a shout out to the evangelists,  Renzo you specifically come to mind. I had an experience this last Tuesday, while praying for people on the streets that has never happened. My discipline is to do this many hours throughout the week but I’ve been doing for 15 years. Specifically, I want us to be praying for those who are on the streets, risking their lives for it. I heard, what I thought were fireworks, this past Tuesday the 21st and realized as the bullets started ricocheting off the street lamps around me that that was not the case or if it was it was more than just fireworks. And I processed this with mentors. And one mentor asked me to reevaluate what I’m doing when it comes to the cost and what that could mean for my family and my kids, to talk with them. So, I have done that. They’re very understanding when it comes to me pursuing what I believe is God’s call on my life. I also had another mentor mention, and just sort of volunteer that she didn’t pray for me regularly and whether or not I should have been hurt by that, I was. And so, I just have asked people to sort of recommit when it comes to just praying for me in general. But yeah, I also just want us to go after those difficult places in our neighborhoods, encourage people around the world to do that. Bring light and life there. I feel, for me personally, that safety is often an idol and an excuse not to do God’s work. But I also don’t want to be stupid. So, just pray for wisdom and guidance. Pray for my relationships. Pray for the conversations that have happened as a result of this. Be courageous …

Good morning Daily Audio Bible family. This is Candace in California. It’s February 22nd and I just need prayer for my marriage. My husband and I are having a hard time. We love each other very much but we’re seniors and it’s been a difficult time. We live in a rural part of Northern California. The storms hit us quite badly. I lost my car in the flood waters. We didn’t have power for seven days in a row and multiple other days. Trees came down, mudslides, floods like you wouldn’t believe, the roads looked like lakes. And it’s just been difficult for my husband. He’s been having a lot of health problems. He’s a bit older than I am, we’re both senior citizens. But he’s been healthy all his life and he’s having a hard time dealing with it. I have my health issues too but not quite as bad as him. We just need your prayers. We love each other, we’ve been together a while. But he’s having a very hard time. I ask for your prayers. I want to thank you, Brian and Jill and China and the entire staff at the DAB and the entire DAB family. I love you all very much and I thank you for all your prayers in the past. God willing, we will work this out. Thank you, thank you all for all you do. I love you. Cam in California. 

Hello, my DAB family. I’m calling in for a couple of our wonderful DABers. And first, Junk to Treasure, oh, I hear it, I hear you, I hear you my sister. You are so overwhelmed. And so, alright, your family, our family, our DAB family, we are lifting you up. We love you. And all the times you call in to pray for us. And so, Junk to Treasure, I’m lifting you up as you are so overwhelmed with your finances and your home and your daughter and your grandkids and health. Oh, and just the constant struggles and so I’m lifting you up and praying that you would be strengthened in the Lord, that He would guide you in every decision to guide your heart, to guide your steps in everything you do and what you need to do and what should be first. Oh, that He would give you a double blessing and help you and for your daughter and for your grandkids and your finances and all these things we lift up to the Lord. We love you so much and keeping you in prayer. And Heavenly Father, we thank You, we thank you that You hear our prayers and that we may lift each other up. And should I have time. I want to lift up another caller. You did not leave your name, but you called, well we heard your call, you called on the 14th of February, we heard it on the 21st of February. You said it’s your first time calling and your friend Christine shared the app with you, asking for prayer for your 80 year old mom. Her name is Maria. Pain in her hips to her feet. So, in Jesus name we pray for healing for Maria. Yes, in the healing name of Jesus. We thank You Heavenly Father when we give our praise to You. Amen and Amen. Thank you DABers. I love you.

Hello, blessed family. Several times women are calling in regarding the looming end of their long-term marriages. Several men are calling in regarding their sexual sins. The word tells us in the last days that men will become lovers of themselves and in the world and culture that we live in, sexual sin is dominating and destroying marriages and families. My husband and I have been married almost 34 years and the last 6 years have been a struggle, straight from the pit of hell, full of lies and infidelity. However, after a lot of prayer, counseling, Christian addiction programs and intensive celebrate recovery support groups and more, it seems my husband has finally turned a corner and is truly saved for the first time in our 35 year Christian life together. He is now a humble servant and follower of Jesus. I say this to give you hope. Men, please take responsibility for the things that hold you in bondage and get the help you need. Conquering intimacy anorexia and addiction is impossible for you to do on your own. That is why God tells us to seek Godly counsel, in addition to counseling from our church family. You need to break free from the chains and you can’t do it alone. Women, hold fast to the Lord. Keep praying. Walk in obedience to His word. Surround yourself with a group of women who will support you. The road to understanding the core trauma issues and how to deal with them is not a journey for the spiritually weak. But even if you are weak, He will strengthen you, to keep your eyes on Him during the storm. There are a multitude of times I gave up and He always gave me a glimpse of hope if I would hold on just a little bit longer. I did, and I’m so grateful. Our God never wastes a hurt. Our God never wastes a tear. Our God never ignores our cries. Our God always turns an ear to our heart and our prayers. Where else would our heart come from? God bless you all.

Hi, Daily Audio Bible, this is Beloved on the Beach and I am calling in another prayer request this week for my daughter Emma. She is 14, a ninth grader and really struggling with this move from the Boston area to Southwest Florida. She’s fought it every step of the way. Definitely see softening here and there, and opening up in some good conversations. But we go from a few fairly good days to a chunk of time of her being in her room and not as responsive and just really in a depressive state. I know that she is lonely. I know that she walked away from her walk with Jesus about a year and a half ago. She’s doing this move without him. And I’m barely standing in this move myself with Jesus. So, I can’t even imagine how dark it must be for her at times. I just ask that you come alongside our family and pray for her. Pray for her to get a fire reignited in her soul. That a fresh pouring of the Spirit will come upon her. That she’ll be open to the kids in youth group. That she will be open to our new church and that God will give her a buddy, a kindred spirit, one who loves You, Jesus. Our daughter Emma, is not like a typical girly girl and very much feels like she doesn’t fit in anywhere. And I just pray for that perfect friendship that helps draws her closer to Jesus but also fills the sadness and lonliness. Thank you. 

[bbnibini]

MEMORIA 16: Death and Poetry

The Mysterious Death of Noah Balthazar 

On MM-DD-YY, the body of the alleged mystery author, famous for writing the cult classic, “Psalms of Death'' had been found dead in his motel room. His death had caused many questions, as Balthazar had been an enigma until then. No one knew what he looked like and how old he was. The only known information about him is that he was a talent in the renowned Devildom publishing company, Quetzacoatl Inc. and had been residing indefinitely in the human world for most of his career. His death was later confirmed by his editor, who had said that the dying message left near the body was indeed something the author had written before he died…

Late Mystery Author’s Missing Body?

After autopsy confirmed the injuries in Noah Balthazar’s body wasn’t self-inflicted….

……….

….

….body mysteriously disappeared….suspect undetermined….

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Death of Noah Balthazar: A Publicity Stunt?

Devildom’s Infamous Author: Noah Balthazar Faked His Death?

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Who Killed Noah Balthazar?

>Obsidian-red eyes scanned every clipping with a tired gaze, encircling names and dates and writing them down again in a notebook.

>Alongside the clippings were several other clippings, a few books and some worn down notes

>”Psalms of Death by Noah Balthazar”, “The Tale of the Seven Lords by Christopher Peugeot”, “ and...

>"Nathan Davidson’s Collection of Poems and Fairy Tales."

>Authors that existed in different time periods, seemingly unconnected with each other, but shared some commonalities

>The contents of their works were almost prophetic. It scarily predicted a lot of current events despite being published many years ago

> Psalms of Death tells the story of a cult priest who had been betrayed by his own followers, causing him to fall into a coma. The rest of the story was told in the perspective of his adoptive son who aimed to know the truth of what happened. A lot of the events in the book had parallels to King Moloch’s indefinite slumber and Diavolo’s own efforts to rule Devildom in his absence.

>The Tale of the Seven Lords did not need any explanation. If Lucifer did not know its author personally, he would have deemed him suspicious. Or perhaps…

>The clock at his table indicated it was midnight

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"I see..."

>He grabbed the book of poems and scanned a random page

Through nights I have hidden, and days you have sought

The warmth of your company had always brought

My heart a home, and yours to love

You were kind and patient, a gift to have

>Lucifer supposed this one was more emotional than prophetic

>He turned to another page again

No one knows of the tears you shed

As happily ever after’s dream passed you by

Your voice was taken, and there is pain in your steps

You stumbled along the sand, out of breath

The piercing needles dig through your now human flesh

Hopeful of a dreamlike reunion

Yet as they remember the memories you shared 

By sunset beach, your lovely voice echoes, sung by another

You hid the dagger, and claimed your fate

Abandoned humanity, and spoiled your dreams

Of gaining a soul, of finding life’s meaning

For you had been sea foam once the sun touched the ocean

As you awoke, you are the air kissing my cheek

Doing a good deed and then another

Punished with even the thought of longing

You are love itself, without your knowing

>He writes in his notebook again

>A far-fetched theory, nothing more than circumstantial evidence

>The death of another caused a new name to be known

>They didn't even share the same genre. Yet...Lucifer felt like his theory had some merit

>He circled the words again and again as he read another passage

“Could Noah Balthazar and Nathan Davidson be the same person?”

>...and closed his notebook, deciding to end his day.

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.

Sadly, all his effort will go to waste. As each letter he scribbled in ink will be lost in time, and the names he had written, the articles that were published, will also go with it as well.

. .

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.

For that is who we are. We were never meant to be remembered.

Notes: Red is Author, Blue is Christopher Peugeot.

#psisly #hamartia series #obey me #obey me x reader #obey me fic #interactive fiction #obey me shall we date #obey me mammon #obey me mammon x reader #obey me satan #obey me satan x reader #obey me barbatos #obey me barbatos x reader #obey me lucifer #obey me lucifer x reader #obey me author #obey me author x reader #love letter #secret admirer #pls pretend i added this in the earlier batches rip

[giftofshewbread]

Prophecy Looms Large on the Horizon

: By Dave Hubley   Published on:  August 16, 2022

(There is a special message at the end of this article for those who might happen to read this and do not have Jesus in their life and are looking for peace and a way to better understand the present-day insanity and confusion.)

Having been very diligent at studying God’s Prophetic Word for the last 28 or so years, I would sometimes note that it has, by and large, been sort of “there.”

After a fashion, you could almost use that old analogy of the “elephant in the room.”

What do I mean by that?

At one time the study of eschatology involved things that progressed somewhat slowly (but not insignificantly) and, with the exception of major milestones like:

The first Advent of Jesus and related events

The rebirth of the State of Israel

Prophecy seemed to plod along with these stimulating events only occurring on occasion when they would provide a noticeable burst of energy among some who study the prophetic events.

In the last few decades, we would see advances (perceived sometimes) in the formulation of the Russia/Iran/Turkey, etc., Ezekiel 38/39 alliance. The undulating progress of these events meant that we had to be patient – but alert nonetheless.

The pulsating status of the Psalm 83 nations served as another example of patient but sober observation. Some would and have argued that this attack has already occurred in the past. I would agree. It has. The ongoing, unabated hatred of the Jews has seen to that. And that fact means I also believe it’s going to happen again. Hatred of the Jews is still quite alive and active. And dangerous to those who embrace it.

Those of us who study prophecy understand the principle of dual-fulfillment well and so are not quite ready to dismiss this event as having been fulfilled in its entirety.

After a time, things sort of “calm down,” and those of us who were undeterred by what seemed to be “lulls in the action” would continue to “watch” as the Lord Jesus told us to do.

“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).

The rest of the body of Christ, at least those who had taken note, would typically go back into their everyday life routines and essentially “tune out” prophetic developments. This is, by no means, to be taken as a derogatory attitude toward my brothers and sisters. It’s just the way things have been in the past (maybe not so much now, however).

While there is a cadre of Christian believers who ignore, or even fear, future events (and there are many of these), I believe that number is shrinking. It is becoming more and more obvious that “something is up.” World events are literally shouting from the rooftops as events are actively lining up with what the Word of God has been proclaiming for centuries. What would once have gone by “under the radar” have become daily events that are affecting every single aspect of everyday life. It now requires a conscious effort to ignore them!

The USA is not specifically (or maybe even vaguely) mentioned in prophecy. That alone is a huge red flag, especially considering that we are a leading example of godless, sin-saturated worldly “kingdoms” rife with the components of the list below, yet currently, at least, still the most powerful example of worldly “power.” That will change.

Here are a few examples:

> Technology progressing (or perhaps digressing in terms of how it is being used).

> Wars and rumors of wars.

> Nation (ethnic group) rising against nation.

> Kingdoms (political entities) rising against kingdoms.

> The love of most waxing cold, resulting in the devaluation of human life.

> The insistence that physical and biological impossibilities are nonetheless true.

> The complete lack of Truth in much of everyday life.

> Open adoption of anything and everything that is against God’s created order.

> The inexplicable adoption of lies and impossibilities by corporations that have and are still resulting in their destruction. Corporate suicide? Power madness?

> The ever-growing evidence of engineered worldwide famine on the near horizon.

> The worldwide monetary system that is staggering around like a drunken man yet hasn’t collapsed yet.

> The “climate change” sucker play.

> The lunacy of halting CO2 emissions (which plants breathe in so they can expel oxygen that animals (including humans, I might point out) need to breathe!

> Open worship/celebration of Satan and other occult practices.

> Children being exploited and cast aside like worthless obstacles or instruments of convenience. This one should inspire fear and trembling in the hearts of humans. “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones” (Luke 17:2).

This short list is by no means complete. Every single day the degradation of humankind is being purposely executed, and the lie that most people are in support of it is being portrayed as “truth.” I believe “most” people do not want these “things,” but the power is now in the hands of those who do, and they are running with it. Insanity.

I have always interpreted as prophecy this verse from Isaiah 5:20):

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

These “Woe’s” have only been waiting for the right point in history to become actively executed future prophecy, or as we might otherwise call it: history (Rev 8:13).

This human failing has “always” been around, some say, and that would be true, but I think it is accurate to say that these contradictions are now blatant and a matter of everyday conduct on a global scale. It is no longer the conduct of a few godless individuals or perhaps an errant country (think Hitler, Mao, Pol Pot, etc.), but it is the methodology the globalists are using to bring about the very conditions that will lead to the rise of the individual known as the antichrist.

The globalists have studied these past events and seen where they think they failed, so they are now executing what they believe to be the “optimized” strategy (of course, without regard to the Lord of creation).

The world is now rushing headlong toward a collision with the inerrant Word of Truth.

“We do not want another committee; we have too many already. What we want is a man of sufficient stature to hold the allegiance of all people, and to lift us out of the economic morass into which we are sinking. Send us such a man, and be he god or devil, we will receive him.” – Paul-Henri Spaak

“and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Rev 13:17).

The stage is not just being set; that would not be quite so obvious because the curtain would still be closed. Instead, the curtain has now been tossed aside, and evil confidently marches openly in the streets and institutions of the entire world!

Bible prophecy is unmistakable in its clear connection and proclamation of these events. It is no longer possible to think of its fulfillment as “in the distant future” or to make long-range life plans without regard to what is clearly advancing like a tsunami.

James wrote in his letter about making future plans: “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit” (James 4:13).

These words were penned without regard to future prophecy but with regard to failing to acknowledge that God determines the path we will take and whether we will be successful or not. Add to that the piling up of prophetic events, and indeed, prophecy looms large on the horizon.

James’ words in the present take on a more significant meaning with the passing of each day. This is no accident, as Daniel’s prophecy made clear: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase” (Daniel 12:4). Emphasis added by me.

Would that knowledge include a more timely application of seemingly unrelated statements by James as well as others of God’s authors? I don’t think we can discount that possibility. Like a fog clearing on a warm morning, things become clearer as the fog lifts and the light shines through.

I am firmly in the camp of the Pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church (the true church), and so I believe the events of the Seal, Trumpet, and Bowl judgments of Revelation will occur post-Rapture (if you disagree, then you are welcome to do so). However, that does not, in the slightest, weaken the signs of prophecy that are growing like a huge, darkening storm in immediate view of all.

If you are struggling with the darkness of these days and just want to go Home, I understand. Patience, my brothers and sisters. God will execute on time.

If you are simply not interested in or fearful of prophecy, perhaps you might keep these Words of God in mind: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).

Everyone should want a blessing from God.

If you are an unbeliever, please consider the words of the special message at the end of this article and join the family of God. Eternity is a very long time.

For anyone who may read this article and has not trusted in Jesus Christ and therefore has no hope or peace in your life:

You can have hope. You can have the peace that Jesus has promised to all who have made Him their Lord and Savior. The peace that passes understanding.

It requires that you come before God on His terms. And, what are His terms according to His Word?

Genuine repentance (turning to God instead of continuing to reject or ignore Him).

Confession of sins (that you are a sinner and acknowledge that to God).

That you understand that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

To acknowledge to God that you are unable to pay that debt.

Belief that Jesus Christ paid your death sentence for you on the cross.

To believe that Jesus is the Way, the only Way, that God has established by which humans may be saved from the consequences of their sin and rebellion.

God has made it absolutely clear that there is no one who comes before Him, under His terms, that will be refused.

No one: no race, no color, no country of origin, regardless of any previous belief system: no one.

No matter what your past sins have been, God can and WILL forgive you because He says He will.

Salvation is available to everyone without any exceptions.

If you put all your trust for salvation in Jesus, and Him only, you can follow that prayer up by simply saying, “Thank you, Father God, for hearing my prayer and saving me,” because we can trust Him to keep His Word. He always has. He always will.

John 5:24: “Truly, Truly, I say to you that he who hears My words and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed from death to life.”

There are no answers and there is no hope in the world by governments, organizations, politics, or politicians. There are only lies and deception. But you can have the Truth and the peace you seek.

The answers are in the Word of God—The Bible. If you ask God with all your heart, He will hear you. “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Pro Salvator Vigilans

#today #** #news #like #love #fashion #hashtag #sports #nature #scenery #health #covid #monkeypox #money #music #men #women #kids #diy #summer #fall #shortages #eggs #food #fuel #trump #biden #eu #un #dc

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

21st January >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sunday of the Word of God), Cycle B 

(Liturgical Colour: Green: B (2))

First Reading Jonah 3:1-5,10 The people of Nineveh renounce their evil behaviour.

The word of the Lord was addressed to Jonah: ‘Up!’ he said ‘Go to Nineveh, the great city, and preach to them as I told you to.’ Jonah set out and went to Nineveh in obedience to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was a city great beyond compare: it took three days to cross it. Jonah went on into the city, making a day’s journey. He preached in these words, ‘Only forty days more and Nineveh is going to be destroyed.’ And the people of Nineveh believed in God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least.

God saw their efforts to renounce their evil behaviour, and God relented: he did not inflict on them the disaster which he had threatened.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24(25):4-6,7b-9

R/ Lord, make me know your ways.

Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me: for you are God my saviour.

R/ Lord, make me know your ways.

Remember your mercy, Lord, and the love you have shown from of old. In your love remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord.

R/ Lord, make me know your ways.

The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, He guides the humble in the right path, He teaches his way to the poor.

R/ Lord, make me know your ways.

Second Reading 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 The world as we know it is passing away.

Brothers: our time is growing short. Those who have wives should live as though they had none, and those who mourn should live as though they had nothing to mourn for; those who are enjoying life should live as though there were nothing to laugh about; those whose life is buying things should live as though they had nothing of their own; and those who have to deal with the world should not become engrossed in it. I say this because the world as we know it is passing away.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation Mark 1:15

Alleluia, alleluia! The kingdom of God is close at hand: repent, and believe the Good News. Alleluia!

Gospel Mark 1:14-20 I will make you into fishers of men.

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’

As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[barbaramoorersm]

August 21, 2022

August 21, 2022

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 66: 18-21

God speaks of the diverse peoples the Divine One wants to bring together.

Psalm 117

The Psalmist calls for a universal outreach to the God of all nations.

Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13

The author speaks of the place of discipline in one’s life.

 Luke 13: 22-30

This Gospel is a hard because we hear Jesus saying to some, “I do not know where you are from”.

 There is a strong message of inclusion and diversity in Jesus’ words today.  He says, “And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God”.   But almost in the next breath he states that for some who knock on the Master’s door hear, “I do not know where you are from”.  Those who were not recognized began to say that they knew the master and ate and drank with him and that the master taught in their streets. But the master repeats, “I do not where you are from.”

The text tells us that Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem.  Imagine the folks he meets along the way.  Those, who in his day are respected for many reasons and thought of as “insiders”. And those that custom, religion and culture call “outsiders”.  During an encounter Jesus is asked,” Lord will only a few people be saved?” For some of us at one point in our lives, we were sure of the answer.  But Jesus’ answer must have taken their breath away. The parable of the master not opening his door probably startled many of his listeners.  How could he not know them?  They accompanied him and ate with him, supported him.

Jesus advises his listeners to go through the “narrow gate”.  I see that as a metaphor for the choices we are often called upon to make when we live out our daily Christian lives.  Taking a stand for peace, love and justice can be hard ones for many of us just as we find it hard to squeeze into small places.   It at times  takes effort to make the choices our commitments ask us to make.

The parable has the Master saying, “I do not know where you are from”.   How painful that response can be for many of us as we reconnect or try to correct a situation.  How he does know us?  My answer would be when we live, act and make decisions that reflect Jesus’ message. When we make efforts to forget ourselves and follow his example of love.  This is not always easy.

The” narrow” gate is reflected in the final statements Jesus makes in this Gospel.  “People will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south and recline at the table in the Kingdom of God”. This is a statement of profound inclusiveness that Jesus is sharing.  It is a message that our world and nation need to hear and embrace.  We all are made in God’s image and the different races, cultures, sexes and understandings of God reflect the beauty of God’s creative love.  We are “chosen” not because of who we are but by God’s creative action. I wonder if in his early years of religious study, he read the message from the Prophet Isaiah found in our first reading.  “I come to gather nations of every language; they shall come and see my glory.”

The final line the Gospel shares with us is what may happen when we refuse to enter by “the narrow gate” or place ourselves in a position of superiority.  “Some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last”.  That statement fits with the earlier one, “I do not know where you are from”.

This Gospel is a propound one and may seem difficult because it is filled with instructions that may make some of us examine our own lives and attitudes. Some may call it a hard text but you and I are invited to sit with it and ask ourselves where we fit in the text and what changes we are being invited to make in our daily lives.  “Who are the ‘first’ and ‘last’ in our lives and the lives of those in our nation and world? Why are they labeled that way, and can we change some of our opinions about them?”