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bloogers-boogers · 8 days

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—Swap au— part 1?

Once upon a time there was an angel named Adam The Angel of Life: He was God’s most perfect angel whose curiosity and joy brought hope to those of heaven and was considered the pure light of what heaven was truly all about.

However hidden by the eyes of every heaven born and God’s, behind closed doors, the counsel of heaven would push higher expectations on the angel than one could ever expect the angel of life to be given.

The elders were never pleased in regard of whatever Adam did or would punish constantly for not being able to do enough. Neither did they believed he was the epitome of beauty and perfection as God would claim he was, eventually, this lead the angel to do drastic measures to prevent any judgment of his person. Modifying his appearance to a less friendlier look, almost considerably scary beyond the opposite of perfection or beauty. Adam would hide behind a mask to cover the shame and disgust of his skin. No longer feeling proud to be content of his body or face; replaced with insecurities brought from those who he considered righteous and perfect. To those he saw as his family; those who were always right and should obey their every rule.

This caused stress and sadness to the angel, covering it with a smile and feigned oblivion. No one truly understood Adam, neither did he ever felt like he belonged or welcomed in the world of the devine.

And from the dirt came Lucifer and Sera, equals in every way: the first man and the first woman. God’s most perfect creation.

The first humans to wonder the earth, and the very beginning of humanity.

What one wouldn’t expect was for the two humans to not get along and argue plenty. Both stubborn and prideful to not submit to the other. Sera wanted control over him and to follow whats ordered, Lucifer wanted freedom and refused to obey. Neither wanted to give in to their wants and kept distant.

With time Lucifer began yearning companionship, but through his solitude he embraced his talents to create and dream. Unlike Sera, Lucifer went beyond what the angels ever imagined a human to be. He’d dream and dream so much that his hands were seen like brushes building and recreating those images to perfection. He began small; a simple robe made out of wool from sheep to mimic those of an angels attire, he’d discovered a sense of ‘style’ by painting his cheeks red claiming it made him feel special, different, a unique attribute of his for distinction and personality. He’d build toys or even cook extravagant food and gifts to the angels. He’d even create a new language to confuse the above and to speak with the animals.

Lucifer’s creativity stunned the entirety of heaven.

His beauty was enhancing to one’s eyes, his voice was considered angelic, alluring to their ears and his charisma captivated everyone.

Lucifer was the epitome of perfection.

And within Adam’s curiosity he convinced Lilith the highest seraphim to allow him to venture earth. With delight he wondered through the garden of Eden, the uniqueness and new wonders left him speechless. He admired the animals that lived peacefully and harmony inside the paradise creation his father would talk wonders about; the countless of fruit and vegetables, the greenery of the planet’s nature in its entirety and the beautiful blue but changing sky. But he hasn’t yet met with the creations so he kept his expectations low as he saw every form of life as perfect. He wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to meet the humans, feeling slight fear of them rejecting him into their world.

He kept his hands away from touching it all fearing to stain its beauty. He admired the life inside Eden, wherever he’d look there was life; animals, plants, the air, inside water, even under the dirt it had little wiggling creatures living inside there.

And throughout his journey never did he feel frightened or threatened by the creatures there.

Earth had welcomed him with open arms and he never felt more warm and comfortable. As if he had belonged there too.

In one of Lucifer’s many escapes from his overly obedient but controlling wife. He found himself following his favorite path that lead to one of the most beautiful places in Eden.

But little did the first man know, that the most beautiful thing in all Eden would not be anything belonging of the garden but an angel.

Behind bushes and trees he almost stumbled to the ground when he came across a figure, his eyes landed in a very tall bird looking creature. He was beautiful. From the golden of his wings to the brightness of his halo, aura and the golden blinding eyes of his face; like two suns burning his every core.

Lucifer was beyond fascinated, he had seen angels. Plenty actually. Every one of them were unique and very divine looking.

But this one stole everything of its purity and was assembled into one; an ethereal being he had yet to discover. He was different from the other angels, the unique appearance added another touch of making him stand out from any other. Lucifer thought his face was very expressive unlike the other angels and that just made him look even more friendlier to approach.

Aside from that, the angel showed much wonder and joy to every single little thing he’d find in the garden it made Lucifer’s heart beat fast. Still hidden however he followed him watching his every move, unlike the other angels this one kept his hands away from touching anything however his gentleness and kindness embraced those around him without even trying to reach out. And, oh, did Lucifer wanted to reach out to him. The animals would nuzzle against him while walking past them looking through the depths of the garden.

Lucifer was captivated. Enchanted by whatever magic the angel held on to his every being.

Lucifer had fallen in love without realizing it.

When Lucifer mustered the courage to approach Adam, he had offered him a fruit basket as a welcome. Adam was stunned by the gift but grateful nonetheless of the first man’s kindness. The gesture of welcoming someone was foreign for Adam; but the simple gesture alone brought reassurance and a relief to an anxious soul like himself. He expressed his gratitude with a golden feather as he had noticed the first man’s eyes captive on his wings.

Adam was also speechless of the perfect creation of God. Lucifer was a being he’s never seen before, there was no denial in the exterior beauty of his form, and even as much as he didn’t look too far off from an angel the first man was a curious being like himself! Lucifer was a free spirit, he had a very unique way of thinking and abilities. For example he is far more talkative than any of the angels he’s met, very expressive, his skin was very fleshy looking but there was something in his eyes he doubted he’d ever see in angel, and that was… life. So much life in one being it made his heart pound rapidly.

Their first meeting was short for Lucifer’s displeasure. But ever since their meeting both beings couldn’t help but bring themselves from thinking about the other. Lucifer couldn’t help but to dream of a life with Adam. Adam couldn’t help but to find himself thinking how lucky Lucifer was to live in such a marvelous planet like earth.

Both dreamers wanted a sense of freedom to choose what their heart desires.

But that meant breaking rules and going against heaven.

#adamsapple #hazbin hotel adam #hazbin hotel #lucifer hazbin hotel #lucifer morningstar #guitarduck #honestly wanted to finish this one in one go but it was getting too late and im tired af 😭

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divinationsanctuary19 · 12 days

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🪐Choose a planet🪐

What are your talents?

1. 2. 3.

Welcome to my magical space, fellow readers 🌙

I enjoy reading cards, if you just need counselling I will be here, you can reach me out!🫀

Commissions are open

MY KO-FI

Are you ready? Let's go

Mercury

Ace of Swords

Mercury is often called as the messenger of gods in many mythological stories. It is the planet of expression and communication. Mercury is fond of jokes. Mercury is often resonating with green, the colour of calmness, balance and harmony. So Mercury has the capacity to calm an agitated mind. Mercury governs things like information, communication, mental processing, timing, planning, and so much more. It’s a planet of many talents. Mercury likes discuss, even if that means ruffling others' mild-mannered sensibilities in the process. Mercury has good analysing skills, good social life and humour.

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2. Neptune

The moon

Neptune gets us more in tune with subtlety, and therefore increases the artistic side of one’s personality. Neptune rules all visual communication, whether with symbols or gestures, such as photography, film, ballet and other dance arts, music, painting and poetry. Neptune wants to escape mundane, everyday reality and to enter a more ideal, heavenly state. It urges us to excel and to exceed boundaries, to reject any and all limitations. It is considered a planet of inspiration, dreams, and psychic receptivity. Neptune can see past what is considered real, dreams, illusion, abstract thought and the mysterious are all governed by Neptune helps you know what your gut is telling you. Neptune describes the cosmic relationship of the native with the universe.

It is all about the invisible world, which makes our connection with aura, supernatural energies, and occult science that are beyond our reach.

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3. Venus

The empress

Venus rules attachments to others. It rules attractiveness–both the ability to attract and attraction to others (and things). Venus energy is harmonious, and this is why people with Venus prominent in their charts are often peace-makers. In Venus, we find a need to be appreciated and to appreciate. Venus rules, amongst other things, the arts, love and romance, beauty and the beautifying process, money, entertainment, leisure, sensuality, and comfort. This planet concerns itself with love, romance and harmony in our emotional attachments, marriages, friendships and other unions.

Venus represents the impulse towards harmony and beauty of all kinds. Venus is alluring, magnetic and receptive. This is one planet that is never aggressive.

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Credit for the pictures: Coocorina on Pinterest

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fayes-fics · 2 months

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When The World Is Free: Chapter 14 - Un Coin Tout Bleu

MASTERPOST PREV | NEXT

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, WW2 AU.

Warnings: None really... angst, make-ups, misunderstandings, confessions and a proposal.

Word Count: 1.9k

Author’s Note: Multi-chapter fic based on a request by the lovely @amillcitygirl. Please see the masterpost for a synopsis of this story. This is the penultimate chapter, so everyone is starting to make peace. There is one more chapter that will have explicit content and an epilogue to go. Thanks as always to @colettebronte for beta reading. Enjoy!

Aubrey Hall, UK, October 1939

Instinct has you up on your feet and chasing after, rounding into each room you pass, but you cannot find either of them. Your stride is definitely no match for Benedict’s; he is likely already far away.

When you stumble up the stairs, you collide with Violet. She is taken aback at first but then sees your apparent distress and has you in a hug before you know what is happening.

“Whatever is it, my dear?” she soothes into your hair.

“Eloise found Benedict and I asleep in an embrace and ran away in horror,” you stutter. “And then I let slip to Benedict you think he loves me, and then he ran. Oh god!! I have messed things up so horribly,” you lament.

Her motherly concern has you clinging to her, the sting of your mother’s recent rejection still a whiplash to your heart.

“Let us find my wilful daughter; she is likely just in shock, that is all.” she counsels calmly. “And then we will deal with your errant husband.”

Looping your arm with hers, Violet leads you to a few places where she knows Elose skulks when she wants to escape the world. You both eventually find her in the attic, where stacks of books and pillows are near an oval window that suggests this is often a refuge for her.

“Eloise Bridgerton, come and make amends with your friend,” is her stern greeting.

“Why should I?” Eloise sniffs, steadfastly refusing to turn around, staring out the small window at the grounds below. “She did the one thing - the ONE THING - I told her would make me disown her….” she adds bitterly, referencing the chat you had in Paris many weeks ago before Benedict arrived. “This was a choice she made.”

“Falling in love with your brother was not a choice, Eloise; it happened quite without me meaning to,” you implore, wanting her to believe it's true.

At that, her head whips around, surprise claiming her face. “Love?” she scoffs. “Please…” Looking to her mother for support in her derision, she frowns when she seems to find none. “Are you serious?”

“Yes…” you reply softly, taking a hesitant step forward, holding your palms open at your side—a conciliatory gesture. “I married Benedict to escape, yes, but even before then, I knew I felt something for him. That connection has only grown more profound since. We have spent a lot of time together in secret. I am truly sorry I, well, we, kept it from you. I was scared you would be angry and hurt. And you are. And you have every right to be.”

“It's true, Eloise,” Violet, standing a few paces behind you, pipes up. “I saw it the minute they arrived here. And I can tell you right now, your brother feels exactly the same.”

You want to believe Violet’s assertion about that, but you feel a tightness in your chest as she says it, worrying that it may not be accurate.

“You are my friend,” she whines almost petulantly.

“And I will always be your friend if you allow me,” you counter delicately. “No matter what happens with Benedict, and even I do not know now, you will always be dear to me and a part of my life.”

“What did that bloody idiot do now?” she inquires, sharp as a tack.

“After you left the room, I-I mentioned your mother thinks he loves me, and well, he ran out, you admit, hanging your head.

“That idiot…” she blusters, rolling her eyes.

“I'm very sorry if you see this as a betrayal. I wanted to keep it quiet because I love you so much as a friend. I truly never want or meant to hurt you….”

Eloise sighs, and you watch her shoulders slump. “You are just lucky I know some semblance of what you speak…” she offers wistfully, a glimmer of hope that has you inhaling sharply.

You know without asking that she is referring to Phillip, and you twist to smile at Violet briefly, who suddenly looks very invested.

“I hope you can find it within your heart to forgive me. I know it may take some time,” you allow. Hope creeps into the edges of your heart that you can reconcile with one Bridgerton, at least.

“It is just a shock that you kept it from me,” she sighs, finally admitting what upset her the most.

“I thought us terrible actors,” you giggle lightly, hoping humour will brighten your exchange.

A soft smile teases at the corner of her lips. “Are you suggesting I am not as sharp as I could be?” she jests gently.

“Heaven forfend!” you clutch your chest, feigning shock, then morphing into a smile you hope is an olive branch.

“I think perhaps you saw what you wanted or rather didn't want to see, daughter dearest,” Violet interjects mildly. “Because I can confirm they are both utterly terrible actors,” she chuckles.

You bite your lip and hang your head in an act of contrition that seems to amuse Eloise greatly. Her hesitant huff of humour is the best noise you could possibly hear.

“Friends?” you query tentatively, hopeful.

“Friends,” she pouts, crossing her arms. “But there is still much to make up…” she adds.

“Understood.”

With this fragile peace brokered, Violet links her arm in Eloise’s and yours, leading you both back down into the house with a declaration that tea, the ultimate British elixir, is needed.

—

Ten minutes later, you are gathered in the small glass conservatory, partaking in said refreshments. Other Bridgerton children—Colin, Francesa, and Gregory—likely drawn by the biscuit smell have also materialised. The gathering is a peaceful balm to a dramatic day. A large part of you still aches that Benedict fled, but you try to force it from your mind and concentrate on the fact that Eloise may be willing to forgive… with time.

Just as you stand to refill your teacup, however, the calm is shattered. Benedict charges into the room, flustered and breathless. He drops an envelope he is holding onto a side table and marches right up to you, stride purpose-filled, completely ignoring the rest of his family.

“There you are! I have been looking all over for you!” Relief palpable in his tone but still agitated and animated, grabbing your forearms. “Where on earth did you go?”

You splutter indignantly. “Where did I go?! Me? I think the more pertinent question is… where did you go?! You ran out of the room so fast!”

“I asked you to wait a moment,” he frowns.

“No, you didn't!” you state forthrightly.

He seems to falter, relinquishing his grip on your arms. “I… I didn't?”

“No…”

A look of doubt, then confusion, then finally understanding ripples over his face. “Oh…So you thought I… Oh…”

“Yes,” you reply quietly so the others gathered, who seem very invested now in your exchange, cannot hear. “I thought you walked out because of what I divulged.” Not wanting to go into detail with an audience.

“No! No!” he asserts candidly. “Nothing could be further from the truth!” His eyes soften as he realises what happened, looking genuinely contrite. “I am so sorry. I must’ve forgotten to say it out loud in my excitement.”

“Excitement!?” you are baffled. “You looked terrified!”

He grabs your hands this time, holding them in his, a look of earnest sincerity claiming his handsome features. “Yes, I was nervous and shocked that my mother knew and told you,” briefly glancing towards her over your shoulder. “But it spurred me to finally be brave enough to show you something. Something very important that I need your opinion on”

He lets go of your hands to grab the envelope from the table. With a nervous mien, he opens it and hands you a pile of photos. They are of an idyllic-looking country home surrounded by a pretty garden and countryside beyond. It looks so beautiful and instantly captures your imagination. For some strange reason, it already feels familiar to you.

“What do you think?” Benedict seems super nervous, shuffling his weight between his feet, apparently anxious for your answer.

“It's very pretty,” you opine neutrally, primarily confused. “I'm not sure why you are showing me, though?”

“I… I wanted to know if it was somewhere you could see yourself living?” he asks enigmatically with a small smile.

“Why?” you frown, unwilling to confess the truth - that you would live there in a heartbeat. It looks like the house you dreamed you would live in one day.

He takes a deep breath, seeming to steel himself. “Because… I would like to buy it. For you. Well, for us.”

There is no other word for it - you are floored. A loud buzzing sound is behind your ears, your knees feel oddly weak, and there is a tingle in your fingertips.

“For us?” you stutter, disbelieving.

You could hear a pin drop in the room. You can’t see them, but you know his family behind you likely have gaping mouths, especially Eloise.

“Yes, to live in. Together,” Benedict answers, that crooked smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “And if you are willing to live with me, well, then I also have another question for you…”

Your lungs feel afire, and your brain is short-circuiting—almost unable to surmount the shock. Entirely confounded as your heart pounds hard in your ribcage.

“A-A-And if I am, what is your other question?” you ask breathlessly.

You gasp as he falls to one knee before you, and you hear a collective ripple of shock behind you as he produces a little velvet box from his pocket.

“I wanted you to wait so I could also go and get this,” he explains, a slight shake in his hand as he holds it open—an engagement ring with sapphires and diamonds nestled within.

You can feel your eyes welling with tears as you gaze down upon him.

“Realising my mother knew the truth and accepted it was a wake-up call for me. I had to finally be brave and confess to you. We are already married, so some may think this pointless, but it is nothing less than you deserve: a proper, heartfelt, honest proposal.”

His free hand reaches and grabs yours, lacing your fingers together. It feels like the anchor you need to stay upright.

“Given the short time, it may seem reckless to others, but I do not care what anyone thinks but you. I know what my heart tells me, indeed, has told me from the moment we met—you are my home, my refuge, my present and my future. Y/n, I love you more than I ever thought possible. I would marry you a hundred times over, in whatever way you would have me. Please, please, will you be my wife?”

A sob escapes your lungs, and you fall to your knees with him, wanting to be at eye level.

“Yes, Benedict! A hundred times - yes!!!”

Your answer is rendered through watery tears as he breaks into a breathtaking grin and pulls you both to your feet. He gathers you into his arms and seals the pact with a lingering but chaste kiss. His eyes are misty, too, as your lips break apart and exchange smiles.

Behind you, his family erupts into whoops and applause as he pushes the ring onto your left finger, fitting snugly over your wedding band. You twist to see Eloise, a begrudging tear in her eye; a burden lightens in your heart as she nods towards you as if bestowing her tacit approval.

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#benedict bridgerton fanfiction #benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton fluff #benedict bridgerton angst #benedict bridgerton imagine #bridgerton fanfiction #bridgerton #bridgerton fluff #bridgerton angst #bridgerton imagine #benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict bridgerton x female reader #benedict bridgerton x you #benedict bridgerton x y/n #bridgerton x reader #bridgerton x female reader #bridgerton x you #bridgerton x y/n

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pavel-chekov-appreciator · 4 months

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I want better for Sybok.

I want a world where he got a fighting chance to do anything but become a cult leader. I’ve seen aus where he becomes a counselor and I can’t stop thinking about it.

No gods, no Sha-Ka-Ree, no cult. Just a kid who knows his history. Who researches Surak, and the world before him, and finds himself dissatisfied with present day Vulcan’s interpretations of his teachings. Unable to see the logic in following one ancient man’s words with no additional input or thought. Is this truly the best way for them to live? His mother didn't think so. He doesn't think so either.

He’s young, and he has big ideas and a lot of charisma, and a lot of inner pain from losing his mother and being suddenly told the way she was raising him was wrong. He quickly earns a reputation as a troublemaker. Indulging in blatant displays of emotionalism, just to prove his point, that he smiled and nothing bad happened, he cried and he felt better after.

He’s dissatisfied and ostracized and convinced there’s a better way to be living.

He fucks off at 18-not quite banished, but so strongly encouraged to leave that he might as well have been-and goes to a college on Earth, because the federation is a post-scarcity society so he has his basic needs met and he just wants to figure himself out, and where better to do that than a college campus, as far away from Vulcan society as possible. On his step-mother's home planet, where he knows at least a little of the culture, the language, what to expect.

He sees the school counselor a lot, and gets a lot out of their sessions. Takes some psychology courses and ends up getting really passionate about it.

Teaches himself to embrace his emotions while acknowledging that it’s very easy to be ruled by them. Utilizes aspects of traditional Vulcan control combined with the human practice of mindfulness to understand his emotions and control his strong impulse to act on them, without completely rejecting them. Knows he is choosing not to control his emotions, but he can and should control the actions he takes in response to them to avoid hurting himself or others. Knows that understanding why he feels a certain way can help him understand himself better.

Lives his best life and studies psychology to help other people find the same joy and peace he has, in whatever form that takes for them.

Then he finds out his baby bro basically told the VSA to fuck off and that dad more or less disowned him for joining Starfleet. Feels so damn proud of him for standing up the their parents like that.

Reunites with his brother after years of separation.

It’s rocky at first, but after both being disowned they’re all the family the other has left now, and they both do really care about each other.

Spock doesn’t understand Sybok’s choices, but he doesn’t need to understand them to respect them; Sybok is clearly still exercising some degree of control over himself, he even still meditates, he’s just controlling himself less, and differently, and his mind is more at peace than it’s ever been before. Sybok doesn’t really understand Spock’s continued dedication to logic either, but he respects it too, because clearly it still means something to Spock in a big way.

They make peace with each other, and their differences, and with the fact that their parents and society have rejected them. That Sybok did everything “wrong” and Spock did everything “right” and yet they both ended up in the same place; on Earth, with mom ignoring their calls, because she loved them both but she loves her husband more.

And ultimately he enrolls in Starfleet medical to become a ships counselor, because he still takes great joy in doing things he knows dad would hate, and because he wants to specialize in trauma and grief counseling and Starships need a lot of that, and because getting a new perspective on life from being around humans helped him a lot and he’s rejected a lot of philosophy that he found unhelpful but IDIC is something he still believes in; he wants to be around as many different ideas and perspectives as he can to improve himself and his practice, and Starfleet is a great way to do that.

Getting to follow his only remaining family into space is just a bonus.

#star trek #star trek tos #spock #sybok #s’chn t’gai sybok #priority one shitpost #i havent actually watched any snw yet i know some sybok stuff is explored in that but im not 100% on the details #this is mostly based on st5 and some secondhand info from a plot description of the novelization of st5

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historyslittlebish · 12 days

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Hello. I would like to ask for your permission before I submit a full request.

Do you by any chance accept King Baldwin x Male!Reader request? It might involve NSFW scenario as well.

King Baldwin IV x Male!Guard!Reader One shot NSFW: (Completed!)

a/n: Hi anon and I know I declined but I'll still do it because I feel bad for rejecting, Idk how to write NSFW so it's gonna be bad but i'll do it. I also don't know if this is a scenario you wanted but if you wanna request a different one please do! Also I apologize because I have never watched the movie and I'm not sure how accurate this is.

==========================================

Warning: fluff, handjob, occ for our king I think

It was often unheard of, two men in a romantic or sexual relationship. Many thought it was sin, it wasn't something god accepted but they can never really know the answer can they? Why would god let them feel the feelings, why would god allow it to be an option? That is something many people never ponder enough.

Something that a knight named Y/N never pondered until he met with the great king of Jerusalem, Baldwin the IV.

Y/N had been hired as a knight since Baldwin was 12 and Y/N was 15 and a freshly knighted boy. As years past, Y/N was named best soldier in the brackets of the armies. He was agile, quick, resilient, strong, and most of all, loyal.

He was the kings personal guard which he didn't mind at all. He had grown close to the king, enough to get the king to show him his sore ridden face, his scars, his 'ugliness' but to Y/N, he was anything but ugly.

Y/N saw a kind hearted boy and man growing up, intelligent, brave, and strong willed, those were the words Y/N thinks when describing the king, everyone does.

Growing up, he saw Baldwin's determination to become a great king and to overcome his deadly illness. Only one could be truly possible but Baldwin was content, despite being numb to the bone, skin lesions, and more.

Today was like any other. Baldwin had a few things to get done but after that, he could have his peace.

Y/N stood slightly behind the throne Baldwin sat on, staring at the arguing lords and counsel members. Each fighting on whose strategies are better, who's morally righteous, whatever that is available to bicker about.

Y/N heard Baldwin sigh as he raised his hand and made a sound.

Suddenly everyone looked over and quieted down.

"I will meet with Saladin, we shall negotiate peace." Baldwin shifted slightly before hearing one of the older counsel members try to inerject.

"How do we know we can trust that Muslim r-" Baldwin raised his hand once more, immediately silencing the man "He may be Muslim, but we will respect him and treat him with nobility and equality.".

Y/N's heart thumped in his chest at the kings word. The kings kindness and true compassion was incredibly admirable but also making him lust for the king.

The people of the counsel glanced between each other but bowed at the kings words before swiftly making their exit, allowing the two men to be alone and at ease.

Baldwin slowly stood from his throne and looked at Y/N.

Y/N could see the exhaustion in his eyes, his beautiful sky blue eyes. Y/N snapped himself out of his thoughts and kept up a stoic expression.

"What now, my king?" Y/N asked as Baldwin stepped towards him. The king cautiously touched the mans arm and looked deep into his eyes. "I think I require a way to relax before I retire for tonight." As he said this, Baldwin's hand tools Y/N's and slowly led it down to his pelvis area where a little tent formed under his white and gold robes.

"My king.." Y/N breathed as his hand ghosted the man's bulge.

"Make me a happy man, Y/N, I long for your touch." Baldwin's raspy voice murmured as his being was consumed with lust. Y/N doesn't know how a man of God to dare go against him in terms of lust for another male but Y/N can't say he doesn't thoroughly enjoy it.

It doesn't take too long before Y/N helps the king to his quarters and settling on the soft and silky bed.

Y/N helps the king reveal his bulge.

His cock bobbed as soon as it was released from its confines. "Y/N.." Baldwin groans as his hips slightly buck. This is one of those moments when Baldwin thanks the heavens that the feeling in his crotch is not numb or too sore ridden.

Despite the sores, Y/N didn't mind at all. his hungry eyes took in all the kings cock as he played with the tip soaked in pre-cum.

Baldwin groaned as he sat half laying down as the man continued to fiddle with his manhood. Y/N loved the sweet sounds the king was making as he felt himself nearing his peak.

The man let out a loud moan as his semen spilled into the mans hand. As the king came down his high he stared at Y/N in awe, despite him being hired and a guard, he could still love a man like him.

Slowly, Baldwin sat upright and gently grasped Y/N hand, silently hoping that he would not get infected either. Baldwin leaned over and pressed a his to the mans temples.

Y/N softly smiled as he held his beloveds hand, enjoying each others presence. Love radiating off the two.

This is a sin but it is an amazing feeling.

A/N: Hopefully this is to your liking anon! Sorry if its bad :/

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the-lesser-light · 1 month

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Letter to Ovadiah the Convert by Maimonides

Thus says Moses, the son of Rabbi Maimon, one of the exiles from Jerusalem, who lived in Spain: I received the question of the master Ovadiah, the wise and learned convert, may God reward him for his work, may a perfect reward be bestowed upon him by the God of Israel, under whose wings he has sought cover.

You ask me if you, too, are allowed to say in the blessings and prayers you offer alone or in the congregation: “Our God” and “God of our Fathers,”

“You who have sanctified us through Your command- ments,” “You who have separated us,” “You who have chosen us,” “You who have inherited us,” “You who have brought us out of the land of Egypt,” and more of this kind.

Yes, you may say all this in the prescribed order and not change it in the least. In the same way as every Jew by birth says his blessing and prayer, you, too, shall bless and pray alike, whether you are alone or pray in the congregation.

The reason for this is that Abraham our Father taught the people, opened their minds, and revealed to them the true faith and the unity of God; he rejected the idols and abolished their adoration; he brought many children under the wings of the Divine Presence; he gave them counsel and advice, and ordered his sons and the members of his household after him to keep the ways of God forever, as it is written,

“For I have known him to the end that he may com- mand his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of God, to do righteousness and justice” (Genesis 18:19).

Ever since then, whoever adopts Judaism and confess- es the unity of the Divine Name, as it is prescribed in the Torah, is counted among the disciples of Abraham our Father, peace be with him. Therefore, you shall pray, “Our God” and “God of our Fathers,” because Abraham, peace be with him, is your father.

And you shall pray, “You who have taken our fathers for Your own” for the land has been given to Abraham, as it is said, “Walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give to you” (Genesis 13:17).

There is no difference whatsoever between you and us. You shall certainly say the blessing, “Who has chosen us,” “Who has given us,” “Who have taken us for Your own,” and “Who has separated us,” for the Creator, may God be extolled, has indeed chosen you and separated you from the nations and given you the Torah.

For the Torah has been given to us and to the converts, as it is said, “One ordinance shall be both for you of the con- gregation and also for the stranger that sojourns with you, an ordinance forever in your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before Adonai” (Numbers 15:15).

Know that our fathers, when they came out of Egypt, were mostly idolaters; they had mingled with the pagans in Egypt and imitated their way of life, until the Holy One, may He be blessed, sent Moses our Teacher, the master of all prophets, who separated us from the nations and brought us under the wings of the Divine Presence, us and all converts, and gave to all of us one Law.

Do not consider your origin as inferior. While we are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, you derive from the One through whose word the world was created. As is said by Isaiah: “One shall say I am Adonai's and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob” (Isaiah 44:5). -Translation from A Maimonides Reader, edited by Isadore Twersky (1972).

#Jumblr #jewish stuff #To all the converts out there: You are no less of a Jew #Maimonides #A bit of comfort for a new convert #Such a beautiful letter

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thatsmzbitchtoyou · 1 month

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The Temptation Chapter 5

Summary: Father Barnes is devout, steadfast, and undeterred by flirtatious congregants. So why does this fallen angel tempt him so? You cannot serve two masters. Will he choose God, or his heart? A short one! Priest!Bucky x curvy!reader Warnings: eventual smut; religion (yes it's a warning); mentions of past sexual assault

Bucky was not the same after that night. He went through the motions of his priesthood jobs, but his heart was no longer in it. He was still calm and friendly, but the light in his eyes had disappeared when she walked away. It had been four weeks when Father Richards pulled him aside one day for counsel.

“Father Barnes, you have not been yourself as of late,” he started, folding his hands in front of him.

“I’m sorry, Father. I’ve just been feeling a bit…off,” Bucky hung his head in shame.

“Hm,” Father Richards tapped his fingers on his other hand. “Would this have anything to do with Miss Y/L/N in your room a few weeks back?”

Bucky’s head lifted, his eyes wide as he stared at Father Richards. “I…”

Father Richards gave him a soft smile. “Yes, I know. I was coming to talk to you about the plans for the donation from Constance Y/L/N when I saw her enter your room.”

Bucky’s lips tightened as his eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry, Father. I have no excuse for my actions. If it’s any consolation, nothing too…scandalous happened.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, at least not to me,” Richards said. Bucky gave him a wary look. “I’m going to tell you something in confidence because I feel like I can trust you. I’m sure you’ve heard rumors of some priests living more worldly lives outside of their priesthood?” Bucky nodded. “I happen to be one of them. You know how I take a few specific days off during the month and certain weekends off altogether?” Bucky blinked. “Those are the days I go home to my wife and children.”

“Your wife? Children? Plural??” Bucky scoffed. “How? You’ve…”

“Made promises? Covenants? Yes yes,” Richards waved away his concerns. “I also met a woman 27 years ago that I couldn’t live without. She’s not my wife in any legal terms, unfortunately, so I could keep this job as senior priest. But she’s my wife in every other sense of the word. And she and my boys are the lights of my life,” he smiled adoringly. “Johnny just finished college, and Ben just got married to his husband a few weeks ago. They’re working on adopting.” Bucky’s mouth was hanging open comically as he stared at Father Richards. “I understand what it means to love someone and love them so deeply that you feel like you would reject all this,” he gestured to the church around him, “for them. I almost did. And to be honest, I should have. Because it makes me a subpar and dishonest priest to my congregation, and a near absent husband and father to my family. You can’t have both. Now if you choose to stay, then I applaud you for your devotion to God and His church. If you choose to leave and live a life outside of the church, I won’t judge you and will commend your bravery. But I would caution you to be prepared for the inner death you will feel no matter what you choose. It’s up to you to decide which death you will be willing or able to overcome.”

Bucky nodded. He sat there as Father Richards waited for him. Bucky thought through his life. He’d basically been raised to be a good Catholic, being an altar boy and singing in the choirs, going to Catholic school then Seminary. He had had a choice to live a normal life or go to Seminary, and he’d chosen the church because it seemed safe and easy. His parents had been proud of him. He’d been a good student and had risen through the ranks of stewardship and learning quickly to become a priest. He hadn’t realized that the other option could have brought him joy. The church had been his life, so how could he know any different?

Then a fallen angel had stumbled into that life and disrupted everything he knew to be true. She made him question himself, the church, his knowledge of scripture and God, and showed him the joy and light found outside of it. And the one night, the few moments he’d had with her, had made him realize he’d gladly drop it all if it meant being with her.

Bucky gave Father Richards a sad smile as his epiphany shown brightly on his face. “I choose her.”

Father Richards nodded solemnly.

The next chapter is the last one!!

**picture if from Pinterest, it's A.I. so there's no "artist" or "creator"**

@wintrsoldrluvr

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes x reader #marvel #smut #priest!bucky barnes x reader #priest!bucky barnes #chapter 5 #curvy reader #bucky barnes x curvy!reader

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traumacatholic · 19 days

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Can you please pray for me im suffering too much and i am very suicidal. Thank you so so much. <3

Of course, may God bless you and have mercy on you. May He send you the comfort and strength that you need. Please also do try your best to reach out to people in your life about this, preferably a doctor if possible or look into a mental health support service that you can call or send an email to. It's always a good idea to have multiple forms of support that are aware of how you're currently feeling. And charitable mental health resources might be able to help you to engage with accessible resources and support. I know that at least here, some of them do offer workshops or free counselling and support that you can access.

I'm going to attach some prayers under the read more, hopefully some of them will be of help to you. Please also check my mental health tag, as I do share a lot of workbooks and other resources and apps that you might find beneficial to engage with. A lot of these resources are free.

Prayer against Depression: Prayer to the Mother of God

O my beloved Queen, my hope, O Mother of God, protector of orphans and protector of those who are hurt, the saviour of those who perish, and the consolation of all who are in distress: Thou seest my misery, thou seeset my sorrow and my loneliness. Help me; I am powerless. Give me strength. Thou knowest what I suffer, thou knowest my grief. Lend me thy hand, for who else can be my hope but thee, my protector and my intercessor before God? I have sinned before thee and before all people. Be thou my Mother, my consoler, my helper. Protect me and save me; chase grief away from me; chase away my lowness of heart and my despondency. Help me, O Mother of my God!

Prayer against Depression and Sorrow

O Greatly-merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and cleanse me from every sadness and disturbance and cowardice. Drive away from me every spiritual choking and demonic sorrow, that I sense in my body and my soul. For You are our Joy, and the Hope of all the ends of the earth, and those far off at sea. Be merciful to me, O Master, upon my sins. Take from me the heavy burden of sin and despair. Drive far away from me every sadness and laziness. Confirm me in Your Love, and with unassailable hope and unshakable faith in You, through the intercessions of Your Spotless Mother, and all Your Saints. Amen.

Prayer for Mental Health

O Master, Lord my God, in Whose hands is my destiny: Help me according to Thy mercy, and leave me not to perish in my transgressions, nor allow me to follow them who place desires of the flesh over those of the spirit. I am Thy creation; disdain not the work of Thy hands. Turn not away; be compassionate and humiliate me not, neither scorn me, O Lord, as I am weak. I have fled unto Thee as my Protector and God. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee. Save me for Thy mercy's sake, for I have cleaved unto Thee from my youth; let me who seeks Thee not be put to shame by being rejected by Thee for mine unclean actions, unseemly thoughts, and unprofitable remembrances. Drive away from me every filthy thing and excess of evil. For Thou alone art holy, alone mighty, and alone immortal, in all things having unexcelled might, which, through Thee, is given to all that strive against the devil and the might of his armies. For unto Thee is due all glory, honor and worship: To the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen (source)

Prayer to St. Anastasia the Greatmartyr

O holy saint Anastasia, healer and minister to captives, who did suffer greatly as a martyr while relieving the suffering of the poor and the sick, pray for us who are ill in soul and in body. Relieve us by your intercessions from the illnesses of our minds, from all evil temptation that seeks to disturb us, and from the suffering of our many afflictions. We ask these things boldly of you as you boldly approach the throne of our Lord Jesus Christ who alone is the Healer and Lover of Mankind. Amen.

Your lamb Anastasia, calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice: ‘I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering. In baptism, I was crucified so that I might reign in You, and I died so that I might live with You. Accept me as a pure sacrifice, for I have offered myself in love.’ Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.

Prayers to Saint Dymphna (These can be said individually, or you could put them all together)

I turn to you, dear virgin and martyr, confident of your power with God and of your willingness to take my cause into your hands. I praise and bless the Lord for giving you to us as patron of the nervous and emotionally disturbed. I firmly hope that through your kind intercession He will restore my lost serenity and peace of mind. May He speak to my heart and reassure me: "My peace I give you. Let not your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid." Pray for me, dear St. Dymphna, that my nervous and emotional turmoil may cease, and that I may again know serenity and personal peace. Amen.

I appeal to you in my illness, dear St. Dymphna. I would be so grateful for a total and happy recovery, for the blessed gift of health in every fiber of my being. May the Lord Jesus, who mercifully healed the sick during His earthly days, have pity on me and make me well again. Ask Him to command sickness to depart and grant me a full measure of health, that I may rejoice in giving Him glory and praise. Amen.

Glorious St. Dymphna, you are the patron of the nervous and emotionally disturbed. I am certain, however, that your charity embraces everyone. I am certain that you lend a listening ear to any prayer offered for any special need. You will, I am sure, take my problem to heart and pray for me that it may be happily settled. (Here mention your special problem or difficulty.) You will plead for me and obtain the help I need. Already I offer you my sincere and grateful thanks, so great is my confidence that God will hear and answer your prayers. Amen. St. Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us. St. Dymphna, patron of nervous and emotional illnesses, pray for us. St. Dymphna, crowned for the glory in heaven, pray for us. St. Dymphna, faithful to your covenant with Christ, pray for us. St. Dymphna, precious in the eyes of the Lord, pray for us. St. Dymphna, our helper in every need, pray for us. St. Dymphna, our friend at heave's court, pray for us.

#prayer #prayer req #prayer request #urgent prayer request #mental health

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a-queer-seminarian · 11 months

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A queer look at the sacrifice of Isaac

content warning: political & religious transphobia, family rejection.

Detail from "Abrahams Opfer" by Adi Holzer Werksverzeichnis.

Genesis 22:1-14 is one of scripture’s most disturbing stories. In it, God seems to command Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac.

Abraham exhibits an unquestioning obedience, even to this most cruel command.

If this is a test of faith, did Abraham pass?

…Or did God want Abraham to ask questions, to demand to know how such an atrocity would glorify the Divine?

After all, this is the God whose heart will be won some generations later by Jacob the god-wrestler; who will inspire psalmists to bring all their naked, honest anger and hurt and fear into their worship-songs — as in this Sunday’s Psalm 13: “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

Let’s look at God’s response once Abraham has done as commanded, taking Isaac up to the mountaintop, tying him to the altar, readying the blade — God now cries out, “STOP! Do not lay your hand on the boy! Don’t do a single thing to him!”

We find that God does not thirst for children’s blood. God does not trade human lives for blessings.

God makes it very clear here: You may not sacrifice your children on the altar of your religion.

How does this relate to the LGBTQIA+ community today?

In their sermon titled "No More Sacrifices," Kate Davoli connects Abraham's belief that God wills his son's death to the treatment of LGBT children in our own era. The rest of this post is drawn from their sermon.

Anti-LGBT preachers and politicians have been offering up our lives as sacrifice for decades now.

They convince parents that their children are doomed to hell if they turn out to be queer. The kind and holy thing to do, they say, is to try to make your child cis and straight — in spite of study after study proving that conversion therapies and lack of acceptance kill.

In spite of a God who says, “Do not lay a hand on the boy! Don’t do a single thing to him!”

If a child persists in being anything but cis and straight, the "Christian" thing to do is disown them, kick them out — sacrifice family ties to a hateful God.

They only preach the first half of the story: God’s command to sacrifice a child — and expect unquestioning obedience from parents.

Some go even further, offering up the suffering of transgender children as a sacrifice for national security:

“For the good of society … transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely… National decline is not inevitable…for a moral and religious people.” — CPAC speaker Michael Knowles, March 2023

The growing wave of anti-trans bills that deny children spirit-saving medical care, attempt to wrest them from supportive parents, and lead to depression and even suicide, is an attempt at cultural purification in the name of God.

“Come,” they are saying, “Let us take your children, your precious children, whom you love — they are already doomed to hell, so we will sacrifice them on the mountain God has shown us and it will mean prosperity for the Land; it will turn the nation back around to receive all the wealth and security God promised us.”

That, friends, is blasphemy: it’s a lie about who God is and what God wants.

God makes known throughout scripture that Their will is abundant life for all, and particularly for the most vulnerable. Anything that harms children — that leaves them feeling broken and unheard, that puts their physical or mental health at risk — is not of God.

Call to action:

What will you do to fight against the sacrifice of these little ones?

How will you ensure that our fellow Christians who counsel “sacrifice,” and who call sinful what God has declared good, are not the only Christians speaking about “what God wants”?

How can you and your faith community show up for transgender children, and the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole?

#queer bible study #queer christians #genesis 22 #sacrifice #isaac #abraham #bible study #log #summer 2022

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2treez · 6 months

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I’ve always said that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. But after reading the following, you’ll see what I just realized. 💜💜

Cheyenne

"Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me. "Can't you do anything right?"

Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle.

"I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving."

My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt.

Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts.... dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him?

Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon .. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.

Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing.

At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust.

Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue.

Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind.

But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it.

The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered in vain.

Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article..."

I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me.

I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons: too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed.

Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hip bones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. "He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly.

As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?"

"Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog."

I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said. I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch. "Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly.

Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. "You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!"

Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw...

Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.

It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at is feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad 's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne 's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.

The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life.

And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."

"I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said.

For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article... Cheyenne 's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter... his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father... and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.

Life is too short for drama or petty things, so laugh hard, love truly and forgive quickly. Live while you are alive. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance.

And if you don't send this to anyone -- no one will know. But do share this with someone. Lost time can never be found.

God answers our prayers in His time... not ours...

God doesn't give us what we can handle, He helps us handle (stands with us, and gets us thru) what we are given. In other words, God's Grace keeps Pace with what we Face!!

-----2 Corinthians 12:9

Winston is my Cheyenne….

🌳🐾🌳

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bonefall · 1 year

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Hi, with all the dotc talk I was wondering if the role Gray Wing plays in bb is now one of an unreliable narrator? Until he gets a grip, of course, but I think his defense of Clear Sky is (unfortunately) a base part of his character. Are you reduxing Gray Wing entirely or just tweaking his arc? Either way it'll be leagues better than canon. I love Gray Wing, have since I was a kid, but it requires me to ignore canon and that's not really possible when the entire series showcases him being absolutely awful with no repercussions

Gray Wing has a very similar role to canon, but BB!DOTC is an arc about recognizing and rejecting the influence of toxic family. Skystar does not have a "redemption," he goes down in history as a War God, prayed to for strength, vengeance, and taking "that which is owed."

VERY influential to the battle culture of the developing Clan society, as we will see.

So Gray Wing serves as insight to the way that Clear Sky, and what he represents, are turning the Tribe cats cruel. There's been some event shuffles; Turtle Heart dies before her mate Bumble in BB, and Tall Shadow throws her out for being unable to contribute. Gray Wing at first accepts this, until Thunder Storm returns home and accuses them of becoming a "second Clear Sky."

After this, Gray Wing begins to introspect. I want to use them as an actually wise character, to point out that being an intelligent person doesn't mean you can't be tricked or influenced, and quickly becoming Thunder Storm's counsel. Together, they navigate ThunderClan's early existence as a roving underdog, clinging to whatever territory they can manage to hold and allies they can win.

Thunder Storm was born after the "childhood days" that Gray Wing shared with Clear Sky, and serves as the angrier, more objective POV. Whatever Clear Sky had that Gray Wing loved, Thunder Storm has never been privy to it.

Etc BB!Gray Wing Things;

Pebble Heart and Owl Eyes are being combined into one character, but Gray is still the godparent of Bumble and Turtle's two kits. ("Owl Eyes" is the first Honor Title, Sparrow Heart now has her mother's last name.)

Asthma. I'm still considering how I'm going to stay tasteful about the massive amounts of ableism coming from the other groups though, so far 4 major members of Thunder Storm's group are disabled in some way (Thunder Storm is missing a hind leg, Gray Wing has asthma, Bumble is some kind of dyspraxic, Sunlit Frost has permanent nerve damage in his arm)

Gray Wing is a Meewa cat, the Clan's third gender. Xe/they/he is the English translation approximate, and a "Ba" (secondary parent) of Sparrow and Pebble.

Xe never gets a new mate. If (if.) Slate stays she isn't Gray Wing's newest reward. Gray Wing loved Bright Storm and Turtle Heart, but it was unrequited.

#better bones au #BB!DOTC

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rotgospels · 8 months

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can I ask what your thoughts on hell are? I'm drawn to Christian Universalism but Jesus definitely does seem to talk about hell so idk if the scriptural evidence is there. Sorry if this is a weird question and feel free to ignore but I'm in a weird faith spot rn and don't have anyone to discuss with irl haha

Christ does mention hell, and the Apostles Creed also tells us that he descended into it. There are issues with any interpretation on what hell is (a place?, a state of being?, etc) and what it means, but the point of the cross is that we have been saved and restored to right relationship with God already. The kingdom of God has broken through this world and pulled us kicking and screaming out of hell. Hans Urs Von Balthasar believes that when Christ descended as he did in death, that he did so in order to free those who had been punished ("And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself" - John 12:32). His theology is not universalist though. He accepts that there is a possibility that all can be saved, but there is equally a possibility that we will all be damned. Ultimately, we will never know until the time comes. What we can know however is that God desires "that none should perish," and that "all men would come to repentance" as Peter wrote. On this basis, most Church fathers reject the notion that God invented hell, which means that we did in our resistance and rejection of God's love for us.

One of my favourite quotes is from St. Silouan, who heard through divine revelation the words "keep your mind in hell and despair not." Its an idea the philosopher Gillian Rose expands upon, writing that "to live, to love, is to be failed; [but] to forgive, to have failed, to be forgiven, for ever and ever" is the counsel of despair that keeps our minds in hell. It's a sort of dark night of the soul - to embrace, or step into the darkness and absence of God's painful love, his violent grace (As T.S. Eliot says "I said to my soul, be still, and let the dark come upon you / which shall be the darkness of God.") Hell is a choice. But it is never a choice that should cause us to desperately and forcefully evangelise in order to "save" our loved ones from hellfire. That's not at all what the choice to remain in hell is; the choice to accept God's otherworldly and burning love. It's about acknowledging our chains on earth, keeping our eyes open to suffering, and allowing God be our freedom. We each make our way through the world, through hell, as Christ does, in order to arrive at resurrection.

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hopethroughscriptureministries · 4 days

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Psalm 1:1-6

Introduction

Join us today as we explore Psalm 1, focusing on the entirety of its six verses. This psalm serves as an introduction to the entire Book of Psalms and contrasts the ways of the righteous and the wicked. Through this passage, we will learn about the blessings of following God's path and the consequences of rejecting His ways.

Verse 1: The Blessed Man

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

This verse begins by describing the man who is blessed. The term "blessed" implies a state of happiness and spiritual well-being. The psalmist lists three things that the blessed man avoids:

Walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly: The righteous man does not follow the advice or influence of those who do not honor God.

Nor standeth in the way of sinners: He does not linger or associate with those who commit sins.

Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful: He does not join those who mock or scorn righteousness.

This progression from walking to standing to sitting shows increasing levels of association with sin, which the righteous man deliberately avoids.

Verse 2: Delight in the Law

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Here, we see the positive actions of the blessed man. Instead of following the ungodly, he finds joy in God's law.

Delight: The righteous person takes great pleasure and finds deep satisfaction in God's commandments.

Meditate day and night: This continuous meditation on God's Word indicates a constant and deep engagement with Scripture. It shows a lifestyle dedicated to understanding and living out God's instructions.

Verse 3: The Tree by the Water

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

The psalmist uses the metaphor of a tree to describe the stability and prosperity of the righteous man:

Tree planted by the rivers of water: This suggests a source of constant nourishment and strength.

Bringeth forth his fruit in his season: The righteous man produces good works and righteous deeds at the appropriate times.

His leaf also shall not wither: This indicates resilience and vitality; the righteous man does not fade away in times of trouble.

Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper: God blesses the efforts of the righteous man, ensuring that his endeavors are successful.

Verse 4: The Worthlessness of the Wicked

"The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away."

In contrast to the righteous, the wicked are described using the metaphor of chaff:

Not so: The wicked do not enjoy the stability and prosperity of the righteous.

Like the chaff: Chaff is the worthless part of the grain that is blown away by the wind. This imagery highlights the instability, lack of substance, and ultimate worthlessness of the lives of the wicked.

Verse 5: The Judgment of the Wicked

"Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous."

This verse speaks to the ultimate fate of the wicked:

Shall not stand in the judgment: The wicked will not be able to withstand God's final judgment; they will have no defense.

Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous: The wicked will be excluded from the community of the saved and blessed.

Verse 6: The Path of the Righteous vs. the Wicked

"For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."

The concluding verse emphasizes God's active role:

The LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: God watches over and guides the path of those who follow Him, ensuring their ultimate well-being.

The way of the ungodly shall perish: In contrast, the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

Conclusion

Psalm 1:1-6 presents a clear dichotomy between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous are blessed, finding delight in God's law, and are compared to a fruitful, well-watered tree. In contrast, the wicked are unstable like chaff and face inevitable judgment and destruction. Let us strive to be like the righteous man, avoiding evil influences, delighting in God's Word, and living a life that prospers under His guidance. Amen.

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thegreenleavesofspring · 9 months

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I kicked my husband out in the beginning of December '21 when he finally went from just taking a swing at me to taking a swing at the four-year-old for the crime of asking for help. Earned myself a broken nose and broken glass that day but he was finally out. Moved back in with his messed-up family.

For the year after that until December 31st 2022, he came over on the weekends to take us to the store (the car was entirely in his name and he took it with him. He also never permitted me to get a driver's license, so) and to see the boys. I told him all year that he could move back in if/when he got counseling and shaped up. He always had an excuse why he couldn't.

On December 31st he was physically abusive to me and the boys in the self-checkout corral of Walmart. Police were called. CPS got involved. As of January he is not permitted to have any contact with me and the boys at all.

This has been a massive improvement in our day to day lives (his abuse wasn't limited to only the physical.) My children are more stable, happier, and learning more effectively.

But it also left us without transportation and also he took it as permission to entirely cut us off financially. No phone, no internet, no renters insurance, no rent, nothing. All in one day. And I went from not being permitted to have a job to being solely financially responsible for the boys - I have been trying and trying to get child support but none of my filings have come to aught.

And too my severely disabled mother has needed me to take care of her as best I can a city away without transportation every single day, which is its own kind of wearing...

A very dear out-of-state friend purchased us a Walmart membership so I could order food and diapers. Another very dear out-of-state friend proposed an arrangement where I work online for her and her husband.

All of which is just background and lead-up. I have been struggling with depression and overwhelm and sometimes suicidal tendencies for eight months now. Like I have been slowly sinking into a black mire and all my thrashing is just barely keeping my head above. And I have no one else to whom I can reach out for help. Every time I try it's... it only makes it so so much worse.

But the depression and overwhelm are morphing. Into misandry (men are useless, men are incapable of love, no man will ever protect a woman, men are faithless and cruel and selfish and violent and and and - SHUT UP SHUT UP IT'S LIES I KNOW IT'S LIES THEY'RE NOT ALL MY HUSBAND SHUT UP--) into distrust and disbelief of God (servant and slave of Jesus Christ but not a beloved daughter, He does not want you happy, He is displeased with you, the best you can hope for is to sneak around unnoticed in a corner while everyone else receives their crowns) and that one... I can't shake it. I read the Bible and I sneer. Those promises are for other people. Not me. I can't even justify that mindset (because it's unjustifiable) but I believe it with my whole heart anyway and I can't... help it. I can't help it.

...anyway that was depressing, sorry.

Anyway I was flopping around angsting last night, the usual sulking Nobody loves me, I'm so tired, I'm so bored, I'm so tired of being trapped inside, I am the worst mother ever and my children will hate me and follow the family tradition of moving out the minute they can, I am sick of living in a cluttered mess and not having real furniture, I am no Daughter of God but only a reject from the church, pushed out the house, no place for me at the Communion table blah blah blah. And I went and made a bunch of reckless impulse buys online.

Now, ordering from Walmart is a bit like playing Russian Roulette. Will you get someone picking out your food who is awake, cares about their job, and is competent? Or will you get someone who is half-asleep, just doesn't care, and/or is a flaming idiot? So normally I order the same few things that can survive sleepy careless idiots over and over.

But I went a little manic last night and ordered a whole bunch of produce (apples and a cantaloupe and spinach and Stuff) as well as a new pair of earbuds that are usually $20 but went down to $18 for back to school (I have a pair of the same kind I got years ago and they still work 90% of the time but that 10% is Annoying and also the volume controls and the replay/previous song functionalities don't work anymore.)

A little treat. ^_^

And it all came first thing this morning and... whoever picked my produce out was a literal angel. The apples are pristine and the spinach is bright green and not slimy and the potatoes are perfect and the cantaloupe is GORGEOUS and - it must've all just come off the truck? Because Walmart produce NEVER looks this good anyway?

And it was like a little whisper. Of course I care about you, even when you can't see it. Of course I can provide fresh produce for you if you'll have faith in Me. Do you think that getting good produce from Walmart is impossible for Me? I love you. I love you.

And I still can't quite believe it. Even with the evidence right in front of my eyes. I still can't make myself believe it. But I am trying oh I am trying...

Anyway I hope nobody actually read this pity-party riddled angst fest. XD

#Screaming into the void

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