#serpent and dove critical

[hoolay-boobs]

YA novel covers

#ya novels #bookblr #book tumblr #booktube #booktok #booktok critical #books and reading #writeblur #writeblr #writblur #memes #booktok cringe #they all look the same #anti game of thrones #game of thrones critical #serpent and dove critical #serpent and dove #meme #my memes #book memes #books #bookish #book covers #book cover

[chloeworships]

MONEY IS COMING FOR SOMEONE AND A LOT OF IT.

Are you ready bc God is about to make it RAIN ☔️ 🤩

Bay-beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee🤑

Eh but try to stay humble about it okur 😅 Also, not everyone will be as happy for you as I am so prepare for the hate my loves, especially if you aren’t use to being criticized. There is an insane amount of envy being felt by those who don’t like you. For some it’s those secret enemies we think of as “friends”. There may be some nosy people and of course the vultures, scammers and gold diggers, so don’t flash the expensive watches and jewels for a little while until this period of about 3-4 months has passed AFTER this blessing arrives. It’s for your protection.

For some of you high profile folks you won’t be able to keep this private 😂 Let the world do the talking while you stay focused on your craft and on God. Keep people guessing. I just heard the Holy Spirit say “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves”.👀😯 Play dumb if you have to 🤪 because there is a tremendous amount of “secret hate” and sadly it can come from the people you least expect. I wish it wasn’t this way 😞

Nonetheless Congratulations my loves 🥳🎉🍾

IT’S YOUR TIME NOW.

PS. Sometimes right before a major financial blessing, you can lose a few so called friends. It’s bc God knows 🎶they can’t come live lavish with you🎶 and he’s cutting those snakes off by the head 🔪 🐍. So, if that happens, know that it’s a blessing in disguise. God heard everything they mumbled in secret. Be unapologetic babes. They did this to themselves. Sometimes people are ok with being your friends until you start to do better than them. Then suddenly your bestie of 20 years starts evil eyeing you and giving you the cold shoulder or becomes overly involved in your affairs. God is telling you this to prepare you so you’re equipped to handle it. Go celebrate with your REAL PEOPLE DEM 😎🇯🇲🥂 and leave the fake ones behind.

I heard this song:

I can FEEL this abundance coming in babes. You have no idea 🥹💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲 and NO ONE can stop this.

Have you been seeing 888 or all 8’s 🎱👀 yeah this is for you 🫵🏾 Also the number 4 is significant here.

For whoever this message is for, the LORD said you absolutely deserve this. You’ve been through so much these last SEVERAL years and this is God’s way of rewarding you…

I’m seeing someone buying bottles for the entire club/lounge WOW. Aawww you’re a blessing to those around you my loves yyaaaaayyyyyyy. I just heard “CHRISTMAS IN JULY” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🎄

I also heard “Moment 4 Life” oh my gosh IM SCREAMINGGGGGGGGGGGG 🙌🏾🙌🏾

Yo this song by Nicki always brings me TO TEARS 😭 This blessing is for someone that has been through HELL and back about 40 times 😂😂😂😂 This moment will be a CELEBRATION 🎉 This is BIG. Who likes watches? lol 😂 Someone is obsessed haha I love it 🥰 ⌚️

Please pray about this. This message isn’t for everyone but it’s for more than one person. God has to confirm this message to you.

Somebody gone need security just to walk to the BANK 🏦 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🚶‍♀️

I also heard “franchise history” 👀

UPDATE

babes. After I received this prophetic word God showed me a vision of a wholeeeeee bunch of snakes coming out of kitchen cupboards 🏡 slithering towards me quickly *sigh* so beware ⚠️ This could be family not just friends who aren’t happy for you and May attack you in a roundabout/sly way OR they are coming to ask/TAKE a piece of your NEW LUXURIOUS 🥧. There were a total of 6 snakes 🐍 Protect your wealth the Holy Spirit is saying. It may seem selfish to others but these are the same folks who were back chatting you and betraying you. No handouts. These people are just plain GREEDY. I’m getting mad 😡 THE AUDACITY 😡 ugh.

Have strong BOUNDARIES and learn to say no! Ask God to reveal these people! Some of you have really big hearts but these family members are LEECHES & VAMPIRES 🧛‍♀️ and will always want more. They will drain you financially, physically, emotionally AND spiritually if you engage them ⚠️ I’m hearing things like Ponzi schemes and the likes. You don’t want to be involved in bad investments that could possibly send you to prison because you trusted these people. That’s how serious this warning is from the LORD. Use your God given discernment so they don’t get you involved in scams and fake investments just to steal from you. YOU WORKED TOO HARD FOR YA MONEY BABES. If they come to you with foolery like this it’s bc they KNOW it’s a bad deal and their intent is to get you entangled so you can lose your wealth. It’s sickening but true.

Overall the message is GREAT NEWS with a twist 🌀 and a warning ⚠️ 🐅

God just showed me this scene from the God Father with the Corleone brothers and Moe Greene 👀

Notice the Godfather logo with the puppeteer 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀🍃 Remember you’re the Don in this situation. We Jamaicans love to say “Me run tingz, tingz nuh run me” 😂🇯🇲😂🇯🇲😂🇯🇲😂

🎶mo money, mo problems🎶👀

#yes zzzziiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr #sorry NOT sorry #MONEYYYYYYYYYY #Lyrics #coffee ☕️ #888 #fame #fake friends #FINALLY #BLOOD 🩸 SWEAT 💧TEARS 💧 #Pills 💊 & Potions 🧪 #THE MOTTO #who’s from New York?

[valorfell]

i’m currently reading serpent & dove and it’s kinda annoying as a catholic because i can clearly tell the religion is based on catholicism but it’s ALL wrong. it feels like the author is trying to criticize a religion she doesn’t understand. i’m going to keep reading because i’m trash for the fake marriage trope, but i do wish it didn’t feel like a jab at my personal faith.

#maybe i’m too sensitive but it’s kinda annoying #like the catholic church wasn’t even the major player when it came to the persecution of witches #the protestants are to blame #also nowhere in catholic teaching does it say that a man ‘owns’ his wife like wtf #abby.txt

[tej-k]

DIGITAL MEDIA SOURCES & SIGNIFICANCE

Reader:-

1: Arjoranta, J. (2022). How are Games Interpreted? Hermeneutics for Game Studies. Game Studies, [online] 22(3). ‌

The author delves into the complex world of game interpretation in this article. The ludo-hermeneutic, game-specific, and real-time hermeneutics interpretive paradigms that are the subject of this essay are all examined. He presents areas of strength that translation is an essential human quality that shapes our view of the world, including computer games, instead of simply a scholarly undertaking. We give games significance by deciphering them through our unmistakable social focal points and valuable encounters, deciphering a fundamental piece of the actual gaming.

I have a profound comprehension of the complicated dance among games and their translators because of perusing this article. A supportive update playing is something beyond submitting to the standards and arriving at objectives; it's a unique cooperation between the player and the game where significance is uncovered through one's interpretative viewpoint.

2: Costa, M.F., James Wilson Malazita, Janaina Pamplona da (2022). Language, Identity and Games: Discussing the Role of Players in Video Game Localization. Game Studies, [online] 22(3). ‌

In this article the writers Marina Fontolan, James Wilson Malazita, and Janaina Pamplona da Costa contend that players are something other than uninvolved buyers. Their dynamic support influences the confinement cycle by voicing inclinations and evaluating interpretations. Players can come down on designers to focus on under-resourced dialects while additionally giving helpful criticism on the nature of limitation endeavors. Localizers can make all the more socially pertinent and comprehensive game encounters by perceiving players as significant accomplices.

In general, this article gives smart data about the changing significance of players in computer game confinement. It exhibits the opportunities for a more cooperative methodology, in which players are something beyond targets, yet dynamic members in fostering the games they like. This perspective can assist with illuminating more unpretentious and powerful restriction endeavors, bringing about more rich and significant culturally diverse gaming encounters.

3: Bakkerud, F. (2023). The Ontology of Game Spatiality. Game Studies, [online] 23(3). ‌

All through this article, I dove into the enthralling area of game spaces as conceptualized components. The article presents a persuading safeguard for the requirement for power to adequately separate these spaces, proposing a four-layered framework considering the cybermedia model. Because of its generalizability, this perspective, which incorporates the illustrative, mechanical, material, and player levels, struck me as particularly sharp. It goes past the constraints of past designs, giving a significant gadget for investigating both modernized and non-electronic game universes.

All around, Bakkerud's work gave me one more point of view on getting a handle on and examining game spatiality. I am eager to incorporate the recommended structure into my review because I believe it to be a robust and adaptable tool.

4: Rambukkana, M.B.A., Nathan (2018). ‘Why do I have to make a choice? Maybe the three of us could, uh...’: Non-Monogamy in Video Game Narratives. Game Studies, [online] 18(2).‌

Adams and Rambukkana examine the growing representation of non-monogamy in video game narratives in this article. They connect the developing acknowledgment of non-monogamy in the public arena to its portrayal in computer games, where stories tackle the moral and mental subtleties of these connections. The essayists look at how a few games, like Mass Impact, punish non-monogamy, while others, similar to The Witcher and Winged Serpent Age, welcome it through the player organization. Eventually, Adams and that's what Rambukkana fight even though non-monogamy is turning out to be more common in stories, its portrayal is still fundamentally troublesome and oftentimes builds up traditional relationship standards.

I had the option to get a huge comprehension of how non-monogamy is quietly depicted in computer games by utilizing this basic focal point. It's astounding to perceive how these intuitive stories all the while build up and go against well-known thoughts regarding connections and love. The article makes me need to find out about how computer games could impact changing cultural impressions of forward-thinking relationship types as well as pondering them.

5: Potter, J.D.S., Robert F. (2018). Everything Merges with the Game: A Generative Music System Embedded in a Videogame Increases Flow. Game Studies, [online] 18(2). ‌

Through this article Joshua D. Locales and Robert F. Potter investigate the effect of a generative music framework inside a computer game on the condition of stream experienced by players. The authors investigate how incorporating music generation into the game environment enhances the flow state and enhances the overall immersive experience. They break down player encounters and physiological responses utilizing a blended strategies procedure. The review offers knowledge into the capability of novel sound components in computer games to further develop player commitment and mental drenching.

I obtained valuable experiences in the cooperative connection between generative music frameworks and stream states in gaming in the wake of understanding Locales and Potter's work. The experimental examination accentuates the significance of sound angles in making client encounters, with significant ramifications for game plans and intuitive media.

6: Hutson, J. and Fulcher, B. (2022). A Virtual Reality Educational Game for the Ethics of Cultural Heritage Repatriation. Games and Culture, p.155541202211317. ‌

 In this article, James Hutson and Ben Fulcher present a sharp procedure for directing appearance ethics related to social inheritance brought back through a PC-made expansion (VR) instructive game. The article takes a gander at the new development and relationship of this VR game, destroying its unexpected sense in speaking with understudies and making a more basic perception of the ethical evaluations enveloping social relics. To illustrate the game's impact on people's knowledge and perspectives regarding the social legacy that has been brought back, the developers employ a combination of deep and quantitative thinking strategies.

Following breaking down Hutson and Fulcher's work, I was surprised by their creative use of stretched-out reality movement to manage tangled moral conditions in welcoming heritage. The survey lays out a practical way for future exploration and instructive progression around here by featuring the capability of clear instructive games as well as the meaning of integrating development into moral training.

7: Tychsen, A. and Hitchens, M. (2008). Game Time: Modeling and Analyzing Time in Multiplayer and Massively Multiplayer Games. Games and Culture, 4(2), pp.170–201. 

‌ In their article, Anders Tychsen and Michael Hitchens look at the wonderful subject of time parts in multiplayer and immensely multiplayer games. The makers present an all-out plan for looking at changed transient viewpoints in gaming conditions, similar to player synchronization, time quickness, and the effect of time-related factors on player experience. The work explores the well-thought-out plan of time in gaming using setting-centered evaluations and speculative models, giving exhaustive data on how ordinary variables add to information parts.

I as of now have comprehensive data on the confused work that time plays in picking how multiplayer and significantly electronic games act thanks to this paper. Trained professionals and game originators are similar in value to the creators' reasonable procedure since it gives an understanding of how to additionally foster player experiences by focusing on brief pieces of the gaming environment.

8: Soler-Adillon, J. (2019). The Open, the Closed and the Emergent: Theorizing Emergence for Video Game Studies. Game Studies, [online] 19(2). ‌

Joan Soler Adillon examines the idea of improvement corresponding to video game assessments in this paper. Adillon explores the extraordinary association of open, shut, and emanant structures inside PC games, giving bits of knowledge into the complicated connections that structure players encounter. To lay out an itemized comprehension of the rise, the maker pulls on numerous likely designs, considering its recommendations for story, intelligence, and player association.

 The article fills in as a provocative obligation to the subject, provoking customary reasoning and welcoming researchers to reexamine the intricacies of new peculiarities in PC games. Adillon's work energizes a reconsideration of laid-out guidelines, cultivating a more extensive comprehension of the broadened idea of progress in the space of natural electronic redirection.

9: Debus, J.P.Z., Rogelio E. Cardona-Rivera, Michael S. (2020). A Typology of Imperative Game Goals. Game Studies, [online] 20(3). ‌

The writer of this article, Michael S. Debus, José P. Zagal, and Rogelio E. Cardona-Rivera, give a thorough assessment of fundamental game goals. The article, which was distributed in 2003, gives an understanding into the different designs of player targets in computerized games by isolating important game objectives into a few sorts in view of players' ways of behaving. The authors provide a useful framework for comprehending the subtle design of game goals in the form of a classification system that takes into account a variety of player interactions.

I got a comprehensive view of the versatile association between player exercises and essential game targets subsequent to scrutinizing this article. My cognizance of the basic rules that control player commitment and joy in intelligent advanced conditions is improved by the typology that has been given. It gives a coordinated way to deal with dissecting and planning game targets. This shrewd book commits to the academic conversation on game examinations and courses of action.

10: McCall, J. (2020). The Historical Problem Space Framework: Games as a Historical Medium. Game Studies, [online] 20(3).‌

I found a convincing system for dissecting verifiable computer games in McCall's article. McCall underlines how players partake in real stories through gaming by getting a handle on games as structures with interrelated viewpoints. This makes it doubtful that games are just true retellings, but rather powerful frameworks that effectively alter players' perceptions of the past. McCall's plan to go past the irrefutable precision of games and well actually based on how they develop significance resonates determinedly. It develops a fundamental method for managing games, inciting us to consider what they depict as well as the meaning of our perspective of the past.

For the most part, this article is a charming and provocative obligation to the discipline of game assessments. It urges us to go past essential ideas of verifiable vagueness and into the mind-boggling interaction between games, players, and the development of authentic significance by giving a valuable system to fundamentally concentrate on verifiable computer games.

[mothereliza]

More valued than many sparrows!

Matt 10: 24-39; Gen 21: 8-21 Matthew continues with the story of Jesus's calling of the twelve, where he shares a few protective tips. They are to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. We sent out our college-bound students to the world last Sunday. Mo. Astrid researched Episcopal Churches close to or on their campuses. She blessed them to go forth – to continue to be faithful disciples. And I'm sure they will be excellent disciples!

In this reading, Jesus continues to lay it all out. This mission will not be easy (10: 39). We heard the details -  the hard truth. A close look will tell you that Jesus didn't want his followers to maintain the false belief that following him is easy and fluid. Maybe up to that point, the disciples did underestimate the cost. We don't know that. But, their ending in the hands of Jesus's enemies is evidence they understood the instructions and still moved forward because they believed when Jesus said, 'Not to fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.'

Matthews' narratives can be very intimidating to the faint-hearted. Some demands in the passage demonstrate profound loyalty, but there are also great rewards. By baptism, we are all part of this movement and must be forward-looking, picking up from where the disciples left off; we are to 'proclaim the gospel by word and example, to strive for everything just, true, and righteous, and serve Christ in all persons - selflessly.' These are words from the BCP that we may be familiar with.

The critical message in this gospel is that: God's disciples are not to be afraid to stand as God's chosen and defend the defenseless. Yes - some may get in trouble doing that. Yes – some may even die. Jesus's teaching here is a beautiful expression of what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called 'the cost of discipleship.' To Bonhoeffer, the critical distinguishing quality of a disciple is obedience—personal, unconditional obedience to our baptismal vows. Your love for Christ must be constant – it must precede all other obligations, such as family, country, and career.

You see, God's love and compassion will get the last word. And we see that in the Genesis story. Hagar and her son Ishmael suffered hatred, but God heard Hagar's weeping and comforted her (Gen 21: 16-19). The poet in Psalm 86:17 felt he was far from God's earshot, then held the conviction that God is the firm ground to stand. And he asks that God show him a sign of God's favor so that those who hate him may see it and be ashamed. "For you (he says), – only you, O Lord, is my comforter!"

Jesus opens this truth of God's love and constant protection to his disciples, asking, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet none will fall to the ground as long as God controls them." Based on this truth, he repeatedly assures us that even the hairs on our heads are all accounted for. And because of our worth, storms will besiege. But we will be fine if we remain faithful and trust God's love, guidance, and protection.

Today the church welcomes two children into the household of God for baptism. It is an excellent time to reconsider each of our baptized identities as heirs - as people of God. The Holy Spirit gives us the privilege and empowers us to lead for radical, loving, and courageous discipleship in this challenging world. Consider these gospel truths as we invite the children, parents, and godparents to the font so they begin their journey to be part of this calling to the discipleship of Jesus Christ.

#christianity

[yhwhrulz]

Key Thought: Jesus had warned his followers that they would face harsh criticism and would appear before rulers, councils, and officials who...

[therealtruthalways]

In sending out the Twelve, Jesus said to them, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16, KJV). The NIV says, “shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

Jesus was using similes (figures of speech that compare two unlike things) to instruct His disciples in how to behave in their ministry. Just before He tells them to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, He warns them that they were being sent out “like sheep among wolves.”

The world, then as now, was hostile to believers—not incidentally hostile, but purposefully hostile. Wolves are intentional about the harm they inflict upon sheep. In such an environment, the question becomes: “How can we advance the kingdom of God effectively without becoming predatory ourselves?” Jesus taught His followers that, to be Christlike in a godless world, they must combine the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove.

In using these similes, Jesus invokes the common proverbial view of serpents and doves. The serpent was “subtle” or “crafty” or “shrewd” in Genesis 3:1. The dove, on the other hand, was thought of as innocent and harmless—doves were listed among the “clean animals” and were used for sacrifices (Leviticus 14:22). To this very day, doves are used as symbols of peace, and snakes are thought of as “sneaky.”

The serpent simile stands in Jesus’ dialogue without bringing forward any of the serpent’s pejoratives. It is a basic understanding in language that, when a speaker creates a simile, he is not necessarily invoking the entire potential of the words he has chosen—nor is he invoking the entire history and tenor of the linguistic vehicle. Rather, the speaker is defining a fresh relationship between the two things. A quick look at Matthew 10:16 shows that Jesus was invoking only the positive aspects of the serpent. There is no hint of His unloading Edenic baggage upon His disciples. He simply tells them to be wise (and innocent) as they represented Him.

When Jesus told the Twelve to be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves, He laid down a general principle about the technique of kingdom work. As we take the gospel to a hostile world, we must be wise (avoiding the snares set for us), and we must be innocent (serving the Lord blamelessly). Jesus was not suggesting that we stoop to deception but that we should model some of the serpent’s famous shrewdness in a positive way. Wisdom does not equal dishonesty, and innocence does not equal gullibility.

Let us consider Jesus as exemplar: the Lord was known as a gentle person. Indeed, Scripture testifies that He would not even quench a smoking flax (Matthew 12:20). But was He always (and only) gentle? No. When the occasion demanded it, He took whip in hand and chased the moneychangers out of the temple (John 2:15). Jesus’ extraordinarily rare action, seen in light of His usual mien, demonstrates the power of using a combination of tools. This “dove-like” Man of Innocence spoke loudly and clearly with His assertiveness in the temple.

In His more typical moments, Jesus showed that He was as wise as a serpent in the way He taught. He knew enough to discern the differences in His audiences (a critical skill), He used the story-telling technique to both feed and weed (Matthew 13:10–13), and He refused to be caught in the many traps that His enemies laid for Him (Mark 8:11; 10:2; 12:13).

Jesus showed that He was as harmless as a dove in every circumstance. He lived a pure and holy life (Hebrews 4:15), He acted in compassion (Matthew 9:36), and He challenged anyone to find fault in Him (John 8:46; 18:23). Three times, Pilate judged Jesus to be an innocent man (John 18:38; 19:4, 6).

The apostle Paul also modeled the “wise as serpents, harmless as doves” technique. Paul lived in dove-like innocence in good conscience before God (Acts 23:1) and learned to deny his carnal desires so as not to jeopardize his ministry (1 Corinthians 9:27). But Paul also displayed serpent-like shrewdness when he needed it. He knew his legal rights and used the legal system to his advantage (Acts 16:37; 22:25; 25:11). He also carefully crafted his speeches to maximize the impact on his audience (Acts 17:22–23; 23:6–8).

In Matthew 10:16, Jesus taught us how to optimize our gospel-spreading opportunities. Successful Christian living requires that we strike the optimal balance between the dove and the serpent. We should strive to be gentle without being pushovers, and we must be sacrificial without being taken advantage of. We are aware of the unscrupulous tactics used by the enemy, but we take the high road. Peter admonishes us, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:12). - gotquestions-org

[tonysolomon4jc]

One of the most widespread arguments against Christians is that they are “judgmental” or “always imposing their views on others.” Often, this criticism comes in response to Christians who speak out against behaviors and lifestyles that God judges as “sin” and has declared to be an outrage to Him (see Proverbs 16:1). We live in a society where “everyone [does] what [is] right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25)—where people insist that there are no moral absolutes, that each man should decide for himself what is right or wrong, and that we should “tolerate” (which in their minds essentially means “celebrate”) sinful activities. Those who take seriously the biblical warnings against sin and dare speak out against evil are written off as religious fanatics, and all Christians are, ironically, judged as being “judgmental.”

The Scripture that is used the most to support the idea that Christians should not judge is Matthew 7:1, where Jesus says to His disciples, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” It’s one verse that many unbelievers can quote. Another popular saying, taken from John 8:7, is “He that is without sin, let him cast the first stone.” But when we read these verses in their immediate contexts, it becomes glaringly obvious that Jesus is not warning against every kind of judging but against hypocritical, self-righteous judging (see Matthew 7:1-5; John 8:1-11). In other words, a man should refrain from pronouncing judgment on those who commit the very sin in which he engages, for “with the judgment [we] pronounce [we] will be judged” (Matthew 7:2). This exhortation is similar to the point made by the apostle Paul when he asks, “Do you suppose, O man – you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself – that you will escape the judgment of God?” (Romans 2:3). These verses are a warning against hypocrisy and, at the same time, an exhortation to right living.

However, hypocritical judging is the only kind of judging the Bible says that Christians should avoid. The Christian must “judge” or discern between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14)! We must make spiritual evaluations of the words and behavior of others, not to find fault, but to effectively guard our hearts against error and sin (1 Corinthians 2:14-15; Proverbs 4:23). In fact, immediately after Jesus warned His disciples against hypocritical judgment, He says, “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs” (Matthew 7:6). How is the Christian supposed to know who the “dogs” and the “pigs” are unless he or she exercises discernment? Furthermore, Jesus warns His disciples just a few verses later, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-16). This admonition is given not only with regard to “false prophets” but also concerning anyone who comes in the name of Christ but who, by his actions, denies Christ (Titus 1:16; cf. Matthew 3:8).

According to Jesus, this kind of judgment is considered “right judgment” (John 7:24) and is strongly encouraged. We are to be “as wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16), and wisdom demands that we be discerning (Proverbs 10:13). And when we have discerned rightly, we are to speak the truth, with love being the motivating factor (Ephesians 4:15). Love requires that we gently confront those in error with the truth about their sin with the hope of bringing them to repentance and faith (Galatians 6:1). “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death” (James 5:20). The true Christian speaks the truth—not merely what he believes to be the truth, but the truth as plainly revealed in God’s Word. The truth, especially the truth about good and evil, exists independently from what we feel or think (Isaiah 5:20-21).

Those who reject or are offended by the truth simply prove the power of God’s Word to convict the heart of man; for “the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

I got this from the gotquestions website.

I recommend that you get the gotquestions app or go to the gotquestions website. They have answered thousands of Bible questions and back everything up with scripture.

Please share this with your friends and family and on social media.🙏

[gratitude73]

Gratitude Day 1120

Lord of perfect strength, give me strength, courage and wisdom as I live my faith in a world hostile to You.  May I respond with love and mercy in the face of harshness and misunderstanding.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.” Matthew 10:16-18

Reflect, today, on how ready and willing you are to face the hostility of the world. You should not react with similar hostility, rather, you must strive to have courage and strength to endure any and every persecution with the help, strength and wisdom of Christ.

It's impossible to be negative when you're grateful. It's impossible to criticize and blame when you're grateful. It's impossible to feel sad or have any negative feeling when you're grateful.

Remember to be grateful everyday

I am so happy and grateful now that I have a loving connected relationship with my husband Ell ❤️ filled with joy love peace and compassion and fun ❤️ thank you god thank you god thank you god ❤️ 🙏🏽

I am so happy and grateful now that I have a loving connected relationship with my best friends V and J and all is well filled with joy love peace and compassion and fun ❤️ thank you god thank you god thank you god ❤️ 🙏🏽

I am so happy and grateful now that I have a loving connected relationship with my family and lovely mum and all is well filled with joy love peace and compassion and fun ❤️ thank you god thank you god thank you god ❤️ 🙏🏽

I am so happy and grateful now that I am love I am joy I am peace and I am fun 😌 thank you god thank you god thank you god ❤️ 🙏🏽

I am so happy and grateful now that the holy spirit guides me in all that I do and say thank you god ❤️ and my guardian angel is by my side to rule and guard to light and guide Amen 😇 🙏🏽 thank you god thank you god thank you god ❤️ 🙏🏽

I am so happy and grateful now for the magical ✨️ outcome of the day the beautiful weather in a tropical island 🏝 having fun and joy with my love. So grateful jthat God is near and I'm bring protected by the holy spirit 🙏🏽 with my husband Ell ❤️ the beautiful messages from my best friends V and J ❤️. thank you god thank you god thank you god ❤️ 🙏🏽

I am so happy and grateful now for the full healing and recovery of Paul and Mark Vooght and my lovely mum ❤️ thank you god thank you god thank you god ❤️ 🙏🏽

I am so happy and grateful now for the beautiful home 🏡 I share with my husband Ell filled with joy love peace and fun ❤️ thank you god thank you god thank you god ❤️ 🙏🏽

THANK YOU GOD THANK YOU GOD THANK YOU GOD 💗 😊 🙏🏽 🙌🏾 ❤️

❤️❤️❤️

#gratitude #feelingisthesecret #positive #lawofattraction #selflove #manifestation #holy spirit #love #spirituality #holy mother of god #faith in god #god is with us #godislove #godsplan #godismyrock #godisgreat #pray for one another #prayforpeace #praytogether #prayfortheworld #loveandpeace #compassion #mercy #jesusisthelightoftheworld #jesus loves all #faithoverfear #eternal faith #faith speaks #faith #faithtalk

[quillify-tries-to-talk]

I have a theory:

People often ask why the readership for YA is more women-centric and why boys don't read.

We talk about the objectification of women in movies and how men get huffy about the "feminist propaganda" and ask all sorts of stupid questions about why women need heroes like Captain Marvel (love her btw). They don't see a problem with Harley Quinn being fetishized in Suicide Squad.

Well, it's the opposite in YA.

Series with male characters, Percy Jackson, Six of Crows, and Harry Potter (as much as I hate Rowl*ng, I have to give her points for this) have one thing in common: the authors don't wax poetic about how hot and tall and muscular the male leads of their books are.

Sure, they're good-looking but there's no weird mentions about their hotness level and how every other side character considers them good-looking and beautiful and perfect on every other page.

I think it's time to change that. How do you expect boys to read books that tell them they have to be over 6 feet tall, have a six-pack, be great at physical intimacy, be broody or become cameras for their love interests (Thomas Cresswell, I'm looking at you)?

But Divvy, you say, women experience it in movies! Middle-aged men fetishize our breasts and curves for their own benefits.

Yeah, I say, of course that happens. But the thing about feminism is also holding women accountable when they're going wrong somewhere. The thing about feminism is also about supporting young boys and girls and help them believe in themselves. It is the equality of all genders. If we can praise our girls for being strong and lovely and brave, then we can do the same for boys.

And if that's the opposite of your feminism, then you're not a feminist.

Tell me honestly, why will young boys read books that hold them to an unrealistic standard of beauty and fitness? Why will they read books that show them as hypersexual, hypermasculine? What about asexual boys? Trans boys? Short boys? Boys with worsening mental health? Fat boys? Boys of color, especially those who are dark-skinned? Imagine the hit their self-esteem will take.

Same way, why will women watch movies that objectify them? And I've seen that happen since I was very young (blame Bollywood movies -_-)

So this is for those female authors who think it's okay to write your own fantasies and market it to children: PLEASE STOP. I'm tired of reading about the "alpha male." It is not okay. And we, as their audience, should hold them accountable for it.

Would love to hear other's opinions on this!

#anti aelin #anti sarah j maas #anti rhysand #anti ccity #anti sjm #anti feyre #ron weasley defense squad #anti tog #anti serpent and dove #yes I was talking about sjm #stop fetishizing young boys! #feminism is for everyone #ya criticism #ya critical #young adult novels #harry potter #anti jk rowling #anti sjm fandom #anti sjm stans #maybe cass clare can count in this too #ace representation

[mistwraiths]

4 stars.

Lou is a witch who ran away from her coven to live in a kingdom that would burn her to the stake if they knew who she was. Reid is a witch hunter and he's dedicated his life to it. In a turn of events, the two marry. It's beneficial for Lou so long as Reid doesn't learn her secrets.

This book was a riot and messy, but it was also gloriously fun. Don't read this book if you're looking for any deep thought-provoking dialogue on the church vs. witches or good and evil because you won't find that here. The magic isn't really explained in any depth. You just know of two kinds of magic and they both require a cost.

Lou is a great protagonist, she's funny and snarky without being cruel, and she's quick on her feet and capable. You learn more about her past as the book progresses. Reid is enjoyable, especially when you're in his chapters. However he does have a slight anger issue and he's almost possessive to the point that it's almost uncomfortable. He never does anything and he's an gentleman but still its very 😬

But it is an enjoyable enemies to lovers story. They have time and talk, they grow towards each other because of their circumstance. Neither of them wanted to marry each other, the reasoning is a little ridiculous but in the big picture you can forgive it.

The pacing was fast up until you're nearing the end and then it kind of drags. For a little bit, I didn't quite agree with how Lou dealt with her current situation but I also understand she couldn't do much. It just felt incredibly slow compared to the almost breakneck speed of the rest of the book. It picked back up at the end and I'm looking forward to the sequel, Blood & Honey later this year.

#sometimes i try to be more critical #steph reads #steph's book review #book review #serpent & dove #shelby mahurin

[bakerolivias-archived]

even though about me pages have generally burned me before, i’ve decided to make one anyway for the aesthetic appeal of my bio just being links lol. here’s some general info about me.

—anna —she/her —under eighteen, pls don’t be weird —bisexual —creator, graphics, moodboards, and the occasional gif —enjoys books and tv —rebekah mikaelson and (supposedly) evil female characters enthusiast —give me all the enemies to lovers, i just adore this trope so much —currently watching tvd, b99, the originals, & jane the virgin —reading list: beach read, serpent & dove

content you’ll see on this blog mostly —tvd (steroline, klaroline, forwood, elena/girls, elena/bonnie/caroline, beklena or caroline/rebekah, elejah, klaulena, beremy, klaus/bonnie, bamon, mikaelson siblings, and i am very much anti d*mon and de/ena so be warned, klaus mikaelson’s defense lawyer*) *while i do acknowledge the shitty things he has done and have no interest in woobifying him —the originals (klamille, rebekah enthusiast, rebekah/marcel, haybekah, haylijah, elijah/gia, kolvina, and klayley, as well as all the mikaelson siblings family dynamics because i am absolutely trash for this chaotic and dysfunctional family that has so much love; also yes klavina as a guilty pairing crackship but not really romo because they’re just klaulena 2.0 new orleans style okay?? *hides in the trash can*) —b99 (jake and amy, pretty much all the characters and pairings tbh) —jane the virgin (i adore petra and luisa so much and think they deserve better, i’m team petra and michael and rafael because being team one love interest is boring and jane deserves all the love and affection) —legends of tomorrow (i’m just a multishipping mess because this team is practically a polycule, but i don’t like ca/ity l/otz or ava/ance. mostly zarlie, hellstar, darhkatom, esperastra, and mixen) —f.r.i.e.n.d.s once in a blue moon —the 100 (because even though jroth and fandom turned this show into a nightmare i can’t quit, pro clexa, braven, becho, and more, but slightly bellarke and clarke critical, i adore spacekru and i stand by spacekru over c/arke always, josephine lightbourne enthusiast) —legacies (hizzie****, handon, fosie, jaleb, jed/alyssa/kaleb and not sorry about it, kaleb/cleo, cleo/landon, vehemently anti alaric, j/osie, and ho/aric, sometimes h/osie critical but i do show some appreciation for them) —lucifer (#1 mazeve stan, deckerstar isn’t a hyperfixation for me but they’re perfect for each other, i haven’t been in this fandom for a while so idk what else is really going on, and i miss charlotte richards and ella lopez) —shadow and bone (i’d choose malina over dark/ina in a heartbeat but i prefer alina & girls because zoyalina/genyalina love triangle would make for a much more interesting show, and i adore zoya and nina sfm; also the grishaverse in general) —cobra kai (sam/tory, any femslash ship on the show, tory/robby) —community (jeff + annie aren’t really my cup of tea, i prefer jeffbritta and firmly believe in trobed and trobedison)

books —the folk of the air (#1 jurdan stan, cardan’s defense lawyer) —the lunar chronicles (cresswe// critical, carswell thorne & rampion crew enthusiast, wolflet & jacinter stan) —soc duology (nothing even remotely bad to say about soc or the characters/pairings) —the hunger games (katniss, ever/ark, and ga/eniss neutral, mostly clato, odesta, and hayffie, as well as f/f pairings, career tributes and effie apologist, also katniss and gale are not white i don’t care what hollywood told you jlaw was not supposed to be able to represent the struggles lower class poc suffer through and not equipped to give a powerful performance) —the hating game (critical enthusiast, idk i just think there are better romance books but i did enjoy reading) —the unhoneymooners by christina lauren —you deserve each other by “i forgot the author lol sorry” —fan of any and all enemies to lovers books in general —anti sjm, don’t even compare jurdan anywhere near one of her romances bye —fic recs —edits —fanfiction

#aboutme** #annapersonal**

[screamcometrue]

8 cryptids in the Great Lakes area!

1. Bessie 

One of Lake Erie's most famous cryptids is Bessie, also known as South Bay Bessie. The first reported appearance of Bessie happened in 1793, and more frequent sightings have happened in the last three decades. Bessie is snake-ish and 30-40 ft long, at least a foot in diameter, with gray skin. Her appearance follows the patterns of a typical lake monster. While duck-hunting near Sandusky, Ohio in 1793, the captain of the ship Felicity observed a large snake necked creature described as “more than a rod (16 ½ ft.) in length”. On July 1817, the crew of a sailboat saw a 30 to 40-foot long serpent-like creature, with dark coloring. Bessie was spotted again near Toledo, when French settlers found a extremely large monster on the beach that appeared to be approaching death. The settlers reported it as around 25 feet in length and similar to a large sturgeon, despite the fact that it had arms. The terrified men ran away, and upon returning, the monster was gone, and assumed to be carried off by the tide. All that it left behind were marks in the sand and silver scales about 1 inch in diameter. Bessie’s most recent sighting was in 1997, when a video and shaky pictures were taken. A reward of $100,000 has been offered by Huron Lagoons Marina for the capture of Bessie, dead or alive.

2. Igopogo

I​​gopogo is a famed cryptid said to live in Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada. It is also referred to as "Kempenfelt Kelly" after a nearby bay. The head of the Igopogo has a bone structure similar to a dog’s, which is uncommon in cryptozoological creatures. According to witnesses, the creature has been spotted resting in the sun for long extensive periods of time; which is evidence for its ability to breathe oxygen.

3. Lake Erie Chomper 

We have reports of people retreating from out of the depths of Lake Erie in excruciating pain because an unusual animal had bit chunks off of their legs. It all began in 2001, near Port Dover, Ontario, when Brenda McCormack was swimming in the lake. Not long after her swim began, she felt sharp teeth taking a bite out of her calf. She quickly swam ashore, bleeding heavily from the wound. There was a 6-inch wide pattern of circular bite marks, from a jaw shape similar to the jaw of the Cookie Cutter shark. The next day, a man and his young son were bitten by the same terrifying lake creature. The boy was rushed to the hospital and was in critical condition. Ever since then, the Lake Erie Chomper has left the people of Port Dover in peace.    

4. Leelanau Lake Monster

This next cryptid is one of my favorites! It resides in Lake Leelanau, in Michigan. The Leelanau lake monster has a long neck resembling a tree stump, a long tail and two huge eyes. It’s not your average plesiosaur-esque lake monster. The most detailed account was reported in 1910. While fishing in the lake, teenager William Gauthier decided to dock his boat on a stump. Once his rope grazed the stump, two huge eyes suddenly opened. A few seconds later, the creature dove beneath William’s boat. FOR INFO, READ THIS ARTICLE HERE.

#great lakes #loch ness monster #cryptid #mothman #bigfoot #cryptozoology #monster #jersey devil #forestcore #horror #folklore #creepy #fresno nightcrawler #dover demon #sasquatch #yeti #ghosts #cryptidcore #paranormal #creature

[barnsnjournal]

studyblr introduction

hello! i’m continually shook every time i log on and see that there‘s a growing number of you who have stumbled upon this little blog. welcome! let me pour you a cup of coffee!

i wanted to write a quick introduction, so here goes:

about

my name is arni, but i also go by barns (hence the url)

she/her

originally from the philippines, based in the us

21 years old

a college senior studying psychology and justice studies

in the coming fall semester i will be taking: abnormal child psychology, health psychology, advanced statistical methods, critical race theory, cinema and justice, and philosophy of science

a writing tutor

currently on the path to become a high school counselor (i love school too much to truly leave it, i guess, ahah), but i also have other ambitions, like writing a book or just living a creative life in general

infp, 4w3, scorpio

interests

i’ve been deeply buried in the same writer’s block for about five years now and yet... i dare call myself a writer

fantasy is by far my favorite book genre, but i also like to read contemporary, historical fiction, and nonfiction. at the moment, i’m rereading serpent & dove

enemies-to-lovers gArbAGe

the inside of my brain: marvel, disney, avatar: the last airbender, how i met your mother, anne with an e

i’ve recently gotten back into language learning. currently, i’m studying french & asl

i’m very interested in the intersection of psychology + social justice + art/popular culture. i gravitate towards this a lot in my work at uni

thank you so much for following + reading. my inbox is always open to anyone who wants to chat! take care 🌟

#studyblr #psychblr #studyspo #study inspiration #study motivation #studying #college #uni #books #art #studyblr intro #studyblr introduction #studyblr intro post

[redisriding]

Reading Schedule

{UPDATED 11 October 2020}

I thought I would share in case anyone is looking for book recommendations, has recommendations, wants to read along, or chat about books.

September

Serpent & Dove - [READ] I really adored this book the first time around, and while wouldn’t say I enjoyed it AS much on the second read, I would still absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves an enemies to lovers troupe. Overall, I’m glad I did reread it ahead of the sequel release because I had completely forgotten what happened in the end!  

Blood & Honey - [READ] This book actually ended up being something of a struggle for me. It wasn’t as good as the first by any means and even the cliff hanger at the end was not enticing enough for me to want to read the third. If you have to ask me though, I think the ending is foreshadowed from the first book and both Lou and Reid are going to die but the book will end on a hopeful note.

The Flat Share - [READ] This was a very sweet romantic comedy and I would recommend it if someone is looking for a cute “AND THEY WERE ROOMATES!” read.  

Your Dad Will Do - [READ] After reading two very tame (romantically) books, I wanted something that was a bit more raunchy and OMG have I got that with this book. It is absolute FILTH from the first page.  There are a number of typos and a couple of problematic elements but if you are looking for a quick read that is going to get those loins a burning, this is the book!

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - [READ] This book was recommended to me by a friend. Its a little off piste from what I usually read but if you want a truly lovely read I would highly recommend.

October

A Promise of Darkness - [Read] This was recommended to me as a book that fans of SJM/ACOTAR would enjoy. In some respects I can see why. A young woman is “kidnapped” by a supposedly evil Prince who actually turns out to be a good guy saving the world, there is magic and Fay, and the Prince’s “inner circle” are a band of colourful characters. However, not only did it lack all of the heart of an SJM book, but the writing was weak, the story very muddled, and even the romance was lacking. I believe there are two more books in this series but I’m tapping out after book one as I care neither about the characters or the story.  

The Unleashing - [DNF] In an attempt to recover from the disappointment that was A Promise of Darkness I picked up the Unleashing, which is a book that I had been wanting to read for sometime. I rarely DNF a book but after getting almost of quarter of a way into the book I just couldn’t read anymore - Every page appeared to introduced a new character, there were numerous irrelevant side plots, the female character was particularly frustrating and un-endearing, and even the romance was weak. I am a sucker from a grumpy but shy hero but even Vig wasn’t enough to keep me reading this book. I did listen to the Heaving Bosoms podcast recap of this book and I’m still none the wiser as to what happened. 

Gifting Me to His Best Friend - [READ] This is from the same author and in the same series as Your Dad Will Do so I knew I was in for a steamy read when I picked this book up, what I was not expecting was how surprisingly sweet it was. This novella is just a weekend in their lives, but I would totally read more about these characters. Devoured it in an afternoon. 

After the Silence - [READING] I have seen a lot of promotion of Louise O’Neil’s latest offering. I happened to see it when I was browsing in a different bookshop to usual last weekend and so decided to give it a go. It has been a long time since I’ve read a crime/thriller and I might need to read something fluffy alongside it, but we’ll see how dark it is.

Ninth House - I have been waiting to read this book for ages as I love Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows is PERFECTION). I went to buy it a few weeks ago but my local Indie told me I was better off waiting until the paperback comes out as it will be cheaper. I have placed my order for the paperback and it is due to arrive on 20 October.

Burn for Me - I had intended to start this series while I waited for A Promise of Darkness to arrive, but I never got around to it. It is still on my read list, so I plan to getting around to it sometime soon.

November

WATCH THIS SPACE.

December

I had planned to start my ACOTAR reread in December but with the change of date meaning ACOSF is now due to come out mid February I’m going to push my reread into the New Year.

WATCH THIS SPACE.

January

A Court of Thorns and Roses/A Court of Wings and Ruin/A Court of Mist and Fury/A Court of Frost and Starlight - By January it will have been more than a year since I last read ACOTAR, I want to do a reread ahead of the release of A Court of Silver Flames so the series is fresh in my mind. I spend so much time in Tumblr I almost forgot what is on the very page and what is comments/criticisms from the fandom! I don’t know how long a total reread will take me but I’ve put aside a month. I plan to post a lot about it though, if anyone would like to read along with me :)

February

A Court of Silver Flames - HOOK IT TO MY VEINS.

will update this post as I go with what I’m reading. I am trying to get through my “Want to Read” books on GoodReads so the gaps will either be filled in with choices from there, or books that were recommended in these two @smartbitchesbooks podcasts:

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/podcast/414-listener-mail-and-fantasy-romance-recs-with-amanda/

https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/podcast/418-romance-recs-with-amanda-and-sarah-psychic-pining/

#Book Recommendations #reading recommendations #updated

[welcometothebookreport]

In 2020, I read 40 books (with maybe a few more to be added after I post this) after discovering my love of reading all over again. I am not a very hard reader to please, so it will be rare for me to rate a book with a low score, so I doubt you’ll ever see any criticism from me. So, here we go!

A few things before I start: There are three series in this list (but technically only two, because I’ve only read Serpent & Dove so far) but I’ve limited myself to no repeat authors. That must have been the hardest part for me. Since Jessi went the extra mile and ranked them in order, I’ve decided to make myself suffer the same. And while most of these were not published in 2020, they were read in 2020.

I am (sometimes) a picky reader, but any book that is on this list, I have loved. I chose not to rate them because honestly, they would have all been high. I give ratings easily, and try not to pick things apart even for books I truly did not like.

Please keep in mind that I do my best to add trigger warnings, but you should always check for certain triggers before reading. Triggers vary for everyone.

10. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Warnings: There’s a male character that’s a creep and you’ll spot him as soon as you crack this one open. This tale deals with Peyton being sentenced to prison, and their mother practically glossing over what he’s done by victim blaming.

I have read Dessen’s books since I was 13 and I truly still enjoy her stories as much as I did then. While this was a re-read for me, it’s a tie for my favorite book of hers. It’s tied with Along For the Ride.

Sydney is left in the aftermath after her older brother, Peyton, is sentenced to prison after a drunk driving accident that paralyzes a boy. Formerly in his shadow, Sydney struggles to discover what it is she wants, and how she wants to be seen as her own mother seems to gloss right over her. It’s a YA read that always feels like more than the romance that originally interested me.

9.  Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Warnings: Misogyny. The church and religion plays an extremely heavy part of this plot, which was hard for me to get into. It’s clear that some characters do not value women in their actions and words toward Lou. It made me uncomfortable in spots because I just wanted to get past it, but I plan to read this one again since I know that it won’t bother me this time! Still, there is: violence in parts, religious zealots (in case that’s something that makes you uncomfortable like it did me), derogatory slurs toward women, and again, misogyny.

I finished this one two days ago, and I sincerely cannot wait to dig into the sequel. Lou is a witty, snappy character that was such a breath of fresh air from the normal. You usually see the male lead that’s a bit crude, a bit quick to pull the trigger, and the one that’s harder to crack. Is that what happened here? Absolutely fucking not. Shelby Mahurin took something I loved, enemies to lovers, and kicked its ass. Forced marriage? UM YES. A witch and a witch-hunter? Mortal enemies? Characters that can never possibly love each other? DONE DONE DONE.

It’s hilarious in parts. Serious when it needs to be. A bit spicy too, while not a lot, which I certainly appreciate. Reid’s character development is a wonder to watch, at least for me, and by the end of the book, I am so in love with him that I don’t know what to do with myself. I have so many annotations for this novel.

8. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

Warnings: There’s a fair bout of murder. Women are expected not to take lovers before marriage while men are not held to the same standard. Gross. Allessandra is continually underestimated so let me say: let the women do the work.

It’s called the Slytherin romance we’ve been waiting for, and I agree. While this is a shorter read, and a standalone, I was pleased with it. Both characters are incredibly ambitious, but it’s Allessandra that steals the show. The plan? To enter the palace, woo the king, and then kill him in order to take his kingdom. She’s wicked in all the ways I love.

I loved this book, and each page, but this was the line that will make me return to it: “I’m not a trollop,” I announce to the empty room. “I’m a sexually empowered woman, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black

Warnings: Aside from murder, there’s nothing that stands out to me as a trigger.

A series! The first! There’s something interesting about this series for me, and it’s that I didn’t fall in love altogether, all at once. It was gradual, like wading into water until it went right over my head. By the final fourth of The Cruel Prince, I was fully invested in this world and I absolutely needed to know how Jude and Cardan would become, well, Jude and Cardan.

As a YA series, I was not expecting the sheer amount of mystery, political intrigue, and plot twists that came with this series. However, I never knew what was going to happen, and if I did guess what was coming, Black had at least two more twists to send me for a loop. The Queen of Nothing was likely my favorite book of the series, with The Wicked King as a close second.

6. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Warnings:  Discussion of attempted non-con assault, forced disclosure of sexuality

I laughed until my eyes watered and I nearly cried in this book. Delightfully funny, and snappy, RW&B delivers on everything I didn’t know that I needed. I had never read a book where LGBTQ was represented in such a positive light. As someone raised in a more conservative household, I’ve known my own sexual orientation for a long time, but this book made me feel like I could relax in my skin because this story was stunning.

Alex and Henry left me with so much hope that it’s impossible to ever put the lid back on. I’m so happy I read this.

(oh, god, we’re in the final five.)

5. The Caraval Series by Stephanie Garber

Warnings: Physical and emotional child abuse.

I could dedicate multiple posts to this series. Maybe I still will. While this is at number five, it’s my favorite series I’ve ever read. If I could only have one series to read for the rest of my life, I would choose this one. Hands down. Full stop. These characters live in my head constantly and I would give an obscene amount of things to read it all over again for the first time. I actually read this with two of my closest friends in our many book club, and we all loved it.

Doused in magic, this world is unveiled to us with excellent descriptions. Truly, Garber owned my heart within a few chapters. Scarlett is the elder sister, Tella the younger, and if you don’t love Tella by the end of Caraval, I promise you will. I know because I was skeptical, but here I am. I’ve said it to my friends, but Scarlett is the one who holds my hair while I have a hangover. Tella is the one that helps me start the bar fight.

With non-stop turns, and magic, everything comes to life on these pages. And the romance, the romance. Please, please give me my great love in this style. It’s not too much to ask for, is it?

4. Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

Warnings:  loss of sibling, loss of parent, alcoholism, mention of infidelity, mentions of previous physical and emotional child abuse.

Mae sent this recommendation to me, and I devoured all of Kemmer’s books post-haste. Declan and Juliet fall in love without knowing who the other is, while also not liking the real version of their penpal. Juliet has lost her mother, and she’s treading water, but not well. Declan has suffered in the years that follow a family tragedy, and he’s not adapting to life with his new step-father.

But he opens with CemetaryGirl (Juliet) and it’s raw in the best of ways, and the openness between them that eventually moves from their bubble to reality is one of the most pleasing things to read. I’ve read it twice this year. I will read it again next year too.

I also read this twice this year and will for sure be reading it again in 2021.

3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Warnings: Child abuse.

This was another novel that I fell in love with as I went, and that’s definitely because of the non-linear narrative. It was a little confusing, but I’m going to read it again someday since I know everything now! I read this to follow-up to Caraval with my book club pals, and it’s just what I needed to leave Caraval behind. Marco and Celia are incredible and I absolutely believe that the ending of this novel is one of the best endings I’ve ever read.

My book club has not finished this book entirely this so I’m not sharing any spoilers, but I would like to share one of my favorite quotes. “What did you wish for?” “I wished for her.”

2. Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Warnings: Cuba is in the middle of a revolution, and it’s tense in parts. There are some bittersweet elements and I think the parts of the ending are like the punch in the gut you need in order to wake you up and remember to live.

This was my first read once I really dug back into this hobby in August. It was picked by Reese Witherspoon for her book club, and she always picks good books. This is a dual timeline romance, and mystery. It’s an absolute stunner of a book. It’s a dear favorite to me now. I’ve never been to Cubs, or heard stories, but Cleeton manages to make you feel like you’re right there feeling saltwater spray across your face.

The romance made me feel breathless, but truly it’s the strong familial ties that make this such a beautiful gem. It leaves you with hope even in the dark and with love in the absence of it. I could scream about this book for the rest of my life, which I absolutely intend to do.

Favorite line? “You’re going to be difficult to walk away from, aren’t you?” “I hope so.”

1 In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Warnings? There are none that strike me. This is a lighthearted read that pulls at the heartstrings, but it’s by no means short on the laughs. And, I’m sorry for the long wall of text below.

In A Holidaze is the story of a woman stuck in her ways of never going after what she truly wants until a stray wish lands her in a time loop over the holidays. It's only after repeating the same day a few times that she quite literally says "fuck this," and starts living for HER. I really expected this to just be a Hallmark kind of read, but it was SO MUCH MORE. You should read it, even if it's after the holidays.

It's witty, and heart-wrenching, and it's just everything I didn't know I needed. Mae is snarky, and brave when she figures out that there is nothing stopping her, and the romance is - GODDAMN. Andrew. I need an Andrew and a fan.

It's not quite a love triangle, which was what I expected and I was so pleasantly surprised. I have grinned like a goddamn fool all day. I have giggled all day in front of customers, and my co-workers. I have nearly CRIED in my bedroom when my heart fell out of my ass and landed somewhere near my ankles, because hello, it's gonna get you.

This is going on my yearly re-read list for the holidays.

In the two days since I’ve finished, I’ve convinced my two friends in book club to read it, convinced Jessi to order it from Book of the Month Club, convinced another friend to read it, and bought it for Mae on Christmas day because her library had a six month hold and that was simply unacceptable.

#kelseyreads #2020 Top 10 Reads