#Brokenhearted Boldness

[deremerstudios]

ENEMY LOVE?

How are Christians to relate to an increasingly hostile and alien culture? Do we respond in kind, fighting for the values we hold dear, or does Christ call us to a better, more productive way?

How are Christians to relate to an increasingly hostile and alien culture? Just as I presented some historical context, let’s broaden our view a bit to gain some important Biblical context.  Up above, we saw through the example of the Old Testament, that despite being God’s chosen people, there were times when Israel disobeyed and in turn suffered calamity and banishment under the just judgment…

[helpful-writing-tips]

if you write a strong character, let them fail.

if you write a selfless hero, let them get mad at people.

if you write a cold-hearted villain, make them cry.

if you write a brokenhearted victim, let them smile again.

if you write a bold leader, make them seek guidance.

if you write a confident genius, make them be wrong, or get stumped once in a while.

if you write a fighter or a warrior, let them lose a battle, but let them win the war.

if you write a character who loses everything, let them find something.

if you write a reluctant hero, give them a reason to fight.

credit:@aj-eddy

[sai4u]

★ — you wanna kiss me so bad .ᐟ

⤷ the boys wanting a kiss from you and wondering how to get it

⌗ ft .∿ dream ot7 x reader

⌗ genre + warnings .∿ fluff + a smudge of suggestive in jaemin part

⌗ trini’s note .∿ I wanna kiss jisung so bad, he’s literally everything omg-

⤹ ⊹ mark lee .ᐟ

✶ mark is not one to admit when he wants a kiss. you would think being the leader of nct dream would make him more outspoken but with you, he becomes almost the complete opposite. not that he’s scared but he’s still learning how to not stare at your lips and just ask for a kiss. as for now, he’ll stare at your precious lips and smile mindlessly until you ask him if he wants a kiss :)

⤹ ⊹ huang renjun .ᐟ

✶ renjun would drop small hints or be innuendo with kisses but not flat out say that he wants a kiss. would it lean to stubbornness? yes of course but it’s renjun so it’s okay. renjun would throw out his body is sore or how low the day has treated him, only ‘cause he knows you’ll spoil him with kisses. let any complaint or concern be said from renjun and you’re giving him a kiss on the cheek saying, “does that make it better?”. to answer for him, yes, yes it does

⤹ ⊹ lee jeno .ᐟ

✶ lowkey resident babygirl of the relationship so expect an infinite, and I mean infinite, amount of pouts from jeno. he tries to put on this cool guy act for his fans but immediately melts around you, especially when he’s gifted with kisses. he will one day admit that he’s addicted to your kisses and wanna be smothered in them at all times. though, sometimes he does get impatient, if you’re busy, and sneaks a kiss from you himself

⤹ ⊹ lee haechan .ᐟ

✶ there is no waiting, there is no “hold on”, when haechan wants, no demands, for a kiss, he wants one now. this man is so impatient and is always urged to kiss you himself but he knows that whatever you’re attending to is important as well. he is in love with your kisses but will never invade your space for a kiss. however, he can get extremely whiney when he is in the mood for some kisses. he’ll latch onto your body and pucker up the second you’re not busy

⤹ ⊹ na jaemin .ᐟ

✶ jaemin is always determined to get his kisses one way or another. not only that, he prefers feeding you with kisses but gets shy (and needy) when you kiss him. just one kiss would have jaemin smiling shly but also asking for one more. “please one more” and it’s never one more with na jaemin. even when you try to pull away and reject his pleas, he pulls you back for more and kisses you until your cheeks hurt from smiling so much. certain times, the kisses jaemin gives turn into something more ;)

⤹ ⊹ zhong chenle .ᐟ

✶ don’t ever tell chenle that you’re not busy cause he’s always ready to plop down on you and demand a kiss. in his head, you say, “I’m not doing anything” translates to “yes you can get some kisses” (idk the man just loves his kisses). also, he’s straightforward when it comes to kisses, chenle gets DOWNNN, he don’t play about his kisses! he will turn to beg for kisses but in the same breath, become slightly petty when you reject his pleas. he acts brokenhearted and denies your kisses when you decide to give him some. but we all know in his heart that he never wants you to stop kissing him

⤹ ⊹ park jisung .ᐟ

✶ everyday jisung prays that you become a mind reader so you can kiss him without having to hesitate. not because he’s too stubborn to ask for a kiss but because he is shy whenever it comes to affection. he doesn’t wanna come off as clingy or needy so he’ll just swallow up his needs for your kisses and take them whenever you feel like kissing him. though as your relationship grows, jisung becomes a bit bold as the days go by; it becomes more than often of him asking to kiss you. likewise, he’ll sneak in a cheek kiss when he’s admiring your beauty or kiss your forehead just because <3

౨ৎ me personally, I would kiss jaemin every half hour if I could. even in my sleep idccc

౨ৎ lemme know which is your fav <3

kisses to you all and God bless you 💗

© 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟦 𝗌𝖺𝗂𝟦𝗎. 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗏𝖾𝖽

[noellawrites]

Hi there! How would the yandere svu guys propose?

oooh i love this! bold of you to think they might actually "propose" naturally LOL. this is just my take but feel free to pitch in with what you think!

Rafael Barba is going to be very strategic with his proposal. He's not taking no for an answer, but he also doesn't want to be humiliated with a rejection. He makes his mama and grandma spend a day with you, and then meets you three at a ritzy NYC restaurant for dinner. He's not getting down on one knee, he's too old for that. Instead, he puts his hand on yours and opens the ring box. It's insanely ornate and expensive, but you'd expect nothing less from Rafael Barba. You look up and see his soft smile. With his mama and grandma there, of course you say yes.

Nick Amaro is gonna get one of those rings that has thorns and legit hurts to remove (like Megan Fox's— google it). He's gonna put it on your ring finger when you're sleeping and give you a big smile when he sees your confusion. Of course he's not giving you a choice, he's "the man" of the relationship. He gets off on this dynamic. You're now going to take care of Gil and Zara, and take care of the home while Nick's working. He's had too many failed relationships, he's not gonna risk things this time.

Mike Dodds has some cutesy romantic thing planned, probably something like a walk by the Hudson. He doesn't plan for a rejection, but if you do reject him, he's gonna give you that brokenhearted puppy expression and you'll reverse your words quickly. His dad is really proud and helped him pick out the flashiest engagement ring. Of course, this is only after Dodds Sr. has fully vetted you. I mean, where else do you think Mike learned these yandere traits from?

Sonny Carisi makes his proposal soooo romantic. He's asked all of his sisters for help, not wanting to risk you saying no. He’ll pick a public place so you’ll feel obligated to say yes and be excited as he declares his undying love for you. The night you get engaged, you bet he’s gonna try for multiple rounds to knock you up. Now there’s a ring on your finger and he has the power in the relationship, so you can’t disagree.

[lovelybeesthings]

Playboy

Theodore nott x reader (3rd person)

Word count: idk (there's really not like enemies to lovers in this one maybe if I do a part 2?)

Warnings: underage drinking? Swearing not that much glass breaking

A/n: hello update on my life my mom is OKAY THANK THE LORD I change fandoms but I’ll still right Coriolanus fics if you send requests!

Summary: I was thinking about that one scene in Euphoria in the 1 ep in season 2 where Fez slashes the bottle into Nate’s head saying happy new years and was like this would make a nice fic (IM SORRY IF THIS IS PURE DOG SHIT)

-

Y/n L/n and Theodore Nott were both famously known in their house Gryffindor and Slytherin each had their reputation Y/n was nice and caring, Sweet a surprise she wasn't in Hufflepuff The thing that made her a Gryffindor was how bold she was and acting before thinking she had sent a lot of females to the hospital wing while Theodore was smart looks slick like a snake and in one word a Playboy doesn't matter what kind of girl she could be seeing someone he didn't give fuck.

Something they both have in common is that they have a feud Theodore has a new girl each week or even days before leaving them heartbroken and Y/n is there to heal it for them but Theo likes seeing how their hearts fall to his empty promises his empty words leaving like a ghost.

Theodore originally dated Y/ns closet friends and when he left her friend brokenhearted it sent her friend into a spiral of depression so bad that the poor girl transferred wizarding schools.

But currently, Y/n has found herself at a house party celebrating new years it had Hufflepuffs, Ravencloths, Slytherins, and Gryffindor.

Y/n had arrived earlier at the party with a few of her friends and she had on a black Minnie skirt paired with a black belt and black boots with a white off-the-shoulder top and access jewelry pretty makeup for the occasion and her (c/n) hair was in curls with the help of her friend.

Y/n took a sip of the beer she held with one hand she laid her head softly on the nearest wall her friends ditched her to go hang out with some Ravencloth boys.

The music was being blasted loudly not being to hear any small talk so she roamed the room seeing a few boys high passing a joint she was able to pinpoint one of the guys Mattheo riddle so that must mean his counter part is close by y/looked around once more spotting Theodore..

Her eyes studied him his dark brown curls his tall build and shoving his tongue down his next victim Y/n was taking her time trying to see who it was then to her horror she knew God she was going to murder him.

The girl was a fifth-year one year below them but that wasn't even the worst part she knew this girl she was a sweet Hufflepuff girl whom she tutored a bit and who she protected against a few Slytherin girls whom She had landed big hits just enough to send them a message and to the hospital wing in return the sweet girl made her baked good for a while month.

Y/n soon snapped back to reality once Theodore Watercolor's eyes met here it was honestly disgusting to seem to stare at her as he French kissed a fifth year her face scrunched up disgusted by his sick act as she finished her drink leaving to go to the kitchen for another bottle maybe something stronger to forget what she saw.

(TIME SKIP BC IDK 😣)

For a while now Y/n has been engaging in a conversation with Pansy she was the only member of Theodore's friend group she could stand and they were talking about Theodore be exact.

“It's truly disgusting I mean I've seen him bring back a lot of girls and it's been disgusting to see to make out with them in the common room but French kissing a fifth year?!”

Pansy says as she takes a big sip of her cup Y/n nods in response to her words “Does he have any fucking bloody lines!” she says scoffing as she drinks her beer.

Blind to her in the corner of the kitchen was the little sweet fifth-year “I'm going to go save the princess” Y/n remarks as Pansy grins letting out a giggle “Truly heroic!” she says clapping as Y/n makes her way into the kitchen looking down in the girl crying knees to her chest.

“Hey there my badger” y/n says as she slides down next to the girl handing her a tissue “You look beautiful tonight” The girl's eyes soften once they meet Y/ns “Hello Again..n” she lets out as she sniffs.

“What happened I saw you with him a couple of minutes ago and now I'm sitting on the kitchen tiles with you,” Y/n says trying to comfort the teary eye girl “As Theodore was kissing me he broke out of the kiss and said he spotted an old friend and I said to go say hi!” she says a small smile her cheeks stained with tears.

“After I while I was getting worried I didn't anyone here..e so I began to look for him,” she says as her voice cracks Y/n sighs “And you found him making out with this old friend right?”

Y/n places an arm I've the girl which makes her scoot closer to Y/ns embrace “You're not the first girl sadly that this has happened to” Y/n sighs as she can feel her blood boil she's going to give Theodore a night to remember for sure.

“I'll be right back just need to go to the bathroom okay?” Y/n says as she brings her beer with gets up as the fifth-year nods.

Y/n makes her way around the party and soon finds Theo he can feel the presence of Y/n behind him and slowly breaks away from his hot make-out session “Bambina leave me be for a few minutes” he says to his hookup.

“But the balls going to drop soon and I wanted you to be my first kiss off the-” she's immediately cut off “Ore” says in a stern matter with a cold state she soon backs up scoffing walking away.

“Sorry about that,” Theodore says as he wipes his mouth with a nearby napkin, and a smirk is printed on his good-looking face.

Y/n arms are crossed over my chest as she smiles stabbing her nails into her arm to try and control her anger “The balls gon a drop soon!” someone shouts his watercolor eye locked into her (e/c) eyes .

“So what did you need to talk about? You finally fell in love with me?” Theodore says cockyness in his tone “God no” Y/n says scoffing as a smile is on her face.

“Last time we were together you said you wanted to kill me,” He says smirking and arching his eyebrow staring at me waiting for a reaction “4, 3, 2,1” everyone shouts as they kiss, drink as Y/n lifts her beer “Yea well, New year playboy” she says as she smashes the glass into his he as knocking him out.

“OMG Y/n JUST KNOCKED OUT THEODORE! Everyone is stunned by the sound and the news.

PART 2??? Idk

[lokisprettygirl]

Brokenhearted (Daemon Targaryen x Female Reader) (Non Canon Modern AU) (18+)

Read Chapter 7 here // Series Masterlist

Chapter 8

Summary: A certain Ghost of the past catches up with Daemon but it might turn into a blessing for him.

Warning: 18+, Smut, sex, filthy smut, degradation, dom sub relationship in bed, reader gets tied, Discussion of mensuration and Pregnancy, arguments and angst, flashbacks of abusive relationship, sexual abuse, Samantha, traumatic distressing content, Daemon is a big time smoker so if it’s something triggering don’t read it, he’s not the best boyfriend, alcohol drinking, mention of past trauma and therapy, cigarette smoking, possessive behaviour, some violence, baby needs therapy, baby is trying

"Hello, my sweet boy"

Samantha smiled as she looked him up and down as if he was a prey, you turned to look at him and he already seemed shaken just by her presence, he didn't answer her so she continued to stare at him. She then got up to step closer to him but you got in the way and glared at her.

"Move out of my way " she said to you so you crossed your arms and moved one step closer to her.

"Get out of my restaurant right now" your voice was low and menacing, filled with contempt for the vile woman in front of you. She was taken aback by your boldness for a moment before she spoke again.

"And who do you think you are?" She cackled like a witch and it took everything for you to not jab the very fork she was eating from right into her stomach,

"Someone you're going to wish you had never met" you stood your ground, there's no way you'd allow her to get close to Daemon at any cost. The disdainful smirk faded from her face and she got visibly upset all of a sudden,

"Look you bitch–"

"Claire call 911, a customer is causing a nuisance again" you raised your voice to cut her mid sentence and she seemed livid now. She raised her hand so you grabbed her arm and twisted it, a yelp of pain escaped her throat and you let her struggle against you for a moment before you allowed her arm to be free again.

"Go on..get the heck out of here now" you puckered your lips to make a mocking kiss sound as if you were talking to an animal which to be fair, that's exactly what she was. The gesture infuriated her further and she stomped on her leg before she tried to walk past you.

You followed her movements and kept yourself between her and Daemon so at no point she'd come in contact with him. Once she was out of the restaurant you kept your eyes on her through the window and you watched her cross the road and disappear out of the sight.

"What was that about?" Claire asked you, she seemed a bit uncomfortable as well.

"Just don't let her enter again, she's absolutely crazy" Claire nodded as you said that.

You didn't want to make a further scene so you walked towards Daemon to make him sit down on one of the secluded booths and poured a glass of water for him. He immediately put his hands on the table and hid his face in between his palms to calm down his nerves but it was in vain.

You didn't know what to say so you squeezed his shoulder in a comforting manner before you caressed his back gently,

"I'll get my stuff and we can leave then okay?" You told him softly and he didn't say anything but as you turned around to go back to the staff area he grabbed your hand in a desperate attempt to seek comfort. Truth to be told he was scared of all those thoughts that were running through his head.

"Don't leave me alone" he placed his head down on your torso as his arms wrapped around your waist, you immediately leaned down to kiss the top of his head, offering him the much needed comfort he needed.

From the distance Samantha was watching the scene and she realized that the information she had received wasn't wrong, he was really moving on and allowing some other woman to love him again, it wasn't just physical anymore, he was getting attached to her and she couldn't tolerate that. He can't forget her.

After a minute or so you pulled him away slightly so he looked up at you,

"I'll just get my bag okay, you want me to fix you a sandwich before we go home?" You asked him so he sighed and nodded so you pecked his lips and went back to the kitchen area.

The way you had stood up for him had warmed his heart, if Samantha was there she'd have called him a weak, fragile man for taking comfort in the arms of a woman who was supposedly physically weaker than him but he didn't want to hear her voice in his head any longer.

Well that was a wishful thinking that he had. He never thought he'd ever see her again, Viserys had promised him that she was taken care of and that she'd never bother him again then why was she there now?

As the other chef arrived you both left for Daemon's apartment. You wanted him to be at a place where he felt the most comfortable, you didn't allow him to drive either because he seemed lost in his head.

You didn't understand why she was there after all these years? What did she want? Was it because Daemon was moving on? But how did she know that? Was she always keeping an eye on him? Several questions were weighing heavily on your mind.

You both were on the couch after eating and showering, you didn't have spare clothes so you had put on one of his shirts.

He was just quietly smoking, not saying anything, you didn't want to disturb him either but you felt really worried about him.

After minutes of quiet you got off the couch and sat down on your knees in front of him so he had his eyes on you, you took the cigarette away from him and gave it a drag before you passed it back to him,

"Do you want to talk about it?" You asked and he ran his fingers through his hair before he sighed deeply.

"Nothing to talk about" he mumbled under his breath so you scooted closer to him and caressed his thighs with your hands in a comforting manner.

"What do you want to do then, what can I do?" You questioned him, you really wanted to ease his fears, he put out the cigarette in the ashtray and tapped on his thigh in a way to gesture you to sit on his lap so that's exactly what you did..

His arms wrapped around your waist as he pulled you closer and grabbed your chin to make you look at him,

"I care about you, you know that right? Do you feel it?" He asked you and you brought your hands up to caress his cheeks but he pulled his head away from you "Hands to yourself angel" he mumbled sternly and you figured he was in a mood of sorts where he wanted to dominate you, he had a public moment of weakness in the restaurant and perhaps her presence had triggered something in him.

"I feel it..i really do" you whispered, keeping your voice low and timid on purpose, he grabbed the back of your neck and kissed you before he clutched your hair in his fist to pull your head back.

His other hand trailed up your thigh and he smacked your ass harshly which in turn made you gasp and moan at the same time.

"I want to fuck you senselessly, and I want you take it like the sweet little whore that you are, I don't want to hear you until I permit you to speak, can you do that for me?" He spoke with authority, his voice was deep and raspy.

"Yess I'll do anything for you"

"Good girl, remember the safe word?"

"Yes sir" he smiled as you addressed him like that.

"You trust me? You want this?"

"Mmmm i trust you and I want you pleasee" he kissed you once more and tapped on your cheek lightly as he spoke again.

"Wait for me on the bed, I'll be there in a minute.. take your clothes off"

You nodded and got off his lap to make way to his bedroom, maybe he needed to release some frustration, you weren't going to question his methods. You knew he wouldn't hurt you or well hurt you without your permission.

He smoked one more cigarette before he finally stepped in the room and reached for a tie in his closet before he walked towards you, your eyes were on him, anticipating his each and every move, he leaned over you and caressed your neck with end of the fabric before he trailed it down from your sternum, you sucked a breath as it kept going lower and lower. As it reached between your legs, you could feel your clit twitching because of how aroused you felt.

His eyes locked on yours as he got on top of you, his stare was intense and so were his expressions.

"Bring your hands together" he said firmly so you raised them up and he immediately tied your wrists together, you gasped as he tightened the knot.

"On your front" you turned around with your hands still tied together. He slapped your cheek one by one making your eyes roll back in your head. Spreading your legs apart he pressed his middle finger inside you and all the way to his knuckles, he tucked your hair to the side before he placed his other arm right next to your head and leaned into you, pulling his finger out he shoved it in again but this time you felt three of his digits in there.

"God .. Daemon" you whimpered as you felt your walls stretching out.

"Shhhh kitten, no speaking..just take it quietly, you're my whore are you not?" He whispered in your ear and you bit on your lips at the whispery sultry sound of his voice,

"Mmm yess sir I am your whore, all yours" his fingers scissored and curled inside you, he quickly found your sweet spot and rubbed it over and over again until you were shivering with the building pleasure, he pleased you in a way you have never been pleased before, you were about to cum when he pulled out of you and turned your head to the side to watch your brows furrowing as the feeling of pleasure subsided slowly.

Your cunt felt sensitive, you just needed one touch, one stroke, one stimulation and you'd be pushed over the edge but he didn't want you to cum just yet. This wasn't about you. He had made it pretty clear. That didn't stop you from whining though-

"Mmmm baby please..touch me"

"I told you not to speak, didn't i?" You whimpered as he gripped your hair and pulled your neck up, his lips latched onto your soft skin and he sucked harshly,

"Mmmm sorry I'm sorry"

"Fucking listen to me kitten, I won't hesitate to leave you all night here, dripping and helpless with your hands tied up" he mumbled in your ear so you nodded instead of speaking this time.

You have never been treated this way before, not even by him, he had been rough with his words and actions alike but this was something next level. He had never denied your orgasm like this before.

He sat up on his knees and rubbed his fingers over your seeping cunt to collect your wetness and then you heard the sound of him stroking his cock, you desperately wanted to turn your head and watch him pleasure himself but resisted the urge to not anger him.

"She never allowed me to treat her like this, not once, but youuu…you're such a good girl for me, willing to be whatever i want you to be" his voice had a tinge of hoarseness to it, his breaths were becoming heavy. He then let out a deep grunt as he pushed his cock inside you slowly, his arms rested on either side of your body.

"Allowing me to use your body for my pleasure, you'd do anything for me won't you?" He asked you condescendingly, even though you couldn't really see him you just knew there was a devilish smirk on his face.

"Mmm yesss sir.. anything" he flipped you on your back and his pretty face came into your view.

He placed his hand on your cheek and used his thumb to open your mouth, you immediately sucked on his thumb and the sight aroused him even further if that was possible.

"And that makes you a dirty little whore.. made just to please men like me in bed" his degrading words made you want to hump against him but again you resisted the urge.

He quickened his pace and leaned over you as he fucked you, no words came out of your mouth except for those whiny whimpers, this was no love making, far from it, but you were not complaining.

Your clit was already sensitive so when he held those nubs between his fingers and pinched it gently you lost all control, your walls clenched around him, halting his movement at once, milking all his cum out, it seemed as if he was surprised too as how quickly he had cum just because you came around him. He threw his head back and rode his high with you, both of you needed time to recover from that mind numbing orgasm.

After sex he was always predictable, he'd clean himself up, kiss you sweetly as if to show his appreciation and then he'd grab his cigarette but he seemed a bit different today.

He was lost in his head again.

He picked you up in his arms as if you weighed nothing and took you to the bathroom where you both showered again and then you were back in his shirt.

"Do you feel okay?" You asked him as you watched him put a trouser on. He checked his phone and sighed deeply.

"Yeah..i have to go, this bloke missed his training this morning and wants to do it now" he mumbled innan agitated tone so you hummed.

"Can I come?" You asked him nervously. He averted his gaze at the question.

"I'll drop you home..it won't be wise to take you there.. I'll get distracted" your heart sank as he said that. Was he thinking about her? Did seeing her bring back those memories of the time he used to be with her? When he used to be hers?

You didn't say anything but got dressed instead and he drove you to your apartment.

When you finally arrived he was staring ahead of him so you placed your hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

"I'm worried about you" you whispered softly and he gulped, he didn't want to hurt you, that was the last thing he wanted to do right now but he really needed to be alone before he snaps at you again for no reason, however he knew his distant behavior was equally hurtful.

"I'm alright, I'm not a child y/n, just go home and rest, think about yourself for once" he spoke firmly and your eyes teared up, maybe he needed space but you couldn't help but feel hurt by his sudden distant behavior.

He leaned into you and at first you thought he was going to hug you but he merely opened the door so you could get out. You didn't say anything after that and stepped out, he immediately drove off once you did.

On the way to the centre he called Viserys, he really needed a few answers.

"Why is she here? You said she was taken care of.. and that ..that I'd never have to see her again soo whyy the fuck is she here" he raised his voice, he was frustrated and rightfully so. But as usual he was taking his anger out on people who meant no harm to him.

"Calm down Daemon, where are you?" Viserys asked him calmly, he didn't want his brother to be so angry especially while he was driving.

"Have to train Chris, meet me there" Daemon hung up after that.

Hello sweet boy

Her voice was still ringing in his head, the sweet voice that he had fallen for, the voice that held the power to reduce him to mere dirt under her boots.

Viserys told him that he had no clue of her whereabouts so it wasn't something he knew of, he was shocked himself that she had come back.

"Brother listen to me, it's been years..don't let her get to you again…she's not worth it"

He tried to convince Daemon to not worry about it and let it go, as it would only bring him pain. However a part of him did fear that she had returned to harm him again.

"You have got a nice thing going on for you, focus on that" Daemon sighed as Viserys reminded him about you, he had done it again, he had shown you how big of an arse he can be at times.

Late at night when he went back home he sat down on his bed to call you but before he could hit your number he heard the buzzer ringing so he made way to the living room and walked towards the intercom. His jaw clenched as he realized who it was. How did she find out where he lived? He gulped as he pressed the button on the intercom to speak to her,

"Samantha, go away or I'm calling the cops" he saw her snickering as he said that.

"I'm just here to talk baby, it's been years and i know you have missed me as much as I have missed you, I still miss you my sweet boy, in every way" his eyes teared up as she whispered softly but he knew better now, he knew better than to get involved in her mess again.

He turned the intercom off and stepped away from his door to go back to his room.

She kept pressing the buzzer but he ignored it. He won't be her plaything anymore, he won't let her mess with his head again.

To avoid hearing the buzzer he placed his headphones on and closed his eyes, and that's when he saw your face, your sweet Beautiful face, sometimes he wished he had never met Samantha, that maybe he had met someone like you instead, or maybe just you, why fate didn't bring you to him sooner? He would have had it all if only he had met you sooner.

He wanted to give you the world, he really did but his issues were skindeep, his heart was not in the right place in this relationship unlike yours, you were so pure, so supportive and you just wanted him to heal but it wasn't easy for him, he pushed you away and then pulled you in as he pleased and like the angel that you were you took him in your protection and gave him everything that he didn't deserve.

He wanted to acknowledge that he wasn't treating you fairly, he was afraid someday he'd turn into Samantha and hurt you the way she had hurt him, he was afraid he'd ruin you slowly the way she had ruined him.

Hurt people hurt people, he had read that somewhere and now he understood what it actually meant .

Daemon knew losing you now when he had gotten himself so accustomed to your warmth would only damage him more than he already was, he didn't want to lose you, he needed you, he really did and he knew he had to fix his behavior if he wanted to treat you better.

He grabbed his phone and finally dialed your number, it took a few rings before you picked it up,

"Hey" you mumbled and he took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry" his eyes were filled with tears as he spoke and as you heard his broken little voice your eyes welled up as well, you feared he was going to do something awful, you didn't know why you had a feeling that he'd leave you and this relationship, you feared that it was becoming too much for him and for once you wanted to be proven wrong.

"Daemon? Where are you baby?" You asked him softly.

"Bed" he mumbled as he sniffled and wiped his tears.

"Okayyy..you're safe?"

"Mmmhmm"

You breathed a sigh of relief as he said that.

"Alright. Listen to me Daemon, you have to talk to me, you can't push me away like that everytime you're in your head, that hurts me, alot. I'll give you your space whenever you need it but I don't want you to be completely alone when you're feeling that way, just let me be around at least" your voice was tender as you spoke. You weren't upset with him but you needed him to know that it really bothered you whenever he closed himself off like that.

"I know I do and I wanted to talk to you, I really did but then I just wanted to run again. I wasn't like this darling.. I used to be a different man and that was the man that a girl like you deserved, but I'm not that man anymore, she made a mockery of all the virtues that I held so dearly once, my dreams, my ability to show love.. she destroyed everything" there was a hint of anger in his voice but it wasn't directed at you, you knew he was trying at the best of his ability.

"I know it's not easy baby..it will take time, years perhaps, all I'm asking is for you to take my hand whenever you are feeling scared..that's it okay? That's all I want you to do, you're not alone and i won't let her hurt you anymore" you didn't want to be his weakness in this relationship nor you wanted him to feel weak, you just wanted to be his strength.

"Alright love..I'm sorry..will you see me tomorrow? I'll make it up to you i promise" you smiled as he said that.

"I will, just try and sleep now okay..I'll see you tomorrow"

It was late at night and it has been a long day so you just wanted him to rest, he was probably thinking about everything at once. You really wished you were there at the moment but if he needed his space you didn't want to get overbearing.

You laid down on your bed with your phone in your hand, scrolling through the pictures you have taken with him in the past few months, you noticed how his eyes always seemed so sad even when he was smiling and it broke your heart.

And now you feared that her arrival would ruin whatever progress he had made with you.

You were about to put your phone down and sleep but you heard the buzzer going off and leaped out of your bed, it was Daemon.

You weren't expecting to see him tonight but you couldn't have been happier that he came. As soon as he entered from the door he grabbed a hold of your cheeks between his hands, kissed your forehead and then he tilted his head to kiss you passionately, no words were said, he only pulled away for a second to breathe before he kissed you again and then again, it was thirsty and needy as if he was starving for it. When he finally pulled away there was a small smile on his face,

"I love you" he mumbled softly and your eyes widened in a mixture of shock and surprise. You were expecting the worst from tonight and It felt good to be proven wrong. His fingers brushed through your hair and then he kissed the tip of your nose. Did he really say that or your ears were ringing?

"I love you" he mumbled again making your heart blossom "Yeah i do" he didn't give you a chance to respond as he kissed you again. Soft feathery kisses, his lips barely brushed over yours, he had never kissed you this way before, so romantically and with such ardent need.

You grabbed the collar of his leather jacket and pressed your body against him as intimately as you could.

"I love you too, so muchhh" you whispered between the kisses and that made him smile. He didn't need the confession, he could tell how deeply you felt for him but his cold dead heart felt warm at those words. You took his jacket off, shirt followed and then you hooked your fingers around the loop of his belt to drag him to your room.

You didn't want to overstep so you laid on your side but you felt his hand on the back of your neck as he pulled you closer to him slowly, you took in the scent of his skin as you nuzzled your face between his neck, your arm draped around his waist, he caressed your head gently and closed his eyes to as he breathed in the sweet scent of your hair.

"Darling?" He called out for you so you hummed in response "You said you believed in me" you put your head up as he said that and kissed his forehead.

"I do ..i believe in you" his eyes teared up at the gesture and your words but then a small smile formed on his lips

"I want to give it a try, I want to fight again" your heart skipped a beat as he said that.

Maybe her arrival was the reason he had this epiphany, perhaps he needed to see her to realize that she no longer had a hold on him, maybe seeing her again was the push he needed to get the clarity that he was in control of his life, maybe that was the catalyst he needed to take that final step towards his healing journey.

You didn't know why she had returned after all these years, you still didn't know why he had given up on his dreams that night but as he slept holding you so close to him you felt a sense of strong protectiveness overcome you.

He wasn't weak, not at all, but he needed a gentle loving support in his life and you wanted to be that person to give him that, you wanted to be his person.

Whatever happens now you'd be there with him, for him, he wasn't alone anymore and you were determined that won't allow her to ruin his life any more.

❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

Taglist (please check your setting if I’m not able to tag you)

@simbaaas-stuff @ajthefujoshi @witchybitch2 @hypocritic-trash-baby @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @thefallenangel21n @kmc1989

[hieromonkcharbel]

“Beloved, when you wish to pray noetically from your depths, let the prayer of your heart imitate the sound of the cicada. When the cicada chirps, it does so in two ways. At first, it softly chirps five to ten times, but then its ending chirps are more pronounced, drawn out, and melodic. And so, beloved when you pray noetically within your heart, pray in the following manner: First say, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me” about ten times, forcefully from your heart and clearly with your intellect from your depths, one time with each breath. Restrain your breath a little each time you say the prayer as your heart meditates from its depth on the words. Once you have said the prayer in this fashion ten times or more until that place within you has become warm where you meditate upon the prayer, then say the prayer more forcefully, with greater tension and forcefulness of heart, just as the cicada ends its song with a more pronounced and melodic voice.

This prayer, which is referred to principally as noetic prayer, is also called prayer of the heart and watchful prayer. When you say the prayer with your intellect and repeat it mystically within you in stillness, using your inner voice, it is referred to as noetic prayer. When you say the prayer from the depths of your heart with great tension and inner force, then it is referred to as prayer of the heart. It is referred to as watchful prayer when, because of your prayer or because of the infinite goodness of God, the grace of the Holy Spirit visits your soul and touches your heart, or you are granted a divine vision, upon which your mind’s eye becomes watchful and fixed.

When you practice noetic prayer and reverently repeat it as you should, and the grace of the Holy Spirit visits your soul, then the name of Christ that you are meditating upon with your intellect becomes greatly consoling and sweet to your mind and soul, so much that you could never repeat it enough.

When you practice prayer of the heart and the grace of God touches your heart (that is, when your heart happens upon it), causing it to conceive compunction, as the Lady Theotokos [“God Bearer”, the Virgin Mary] conceived the Word of God by the Holy Spirit, then the name of divine Jesus, and all of Holy Scripture, becomes ineffable sweetness to the heart, and every spiritual notion of the heart (if I may put it this way) becomes a sweet flowing river of divine compunction that sweetens the heart and wondrously makes it fervent in eros and love for it Creator and God.

Sometimes, when you practice prayer of the heart with pain of an enfeebled heart and with sorrow of a humbled soul, then your soul clearly feels the consolation and visitation of the Lord. This is what the prophet says: “The Lord is near those who are brokenhearted.” The Lord invisibly draws near you when you crush your heart with the prayer, as we said, in order to show you some mystical revelation. He shows you some vision in order to make you more fervent in the spiritual work of your heart.

And so, beloved, when, by the grace of Christ, your soul beholds some vision and is filled with compunction because of your prayer, then you understand that watchful prayer is nothing other than divine grace; it is the noetic and divine vision your mind beholds, your intellect firmly fixed upon, and your soul watches. And that the divine grace of the Holy Spirit visited your soul, gently touched your heart, and ineffably sweetened your mind, only you can understand and comprehend within yourself, because compunction ceaselessly from your heart as from an ever-flowing spring, while your mind experiences an inexpressible sweetness and your soul consolation. At that moment your soul possesses some spiritual boldness and mystically supplicates God, its Fashioner and Creator saying, “Remember me, Oh Lord, in your Kingdom,” or some other verse of Holy Scripture.

This holy and pure supplication that takes place within the soul has such power that it penetrates the heavens and reaches the throne of the Holy Trinity, before whom it stands like sweet-smelling and fragrant incense. The prophet said about this prayer, “Let my prayer arise as incense before you.” The God in Trinity receives this holy supplication in an inexpressible and wondrous manner, and the supplication in turn receives the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This fruit, received reverently and modestly, is offered and sent to the soul as a priceless and heavenly gift from the God of all as a pledge of the future kingdom and adoption. The soul that receives the heavenly and divine fruit of the Holy Spirit because of its supplication, that is, from pure prayer, acquires divine love, spiritual joy, peace of heart, and great patience during the hardships and temptations of this age, excellence and goodness in everything, unwavering faith, Christ’s meekness, and passion-killing self-control. All of these are called “fruit of the Holy Spirit.” To our God be glory and power unto ages of ages. Amen.”

~ The Watchful Mind, pp 123-125.

[theofficersacademy]

Once, there was a girl. She had a mother named Helike, a father named Poliades, a brother named Perses, and a home called Lilium. Here, she had lived, and here, she had lost. First, her father to illness. Then her mother to war. One of her mother's comrades-in-arms agreed to take the girl and her brother in, driven in part by guilt, and so a broken family became whole again.

The war with the Nabateans remained an ever-present threat, however. For children, peace was easy to believe in, and the girl had carried that idealized vision of her childhood for as long as she could, until - when the destruction finally reached her - it festered into resentment and hate. A savior in white had come with promises to protect, and she had believed him, idolized him and his ideals, internalized his bitterness toward their enemy, and turned a blind eye to his failings when not even bold ambition could save her home.

A part of her died the day Epimenides urged the people of Lilium to evacuate. From the hill overlooking the city, she saw flames, and stoked her own heart with them. Celephais returned with news that all was lost. Perses, gripped with restless fervor, left for the frontlines. Brokenhearted and despairing, a scattering of refugees sought asylum in a nearby town.

But the Fell Star would not let them rest, and sent a flood to wipe out the rest of Agartha. The girl witnessed the death of friends and family, her own adoptive brother among them, and yet was chained by her helplessness. She could do nothing but move on with the scraps of her family in search of a place to hide where a Goddess could not find them.

Even more starved along the way. Others died to exposure. Celephais relied on her great affinity with magic to give some aid to her hurting countrymen. She developed illusions, painless dreams, places where one could reunite with loved ones again, and then an idea occurred to her: between life and death, they could hide. Nestled deep within the Ruthalia mountains, Celephais perfected the technology that would allow the remnants of her people to finally rest and be happy.

The girl was not happy, however. And eventually, the others trapped in the dream turned restless and unhappy as well. They desired to live. Only one of them managed to escape.

But not completely. The girl, ravaged by loss and hatred, made a deal to satisfy her need for vengeance.

She didn't notice the threads looped around her limbs.

"You have cut them." The book closes. Your vision floods with light.

- - -

You wake up in the ruined remains of Rusalka in the eastern part of Adrestia, far from where you had begun your journey. Most of you are heavily battered, but by some miracle you are all alive. There is one other person in your party now: a thin, weak Pasithee, barely alive as well. There are no signs of the bishops who had led you into the illusion. They have disappeared without a trace, so you gather your belongings and help each other limp back to the monastery with your new prisoner in tow.

  — Apollyon Ouranos, end.

　

Closing Procedures (please read carefully!)

The events of Apollyon Ouranos are over! You have all escaped from the illusion, although your bodies and minds still bear the scars. You feel as if you narrowly escaped death. The tears in the sky have closed and Fódlan appears to have returned to normal. When you return to the monastery, you find that you have a year's worth of letters from home waiting for you. Had this been an illusion this whole time...?

You are free to continue any Apollyon Ouranos threads you have ongoing, and you may start epilogue threads if you wish. These posts will no longer count toward the grand prize though.

　

Discord

All event channels will be closed on February 7th, so save what you want from them before then.

　

Prizes and How to Get Them

PARTICIPATION PRIZE.

All muses who made at least one IC event post automatically received the participation prize described in this post.

GRAND PRIZE.

The prize package below will be awarded to any muse who reached a minimum of 10 IC event posts. As a reminder, pre-departure interactions do not count towards the event.

Be sure that your posts have been tagged appropriately.

Knowledge Gem: A special gemstone that grants a drop of knowledge to the user. (One free skill point towards the user’s skill of choice.)

Two event-limited prizes from this list. (Your muse must have the corresponding rank to claim)

And a special item from the illusion you leave behind: 　　　　— Gospel of Zayin: Grants +0.5 strength/magic 　　　　— Gospel of Pi: Grants +2 speed 　　　　— Gospel of Theta: Grants +2 dexterity 　　　　— Gospel of Tau: Grants +2 max HP

CLAIM SCHEDULE.

Please send the masterlist an ask to claim your event prizes during the allotted days for your team. Claims sent outside their respective windows will be deleted.

2/1-2/2: Regular claims from the January activity point, mastering classes, etc. This does not include ranks gained from the Knowledge Gem, so please wait if your claim requires that. 2/3-2/4: Team Zayin participation, grand prize, knowledge gem ranks. 2/5-2/6: Team Pi participation, grand prize, knowledge gem ranks. 2/7-2/8: Team Theta participation, grand prize, knowledge gem ranks. 2/9-2/10: Team Tau participation, grand prize, knowledge gem ranks. After 2/10: Regular claims resume

The submission period is from 12:00AM EST the first day to 11:59PM EST the second day. We at least need to receive it during this time frame. Use the clock in the Masterlist’s sidebar to double check the date and time if you are not sure.

If you miss your window to claim your Participation or Grand Prize, you forfeit these prizes. Do not procrastinate.

If you missed the initial 2/1-2/2 period to rank up with an activity point, or if you claimed your grand prize but forgot to rank up with the Knowledge Gem, please wait until after 2/10 to send in these regular claims.

HOW TO SEND IN CLAIMS.

When sending claims, please send separate asks for event-specific claims vs. regular claims, even if the regular claim is due to the Knowledge Gem.

Event specific claims: participation prizes (including rank chart picks), personal skills, grand prize claims Regular claims: activity point rank up, knowledge gem point rank up, class access/mastery

As always, please feel free to ask any questions!

- The House Leaders

[pendulumh3art]

The cage and the bird // open

"Let me tell you a story of a bird and his cage." He punctuated the sentiment by taking a long drag from his cigar. "There once was a golden bird, bright and bold. The golden bird had a cage and that cage that was gold just like him, though it was nowhere near as bright. The bird would fly away, collecting stories to tell the cage. These were pretty stories that blurred the lines between fact and fiction, but the cage was happy to hear them regardless. The stories made the cage forget how tarnished and dull it was.

"However, the cage one day learned that the golden bird was not flying as far as he wanted to or experiencing the things he wanted to. The bird felt obligated to stay near home for the sake of the lonely cage. This made the cage angry, so it closed its heart to the golden bird. Brokenhearted, the bird pleaded to be let in, but the cage remained closed off. Eventually, the golden bird flew far, far away."

Tick.

"The bird was finally free, and the cage never saw the golden bird again."

[scentedflowersong]

A Swen’s Guide to the Into the Story-Verse Alternate Realities

Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome to another entry of our guide where we explore the 6 alternative realities presented in the latest addition to the Swan-Mills Saga by the ever so marvellous @swanqueeneverafter​

Today we'll take a look at the second to last reality, and that is...

!!!SPOILER ALERT!!! plotlines below the cut

Code name: Epsilon Reality

First appearance: chapter 26

Set: our world/the land without magic, unknown time period (presumably present/parallel to the main timeline)

Fixed by: a true love’s kiss between Emma and Regina in chapter 39

Epsilon Reality presents the toughest nut to crack when it comes to getting Emma and Regina together. Thank goodness Root and Shaw are there to aid them.

The storyline follows Regina Mills, a spoiled daughter of wealthy parents - Cora having her long fingers dipped nearly everywhere. For someone who has everything, Regina sure as hell isn’t having the time of her life, as she’s forced into proposing to her “girlfriend” Cruella by Cora.

Enter Emma Swan, a janitor employed in one of Cora's company’s buildings and an aspiring novelist. Emma’s world is turned upside down when her manager fires her, her girlfriend, Ruby, tells her she is leaving her AND she’s also getting evicted from her apartment, all in the course of 24 hours.

Emma storms into Cora’s office with a gun to demand her job and life back. Since Regina is also in the office at the moment, Emma takes her on as hostage. Regina is not the easiest hostage to work with, to say the least. The couple soon enough finds themselves in an abandoned cabin in the woods.

After a visit from a nosey neighbour - during which Regina saves their asses with a brilliantly meta cover story - and a hundred failed attempts at ransom calls to Cora, Emma and Regina go to a local bar and give the patrons a show to remember, with a grand finale - their first kiss (and needless to say, it doesn’t end there).

Meanwhile, Root and Shaw get themselves hired as killers for hire by Cora, so they can keep an eye on SQ. When Emma and Regina arrive to pick up the required ransom money the next day though, things don’t go according to plan, when Root and Shaw try to put SQ through “jeopardy” so that their feelings for one another come to the surface. However, since both, Emma and Regina, are stubborn asses, the jeopardy doesn’t make them confess anything.

On the contrary, Regina now bold from her experience decides to rob a bank with a gun stolen from Shoot. The robbery goes surprisingly smoothly (if you don’t count Regina holding Emma at a gunpoint) until a security guard shoots at them - Emma taking the bullet in the thigh. When Emma comes to, she finds herself in Cruella’s house, and Regina and Cruella are much too cosy with one another for her liking. She and Regina leave Cruella’s place, however they fight on their way away and part ways.

To get them back together, Shaw writes a love poem in Emma's handwriting and sends it to Regina, who doesn’t waste any time to come to a diner where Emma started working and tell Emma that she has won her heart with the poem. Sadly, Emma being an idiot tells Regina she didn’t write the poem. Brokenhearted Regina leaves the diner only to be kidnapped by Cora and Cruella.

Cora also arranges an electroshock therapy for Regina, which results in the seeming taming of the woman, but in actual fact brings Regina back the memories of her “other self”. Nevertheless, Regina agrees to go through with the wedding.

Henry Sr gets his space to shine in this reality as it is he who actively searches for Emma and convinces her to crash the wedding, which she does in a spectacular fashion with the help of Root and Shaw. Regina, now with all her memories, and Emma get married and share a true love’s kiss just as they jump on a train to their happily ever after.

You might also want to get a shot to A Life Less Ordinary :)

[spiritsoulandbody]

#DailyDevotion Do You Wear Blessings Or Curses As A Garment?

#DailyDevotion Do You Wear Blessings Or Curses As A Garment? Psalm 109 16For he didn't remember to be kind but hunted down the poor, needy and brokenhearted to kill them. 17He loved to curse -- let a curse come on him! He didn't like to bless — may a blessing be far from him. 18He wore cursing like his clothes — may it enter into his body like water and into his bones like oil. 19May it be wrapped around him like a garment, like a belt he always wears! As the previous verses were fulfilled by Judas, were these passages also fulfilled by Judas? Is this a revelation of his heart? We do not see all this exposed in the Gospels. Though we do see Judas being chastised by Jesus when the woman broke the perfume jar to anoint Jesus. We know he did not care about the poor but instead stole money from the common purse. It seems also the Pharisees, Sadducees and the Scribes loved money as well from the Gospels. Perhaps that unholy trio of the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes who opposed Jesus also loved to curse rather than bless. Instead of desiring to call people to repentance through the Law they preferred only to judge and condemn people and then abandon them. It did not seem they wanted the sinners to turn from their ways and live. We should take note of that in ourselves when we condemn people's actions. Are we doing that to call them to repentance or is it an extracurricular activity? David has some strong words here for those who love to curse (call down evil upon people). It calls for it to be like the garments and belts they always wear. Blessings will be far from those who do this. They themselves become the curses they call upon others. 20That is what the LORD should pay back to those who accuse me and talk evil against me. 21But You, O Lord GOD, deal with me according to Your reputation; Your kindness is so good, rescue me. 22I am poor and needy, and my heart is troubled within me. 23Like a shadow getting longer, I am gone; I'm shaken off like a grasshopper. 24My knees give way because of fasting, and my body is lean, without any fat. 25I'm a victim of their insults; they look at me and shake their heads. Here we see Jesus' response to the betrayal, the false accusations and the curses that is put upon them. The LORD will repay them. He calls for His Father in heaven to fulfill His name in Himself by being kind to Him. In the Garden, we see Jesus poor and needy and His heart greatly troubled because of the upcoming cross. He becomes the victim of their insults on the cross and they shake their head at Him. Their descendants continue their lies against Him. 26Help me, O LORD my God! You are so kind; save me! 27Then they will know this is Your hand, that You, O LORD, have done it. 28They may curse, but You bless. May those who attack me come to a shameful end, but may Your servant be glad. 29May those who accuse me put on disgrace as a garment and be wrapped in their shame as in a robe. 30I will thank the LORD very much and praise Him among many people, 31for He stands at the right side of the needy man to save him from those who condemn him to die. The Father heard Jesus' prayers here and raised Him from the dead. Having been raised from the dead, He has sat down at the right hand of the Father in glory. Those who rejected Him and cursed Him, if they did not repent, found themselves and their children receiving the brunt of Rome's armies. A curse remains on all who hear the good news of Jesus and reject Him, both Jew and Gentile. May we who follow Jesus also join Him in His shame and not be afraid to call Him our Friend. If we do, He will acknowledge us before the Father and we will join Him in His inheritance in eternal life and glory. Heavenly Father, may those who oppose Jesus today repent and turn in faith in Him. Grant us boldness of faith to confess Jesus as LORD and Savior of all so we may join Him in Your glory and Honor. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Read the full article

[tdowning79]

Praise Psalm of Joy Read: Psalm 147 SOAP: Psalm 147:1 Praise the LORD, for it is good to sing praises to our God. Yes, praise is pleasant and appropriate. The Christmas season can be a difficult time for many of us. Some are facing the first Christmas without a loved one, or distance has made it impossible to gather together. Maybe Christmas was a hard season when you were growing up, and the traditions and activities only bring back discouraging memories. If any part of your heart feels broken today, let our Scripture be a gentle reminder that God will be there to heal and repair your spirit, the same way He was there for the Israelites long ago. The very same God who created, numbered, and named every star in the sky knows your name. You are beautifully created in His image, and there is no part of your past, present, or future that He does not care about. It is good to sing praises about God! Consider all of the gifts we have learned about so far in this Advent study and all the little ways God cares about you. It is good to praise God for those things because it helps lift our minds and change our focus. When we feel like the pressure of the holidays is too much, take some time to think about things that are good and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). Praise is pleasant and appropriate. It honors God, and it’s good for our hearts, too. As God’s chosen people, we have the distinct privilege of being invited to come before His throne with boldness. Let’s spend that time in praise today! Prayer God, You know me better than I know myself. Thank You for being near when I’m brokenhearted, comforting me when I need You most, and never leaving me. It is a gift to be able to praise Your holy name. Amen. #morningdevotional #youversion #TheGreatestGiftGiven #advent https://www.instagram.com/p/CmhCTr2uo5S/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[madewithonerib]

Brokenhearted Boldness

A Christian Alternative To Outrage Culture

      Today, the need I see for Christian boldness       is a little different.

      It’s not so much that evangelicals are grasping       for so-called “Christian America.” Rather, it’s       our being drawn into the callout culture, the       outrage culture, the cancel culture, the       coddled culture.

      However you name it, it is very angry.

      And behind the relative safety of social media, it is very bold.

            “Boldness is not a personality trait,             but a miracle of GOD’s SPIRIT.”

      This boldness is seldom beautiful.

      But some Christian culture warriors are drawn into it       & shaped by it, with the result that their boldness is       distorted toward the brash, angry, contentious,       coarse, snide, & obnoxious.

1.] What is needed is not less boldness.

      No. The world is not suffering from too much       boldness in the cause of truth.

            Rather, what’s missing             is the beauty of             brokenhearted boldness.

      Here at Desiring God, we believe that this       brokenhearted boldness is not a       personality trait, but a miracle of       GOD’s SPIRIT.

       ●  Christian boldness is a gift of GOD [Ephesians 6:19-20].

           Ephesians 6:19-20 | Pray also for me, that whenever            I open my mouth, divine utterance may be given me,            so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the            GOSPEL, for which I am an ambassador in chains.            Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.

       ●  Christian brokenheartedness is a gift of GOD            [Psalm 51:10-17].

           And the counterintuitive combination of the two is            one of GOD’s most beautiful works.

           Psalm 51:10-17 | Create in me a clean heart, O GOD,            & renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away            from YOUR presence; take not YOUR HOLY SPIRIT            from me. Restore to me the joy of YOUR salvation,            & sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach            transgressors YOUR ways, & sinners will return            to YOU. Deliver me from bloodguilt, O GOD,            the GOD of my salvation, & my tongue will sing of            YOUR righteousness. O LORD, open my lips,            & my mouth will declare YOUR praise.

           For YOU do not delight in sacrifice, or I would            bring it; YOU take no pleasure in burnt offerings.

           The sacrifices of GOD are a broken spirit; a            broken & a contrite heart, O GOD,            YOU will not despise.

      This is one of our aims & prayers, because we are       BIBLE people. What the BIBLE presents as good       & beautiful we pursue.

      But we have found over many years that our sinful       hearts tend to distort the very beauties we pursue       unless they are mingled with other beauties..

      — especially the ones that lean against our       most subtle distortions.

2.] Beauty of Boldness

Boldness is a highly prized biblical beauty. Consider a few of the BIBLE’s presentations.

Bold in approaching GOD. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace. [Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 3:12]

Bold before mere man. We can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” [Hebrews 13:6]

Bold in righteousness. The righteous are bold as a lion. [Proverbs 28:1]

Bold in new conquests. Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them. [Deuteronomy 31:7–8; Joshua 1:9]

Bold before enemy kings. Be strong & courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria & all the horde that is with him. [2 Chronicles 32:7]

Bold before a new task. David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong & courageous & do it. Do not be afraid & do not be dismayed . . . until all the work for . . . the house of the LORD is finished.” [1 Chronicles 28:20]

Bold for the sake of ministry. I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish . . . the ministry that I received from the LORD JESUS. [Acts 20:24]

Bold in speaking the truth. Now, LORD, . . . grant to your servants to continue to speak YOUR WORD with all boldness. [Acts 4:29; Ephesians 6:20]

Bold for the GOSPEL. Let your manner of life be worthy of the GOSPEL of CHRIST, . . . not frightened in anything by your opponents. [Philippians 1:27–28]

Bold to risk your life for the good. I will go to the king, though it is against the law, & if I perish, I perish. [Esther 4:16]

Bold at the second coming. Abide in [CHRIST], so that when HE appears we may have confidence & not shrink from HIM in shame at HIS coming. [1 John 2:28]

3.] Reasons for Boldness

      Not only does the BIBLE present boldness as beautiful,       but it gives even more beautiful reasons for being bold.

      Biblical boldness is not a genetic disposition.

      It is the work of GOD enabling unworthy sinners to be       transformed by reasons the BIBLE gives us to be bold.

      The reasons are breathtaking.

      And it is no wonder that boldness is a fitting & beautiful       response. Consider some of the reasons the BIBLE       gives for us to be bold:

            #1. Our condemnation for sin             was endured by CHRIST.

      By sending HIS own SON in the likeness of       sinful flesh & for sin, [GOD] condemned sin       in the flesh. [Romans 8:3; Isaiah 53:5]

          Romans 8:3 | For what the law was powerless           to do in that it was weakened by the flesh,           GOD did by sending HIS own SON in the           likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin.           HE thus condemned sin in the flesh,"

      >> Our sins are forgiven.

      In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood,       the forgiveness of our trespasses.       [Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:24]

            #2. We are righteous in the             righteousness of faith.

. . . not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. [Philippians 3:9]

In CHRIST, we are the children of GOD.

          See what kind of love the FATHER           has given to us, that we should be           called children of GOD; & so we are.           [1 John 3:1]

            #3. We have eternal life.

Whoever believes in the SON has eternal life. [John 3:36]

As GOD’s heirs, we possess everything.

All things are yours, whether . . . the world or life or death or the present or the future — all are yours, & you are CHRIST’s, & CHRIST is GOD’s. [1 Corinthians 3:21–23; Romans 8:32]

          Romans 8:32 | HE who did not spare           HIS own SON but gave HIM up for us all,           how will HE not also, along with HIM,           freely give us all things?"

            #4. Everything will work for our good.

      We know that for those who love GOD all things work       together for good, for those who are called according       to HIS purpose. [Romans 8:28]

            #5. We will never be put to shame.

      It stands in SCRIPTURE: “Behold, I am laying in Zion       a stone, a cornerstone chosen & precious, &       whoever believes in HIM will not be put to shame.”       [1 Peter 2:6]

           1 Peter 2:6 | For it stands in SCRIPTURE:            “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen &            precious cornerstone; & the one who            believes in HIM will never be put to shame.”

            #6. GOD will never             leave us nor forsake us.

      Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed,       for I am your GOD; I will strengthen you,       I will help you, I will uphold you with       MY righteous right hand.       [Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5]

            #7. GOD will keep us             from falling into unbelief.

      [HE] will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of       our LORD JESUS CHRIST. GOD is faithful, by       whom you were called into the fellowship of HIS SON,       JESUS CHRIST our LORD. [1 Corinthians 1:8-9]

      1 Corinthians 1:8-9 | HE will sustain you to the end,       so that you will be blameless on the day of our       LORD JESUS CHRIST. GOD, who has called       you into fellowship with HIS SON JESUS CHRIST       our LORD, is faithful.

            #8. GOD governs the fall of             sparrows, & we are more             precious than they.

      Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not       one of them will fall to the ground apart from your       FATHER. But even the hairs of your head are all       numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more       value than many sparrows. [Matthew 10:29–31]

            #9. When hated & killed,             we are not defeated.

      Some of you they will put to death.

      You will be hated by all for MY Name’s sake.       But not a hair of your head will perish.       [Luke 21:16-18]

           #10. We are more than            conquerors at the moment            the worst happens to us.

      Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST?

      Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or       famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

      As it is written, “For your sake we are being       killed all the day long; we are regarded as       sheep to be slaughtered.”

      No, in all these things we are more than       conquerors through HIM who loved us.       [Romans 8:35–37]

            #11. If the devil kills us,             GOD gives us a crown of life.

      Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you       into prison. . . . Be faithful unto death, & I will       give you the crown of life. [Revelation 2:10]

      How can we not be bold if these are true!

      And they are true. If CHRIST is real, these       glorious reasons to be bold are real.

      And nothing is more real than CHRIST.

      So, we find in ourselves a stirring of boldness.

      The more clearly we see these biblical beauties,       & the more heartily we embrace them, the more       boldness grows in our souls.

4.] Beauty of Brokenheartedness

      But one of the great sorrows of the Christian life       is that our remaining sinfulness threatens to       distort the beauty of every holy pursuit.

      What Paul calls “sin that dwells within me”       [Romans 7:17] takes hold of a biblical beauty &       distorts it — sometimes blatantly so that the       distortion is obvious, & sometimes subtly so       that the distortion is oh so defensible.

            Boldness can become brash,             harsh, severe, cruel, angry,             impatient, contentious,             belligerent, coarse, crude,             snarky, snide, loud, garish,             obnoxious — all in the name             of Christian courage.

      Or more subtly, boldness in the cause of truth can       become, even if less brash & severe, more       all-consuming.

      It can become such a fixation that all other beautiful       affections & dispositions are eaten away from within.

            The soul loses its ability of see &             savor & celebrate the good in             others & in the world.

      “Boldness is the work of GOD enabling       unworthy sinners to be transformed by       reasons the BIBLE gives us to be bold.”

We have found that God’s remedy for such distortions of biblical beauties is to provide other moral beauties which are meant to mingle with boldness and prevent it from being ruined by sin. One of the beauties of the Bible that leans against our blatant and subtle distortions of boldness is brokenheartedness. We have discovered that biblical brokenheartedness is beautifully designed by God to preserve biblical boldness in all its power but none of its distortions. Consider the basis and beauty of brokenheartedness in a few biblical presentations.

The LORD is near the brokenhearted.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted & saves the crushed in spirit. [Psalm 34:18]

A broken & contrite heart is a pleasing sacrifice to GOD.

The sacrifices of GOD are a broken spirit; a broken & contrite heart, O GOD , YOU will not despise. [Psalm 51:17]

GOD dwells with & revives the lowly & contrite.

Thus says the One who is high & lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high & holy place, & also with him who is of a contrite & lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, & to revive the heart of the contrite.” [Isaiah 57:15]

God attends to those who tremble at his word.

This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. [Isaiah 66:2]

The humble, mourning, and meek are blessed.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. [Matthew 5:3–5]

Those who despair of self are justified.

The tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. [Luke 18:13-14]

The godly obedient confess unworthiness.

When you have done all that you were commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.” [Luke 17:10]

The reverent rejoice with trembling.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. [Psalm 2:11]

We work out our salvation with trembling.

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is GOD who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. [Philippians 2:12–13]

God’s might and care make us glad and lowly.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of GOD so that at the proper time HE may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on HIM, because HE cares for you. [1 Peter 5:6–7]

Even what we know truly, we know partly.

Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. [1 Corinthians 13:12]

We resist revenge, self-pity, & ultimatums.

When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. [1 Corinthians 4:12-13]

We share the burden of the entire groaning creation.

Not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the SPIRIT, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. [Romans 8:23]

We live with the anguish of unsaved loved ones.

I have great sorrow & unceasing anguish in my heart . . . for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. [Romans 9:2-3]

We never get beyond the burden of sinning and the need of confession in this life.

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? [Romans 7:24]

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]

Such brokenheartedness — contrition, lowliness, humility, trembling, meekness, anguish — is fitting in a fallen, and only partially saved, world. Yes, even fitting for saints — who are not yet perfect [Philippians 3:12] but “are being saved” [2 Corinthians 2:15]. The very fitness of it is its beauty.

6.] More Beautiful Than Boldness

If it were our purpose here to speak of bold brokenheartedness [which it isn’t], we could linger over GOD’s wisdom in the way that the beauty of boldness is designed conversely to protect the beauty of brokenheartedness from being distorted into fear, self-pity, passivity, joylessness, hopelessness, cowardice, self-absorption, & fruitlessness.

But the point here is that GOD intends for the beauty of brokenheartedness to mingle with the beauty of boldness so that a new reality emerges even more beautiful than the sum of both — a new reality called brokenhearted boldness. It is one of GOD’s most beautiful works. And it is one of the most needed in our day.

We hope that at Desiring GOD we will not fail in the call to be bold for the truth. Please pray for us. We aspire by the SPIRIT to joyfully endure the cost of speaking biblical truth boldly. Should we ever suffer in some small way, we would like it to be said of us what was said of the apostles: “They left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” [Acts 5:41].

But we know something of our own sinfulness and how quickly we can strike back in the name of boldness. Our prayer is that God would spare us from the distortion of the courage he made to be beautiful, by creating something even more beautiful: brokenhearted boldness.

desiringgod.org/articles/brokenhearted-boldness twitter.com/JohnPiper/status/1290304355959214090

[sternzeit]

"Es gibt kein Verfallsdatum für gebrochene Herzen. Du machst erst weiter, wenn du weiter machen kannst. Wenn es soweit ist, findest du jemanden, der unglaublich ist. Jemanden, der für immer bleibt"

- Alex, The Bold Type

[awhiskeyriver]

The Tutor: Playlist

As promised, here is The Tutor playlist. Bold means it was (or will be) featured in a chapter. There will probably be more added in the future as well. Enjoy! 

Humpty Dumpty: AJR

Faded Heart: BORNS

All I Do is Win: DJ Khaled

Perfect Places: Lorde

breathin’: Ariana Grande

44 More: Logic

Good Morning: Max Frost

Just a Little While: The 502′s

Gold Rush: Taylor Swift

I Knew You Were Trouble: Taylor Swift

All That I Want: Walk the Moon

Ocean Eyes: Billie Eilish

Treacherous: Taylor Swift

Meet Me At Our Spot: The Anxiety

Magic in the Hamptons: Social House

Feeling Good: Michael Buble

Friday I’m in Love: The Cure

Brokenhearted: Karmin

Kiss Me More: Doja Cat

Weekend: Priory

Break My Heart: Dua Lipa

All the Rage: Allie X

Past Lives: BORNS

Some Nights: Fun.

Bummerland: AJR

IDGAF: Dua Lipa

Stay the Night: Jukebox the Ghost

Shake it Out: Florence + The Machine

Photograph: Ed Sheeran

Everywhere I Go: Sleeping At Last

Renegade: Big Red Machine, Taylor Swift

Final Song: MO

Glory Days: The Vamps

Cosmic Love: Florence + The Machine

Holy Ground: Taylor Swift

Overwhelming: Jon Bellion

King of My Heart: Taylor Swift

[bebepac]

Raking Leaves In Love

I am participating in @wackydrabbles​​​ prompt # 115  “Was that supposed to hurt?”  which will  appear in bold.

I am also participating in @choicesoctoberchallenge​​​ day 6 for Leaves and  yellow.  @choicesmonthlychallenge​

This is Chapter 17 of Mia’s 🌎 World, but could be read as a standalone.   If you enjoy this and want to know more about Mia, I’ve written a lot about her.  

You can find her and other members of the TRR gang in this non-royal crossover in:  

Book One: Pop’s Place

Book Two: Mia’s 🌎 World

The Book: TRR x The Freshman (crossover) Pairings: Mia x Jaiden (TRR MC x M!OC / TF MC x Chris)  Warnings: Adult language, sexual innuendo. Rating: PG Word Count: 1271

Summary: Mia and Jaiden  rake leaves at her parent’s home.  Mia and Jaiden remember the year before when they spent some time apart.  

Mia who I have evolved way beyond the parameters of TRR MC, I do give PB credit for her,  but all other characters here are my own to help us tell our story.

A/N:  Sorry guys I’ve not been releasing as much as I normally do.  Work has been beyond hectic. I hope you guys will still stick with me as I try to get through this.  I really do enjoy writing  and it has totally been my place of stress release.  Thank you for enjoying what I put out in my little corner on the Choices TRR fandom.  

A/N2: Bless Your Heart, is a saying we say here in the south when you make a decision and you don’t realize the complete and total dumpster fire you just caused by doing it, and at the time you just didn’t know any better.  Mia has a “bless her heart” moment. 

Original Post: 10/05/21 at 7:03PM EST. 

"This is kind of a tradition with us."

"I know."

"Last year isn't going to be like this year." Jaiden kissed her hand.

The Past

Last year at this time of the year, Jaiden and Mia had been broken up. They were both extremely brokenhearted, and seeing each other was downright painful.  

Pops decided to play matchmaker that time instead of the Mothers and asked Mia to come help him rake leaves and the curve ball?  Pops also asked Jaiden to help.  Jaiden had agreed, though he was suspicious, and asked if Mia would be there. Pops assured Jaiden she wouldn't be.. But Mia…..bless her heart…. didn't want Pops to over-exert himself, so when Nico asked to come along to help, she thought that would be a good idea.

BLESS HER HEART…...

Nico had driven Mia over to her parent's house and when they pulled into the driveway, Jaiden's red jeep was parked in the yard.

"Oh God…. Not Pops too.”

"Well this is going to get interesting fast, it’s red jeep guy."

Both Pops and Jai looked surprised when she got out of Nico's black mustang, not to mention the looks they gave her plus one.

It was probably the most awkward moment of Mia’s life, Mia stood between her Ex, to one side of her, and her…. Sort of next but not really… on the other.

Pops admired Nico's vehicle for a moment then his voice turned gruff.

“Who the hell are you?”  Pops asked, pointing at Nico.  

“He’s my friend Nico. Pops, please be nice.”  

“You have too many little ‘friends’ Mia.   You only need one.”  

Pop's eyes landed on Jaiden, who at that moment looked absolutely miserable.  

“I need to grab a few more things from the shed,  Jaiden, would you give me a hand, Son?”  

"Sure Pops."

Jaiden and Pops walked away together, Pops gently clasped Jaiden’s shoulder as they walked out of sight. Mia knew her father very well.  He felt guilty for how the series of unfortunate events had played out.  

“Nico be nice, please."

Nico smirked, slipping his arms around Mia lightly kissing her neck.

"As nice as I was to you last night? You liked it, so did I."

Mia tried to pull free of him, and his grip tightened around her.

"Nico, we already talked about what that was.  Now is not the time."

When Pops and Jaiden came back around the corner, Nico had his arms wrapped around Mia; the two looked like they were a couple.  Jaiden snapped, throwing down the tools he was carrying and taking off towards the two of them charging them like a rocket, clearly Jaiden’s years of playing football were not forgotten.

"Get your hands off her!"

Jaiden grabbed Nico from behind, pulling him away from Mia.

"She's not your girl. You dumped her, remember? Far as I'm concerned you're the ghost of boyfriends past. How does it feel to be looking at her present?"

She had never seen Jaiden look so angry, and out of nowhere he sucker punched Nico, and Nico hit the ground dazed.

“ WHAT THE HELL JAI!!!” Mia crouched next to Nico, he smirked at Jaiden, before he leaned into Mia’s touch.

“Was that supposed to hurt?” 

Nico chided like he was trying to push all of Jaiden’s buttons simultaneously.

“Looks like it hurt.”  Jaiden’s voice was dripping in sarcasm.

Pops laughed at the scene, then quickly recovered, clearing his throat.

"Mia go in the house and get some ice for Nico's face and Jaiden's hand.  Take your time."

Mia glanced back wearily at the two suitors as she headed towards the house and Pops reached his hand out to Nico to help him up off the ground.  

Mia had taken a few minutes to compose herself inside the house and had put ice in two ziploc bags.  Pops was sitting on the porch when she came back out. 

“Sit down with me Mia.”  

“Nico is not my boyfriend Pops.”  

“He clearly wants to be, but you have one of those already.”

“Jaiden dumped me. He doesn’t want me.”  

“Jaiden didn’t just knock the hell out of your little friend for nothing, it was because his hands were on you Mia. It wasn’t the best route to show his love, but he loves you baby girl.”  

Jaiden and Nico were on separate ends of the yard, both feverishly raking leaves.  

“Should we help them?”  

“Naw, let them have at it. They both look like they got some steam to blow off.  Wait a few more minutes and take the ice to them.”

Pops watched Mia carefully as she stood in the middle of the yard.  He knew deep down whomever his daughter cared about the most, she would go to him first.  Pops sighed in relief when Mia turned left and headed towards Jaiden.  He was her future, and Pops was right.

The Present

“That was such an awkward day Mia.”

I know!!!!  And our yard has never been raked that fast since I've been here.”  

Jaiden laughed.

“Yeah we’re not going for any records today, though Pops bribing us with homemade apple cider and apple turnovers  is going to make me want to hurry up a bit. Come on let’s get this done.  I’m hungry. I can’t wait for dinner and desserts.”

“Desserts?”

“Yes, Pops apple turnovers, and you when we get back home.”

“That’s what I thought.”

Both Jaiden and Mia got to work raking up leaves, and there were a lot to rake. 

 Could it be called work?  Nope.  They played, they kissed, they even chased each other around the yard.  But they were happy, so happy to be back together and be in each other’s company.  

Pops went to the window when he heard Mia shriek, as Jaiden pulled her into a huge pile of leaves they had just built together.

Mia’s little yellow toboggan slipped off her head as she fell onto Jaiden into the pile of leaves, her fingers tugging the soft strands of his identically lemon colored scarf.

“I love you,” Mia breathed tugging him closer so that her lips could meet his.

“I know.”  Jaiden smirked, kissing her.  

“Jai don’t be a dick!”

“I’m kidding, I love you too.”  

She rested her head on his chest, his heartbeat slightly elevated was thumping in her ear. She snuggled closer to him, and his grip tightened around her, making her feel safe. Jaiden Brooks was her north star, he always guided her home.

When they finally were done, walking into the house, they were greeted by  delicious aromas which filled the air.

“Pops, we didn’t realize you were making dinner for us?”

“It’s no telling what you kids have been eating living together in that apartment.  Probably take out every night, 

and you know you weren’t raised like that MJ. Mom is pulling the biscuits out of the oven now.”

Pops and Mom and fixed quite a spread.  Pop’s deep fried chicken sat on the table on one large plate,  and another plate of air fried chicken on the other.  A large bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and Mia's mom set down a tray of piping hot biscuits on the table.

"Everything looks so good, I don't know where to begin.” Jaiden’s mouth was already watering.

"I'd go for the fried chicken." Pops reached for it too, but Mia's mom slapped his hand away.

"Only heart healthy for you Pops."

"Damn heart attack," Pops grumbled under his breath.

"You two are taking the leftovers. Share some with Chris and Emily."

"Should we though?”

“We should.”

That evening  Pops decided to light the fire pit and the family sat around it together drinking warm apple cider with cinnamon, laughing and talking.  

Mia snuggled closer to Jaiden.  

“There’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be right now. I love you.”  Jaiden whispered in her ear.

“I know.”  

“Hey Mia, don’t be dick.”

“I’m kidding,” she kissed his cheek.  “I love you too.”