#How To Love Neighbor According To Command

[doitforbangchan]

All Bark and No Bite : Meet the pack

Helloooooo! Welcome to my new series titled All Bark and No Bite. Before the series officially begins I want to give a quick overview of the SKZ pack members and their roles within the pack! This is how I view the pack dynamics working and my own personal thoughts. I have sorted them based on where I think they would fall. I have also included what tendencies I think some of them would have. I am also including a small background for the story. Please let me know your thoughts as well! I’d love to discuss :)

Disclaimer: The names and faces used here are just that, names and faces, and in no way reflect the real people the characters were designed after. The views and actions of these characters do not reflect the real Stray Kids in any way shape or form. This is all for fun let’s keep it that way please. 

My content is always for 18+ ONLY. If you are not 18+ please see yourselves out thanks

Background info: This story takes place in an alternate universe where people eventually present as one of three presentations: Alpha, beta and omega. Omegas are incredibly rare and many people have never even seen an omega in their lives. The new tradition is if an alpha does get an omega then that Omega does become the packs, though they will mainly ‘belong’ to the main alpha of the pack. Due to the submissive nature of the omegas this has turned many alphas and betas very misogynistic. 

Next Series masterlist Masterlist

Bang Chan aka Chris -Pack Main Alpha 

Chris is the head alpha of the SKZ pack. He is strong willed and carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Head of the pack and also unofficial head of the neighboring town has taken its toll on Chan mentally and emotionally. He is known as a strong leader who would and has done anything to protect his people. Other packs have heard of him and know better than to challenge him… Mostly anyways. The stupid few usually don’t make it home after coming for Chan. He is used to obedience and expects it in all aspects.

Lee Minho -Beta 

Minho can be hard to read sometimes, he gives off such a serious vibe but once you get to know him and how he interacts with the pack it’s clear he really cares for them. Minho is very blunt and will tell you exactly how he sees it. Even though he’s a beta he is still Chan's second in command in the pack. Minho is often there to remind Chan that he’s allowed to be a human and not a machine. Main cook for the pack. 

Seo Changbin -Alpha 

The main muscle (other than chan) of the pack. He takes pride in his strength and his ability to protect the pack as well as offer a shoulder to cry on. Changbin is often the one the pack goes too when they are down and just need a hug. According to them he gives the best hugs. Also really good for a laugh as he never stops joking around. 

Hwang Hyunjin -Beta 

Hyunjin is a true romantic through and through. When he’s not helping out at home with the pack you could usually find him painting out in a field somewhere or in town helping the townsfolk. He can often be found running errands for the elderly in town. He is a true artist and loves to do portraits of his fellow pack mates. 

Han Jisung -Beta with Omega tendencies

Precious Hannie, always so helpful and supportive. It was a surprise to his family he didn’t present as an omega growing up given how submissive he can be. He just wants to please the people he cares about! He can be a little introverted and shy around new people but once he warms up to you he never stops talking or joking around. Sunshine boy :) 

Lee Felix -Beta Omega tendencies 

Felix is another ray of sunshine for the pack. He is very dainty like a fairy and dances around like one too, despite his deep voice! His bubbly personality is contagious and anyone he meets is enamored by him. He can often be found in the kitchen baking during the day and singing along to whatever song is stuck in his head. Sometimes the pack wonders how he didn’t end up an omega. 

Kim Seungmin -Beta with Alpha tendencies 

This boy is very smart and is one of Chan's right hand men in the pack. He pays attention better than anyone else to small details and is good with strategy. He can come off as aloof and rude when you don’t know him yet, but once his shell is broken through he is actually a very caring person. He always tries to do right by his pack and would stop at nothing to protect them. 

Yang Jeongin -Alpha 

The youngest member of the pack and newest to present as an Alpha. He is very easy going and doesn’t have many responsibilities yet as he’s still trying to find himself as an alpha. He really looks up to the other members, especially Chan as he is a prime example of who Jeongin wants to become. The least experienced of the pack. One thing about him is he is very quick on his feet and even though he is young he knows he would die for the pack’s safety. 

If you got this far thank you :') I am not the best writer but I do enjoy it and hope you do too!

©doitforbangchan

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@ihrtlix

[athingofvikings]

A Thing Of Vikings Chapter 97: The Path Of Law

Chapter 97: The Path Of Law

"Tzedek, Tzedek, tirdof."  "Justice, justice, you shall pursue."  This week's parsha has this famous injunction, given by Moshe Rabbenu, on how we shall pursue justice.  It is not merely stated, but repeated for emphasis, in the context of instructions on the appointment of judges and enforcers of law, of the treatment and behavior of everyone from the highest king to the lowliest beggar, from the staunches of allies down to the worst of enemies. 

And from this we learn much.  Justice is not merely a perfect product, dispensed from a court of law like goods available at the market for purchase.  No, justice is an ideal, one which we strive towards but never truly accomplish, for it would mean that in all times and in all places, we meet the standards to which we are held, and to which we hold ourselves—for the Torah is not in Heaven, and neither is Justice.  No, it is ours, here, in Olam Hazeh, and to pursue Justice is to engage in Tikkun Olam, and make of our world a better place in accordance with the Law. 

The usual response heard to this perspective is that, as Rashi said, that the rest of the verse goes, "that you may live and possess the land that the Lord, your God, is giving you," meaning that it was only incumbent upon us to appoint judges and hold courts of law while living in the Land of Israel, and is not binding outside of it.  This is not true.  Yes, it referred to the long-ago time when we lived as a nation in and of ourselves, and we are since dispersed, and, as Rashi said, it is on that merit that we held our long-ago home.  But we are still told to pursue that justice, even if our home is lost, and hold to what we can, even if we do not live in that land any longer. 

But perhaps one might think that our justice is only for ourselves.  After all, the injunction to pursue justice was spoken only to the Bnei Yisrael.  But this is also not true. "Mishpat achad yihiyeh lachem", we are told.  "You shall have one single standard of justice."  There is no comment there stating that variation in Law, in the ideal of Justice, is acceptable because we now live in a different land.  And it is to that standard that we hold ourselves, the standard which we were told was holy, which we were told to pursue, no matter where we live, no matter with whom we live.  And too,"Ve'ahavta l'reieha komocha"—"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  "Lo ta'amod al dam reiecha"—"You shall not stand by the shed blood of your neighbor."  From this we see that no matter where we live, no matter who our neighbors are, we are commanded to stand by them and to pursue justice for them and for ourselves.

—Collected Divrei Torah of Rabbi Shihook ben Dror, Rosh Yeshiva of Vedrarfjord, AM 4892-4919 (AD 1132-59)

AO3 Chapter Link

~~~

My Original Fiction | Original Fiction Patreon

[unbidden-yidden-deactivated20240]

Do we all need a refresher on tochecha? I think that the last several days of internet have shown me that perhaps we all might.

Here's an excellent article from Rabbi Freedman of Rodeph Shalom:

Tochecha: How We Rebuke

Picture the scene: The Israelites have been wandering for 40 years in the desert and are finally on the banks of the Jordan river just mere miles from the Holy Land. Moses, knowing that his time as their leader is coming to end, offers one final speech to his people. This not-so-short speech, which is basically the entire book of Deuteronomy, is a look back at their shared history and words of advice for their future. Specifically in this first portion of Deuteronomy, D’varim, Moses does not mince words and offers a harsh rebuke of his people. He says:

…you rebelled against the command of your God. You grumbled in your tents… I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid…your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as God did for you in Egypt…” In spite of this, you did not trust in your God, and when God heard what you said, God was angry and solemnly swore that no one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors… And because of you God became angry with me also and said, “You shall not enter it, either.

We have name for this type of unsolicited advice in Judaism – tochecha. Literally, tochecha is a reproof or a rebuke, a spoken frankness that reveals a fixable flaw. The purpose of giving a tochecha is to point out an important truth that someone just seems to keep missing. It is one of Judaism’s most spiritual practices, not to be dished out carelessly or in anger, but with genuine concern for another human being.

In the case of Moses and the Israelites, the tochecha from Moses is related to people’s lack of faith in God. Moses, seemingly coming from a place of love, is worried that if they continue to grumble, and fear, and fail to have faith, then it will not end well for the Israelites; especially without Moses to have their back as has throughout the journey. Moses knows he will no longer be there to help his people and so this final speech, this final rebuke, is an act of love.

Fundamentally, tochecha is a mitzvah of connection — a cornerstone of healthy relationships and strong community. If we can trust our neighbors to tell us the truth lovingly, and if we can hear a reprimand with calm consideration, then our path to one of Judaism’s most sought after spiritual destinations, shalom/wholeness, is well paved.

Tochecha — the art of giving and receiving honest feedback or rebuke — is part of the biblical formula for sustaining friendships and relationships. According to the talmudic rabbis, it is an integral part of love; without tochecha, love cannot endure. (Bereshit Raba 54:3) I see evidence of this every day while counselling wedding couples. Those who are skilled at giving and receiving feedback are able to sustain healthy relationships over the long term, while those who lack such skills are ill-equipped to deal with relationship challenges when they arise. Tochecha requires great integrity and impeccable communication skills. It also requires the use of an array of psychological capacities and virtues, including humility, empathy, mindfulness, courage, non-defensiveness, and integration. While highly evolved individuals welcome tochecha as an opportunity for self-improvement, most people defend against having their shortcomings pointed out to them, and they will employ a range of psychological defenses, including denial and projection, to protect themselves from the pain of reproof. According to Estelle Frankel, a psychotherapist and Jewish educator, we increase the likelihood that our words will be heard by paying attention to three things: our timing, tone, and intention.

Timing: The rabbis teach that just as it is a mitzvah to offer words of tochecha when our words are likely to be heard, it is a mitzvah to stay silent when our words will not be heard. (Yevamot 65) Before speaking, we need to be mindful of our own emotional state as well as that of the listener. If we are emotionally triggered or angry, or notice that the listener is in a state of agitation, it is better to wait for a more opportune time — one that is mutually agreed upon.

Tone: A voice that is angry, disdainful, blaming, or judgmental can undermine our message. It is better to communicate tochecha with humility and empathy. Remembering that we are all flawed and that we all possess the capacity for wrongdoing is key. When possible, offer feedback and insight as an equally imperfect individual — no better or worse than anyone else. As it says in Pirkei Avot (Chapter 2, Mishnah 5), “Do not judge your neighbors until you have stood in their place.”

Intention: Tochecha is not simply a matter of venting; rather, it involves a conscious effort to heal a breach in a relationship or to help others to awaken to their spiritual and moral deficits. Tochecha is most effective when we make use of our psychological capacity for integration — the ability to see ourselves and others as whole beings with strengths and weaknesses, virtues and vices. With integration, we do not define people by their mistakes and flaws; rather, we point out specific criticisms at the same time that we remember the person’s essential goodness. When giving tochecha, it is helpful to express our loving concern, respect, and appreciation alongside any critique. Doing so reduces defensiveness and any sense that the criticism is an assault on the individual’s character.

Looking back now upon Moses’ words of rebuke in this chapter, we find that perhaps he could have done it a bit better. One of the amazing aspects of our tradition is that our prophets are not perfect and that we actually learn quite a bit from their failings. Moses’ tone seems overly harsh and the setting perhaps not ideal. In addition, I think there is one more major flaw in Moses’ rebuke.

The Baal Shem Tov (c.1698-1760), the founder of Chasidism, taught that if we see another person doing something ugly, we should meditate on the presence of that same ugliness in ourselves. He writes that we should, “know that it is one of God’s mercies that God brought this sight before our eyes in order to remind us of that our own faults, so as to bring us back in repentance…” He then gives examples such as, “if you saw someone desecrating Shabbat, or desecrating God’s name some other way, you should examine your own deeds and you will certainly find among them desecration of the Shabbat and cursing God’s name.”

According to the Baal Shem Tov sometimes when we judge others about a particular character fault, we might actually be subconsciously critiquing a character fault of our own. Since we’re uncomfortable doing a self-critique because it hurts too much, yet at the same time we don’t like that aspect of ourselves, we “project” that unwanted character trait onto another individual and critique the other person—which is a much more comfortable thing to do. What the Baal Shem Tov is asking us to do is to be aware that we might subconsciously do this, and to focus our critique inward instead.

Moses is near the end of his life, knows he won’t be going into the land and is working through some issues – trying to come to terms with his own failings and thus projecting them on others. Yes, the people had anger issues, trust issues and complained a lot during the journey. But so did Moses! Moses claims that he won’t be allowed in the land because of the people’s sin. Here Moses is failing to see his own flaws and projecting them on his people.

When we practice tochecha, who are we doing it for? To what degree do we see our own failings in our loved ones? It is not always so easy in the moment but we most constantly ask ourselves before giving criticism, who is this for? Is the timing and tone right? What are my intentions? Will this person actually listen? How can I give feedback in the most thoughtful, least humiliating way?

I’ll end with a short story about the famous 19th century rabbi, Israel Kagan, also known as the Chofetz Chayim, which illustrates one possible, non-shaming way to give tochecha. A student at the yeshiva was caught smoking on the Shabbat. When he was called into the Chofetz Chayim’s office, he anticipated being harshly rebuked. Instead, the old rabbi took the young man’s hands into his own and gazed into his eyes with loving concern and sorrow. A tear fell from the rabbi’s eyes, landing on the student’s hand as he uttered three words: “Shabbos, Shabbos HaKodesh – Shabbat, Shabbat is holy.” The young man was deeply distressed to have caused his teacher such sorrow. On the spot, he repented and never broke the Sabbath again. The rabbi’s tears, an expression of his love and concern, left an indelible mark on the young man’s soul.

For further reading, Sefaria has you covered.

[evita-shelby]

They didn't know we were seeds

Chapter 17

Cw: grief, mentions of substance abuse, anxiety, suicidial thoughts

@justrainandcoffee @emotionalcadaver @call-sign-shark @peakyswritings

Jack is a man on a mission.

He has packed all ne should need, he has a good guide and a peacekeeper’s uniform and a badge that should get him all the way to 12.

His beard is gone as part of Peacekeeper regulations, he has adopted a more Capitol-like accent to sell the lie he is a nobody from there and he has enough time to make it back home without anyone suspecting where he went.

His mother will assume he is with Eva, Eva will assume he is at his cabin, and he’ll be back home before they know it. He just needs to meet with their contacts and know how far he can get before 13 picks them up and takes them. It’s over a thousand miles and it would take a month or so to get there on foot if they managed to get there at all.

But the fake passes and the uniforms he’s stolen could allow more people to leave. Adults and some teenagers could do it. Tall girls and boys could make it to safety, but small children and women too far along wouldn’t.

Unless he could smuggle them in containers.

The train ride to 12 is expected to take about two days at the most, 6 to 10 hours if it’s on the newer trains used for government officials and those hosting the Reapings.

It would be a tight fit and risk far too much, but maybe a sedative in Laurie’s juice could have him asleep in a crate until they leave 12 and walk the rest of the way. They could do it, they have to before it takes more people he loves.

“Give the baby a kiss for me.” His mother fastens the straps on his backpack he’s taken to hide some last-minute things.

“I will, mom. Tell Katie that Eva doesn’t have a phone in her farmhouse, so she won’t answer any of her calls while we are there.” He hates lying to her, but he has to do this.

It was the only way.

Jack Nelson leaves his cabin as Sejanus, some rank-and-file peacekeeper assigned to 12.

“Where to, Sergeant?” the Officer checking the papers asks,

“12, under Head Peacekeeper Cray’s command, sir.”

Eva knows something is wrong when Jack doesn’t come.

“Daddy?” Laurie asks, pointing at the clearing that Jack always comes from because it makes it look like he is coming from a path that leads to a neighboring farm some miles out and not 2. Even their toddler knows something is wrong.

“He’s not coming, baby.”

He never misses the first week after the Games end. He always comes home and stays the week with her because there’s no work to be done on her farm and no one will notice he is gone beyond his mother and sister.

But it’s two days into the week and he has yet to show up.

Eva has no telephone here and spends the rest of the week in a state of anxiety waiting for Jack to come and tell her she was worrying for nothing. It takes her everything to pretend everything is fine for her baby son and she prays that he is not dead.

Jack had been in a terrible state when they left, reeking of booze and high on pills to numb himself. He hadn’t even remembered the train ride to 2 according to Katie who had called her to let her know she and their mother were taking care of him.

Their last call had worried her.

“I don’t know if I’ll get better.” He had unburdened himself completely to avoid taking up old habits and something told her that it had failed.

“You will, just as I did, and everyone here has.” She had reassured him as she kept him from hurting himself even more. “You can’t leave me, Jack. I forbid you.”

If he dies, she dies.

The Victor knows in her heart that she could never survive a world without him.

On the fourth day, someone comes and its not Jack. It is his mother who knows Jack as well as Eva does.

“I had hoped he was here.” She takes the whiskey Jack smuggled out of his district and pours it into her tea. Tea was not enough to calm Atia and Eva would do the same if she could. “I knew he was lying to me the second he began packing, but I thought he was just being cautious.”

“Did you ask Lyme?” Eva paces to keep herself from losing her mind in worry.

“She’s in 11 with her girlfriend, her father hasn’t seen Jack. No one has seen him, and I wanted him to be here and tell me I was being ridiculous, and he is fine.” The red-haired woman bites her nail trying to keep it together, but her mother’s heart cannot be hidden. “Oh, my poor rabbit!”

Eva knows what they do to those who run.

She’s seen how they kill and torture them, how difficult it is to leave one district.

And it is then the young mother and wife knows where he went.

Her husband had told her how he gets deserters to 13. A uniform and a fake badge and train to 12 where one of Shelby’s Contacts, a man by the name of Johnny Dogs leads them out to the ruins of 13.

“I know where he is. 13. He has been helping deserters escape Panem.”

He is able to leave the District with far too much ease.

Something is going to go wrong. He feels it in his gut as he changes into plain Coalminer’s getup in some derelict hut in the Seam.

“I can go with you, you won’t even know I am there, Johnny.” The young man, a grey eyed rebel by the name of Gale, begs with the ringleader who shook his head.

“And what will I tell your mom when you are killed or worse, boy?” the short and strange man ---a Covey man going by the way he acts--- was adamant that he turns back when they get to the lake.

“Can you use a bow?” the young man asks the career.

If they knew who he was, they made no mention of it, but for plausible deniability, Jack doesn’t say who he truly is. They wouldn’t help him if they knew.

“Since I turned ten, why do you ask?” Jack no longer feels any pride in how he was raised and yet it is that training that kept him alive and makes him invaluable to the rebellion.

“Just asking, you won your games with a sword.” The sixteen-year-old boy shows how bright he is by revealing to all who is the man wanting to know the way to 13.

“If I’d known the hell I’d live after, I would’ve let Juno kill me.” The victor says to Gale’s honest surprise.

“Tell me how you won, my name’s gonna be in the bowl forty times next year. I have to know in case I---” even the sullen and strong kid as tall as him cannot even bring himself to say it.

“It won’t come to that, not if you do as I say.”

Gale Hawthrone doesn’t turn back as he promised, and Jack makes sure the boy stays on the right path the entire time. When he does finally stop following, Jack and his group are greeted by a man named Boggs.

“Do you think we could get a kid here safely?” Jack asks Johnny and Boggs as they do the trade off and give Jack new orders.

He isn’t Iacobus Nelson here, he is Private Jack Nelson, another new soldier for District 13.

By the time he gets home, to Eva and his mother waiting anxiously on the porch, he and Gale have devised a way to get their families away from Panem should they need to leave without Johnny.

The last of his days with Eva and Laurie are spent planning an escape for all of them. Jack Nelson won’t let his family die while Plutarch wastes their time waiting for something that doesn’t exist.

[walkswithmyfather]

“We love, because He first loved us.” —1 John 4:19 (NASB)

1 John 4: 7-21 (MSG). “My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.

My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us—perfect love! This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgement—is one not yet fully formed in love.

We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.”

“What does 1 John 4:19 mean?” By BibleRef.com:

“Verse Commentary: This short verse offers profound words. People do not wake up one day and decide to love (Romans 3:10). God is love, created love, and loved us first. John's summary of verses 17 and 18 also serves as a reminder. We are not to take credit for the love we have and show to others. God loved us, before we were capable of loving Him, and we can only love others because of what He has done in our lives.

As verses 20 and 21 will add, this love is not merely a mutual affection between us and God. It must also include love for others. Acting out of love is not exclusive to God in this context, but consists of loving both God and other people. This is the Great Commandment which involves loving God fully and loving neighbor as yourself. This teaching is also based upon the ancient Shema, or the Saying, from Deuteronomy 6:4–5: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." The same is seen in Leviticus 19:18: "you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord."

Verse Context: First John 4:11–19 is the backbone of John's letter. The primary way Christians are to be recognized is by love. This is not merely what we feel, but what we do for others. True, godly love is the most powerful evidence of being ''born again'' as a child of God. This love comes from God, who loved us before we loved Him. When we live in obedience to God, according to love, we can be confident in our relationship with Him, and have no need to fear His judgement.” Amen! 🙌

[hiswordsarekisses]

To love someone - according to 1st Corinthians chapter 13 - is to be patient with them. To be kind. Not to be envious or boastful or rude to them. Not to insist on having our own way. Not to be irritable or resentful toward them… not to find joy in doing wrong - but to take joy in the truth.

To love someone is bear with them, hope for them, and endure with them in all things without failing.

To love is to lay my life down to the death of self for another.

Jesus said in Matthew chapter 24 that in the end days the love of a great many people will grow cold because of the spirit of law-less-ness and sin. (Matt 24:12!!!)

What it looks like when our love grows cold is the opposite of 2nd Corinthians chapter 13.

According to 2nd Timothy chapter 3 it looks like people loving themselves.

It looks like people being proud, arrogant, and abusive.

It looks like people being ungrateful, impossible to please, and having a high opinion of themselves.

It looks like heartless, rebellious, slanderous treacherous, reckless, brutal people.

It looks like loving pleasure instead of loving God.

So the root of our love growing cold Jesus says is law-less-ness and sin. And now we know the symptoms of both walks. With and without love. So we have to be aware and stay on our face before God keeping our hearts cleansed and praying that our love will not grow cold.

The tying together of all of these passages were inspired by my beautiful daughter who knows how to dig for treasure, and I’m so grateful that I get to be included in what she finds. (Thank you Jordi 💕)

***

“Some people understand Paul to say that the New Testament principle of love has replaced the Old Testament principle of law… Since love must be voluntary and cannot be compelled, so the thinking goes, love and law are mutually exclusive.

But if we realize the moral law is a transcript—a written reproduction—of the moral character of God and that "God is love" (1 John 4:8), we see that we cannot distinguish between law and love. Both express the character of God. They’re two sides of the same coin, and reading scripture, we find they are the same.

Paul said in Romans 13:10, "love does no wrong to its neighbor" - If we didn’t also have the commandments (which Paul actually quotes in verse 9) against such things as adultery, stealing, and murder, how would we even know what it means to harm one’s neighbor?”

- Jerry Bridges

[palavrasmefaltam]

How to Draw Closer to God: A Path of Faith and Intimacy

Drawing closer to God is a profound desire that many of us experience at some point in our lives. The Bible offers clear and powerful guidance on how we can nurture this sacred and intimate relationship with our Creator. Here are some steps based on Scripture to help you draw closer to God.

1. Seek God with All Your Heart

Jeremiah 29:13 teaches us: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” God wants us to seek Him sincerely, with an open and willing heart. This means putting God first in our lives and dedicating time to know Him through prayer and reading His Word.

2. Meditate on God's Word

The Bible is the primary way God speaks to us. Psalm 1:2-3 says: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” Meditating on God’s Word renews our minds and strengthens our faith, enabling us to live according to His will.

3. Pray Without Ceasing

1 Thessalonians 5:17 exhorts us: “Pray continually.” Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. Through prayer, we can express our thoughts, feelings, and needs to God, and also hear His voice and guidance. Prayer draws us closer to God and helps us develop a deeper intimacy with Him.

4. Confess Your Sins

To draw closer to God, we need to repent of our sins and seek His forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 assures us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Confession and repentance cleanse us from everything that separates us from God, restoring our relationship with Him.

5. Love Your Neighbor

Jesus taught us that loving our neighbor is a reflection of the love we have for God. 1 John 4:7-8 says: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” Demonstrating love and compassion for others is a powerful way to draw closer to God, as we are living out His commandments.

6. Live in Holiness

God calls us to live in holiness, set apart for Him. 1 Peter 1:15-16 reminds us: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” Living a life that pleases God, obeying His commandments, and turning away from sin brings us closer to Him.

7. Trust and Have Faith

Hebrews 11:6 tells us: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Having faith in God, even in difficult circumstances, is crucial to drawing closer to Him. Trust that God is with you in all situations and that He has a purpose for your life.

Conclusion

Drawing closer to God is a continuous journey of spiritual growth. By sincerely seeking God, meditating on His Word, praying, confessing our sins, loving our neighbors, living in holiness, and trusting Him, we build an intimate and deep relationship with the Lord. May these steps guide you to a life closer to God, filled with His blessings and love.

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Christmas Reruns 2023 Day 21: Deck the Halls...or Maybe the Neighbor

Merry Christmas if you celebrate it and happy holidays if you don’t!  One of the things I love about Christmas is watching reruns of all the old classic Christmas movies–Christmas is a big time for nostalgia.  A few years ago, I decided to incorporate that tradition into my fandom life and post my CS holiday reruns.  So here you go!  Enough holiday (mostly) fluff to get you to New Year’s Day. (With a new story posting on Christmas Day.)

Rating: G

Word Count: 2253

Other chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Notes:  This story was written for my “Christmas with Captain Swan” collection in 2020.

CS Genre: Enemies to Lovers AU

She was going to kill him.  She was going to drive a stake of holly through his heart or strangle him with a strand of Christmas lights or…well, some other holiday themed method of homicide.

Emma worked hard all day chasing down the scum of the earth and hauling their worthless asses back to jail where they belonged.  Was it really too much to ask that she have a little peace and quiet downtime to relax once she got home.

According to the idiot who lived in the apartment directly above hers, apparently so.  Every damn day since Thanksgiving he’d blared his Christmas music loud enough to wake the ghost of Christmas past.  Sometimes he even enthusiastically belted along with it.  (She had to admit his voice wasn’t half bad, but that was entirely beside the point.)

Emma hissed as she dabbed at the cut beside her eye where tonight’s skip had clocked her.  She’d got him in the end; Emma Swan always got her man, but now that the adrenaline of the chase was over, her cuts and bruises and sore muscles were screaming at her.

And the guy in the apartment above had just started singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” at the top of his lungs.

Emma growled, tossing the bloody cotton ball into her bathroom trash and getting to her feet.  Enough was enough.  This stopped now.  He could take his merry little Christmas and shove it up his south pole.

Two minutes later, she stood before his apartment.  Pounding on the door felt extremely satisfying if she did say so herself.

The music suddenly stopped, and a moment later the door opened, and for the first time Emma got a glimpse of the man who’d been the bane of her existence for the past two weeks.

Her jaw dropped.  He was drop dead gorgeous, melt-an-entire-population-of-snowmen hot.

“Well hello, there, Love,” he said with an appreciative grin-and in an accent that had her toes curling in her boots.  “How can I help you?”

Emma’s stomach swooped and her heart stuttered and then started racing.  She blinked and the spell was broken.  She wasn’t some teenager who drooled over hot guys.  Especially hot guys that she’d been seriously contemplating murdering five minutes ago.

“If you don’t stop with the Christmas crap, I’m going to punch your stupid, festive face,” she gritted out.

His eyebrows raised.  “Pardon?”

“Your music!” she said.  “Every freaking day, everytime I get home you’re blaring the Christmas music, and it got old about five minutes after you started.  I don’t think it’s too much to ask that I have a little peace and quiet in my own home.”

He huffed a breath.  “Darling, I had no idea anyone was even in the building in the middle of the afternoon.  Did it ever occur to you to come to me and ask me to turn down my music?”

She had to admit he had a point there.  Maybe yelling at him and threatening bodily harm wasn’t the best opening salvo, but it had been a long day, and she was in pain, and she wasn’t in the mood to be reasonable.

“Look, just turn it down,” she said, crossing her arms and glaring at him.

“Your wish is my command,” he said with biting sarcasm, sketching a mock bow.  “Now is there anything else you wish to yell at me about or may I get back to my tasks at hand?”

“Nope.  That’s all,” she said.

“Good,” he said and then tacked on a biting “merry Christmas” before shutting the door in her face.

The next morning, Emma was rather embarrassed about her interaction with Hot Christmas Guy upstairs, as she’d been calling him in her mind.  She’d had a frustrating day–the skip she’d gone after had left his wife and kids just before Christmas, taking every penny of their Christmas fund.  

It hit too close to home for a girl who had grown up with no family, with no one.  Hard to get into the warm and fuzzy Christmas spirit when no one gave a crap about you.

She’d been too harsh with Hot Christmas Guy, but at least the results were in her favor.  He’d been as good as his word, and if he’d continued playing his Christmas music, he’d done it at a low enough volume that she didn’t even hear it.

Emma had only just begun to think she should go upstairs and apologize, when suddenly there was a knock at her door. 

She opened the door to find the man himself, standing there holding a large plate of cookies. Her stomach not only swooped this time; it did cartwheels.  The guy looked even better in the bright light of morning with his slightly disheveled black hair, his reddish scruff, his blue button down that highlighted his even bluer eyes and his black leather jacket.

“I’m afraid we came to rather a bad start, yesterday,” he said.  “Perhaps we might start again, Aye?  My name is Killian Jones, and I’d like to offer you these Christmas cookies as a token of my apology for the excessive volume of my music.”

Emma took a step back and gestured for him to enter her apartment.  “Hey, I’m Emma Swan, and no apology is necessary.  In fact, I kind of think I owe you an apology.  I shouldn’t have just come out swinging like that.”

He smiled at her, the fine lines around his (beautiful) eyes crinkling with the gesture.  “Apology accepted Love.  I’ll leave you to your morning.”

He turned to leave, but suddenly, Emma didn’t want him to go.  “Killian wait!” she said.

Obediently he stopped, eyebrows raised in question.

“Would you like to stay and help me eat these cookies?”

He shot her a skeptical look.  “Dessert at nine in the morning?”

She shrugged.  “Can’t be much more unhealthy than my normal blueberry PopTart.”

Killian laughed then, taking a step back inside.  “Do you at least have milk to wash them down with?”

“Of course.”

Killian ended up staying for two hours, and it amazed Emma how quickly they fell into conversation.  It was like they were old friends catching up rather than relative strangers.  Emma learned that Killian was a novelist.  His music helped him with the creative process, jump started his creativity as it were.

The conversation had then turned to the upcoming holiday.

“Swan, do you not celebrate Christmas?” he’d asked, looking around her apartment.

She shrugged.  “I mean, I guess I do.  I’m not like opposed to Christmas or anything.  Why?”

“I can’t help but notice you have no tree, no decorations of any kind, and your opposition to the music of the season is well established,” he said.

Emma looked around her neat but rather sterile apartment and shrugged.  “I don’t know, I guess I just didn’t see the point of going to all that trouble.  I mean, it’s not like I’m going to have any presents under the tree or anyone to share the holiday with.”

She had expected him to look at her with pity at her admission of just how alone she was, but instead, the look on his face was knowing, understanding.  “The holidays are difficult when you’re alone, aren’t they?”

That surprised her.  Was he speaking from personal experience?

“Aye love,” he said, answering her unasked question, “I suspect we have more in common than you might have supposed.  Ever since my brother passed a decade ago, I’ve been on my own.  The holidays always bring with them a special kind of melancholy.”

“But…” she began, “but you play Christmas music.  From the glimpse I got of your apartment yesterday, you have all the decorations and trappings.  Doesn’t that make the loneliness worse?”

He shook his head.  “It helps me to remember the good memories, and there are always good memories if you dig deep enough.”

The conversation stuck with her long after she and Killian had said goodbye and gone their separate ways.  Maybe…maybe he was right.  Maybe if she let a little Christmas cheer into her life, it would help, even in a small part, to soothe the pain of a lifetime of loneliness.

The next morning, bright and early, there was a knock on Emma’s door.  This time she smiled as she went to the door, knowing instinctively that she’d find Killian on the other side.

What she wasn’t expecting was the large, beautiful, fragrant pine tree he was holding in front of him.

“What’s this?” she asked, opening the door wider so that he could awkwardly maneuver himself and the tree inside.

“This, Swan,” he said with a teasing grin, “is called a Christmas tree.  Traditionally people set them up in their houses this time of year and decorate them with lights and colorful baubles.”

She grinned, rolling her eyes at him and playfully swatting his shoulder.  “I know what it is, smart ass.  I’m wondering why you brought it here.”

He propped the tree against the door, and then reached up to scratch at the spot behind his ear.  “I got to thinking after our conversation yesterday.  I wanted to bring you some of the Christmas joy that has helped me through the season for years.  I hope I’ve not overstepped by bringing this.”

Emma smiled gently, stepping up to place a hand on his arm.  “This is really sweet, Killian,” she said.  “Thanks.”

“It was my pleasure,” he said, stepping outside to gather the boxes of lights, ornaments and tinsel he had waiting for him.  “If you’ve the time and inclination, I thought perhaps we could decorate your apartment together.”

She took one of the boxes from him and set it on her living room floor.  “As it turns out, I have the day off, and decorating a tree sounds like the perfect way to pass the time.  If you play your cards right, I might even let you play some Christmas music while we work.”

They’d spent the entire day together, first decorating her tree, then splitting a pizza from the place down the street, talking, laughing, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company.

The next day he was back, and the day after that she went to his apartment.  Barely a day went by that they didn’t see each other.  Each day brought a new holiday themed activity.  

For the first time she could remember, Emma felt the magic of Christmas.  For the first time she woke up looking forward to what the day might bring–and it was all due to Killian Jones.  It should scare her how comfortable she felt with him.  It should scare her how much she was coming to look forward to their time together, to their daily phone calls and text conversations.

But somehow it didn’t.  She could read people; it’s what made her so good at her job.  And Killian?  She read him loud and clear.  He was the real deal.  She could trust him.

And so it was that when the idea occurred to her she didn’t let herself think too hard, merely acted.

“So I was thinking,” she said, turning toward him on the couch where they sat together watching Christmas movies on Christmas eve.

“Dangerous prospect, love,” he said with a teasing grin.  She smacked his shoulder.

“I think that we should spend Christmas together,” she said.

This shouldn’t be that big of a deal–after all, they’d spent the last two weeks together–but somehow it was.  Somehow spending Christmas together felt huge. Like this-could-be-the-start-of-something-life-changing huge.

Killian’s eyes widened.  He clearly understood how momentous this question really was.  After a moment, his look of surprise softened into a gentle smile, and he reached up and cupped her cheek.  “Emma, I’d like nothing better than to spend Christmas with you.”

The relief, the joy that came over her at his answer overwhelmed her, and so she did the only thing that seemed to make sense in the moment.  She leaned forward and kissed him.

On Christmas, they made plans to spend New Years together, and on New Years, they made plans for Valentine’s Day.

And on the following Christmas, Killian got down on one knee and asked her to make plans with him for the rest of their lives.

It seemed only fitting that for their wedding several months later, they play Christmas music.  After all, without the sounds of the season, the beautiful, perfect life they’d built for themselves may never have begun.

NEXT CHAPTER->

[childofchrist1983]

The first and second greatest Commandments are to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. It is not Christlike to forget and neglect the elderly. If our neighbor is old, and we do not help them when they need help, how is that loving? When our own kin grow old, how can we love them the way Jesus Christ loves the Church? The people who are old are the ones who cared for us when we were young and helpless. It is our duty to care for them when they are old.

Pray for the people, young and old, who do not know Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ. Pray that they will find Him and His light, love and joy. Let all of us lean on Him for strength and understanding. May God help them to smile and live out the remainder of their days in peace and for Him, bringing His Holy Word if they don't have access to it, bringing Christians into their lives to speak life into them. God loves and cares for the young and old, weak and strong, rich and poor. Bless our elderly and may God help us honor Him and them.

May we humble ourselves before God always, asking Him to forgive our sins and make our hearts and lives anew through His Holy Word and Spirit. May He help us make Him and His Holy Word top priority, so we can grow spiritually and grow in our relationship with Him as we apply it to our daily lives. Thank God that we can focus on Him and everything about Him, for that is what keeps us sane and at peace. May our words and actions always be a reflection of Him and His Holy Word and Spirit and will for all our lives.

Everyday, we must remember to thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for the grace that He poured out for us on the cross at Calvary. He has freed us from the burdens of sin and guilt. May He help us to always walk in His grace and Holy Spirit, not by our own measure. May He give us the humble humility to know that our freedom and eternal salvation is found only in Him, so that His grace may sustain us, and we may never lose sight of His love and light and mercy. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for calling us to Him and to serve Him. May He equip us to do all that He has called us to do so that as He works through us, He may use us to produce fruit, to reach others, and to encourage all brothers and sisters in Christ. May He work all of these things in us and through us for His Kingdom and His glory. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all His creation, for His miraculous ways and for everything He does and has done for us! Keep the faith and keep moving forward in your walk with Jesus!

Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Word and for sending His Holy Spirit so that we might have His grace, not only to awaken us and transform our hearts in our spiritual rebirth and guarantee our eternity with Him, but to also call upon Him whenever we are in need. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for all the reminders of His love and mercy and faithfulness within His Holy Word. He is bigger than any challenge or circumstance in our lives. Knowing this within our minds and our hearts, nothing can deter our faith in Him and His Truth. May we all accept Him and His eternal gift of salvation and ask that He would transform our hearts and lives according to His will and ways. Thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His Holy Spirit who saves, seals and leads us. May we always thank Father God Almighty and the LORD Jesus Christ for His almighty power and saving grace. For He is our strength, and He alone is able to save us, forgive our sins and gift us eternal salvation and entry into His Kingdom of Heaven.

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

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

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

17th September >> Mass Readings (USA)

Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A 

(Liturgical Colour: Green: A (1))

First Reading Sirach 27:30—28:7 Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven.

Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the LORD’s vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor’s injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven. Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the LORD? Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins? If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive his sins? Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin! Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor; remember the Most High’s covenant, and overlook faults.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 103:1–2, 3–4, 9–10, 11–12

R/ The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

R/ The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

He pardons all your iniquities, heals all your ills, redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion.

R/ The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever. Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

R/ The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.

R/ The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

Second Reading Romans 14:7–9 Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Brothers and sisters: None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation John 13:34

Alleluia, alleluia. I give you a new commandment, says the Lord; love one another as I have loved you. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 18:21–35 I say to you, forgive not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[cantkeepupwiththejoneses]

I'm up let's chat.

So, I was taking a long soak in the tub because of age and lack of agility. As I sat a thought crossed my mind. All the fighting to force someone to live life the way you want to is utter nonsense. A wasted war or battle with the loss being oxygen, time, energy, and emotional stability. Why do I say that? Because, if any person had an ounce of moral ethics in their thought process, they would let people live a life of love and freedom. The same that others would like to do. Instead, they are willing to fight tooth and nail for people outside of their home to live how they deem it appropriate. Whether it is due to religion, morals, or just control.

Why do I run down this rabbit whole at full speed?

I run down there because the beloved, Independence Day draws near. You know the day where all White Americans, that ran from England and didn't like the way they told them how to live, received their freedom from the dreaded monarch. Ya know that 1776 chant that those patriots fight to breed and bleed into every child's brain. That was the day every white person under the current monarchs thumb could live according to their wills.

Now that freedom comes with a cost.

You have to be Christian, hate people, love Red White and Blue (mainly White and Red), follow the 10 commandments (and whatever else they deem necessary from the Bible), and love your neighbor (as long as they look, *ahem* act like them).

Ironic is it not?

The same battle their ancestors fought, to be able to do as they pleased, is now to be used against them when others try to fight the same exact battle that was fought in the years prior to July 4th 1776. They just want to do what they want. They haven't killed anyone like you have for your religion and moral compass. They haven't jailed, imprisoned, or shackled anyone for doing wrong like you have or supported. They aren't hiding any skeletons in their closet like you are doing with a padlock and biometric locks. They haven't used their religion to hate and shun those your bible says to protect. All they did was ride a boat across the waters searching for food and clean water. They only asked to be left alone while they figure out their body and their health. They ask for time to explore and be themselves. They ask for understanding, while they pursue a career that isn't mainstream but still brings in money. They ask for room to enjoy their heritage and culture.

They shouldn't ask for anything. When the origin of the country forced everything.

It's based on lies and the hero complex. Hatred and control. Money and greed. Christianity and a bleached history.

It's not equal anymore.

The truth is hidden.

Hatred and greed runs humanity.

Freedom isn't free.

It never was.

Not because veterans died in war.

Because they died for unnecessary reasons.

None that had to do with freedom.

And now, true freedom is unattainable.

But Happy Independence Day to those who enjoy the illusion of freedom.

[spyridonya]

omg wait i didn't realize you had rb'd so many ask games! lemme hit you with a barrage seven forms of love: eros 1 3 5 for kadira! interview: kadira! what was it like growing up as a tiefling? micro story: in dreams! (you don't have to do all of these lol)

The micro story will be posted in a few, outside of this ask! 

OC Interview!

"You have to understand when I was born, Tieflings in Sarkoris and Mendev were still common as anywhere else in Golarion - but half fiends were far more common. You can't mistake a half fiend anymore at birth than you can a tiefling, if not more so - a half fiend heavily takes the traits of their fiendish parent than a tiefling does with their fiendish ancestor." The young woman's fingers twitch on her tail as she plays with it, her nervousness apparent. It takes her a moment to consider her words then frowns, "But not everyone knows that."

The tiefling gestures to herself, "Save for the lack of wings, I could be mistaken for a half succubus or incubus. And I was - by my biological father. According to Ma, he was... an elven mage and crusader with blue eyes. My mother looked like just any Sakorian Kellid, tanned skin, black hair, and gray eyes.

"Half fiends were common in my mother's generation, too. Common enough for my grandparents to know I wasn't a half fiend, so my mother was believed and they took us in. My aunt and uncle helped raise me as well, until they married and had children of their own. In the section of Kenabras where I grew up, Sakorian refugees were not so much tolerant as exhausted. I could play on the streets with other children when they stopped being afraid of me, and the brave ones mercilessly teased me.

“Kellids, as a rule, are very brave. But we still played despite me feeling like the other.

"However, outside our neighborhood, my grandparents required me to wear a veil or hood. That was one of the reasons why my horns were filed down, not because they were ashamed but they didn't want Ma or I to be assaulted by bored crusaders. Gramps took me to the Iomedaen temples for services and drilled me on how to be polite in Mendevian cultures. Again, this wasn't due to wanting to be patted on the head as one of the good tieflings, it was survival.

"The second Crusade began and my world shrank to just that cluster of streets the Sakoarian refugees lived in by the time I was ten years old.. Ma wouldn't let me go past our streets, even with an escort, and made me help take care of my baby cousins, help my grandparents, and did her best to teach me to read and do numbers... but she had to work, too. I could play only on my street with someone watching me - and there was always someone watching me. And that was a loss of money - Grams or Ma could be spending that time weaving or Gramps could be making weapons instead of jewelry for the Inquisition mages. We had neighbors who said they'd watch me but ... my grandparents didn't trust them, not fully. They sacrificed all that to keep me safe and I was so surly about it," She chuckles sadly, softly. "I... when I was 12, I was no longer a burden to them. By then, I was being 'raised' by Areelu Vorlesh."

A deep breath escapes the commander, her smile wan, "I know this story sounds different than Woljif's story, but Woljif's grandmother wasn't part of my grandparent's generation. I haven't figured out her age,  but I think Grandma Jefto might have been born in the two decades after I was, and that's when tieflings were starting to be born regularly. By the time Woljif was born, tieflings were common enough to have small communities on both sides of the law. Thieflings when I was growing up? Unthinkable - not because we had better morals but there simply wasn't enough tieflings create a gang of reputable power."

[cmcsmen]

The Primary Mission Of The Church Is To Make Disciples

By Frank J Casella

Photo: 'Forest Light' - Copyright 2014 Frank J Casella. Get your copy here and support CMCS. 

With my last blog post about ' What Is The Catholic Church?" I talked about the need for sharing the Gospel with others. So this blog entry I want to complete this process by talking about making disciples, that we are not only called to proclaim the good news by virtue of our baptism, but in Matthew 28 verse 15 Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples.

It was not a suggestion as all too many people believe. Moreover, the Church's primary mission is to make disciples, and to be an redemptive agency in the world, which is why it is so important for Catholics to attend Mass and learn about the faith.  

Renewal is an invitation for every person and every parish here in the archdiocese of Chicago, as we are now in the Renew My Church process.

As the website says: 

"Talk about your faith. That’s right – talk about it. Your relationship with Jesus. Your reliance on the sacraments. The joy and/or peace you find in prayer. You may be familiar with the saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Guess what – it’s time to use words. Your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your friends, coworkers, neighbors all need you to speak about the source of all love, truth, beauty and goodness at work in your life. They need you to talk about your faith in Jesus Christ and His Church. For the anxious and weary (and we are many), here is a helpful resource on how to share your faith - and more will be added!"

The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world. According to the Pew Research Center, 78 percent of all Catholics say they are very happy with the church's role in their lives, while only about one-in-ten say they are not very happy.

This is why us Catholic men should take the lead in setting the tone or mission Imperatives for our family and parish, and other areas of society, where our Priest's and Sister's may not be present or even invited. 

One thing to consider, for example, is to host a men's gathering at your parish, and with that you can walk through the CMCS Forum experience of presenting a topic or idea, and then facilitate a discussion for the men to compare notes on their spiritual faith journey. CMCS can provide you the 'play book' and support you with this. 

The bottom line is that you should not be (feeling like your) doing this alone. Rather, as both Deacon John Rangel and I have seen, the way to make people and parishes grow in holiness is to foster lay-led pastoral care. A change of culture (and hearts) is needed. 

[catenaaurea]

The Baltimore Catechism

Part Two: The Commandments

Lesson Nineteen: The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of God

241. What is the fourth commandment of God?

The fourth commandment of God is: Honor thy father and thy mother. (Exodus 20:12)

242. What are we commanded by the fourth commandment?

By the fourth commandment we are commanded to respect and love our parents, to obey them in all that is not sinful, and to help them when they are in need. (Ephesians 6:1)

243. Does the fourth commandment oblige us to respect and to obey others besides our parents?

Besides our parents, the fourth commandment obliges us to respect and obey all our lawful superiors. (Romans 13:1-2)

244. What duty have parents toward their children and superiors toward those under their care?

Parents must provide for the spiritual and bodily welfare of their children; superiors, according to their varying degrees of responsibility, must care for those entrusted to them. (Ephesians 6:4)

245. What are the duties of a citizen toward his country?

A citizen must love his country, be sincerely interested in its welfare, and respect and obey its lawful authority.

246. How does a citizen show a sincere interest in his country's welfare?

A citizen shows a sincere interest in his country's welfare by voting honestly and without selfish motives, by paying just taxes, and by defending his country's rights when necessary.

247. Why must we respect and obey the lawful authority of our country?

We must respect and obey the lawful authority of our country because it comes from God, the Source of all authority.

248. Why are we obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship?

We are obliged to take an active part in works of good citizenship because right reason requires citizens to work together for the public welfare of the country.

249. What are the chief duties of those who hold public office?

The chief duties of those who hold public office are to be just to all in exercising their authority and to promote the general welfare. (Wisdom 6:3-4)

250. What does the fourth commandment forbid?

The fourth commandment forbids disrespect, unkindness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors. (Deuteronomy 27:16)

251. What is the fifth commandment of God?

The fifth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not kill. (Exodus 20:13)

252. What are we commanded by the fifth commandment?

By the fifth commandment we are commanded to take proper care of our own spiritual and bodily well-being and that of our neighbor.

253. What does the fifth commandment forbid?

The fifth commandment forbids murder and suicide, and also fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, drunkenness, reckless driving, and bad example. (I John 3:15)

254. What is the sixth commandment of God?

The sixth commandment of God is: Thou shalt not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14)

255. What are we commanded by the sixth commandment?

By the sixth commandment we are commanded to be pure and modest in our behavior. (Romans 12:1)

256. What does the sixth commandment forbid?

The sixth commandment forbids all impurity and immodesty in words, looks, and actions, whether alone or with others. (Ephesians 5:3)

257. What are the chief dangers to the virtue of chastity?

The chief dangers to the virtue of chastity are: idleness, sinful curiosity, bad companions, drinking, immodest dress, and indecent books, plays, and motion pictures.

258. What are the chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity?

The chief means of preserving the virtue of chastity are to avoid carefully all unnecessary dangers, to seek God's help through prayer, frequent confession, Holy Communion, and assistance at Holy Mass, and to have a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin. (I Peter 5:8)

[forthegoodofamerica]

Borders, Boundaries, and the Secret to a Better Life: Loving Thy Neighbor

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, we’ve become experts at constructing invisible barriers. These borders may be as physical as fences or as abstract as the walls we build in our minds. The idea that “good fences make good neighbors” is a comforting one — after all, it’s easier to stay on our side of the line and let others do the same. But what if there’s more to it than that?

An excerpt from George Magazine’s article “Loving Thy Neighbor Is Loving Thyself” by Shelley Allen delves deep into the notion that walls and boundaries, while providing security, might also be the very thing keeping us from experiencing a more fulfilling life. Instead of keeping our neighbors at arm’s length, what if the true secret to happiness, longevity, and even personal growth lies in those very relationships we try to avoid?

Allen starts by reflecting on how history and science show that humans need one another. In her candid words, “man needs others, like it or not.” This truth isn’t just philosophical — studies now reveal that social relationships provide real mental and physical health benefits. We all know life is hard, and whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, our neighbors might just be the key to unlocking a better quality of life.

But let's face it — sometimes, neighbors are difficult. They can be noisy, nosy, or simply an inconvenience. For some, ignoring them feels like the best strategy. However, Allen argues that “social introverts like me never attack their neighbors”, and while avoiding others might feel safer, it’s not always the healthiest approach. In fact, when times get tough, having a supportive community can make all the difference in the world.

It’s fascinating how the research Allen discusses echoes what many of us feel but may not fully understand: human connection matters. When we face challenges, whether they are personal, professional, or emotional, having strong ties to those around us can reduce stress and even improve our mental well-being. In contrast, feeling isolated often makes those same challenges seem insurmountable.

Neighbors: A Hidden Source of Strength

Research cited in the article by Gillman, Turner, and Slater reveals that people evaluate challenges and stress differently based on the level of social support they have. If you feel backed by others, you’re more likely to view a challenge as something you can overcome rather than as a threat. But when you feel alone, every obstacle seems larger, every decision more daunting.

The idea of loving our neighbors isn’t just about being nice or following a moral code. According to the article, “loving our neighbors is for us—physically as well as psychologically and emotionally”. This act of kindness doesn’t just help others; it helps us. So, why don’t we do it more often?

Most of us don’t know the names of the people living right next door. Some of us barely glance at our neighbors as we come and go, busy in our own lives. But what if we knew how much we stood to gain from fostering these connections? Loving thy neighbor might seem difficult, but it’s more than just a commandment — it’s a life strategy.

Get Your Free Copy of George Magazine!

Want to read the full article and dive deeper into the surprising benefits of building stronger relationships with those around you? You can get a free copy of George Magazine today! Discover why opening up to your neighbors might be the key to living a longer, happier, and more fulfilling life.

By signing up at free.georgemagazine.com, you’ll gain exclusive access to this eye-opening article along with many more. The best part? It’s completely free. No hidden subscriptions or costs — just a powerful magazine that offers insight into living a better life through deeper human connections.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Get your free copy of George Magazine now and see for yourself why “Loving Thy Neighbor Is Loving Thyself” could be the most impactful read you’ve had in a while. Head over to free.georgemagazine.com and sign up today.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

In our increasingly disconnected world, Allen’s article is a timely reminder that we cannot thrive in isolation. We need people — not just for the big moments, but for the small ones too. Having a strong social network has been proven to reduce stress, increase life satisfaction, and even prolong our lives. So why wouldn’t we invest in getting to know our neighbors?

It’s easy to see why this article is creating such a buzz, and it’s even easier to get your hands on it. Don’t wait to uncover the simple yet profound truth that loving thy neighbor is truly loving thyself. Find out more by grabbing your free copy of George Magazine today!

Conclusion: Beyond the Fences

Whether we like it or not, we all live within certain boundaries. But as Shelley Allen emphasizes in her compelling article, these borders don’t have to be barriers. The walls we build around ourselves can be dismantled with the simple act of loving our neighbors. If we’re willing to reach out, we may find that the rewards of connection go far beyond anything we could have imagined.

So, why not give it a try? Start by reading the full article for free at George Magazine. You’ve got nothing to lose and a world of connection to gain.

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for September 17, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living

Devotional Scripture:

Proverbs 24:28-29 (KJV):

28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

Proverbs 24:28-29 (AMP):

28 Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and deceive not with your lips.

29 Say not, I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for his deed.

Thought for the Day

These verses elaborate on one of the Ten Commandments: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). To bear false witness is to attempt to deceive a legal court by lying about someone. Man needs God's Law because man's sinful nature causes disagreements, hard feelings, and the desire for revenge. The Lord commands Christians to live peaceably with others and extend grace to them. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (Hebrews 12:14-15). We are not to return evil for evil, but to bless our enemies and do good to them. We are not to seek vengeance on wrongs that have been done to us in the past or bear false witness against others. "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it" (1 Peter 3:8-12).

God will bless us when we obey His Word, whether or not our opponents acknowledge or appreciate our right actions. Vengeance alienates people, whether neighbors, fellow-Christians, or enemies, and an offended brother is harder to win back than a strong city (Proverbs 18:19). We cannot win the lost to Christ nor help a Christian in error if we exact vengeance upon them for hurting us. "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:19-21). God knows how to deal justly with every person.

If we are wise, we will learn to guard our mouths and not say things we will later regret. It is possible to be wrong, even when we are right, by having a wrong attitude. If we want to be leaders in the church, we must not enter into strife with others, but deal gently with everyone. If we ask, God will help us to do this and cause His goodness to flow through us. "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

Prayer Devotional for the Day

Dear heavenly Father, I do want to be a person who is not easily offended and also one who trusts You to deal with those who would seek to do evil against me. I know that I cannot do this within myself, so I am asking You to fill me with the Spirit so that I can honestly love my enemies and do good to them. I know this kind of love only comes from You. Lord, forgive those who plot evil against me and say evil things about me. Open their eyes to the truth. Give me the grace and patience to allow You to deal with them, as I truly want to overcome evil with good. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

From: Steven P. Miller, @ParkermillerQ, gatekeeperwatchman.org TM

Founder and Administrator of Gatekeeper-Watchman International Group

X … @ParkermillerQ

Instagram: steven_parker_miller_1956

#GWIG, #GWIN, #GWINGO.