#83 the deceiver's stand

[supplements-superachieverclub]

What is MGO in Manuka Honey? And what does UMF mean? How to pick the best New Zealand manuka honey to kill all germs.

Discover the best Manuka Honey: https://super-achiever.com/best-manuka-honey

#manukahoney #manuka #honey

Hello, Health Enthusiasts! 🐝 Today, we're diving into the sweet, mysterious world of Manuka Honey and its secret weapon: MGO.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Super Achievers Club for more honeyed wisdom. Let's unravel the enigma behind the MGO rating in Manuka Honey! MGO Unveiled: The Sweet Strength of Manuka Honey Manuka Honey isn't your average bear's treat; it's a powerhouse packed with MGO, or Methylglyoxal, responsible for its unparalleled healing properties. From rapid wound healing to skin rejuvenation, Manuka stands out from regular honey like a queen bee. MGO: The Bee's Secret The story begins with the bees converting DHA from Manuka nectar into MGO right in their tiny bellies. This transformation continues even after the honey is jarred, increasing MGO levels for up to a year! 🍯 The numbers you see on Manuka honey jars, like MGO 100+, signify its antibacterial strength. However, it's crucial to note that the relationship between MGO levels and antibacterial power isn't linear; more MGO doesn't always mean a drastically stronger product.

The Truth Behind MGO Ratings MGO and Quality: Remember, MGO levels are just one piece of the Manuka puzzle. Authenticity matters since lab-made MGO can deceive unsuspecting honey lovers. Proper storage also plays a crucial role in maintaining MGO potency. UMF - A Broader Measure: Confused by MGO? Enter the UMF grading system, which considers not only MGO but also other key compounds, ensuring you get a fuller picture of your honey's health benefits. Choosing Your Perfect Manuka: For daily wellness, MGO 83+ hits the sweet spot, blending health perks with deliciousness. Whether you're baking, brewing tea, or seeking a nutrient boost, there's a Manuka grade for every need. Pro Tip Alert: To ensure you're not falling for sweet talk, look for the UMFHA seal – your assurance of genuine, quality Manuka Honey. What's Your Honey Pick? Are you Team Regular or Team Manuka? Does the mighty MGO sway your choice, or does the unique UMF rating seal the deal?

Share your sweet insights or queries in the comments below. Don't miss out on our upcoming deep dive into honey varieties – hit subscribe and join our buzzing community of Super Achievers! Until next time, keep sweet and stay healthy! 🍯💪🏼

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[poisonheadcrabsalesman]

January 18, 2558

Guilt sat in his circuits. A pervasive weight taxing his processes while Roland turned over the previous day's events in his mind.

Iona. Her dreams. Flight, a battle against gravity. Her trial; a lie. He was complicit in deceiving her, a simulated kindness before she slept until...

Well, that wasn't up to him.

Still, it was enlightening. Terrifying. Worrying. Amazing. She had taken the stand and done beautifully. Her honesty at the potential cost of the trial.

Roland hoped he did alright by her. His role as the advocate felt more akin to leading an animal to a slaughter house with blinders on and a rope. A short rope, one that threatened to drag him in after.

But he did his job to the best of his ability and only hoped that the precedent set by Iona, and Cortana before her, would help all AI in time.

But time was the one thing AI did not have in abundance.

He'd only been activated the month prior and even his conversation with Black Box had not put all his disparate threads at ease.

And then the trial itself.

He had wondered why those chose him. Was it because he was so new, or was it just luck that he was on Earth, waiting for his new posting to finish repairs? Roland had the role fall into his lap and he had worked to the best of his ability to do what he could for her. He had hoped it would be enough. The outcome was surely a step in the right direction, but doubt lingered in his being.

It weighed on his mind and taxed his processes. Brief hesitation while unnoticeable to the naked human eye could be a death sentence on the upcoming campaign.

He had fumbled briefly in the trial, watching the dream, learning about Iona's emergent, spiritual vision and then the sense of loss that follows when she wakes. She had said it had followed her for her entire 7 years. He'd only been "awake" for a month.

Roland still thought about the trial as a farce. A cold clinical thing that had ended with Iona not terminated but suspended. Waiting in a dreamlike purgatory until....what?

It was all so much and left with an unsatisfying ending. No ending at all really.

But Black Box had offered him something that worked its way through his tangled thoughts and uncertainty. Hope.

Hope of some kind of future sprouting from this moment. Something unplanned, emergent.

If AI could dream of flight and shake off bonds in the face of gravity; of entropy; and if humans at the highest level of government would bend their ear to hear them, would listen, would stay the execution of someone considered equipment, then what wonders could come from that future?

What would his next 83 months see?

#Saint's Testimony #Halo fanfic #Roland the AI #my writing #ai tag #bro you ever think about AI?

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

25th November >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Friday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

    or 

Pope, Saint Clement I, Martyr

    or 

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin, Martyr

    or 

Saint Colman of Cloyne, Bishop.

Friday, Thirty Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Green)

First Reading

Apocalypse 20:1-4,11-21:2

The book of life was opened, and the dead were judged.

I, John, saw an angel come down from heaven with the key of the Abyss in his hand and an enormous chain. He overpowered the dragon, that primeval serpent which is the devil and Satan, and chained him up for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and shut the entrance and sealed it over him, to make sure he would not deceive the nations again until the thousand years had passed. At the end of that time he must be released, but only for a short while.

   Then I saw some thrones, and I saw those who are given the power to be judges take their seats on them. I saw the souls of all who had been beheaded for having witnessed for Jesus and for having preached God’s word, and those who refused to worship the beast or his statue and would not have the brand-mark on their foreheads or hands; they came to life, and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Then I saw a great white throne and the One who was sitting on it. In his presence, earth and sky vanished, leaving no trace. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing in front of his throne, while the book of life was opened, and other books opened which were the record of what they had done in their lives, by which the dead were judged.

   The sea gave up all the dead who were in it; Death and Hades were emptied of the dead that were in them; and every one was judged according to the way in which he had lived. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the burning lake. This burning lake is the second death; and anybody whose name could not be found written in the book of life was thrown into the burning lake.

   Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; the first heaven and the first earth had disappeared now, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the holy city, and the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, as beautiful as a bride all dressed for her husband.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 83(84):3-6,8

R/ Here God lives among men.

My soul is longing and yearning,    is yearning for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my soul ring out their joy    to God, the living God.

R/ Here God lives among men.

The sparrow herself finds a home    and the swallow a nest for her brood; she lays her young by your altars,    Lord of hosts, my king and my God.

R/ Here God lives among men.

They are happy, who dwell in your house,    for ever singing your praise. They are happy, whose strength is in you:    they walk with ever-growing strength.

R/ Here God lives among men.

Gospel Acclamation

Luke 21:28

Alleluia, alleluia! Stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand. Alleluia!

Gospel

Luke 21:29-33

My words will never pass away.

Jesus told his disciples a parable: ‘Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Pope Saint Clement I, Martyr

(Liturgical Colour: Red)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Friday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading

1 Peter 5:1-4

Watch over the flock, not simply as a duty but gladly.

Now I have something to tell your elders: I am an elder myself, and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, and with you I have a share in the glory that is to be revealed. Be the shepherds of the flock of God that is entrusted to you: watch over it, not simply as a duty but gladly, because God wants it; not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it. Never be a dictator over any group that is put in your charge, but be an example that the whole flock can follow. When the chief shepherd appears, you will be given the crown of unfading glory.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gospel Acclamation

Mark 1:17

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

Gospel

Matthew 16:13-19

You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin, Martyr

(Liturgical Colour: Red)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Friday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading

Apocalypse 21:5-7

I will give water from the well of life to anybody who is thirsty.

The One sitting on the throne spoke: ‘Now I am making the whole of creation new’ he said. ‘Write this: that what I am saying is sure and will come true.’ And then he said, ‘It is already done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give water from the well of life free to anybody who is thirsty; it is the rightful inheritance of the one who proves victorious; and I will be his God and he a son to me.’

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 123(124):2-5,7-8

R/ Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler.

If the Lord had not been on our side    when men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive    when their anger was kindled.

R/ Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler.

Then would the waters have engulfed us,    the torrent gone over us; over our head would have swept    the raging waters.

R/ Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler.

Indeed the snare has been broken    and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord,    who made heaven and earth.

R/ Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler.

Gospel Acclamation

Matthew 5:10

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Alleluia!

Or:

John 17:19

Alleluia, alleluia! For their sake I consecrate myself, so that they too may be consecrated in the truth. Alleluia!

Or:

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed be God, a gentle Father and the God of all consolation, who comforts us in all our sorrows. Alleluia!

Or:

James 1:12

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy the man who stands firm, for he has proved himself, and will win the crown of life. Alleluia!

Or:

1 Peter 4:14

Alleluia, alleluia! It is a blessing for you when they insult you for bearing the name of Christ, for the Spirit of God rests on you. Alleluia!

Or:

cf. Te Deum

Alleluia, alleluia! We praise you, O God, we acknowledge you to be the Lord; the noble army of martyrs praise you, O Lord. Alleluia!

Gospel

Matthew 10:28-33

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body.

Jesus said to his apostles: ‘Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; fear him rather who can destroy both body and soul in hell. Can you not buy two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one falls to the ground without your Father knowing. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. So there is no need to be afraid; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.

   ‘So if anyone declares himself for me in the presence of men, I will declare myself for him in the presence of my Father in heaven. But the one who disowns me in the presence of men, I will disown in the presence of my Father in heaven.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saint Colman of Cloyne, Bishop

(Liturgical Colour: White)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Friday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

Either:

First Reading

Exodus 32:7-14

Moses pleads with the Lord his God to spare Israel.

The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Go down now, because your people whom you brought out of Egypt have apostatised. They have been quick to leave the way I marked out for them; they have made themselves a calf of molten metal and have worshipped it and offered it sacrifice. “Here is your God, Israel,” they have cried “who brought you up from the land of Egypt!”’ the Lord said to Moses, ‘I can see how headstrong these people are! Leave me, now, my wrath shall blaze out against them and devour them; of you, however, I will make a great nation.’

   But Moses pleaded with the Lord his God. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘why should your wrath blaze out against this people of yours whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with arm outstretched and mighty hand? Why let the Egyptians say, “Ah, it was in treachery that he brought them out, to do them to death in the mountains and wipe them off the face of the earth”? Leave your burning wrath; relent and do not bring this disaster on your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, your servants to whom by your own self you swore and made this promise: I will make your offspring as many as the stars of heaven, and all this land which I promised I will give to your descendants, and it shall be their heritage for ever.’

   So the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

OR: --------

First reading Deuteronomy 10:8-9 The Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to do him service

Moses said to the people: ‘The Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the Lord’s covenant, to stand in the presence of the Lord, to do him service and in his name to pronounce blessing as they still do today. Levi therefore has no share or inheritance with his brothers: the Lord is his inheritance, as the Lord your God told him.’

OR: --------

First reading 1 Samuel 16:1,6-13 David is anointed by Samuel

The Lord said to Samuel, ‘Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen myself a king among his sons.’    Samuel purified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they arrived, he caught sight of Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed one stands there before him’, but the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Take no notice of his appearance or his height for I have rejected him; God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart.’ Jesse then called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, ‘The Lord has not chosen this one either.’ Jesse then presented Shammah, but Samuel said, ‘The Lord has not chosen this one either.’ Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen these.’ He then asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ He answered, ‘There is still one left, the youngest; he is out looking after the sheep.’ Then Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down to eat until he comes.’ Jesse had him sent for, a boy of fresh complexion, with fine eyes and pleasant bearing. The Lord said, ‘Come, anoint him, for this is the one.’ At this, Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him where he stood with his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord seized on David and stayed with him from that day on.

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 6:1-2,3-8 'Here I am: send me'

In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord of Hosts seated on a high throne; his train filled the sanctuary; above him stood seraphs, each one with six wings.    And they cried out to one another in this way,

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts. His glory fills the whole earth.’

The foundations of the threshold shook with the voice of the one who cried out, and the Temple was filled with smoke. I said:

‘What a wretched state I am in! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have looked at the King, the Lord of Hosts.’

Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding in his hand a live coal which he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. With this he touched my mouth and said:

‘See now, this has touched your lips, your sin is taken away, your iniquity is purged.’

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying:

‘Whom shall I send? Who will be our messenger?’

I answered, ‘Here I am, send me.’

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 52:7-10 Rejoice, for the Lord is consoling his people

How beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of one who brings good news, who heralds peace, brings happiness, proclaims salvation, and tells Zion, ‘Your God is king!’

Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices, they shout for joy together, for they see the Lord face to face, as he returns to Zion.

Break into shouts of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord is consoling his people, redeeming Jerusalem.

The Lord bares his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 61:1-3 He has sent me to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord

The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken;

to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison; to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord, a day of vengeance for our God,

to comfort all those who mourn and to give them for ashes a garland; for mourning robe the oil of gladness, for despondency, praise.

OR: --------

First reading Jeremiah 1:4-9 Go and say whatever I command you and do not fear

The word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying,

‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.’

I said, ‘Ah, Lord; look, I do not know how to speak: I am a child!’

But the Lord replied, ‘Do not say, “I am a child.” Go now to those to whom I send you and, say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to protect you – it is the Lord who speaks!’

Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me:

‘There! I am putting my words into your mouth.’

OR: --------

First reading Ezekiel 3:17-21 Warn the wicked man, and you will live

The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows, ‘Son of man, I have appointed you as sentry to the House of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from me, warn them in my Name. If I say to a wicked man, “You are to die,” and you do not warn him; if you do not speak and warn him to renounce his evil ways and so live, then he shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you do warn a wicked man and he does not renounce his wickedness and his evil ways, then he shall die for his sin, but you yourself will have saved your life. When the upright man renounces his integrity to do evil and I set a trap for him, he too shall die; since you failed to warn him, he shall die for his sin and the integrity he practised will no longer be remembered; but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you warn the upright man not to sin and he abstains from sinning, he shall live, thanks to your warning, and you too will have saved your life.’

OR: --------

First reading Ezekiel 34:11-16 I will look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view

The Lord God says this: I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view when he stands up in the middle of his scattered sheep, so shall I keep my sheep in view. I shall rescue them from wherever they have been scattered during the mist and darkness. I shall bring them out of the countries where they are; I shall gather them together from foreign countries and bring them back to their own land. I shall pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in every inhabited place in the land. I shall feed them in good pasturage; the high mountains of Israel will be their grazing ground. There they will rest in good grazing ground; they will browse in rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. I myself will pasture my sheep, I myself will show them where to rest – it is the Lord who speaks. I shall look for the lost one, bring back the stray, bandage the wounded and make the weak strong. I shall watch over the fat and healthy. I shall be a true shepherd to them.

-------- ________

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

________

Gospel Acclamation Mt23:9,10

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

Or: Mt28:19,20

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

Or: Mk1:17

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

Or: Lk4:18

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

Or: Jn10:14

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

Or: Jn15:5

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

Or: 2Co5:19

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

________

EITHER: --------

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

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

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 16:13-19 You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 23:8-12 The greatest among you must be your servant

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘You must not allow yourselves to be called Rabbi, since you have only one master, and you are all brothers. You must call no one on earth your father, since you have only one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor must you allow yourselves to be called teachers, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will exalted.’

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 28:16-20 Go and make disciples of all nations

The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’

OR: --------

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

After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’    As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.    Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.

OR: --------

Gospel Mark 16:15-20 Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News

Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them:    ‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’    And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 5:1-11 They left everything and followed him

Jesus was standing one day by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the crowd pressing round him listening to the word of God, when he caught sight of two boats close to the bank. The fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats – it was Simon’s – and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.    When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch.’ ‘Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so, I will pay out the nets.’ And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear, so they signalled to their companions in the other boat to come and help them; when these came, they filled the two boats to sinking point.    When Simon Peter saw this he fell at the knees of Jesus saying, ‘Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’ For he and all his companions were completely overcome by the catch they had made; so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were Simon’s partners. But Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on it is men you will catch.’ Then, bringing their boats back to land, they left everything and followed him.

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 10:1-9 Your peace will rest on that man

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.”’

OR: --------

Gospel Luke 22:24-30 I confer a kingdom on you, just as the Father conferred one on me

A dispute arose between the disciples about which should be reckoned the greatest, but Jesus said to them:    ‘Among pagans it is the kings who lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are given the title Benefactor. This must not happen with you. No; the greatest among you must behave as if he were the youngest, the leader as if he were the one who serves. For who is the greater: the one at table or the one who serves? The one at table, surely? Yet here am I among you as one who serves!    ‘You are the men who have stood by me faithfully in my trials; and now I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father conferred one on me: you will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.’

OR: --------

Gospel John 10:11-16 The good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep

Jesus said:

‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep.

‘I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep. And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be only one flock, and one shepherd.’

OR: --------

Gospel John 15:9-17 You are my friends if you do what I command you

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete. This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master’s business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. You did not choose me: no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name. What I command you is to love one another.’

Or:

Gospel

John 21:15-17

Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.

Jesus showed himself to his disciples, and after they had eaten he said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?’ He answered, ‘Yes Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He replied, ‘Yes, Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Look after my sheep.’ Then he said to him a third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was upset that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[mcbex]

Sin

While driving home tonight I got caught on the highway in what I call the "tunnel of speed". Trying to pass a slower car I needed to speed up a lot so as not to interrupt the flow of traffic. Every time I would try to ease back in I found the traffic in the travel lane was still exceedingly slow and without slamming on my breaks I couldn't escape the speed trap I was driving in.

After a mile or 2 one by one the cars peeled back into the travel lane but I was left there feeling like I would look silly if I slowed down. It came to me that now I was speeding because of choices I was making. I wondered briefly how I got into this mess and after standing my ground in the passing lane for many miles thinking surely the drivers of the other cars would mock me as I pulled into the travel lane, I conceded the point and gradually slowed to a legally authorized motion.

I realize doing 83 on the highway is not my idea of safe driving and I began to think about what kind of a sin speeding equates to. Surely it's not considered as bad as murder but then again the Bible does say sin is sin. All of them created equal in the eyes of God. We cannot explain away our reasons for doing them. And no amount of reasoning makes our faults just.

It made me think about how sometimes though our intensions are good and well meaning we also get tripped up in the tunnel of sin. Before we know it we could be passing our exit feeling foolish about how we've behaved. I know I have held my tongue many times because how I really feel has been off base from how I've acted or reacted. I loathe being hypocritical. It makes me feel weird like people are liars. But in truth people are fickle with or without the added guilt of actual mistakes.

I've been in this passing lane before without realizing it. To be completely honest I have yet to be self aware enough to actually slam on the brakes, cut right and make my exit on squealing tires. I hope the next time I find myself there I will.

For now, Zondervan Dictionary said "sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay." I felt that in the tunnel of speed today.

”If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.“

‭‭1 John‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭

”I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.“

‭‭Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬ ‭

”For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.“

‭‭Romans‬ ‭7‬:‭19‬ ‭

#godthoughts

[dfroza]

Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms

for december 14 of 2023 with Proverbs 14 and Psalm 14, accompanied by Psalm 83 for the 83rd day of Astronomical Autumn, and Psalm 48 for day 348 of the year (with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 3rd revolution this year)

[Proverbs 14]

A wise woman builds her house,

but a foolish one picks it to splinters with her own hands.

Whoever travels through life with integrity respects the Eternal,

but whoever turns from it hates Him.

A fool’s words betray his pride and invite punishment,

but the humble speech of the wise will spare them.

A farm without oxen has a manger without grain;

there’s a good return in the strength of an ox.

An honest witness can always be trusted,

but a false witness breathes out nothing but lies.

Wisdom eludes mockers, though they seek it,

but insight comes quickly to those with understanding.

Walk away from the company of fools,

for you cannot find insight in their words.

It takes wisdom for the clever to understand the path they are on,

but the fool is deceived by his own foolishness.

Fools make a mockery of guilt and repentance,

but those who do what is right receive special standing.

Only the heart can know its own resentment;

likewise no stranger can experience its joy.

The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

while the tent of the upright will prosper.

Before every person lies a road that seems to be right,

but the end of that road is death and destruction.

Laughter can mask heartache,

and joy often gives way to grief.

A disloyal heart has its fill of disloyal ways,

but a good person will be satisfied from above.

The gullible believe anything they are told,

but clever people know to question every step.

The wise are cautious and stay far from evil,

but fools are hotheaded and careless.

Quick-tempered people make fools of themselves,

and evil schemers make many enemies.

The naive are heirs to foolishness,

but the clever are honored with insight.

Evil people will be humbled before the good;

the wicked will stoop at the doorstep of the righteous.

The poor are hated even by their own neighbors,

but the rich are loved by many friends.

Those who have contempt for their neighbors are sinners,

but those who are kind to the poor are happy.

Don’t those who work evil stray from the truth?

Those who plan goodness experience unfailing love and faithfulness.

Prosperity comes from hard work,

but talking too much leads to great scarcity.

The wise are honored for their wealth;

the reward of fools is more foolishness.

A truthful witness protects lives by not allowing evil to triumph,

but a deceitful witness speaks lies and puts the innocent in jeopardy.

Reverence for the Eternal brings bold confidence,

and one’s offspring will have hope of protection.

Respect and honor for Him is the basis of a satisfied life,

which guards a person from being trapped in the snares of death.

A king’s splendor is in his many people,

but a declining population will lead to his ruin.

Whoever is patient and slow to anger shows great understanding,

but whoever has a quick temper magnifies his foolishness.

A serene heart can add years to one’s life;

but jealous passion rots the bones.

Whoever oppresses the poor insults his Maker,

but anyone who is gracious to the needy honors Him.

The wicked are waylaid by their evil actions,

but the right-living find hope’s sanctuary even in their death.

Wisdom rests in the heart of one with insight

and can even be experienced by fools.

Living according to God’s instructions makes a nation great,

but sin colors those who commit it with disgrace.

The king shows kindness to a servant who acts wisely,

but his anger burns toward one who brings shame.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 14 (The Voice)

A note from The Voice translation:

The wrong kind of passion can be a dangerous thing. Too often people are ruled by strong emotions, thoughts that cannot be checked, and actions that cannot be controlled. If that’s the case, then you are putting your life and well-being in jeopardy. Peace of mind, tranquility of soul, and serenity of heart become the recipe for a long, happy life.

[Psalm 14]

For the worship leader. A song of David.

A wicked and foolish man truly believes there is no God.

They are vile, their sinfulness nauseating to their Creator;

their actions are soiled and repulsive; every deed is depraved;

not one of them does good.

The Eternal leans over from heaven to survey the sons of Adam.

No one is missed, and no one can hide.

He searches to see who understands true wisdom,

who desires to know the True God.

They all turn their backs, walking their own roads;

they are rancid, leaving a trail of rotten footsteps behind them;

not one of them does good,

not even one.

Do the wicked have no clue about what really matters?

They devour my brothers and sisters the way a man eats his dinner.

They ignore the Eternal and don’t call on Him, rejecting His reality and truth.

They shall secretly tremble behind closed doors, hearts beating hard within their chests,

knowing that God always avenges the upright.

You laugh at the counsel of the poor, the needy, the troubled who put their trust in God.

You try to take away their only hope,

but the Eternal is a strong shelter in the heaviest storm.

May a new day, a day of deliverance come for Israel, starting with Zion.

When the Eternal breaks the chains of His oppressed people,

the family of Jacob will rejoice, and Israel will be delighted.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 1 (The Voice)

A note from The Voice translation:

This is a wisdom psalm that grieves over the pervasiveness of sin and its sad effects. It is repeated with minor changes in Psalm 53. Paul refers to this Davidic psalm to explain how all of humanity is tainted by sin (Romans 3:1–12).

[Psalm 83]

A song of Asaph.

O True God, do not be quiet any longer.

Do not stay silent or be still, O God.

Look now, Your enemies are causing a commotion;

those who hate You are rising up!

They are conniving against Your people,

conspiring against those You cherish.

They say, “Join us. Let’s wipe the entire nation off the face of the earth

so no one will remember Israel’s name.”

They are all in it together, thinking as one,

and making a pact against You:

The people of Edom and Ishmael;

the Moabites and the Hagrites;

Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek;

Philistia with the residents of Tyre.

And the powerful Assyrians have joined the alliance

to add their strength and support the descendants of Lot: Moab and Ammon.

[pause]

Do to these nations what You did to Midian,

to Sisera and Jabin at the raging waters of Kishon.

They were destroyed at En-dor;

they became like dung, fertilizer for the ground.

Make their rulers like Oreb and Zeeb,

all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,

Who schemed, “We should own the meadows of the True God,

let’s take them!”

O my God, blow them away like a tumbleweed,

scatter them like dust in a whirlwind.

As a wildfire charges through the forest

or a flame sprints up the mountainside,

Send Your raging winds to chase them, hunt them down,

and terrify them with Your storm.

Redden their faces in shame

so that they will turn and seek Your holy name, Eternal One.

May they face disappointment and anxiety forever;

may they be ashamed and die.

May they know that You and You alone,

whose name is the Eternal,

are the Most High, the Supreme Ruler over all the earth.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 83 (The Voice)

[Psalm 48]

A song of the sons of Korah.

The Eternal is great and mighty, worthy of great praise

in the city of our True God, upon His holy mountain.

Situated high above, Mount Zion is beautiful to see,

the pleasure of the entire earth.

Mount Zion, in the north,

is the city of the great King.

In her palaces, the True God

has revealed Himself as a mighty fortress.

Not long ago, enemy kings gathered together

and moved forward as one to attack the city.

When they saw Mount Zion, they were amazed;

amazement became fear, then panic. They fled for their lives.

They were overtaken by terror, trembling in anguish

like a woman in childbirth.

God, You shattered the ships of Tarshish

with the mighty east wind.

As we have heard stories of Your greatness,

now we have also seen it with our own eyes

right here, in the city of the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies.

Right here, in our God’s city,

the True God will preserve her forever.

[pause]

We have meditated upon Your loyal love, O God,

within Your holy temple.

Just as Your name reaches to the ends of the earth, O God,

so Your praise flows there too;

Your right hand holds justice.

So because of Your judgments,

may Mount Zion be delighted!

May the villages of Judah celebrate!

Explore Zion; make an accounting,

note all her towers;

Reflect upon her defenses;

stroll through her palaces

So that you can tell the coming generation all about her.

For so is God,

our True God, forever and ever;

He will be our guide till the end.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 48 (The Voice)

[shonpota]

Islamic Deeds/Characters

🌹1.Don't insult (Q49:11)

🌹2.Speak kindly (Q2:83)

🌹3.Speak gently (Q17:28)

🌹4.Don't backbite (Q49:12)

🌹5.Speak the Truth (Q3:17)

🌹6.Keep your oaths (Q5:89)

🌹7.Do not be arrogant (Q7:13)

🌹8.Restrain your anger (Q3:134)

🌹9.Think good of others (Q24:12)

🌹10.Don't be rude to parents (Q17:23)

🌹11.Don't make fun of others (Q49:11)

🌹12.Turn away from ill speech (Q23:3)

🌹13.Walk in a humble manner (Q25:63)

🌹14.Keep your trusts & promises (Q23:8)

🌹15.Don't claim yourself to be pure (Q53:32)

🌹16.Do not even approach adultery (Q17:32)

🌹17.Don't call others with bad names (Q49:11)

🌹18.Remember Allah and be thankful (Q2:152)

🌹19.Speak nicely, even to the ignorant (Q25:63)

🌹20.Don't ask for repayment for favours (Q76:9)

🌹21.If enemy wants peace, then accept it (Q8:61)

🌹22.Salute the Prophet (saw), do salawats (Q33:56)

🌹23.Call ˹all˺ people to the pilgrimage (hajj) (Q22:27)

🌹24.Give charity /spend (in the way of Allah) (Q2:254)

🌹25.Don’t criticize small donation/charity of others (9:79)

🌹26.Be mindful of Allah and be with the truthful (Q9:119)

🌹27.Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly (Q2:188)

🌹28.Stand firm for justice  even if it is against yourselves(Q4:135)

🌹29.Don't remind others of the favours you done to them (Q2:264)

🌹30.Return a greeting in a better manner or at least the same (Q4:86)

🌹31.Do not be excessive, extravagant, don't spend wastefully (Q17:26)

🌹32 Life of this world is no more than the delusion of enjoyment (Q3:185)

🌹33.Performing prayers (salat/namaz) is a duty on the believers (Q4:103)

🌹34.Turn away from trash talk like gossip, slandering people etc.(Q28:55)

🌹35.Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you (Q2:183)

🌹36.Don't Bribe authorities in order to devour a portion of others’ property(Q2:188)

🌹37.Establish prayer (salat/namaz) and donate from what was provided (Q8:3)

🌹1.Don’t lie (22:30)

🌹2.Don’t spy (49:12)

🌹3.Don’t exult (28:76)

🌹4.Don’t insult (49:11)

🌹5.Don’t waste (17:26)

🌹6.Feed the poor (22:36)

🌹7.Don’t backbite (49:12)

🌹8.Keep your oaths (5:89)

🌹9.Don’t take bribes (27:36)

🌹10.Honour your treaties (9:4)

🌹11.Restrain your anger (3:134)

🌹12.Don’t spread gossip (24:15)

🌹13.Think good of others (24:12)

🌹14.Be good to guests (51:24-27)

🌹15.Don’t harm believers (33:58)

🌹16.Don’t be rude to parents (17:23)

🌹17.Turn away from ill speech (23:3)

🌹18.Don’t make fun of others (49:11)

🌹19.Walk in a humble manner (25:63)

🌹20.Respond to evil with good (41:34)

🌹21.Don’t say what you don’t do (62:2)

🌹22.Keep your trusts & promises (23:8)

🌹23.Don’t insult others’ false gods (6:108)

🌹24Don’t deceive people in trade (6:152)

🌹25.Don’t take items without right (3:162)

#islam #moral #mental health #personality #attitude #mature

[squarwell-breakingnews]

Duleep Trophy Final: Rahane, Shreyas fail as West Zone manage 250/8 vs South on Day 1 | Cricket News - Times of India

Duleep Trophy Final: Rahane, Shreyas fail as West Zone manage 250/8 vs South on Day 1 | Cricket News – Times of India

COIMBATORE: West Zone‘s sought-after batting stars, including former India captain Ajinkya Rahane and KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer, flattered to deceive as South Zone restricted them to 250 for 8 on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final on Wednesday. It was young Gujarat wicketkeeper Het Patel (96 batting) and his 83-run stand for the ninth wicket with Saurashtra veteran Jaydev Unadkat (39…

View On WordPress

[znewstech]

Duleep Trophy Final: Rahane, Shreyas fail as West Zone manage 250/8 vs South on Day 1 | Cricket News - Times of India

Duleep Trophy Final: Rahane, Shreyas fail as West Zone manage 250/8 vs South on Day 1 | Cricket News – Times of India

COIMBATORE: West Zone‘s sought-after batting stars, including former India captain Ajinkya Rahane and KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer, flattered to deceive as South Zone restricted them to 250 for 8 on the opening day of the Duleep Trophy final on Wednesday. It was young Gujarat wicketkeeper Het Patel (96 batting) and his 83-run stand for the ninth wicket with Saurashtra veteran Jaydev Unadkat (39…

View On WordPress

[taliesinjaffe]

Episode 83 "The Deceiver's Stand"

“Just roll another 20!” - “What is it?” - “Not as great.” - “Four.” - “Plus?” - “Nothing.”  for @juxarope

#critical role #critteredit #matt mercer #laura bailey #travis willingham #pike trickfoot #83 the deceiver's stand #gifs #sorry ju i fell asleep like the stupid turtle i am #cr spoilers #i love how the hope fades from matt's face once he remembers her armor #request tag #crs1

[profounddefendorcrusade-blog]

Wander over Yonder Messages

To anyone who dares to think this show is stupid

1) Actions speak louder than words

2) Accept defeat with dignity

3) Not everyone you meet has good intensions

4) Love always wins

5) Think before you speak

6) Make sacrifices for those you love

7) Do good and you will receive good

8) If you love something, set it free

9)  Life may not be perfect, but that doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful

10)  All’s well that ends well

11)  You’ll always get caught in your lies

12) Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not in order to fit in

13) Know how to accept it when you’re wrong

14) Ignore people who insult you and want to bring you down

15) Having a beautiful heart is what really matters

16) Have a strength of character

17) Stand up for yourself and those you care about

18)  It doesn’t matter whether someone else believes in you or not, you need to believe in yourself first

19) Life doesn’t give you what you want, it gives you what you need

20) Don’t make quick judgments

21) Don’t underestimate someone’s abilities

22) Face your problems head on and don’t run away from them

23)  A true hero is humble, kind and selfless

24) Life isn’t a fairytale and things don’t always work out the way we want them to

25) The biggest gift anyone can give you is a smile

26) Always be grateful for the little things someone does to make you happy

27) Always make sure to set a good example for others

28) The most powerful thing you can do is win a battle against yourself

29) Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not in order to impress someone

30) Don’t trust everything you hear and everyone you meet

31) Enjoy the ride and don’t compare yourself to others

32) Deal with problems with intelligence and wit and not violence

33) It’s not good to spend too much time in your head and forget about reality

34) Always take into consideration the needs of others

35) You can’t force someone to love you

36) Expect the best, but be prepared for the worst

37)  A true friend is always there for you when you need them, believes in you and won’t give up on you

38) Follow your heart’s desires

39) Make sacrifices for the betterment of others

40) Even the smallest things can mean the world to someone

41)  Imagination is a beautiful and powerful thing

42) Don’t be selfish and always focus on what you want

43) Appearances are deceiving

44) It’s better to have a beautiful mind and soul than to be physically appealing

45) Good and evil are both equally important

46) Instead of fighting with someone, try to put your differences aside to solve the issue

47) Nothing is impossible

48) Some people are manipulative and fake

49)  Behind every hard exterior there is a heart that wants to experience love

50)  Always be kind to someone, even if they’re not kind towards you

51) We are one

52) Everyone deserves to be happy and to feel loved and appreciated no matter who they are

53) People are not always what they seem or who you thought they were at first

54) Sometimes you are the reason for your own problems

55) Have balance in everything you do, even good

56) Hang out with people who make you a better person

57) You never know how much you really need someone/something until they’re gone

58) Always make sure the people in your life know how much you appreciate them

59) Friendship is the biggest adventure of all

60) An enemy is just a friend you haven’t made yet

61) It always pays off to be kind

62) Always keep your promises

63) Sometimes the kindest hearts have felt the most pain

64) Keep your eyes on the prize

65) Karma will always come back to you

66) The secret ingredient is love

67) Don’t try to change someone and accept them as they are

68) Let people find their own happiness and don’t force them to be happy

69) Accept every single part of someone, even their flaws

70) Respect your elders

71) Some things/people are built to last

72) Your weakness can also be your strengths

73) True friendship (love) is better than being cool and popular

74) Superficial things are temporary and unimportant at the end of the day

75) In order to achieve your goals and dreams, you need to be ambitious, hard-working and determined. With those qualities and a good plan, you can do anything

76) It’s easy to manipulate huge masses of people

77) Enjoy every little moment spent with those you love

78) Loyalty is priceless

79) Live life to the fullest while you still can

80) Don’t be afraid to be different

81) Always try to understand where people are coming from

82) Patience is an important quality

83) Real life is so much more beautiful than virtual reality

84) Take risks

85) There’s good in everyone

86) Love is a battlefield (and sometimes you lose)

87) We’re all just little black cubes of darkness

88) Don’t come to conclusions without thinking things through

89) Making someone else feel special is one of the most wonderful feelings in the world

90) Sharing is caring

91) Don’t hide who you are and be unapologetically yourself

92) Don’t be what other people want to see

93) Don’t let greed get to you, because you’ll end up losing what you already have

94) Always be humble and kind

95) Keep in mind that you’re not the only one who’s suffering, and that there are many people out there who’re hurting too

96) Love is worth fighting for

97) People tend to present themselves in a better light than they really are

98) Be carefree and go with the flow

99)  It’s important to have balance between your head and heart

100) People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel

101) Never give up when things get hard

102) Your family loves you unconditionally no matter what

103) Don’t be bothered by other people’s business and do your own thing

104) Deal with unrequited love with hope and optimism

105) Let people believe in whatever they want to believe in

106) Don’t break people’s illusions because they give them hope

107) First come small wins, then big ones

108) The darkest times are when you should laugh the loudest

109) Spending time with the ones you love is never a waste of time

110) Don’t focus on the past or future, but the present

111) Don’t waste time on jealousy

112) Even when it looks like other people have it all figured out, that’s not always the case

113) Keep toxic people out of your life

114) Just because we fail doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try

115) Our world is created by our state of mind

116) We won’t be able to see beauty around us if we don’t carry it within ourselves

117) You can’t allow pride to stand in the way of doing what’s right

118) We’re all eternal students of life

119) Nobody’s perfect

120) Not knowing yourself and what you’re capable of is dangerous

121) It’s a pleasure to do what people say you cannot do

122)  It’s better to believe in a lot of things than not to believe in anything

123) All good things come to an end, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make memories

124) Everybody needs somebody

125) People are more than they show on the outside

126)  Nothing can separate those who really care about each other

127) You can’t buy love

128) People and their actions can be unpredictable

129) We don’t live for love, but we die for it

130) Those who are less scared of death have more meaningful and fulfilling lives

131) Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened

132) We should sympathize with other people’s struggles

133) If something can’t be in your life, keep it in your heart

134) We can change the world only when we experience change within ourselves

135) Friendship means cooperation and mutual respect

136) We become more like the people we spend time with

137) Bad things/people can change

138) There’s more power in doing the things that scare you than in the most powerful weapons

139) Help yourself and let others help you

140) No one knows everything

141) Little things in life are those that really matter

142) The more you know, the more you grow

143) Teamwork is important

144) Always stand up for what you believe in, even if it means you’ll stand alone

145) Never give up hope

146) Be aware of your emotions and express them without shame

147) Life is all about transformations; when some things end, others come to life

148) True inner strength is being able to deal with your own passions

149) You can do anything with the help of those who care about you

150) There’s always a reason why someone acts the way they do

151) Have the strength to give those who have wronged you second chances

152) All you need is love

#save wander over yonder #savewoy #woy #savewanderoveryonder

[scullyitwasaliens]

Campaign 1, Episode 83: The Deceiver’s Stand

#cr #critical role #c1 #vox machina #keyleth #critteredit #c1e83 #marisha ray #mine #my edits #marisha ray at a dnd table is a force to be reckoned with folks

[star-linedsoul]

OCs I’ll Probably Never Write | March Feature

Airen Jiang of the Sei’naka and Flame Clans

An Avatar: The Last Airbender OC

NAME: Airen Jiang

ALIASES: Tunshi | Satyani | Yiwai | Xunsu | Jiuzhi | Wairen

BIRTHDATE: Winter Solstice of 83 AG

AGE: Biologically 16 | Assumed 19

NATION: Fire Nation | Flame Clan

FAMILY: Sei’naka Clan - Jiang family

Governor Katai Jiang - father - deceased

Lady Hana Okuno - mother

Lieutenant Kenta Jiang - half-brother - deceased

Captain Reika Jiang - half-sister

Katsu Yachi Jiang - brother-in-law

Airen Jiang - niece

Flame Clan - Brethren of the Black Flame

Muhai - mentor/father figure

Zhishi - mentor/mother figure

Rui Yan - friend/sister

Hu Zhao - friend/brother

APPEARANCE: 5′6″ | Pale skin | Lean, muscular build | Light gold eyes | Long, curly black hair |  Tattoo of black hand surrounded by flames on right bicep | Three lower lobe piercings in each ear; two upper ear piercings on left ear | Crooked nose and 2nd & 3rd fingers of right hand from poorly healed breaks | Various scars - most notable: deep ropey scar at base of left thumb; notch in left ear; claw marks on right ribs and hip

PERSONALITY: Self-reliant | Impatient| Loyal | Intense | Focused | Competitive | Hard-Working | Impulsive | Ambitious | Charming | Quick-tempered | Clever 

SPECIAL SKILLS: Martial Arts - Xing Yi Quan & Tiger/Dragon-style Silat mix | Weaponry - Straight Sword and Rope Dart | Stealth | Strategy

HOBBIES: Reading | Star-gazing | Paisho | Dancing | Playing Erhu | Swimming

BACKGROUND:

Born into a house of minor Fire Nation nobles known for their illustrious military service and skill with the sword, Airen was the only child of General Katai and his second wife. After a battle in the Earth Kingdom resulted in her older brother’s death and her father’s retirement from the Army, Airen moved to the Earth Kingdom colonies when her father was appointed Governor as a reward for his service. 

Her father was a wise and honest leader of the colony, dealing with both Fire and Earth citizens fairly. This earned him enemies, however, after he exposed corruption within the colony and arrested the guilty parties, turning them over to the Fire Nation for judgement. Hired by these enemies, Muhai, a Flame Clan assassin, attacked the Jiang house while Airen and her mother were supposed to be gone, killing Governor Katai only to find Airen still at home. 

Unable to leave her as a witness to the murder and prohibited from killing her since she was not a target, Muhai instead decided to take the child back to the Flame clan. There, he urged her to lie about her age so that she would be seen as old enough to train with the other children. Otherwise, he believed she would be discarded as a burden to the clan. Airen was accepted into the clan and soon adapted to their harsh way of life, training in martial arts, weaponry, and other skills.

Airen progressed through her various levels of training near the top of her class of recruits, finally being inducted as a full member of the clan’s highly-capable warrior order, the Brethren of the Black Flame, at the age of fifteen. She made quite a name for herself very quickly, and there were some who believed she could even be talented enough to replace the clan’s reigning chief. Naturally, the chief did not enjoy this threat to his position, and so he sent Airen to the Fire Nation on a mission that was doomed to fail.

Sure enough, Airen was unable to complete her mission. In the process, she was arrested by Fire Nation soldiers, where her attempts to escape finally landed her in the Boiling Rock prison months before the Hundred Year War’s end. It is there that she is found by Firelord Zuko after he traces an attempt on his life back to the Flame clan. 

Airen finally gets the opportunity to successfully escape, but her return to her clan isn’t the homecoming she had hoped for when she learns that the Brethren has devolved into trading their skills for money. While the clan leaders lead their people to believe they are agents of balance weeding out corruption, they are instead loaning their members out as assassins and spies, hoarding wealth bought through deception and bloodshed.

Unable to stand idly by as her people are deceived, Airen allies herself with Firelord Zuko and Avatar Aang to expose the truth. In doing so, however, she is branded a traitor, and becomes another target on the clan’s list... 

I have SO MANY notes about Airen, and could scream into the void about her for literal hours. So if anyone wants to enable me know more about Airen, my ask box is open! :)

OCIPNW Taglist: (Let me know if you want to be added/dropped! No pressure either way!)

@eddysocs, @wordspin-shares​, @kattegatsqueen, @darknightfrombeyond, @randomestfandoms, @randomfandoming1, @ocfairygodmother​, @foxesandmagic, @the-fandom-trash-fairy​, @hoqwaarts​, @thecharmedburrowspn-files​, @ocfanhub

#atla #atla fandom #atla oc #zuko #pbipnw oc #pbipnw march 21 #ocipnw #oc: airen #ff:black flame #my ocs #my edits

[moved-to-tucutucus]

Look at these completly unrelated Critical role moments from episode 83 of Campaign 1 and episode 83 of Campaign 2 =) 

CR1 E83 The Deceiver’s Stand  || CR2 E83 Dark Bargains 

[ID: Two screenshots of Liam O'Brien on the set of Critical Role. The first is from campaign one episode 83, he is holding up his arms as if carrying a small body with an upset, pained expression. The second is from campaign two episode 83 - he is holding his arms up in the same way with a frightened, desperate expression. End ID.]

ID provided by @i-mean-nevermind

#I will highly apreciate a written Id so i can edit it in please credit will be given of course #critical role #liam o'brien #cr campaign 1 spoilers #cr campaign 2 #vox machina #mighty nein #caleb #vax'ildan

[dailytafsirofquran]

Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 7-9

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

7. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be a great torment.

Meaning of Khatama

Allah said,

Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes there is a covering. Theirs will be a great torment.

As-Suddi said that, (Khatama Allah) means, "Allah has sealed.''

Qatadah said that this Ayah means, "Shaytan controlled them when they obeyed him. Therefore, Allah sealed their hearts, hearing and sight, and they could neither see the guidance nor hear, comprehend or understand.''

Ibn Jurayj said that Mujahid said, (Allah has set a seal on their hearts), "A stamp. It occurs when sin resides in the heart and surrounds it from all sides, and this submersion of the heart in sin constitutes a stamp, meaning a seal.''

Ibn Jurayj also said that the seal is placed on the heart and the hearing.

In addition, Ibn Jurayj said, that Abdullah bin Kathir narrated that Mujahid said, "The stain is not as bad as the stamp, the stamp is not as bad as the lock which is the worst type.''

Al-Amash said, "Mujahid demonstrated with his hand while saying, `They used to say that the heart is just like this - meaning the open palm. When the servant commits a sin, a part of the heart will be rolled up - and he rolled up his index finger. When the servant commits another sin, a part of the heart will be rolled up' - and he rolled up another finger, until he rolled up all of his fingers.

Then he said, `Then, the heart will be sealed.'

Mujahid also said that this is the description of the Ran (refer to 83:14).''

Al-Qurtubi said, "The Ummah has agreed that Allah has described Himself with sealing and closing the hearts of the disbelievers, as a punishment for their disbelief.

Similarly, Allah said, (Nay, Allah has set a seal upon their hearts because of their disbelief), (4:155).''

He then mentioned the Hadith about changing the hearts, (in which the Prophet supplicated), O You Who changes the hearts, make our hearts firm on Your religion.

He also mentioned the Hadith by Hudhayfah recorded in the Sahih, in which the Messenger of Allah said, The Fitan (trials, tests) are offered to the hearts, just as the straws that are sewn into a woven mat, one after another. Any heart that accepts the Fitan, then a black dot will be engraved on it. Any heart that rejects the Fitan, then a white dot will be engraved on it. The hearts will therefore become two categories: white, just like the barren rock; no Fitnah shall ever harm this category as long as the heavens and earth still exist. Another category is black, just as the cup that is turned upside down, for this heart does not recognize righteousness or renounce evil.

Ibn Jarir said, "The truth regarding this subject is what the authentic Hadith from the Messenger of Allah stated. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, When the believer commits a sin, a black dot will be engraved on his heart. If he repents, refrains and regrets, his heart will be polished again. If he commits more errors, the dots will increase until they cover his heart. This is the Ran (stain) that

Allah described, Nay! But on their hearts is the Ran (stain) which they used to earn.'' (83:14)

At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah recorded this Hadith, and At-Tirmidhi said that it is Hasan Sahih.

The Meaning of Ghishawah

Reciting the Ayah, (Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing), then pausing, then continuing with, (And on their eyes there is a Ghishawah (covering)) is accurate, for the stamp is placed on the heart and the hearing while the Ghishawah, the covering, is appropriately placed on the eyes.

In his Tafsir, As-Suddi said that Ibn Abbas and Ibn Mas`ud said about Allah's statement, (Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing), "So that they neither understand nor hear. Allah also said that He placed a covering on their sight, meaning eyes, and so, they do not see.''

8. And of mankind, there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day'' while in fact they do not believe.

9. They try to deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!

The Hypocrites

We mentioned that four Ayat in the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah described the believers. The two last Ayat (2:6-7) describe the disbelievers.

Afterwards, Allah begins to describe the hypocrites who show belief and hide disbelief. Since the matter of the hypocrites is vague and many people do not realize their true reality, Allah mentioned their description in detail. Each of the characteristics that Allah used to described them with is a type of hypocrisy itself. Allah revealed Surah Bara'h and Surah Al-Munafiqun about the hypocrites. He also mentioned the hypocrites in Surah An-Nur and other Surahs, so that their description would be known and their ways and errors could be avoided.

Allah said, And of mankind, there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day'' while in fact they do not believe.

They try to deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!

Meaning of Nifaq

Nifaq means to show conformity - or agreement - and to conceal evil. Nifaq has several types:

* Nifaq in the creed that causes its people to reside in Hell for eternity, and

* Nifaq in deed, which is one of the major sins, as we will explain soon, Allah willing.

Ibn Jurayj said of the hypocrite that, "His actual deeds are different from what he publicizes, what he conceals is different from what he utters, his entrance and presence are not the same as his exit and absence.''

The Beginning of Hypocrisy

The revelations about the characteristics of the hypocrites were revealed in Al-Madinah, this is because there were no hypocrites in Makkah. Rather the opposite was the situation in Makkah, since some people were forced to pretend that they were disbelievers, while their hearts concealed their faith. Afterwards, the Messenger of Allah migrated to Al-Madinah, where the Ansar from the tribes of Aws and Khazraj resided. They used to worship idols during the pre-Islamic period of ignorance, just as the rest of the Arab idolators. Three Jewish tribes resided in Al-Madinah, Banu Qaynuqa-allies of Al-Khazraj, Banu An-Nadir and Banu Qurayzah-allies of the Aws. Many members of the Aws and Khazraj tribes embraced Islam. However, only a few Jews embraced Islam, such as Abdullah bin Salam.

During the early stage in Al-Madinah, there weren't any hypocrites because the Muslims were not strong enough to be feared yet. On the contrary, the Messenger of Allah conducted peace treaties with the Jews and several other Arab tribes around Al-Madinah. Soon after, the battle of Badr occurred and Allah gave victory to Islam and its people.

Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salul was a leader in Al-Madinah. He was Al-Khazraj's chief, and during the period of Jahiliyyah he was the master of both tribes - Aws and Khazraj. They were about to appoint him their king when the Message reached Al-Madinah, and many in Al-Madinah embraced Islam.

Ibn Salul's heart was filled with hatred against Islam and its people. When the battle of Badr took place, he said, "Allah's religion has become apparent.'' So he pretended to be Muslim, along with many of those who were just like him, as well as many among the People of the Book.

It was then that hypocrisy began in Al-Madinah and among the surrounding nomad tribes. As for the Emigrants, none of them were hypocrites, since they emigrated willingly (seeking the pleasure of Allah). Rather, when a Muslim would emigrate from Makkah, he would be forced to abandon all of his wealth, offspring and land; he would do so seeking Allah's reward in the Hereafter.

The Tafsir of Ayah 2:8

Allah said, And of mankind, there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day'' while in fact they do not believe.

Muhammad bin Ishaq narrated that Ibn Abbas said that, "This refers to the hypocrites among the Aws and Khazraj and those who behaved as they did.''

This is how Abu Al-Aliyah, Al-Hasan, Qatadah and As-Suddi explained this Ayah.

Allah revealed the characteristics of the hypocrites, so that the believers would not be deceived by their outer appearance, thus saving the believers from a great evil.

Otherwise, the believers might think that the hypocrites were believers, when in reality they are disbelievers. To consider the sinners as righteous people is extremely dangerous, Allah said, (And of mankind, there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day'' while in fact they do not believe) meaning, they utter these false statements only with their tongues, just as Allah said, When the hypocrites come to you (O Muhammad), they say: "We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.'' Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger. (63:1)

This Ayah means that; the hypocrites utter these statements only when they meet you, not because they actually believe what they are saying. The hypocrites emphasize their belief in Allah and the Last Day with their words, when that is not the case in reality.

Therefore, Allah stated that the hypocrites lie in their testimony of creed, when He said, (And Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are indeed liars), (63:1), and, (while in fact they believe not). Allah said, (They try to deceive Allah and those who believe). The hypocrites show belief outwardly while concealing disbelief. They think that by doing this, they will mislead Allah, or that the statements they utter will help them with Allah, and this is an indication of their total ignorance. They think that such behavior will deceive Allah, just as it might deceive some of the believers.

Similarly, Allah said, On the Day when Allah will resurrect them all together; then they will swear to Him as they swear to you. And they think that they have something (to stand upon).

Verily, they are liars! (58:18)

Hence, Allah refuted their way by saying, While they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!

Allah stated that the hypocrites only deceive themselves by this behavior, although they are unaware of this fact.

Allah also said,

Verily, the hypocrites try to deceive Allah, but it is He Who deceives them. (4:142)

Also, Ibn Abi Hatim narrated that Ibn Jurayj commented on Allah's statement, "The hypocrites pronounce, `There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah' seeking to ensure the sanctity of their blood and money, all the while concealing disbelief.''

Allah's statement; And of mankind, there are some who say: "We believe in Allah and the Last Day'' while in fact they believe not. They try to deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!

Sa`id said that Qatadah commented, "This is the description of a hypocrite. He is devious; he says the truth with his tongue and defies it with his heart and deeds. He wakes up in a condition other than the one he goes to sleep in, and goes to sleep in a different condition than the one he wakes up in. He changes his mind just like a ship that moves about whenever a wind blows.''

#allah #god #islam #muslim #quran #revert #convert #convert islam #revert islam #reverthelp #revert help #revert help team #help #islamhelp #converthelp #prayer #salah #muslimah #reminder #pray #dua #hijab #religion #mohammad #new muslim #new revert #new convert #how to convert to islam #convert to islam #welcome to islam

[kadeu]

Accepted — Dust Ashlar 

♥   Ashlar Dust aka Dust looks like Ben Barnes (actor) ♥   He was born October 28, 1937; making him 83 years old, but appears in his 30s ♥   This W. Elementalist is Demiromantic/Bisexual and a Falseranking Nine of Hearts  ♥   He is a the owner of The Yelling Secrets, and an information dealer

Biography

Ashlar Dust’s life started as Dominic James Robin, eldest son from a prestigious high ranked Diamond family, primary heir to both the Aster Stone company and with all the opportunities and potential to do and become whatever he wished in life. Or, at least, that’s how it seemed for most of his childhood, when he and his sister, Meredith, were put on pretty garbs and paraded around like the center pieces in an exposition about the perfect happy family. However, appearances can be very deceiving and, more often than not, the truth was a lot uglier.

The moment he’d be able to comprehend it, his mother told him the entire story about their lives. About how her marriage was naught but a simple business agreement, a supposed way to reach social superiority based on the believe that some small royal ancestry still meant something. He never truly believed that, though, not as Dominic Robin and definitely not later in live as Ashlar Dust. That wasn’t the ugly part. A high ranked family being the result of an arranged marriage was never new and shouldn’t really surprise anyone. The ugly part came from the inability of his mother to keep her legs closed.

She never told him all the details, just that, less than a month after the wedding, she became pregnant with a bastard from some guy she’d met in during her bachelorette party. Since the month they’ve knew each other was apparently enough to convince her that man was her true love – although not true nor lovey enough to convince her to give up on her social aspirations –, she decided their son should have the same opportunities as a legitimate child had. After all, the boy had still had some royal blood on him and that still could work for their experiment, at least as control group. She was, however, extremely clear about what would happen if he failed and gave him her father’s old pocket watch as a constant reminder of what he had to lose.

As one might expect, the bastard in question was little Dominic himself and, lucky for him, his mother wouldn’t truly fell in love with anyone from a lower rank, so he had the right mark on his skin, making it easier for him to pass as the perfect son. And pass as the perfect son he did. He dedicated himself to be everything they expected of him and more. He acted exactly like a polite and well-mannered Diamond child should act. He’d spend hours studying in order to get the best marks in any class his mother enrolled him into, no matter how absurd or advanced. After he reached puberty and started to develop his manacore, he focused on learning the sociopolitical games from the events he was starting to officially attend and on mastering his element as soon as possible. Even when he wasn’t the best, he made sure to stand out amongst the crowd and make his family proud.

Oh, how he hated all of that and have come to regret all the time and effort wasted into trying to fit in somewhere he never belonged to.

The only good memories he kept of his childhood were the nights his mother’s husband – Dominic was never able to honestly call the man his father – took the entire family to the Palace to watch his premieres, when the boy could get lost in a live that wasn’t his own, and the rare breaks he and his sister had on their schedule when they could just enjoy the company of the other without worrying about the rest of the world. Those moments with his sister, however, always left him bittersweet feeling. For, while he could find happiness and solace on the fact there was one person who’d love and care for him independent of anything, it’d always hurt his heart when he had to lie to her. And he had to lie about so many things to protect her, to keep her happy, to prevent her from giving up, to make sure she would continue on the right path after it was time for her big brother to crash and burn.

Because all lies must come to an end eventually, and that time was quickly approaching. As the Robin heir was getting older and closer to his first rank independent of his parents, the cracks had already formed and it was becoming very hard to keep them hidden. His social and public presence remained impeccable until the end, but when it came to his education and training, things were declining. He wasn’t paying as much attention to his classes because of exhaustion, his manacore wasn’t as big as it should’ve been, and he was slowly, but steadily falling behind his peers. His mother didn’t let any of this become public information, of course, and dismissed any rumors as ridiculous gossip while making sure whoever’s responsible for starting them lost their jobs. Nevertheless, she knew as much as her son that he wouldn’t be able to continue like that for long and that, even if he still had room for growth, it would never be as fast or as high as she wanted.

It all ended on his fifteenth birthday. He spent the last hour before midnight staring at his wrist, waiting. And, as the clock struck the witching hour, the boy watched his mark change from a Q to a 7, just like that. He was never sure if his tears on that moment were of shame, of relief or of some strange combination of both. His mother came a few minutes later, as he was packing anything he could carry and believed to be essential. She didn’t say anything, didn’t even ask to see his wrist, she just gave him a piece of paper with a name and an address in Heart’s territory written and left the room without looking back. Her husband, on the other hand, was less composed on his reaction to the news. Even as the boy attempted to pass by the room the couple was arguing unnoticed on his way out, he still caught the man’s attention, who insisted on being the one to throw the bastard out. After a lot of shameful accusations and threats for the boy to never come back or get close to his family again. Like it was his fault his mother had been a whore. As the boy didn’t have the energy to talk back at the time, he just let the man do as he pleased before leaving without ever looking back.

Despite the time, getting to Heart territory wasn’t hard. His mother had rented a carriage to transport him in secret and the trip was fast and comfortable. The hard part came after he arrived.

On the address his mother had given him, he was greeted by a grumpy concubus who told him his biological father had been dead for over 10 years and then shut the door on his face. Later in life, the boy would learn the name his mother had was mostly likely fake and he would never try to find out anything else about his father.

Anyway, on that moment, he was alone and homeless in an unfamiliar territory that prioritized wealth over everything else and without any possibility of going back home.

The first few nights weren’t all that bad, as he had some coin with him and his rank wasn’t low enough for people to refuse him service yet. However, he’d never had to save money in his live, so the coin ran out too fast and he was forced to start selling the things he’d brought with him so he could eat. To make matters worse, after word of his “little act of teen rebellion” got out, his rank fell as instantly as it had before: first to a 2 and, a little time later, when he still didn’t go back home, to a 1.

He completely lost his sense of time after that.

It felt like he’d spent months or even years living on the streets. No one wanted to have anything to do with a rank 1, so he’d gone days without eating before finding someone who’d accept to trade one of his few remaining possessions for anything and who wouldn’t accuse him of having stolen it. He’d also gone days without sleep, too afraid of the dangers in the open night and only rested when his body couldn’t keep going anymore. The cold weather of the last months of the years only made things worse as he fell sick with some sort of fever. Eventually, he even started wishing he could go back home, but he didn’t know the way back and, again, no one wanted to help a rank 1 child.

Until someone did.

By that time, the only things he still had were the clothes on his back and his grandfather’s pocket watch nobody had realized he was still carrying with him. Despite what the item represented, it was the only thing he had to prove who he was and he just couldn’t get rid of it. But he needed food and medicine. He was also starting to get delirious from the fever and the lack of sleep. Or at least that’s what he thought when she appeared: a beautiful kitsune woman, promising to take care of him in exchange for him allowing her to guard his grandfather’s watch for now. It wasn’t like he had much of a choice, the other options for lost little bastards like him being to die on the streets or to try his luck at the red light district. And he’d already reached that deplorable state after just a single month on his own. What chances did he really have?

So he accepted her offer.

He never learned her real name. Everybody called her Holder, because of the cigarette holder she was constantly smoking from. She also didn’t allow him to use his real name, calling and introducing him as Dust, since that was all he was when they met. He complained about the alias at first, but then she would just invite him to try his luck on the streets again, since he didn’t want to follow her rules and the first time went so well, or she would tell stories about other lost little bastards who decided to go back home and how their families made sure they would never become a problem for them again. And she knew a lot of these stories thanks to her line of work, which was something he needed some time to completely understand and get used to.

According to the mark on her wrist, she was a rank 9, but her composure, manners and general demeanor was that of a face card. She also owned a small tavern on an out-of-the-way back alley mostly frequented by low rankers, but with a luxuriously decorated back room where the occasional high ranker or resistance member were received. Her real business happened in that back room, where she sold and trade other people’s secrets to whoever was able to pay. Including his own. As the boy came to know, he was a promising enough investment for the fox to pay to keep him alive. But only the bare minimum, anything else he’d need to find a way to pay for himself.

Under Holder’s protection, he realized that he still had something to sell: the morals and values his high ranking family raised him with. They weren’t worth all that much, but it was a start. The first one he sold was his pride to Holder, half a year after he started living with her, in exchange for a way to officially change factions. He expected her to talk with one her highranking clients about it, but instead she appeared the next day with a J on her wrist and everything need for a new fabricated identity for him. That’s when Dominic Robin became Ashlar Dust, named after ash and dust, just like he was when she’d found him. He didn’t complain about the new name and didn’t ask about her ranking, even as she appeared two days later back into her “original” rank.

The next few years weren’t as bad as Ashlar had expected. Getting used to a new name and a new faction wasn’t as hard as it should’ve been and the lack of expectations people had when they saw his rank was such a breath of fresh air. Luckily, Holder didn’t seem to care about what he did during his little odd jobs or about how he was raising in ranks at a snail’s pace, as long as he stayed out of Diamond territory and returned to the tavern during the night. He never knew the story she told other people, but nobody seemed to know he hadn’t been born a Heart yet and she kept him away from clients who could recognize him.

Eventually, after Ashlar had already got rid of most he still had of Dominic, he started working at the tavern. It wasn’t something the two of them ever talked about, but that happened gradually and slowly, as he found out that he liked the energetic and chaotic environment and that he was surprisingly good with both groups of costumers. Besides, the more time he spent with the low ranking crowd the more different from the lost high ranking prodigy he became.

A couple of years after Ashlar had officially started working at the tavern, Holder offered to teach him about the information dealing side of the business. She had been amused and impressed enough for doing it after listening to him answer a question about his past from a high rank with a payment request. He accepted and, while the tavern remained his passion project, he discovered a true talent when it came to gossiping and meddling in other people’s affairs.

Despite the arguably dangerous business, the next few decades of his life where relatively stable. He slowly made a name for himself both as the manager of “that low ranking bar” and as an information dealer on his own right. Just like his mentor, he started controlling the amount of money in his bank account to stay in higher midranking range – high enough to life comfortably and low enough not be threatening to potential new clients –, making sure he wouldn’t bother for it by making regular and generous donations to the most interested and necessary parts of society (also known as bribery). And his old training regiments almost immediately declined to the bare minimum for him to be able to deal with problematic drunks in the tavern.

Everything was going well, until Holder decided to leave. Officially, she died of a sudden and sickness with rumors that the fox was not feeding herself properly. Ashlar’s not entirely sure he believes in that story, even as he stayed by her side the entire time and she gave back his grandfather’s watch and passed to him both businesses and her trademark cigarette holder. It was all just so convenient and way too close after his biological mother’s death. He has no idea of where she could’ve gone or why or even if that’s a better alternative, but she’s certainly someone capable of faking her own death while everyone watched.

Without a clear answer, he just accepted the inheritance she left for him. Most of the old clients already knew him by that point, so the transition wasn’t so hard. Moreover, he’s been since able to do whatever he wants with his tavern – always a plus – and now he has control over his own secrets for the first time. So things could be a lot worse.

Of course, there’s still the matter of the people who have bought it from Holder before she left. And the recent rumors of someone looking into what happened with Dominic Robin all those years ago. He’s not entirely sure of what to do about those yet, and he knows all lies must come to an end eventually. But Ashlar Dust can still try and delay this one and keep Dominic Robin buried for as long as possible, and a little while more after that. Or, at least, until he makes a big profit out of it.

Personality

Ashlar Dust is a man of many masks. When dealing with his tavern’s usual crowd, he’ll most times maintain an accessible and friendly demeanor, adapting to the general energy of the place and joking with them like they’re old friends, but not letting things get too messy and rowdy. When dealing with clients of his information business, he’ll keep a more professional and well-mannered tone, treating them with the respect their ranks and positions demand, but still maintaining a dash of the sarcasm and cynicism of someone who knows a lot about everybody. His few close acquaintances and friends would probably say he’s an opportunistic jerk with a surprisingly soft and insecure side.

No matter who he’s interacting with, he’ll try to keep his true feelings and pains to himself. Too many painful memories and old wounds bottled up inside. But he’ll still try and dig deeper into the secrets of others, if it’s something that can fetch a good price in the market. He’ll accept and server anyone in his tavern, independent of rank, as long as they have the coin to pay – no sense of shame left from his youth – and he’ll openly laugh at anyone who believes that or the number on his wrist mean enough to be used against him. He’ll lie about his past and he’ll omit a lot of facts if not paid enough for the entire story, but he’s honest about the present. He’ll not lie about what he does, he won’t sell a gossip or a rumor without proof and he won’t sugarcoat the truth if asked about it.

The conflict between the factions and the resistance is a political game he watches with healthy doses of cynicism and skepticism and doesn’t have any interest in joining. It’s still a very lucrative game, though, and, even without direct involvement, he’s more than happy to offer his services to any and all sides that request them. And if he’s forced to choose a side to be loyal to, said loyalty is open to negotiations and will go to the highest bidder. With the caveat that someone else can always offer more on a later date.

Congratulations Erica your app has been accepted and your personalized plot drop will be sent to you soon.

Please follow and welcome @fromashanddust to Kadeu!

#accepted; #follow;

[skgway]

1823 Aug., Tues. 5

7

11

In the stable etc. 1/2 hour – Read from page 71 to 83 on “the letters and life of Ninon de l’Enclos” volume 8 (No. [numero] 15) Retrospective Review – I agree with the reviewer – some fastidious readers may possibly object to the publication of such an article thro’ such a medium –

Dissatisfied with several passages of the letter I wrote last night to M– [Mariana]. Wrote it over again in 3/4 hour in a hand so much less close, that in spite of the great deal left out, made it fill 3 pages and a few lines of crossing on the 2nd page – There seemed some appearance of annoyance and displeasure in my 1st letter which I entirely avoided in my 2nd –

Went down to breakfast at 9 40/60 – At 11 took George in the gig and set off to Haugh – Put a letter into the post for my uncle, and got to Haughend in 50 minutes – All the party at home with the addition of “Captain” Butler, a very grood sort of, vulgar, quondam Captain of an Indiaman – The young people did not appear till luncheon –

Sir John A– [Astley] franked my letters to Mrs. N[orcliffe] (Langton hall, Malton) to Miss Marsh (Micklegate York) and to M– [Mariana] (Lawton hall, Lawton, Cheshire) and they went in the Haughend letter bag in time for yesterday’s post – Nothing particular in the conversation way –

Sir John somehow or other inquired if I believed all Homer’s stories, or that there ever was such a place as Troy, or such a siege – I saw he had read Bryton or some sceptic on the subject and was very gentle in what I said in support of my historical creed – At last Sir John (after some flimsy observation) tried to shew that women were as much respected in ancient days as now – Briseis as much respected by Achilles, as wives were respected by their husbands now – Woman as well treated then as now – He (Sir John) would have treated lady A– [Astley] as well at that time as he does at this – I did not say much, not wishing to appear to have too much the better of the question argument for none said a word about it but ourselves, and Sir John is evidently looked up to as an oracle by them all, tho’ his responses will never set the Thames on fire by their wisdom –

He complimented his wife exceedingly – In fact, she is pretty enough, stylish enough, sensible enough, everything enough for him – Speaking of their place of family, she observed she “always thought the Astleys were an envied family in Wiltshire” “My dear” said he “they envy me for having got you” –

It is plain enough to me from their manners etc. etc. that they not exactly comme il faut with the Wiltshire county society – They have had the house in London that Sir Jacob Astley and his family had had, and many calls were therefore made upon them by mistake – They returned some – Were admitted at one house, the manners of the ladies shewed they were not expected, and the A– [Astley]s took their leave – A party was soon afterwards given by the family, and they (the A– [Astley]s) were not asked – They do not get on in London society – Nor as yet perhaps are they likely to do – Nor will Miss A– [Astley] even after “she has been presented” (at court) –

Lady A– [Astley] has not worldly nous enough to keep all these things to herself – Thinks Mrs. William Henry Rawson very ladylike, Ditto Mr. Christopher Rawson – The manners of the Society here suit the A– [Astley]s very well – Captain Butler it seems has had 1 or 2 premiums from the Doncaster society (I know nothing of this society) for feeding horses – Kept his draft-horses throughout the winter at 3/5 a head on chopt straw and line-seed – His saddle horses only cost him about 5/. [shillings] a week having nearly the same as the cart-horse with the addition of a little hay and corn –

Boils down the linseed to the consistence of cream – Perhaps about 2 quarts water to a pint of lineseed – Mixes this with their oats or chopt straw to a proper  (a mashy?) consistence, and gives them as much as they will eat – A chopping machine at Doncaster 7 1/2 guineas – Try our horses with about 2 wine-glasses full of linseed at first – Merely pour on boiling water – and let the seed stand till it is mucilaginous –

This plan is good for feeding cattle – It is the way in which dealers fatten up horses – But it wont do for hunters, or horses from which speed is required – The linseed works away to greasy perspiration – Runs out of the anals like melted fat – They must have good hay and corn for speed – But cart-horses do uncommonly well on this food – 

They all like Caradoc – Think him “a very likely horse” – His toes turn in a little: this is best for a gig-horse – If the toes turn at all outwards, the gig horse can scarcely ever keep his feet – He cannot hold up up hill and down – 

Staid till about 3 – Called at Saville hill to ask Miss P– [Pickford] whether, when she called with me at Haughend, she meant to call on lady A– [Astley] or not – Not – Asked her to come to Shibden to see Caradoc’s long switch tail cut – She would meet me at the library in 1/2 hour –

At 4 1/4 – drove thro’ the town, past Northgate, and Crosshills, and turned up by Greenhill, stopt at Furnish’s, and got a pair of new reins 10/6 – Left George to drive the gig home from Northgate, and without going into the house, went to the library – Shewed Miss P– [Pickford] the article respecting Ninon de l’Enclos (vide the 1st line of today) and the points of Humour (vide page 79) – She agreed with the retrospective reviewers, and with me that the soldier and his chére amie was the best print –

She walked home with me to the top of our little lane, but must there return for the children who would come to meet her – We walked about on the top of the bank – My aunt joined us – She left us in about 20 minutes (at 6) – 

We then walked to H–x [Halifax] – Miss P– [Pickford] returned with me up the old bank even to xxxxxx. I walked back again with her a little way up the Cunnery lane, when we met her party of children – 3 Wilcocks, 2 Paleys, and Miss Jones the governess, and we parted –

Our chief conversation about Miss Threlfall and my entreaties to see her last letter. Nothing could prevail till at last I asked if she feared its telling me anything I did not know before. On finding this the case, I said I would soon sooner move this fear by proving that I was not as still suspected in any degree of uncertainty. 

I wondered she did not know this already, but I had wrapped up my meaning too much and she should now have it so clearly that no doubt could possibly remain in her mind. Upon this I said I considered her connection with her friend a marriage of souls and something more. That if they were on a visit and their friend provided them separate rooms it would be unnecessary and they would presently defeat this arrangement by being together. 

Under other circumstances it would have been a wonder that with beauty fortune etc. etc. Miss Threlfall did not marry but now it was no wonder at all. Asked Miss P[ickford] if she now understood me thoroughly. She said yes. I said any would censure unqualifiedly but I did not. If it had been done from books and not from nature, the thing would have been different. Or if there had been any inconsistency first on one side of the question, then the other. But as it was, nature was the guide, and I had nothing to say there was no parallel between a case like this and the sixth satire of Juvenal. The one was artificial and inconsistent the other was the effect of nature and always consistent with itself.

At all events, said I, ‘you remember an early chapter of genesis and it is infinitely better than the thing alluded to there,’ meaning onanism. ‘This is surely comparatively unpardonable. There is no mutual affection to excuse it’. Miss P[ickford] did not say much but seemed satisfied. 

‘Now,’ said I, ‘the difference between you and me is mine is theory. Yours practice. I am taught by books, you by nature. I am very warm in friendship, perhaps few or none. Moreso, my manners might mislead you, but but I do not in reality go beyond the utmost verge of friendship. Here my feelings stop. If they did not, you see from my whole manner and sentiments I should not care to own it. Now do you believe me?’ ‘Yes,’ said she, ‘I do.’ 

‘Alas,’ thought I to myself, ‘you are at last deceived completely.’ My conscience almost smote me but I thought of π [Mariana]. It is for her sake that I fisrt [first] thought of being, and that I am so deceitful to poor Pic, who trusts me so implicitly and at last turned no objection to my seeing the letter. I said perhaps there was not another in the world she could trust so safely. Perhaps not Miss Caroline Renouard, she was not read or liberal enough tto [to] think as I did. She would condemn unqualifiedly. Pick agreed. 

I owned my manners might mislead people, particularly before I knew as much as I do now, before I read Lubinus’s Juvenal, before I first knew Miss Brown of whom she has heard reports. But now I knew how to be more careful. Yet still, my manners might mislead Miss Vrelfall [Threlfall]. She said, ‘yes they would’ –

I ended by saying I was now satisfied that she thoroughly understood me and that I had had an opportunity of telling her my sentiments, for she must often have wondered and not known what to make of me. We parted mutually satisfied, I musing on what had passed. I am now let into her secret and she forever barred from mine – Are there more Miss Pickfords in the world than I have before thought of –

Came in to dinner a little before 7 – Had ordered George to have the gig ready a little before 9 in the morning to go to Huddersfield to speak to Pontey about coming over to plan our new road to the house, etc. – But finding my uncle against it contrary to my expectation – (I had always thought all he said against it in joke) – I immediately countermanded the order very quietly determining never to mention the thing again – Nor to mention planting or otherwise improving the place –

I told my uncle very quietly I certainly would not teaze him any more on the subject; and I shall indeed change my mind, if I do – The thing absolutely did not annoy me at all – I immediately thought to myself, ‘perhaps it is best as it is – I incur no responsibility – etc. etc.’ Perhaps I may save my money in future instead of laying it out on the place and leave things as they are –

Barometer 1 3/4 degrees below changeable Fahrenheit 56º at 9 p.m. – Rainy morning till between 10 & 11, afterwards a shower or 2 which I escaped and otherwise a toleraby fine day i.e. fine afternoon and evening – Came upstairs at 10 25/60. E [two dots, treating venereal complaint] O [three dots, signifying much discharge] Missed washing just before dinner –

Miss Pickford called this morning and sat a little while with my aunt – She brought me Samouelle’s system of Entomology to read –

[sideways in margin] Major P– [Priestley], speaking of horses that went near the ground, called daisy-croppers – i.e. going so near the ground as to crop or strike off the tops of the daisies – Drove along the new road today for the 1st time

“the soldier and his chére amire“– Points of humour; illustrated by the designs of George Cruikshank [x]

#anne lister #anne lister code breaker #shibden hall 1823 #frances pickford