#ceb loves his followers <3

[puphee]

Hi ceb, well idk how to start but...i don't know do u even relize that u as a writer are already make a ton of people happy and forgot about their life problem, idk about anyone else but for me, u did. I have a lot of life problem and im pretty sure a lot of people has it too, but lately my problem just getting more shitty, i got deppresed b'cause i got rejected from university that im applying to, my mom always talk shit about me, the pressure that my dad put on my shoulder for beeing the 1st child in the family and need to be succes, so when he's die i can take care of my brother and sister, lonely feeling that kills me slowly b'cause i dont really have a friend, my bestfriend move to another land the one who really care about me just gone, even tho we still interact through chatting but it feels different. Ifeel so tired for all of that, sometimes i just want to gave up and just die, sinking into my pain, nothing really convience me to stay breathing untill this day except the work that u did, when im read ur masterpiece i feel healed, im happy, it feels like im living a new life inside ur story, so i hope u proud about ur self, and keep ur spirit for writing bcause of that without u even relize u already keep one body still breathing untill today, u keep one soul happy, u make someone stand strong. Sometimes i feel so sad when one of my favorite writer closed their blog 'cause i'll think "Where i can find another happines again?" So i hope u will always be here, and please be proud about ur self, i love you from the deepest side of my heart ♡

-Leviathan

I have two responses I'd like to give to you, and I hope they are still nice and light-hearted enough to convey how I feel in depth about your words.

Response one:

Omg I literally as I was reading I could feel my expression changing, like my smile was slowly growing throughout reading this and I'm really honoured that you think of me and my work so highly. I'm glad I can bring you happiness while everything else is stressful for you. I understand where you are, I'm also the oldest in my family, however I get the feeling out family situations are drastically different. Despite that, I totally understand the pressure you feel as the oldest. Being the one who has to ALWAYS set the good example for the younger ones and it feels like you're literally not allowed to mess up once, like everyone you love will be disappointed in you if you do. It's a really stressful position to be in, when you're the Oldest sibling. I understand the tension between you and your mother, as well. Although, again, I think like our family dynamics are widely different, I can understand the pain she causes you by being (for lack of a better word) a total bitch to you. My mom and I have had our fair share of fights, I even stopped calling her mom at one point. She said some very nasty things about me that, although we've made up, still hurt to this day. In a typical family, at least what you see portrayed in most movies and cartoons, your mother is supposed to be nurturing, guiding and, if you're a daughter, your best friend. I couldn't have that relationship with my mother, either, and I still don't have that kind of relationship with my own. I understand how upsetting that can be, and I really feel for you. I want you to know how proud I am of you, despite technically being a complete stranger to you. I want you to know that you are so loved and cherished, despite your brain probably telling you otherwise. I believe in you, I do. If you ever feel the need to rant or vent about your day or if you just want someone to give you some probably-not-comepletely-realistic-advice, feel free to come to me. I know it's not my responsibility, but I want you to know my intentions of being a safe person for you are still there.

Response two:

As I said in response one, I totally get where you're coming from, and I really appreciate that you enjoy my content and feel safe enough with me to talk about these things with me. I'm really honored to receive such praise. However, it is a little uncomfortable. I feel like you're placing me on a pedestal, deeming me of greater quality that I actually am. From the way you worded that you are so sad when your fave writers close their blogs and you feel you have to search for happiness again, it sounds like you are very dependent on constant content and consistency. I think I worded that incorrectly, but again, it's 1am, and I have yet to take my medication lol. I don't mean to say this in a way that sounds rude or mean or anything, I promise you that, but one day, I'm going to close my blog, too. Of course I have no intention of doing so any time soon, but it's a likely outcome. Most tumblr writers I've been friends with or have followed had gotten tired of their work or things outside of tumblr happening that made them close their blogs or leave for a really really long time. There are a lot of things us writers have to deal with just like you do. We could be in the same stressful positions, which could lead us to feeling so stressed or unmotivated or unhappy that our hobby, that sometimes seems like a job, no longer brings us satisfaction or joy. Sometimes things like that happen. It happens to all of us. Even our idols, our friends, our family, our acquaintances. It happens. It's not something we can control. The way you have worded this makes me feel an uncomfortable sense of responsibility that I shouldn't have to feel. I think you should search for more than just my fanfiction to bring you happiness. Maybe pick up a new hobby, find a program or community you feel welcomed enough to meet new people and make new friends. Maybe reach out to old friends to see if you can spark those friendships back up again. Maybe just take a few days to relax and take care of yourself. Find something, anything, other than me and my work to find you happiness. Of course, I would still love to be a source of happiness and comfort to you, it's really what I strive to do with my online presence. But I don't want to do that all on my own. I don't want to be exclusively the only person who can make you happy. Maybe it's my commitment issues talking, but that just makes me really uncomfortable. And again, I mean this to sound as light-hearted and friendly as possible while also letting you know seriously how I feel. I want my responses to feel really genuine, because I promise, I mean all of this genuinely and truly. I'll still be here, but I'd like you to find another thing that makes you happy, so I'm not all alone in being your favourite. I really appreciate you telling me all of this and how you felt. I genuinely and truly am grateful for your praise and good thoughts, however undeserving I may be at times. I care for you just as much as I do my other followers, and I always want to be some sort of a safe haven for you.

I hope what I said was understandable and didnt come off as bratty/rude/or insensitive. I mean all of this from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for supporting me the way you do. Your love means a lot to me.

#🦋ask : leviathan anon #oooh look at cebbie! him settin boundaries for himself slay king! #sorry i had to make a joke so the tension would fade before i post this lol! #i hope it was at least a little funny to you bc it was hilarious to me lololol #ceb loves his followers <3

[chrishansler]

Election Day 2022

Today is election day. I have so many thoughts about this but nothing particularly new or profound. I considered making a simple social media post but then I considered the comment section and I’m not interested in furthering the polarization that already exists. My social media friends span the vast spectrum of political and religious ideology and I  knew there would be comments like “red wave! vote blue!” and less sensitive comments in reaction to those comments about whatever particular issue that the commenter feels is the most moral,  spiritual or important. This is the problem with our discourse. There isn’t much.

So why write this? To process my thoughts in writing, and give others who may care a window into those thoughts.

God isn’t confined to or aligned with any particular political party or governmental system. I see people who keep trying to box God into a party platform and demonizing people in the other party so that their side can “win” as though somehow God needs political power to move His mission forward. But God doesn’t fit in those boxes and God doesn’t demonize those made in His image - no matter what side of the political spectrum they are on. The devil tried to offer Jesus an earthly kingdom and Jesus rejected it. Jesus’ followers wanted him to exert power over the governing authorities and establish political influence. Jesus rejected that too. Instead, Jesus spoke of a different kind of Kingdom - one marked by love, humility, spiritual authority, sacrifice and death. Where does that rule reside? In our hearts, not in the power of the state. 

But I have also considered much about how fortunate I am and the privileges I have enjoyed when it comes to my thoughts about voting. It is easy for me to say, “Don’t worry about the outcome of the vote, God is in charge! We are not defined by an earthly system but we are citizens of God’s Kingdom!” And while those statements are true, I recognize that they come easier for me than for many others. I have been the beneficiary of established power. I have worked, but I have not had to fight for most of the  things I have enjoyed - the ability to vote, to worship, to marry, to rent or buy in virtually any part of our country, to receive medical coverage, to be given the benefit of the doubt because of the way I look, etc. I have not really suffered economic, social or religious injustice. But many do. That is why the vote we make matters. Because it affects real lives in real ways. Because it can be a pathway to justice and equity and it can serve the common good. That is why I believe that when we vote we should consider not only how it will affect me - my finances, my tax burden, my privileges - but those most vulnerable, marginalized and unjustly treated among us. Because while God’s Kingdom is not contained within a political party or system, and while His intent was never to impose the good news of Jesus through law, real lives are affected by our votes.

“Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.”  Philippians 2:3-4 (CEB)

[jdgo51]

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR OCTOBER 14, 2023

The Gift of Rest

By Andrew Sulgit (West Virginia, USA)

READ PSALM 4:1-8

"I will lie down and fall asleep in peace because you alone, Lord, let me live in safety."

PSALM 4:8 (CEB)

"'I frequently fall asleep while praying. I used to feel guilty, but I’ve decided to look at it a different way.

My job demands that I be on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. I could be at home making dinner or on vacation when I receive a work-related call, text, or email. This constant connection to the workplace can have long-term effects and often leads to exhaustion. At the end of a hectic day, bedtime prayer can be a way to decompress, discuss the day’s challenges with God, and enter into a time of rest and reflection.

So instead of feeling guilty, I’ve decided to embrace the blessing that rest can be. Rest has many benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual health. Jesus took time away from the crowds and his followers to find needed rest.

Just as hard work honors God, so do our times of rest. Words from Psalm 23 tell us that God wants us to enjoy quiet moments: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul” (vv. 2-3). Let’s not feel guilty when rest presents itself but recognize it for the spiritual gift that it is."'

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Dear God, lead us to adopt the model that Jesus set for us. Help us to seek physical, mental, and spiritual rest and to welcome your restoration of our souls." Amen.

Psalm 4:1-8

"'1 Answer me when I cry out, my righteous God! Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer! 2 How long, you people, will my reputation be insulted? How long will you continue to love what is worthless and go after lies? Selah 3 Know this: the LORD takes personal care of the faithful. The LORD will hear me when I cry out to him. 4 So be afraid, and don’t sin! Think hard about it in your bed and weep over it! Selah 5 Bring righteous offerings, and trust the LORD! 6 Many people say, “We can’t find goodness anywhere. The light of your face has left us, LORD!” 7 But you have filled my heart with more joy than when their wheat and wine are everywhere! 8 I will lie down and fall asleep in peace because you alone, LORD, let me live in safety."' We do cry out to God to have mercy on us as we maneuver through it all. Do your best to show His mercy and be righteous in the things that you do. Bless you on this day! Joe

[hes-a-rat-whisperer]

"ups and downs"

rp with my wonderful snugglebug @surprise-sausage-party <3 <3 <3

(beauty and the beast!au)

in the following days, Gosgo Mattie and Ceb would occasionally go into the garden amongst all the flowers and bushes and simply..relax.

they would lie there and watch as the clouds went by, or they would smell the sweet flowers and just talk.

but no matter what they did, Gosgo always loved it! after all, he was spending pleasant time with two of his most beloved people in the castle!

right now, as Mattie and Ceb were in the middle of a conversation, Gosgo was lying in the grass and worked on another flower crown. this one had lavender in it and along with the purple, he worked pink roses into it as well.

as soon as he was done, he came up behind Mattie and gently placed the crown on her head.

he then inoccently giggled and said "there! a crown for my queen!" in a rather sweet tone.

#babbies having a good time! <3 #out in the garden u//w//u #I hope you like it!! <3

[pawnshopsouls]

Fluff meme- Ceb? :3

Fluff letter meme || Accepting

C omfort - How would they help their s/o when they feel down/have a panic attack etc.?

When his s/o is feeling down in the dumps, Salem will try to pull them out of the house - maybe to walk the garden, go for a ride in the canals, something to get their mind of of whatever’s bothering them. If that doesn’t work, he’ll try singing to them - either with his guitar or while holding them on the couch or in bed. He’ll stroke their head, hold them close, and sing to soothe their blues away.

With panic attacks or trauma related episodes, he’ll be there to ground them and keep them anchored. Keep them close and help them breathe through the panic and trauma episode, whether by talking with them, bringing personal items that help ground them, just do his best to help them through it. At that point though, they’ve probably both been to counseling for their different bad experiences, so he’d do his best to follow recommended methods and treatment/coping methods, while also utilizing his own soothing magic and knowledge of his S/O to help them work through it.

E qual - Are they the dominant one in the relationship, or rather passive?

Actually, Salem is more of a switch in this case. Because of his inexperience in relationships, Salem can be very passive, letting his partner lead the relationship. However, he does have boundaries and when things go in an area in which he has more expertise, he can be prone to taking charge so that things don’t go badly. He does this in both romantic and platonic relationships, and is more of a give-and-take type person than a passive-or-dominant type person

B eauty - What do they admire about their s/o? What do they think is beautiful about them?

Salem... doesn’t really look at the outside, because it’s their character and spiritual fortitude that will really draw him in. He’s there for who his s/o is, not what they are or what they look like. He loves them for their compassion, faithfulness, sturdiness, discipline, kindness, mercy, understanding, knowledge, and most importantly—not holding his family ties against him. His s/o’s beauty isn’t in the temporary physical appearance. It’s in the building and polishing of their mind, soul, and character.

To have someone he can grow both physically and spiritually with really is the most beautiful thing to him.

#about salem #fluff #surprise-sausage-party

[walkswithmyfather]

Psalm 23:3

"He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as He has promised." (GNT)

Psalm 23:3 is often quoted, but here is what struck me this morning: The Good News Translation is the only translation that uses the word "promised". God has promised to guide us in the right paths of righteousness and He always keeps His promises! He will "keep us alive" (CEB) and "renew our lives" (CSB) and let us rest in beautiful meadows "for His Name's sake"; because He loves us and because He is good. How wonderful is our God?! There is not a day in our lives that God will not be there to give us new strength and every day He will guide us in the right paths, because He promised to. That means that when we feel lost or like we’re on the wrong path, God has promised to help us back. Friend, if that is you: God is there as your shepherd, to guide you back to where you need to be. Ask Him whenever you need guidance, because He’s there, waiting to help you. PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the beautiful Psalm 23. Thank You that You will always be there for us, every minute of every day. Please help us to learn how to hear Your guiding words better, so we may follow Your path through beautiful meadows, where we may stop and rest. Please help us to receive Your new strength daily, so that we may keep journeying on, refreshed, strong and at peace in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

#Psalm 23:3 #Psalm 23 #godsstrength #Bible #bibletranslations #dailybibleverse #Bibleverseoftheday #godspromises #Promises of God #Prayer

[blessedarethebinarybreakers]

URGENT ISH: I do need this answered somewhat quickly (before/by June 7th & I'm really sorry, I know it takes a lot to run this blog, but this is a last minute thing), but my pastor & I are planning to work on a sermon together this pride month that I'll be giving (I'm not a pastor) & I wanted to see if anyone had any specific affirming verses, quotes from books/pastors/etc., that you/your followers think would be great for a day dedicated to affirmation of queer ppl in the bible/the church THANK

Hey there, sorry I am only just seeing this! I’m gonna post it to see if anyone has responses for you. Here are mine:

From the Bible:

See this collection of affirming Bible passages I gathered a long while back 

Galatians 3:28 – “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ.”

Habakkuk 2:1-5

Mary’s magnificat in Luke 1 (upturn the status quo!! raise up the lowly!)

Other quotes:

“I grew up being taught that pride was a sin, perhaps the root of sin. Pride was the opposite of humility. But when we speak of Pride Month, pride is not the opposite of humility—it is the opposite of shame.Researcher Brené Brown writes, “Shame is the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging.” (Daring Greatly, 69.)When we feel pride—school pride, pride in our culture, or LGBTQ pride—we are saying that we are part of something good that makes us connected. We belong.”- Ben Barczi (Spiritual Director, Pastor, and Author in Portland, Oregon)

“Sometimes, even for a bishop, it’s embarrassing to be a Christian. Not that I’m embarrassed by Jesus, whose life was spent caring and advocating for the marginalized, and whom I believe to be the perfect revelation of God. I’m just sometimes embarrassed to be associated with others who claim to follow him.The Jesus I follow always stood with the poor and powerless — and trust me, this struggle is about about power. Whether the issue touches women or gays and lesbians, our religion should be about more love, not less; more dignity, not less.” - The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson

This quote

“In my view the cries of the poor and the oppressed are the cries of God. That means that not only God hears those cries or that God has implanted those cries in the hearts of those who cannot bear injustice, but that God becomes the poor and the oppressed and the downtrodden.So when we respond to the cries of the poor and oppressed in the world, we are responding to the agony of God, to the outrage of God; we are responding to the wounding of God. John Calvin says, ‘Every act of injustice, every bit of damage that is done to any of God’s children, any hurt inflicted on any of God’s children is a wound on God’s self. So doing injustice is wounding God. Undoing injustice is healing the wounds of God.’”- Allan Boesak, “Walking Humbly with God in a Scandalous World”  

This quote

“I’ve been thinking a lot about how queer Christians read the Bible during Pride and how we practice the tenets of our faith. What does loving God look like for me as a queer person? Even though I still won’t agree with everything he wrote, Paul does say this, “Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other” (Romans 12:9-10, CEB). As an action, this love looks like caring for God’s creations. It means that I’m listening to trans women of color, protesting unjust laws, showing up for queer youth, or sending silly mail to my friends to encourage them. This is how I follow Christ. I take care of creation, I don’t judge, and through giving love, I am able to feel Christ’s love all the more in my own life.”- Alaina Monts in this article

“The church is God saying: ‘I’m throwing a banquet, and all these mismatched, messed-up people are invited. Here, have some wine.’” - Rachel Held Evans

The opening page of Coming Out As Sacrament

“Who would stick around to wrestle a dark angel all night long if there were any chance of escape? The only answer I can think of is this: someone in deep need of blessing; someone willing to limp forever for the blessing that follows the wound.” - Barbara Brown Taylor in Learning to Walk in the Dark

“In all times and in all places Christ stands in solidarity with the marginalised and oppressed. In a homophobic and heterosexist world Christ demands that his Church follow him in aligning himself with the queer cause and detecting his presence in that community.”- Elizabeth Stuart, “Christianity Is A Queer Thing”, on the writings of Robert Goss 

This article!! Particularly this quote: "I say that for queer Christians, it’s not about asking of straight folks “please, let us in to your churches,” it’s about offering “Hey, you’re invited to come hang out us with us because this is where God is.” And the same is true of cisgender LGB Christians. We shouldn’t care about transgender people and issues because we pity them or because it’s fashionable and we can get a book deal or speaking gigs or a lot of likes on our Facebook posts… We should be invested because transgender people bring something critical to the table and we are not whole without them.“

I would love an update on how the sermon / service goes! Best of luck to you! :)

#affirmation #youaremyforeverpromise #queerly christian asks #quote tag

[yhwhrulz]

[wiv-journal-blog]

QUIET TIME: JULY 22

I slept early tonight because I wasn’t feeling well. Woke up at 12 MN to pee and meant to continue sleeping as soon as I got back to bed. But I knew I had to talk to God  first. I had to tell Him about the thoughts that have been wrestling in my mind since last night.

I was crying and praying, and I was prompted to go back to the passage I read last night about Paul’s thorn in the flesh. But before that, I also got reminded of the verse in Romans 12:2 that says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

So I prayed that God would renew my mind. I prayed that he would remove wrong mindsets. I prayed that He would help me discern His will. I prayed that I would clearly recognize His voice, just like how sheep know the voice of the shepherd.

 After that, I went on to read the ESV, CEB, MSG, and TPT versions of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, and they made so much sense to me now. 

ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION

12 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE

12 It is necessary to brag, not that it does any good. I’ll move on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. I don’t know whether it was in the body or out of the body. God knows. 3-4 I know that this man was caught up into paradise and that he heard unspeakable words that were things no one is allowed to repeat. I don’t know whether it was in the body or apart from the body. God knows. 5 I’ll brag about this man, but I won’t brag about myself, except to brag about my weaknesses.

6 If I did want to brag, I wouldn’t make a fool of myself because I’d tell the truth. I’m holding back from bragging so that no one will give me any more credit than what anyone sees or hears about me. 7 I was given a thorn in my body because of the outstanding revelations I’ve received so that I wouldn’t be conceited. It’s a messenger from Satan sent to torment me so that I wouldn’t be conceited.

8 I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone. 9 He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me. 10 Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong.

THE MESSAGE TRANSLATION

12 1-5 You’ve forced me to talk this way, and I do it against my better judgment. But now that we’re at it, I may as well bring up the matter of visions and revelations that God gave me. For instance, I know a man who, fourteen years ago, was seized by Christ and swept in ecstasy to the heights of heaven. I really don’t know if this took place in the body or out of it; only God knows. I also know that this man was hijacked into paradise—again, whether in or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. There he heard the unspeakable spoken, but was forbidden to tell what he heard. This is the man I want to talk about. But about myself, I’m not saying another word apart from the humiliations.

6 If I had a mind to brag a little, I could probably do it without looking ridiculous, and I’d still be speaking plain truth all the way. But I’ll spare you. I don’t want anyone imagining me as anything other than the fool you’d encounter if you saw me on the street or heard me talk.

7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

THE PASSION TRANSLATION

12 Although it may not accomplish a thing, I need to move on and boast about supernatural visions and revelations of the Lord.[a]  2 Someone I’m acquainted with, who is in union with Christ, was swept away fourteen years ago in an ecstatic experience. He was taken into the third heaven,[b] but I’m not sure if he was in his body or out of his body—only God knows.  3 And I know that this man[c] (again, I’m not sure if he was still in his body or taken out of his body—God knows)  4 was caught up in an ecstatic experience and brought into paradise,[d] where he overheard many wondrous and inexpressible secrets[e] that were so sacred that no mortal is permitted to repeat them.[f]  5 I’m ready to boast of such an experience, but for my own good I refuse to boast unless it concerns my weaknesses.[g]  6 However, if I were to boast, it wouldn’t be ridiculous at all, for I would be speaking the truth. Yet I will refrain, lest others think higher of me than what I demonstrate with my life and teaching.

Paul’s “Thorn”

7 The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me.[h] For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me,[i] keeping me from becoming arrogant.  8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. 9 But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you,[j] and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.[k]  10 So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.

This passage of scripture talks about the revelations Paul had received and how it would’ve been easy to brag about his experience. He was brought to paradise, he heard a heavenly language, and he received revelations from God. Oh, what a glorious experience that might have been! What a wonderful story to tell to everyone around him! But instead, he chose to stay silent. And from this, I learned the following:

1. Let the fruit speak for itself.

“If I did want to brag, I wouldn’t make a fool of myself because I’d tell the truth. I’m holding back from bragging so that no one will give me any more credit than what anyone sees or hears about me.”

2 Cor 12:6 CEB

Paul experienced a wonderful thing. It was a personal encounter, a personal revelation. Had he shared it with anyone else, it would’ve simply been him telling the truth. But he felt that it wasn’t necessary. There was no need to shout to the rooftops that he experienced God in a different way. Whatever change that brought him, that would already speak for itself. What came naturally after that encounter was already a testimony.

In my case, I don’t need to post about me starting from the bottom. I don’t need to post about seeing God’s faithfulness through the years- from me having that simple prayer request of wanting to observe in Kids Church, to now being a team admin, and possibly the future team leader. Yes, that is a testimony. It’s a testimony of humble beginnings. But sharing that story wasn’t necessary, especially if it would just cause me to brag. Like how it was natural for Paul to praise God after his encounter with him, what was natural for me was to keep encouraging my team mates. No need to share the history of my journey as a volunteer, but simply, words of encouragement that came from an overflow.

2. We have our own thorns in the flesh.

I wasn’t so sure what the thorn in the flesh meant, but I knew it was simply something that kept on bothering Paul, something that stopped him from bragging.

I googled this so-called thorn in the flesh and came across this article that says:

“There have been many theories as to what exactly this thorn was—so many theories in fact, that it is impossible to diagnose Paul's situation with complete assurance. Some have suggested that Paul's thorn came in the form of Jewish persecution because of the surrounding context speaking of opponents. Even in Numbers 33:55 thorns are used as a metaphor for the enemies of the Israelites. Others have suggested that Paul's own remembrance of his past was his thorn; Paul's past included the persecution of the church (Acts 8:1-3; Gal 1:13; Phil 3:6) which may have continually haunted him and kept him humble. Some even propose that Paul dealt with either carnal temptation or depression.”

“The ambiguity of the thorn in the flesh is actually a positive thing. If Paul would have specifically stated the identity of his thorn, believers from following generations may have discarded his experience if they were not afflicted with the same affliction. However, Christians from many generations have benefited by his reference to the thorn while applying it to their specific problems.”

ambiguity = the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.

I felt relieved knowing that the thorn in the flesh could mean anything. The first time I read it, I knew I had that too, but I wasn’t sure if I interpreted it correctly. I knew there was something holding me down, trying to stop me from feeling at peace with posting my breakthroughs. That was my thorn. It was God actually tugging my heart and telling me that it’s only Him who should be getting the glory.

I could go on and on about how I meant well, how I just wanted to encourage others, but again, telling the story wouldn’t be as necessary as seeing the result.

I’m so glad I had that thorn. I’m so glad I didn’t have that peace last night. I’m so glad my thoughts waged war. And I’m so glad God gave me the grace to humble myself and accept correction from him.

3. We are not completely freed from our limitations because that’s where God shows His power, and that’s when we learn to depend solely on Him.

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. 9 But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you,[j] and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” 

2 Cor 12:8-9 TPT

I could relate so much with how Paul said, “three times I pleaded the Lord to relieve me of this.” Three times. Paulit-ulit. Naramdaman ko yung pagod niya. Then I realized I had these other thorns that I also pleaded God to relieve me from:

My fragility

My arrogance

My insecurity

My tendency to seek for approval in other people

For the past week, I’ve been feeling like this is my default, like that’s already part of who I am, and I desperately wanted to heal from all of that. I would ask God, why am I naturally like this? Why is it that when something happens, I always have the urge to post? To brag? To make others see what I’m doing? To make myself look good? To prove that I’m good enough?

I’m so so tired of feeling that way, Lord.

But then, I realized, that’s just another thorn in the flesh.

7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

2 Cor 12:7-10 MSG

At first, Paul pleaded with God to remove that thorn in the flesh, or in this version, his handicap. He didn’t see it as a gift. But he came to realize that his limitations were exactly the places where God would show His power.

Now I feel glad that I’m weak, that I have all these thorns, because I know that these would help bring me to my knees in full surrender to God.

I have no capacity to change myself completely, to change the way I was created, but I do know that God is the potter, and I am the clay, and that His ways are higher than my ways, and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts.

[terryblount]

Against The Odds Is A Great Re-Telling Of OG’s Fairytale Run At The International 2018

Red Bull has released a new documentary on the Dota 2 team they are sponsoring, OG, and their fairytale run at The International 2018. That year saw the biggest roster shakeup for the team, and due to that, had to go through the tough rigamarole of the open qualifiers just to be able to participate in Dota’s biggest tournament.

And then went all the way to win it for the first time.

We attended an exclusive screening held here in Sunway University for the documentary Against All Odds, sitting in a hall together with a wave of OG fans who can’t stop screaming “Ceeeeeeeb” from time to time, and the stars of the documentary themselves. OG were bootcamping in Malaysia as preparation for this year’s International, held at Shanghai begin which just ended.

Cinderella Story

Fans would expect a great retelling of that miraculous run that no one ever expected to happen. This is as big of a fairytale as Leicester City’s Premier League win in football. Or Brawn GP emerging from the ashes of Honda to win Formula One’s 2009 season. But it will also make anyone out there watching this understand why people love Dota, and its esports scene so much.

The crux of the documentary details the relationship between N0tail and Fly. We jumped back to 2011 as we see the two, playing for Fnatic at the time, and how their relationship as friends blossomed. We see them split ways after The International 3 in 2013, playing with various teams before meeting up again to form OG. A team where the pair are at the center, and Fly the captain.

By portraying the early beginnings of the N0tail-Fly ship, it hurts so much more when the real story really begins, when Fly decides to abandon ship as the team is in shambles, alongside another player s4, and join rival teams Evil Genuises (EG). OG had the best performance winning Dota Majors but the as years past, TI has always alluded them, which sparked the move. Though it is implied there was more at play- the impregnable friendship had turned into a fierce rivalry. Bad blood was definitely spilled.

It’s Not Just A Game

But in-between the story, there are bits that help introduce Dota, enough explantation for the average joe can understand what the game is in a broad sense and follow along with OG’s story. Footage of the fans and crowd in the tournament venues are aplenty, to show how a big deal Dota is for these fans. The documentary is not too focused on the nitty-gritty of the great plays that swing a match, but rather the mentality, and the emotion, of the players involved.

Something anyone watching can immediately resonate to.

It’s an inspiring documentary. Aside from n0tail, the rest of OG- which has yet to have a roster change since winning TI- also got the spotlight as well. How Ceb went from struggling player to coach and then back as a player again. How unknown Australian ana struggled with his performance, and backlash from fans, but then come back to play with the team that gave him a shot to play professionally. And how the astute Topson was the wildcard player OG needed. And what made them strong is the power of friendship, and having a good time playing Dota together.

Even if you never know any of these top players, Against The Odds will make you invested to witness the many ups and downs the team went through before pulling off the tournament run of their lives. At the end of the day, just like with normal sports, it’s seeing these individuals’ journey to greatness is what makes Dota esports so compelling.

Aside from ana’s short break post-The International 2018, the same roster remained- a big deal in esports where player transfers run rampant. The same roster won The International 2019 yesterday, making them the first team to secure a back-to-back The International win, and highest earners in esports.

You can watch the Against All Odds on Red Bull TV.

Against The Odds Is A Great Re-Telling Of OG’s Fairytale Run At The International 2018 published first on https://touchgen.tumblr.com/

[lindyhunt]

Personalization Versus Privacy: Making Sense of the Privacy Paradox

With so much competition online, personalized content and appealing to the individual consumer is a key way for businesses to break through the noise.

As customers, we want businesses to know what we want and tailor the content we see accordingly, but when companies appear to have too many insights into our personal affairs it sets alarm bells ringing -- and quite frankly freaks us out -- making us less likely to engage with the company again for fear of spilling more proverbial beans on our private information.

Whilst on one hand we’re more informed than ever about how marketers may be controlling our personal data, and are more cautious about protecting it. On the other hand, we are still sharing personal information freely online on a daily basis and liberally ticking boxes to agree with pages and pages of terms and conditions that most of the time we haven’t even read ...

Welcome to the Privacy Paradox, a term coined to describe the way in which consumers today are torn between their desire for personalized content and their natural instinct to protect their personal information.

Are we signing our lives away?

Whilst the media are always quick to name and shame companies for their questionable use of personal data, consumers have to take a certain level of responsibility for how these companies managed to get their hands on this information in the first place.

In a recent experiment run by two communications professors, a fictitious social media platform was created and people were asked to read the terms and conditions before registering. Only 25% looked at the terms and conditions and 98% of respondents (that includes most of the 25% that claimed to have read through the legislation) signed consent without even noticing that paragraph 2.3.1 of the contract required them to surrender their first-born child to the organization as payment for the free service.

I think it’s safe to assume that this is not a hidden clause we have to be on the lookout for any time soon, however, it does demonstrate how many consumers are likely to be somewhat accountable for personal data leakage simply through disregard for terms and conditions and agreeing to contracts before they know what the relationship entails.

Why are we so generous with what we share?

The question of why we are so forthcoming with our personal information could generate enough discussion for an entire thesis, but ultimately it all boils down to three main factors:

1. We now live in a culture focused on documenting our lives rather than just living them.

When something exciting happens to us, before we even stop to truly enjoy it ourselves we’ve posted it on every social platform we can to make sure the world knows how much fun we’re having. The convenience of having instant access to what’s going on in the world, being able to share stories with all of our friends simultaneously and the ego-trip of seeing ‘likes,’ ‘loves’ and ‘tears of laughter’ when we do share distracts consumers from considering what prying corporate eyes may also be taking note of their activity.

2. Our right to privacy is invisible, inaudible and intangible.

Therefore, when we give it away, we don’t feel like we’re really parting with anything, much like putting those expensive shoes on our credit card and being stung by the interest later.

3. It makes for an easy life.

Smartphones and home working policies have made the nine-to-five shift a thing of the past for many corporate workers, and with those that work part-time often juggling childcare, household jobs, family food shops and trying to squeeze the gym in for good measure, time has become an invaluable asset. As a result, any brand or service that promises to save us time or offers efficiency is hard for consumers to refuse.

Personalization

The Business Perspective

For businesses, there is huge financial opportunity in personalizing content -- it’s been suggested that personalization can deliver five to eight times the ROI and boost sales by at least 10% (McKinsey) so it’s understandable why business owners are trying every trick in the book to capitalize on this powerful technique.

Long-term, having access to personal data will enable businesses to elevate their consumers’ experience of their website to a much superior level than their competitors, and therefore the brand will become synonymous with excellent service resulting in more organic traffic.

Mary Meeker’s internet trends report 2018 boldly claims that ‘there’s no need anymore to create generalized content as personalization and local marketing can lead to more successful results.’ However, some marketers are so dazzled by the depth of information that modern technology can unveil, they seem to have over egged the pudding when it comes to personalizing data and need to remember it’s the quality not quantity of customized content that matters.

Data collected by Accenture for their 2016 Personalization Pulse Check report shows that almost two-thirds of consumers who reported a brand experience that was too personal or invasive did so ‘because the brand had information about the consumer that they didn’t share knowingly or directly, such as a recommendation based on a purchase they made with a different business.’

Digital marketers need to apply the same social etiquette as if interacting with their consumer on a real-life, personal level. For instance, a shop assistant will discuss preferences and requirements with a customer in a high-street store in order to better understand their tastes and direct them to the relevant items in the shop to help them make an informed purchase.

However, they will not then follow that customer for the rest of the day recording their shopping activity ready for their next visit, that would be absurd. When we put the concept into a real-life situation, it’s easy to see why many consumers now feel that businesses are crossing the line when it comes to taking advantage of their personal data.

The Consumer Perspective

Consumers and businesses are not always on the same page when it comes to the use of personalized content in advertising, as illustrated by CEB’s research below:

  (Source)

The fact that almost half of consumers were ‘creeped out’ by the way in which online ads had used their details suggests that they weren’t aware marketers had access to this information. One reason for this is that many consumers don’t truly appreciate what the term ‘personal data’ encompasses and what scraps of information marketers are pulling together to create customized content.

Bank details, addresses and passport numbers are all clearly data we actively protect, but research has shown that most moves we make online can be manipulated to uncover sensitive information that consumers think is secure.

For example, during his talk at TedxGhent 2014, Bram Bonne describes how information sent out by our devices when connected to free public Wi-Fi networks can easily be picked up by others on the same network. So companies could be picking up personal information you are sharing through messenger conversations, emails and websites simply through your use of their free public hotspot.

This type of invasion can be avoided but it relies on the consumer to actively read the privacy policies displayed to them and to ensure the required security tools are in place. This requires effort and more importantly time but, as we know, this is a highly valuable commodity in the modern age so it comes down to what consumers value more: their time or their privacy.

Making Sense of the Privacy Paradox

As terrifying and futuristic as this all sounds, it isn’t really news.

Companies have been tracking customer buying patterns for decades right back to the first supermarket club card scheme, the strategy has just simply evolved with the times and technology. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware that if a company really wanted to control our data, then they could, whether or not they should is another matter.

To exist harmoniously in the Privacy Paradox, both consumers and businesses need to adjust and take responsibility for their actions. Consumers need to start paying attention to what they are agreeing to and change their thought processes to consider the long-term consequences of sharing their personal information with the world wide web, not just the immediate gains.

Likewise, businesses need to start being transparent and practicing some restraint when collecting personal data and only seek information that will enhance the experience of the service they are offering. Less is more, and if consumers feel like a company knows too much about them, they probably do.

[jdgo51]

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR MAY 6, 2023

Quiet Moments

By Joann Wilson (Nebraska, USA)

READ PSALM 148:1-14

"Sun and moon, praise God! All of you bright stars, praise God!"

PSALM 148:3 (CEB)

"'Sunrise walks are an important spiritual and physical exercise for me. Sometimes I wake before dawn with the sense that the Creator has something to show me. And I’m never disappointed as I step out under fathomless stars and into the calm, pre-dawn air.

Often I give voice to the spontaneous and heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving that rises within me. I understand how the beauty and magnitude of God’s creation could elicit the psalmist’s cry: “Sun and moon, praise God! All of you bright stars, praise God!” When a guiding star or clear crescent moon adorns the night sky, I’m especially glad to have been invited to witness God’s handiwork.

In the stillness of these early-morning moments, I sense God’s presence. I become aware of the calm that surrounds me in this place on this planet at this hour, and I’m grateful to God for leading me to this moment. With my soul stilled, I give praise and ask for guidance in my Christian walk."' God's world and His being are magnificent. We often feel the pride and love that comes in seeing fully who He is in our lives. His creation is also something that brings awe to our thought. Take all of it in and feel blessed from it

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Thank you, God, for quiet moments in the beauty of your creation. Open our hearts to your promptings to be still before you." Amen.

Psalm 148

New International Version

Psalm 148

1 Praise the Lord.[a] Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. 3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.

5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, 6 and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, 9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, 10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, 11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, 12 young men and women, old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. 14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,[b] the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord."'

God will bless you much on this very day and every day that follows. Joe

[rebeccalovesnightsky]

They are garment for you and you are garment for them. - Quran 2:187

The quran was sent down for all mankind, men and women. (6:130; 2:185; 72:6). The linguistic characteristic of the quran with its arabic grammar is special - the forms of address which are in masculine plural include the women, too. (2:25; 82; 172; 178; 183; 3:130; 4:43;136; 5:6; 8:74).

Yet still, sometimes women are mentioned together with men. (3:195; 4:124; 9:72; 16:97; 33:35, 73; 40:40, 47:19; 48:5; 57:12).

The creation of the women and the creation of the men happened in the same way. (4:1, 6:2, 7:189, 30:20, 35:11, 39:6, 40:67).

The sin that got Adam and Eve banned from paradise was not Eves fault (like in Christianity). It was either the fault of both of them  (2:35, 36; 7:189; 30:20; 35;11, 39;6, 40:67) or the fault of Adam alone.

...

33:35  Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

3:195  Their Lord answered the Prayer thus: "I will not suffer the work of any of you, whether male or female, to go to waste; each of you is from the other."

16:97 Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

9:71 The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger.

24:26 Vile women are for vile men, and vile men for vile women. Good women are for good men, and good men for good women

4:32 For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned.

Hadith: "Women are the “twin-halves of men” [Abu Dawud, Sunan] and Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani comments that this shows that men and women are equal in rulings unless specified; thus a translation that clarifies the purport would be “spouses”. [Ibn Hajr, Fath al-Bari] - copied from: CLICK

The terms "women" and "men" have both been mentioned 24 times in the Quran.

...

A humans value lies in fear of God alone:

Abu Nadrah reported: I heard the sermon of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, during the middle of the day. The Prophet said, “O people, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no virtue of an Arab over a foreigner nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white over black nor black over white, except through righteousness. Have I not delivered the message?”- Musnad Ahmad 22978

49:13: O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

There has never been such an equality in the western world:

Click here for Twenty Vile Quotes Against Women By Church Leaders from St. Augustine to Pat Robertson

THE BIBLE STATES (No, the Old Testament is not abrogated. Even If it was, it came from God, right?):

1 Corinthians 11:7-8 English Standard Version (ESV): For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.

1 Timothy 2:14 New International Version (NIV): And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.

Genesis 3:16 New International Version (NIV) To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

Not a virgin in wedding night? Outch, not good: Deuteronomy 22:20-21 New International Version (NIV) If, however, the charge is true and no proof of the young woman’s virginity can be found, she shall be brought to the door of her father’s house and there the men of her town shall stone her to death. She has done an outrageous thing in Israel by being promiscuous while still in her father’s house. You must purge the evil from among you. (And how the heck can she prove that she was a virgin?)

Leviticus 21:9 - New International Version - If a priest's daughter defiles herself by becoming a prostitute, she disgraces her father; she must be burned in the fire.

Numbers 31 - 17,18 - New International Version (NIV) - Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man.

1 Corinthians 7, New International Version (NIV) - “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”

Leviticus 20:18 "'If a man has sexual relations with a woman during her monthly period, he has exposed the source of her flow, and she has also uncovered it. Both of them are to be cut off from their people.

Deuteronomy 25:11-12 - New International Version (NIV) If two men are fighting and the wife of one of them comes to rescue her husband from his assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, 12 you shall cut off her hand. Show her no pity.

Proverbs 11:22 - Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. (??!)

Leviticus 15:19-24 - Common English Bible (CEB) Female genital emissions 19 Whenever a woman has a discharge of blood that is her normal bodily discharge, she will be unclean due to her menstruation for seven days. Anyone who touches her will be unclean until evening. 20 Anything on which she lies or sits during her menstruation will be unclean. 21 Anyone who touches her bed must wash their clothes, bathe in water, and will be unclean until evening. 22 Anyone who touches anything on which she has sat must wash their clothes, bathe in water, and will be unclean until evening. 23 Whenever anyone touches something—whether it was on the bed or where she has been sitting—they will be unclean until evening. 24 If a man has sexual intercourse with her and her menstruation gets on him, he will be unclean for seven days. Any bed he lies on will be unclean.

Please don't be offended by all those verses, nice christians out there. Christian missionaries do this ALL THE TIME with quran verses, so let me do it, too.

...

Up until the 19th century basically everyone (politicans, scientists, theologians) was arguing If women were humans or not and if yes, If they are full-value-humans or just an inferior special form. This has never been the case with Islam, a religion that was founded in the 7th century. There has never been the question If women have souls, either.

....

Umar ibn al Khattab admitted that no one gave women any value before Islam. (Al-Bukhari, Sahih, VII, s.46 (Libas, 31); Muslim, Sahih II, s. 1108 (Talaq, 5/31))

....

- There is a whole sura with our name: "The women".

- The first martyr in Islam was a woman - Sumayya.

- The first person to ever say the schahada was a woman - Chadidscha.

- Chadidscha got greeted once by Allah through Muhammad, Al Bukhari 3820 and Muslim 2432

- There is a whole sura called "Maryam", because Allah indeed loved Jesus mother. She is far more mentioned in the Quran than in the bible and Allah speaks in high terms of her in the Quran.

- Two women got a direct revelation from Allah: the mother of Moses and Maryam again.

- Two women saw Jibril: Hajar and - again - Maryam.

- Allah mentions the prayer of Aisya, wife of the tyrannic Pharao, in the Quran: 66:11

- The 58th sura was named after a woman. It is called Al-Mujadilah - The Pleading Woman. It was Chaula, a woman who was upset that her husband divorced her in an incorrect way (the divorce was invalid). - 58:1: Certainly has Allah heard the speech of the one who argues with you, [O Muhammad], concerning her husband and directs her complaint to Allah . And Allah hears your dialogue; indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing. - In the following verses the woman received her right.

- Allah sent down Quran verses just becauses muslimas wanted this:

Umm Salama, wife of the prophet, asked him why men are always mentioned in all topics and not women. The verse 33:35 (above) came down because of it.  (Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, VI, s.301: Tabari, Tafsir, XXII, s.10) She was not the only woman who wanted an explicit mention and therefore told everyone. How is this possible, confident women in islam?

It is also narrated that Umm Salama said "I have heard no verse that mentions the emigration of the women.", which is why 3:195 (also above) came down. (At-Tabari, Tafsir, IV, s.215).

...

A man came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Your father. " [Sahih Al-Bucharyy Nr. 5971]

#islam

[bisexualunicorndiva]

my essay for LGBTQ rights

Abby Brewer Mrs. Amick English III January 23, 2017

    You Give Love a Bad Name Why do people always use the “Adam and Eve” argument when they are trying to justify being prejudice to gays? Obviously, Adam and Eve committed the first sin and caused the downfall of all of mankind; they’re not exactly what anyone would call role models.  The church has always been viewed as the enemy towards all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and generally queer people, and for good reason. LGBTQ people have been attacked by these “Christians” that believe they can pass judgment and decide for God, who has the right to enter the gates of Heaven. Many LGBTQ people have questions because of all the abusive judgments passed onto them. Such as, does God really love me? Am I damned for Hell because of who I love and who I am? Why doesn’t God want us to love unconditionally like he does? Why is the Christian idea of love only about genitals, and not what that person has in their soul? LGBTQ people have and are currently being treated unfairly and nonjudicially by Christians and other lifestyle groups. Although, there have been the select fewer number of God’s followers who have been accepting and loving towards LGBTQ people, the ones that have not are the reason “Christianity” has a bad name. Yes, people have the right to their own views and opinions, but that does NOT give them the right to force their views onto other people. Personal opinions, questions, and physical evidence have been compiled and collected and proven to support the unofficial case for the LGBTQ community. Gender dysphoria- the condition of feeling one's emotional and psychological identity as male or female to be opposite to one's biological sex. “Gender dysphoria”. People that are transgender are not confused and are not attention-seekers. If a person makes a claim, for example, ‘‘he is saying that God made a mistake with making him, because his gender is not the same as his sex,’’ then this person has no defending argument as support. If a child is born with a cleft pallet, deaf, or even blind, does that mean that God made a mistake with them? Numerous persons have stated that gender and sex are the same thing. This is completely incorrect; although, it is easily mistaken as a truth. Gender- the state of being male or female (typically used regarding social and cultural differences rather than biological ones). (Google definition search engine) “Gender” Sex- either of the two main categories (male and female) into which humans and many other living things are divided based on their reproductive functions. (Google definition search engine) “Sex” Sex is clearly provided by chromosomes and gender is a title. Boy, girl, man, woman; these are nothing more than titles; God doesn’t care what title a person may choose to identify as. This does NOT make these people abnormal, it makes them secure with who they are. Transgender, cisgender, nonbinary, etc. people, are people too. Drake at the age of thirteen realized that he wasn’t a girl, although his natural sex said otherwise. Abby had the privilege of speaking with him through an app that allows conversation between LGBTQ identifying people. “I feel like I’m a guy trapped inside a girl’s body. I feel like I should’ve been a guy more than a girl.” – Drake. Drake’s birth name is Kassie and is “out” to his parents about his true gender. His parents replied instead of love and acceptance with stating that they didn’t know how God would judge him, but that they fear that he will go to Hell if he doesn’t change. (interview through Amino, LGBT app). How would a person change his/her/their gender? That would be like telling a dog to fly or a bird to bark. It’s impossible. No one can change who they really are, even if others don’t approve. Although Drake’s parents have every right to their opinions and Christian views, this is a perfect example of showing how transgender people are often treated by people that are simply unaware to the issues some are facing. On a blog post on BuzzFeed labeled Trans Teens Are Sharing Their Inspiring Personal Stories In Hopes Others Will Do The Same, a non-binary fifteen-year-old teen named Danny shared their story explaining who they are and how they wish non-cisgender people are viewed. “What I really want is for all the people of the world, both transgender and not transgender, to be open and willing to accept and learn about new possibilities. Many of the people I’ve met who reacted with anger, disbelief, or hostility upon hearing me speak openly about my gender identity seemed to be merely unsure of how to wrap their heads around a very new concept.” (Danny, BuzzFeed.com, Trans Teens Are Sharing Their Inspiring Personal Stories In Hopes Others Will Do The Same) Of course, people have been raised on the social norm that is the possibility of only two genders and only being identified as the gender that complies with their natural sex. There are a couple scriptures that have been used to prosecute non-cisgender people. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28-29 NKJV).  In these scriptures, it is shown that gender has no relevance to salvation, because we are all a part of the body of Christ. “Women must not wear men’s clothes, and men must not wear women’s clothes. Everyone who does such things is detestable to the Lord your God.”  (Deuteronomy 22:5 CEB). What exactly are women and men’s clothing? If a person identifies as a man wouldn’t it be morally right for them to dress in masculine clothing? Or if a man wears a specific item of clothing wouldn’t that make it men’s clothes? How many homophobes does it take to change a light bulb? None they’re afraid of change, even if it would make the world a brighter place. (Tumblr, BriBry). A couple of the largest groups that have been verbally and sometimes physically attacked has been the gays and the lesbians. The scripture describing that being homosexual is an abomination, has repeatedly used against these two groups of people. Gays and lesbians are people that are attracted to the same gender that they identify as. The only obvious difference between the two, is gender. Gay (men attracted to men). Lesbian (women that are attracted to women). These two groups are a couple of the most widespread through today’s modern times, many people don’t know that there are other existing sexualities. Many people use “there are no gay people in the Bible”, as an opposing argument for being gay/lesbian. Yes, this is partially true. It was illegal in those times to have any kind of relationship other than a heterosexual one; and, it was very common for types of homosexual behavior to be between a man and a young boy used as a sex slave. Granting there are other examples of homosexual relations in the Bible, some were shown as incest. “Noah, who was a farmer, was the first man to plant a vineyard. After he drank some of the wine, he became drunk, took off his clothes, and lay naked in his tent. When Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked, he went out and told his two brothers. Then Shem and Japheth took a robe and held it behind them on their shoulders. They walked backward into the tent and covered their father, keeping their faces turned away so as not to see him naked. When Noah sobered up and learned what his youngest son had done to him, he said, “A curse on Canaan! He will be a slave to his brothers. Give praise to the Lord, the God of Shem! Canaan will be the slave of Shem.” (Genesis 9:20-26 NJKV).  Other examples are shown as being unfaithful to a spouse with homosexual acts with other partners and some as rape. The example of Noah and his son Canaan was incest and rape; although, the Bible does not go into much detail of what Canaan did to his father it is very clear that it was nonconsensual incest. People often use the Adam and Eve argument when explaining why they are against gays; their explanation is that God made a man and a woman for each other not a woman and a woman or a man and a man. If he had made them a homosexual couple, then they wouldn’t have been able to have reproduced and multiply as God wished them to. The first ever flavor of ice-cream may have been vanilla, but does that make it an abomination to enjoy other flavors such as chocolate or strawberry? “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NKJV). Even if a person is queer in any way, and they believe in God they will have eternal life; not if they are people that judge others on whom they choose to love then they are the ones that are damned for hell. Do not criticize one another, my friends. If you criticize or judge another Christian, you criticize and judge the Law. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. (James 4:11 NKJV). Why should anyone be hated or judged for being gay when no one is ever judged for being straight? People that identify as LGBTQ are often told to be careful because it’s just a phase. If a child or teenager says that he/she/they are a part of this community often he/she/they are told that “they are too young to know or understand the concepts of such a thing” No one EVER tells the heterosexual child/teenager, they are too young to know when it is acceptable to know what he/she/they identify as. Being LGBTQ is NOT a trend and it is NOT a phase. Do some people later realize that they are in a different placement on the LGBTQ spectrum? Sure. That doesn’t make it a phase; it doesn’t make them flakey. It means that they are finding themselves for who they are. With how our times have changed, people are becoming more comfortable with being open about who they are and who they love. Bisexual (sexually attracted to both men and women). (Google definition search engine). Frequently, people that identify as bisexual are discriminated by even people in the LGBTQ community. Bi’s are sometimes viewed as greedy and unsure. Many people say that bisexuals are flaky and more likely to cheat, this is very untrue. It cannot be stressed enough that bisexuals are normal people who just have a very special preference as to who they are attracted to. A bird may love to fly high up in the sky above the trees, but sometimes a bird also just wants to poke around on the ground too. Bi or even pan people (pansexual- not limited in sexual choice regarding biological sex, gender, or gender identity.) (Google definition search engine) are beautiful, because they are more open to love than some people may understand. On a post on BuzzFeed post labeled as Why It’s Hard To Talk About My Bisexuality Catie Disabato quotes “I’m bisexual,” I said. Paul smiled warmly at me and asked, “How old are you?” “23,” I said. “You’re young,” he said. “You’ll get over it.” A lot of the time when someone says that they are bisexual they are judged and told to make up their minds, because they can’t have both. Who made up that rule?  “Okay, you’re bisexual, but who have you dated more of?” Meaning that which one should I think of you as, straight or gay?” – Catie Disabato. Bisexuals are neither gay or straight; they aren’t half gay or half straight either. Bisexuals are their own category; they are a group all on their own. The bisexual flag is pink and blue with a purple strip in the middle. These colors represent that bisexuals are neither straight or gay and they are what is known as purple. Being a bisexual and a Christian or any part of the LGBTQ community does not take away from the fact that everyone has been given a job from God that he has given to everyone, to spread his love and his word. Elyaness is a twelve-year-old girl that identifies herself as a bisexual Christian. Elyaness lives in a conservative home where gays and such are accepted, but that they don’t believe that it is morally acceptable. She said that she was worried how her parents would see her when and if she tells them that she is bi. When Elyaness was asked if she had told any of her friends, she said “My friend is bi too so yea, but my BFF is straight and she told me that lesbians weird her out. I’m afraid to tell her considering she might only think of the lesbian side of me forever. And if I tell anyone, I’m afraid my life might change completely.” (interview through Amino, LGBT app). Jack is a bisexual Catholic. “To Bigotry no Sanction, to Persecution no Assistance.” This is the Catholic motto that Jack has said he lives by. When he was asked how is church views his lifestyle he said that no one in his church or community shames him or judges him. He attends Catholic school and enjoys studying Political Science. When Jack was asked how his church explained the scriptures used against gays he said, “Oh they just point out that it was never a commandment by any figure in the Bible for it to be only a man and a woman who should love together. It is used as an example, because that applies to over 90% of the population, and because at the time the Bible was written, it was illegal to be into people of the same sex.” (interview through Amino, LGBT app).  Many people argue with the scriptures that state a man shall not lie with another man; that it’s an abomination. Although, his argument is so clear, their argument is invalid. Shouldn’t we love by heart not by genitals: isn’t this what would please God? Later, in the conversation Jake said, “Well, we certainly must respect the beliefs of others, and their right to be open about it without censorship. Super nationalist conservative to radical Marxist communist, everyone has a right to be open about what they believe in their own accord. But at the same time, everyone’s beliefs should be challenged and debated in the hopes of gaining new insight… to put it like a graded term paper.” (interview through Amino, LGBT app).  Everyone can believe what they want; everyone has the right to live the way that they want. Although some Christians may believe that it is wrong for two people of the same sex to get married, they have no right to interfere on this act, because it is the couple’s right to live as they wish as well. Abby is a sixteen-year-old girl with the life goal of becoming a high school English teacher. Abby is bisexual and has gradually became public about the fact of her sexuality. Her friends have been very accepting and encouraging with her sexuality; although, there have been current issues concerning her sexuality. She grew up as a pastor’s daughter in a small church located in Arkansas; she was told gays were going to hell, but she never understood why. “Why would God condemn me or anyone for who we choose to love?” Later, in her life she left the church she attended and realized that she didn’t agree with the way she had been taught her entire life. When she understood these things, she wondered if maybe it was true that it wasn’t a sin to be who she was. For months, she prayed and searched the Bible for the truth and finally came to the realization that God loves her unconditionally. Abby has proven to be a normal girl with a special heart with the ability to love no regardless of gender. Jeff is a 23-year-old man from Florida and he attends Florida gulf coast university. Jeff is bisexual and has currently been out for about five months. He has been a believer of Christ for about five years now and he said “When I first became a believer I struggled with that in church, especially when they talked about how marriage was supposed to be between a man and a woman. Overtime, I realized that God loved me for who I am, and it doesn’t matter that I’m bisexual. His love knows no bounds.” (interview through Amino, LGBT app).  He attends and worships at a church called Thrive, located in Fort Myers, FL, although he did change churches because his past church did not believe as he did such as: they believed in the use of conversion therapy and for also other unknown reasons. When he first visited Thrive he told the pastor that he was bisexual, and the pastor replied that he was still a child of God and he has been going there ever since. Jeff is just like any other young person, he has goals; he dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher and a youth pastor. Jeff came out publicly in a beautifully composed and worded post on Facebook, “We must start to love one another again no matter what our differences are. It doesn’t matter if you’re Lesbian, Gay, Straight, Bisexual, Transgender, African American, White, Hispanic, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Atheist, Republican, or Democrat. We are all humans and we need to stand up and stand together and stop the hate in this country and around the world. To do this we must stand up and not hide who we are, I am proud to say I am a bisexual Christian and a democrat. 1st Corinthians 13:8 Lover never Fails.” (interview through Amino, LGBT app). Conversion therapy has been a popular method to “change” LGBTQ people and turn them into “normal” people and away from the “evil” things they are involved in. Although what some people may not know is that conversion therapy is nothing but torture for the people that are being victimized. Conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy can lead to dangerous paths for the victim. It is also such a harsh treatment that conversion therapy has been illegalized because of what it truly is, torture. This type of treatment has proven to be so severe that California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont and the District of Columbia have all outlawed the practice of conversion therapy on minors; more than twenty other states have passed similar laws. Oklahoma has made it completely illegal to perform conversion therapy in any form on anyone, of any age. During a court case, New Jersey Superior Court judge ordered that the misrepresentation of homosexuality as a disorder a violation of the state’s consumer laws. “The Lies and Dangers of Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity” Conversion therapy is the exact opposite of being “foolproof”. Section five of the Federal Trade Commission Act was violated by the People Can Change’s advertisements and business practices for being deceiving and disingenuously false. Advertisements stating, they can change a person’s sexuality or gender identity has been confirmed as false and hazardous information to the consumer. Therefore, verifying that conversion therapy does not work and is only a way of torture to punish the people, breaking the rules of “God’s code”. Some religious groups and churches teach and believe that conversion therapy is required for a person to be accepted as a Christian, and into the grace of God, if they are of any part of the LGBTQ community. This has been recognized as wrong, as has also been stressed how excruciatingly insufferable on the person’s health it is. Psychiatrist Dr. L. Spitzer has deplored his study on conversion therapy and apologized for ratifying the practice. This is proof of how malicious this malpractice is; harsh enough that a person that supported it, suddenly apologized for even endorsing it. It has been proven by hard cold evidence that conversion therapy does not work and is harmful to anyone who has received these harsh treatments. Through a comparison study, it has been shown that a LGBTQ person that has been rejected by even a smaller bit is eight times more likely to, or to have attempted suicide, six times more likely to report high levels of depression, three times more likely to illegally use drugs, and to be three times more likely to be at risk for HIV and STDs. Being homosexual or LGBTQ in any way is not a disease, although the attempt of prevention or to change a person with these types of mannerisms can cause mental diseases for instance depression and PTSD.  “The Lies and Dangers of Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity” Through conversion therapy, lies and threats are often used as an aid to change people. A victim admitted that they were told during the time of their therapy that homosexuals are lonely and no one loves them; and, that they have no happiness in life whatsoever. “#BornPerfect: Survivor Stories & Survivor Network” Deb Cuny, as a teenager was forced to be involved with Crossover Ministries trying to turn her from her sins by making her straight. She said she remembered going to a youth conference and thousands of people her age praising that God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve. “My family, in their own attempt to seek help and support, became involved in the ex-gay ministry Exodus International, and eventually began volunteering regularly at a local ex-gay organization called Crossover Ministries. Embroiled in my own struggle to maintain a relationship with my family and with God, I agreed to meet with people who were undergoing treatment for their sexuality. I began regularly engaging in conversations with communities who reinforced my own fear that I had chosen my own self-interests over the love of God. I believed I was irrevocably broken, which made me try even harder to find the root of my illness so I could heal and regain God’s love.” “#BornPerfect: Survivor Stories & Survivor Network” She fell into a deep depression and later found a church that accepted her and told her that God loves her regardless of sexual orientation. This was when her healing finally began. Sam Brinton formed a crush on his friend when he was seven years old. When his family and church realized that beating would not “heal” his sickness, his family admitted him to conversion therapy, something that would scar him for life. His abusers convinced him that the government was hunting down gays and that they were looking for him; he was terrified, but it did not change who he was. They told him he had gotten AIDS from being gay. Eventually the mental abuse was not enough to break him and they started to physically abuse him. They tied his hands down and plunged them into ice while he was shown pictures of men; an attempt at setting his mind to view men as pain. Sometimes, he reported that they would use hot coils, electric shock, and needles forced into his fingertips for his “treatment”. “By the end, even hugging my father brought on flashbacks.”- Sam Brinton. “#BornPerfect: Survivor Stories & Survivor Network” Being LGBTQ, (although as believed by many Christian groups) is NOT a sin. So many ways have been used for the attempt of changing a person through intimidation, mental and physical abuse, family abandonment, and even exorcisms. People are beautiful and wonderful just the way they are, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. God loves His children and He has a plan for each one of them. This is not an illness and it’s not confusion; it’s not the devil whispering in anyone’s ears and it’s not for attention. This is simply nothing different from the color of a person’s hair. Many people call homosexuality “unnatural”, although it is a proven fact that it is found in over 1,500 living species. How would this be unnatural when it is accepted by so many others, except humans?

Works Cited

B.A. Robinson, “Homosexuality and the Pentecostal movement” religioustolerance.org Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, 1996. Web. January 7, 2017. @BriBryontour, tumblr.com tumblr, Web. January 25, 2017. Deb Cuny, “#BornPerfect – Deb Cuny” nclrights.org NCLR, 2017, Web. January 15, 2017. Drake, Amino LGBT, Amino, Web. January 5, 2017. Elyaness, Amino LGBT, Amino, Web. January 5, 2017. @fireflythepigeon, tumblr.com buzzfeed.com, Web. January 25, 2017. Google definition search engine, Google, Web. January 20, 2017. Holy Bible, onlinebiblepassages.com, Web. January 22, 2017. Jack, Amino LGBT, Amino, Web. January 5, 2017. Jon, Amino LGBT, Amino, Web. January 5, 2017. “The Lies and Dangers of Efforts to Change Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity” hrc.org Human Rights Campaign, 2017, Web. January 15 2017. @toomuchtaylor, tumblr.com moosopp.tumblr.com, 2016, Web. January 25, 2017. “Transgender and Christian?” queertheology.com queer theology, 2013, Web. January 8, 2017. “1,500 animal species practice homosexuality” news-medical.net News Medical Life Sciences, 2000, Web. January 25, 2017.

#LGBT LGBTQ love equality pleaseread

[jdgo51]

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR JANUARY 3, 2023

Accessible to All

By Rachel Cywinski (Texas, USA)

READ 1 JOHN 3:11-16

"As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone."

EPHESIANS 2:20 (CEB)

"In 2016 I planned a visit to Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. I wanted to go to this church to be in solidarity with the congregation who had suffered a horrendous attack the previous year.

A few weeks before my visit, I realized that as a historic structure, the church building might be inaccessible to me because I use a wheelchair. In a panic, I found the church’s website, saw the mention of plans for wheelchair access, and dialed the number provided. The person who answered the phone explained that when donations arrived after the tragic event of the previous year, the church decided to complete an exterior elevator that connects the building’s levels. She assured me of access and a welcome.

When I arrived at the church, a woman warmly invited me to a seat next to her. After the service, she took my hands in hers and had me promise to come to the church every time I visited Charleston. Now each time Communion is served, I think not only of Jesus but of how Emanuel A.M.E. welcomed me without hesitation. Even after the unjust deaths of nine church members, the congregation continued to open their doors and make their sanctuary accessible to all." Those who live in Christ have the same acceptance of others, always, no matter the situation they are in. These church members were hurting, but welcomed a stranger into their midst. You lay aside your own challenge to minister to others. Be the Christ-follower that you know that you are and don't look back.

TODAY'S PRAYER

"God of mercy, we give thanks for your abiding love. Give us courage to open our doors and our hearts to the world." Amen.

1 John 3:11-16

New International Version

More on Love and Hatred

"11 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters,[a] if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him." Be love in all things. Go above and beyond to represent the love of Jesus as you walk among your neighbors. Some may hate you or just dismiss you; but Jesus love is real and most important. Be His abiding love! Blessings all God's people! Joe

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

[jdgo51]

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR OCTOBER 25, 2022

Beauty in Brokenness

By Ann Stewart (South Australia, Australia)

READ ISAIAH 43:1-7

Jesus spoke to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

JOHN 8:12 (CEB)

"While walking along a beach where the bush meets the sand, I noticed a beautiful gum tree that had fallen. The tree continued to grow despite being battered by wind and weather. It remained beautiful with its papery soft white bark; and although some branches had died, new growth stretched toward the light.

Like that tree, we are often battered and knocked down by the storms of life. However, like that tree we can remain beautiful and strong in our brokenness. Through the storms that come our way, God can bring new growth into our lives. And as we trust God, our difficulties strengthen us and teach us.

Even when we are broken, we can reach out to Jesus, the light of the world. As we endure our trials, we have the assurance that God has overcome the world (see Jn. 16:33) and that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Through our experiences, we become more understanding and compassionate toward others and their struggles. We also learn to draw closer to God and to rely on God in deeper ways than before. In Christ we receive comfort, strength, hope, and new spiritual growth." The storms of life will continue to be a part of your existence. Each one will be different and will require different responses. Just know God is there and He will hold you up. He will provide answers of what you need to do in each situation. Remain strong even when you are knocked down, as God will always lift you up.

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Loving God, as we reach out to you in our struggles, heal our hearts, bind our wounds, and work all things together for our good. Amen."

Isaiah 43:1-7

"'1 But now, says the LORD the one who created you, Jacob, the one who formed you, Israel: Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and flame won’t burn you. 3 I am the LORD your God, the holy one of Israel, your savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. 4 Because you are precious in my eyes, you are honored, and I love you. I give people in your place, and nations in exchange for your life. 5 Don’t fear, I am with you. From the east I’ll bring your children; from the west I’ll gather you. 6 I’ll say to the north, “Give them back!” and to the south, “Don’t detain them.” Bring my sons from far away, and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name and whom I created for my glory, whom I have formed and made."' We are seen as precious in His sight. He has a deep love for us and He is always with us. Such comfort we find in this knowledge. Blessings flow! Joe