#i love zaki with my whole heart

[whosname]

Oh, yeah, here's a second post about Gintama's Live-action adaptations. I'm a total completionist so I not only watched the second movie, I had to find the Mitsuba arc and then @sebfreak pointed me to the other miniseries, so... (sorry if it's a long post, while I'm not drawing my brain can't stop)

Right, the Mitsuba arc

Loved they include the spicy parfait scene, I mean, the cgi is what it is, but I have a lot of respect for 'em even trying,

Zaki's afro? chef's kiss, simply delicious

I mean:

Also, Hijikata's reacion to the spicy snacks? delicious. These guys are good at funny faces.

Loved the Gin's pretending to be sleeping scene, missed the part about the black circles under his eyes, tho.

(Look, it was very difficult to find the three parts of the drama, I got 'em from 3 different places and every place has it's own subtitles on indonesian or french. Also, the quality? oh my, the quality was terrible by the third part)

This is a fucking sad arc, daaaamn, and this being a drama... well, it's even more dramatic. I mean, that last scene on the roof? it always breaks my heart.

And now, for something completely different, the mini-series thingy.

The episodes they choose to adapt are... interesting, I mean who in their right mind chooses those three? okay, I love how weird the decision is.

I love the details on the one were Kagura can't sleep, I mean, the Dragon Ball mangas, the justaway alarm clock, Gintoki's pajamas.

Holy shit, the make up, the Napoleon thing, the radio drama, "I didn't get enough sleep, and I'm starting to hear strange things"; I love this episode.

And then, the one were Hijikata can't smoke, maaaan, this episode was like a fever dream in the anime and the live-action is so on point. The whole Namek planet thing, "I'm going to defeat Breeza!", "I'm trying to revive Grillin!", the cgi is not that bad, I mean, slimy grimmy Shen Long could've looked worst. Also, I insist, Hijikata's actor is so stupid good at expressions.

And, finally, the dentist episode, another fever dream. I'm very afraid of the dentist so, yeah, can confirm that People of All Ages Hate the Dentist!. Also, again, their expressions!; Hasegawa!; the treatment! This episode may have worsen my fear of the dentist

I love the way this live-actions thingies keep the whole Gintama spirit, I love that the first scene on the Rules are Made to be Broken movie is the still shot from Yorozuya HQ and it's just these idiots talking over it. If I've watched this on the cinema I would've cheered like the stupid weeabo I am (I told a friend yesterday "I went from 0 to otaku in like 3 moths" so there).

I'm so thankful for Zura's piracy thing disclaimer.

Otose!!! OMFG, I love her!

"Work! We have to find work, Gin-san!" "I don't want to!" MOOD FOREVER!

I love how they all try very hard not to laugh in the scenes with this guy, they failed, but I love it.

We've already talked about Zura's gender but... come on! how fucking amazing they are??!

Oh, and the Katsurap and then Pako (I mean, they changed her name here, but I still like Pako more 'cause Ginko is a different character, come on!) carrying her on her back.

"It's the Shogun!" aaah, you didn't fail me, Rules are Made to be Broken.

And then the hairdresser thing. I can't stop thanking you, Rules are Made to be Broken.

I guess the whole chip on Toshi's neck is weird, but maybe the whole sword thing would've been longer to explain so probably it was best for simplicity.

On that note, "Sakatashi"

"You're a Neet. You're thinking like a total Neet!" "Is that so? You guys look like pretty big Neets too." "Who the hell is a Neet?! We are hard-working workers now!"

So, yeah, I can forgive the the chip thing ONLY for the scene at Gengai's shop. Toshi, pilot the EVA.

I can't believe how close to the original is the scene were Gintoki catches Toshi by his neck and they all run away from those Shinsengumi guys.

"You tax thieves" <3

this look badass, I mean...

We have little Takasugi action in this one, but hell, I don't care, I love his scenes with Bansai. Also, Bansai, of course.

Now, this is were I feel this goes weird, Bansai's gonna try to kill the (freaking) Shogun in a total different location form the train thing. It's... weird. Tho, Bansai looks amazing on his motorcycle.

I've said this a thousand time already, but I don't care, Kagura's really Gintoki's clone, I bloody love her.

Now, I don't fell Gintoki has a real motivation to go a fight Bansai in Edo, it never convinced me. I grateful for the Raccoon Bus scene, tho, I laughed like a maniac (look, I know I need to sleep more), but... dunno "then Takasugi Shinsuke will start killing people!" wasn't enough for me. Oh, and Zura, I love that they use every excuse to use Zura but still... weird?

I really like to like the first part of Gintoki vs Bansai but... too matrix~y too... the choreography is kind of cool, the shots between fights too but the whole matrix thing... I didn't like it.

BUT! the strings thing, that I liked.

And then the last scene at the dango place, I liked it a lot, I love when they did that on the anime averytime.

#gintama #gintama live-action #long post #i woke up too early and couldn't go back to sleep so I wrote this instead #some description gore i know #Rules are Made to be Broken

[fadedstarsfms]

Nakia Saber Intro

if you're hearing EMILY by SAN FERMIN playing, you have to know NAKIA SABER (HE/HIM; CISMAN) is nearby! the 32 year old GRADUATE ART HISTORY STUDENT/GALLERY ATTENDANT has been in denver for, like 32 YEARS. they're known to be quite STUBBORN, but being HONEST seems to balance that out. or maybe it's the fact that they resemble ZEEKO ZAKI. personally, i'd love to know more about them seeing as how they've got those NEVER EXPECTING TO MAKE IT THIS FAR, UNKNOWN FUTURE, ALWAYS HIDING WHAT YOU'RE FEELING vibes. and maybe i'll get my chance if i hang around the CHERRY CREEK DISTRICT long enough!

Death tw, Car Accident tw, Cancer tw

★𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣★

Birth Date: January 7, 1991 Zodiac: Capricorn Gender: Cis Man Pronouns: He/Him Sexual & Romantic Orientation: Bisexual

★𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚★

Height: 6'5" Faceclaim: Zeeko Zaki Hair color/style: Short, Black, Curly, Beard Eye color: Dark Brown Tattoos: A snake around his forearm

★𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮★

Positive Traits: Honest, Independent, Easygoing Neutral Traits: Independent, Sensible, Realist Negative Traits: Stubborn, Impatient, Lost Fears: Spiders, Public Speaking, Death, Failure Goals: To become a museum curator, Actually get his degree, Live life Hobbies: Painting, Reading, Knitting, Cooking

★𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩★

Hometown: Denver, Colorado Education: Bachelor's Degree in Art, Working on his Master's in Art History Mother: Dina Saber Father: Aton Saber (deceased) Siblings: 2 younger siblings

★𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩★

Residence: Cherry Creek District Job: Gallery Attendant at L'Arte District Art Gallery Significant Others: None Currently How Long She’s Been Here: His Whole Life

★𝘽𝙞𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙮★

Nakia was the oldest of three kids to two loving parents. After immigrating from Egypt, Dina and Aton decided to start a family and have the perfect American Dream. And honestly they did have the perfect, loving, family that kids could only dream of having. Sure Nakia thought that his family could be embarrassing at times but he loved them and knew that he was loved.

DEATH TW/CAR ACCIDENT TW

When Naika was just fourteen years old his father called one night saying he was going to be home late from work. During dinner the doorbell rang and they were greeted by a policeman with some very terrible news. Aton had died in a car accident.

TW END

The family was obviously heart broken and their life had changed forever. Nakia had tried to step up and help out as much as he could and never tried to make life hard for his mother.

CANCER TW

Which was why he never complained about how he was getting tired all the time and in pain. He didn't think there was much to be concerned about and there was no reason to worry his mother. It wasn't until other people started noticing did Nakia agree to get checked out by his doctor. Again the family was completely changed when it was revealed that Nakia had Leukemia.

He tried to be upbeat during the whole process but overall it left him pretty jaded. But hey at least he got an arch nemesis out of it!

TW END

Since getting his life back he's been trying to live life to the fullest. Finding his art passion in the hospital he knew that was the only thing he wanted to do from now on. He keeps putting off his Master's degree because he genuinely is afraid of what is going to happen when he's done since he has worked for so long for this.

★𝙒𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨★

Roommates - I'm sure Nakia can't afford a place alone and genuinely would be a great person to be roommates with

Friends - Listen Nakia is a bit grumpy, please love him anyway

Frequent Fliers - He can talk for hours about art and maybe you go to the gallery a lot and every time he wants to infodump about all the different paintings

Ex's/Flings/FWB - Genuinely he is so soft when it comes to romance that it would be fun for him to show it in different ways

This is late and idk what else to put I'll rewrite this later

★𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩★

Emily by San Fermin

Bullet With Butterfly Wings by Smashing Pumpkins

Strange Mercy by St. Vincent

I Know The End by Phoebe Bridgers

The Good That Won't Come Out by Rilo Kiley

The Night We Met by Lord Huron

Avant Gardener by Courtney Barnett

Somebody That I Used To Know by Elliott Smith

Nancy From Now On by Father John Misty

Pride and Joy by Brandi Carlile

#&& young unbeliever in the dim light (nakia saber) #nakia intro #chq;intro #death tw #car accident tw #cancer tw #not my greatest just wanted to get this out

[dgct2]

Zeeko Zaki talking to Give Me My Remote about that hospital scene in 4.18 Fear Nothing and what it meant to him: 

“For Zaki, getting to dig into the emotion of the hour was an exhilarating experience. “It was really nice because every episode feels like they pull it straight from the headlines; every thing a character’s going through feels pulled right from our lives,” Zaki says. “So this was kind of the culmination of that. And it was a perfect parallel moment to the reality of the situation: an actress is taking [a] break for her maternity leave and I’ve just been conditioned to believe that the next day isn’t promised. In this moment, I got to really lean into just finding my real emotions with her stepping down [temporarily from] this team that we built.”

“My favorite part about our show is when it is an emotional moment or an emotional beat or episode, something important—we are allowed the space to those emotions,” he continues. “And having a strong director—we got Jon Cassar; he cast me in 24: LEGACY and it was a nice little moment where I got to do a love letter to my [on-screen] partner and a thank you note to the director for the journey we’ve all been on.”

Zeeko Zaki on Maggie’s return: 

“We went into it [with the mindset of] who knows what’s gonna happen,” Zaki says. “[It’s] this whole idea of someone really pouring their heart out when they think no one can hear what they’re saying. I think everything that was said, if her eyes were open, if her ears were open, could still be said. But I think getting to play that, I shared some stuff—I let down a wall. [Does] it goes back up? We get to either play that or we get to play that it’s down…But I can’t wait; I hope we really get to play that whole spectrum, every rung on the ladder…I’m super excited for that arc.”

#FBICBS just started filming Season 5 this week ( see the tweet below ). Missy Peregrym who just had her daughter will miss the first couple of episodes due to her maternity leave. 💛🖤

https://twitter.com/FBICBS/status/1549141641503510528

#fbicbs #missy peregrym #zeeko zaki #maggie bell #oa zidan #maggie x oa #oa x maggie #zibell #fbi season 5 #4x18 fear nothing

[kirisaki-daichi-scenarios]

hara x yamazaki; on gaming

“Hey, Hara, I don’t think I like basketball anymore.”

Yamazaki stares at his hands, at callused fingers and grazed knuckles, as Hara leans over to kiss his forehead. The other teenager’s eyes are fixed on his phone. He’s playing some monster-killing app; the little hero figure that Hara’s controlling is swinging his sword right into the beast’s chest.

“I think I might quit the team,” continues Yamazaki.

Hara shifts. It’s a slight movement, barely even a change in position, and yet, suddenly, Yamazaki feels like the contact of their bare elbows is burning into his bone. It’s never good when Hara’s silent; his quiet is like the bubbling of milk on a fire, you never know when it’s going to spill over.

(And Yamazaki knows Hara knows that he knows that. It’s one of the game’s several unspoken rules.) 

“You can’t quit though. You’d have nothing without basketball. It’s the only thing you’re mildly good at,” replies Hara, in an unaffected tone, as blood spurts out of the monster on his phone screen. “Anyway, Hanamiya wouldn’t let me keep seeing you if you quit.”

Yamazaki knows full well that even the captain doesn’t have that kind of power over Hara.

Turning his head, Hara smiles, nuzzles Yamazaki’s cheek with his nose. “So you’d be completely alone. And you don’t want to be alone, do you, Hiroshi?”

Yamazaki recognises this is all just part of Hara’s games. He recognises Hara doesn’t actually care that much about basketball - that Hara’s interest in the sport is almost entirely linked to the feeling of crushing an opponent, both literally and otherwise - and he’d like to think Hara cares more for him than for Hanamiya too. Hypothetically, Yamazaki could leave the team today. Maybe, even leave Hara behind. Find some new friends, a new lover. 

But, every time Yamazaki’s thoughts start falling into that childishly optimistic stream, he remembers it’s too late for him now. He’s been tainted with the dense black sin of the team. He’s already one of the villains. 

Nor does he have the chance for redemption or a second life; those are concepts only found in games. (At least, that’s what Hara says - and maybe that’s why they enjoy their evenings playing fighting games together, where Hara can cut Yamazaki down over and over again, where Yamazaki can bleed out but never quite die.)

And, in the words of his companion, Hara’s the only one who’ll stay with him regardless of what he’s done. He’s the only one whose fingers will interlink with Yamazaki’s, and whose teeth will sink down into his neck, punishing him for his immorality, like a priest who judges and still forgives.

With that in mind, thinks Yamazaki (as he moves a little closer to Hara - whose body heat is violently hot - hiding his head behind Hara’s, so he can only see the now-dead monster on the screen from the corner of his eye), who can blame him for staying this long?  

#today we explore a gaming motif and symbolism #tomorrow? who knows #anyway this isn't too explicitly a toxic relationship but man did writing this make me sad #i love zaki with my whole heart #the way he's such a minor character is criminal #also not to analyse my own writing #but please notice that hara refers to zaki by his first name but that zaki doesn't call hara 'kazuya #please give my dumb little details attention >;( #hara kazuya #yamazaki hiroshi #hara x yamazaki #harazaki #but with the yama zaki and not the hai one #man hara really is good with zakis #knb #kiridai #kirisaki daiichi #kirisaki daichi scenarios #kuroko no basket #kuroko no basuke #the basketball which kuroko plays #fanfiction #toxic relationship #angst #drabble #hcs #headcanons #imagines #scenarios

[fencer-x]

Hello! I’ve been looking for some good books to read and was wondering if you had any recommendations? I seem to just wander around the bookstore not knowing where to start.

I confess I’ve been reading nothing but fics on fics on fics (Drarry exclusively lol) for a good year now, so I haven’t touched original works in ages, though I have several of the latest installments of my favorite series waiting until I run out of good Drarry fic... (please...god...free me from this hell........)

I’ve made several recommendations for excellent M/M original works (you can always check out my reccs tag for any recommendations as well, though it includes original novels as well as manga and fic). I pretty much only read M/M fantasy (with the very VERY occasional M/M scifi or supernatural book thrown in), so I hope that’s what you’re looking for XD

Here’s a “””””””brief””””””” recap of series I particularly enjoy and go back to reread often, along with details on who might like these books and why. They’re all available via Amazon (most as Kindle reads, but some as paperbacks; some are also available from other sources as well in other formats if you prefer, for example, epub) and at reasonable prices (all but one series are under $10 per book, some under $5).

It is entirely possible you’ve read all of these, since I’ve gushed about them many a time before, and if that’s the case, I apologize I can’t rec you anything new! But maybe it’s been a while if you’ve read these before and it’s time for a reread!

The Lord of the White Hell series, by Ginn Hale - [GOODREADS BLURB: "Kiram Kir-Zaki may be considered a mechanist prodigy among his own people, but when he becomes the first Haldiim ever admitted to the prestigious Sagrada Academy, he is thrown into a world where power, superstition and swordplay outweigh even the most scholarly of achievements. But when the intimidation from his Cadeleonian classmates turns bloody, Kiram unexpectedly finds himself befriended by Javier Tornesal, the leader of a group of cardsharps, duelists and lotharios who call themselves Hellions. However Javier is a dangerous friend to have. Wielder of the White Hell and sole heir of a dukedom, he is surrounded by rumors of forbidden seductions, murder and damnation. His enemies are many and any one of his secrets could not only end his life but Kiram’s as well."] 

Read this if you like... magic and science working together, religion-borne racism and the difficulties of interracial as well as interreligious relationships, snarky aristocrats and a good mystery. And read the second book in the series definitely if you liked Yokozawa Takafumi no Baai or Sore Nari ni Shinken nan desu (I've found I really like stories where the rejected third-party from the main series gets his own happy ending, and Book 2 of this series is one such, building an entire new couple with the midway-through-the-story return of Book 1 couple so you get the best of both worlds.)

The Magpie Lord series by K.J.Charles - [GOODREADS BLURB: "Exiled to China for twenty years, Lucien Vaudrey never planned to return to England. But with the mysterious deaths of his father and brother, it seems the new Lord Crane has inherited an earldom. He’s also inherited his family’s enemies. He needs magical assistance, fast. He doesn’t expect it to turn up angry. Magician Stephen Day has good reason to hate Crane’s family. Unfortunately, it’s his job to deal with supernatural threats. Besides, the earl is unlike any aristocrat he’s ever met, with the tattoos, the attitude… and the way Crane seems determined to get him into bed. That’s definitely unusual. Soon Stephen is falling hard for the worst possible man, at the worst possible time. But Crane’s dangerous appeal isn’t the only thing rendering Stephen powerless. Evil pervades the house, a web of plots is closing round Crane, and if Stephen can’t find a way through it—they’re both going to die."] 

Read this if you like...magic and 19th century UK settings and snarky aristocrats who guard their hearts fiercely. The dynamic is fantastic, and the writing itself is gorgeous.

Whyborn & Griffin series, by Jordan Hawk - [GOODREADS BLURB: (Summary of Book 1) “Love is dangerous. Ever since the tragic death of the friend he adored, Percival Endicott Whyborne has ruthlessly suppressed any desire for another man. Instead, he spends his days studying dead languages at the museum where he works. So when handsome ex-Pinkerton Griffin Flaherty approaches him to translate a mysterious book, Whyborne wants to finish the job and get rid of the detective as quickly as possible. Griffin left the Pinkertons after the death of his partner. Now in business for himself, he must investigate the murder of a wealthy young man. His only clue: an encrypted book that once belonged to the victim. As the investigation draws them closer, Griffin’s rakish charm threatens to shatter Whyborne’s iron control. But when they uncover evidence of a powerful cult determined to rule the world, Whyborne must choose: to remain safely alone, or to risk everything for the man he loves.”] 

Read if you like... magic and the supernatural and 19th century US settings and Eldritch monsters and mystery and intrigue and adventure and era-appropriate treatment of homosexual relationships but with happy endings (and also couples of all types).

The Nightrunner series, by Lynn Flewelling - [GOODREADS BLURB: "When young Alec of Kerry is taken prisoner for a crime he didn’t commit, he is certain that his life is at an end. But one thing he never expected was his cellmate. Spy, rogue, thief, and noble, Seregil of Rhiminee is many things--none of them predictable. And when he offers to take on Alec as his apprentice, things may never be the same for either of them. Soon Alec is traveling roads he never knew existed, toward a war he never suspected was brewing. Before long he and Seregil are embroiled in a sinister plot that runs deeper than either can imagine, and that may cost them far more than their lives if they fail. But fortune is as unpredictable as Alec’s new mentor, and this time there just might be…Luck in the Shadows."] 

Read this if you like... magic, spies, fantastic female characters, adventure, and intrigue. Read also if you love looooong series, as it's complete at 7 books!

Scarlet and the White Wolf series, by Kirby Crow - [GOODREADS BLURB: "Scarlet of Lysia is an honest pedlar, a young merchant traveling the wild, undefended roads to support his aging parents. Liall, called the Wolf of Omara, is the handsome, world-weary chieftain of a tribe of bandits blocking a mountain road that Scarlet needs to cross. When Liall jokingly demands a carnal toll for the privilege, Scarlet refuses and an inventive battle of wills ensues, with disastrous results. Scarlet is convinced that Liall is a worthless, immoral rogue, but when the hostile countryside explodes into violence and Liall unexpectedly fights to save the lives of Scarlet's family, Scarlet is forced to admit that the Wolf is not the worst ally he could have, but what price will proud Scarlet ultimately have to pay for Liall's friendship?"] 

Read this if you like... weird twists on old fairy tales with amazing world-building, provided you're willing to put up with a little bit of a slog until the couple really gets on the same page.

Captive Prince, by C.S.Pacat - [GOODREADS BLURB: "Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos, but when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave. Beautiful, manipulative and deadly, his new master Prince Laurent epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country. For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else..."] 

Read this if you like... phenomenal skill with the written word (I mean REALLY TOP NOTCH), fantastic characters with real evolution in relationships, amazingly intricate political intrigue (guaranteed to keep you guessing the whole way), enemies-to-friends-to-"I think if I gave you my heart, you would treat it tenderly"-to-...well, I won't spoil things 8D Please note the 'slavery' aspect that is heavily featured in Book 1. There is NO RAPE between the main characters, but there are forced sexual scenes between Damen and another minor character (n.b. minor as in not major, not minor as in a kid), and well, Laurent just isn't a very kind 'master', nor does he pretend to be. This is not your typical 'omg the slave falls in love with the master and vice versa!!' dreck, but do be aware that the first book deals intimately with those themes as Damen must play his part.

Wytch Kings series, by Jaye McKenna - [GOODREADS BLURB: (Summary of Book 1) "Prince Garrik is the Heir Presumptive of Altan, next in line to be crowned Wytch King. There’s only one problem: in order for Garrik to be crowned, he must possess Wytch power of his own, and thus far, whatever power Garrik might possess has shown no sign of awakening. As things stand, it is Garrik’s younger brother, Jaire — a dreamer completely unsuited to wear the crown — who will take the throne after their father. Concerned about the future of his kingdom, the Wytch King demands that Garrik’s power be forcibly awakened. Hoping to protect his brother from the burden of rule, Garrik allows the attempt — with disastrous results. Now, Garrik must learn to control the fiery dragon that rages within him before he destroys everything he loves. Wytch Master Ilya has been alone for years. Learning to control the icy beast slumbering within him has already cost him his family and his lover, and Ilya will never open himself up to that kind of pain again. Summoned to Altan to avert disaster if he can, Ilya has no intention of allowing anyone to thaw the ice in his heart. When he meets Prince Garrik, sparks fly, and Ilya finds himself fighting feelings he thought he'd buried, long ago. Can Garrik’s fire melt Ilya’s icy heart? Or will Ilya be forced to use his ice to quench the flames that burn within Garrik once and for all?"] 

Read if you like... DRAGON SHIFTERS. There's really not much more I can say to encourage you to read this series (there are five so far!) other than to say HERE THERE BE DRAGONS, AND LOTS OF THEM, AND HOT GUYS WHO TRANSFORM INTO THEM. The plots are interwoven, with side characters from previous books showing up as MCs in subsequent ones, so you get to see major characters fleshed out, even if not right away.

Mermen of Ea series, by Shira Anthony - [GOODREADS BLURB: (Summary of Book 1) "Taren Laxley has never known anything but life as a slave. When a lusty pirate kidnaps him and holds him prisoner on his ship, Taren embraces the chance to realize his dream of a seagoing life. Not only does the pirate captain offer him freedom in exchange for three years of labor and sexual servitude, but the pleasures Taren finds when he joins the captain and first mate in bed far surpass his greatest fantasies. Then, during a storm, Taren dives overboard to save another sailor and is lost at sea. He’s rescued by Ian Dunaidh, the enigmatic and seemingly ageless captain of a rival ship, the Phantom, and Taren feels an overwhelming attraction to Ian that Ian appears to share. Soon Taren learns a secret that will change his life forever: Ian and his people are Ea, shape-shifting merfolk… and Taren is one of them too. Bound to each other by a fierce passion neither can explain or deny, Taren and Ian are soon embroiled in a war and forced to fight for a future—not only for themselves but for all their kind."] 

Read if you like... MERMEN SEX. Again, not much more I can say to encourage you to read this XD There's mermen having sex in mer form, there's mermen having sex in human form, there's just lots of mermen and rather a lot of sex too. But there's also interesting plot! Though lbr if you're going to read this, it's for the mermen XD

#gay fantasy #reccs

[our-wicked-ways]

Chapter 5 - Allistor Vinderand

Screaming through the city streets, I shifted the car’s gear and punched on the gas to cut through a yellow light. I kept well above the speed limit the whole drive. Did anyone try to stop me? Oh I’d love to see them try! They all know when they see a black and red blur pass by, to just leave it be. Half of the force was on my payroll, the other half was just too damn scared to do jack shit about it. The car slammed to a stop in front of a booming warehouse with a bustling line far down the block. In black, white, and red neon lights “Down the Rabbit Hole” blinked proudly for all to see. Time to go to work.

I pushed open my door and grabbed my hat that rested on the passenger seat as I stepped out, slipping it on my head. The crowd erupted at the sight of me, which only made me smirk. The bouncer remained a statue at the door until I pulled the Queen of Hearts card from the band of y had. He nodded approvingly and stepped aside for me to enter. I winked and tipped the brim to those who had to wait in line still.

A waitress, her face covered in playcard decorated mask instantly sided beside me upon my entrance with a glass of scotch on a silver tray, waiting for me.

“Too kind, love.” I purred, raising the glass to my lips.

“The lounge is ready for you, Mr. Vinderand. The book are waiting on the table as well.” She smiled slyly in return and turned to go back to her rounds.

To be honest, I had absolutely no clue who the hell that was. She works here obviously, but her name? I got nothing. They all wear masks for a damn reason. I shrugged it off and began my way through the club. The music was blasting and lights around the room. As I passed through the growing crowd, strangers tried their hand at flirting, It was cute, don’t get me wrong. I only smiled back, but didn’t really give them much thought.

The bass suddenly dropped at the hands of the Rabbit at the DJ’s stand as I climbed up the stairs for the lounge. A modern style room decorated in black and red with accents of white and gold. Got to give it to her, but mum does have good taste. I threw my hat onto an armchair, took the tablet that waited by the couch and clicked it awake before leaning forward on the guardrail that rounded the balcony.

I swiped slowly over the numbers that lit up the screen, numbers for shipments, income, payments, the likes. All made sense, never needed an accountant where I knew it all. Halfway through this month’s records, I could feel my phone vibrate in my back pocket. Right when I thought it was going to be an easy night, mabe find a girl to take home, too. I downed my drink in my hand as I felt the vibrating die down. Mum. Missed Calls (2)

“Oh bloody hell.” I groaned out loud, throwing my head back and redialed the number before putting it to my ear, knowing this couldn’t be good.

“Hello darling. Did I catch you at a wrong time? At least tell me you know her name.”

“Very funny, mum. Just got to the club and ignoring your calls.” I made eye contact with the Rabbit behind the bar and shook my class where he nodded in acknowledgement. I could just hear Mum sigh my comment, which held very little bite.

“How kind of you, Allistor. I’m so proud of you. Very funny.”

“I like to think I’m hilarious. Seriously mum, as much as I love these little chats, you usually have a reason.”

“Let’s see if this is just as hilarious: when was the last time you spoke with Dinah Felyne?”

“Dinah Felyne? God. I dunno, last time I was in town? What does Dinah Felyne have to do with anything?”

“Oh, her not so much. Her father on the other hand, yes. If I remember correctly, you know Antoine all too well.”

“That was one time, mum. Back on topic, please.”

“Yes, yes. I was chatting with Antoine earlier today, catching up on work and the such, you know how it is. Anyways, he alerted me on a rise in concern as a one Officer Simba Mwangi has all but declared war on Taka Zaki.”

“Not our problem, our records aren’t connected to the bastard, trust me, I’ve seen them,” A girl came up to me and quickly exchanged the empty glass for a filled one, earning a smile from me in return as she scuttled off.

“This is Interpol we’re talking about darling, they always find out.”

“Alright then, so what do you have in mind then?”

“I’m pulling you from New York. You are to come back to London. There you will be staying with some other children of some fellow coworkers. I will take over the American division in your absence. Your flight leaves in the morning so put down the drink, keep it in your pants and go start packing. Give Dinah my love when you’re over, why don’t you? You two have much to catch up on. I love you darling, just be careful.”

I bit out a goodbye to her, my grip on the glass threatening to break it. Yeah yeah I get she wants what's best but this is my division, I make the calls here. Must be the Vinderand paranoia of everything wrong in this wretched world. I downed the rest of the drink and set it on the table before grabbing my hat and the tablet before making my way back down the main stairs from the lounge.

“Leaving so soon, Mr. Vinderand?” The Rabbit at the door asked, surprised at the time.

“Off to Jolly Ol’ London, ‘pparently.” I bit out, climbing into the driver’s seat of my car that never left the front of the club.

This better damn well be worth it.

#allistor vinderand #Queen of Hearts #chapters #our wicked ways

[globalworship]

The Good & Beautiful Shepherd (Rev. Kenneth Tanner)

Zaki Baboun, a Palestinian artist

+++

Sermon Note for Good Shepherd Sunday, by Rev. Kenneth Tanner. He later posted this online at https://www.clarion-journal.com/clarion_journal_of_spirit/2021/04/the-good-and-beautiful-shepherd-kenneth-tanner.html

Middle Eastern shepherds in the time of the Bible did not break the legs of sheep and carry them on their shoulders to keep them from running away again, or “hold them close to their heart” or whatever myth you heard growing up. It’s terribly impractical, for one thing. Sheep can weigh up to 75 pounds. It’s a tremendous hindrance to properly caring for the whole flock. It can also permanently disable the sheep. 

Imagine having a number of immobilized or broken sheep in a flock. What a mess that would be. The rod of the shepherd was used to defend the flock from predators, not beat the sheep. And the hooked staff was used to rescue them. The sheep trusted these tools and the shepherd who carried them. They were not afraid of the shepherd and heeded his voice because he led them to green pastures and beside still waters and never mistreated them. There is a midrash from about a thousand years ago: a sheep wondered away from Moses and his flock. Moses searches and finds the sheep drinking from a stream and says, “Oh...so sorry...I did not know you were thirsty.” God responds to Moses’ mercy and entrusts him with the people of Israel. One of the rabbis commenting on this midrash writes: “Moses realized that the kid did not run away from the flock out of malice or wickedness—it was merely thirsty. … Only a shepherd who hastens not to judge the runaway kid, who is sensitive to the causes of its desertion, can mercifully lift it into his arms and bring it back home.” How often are we misunderstanding folks when they leave the fold? It would help, I think, if we were sensitive to the causes rather than censorious. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. This means not only that he puts the sheep before his own life, and is willing to die so they might live, but the beautiful shepherd would lie down for the night in front of the gate of the sheep pen so that a predator that wanted to get to them had to go through the *body* of the shepherd. The beautiful shepherd puts us before himself, before his own life. He values the life of his sheep over his own life. And this means every human is loved by God more than God loves his own life. We do not say this enough, or plainly. And this is one of many reasons the churches are emptying. God lays down his life for us even though he knows us better than we know ourselves. Yet knowing all of our hidden thoughts and everything we do that no one sees he *still* values our life over his. I’ll just say that once more: God puts us ahead of himself. John tells us that this is how we know love: that God lays down his life for us. Not by watching the latest rom-com or listening to the hit love song but by looking upon our wounded, dying God. John tells us that we likewise should lay down our lives, not by dying as God dies for us, but by giving of ourselves and our property to our brother in need. Jesus never says “I will obey my Father so you never need to” or “I will obey my Father because you cannot.” We need to lay down ourselves in the way John commends, and we can! God never asks us to do anything that he does not enable in us by his Spirit. Every invitation to participate in the goodness of our great shepherd carries the blessing to do so. You cannot of course save yourself or your neighbor or the world, not in any ultimate sense—this is a gift that God alone can bestow and he saves us in this ultimate way without conditions—but you CAN save your brother in the moment or through a season of their life, and you can save the creation in your lifetime, by participating in God’s care for all things and all persons by loving your brother and the world as God commands and as God enables.

https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.tanner

[stephanericherthanyou]

happy end of the year! i’m barely on here but if you’re still following, thanks for sticking it out & here’s some fic recs

STAR WARS (all bodhi/galen)

Accident on Eadu by Munnin & yakalskovich: this is part of a wonderful verse but reads very well on its own, too. I’m a sucker for hurt/comfort and this has that in spades, and it doesn’t seem contrived. It plays with the dynamic the two of them have in the verse a little bit and it’s completely natural and sweet. The plot moves along but there are so many moments that remind me why I love this ship so much.

A Little Thing, and Light by sheffiesharpe: this is so well-written...”So when he is summoned further into the base at Eadu, when he is told the chief engineer wishes to meet him, he wants for this to be a mistake: another cargo pilot, another Bodhi Rook, another small brown man from a broken place.” All of it is such a fitting extension to the way the characters are portrayed in r1, and an answer to the “I want more of them” I felt while watching

That Would Be Enough by icandrawamoth: i love this writer’s ambient bodhi/galen, and this one is the kind of short and sweet moment these two deserve. brief happiness together that’s bittersweet keeping canon events in mind (bodhi calling galen ‘old man’ makes me so!)

ZNT (129)

heartbeat for sale by itskonoe: i will never be free from 129. never. reading this just pulled me back into 2014 and the hot summer days and my mindset and the world back then, of waiting for a new episode every week and these two kids doing their best to make their lives not a complete waste. the mutual longing is so palpable and real, and the writing is so gorgeous. “It’s needs over wants this close to the finish line, and he can’t let desire dictate his next steps.” /lays my head down and cries all over again

KNB

Thousands of feathery kisses by Plume_Sombre: kagahimu that deals with the past and present is probably my number one weakness like...man....this is why they’re so amazing they love each other so much LOOK and yknow this fic really shows it, the warmth and familiarity between the two of them and how much their relationship grows with them.

exception to the rule by justlikeswitchblades: kagahimu hockey au i love...the way the two of them play basketball transposed so well and carefully to hockey, how easy and smooth it feels, how well i can picture the two of them skating across the ice after each other...(also that she hadn’t written much tatsuya but captured his i-do-what-i-want attitude so well and so clearly!)

jersey shore kagahimu by ellipsometry: ““But you like me,” Tatsuya teases, running a foot up Taiga’s leg under the table, “And I'm plenty salty.”” THE DIALOGUE HERE ITS FCKN SUPERB this is a small moment but a big mood and an atmosphere i wanna sink my teeth in and scrape them against the salt.

shake shack kagahimu by ellipsometry: the penn station shake shack and its 9am burgers holds a very special place in my heart, and i love how well kagahimu inhabit it here. it’s not thrown in for the obligation of the prompt, or conspicuously built around; it’s just part of the story which in and of itself clearly rolls up to a larger kagahimu x nba world that feels so comfortably lived in.

garciraki succubus au by garciraki: it’s the details that make this fic, from masako using a string of tea lights to the pieces of dialogue hinting at more...and Masako’s POV (”She wishes she had her sword on her. The demon would probably like that, though. Damn.”) right on the money

fluff garciraki by lemontongues: a sweet fic that, while mostly preoccupied with garciraki in the middle of the moment, also pushed a plot and direction forward like a gentle wave and thinking about the best parts of summer. the last line was built up to so naturally but still hit me by itself. it’s so warm.

bra hook by justlikeswitchblades: comfy garciraki with a well-oiled routine, steady and sexy and lush, the bookend image of a beer bottle. it makes me long for gross humidity tbh and it did when i first read it, in the beginning of summer. and basketball threaded through the foreground even though they don’t actually play any within the fic my god

ocean breeze by sannlykke: do any of you know how long i’d waited for a full-length liuhimu in english? close to 4 years. since the teikou arc. WORTH EVERY HOUR FOR THIS please read this. it will answer every question you didn’t have about why you should ship liuhimu. their dynamic is so gentle; the gradual way they pull towards each other and the way they’re both cagey enough to drag this thing out (and there’s so much to this fic!) i love these stupid kids

pro ball liuhimu by sannlykke: established liuhimu who went back home to pursue their dreams makes me want to melt (and somehow someday that they play in a league together again...) and even from a distance tatsuya being a dick about everything. and the two of them watching each other’s games, calling at odd hours (” The damned curve of his lips, even with the lag, is just too much.“)...i’m so fond

in you, everything sank by thimble: “The switch was less like walking onto a highway—an instant collision—and more like a jumping out of a helicopter—a slow freefall, an endless wait for the parachute to kick in.“ I did not expect an aohimu infidelity fic to get me as good as it did, knowing that there was no good or even not devastating end, one way or the other. every moment of this fic is inevitable; it’s a special kind of dragged-out slow burn except everything is burning down to the ground oh my god.

day/dusk/night/dawn by thimble: i feel like saying a lot about this fic ruins the fun of reading it, but...especially after the last one, taking them as an aohimu set is actually kind of nice. this one is completely different (i wouldn’t necessarily say opposite) but it, too, hits deep places in both characters that just makes me wanna yell.

time and place, here and now by justlikeswitchblades: i don’t tend to seek out first person, or pov alternating, but they’re the kinds of things that when done well make me sit up and pay attention. i’ve read this over again, sifting through the tiniest of details popping against my screen--tatsuya’s voice in the opening, his teammates, the way alex carries herself, taiga’s emotions--it can be so difficult to balance all sides of a polyship but this fic nailed it...i want More of all 3 of them but i can picture it so easily in my head, this pivotal moment in their relationship and its weight only as important as it is because of what comes before and after (if that makes sense lmao--just read the fic if it doesn’t.

heart of ice cream by justlikeswitchblades: PEAK BODY HORROR YO but forreal...this is probably niche appeal but hey, if you’re into vore and people made out of candy written out in alluring detail, this is the perfect fic for you (even if you’re not that crazy about murahimu)

kisehimu models by Plume_Sombre: it’s all about the details (”They talk about today’s events, how annoying that one manager is (always trying to arrange a photoshoot with the model he’s working for), how blinding the new spotlights in the C room are, how Koizumi-san’s curry almost killed everyone with spiciness“) and the slow build up to what is and what isn’t, the aching angst in less than 500 words. The loneliness is tangible and poignant and real.

addison and sheffield by justlikeswitchblades: speaking of ‘things i’m a sucker for’ but....happy ldr angst, aomido baseball au, reading all this especially now my heart is decaying.like...it’s a scenario we’d talked about before val wrote it, but there are so many details that made me so surprised and excited...i loved the way their age/experience difference is underscored without being too focused on, and all the things that make this au good & different

After Midnight by justlikeswitchblades: haikaga’s one of those ships i lowkey liked but never really thought about on my own and this fic changed that. i went zero to sound barrier in the time it take to read this fic and let me tell you. i didn’t know how much i needed raptors!zaki until i read this fic, and the whole thing is like. the perfect amount of tender for haikaga who are still trying to feel their way around each other, keeping things casual but less than they need to be (”His teeth are scraping over Kagami’s jaw and neck in a way Kagami's tempted to call gentle, and there isn't enough dissonance to call this person someone entirely different. Kagami is content with that.” mmm)

#ficrecs #disclaimer some of these were written for me so im extra touched #also if you wrote one of these & it's hosted somewhere else & you want me to use a diff link lmk #long post

[spillingdreams]

April Flew By Like A Hurricane

It is 1.42am and yet my heart is longing to type out my truest emotions.

Please bear with me, I will make this painful letter to thy self just this once.

For starters, my lease was up. To be honest, I loved that cozy home. It was quaint yet one of the prettiest homes I have lived in Singapore. Guess you pay for the price of away from the busy city that never sleeps. All you see is trees and unusual birds chirping every morning. If you are lucky, you will be greeted by the 4th floor miniature husky that gives you the best hugs. Plus points, it smells like sunshine.

I met a housemate that I never knew I would build a long lasting friendship. We are like the yin and yang that you could possibly imagine. We have big dreams and goals. Goal getter, would be a better term for us both. However, we both have high nervous energy that could sabotage our mental health in a glimpse of an eye. It didn’t help when we suffered a lot of unwanted heartbreaks and disappointments in 2019. To speak, we promised to repent and be the best versions of ourselves that we could ever be.

2020 flew by quicker than expected. It was not the best few first months. I had a fall out with Zaki, I did not know how to help him any further. Sure we were just fuckbuddies, but our emotional connection says otherwise. I guess you can quite figure it out that I have decided to focus on myself and not let be immerse to negative aura. It hurts but I think we are better off fixing our own selves.

Fast forward, I met someone new. Warned myself, “Do not fall for this fucker”. But my Cancer moon is brittle little match. It lits up every single day as we tend to take some time to communicate with one another. Some point, we would ended up meeting each other. Profile, student. Looks? Adequate. Humour? Average. He is one of the few that I brought home as we had no idea where we should hang for the first time. Wrong move, sister. You should have suggested some restaurant. But at the same time, you don’t want to break the bank of his neither you want to have high expectations.

I remember the first time I brought over Nick home. Nervous was the first thing I felt. Because he’s a stranger and who knows he could be a serial killer? He has the charm and no doubt he could pass off as Ted Bundy persona sans the psychopath criteria. Sure it hurts to think about it now, all he saw was just the surface of ity bits of normality. But what he did not know, he broke my heart. It progresses to the point we would meet every week. It starts to get more intimate when we send short videos of ourselves on what we were doing and who we are meeting whether it’s our friends or my unofficial cat. It felt like a sprung of emotions tied in a knot of hoping for the better. As weeks passed, I invited him to meet my friends for a social gathering.

Everything felt out of ordinary, little did I know I was going to get my heart broken once again. On April 1st to be exact. But the whole closure took place on the 5th of April so I guess that’s 5 days of gruesome of tears. He said as clearly as I could remember vividly on the phone, “I’d only see you as a friend. You are just a friend”. I guess physical intimacy is what you do with a friend? You’d kiss your friend because it’s the societal norm? Maybe you should have put your words in a better perspective.

As I had to deal with a ball of emotions and anxiety, I slowly moved into my new place with the help of Kamini (the housemate whom I have mentioned earlier), I wanted to remind myself that no amount of tears could not heal this painful heartbreak and disappointment. And no men could made me feel this way again.

My parents did not raise a weak bitch, no they did not. I took this lesson with a grain of salt. The other lesson I took with me is to never settle for less. You are worth more than anyone could ever describe.

As I am lying on my bed, I could not imagine my life to end this way. It was not a happy ending despite moving to a much more suburban community, to be closer to him but it was all a waste of time.

But I did not lose myself. I have gained a new perspective of myself, resilient in fact. Did I regret the choices I have made? Not for a second. I learned that beneath the good looks and the typical singaporean slang of him, if you are uncomfortable about sex, please skip the next paragraph.

Just kidding! I am leaving that to your imagination though ...

Hence, do not settle for less. Always do a fact check before you decide to fall for a heterosexual man. Preferably with much knowledge of the language. My eyes did sore for a min reading his paragraphs on LinkedIn.

I have indeeed learned so much. Thank you for this circuit breaker because I have taken a good day to reflect and acknowledge my fault and strengths.

All in the span of 4 months.

#personal

[evolutiontopeacefulmystic]

HANNUKAH (Chanukah) MIRACLE!   2 Maccabees 10:5-9 It happened that on the same day on which the sanctuary had been profaned by the foreigners, the purification of the sanctuary took place, that is, on the twenty-fifth day of the same month, which was Chislev. And they celebrated it for eight days with rejoicing, in the manner of the feast of booths, remembering how not long before, during the feast of booths, they had been wandering in the mountains and caves like wild animals. Therefore bearing ivy-wreathed wands and beautiful branches and also fronds of palm, they offered hymns of thanksgiving to him who had given success to the purifying of his own holy place. They decreed by public ordinance and vote that the whole nation of the Jews should observe these days every year. Such then was the end of Anti′ochus, who was called Epiph′anes. +LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF GOD,  through the prayers of the Holy Maccabee Martyrs Abim, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus, Marcellus, Solomonia, and Eleazar, have mercy on us sinners! Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Judas Maccabeus, have mercy on us sinners! LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF ALLAH (GOD), THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF SAINT JUDE (THADDEUS) THE APOSTLE, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Kontakion to Holy Martyr Menas of Egypt: Today the church honors those who fought the good fight and died for their faith: / The victorious Menas, the noble Victor and the ascetic Vincent. / The church glorifies their divine struggle and cries out with love: / Glory to You, O Christ, the lover of mankind. +LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, through the most powerful prayers of Saints Menas the Martyr of Egypt, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Moses the Ethiopian, Chiune Sugihara of Lithuania, Alexander Schmorell of Munich, Walatta Petros, Grigol Peradze, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Gabriel Urgebadze, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Mary of Egypt, Symeon the New Theologian, Paisius Velichkovsky, Barsanuphius Plikhankov of Optina and Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

ORTHODOX PRAYER AGAINST RACISM: Oh Lord, as You did cast down Pharoah and Antiochus, cast down the racists from their power. Help the people of color and the least of these and grant them Your joy and peace. Exalt the horn of Your elective poor and heal our nation from division.

Holy Virgin Protection Hymns: O Mother of God, sheltered by thy coming/ We faithful people today keep feast in joy./ And beholding thy most pure image/ moved to the depths of our heart we say/ Protect us with thy precious veil/ and deliver us from every ill/ by entreating Christ thy son and our God to save our souls. Today the Virgin stands forth in the church/ and invisibly with the choir of the saints prays to God for us./ The hierarchs bow down with the angels,/ the apostles and the prophets rejoice/ for the Mother of God prays to the eternal God for us. We magnify thee/ O most holy Virgin/ and we honor thy precious veil/ for Saint Andrew beheld thee/ in the air praying to God for us. Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, Son of God (Allah/ Elohim), through the prayers of thy most Holy Mother the Theotokos, have mercy on us sinners! 

Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Mary Magdalene, Maxim Sandovich of Gorlice, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Milad Makeen Zaky, Abanub Ayad Atiya, Maged Soliman Shehata, Youssef Shukry Younan, Kirollos Boshra Fawzy, Bishoy Astafanous Kamel, Samuel Astafanous Kamel, Malak Ibrahim Sinyout, Tawadros Youssef Tawadros, Gerges Milad Sinyout, Mina Fayez Aziz, Hany Abdel Mesih Salib, Samuel Alham Wilson, Ezzat Boshra Naseef, Luka Nagaty Anis, Gaber Mounir Adly, Essam Baddar Samir, Malak Farag Abrahim, Sameh Salah Farouk, Gerges Samir Megally, Mathew Ayairga, Magdy Sobhy Tawfeek, Sahar Talaat Rezk, Katherine Magdy Sobhy, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Father Samaan Shehata, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Gabra Manfas Queddus, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Thérèse Martin of the Child Jesus of Lisieux, Claudia Procula, Vida Dutton Scudder, Florence Converse, Dymphna, Khalid Jabara the Antiochian Orthodox Martyr of Oklahoma, and Michael the Archangel pray for us always!

Gospel of John 20:11-16        But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus [Yeshua] had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus [Yeshua] standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus [Yeshua]. Jesus [Yeshua] said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus [Yeshua] said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).

Protection Prayer: Today the faithful celebrate the feast with joy / illumined by your coming, O Mother of God. / Beholding your pure image we fervently cry to you: / “Encompass us beneath the precious veil of your protection; / deliver us from every form of evil by entreating Christ, / your Son and our God that He may save our souls.” Saints Mary Magdalene the Apostle, Andrew the Fool-for-Christ of Constantinople, Epiphanius, Romanos the Melodist, Metropolitan Peter Polyansky of Krutitsy, Thomas the Apostle, Sebastian Dabovich of Jackson and San Francisco, Olga Michael of Alaska, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Gregory Palamas, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna The New Martyr of Russia, Thekla the Protomartyr, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow, Apostle Paul, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Josephine Bakhita, André Bessette of Montreal, Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina and Pentapolis, Grigol Peradze,Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Peter the Apostle, Paul the Apostle, Pope Pius I, Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Takla Haymanot, Yared of Ethiopia, Hilda of Whitby,Florence Li Tim-Oi, Apostle Prochorus, Michael (Mikhail I) of Kiev, Olympia the Deaconess, Phoebe the Deaconess, Thérèse Martin of the Child Jesus of Lisieux,Herman of Alaska, Peter the Aleut (Cungagnaq), Hildegard von Bingen,Innocent Popov-Veniaminov of Alaska, Kateri Tekakwitha, and Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov pray for us always!!

Prayer to Saint Joseph the Betrothed:  O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intersession and obtain for me from thy Divine Son all the spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, so that having engaged here below thy Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee with Jesus asleep in thy arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name, and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen. Господи Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, помилуй нас грешники! 

Prayer to Saint Panteleimon: You emulated the Merciful One, and received from Him the grace of healing, Passion-bearer and healer Panteleimon; by your prayers, heal our spiritual diseases and continually drive away the temptations of the enemy from those who cry out in faith “Save us, O Lord.” Doamne Iisuse Hristoase, Fiul lui Dumnezeu, Miluieşte-ne pe noi pacatosii!

Troparion to Saint Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris:

You became a bride of Christ, O venerable Mother, And offered your body and soul to Him as a living sacrifice. You exposed the evil side of humanity’s ways, By allowing the light of the Resurrection to shine forth from you. We celebrate your memory in love, O Martyr and Confessor Maria. Pray to Christ our God that He may save our souls. +++ Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, Son of God, through the powerful prayers of your Most Holy Virgin Mother Mariam (Mary) the Theotokos and your Saints Mary Magdalene, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Moses the Ethiopian (Moses the Black), Walatta Petros, Mary of Egypt, John Climacus, Gregory Palamas, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Dimitri Klepinin the New Martyr, Ilya Elias Fondaminsky, George Yuri Skobtsov, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr of Russia, Alexander Hotovitzky, Kassiani the Hymnographer, Innocent Popov-Veniaminov of Alaska, Athanasius of Alexandria, Herman of Alaska, Peter Cungagnaq the Aleut, Olga Michael of Alaska, Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Silouan Antonov the Athonite, Sophrony Sakharov, Alexander Schmemann, Anthony Bloom of Sourozh, Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina & Pentapolis, Mitrophan Yang of China, and Joseph Kottis the Hesychast, have mercy on us sinners and have mercy on the whole universe.+++

FAVORITE QUOTE FROM SAINT MARIA SKOBTSOVA OF PARIS: “However hard I try, I find it impossible to construct anything greater than these three words, ‘Love one another’ —only to the end, and without exceptions: then all is justified and life is illumined, whereas otherwise it is an abomination and a burden.” LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF THE LIVING GOD, THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS & SAINTS MOTHER MARIA SKOBTSOVA THE NEW MARTYR OF PARIS, FATHER MOSES THE ETHIOPIAN (MOSES THE BLACK), MOTHER WALATTA PETROS, DOROTHY DAY, OSCAR ROMERO, SERAPHIM MOSHNIN OF SAROV, GREGORY PALAMAS, ARCHANGEL MICHAEL, HOLY RIGHTEOUS JOSHUA SON OF NAVI (NUN), ELIAS THE PROPHET, MOSES THE PROPHET, ARCHANGEL URIEL, AND GRAND DUCHESS ELIZABETH FYODOROVNA THE NEW MARTYR OF RUSSIA, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Ethiopian Orthodox Akathist to Saint Mother Walatta Petros:

Hail to you, Walatta Petros, a garden! Wrapped in heavenly scent, you are shade for the doves, from the heat of misery that fills our world. Hail to you, Walatta Petros, a mirror! You reveal the Trinity in its holiness to everyone, high and low: now the faithful sit safe on dry ground. Hail to you, Walatta Petros, a light! Your preaching split the darkness and the foolish friends of this world ran eagerly toward repentance. Peace upon you! What no eye has seen nor ear ever heard, that mystery you chose as your wedding finery, refusing a life of luxury.  Hail to you, Walatta Petros, our mother! Strength of will carried you through the narrow gate —like thousands of martyrs before and the righteous monks of Waseef. Peace upon you and your forebear Shenoute, arrayed in the armor of chastity! Come, comfort our distress and woe; guard us while the whirlwind rages. Hail to you Walatta Petros, who brings harmony! May the power of your help outweigh the schemes of Satan and of men; may it veil us like a cloud. Peace upon you! We make a walled fortress from your aid; we fear not the assault of godless enemies when they rise against us. Peace upon you! For your children, the brothers and all the sisters— plead without ceasing in the presence of the Lord, that they may avoid temptation. Peace upon you! You escaped the snares of beastly inquity by carrying the guarantee of victory—the cross— as did the disciples of Saint Macarius. Hail to you, Walatta Petros! From the Four Creatures of Heaven to where the Holy Trinity is worshipped, raise the incense of our song— with a censer wrought of light! LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS! MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS and Saints Mary Magdalene, Mother Walatta Petros, Mother Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Father Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Job Zhelezo of Pochaev, Gabriel Urgebadze, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, George Karslidis the Righteous of Drama, John Jacob the Chozebite Romanian (Ioan Iacob Hozevitul), Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Isidore of Seville, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr of Russia, Archbishop Iakovos Koukouzis of America, and Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia pray for us always!

Prayer to Archangel Michael: St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. +LORD JESUS YESHUA THE MESSIAH CHRIST, PRE-ETERNAL BISHOP, PRE-ETERNAL PATRIARCH & SON OF GOD, through the prayers of Saints Mary Magdalene, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Gabriel Urgebadze, Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow, Moses the Ethiopian, Archangel Michael, Archangel Raphael, Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Uriel / Archangel Ariel, Archangel Selaphiel, Archangel, Jehudiel, Archangel Barachiel, Archangel Raguel, Archangel Jeremiel, Archangel Anael, Archangel Jophiel, Archangel Zadkiel, and Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS!

Dormition Prayer: Neither the tomb, nor death, could hold the Theotokos, who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions. For being the Mother of Life, she was translated to life, by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb. Most Holy Theotokos save us! LORD YESHUA THE MESSIAH, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS! Saints Mardarije Uskoković of Libertyville, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr,Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco,Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina and Pentapolis, Grigol Peradze, and Holy Righteous Abraham pray for us always!

The Transfiguration Troparion / Kontakion:

Saints Mark Ji Tianxiang, Dimitri Klepinin the New Martyr, Ilya Elias Fondaminsky, George Yuri Skobtsov, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Alexander Hotovitzky, Spyridon of Trimythous, Sebastian Dabovich of Jackson and San Francisco, Olga Michael of Alaska, Florence Li Tim-Oi, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Maxim Sandovich, Ahmed the Calligrapher, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Gregory Palamas, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Porphyrios Bairaktaris the Kapsokalyvite, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Holy Prophet and God-Seer Moses, Prophet Elijah/Elias, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna The New Martyr of Russia, and Leonty Turkevich of New York pray for us! You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, / revealing Your glory to Your disciples as far as they could bear it. / Let Your everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners, / through the prayers of the Theotokos. / O Giver of Light, glory to You! On the Mountain You were Transfigured, O Christ God, / And Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could see it; / So that when they would behold You crucified, / They would understand that Your suffering was voluntary, / And would proclaim to the world, / That You are truly the Radiance of the Father!

Apostle Peter On Yeshua’s Transfiguration in 2 Peter 1:16–18

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

Matthew 17.1-9 (Yeshua’s Transfiguration)

And after six days Jesus Yeshua took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus Yeshua, “Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus Yeshua came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus Yeshua only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus Yeshua commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead.”

Mark 9:2-8 (Yeshua’s Transfiguration)

Now after six days Jesus Yeshua took Peter, James and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus Yeshua. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus Yeshua, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one Elijah” because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. And a cloud came and overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, HEAR HIM!” Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus Yeshua with themselves.

Luke 9:28-36 (Yeshua’s Transfiguration)

At that time, Jesus Yeshua took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became dazzling white. And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they wakened they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus Yeshua, “Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah” - not knowing what he said. As he said this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus Yeshua was found alone. And they kept silence and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.

John 1:1-17 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (John bore witness to him, and cried, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me.’”) And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Song of Songs/ Song of Solomon 5:10-16

 My beloved is a shining and fiery light, Chosen from countless thousands. His head is like refined gold; His locks of hair are shiny and black, Like a raven’s feathers. His eyes are like those of doves sitting by pools of water, having eyes bathed in milk and fitly set. His cheeks are like bowls of spices pouring forth perfumes. [His face is rugged, his beard smells like sage, His voice, his words, warm and reassuring.] His lips are lilies dripping choice myrrh. His hands are like elaborate gold set with precious stones. His stomach is like an ivory tablet inlaid with sapphire stones. His legs are like pillars or marble established on golden feet. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as the cedar trees. His mouth is most sweet and altogether desirable. This is my beloved, my companion, O daughters of Jerusalem!

Yeshua Calms A Storm in Gospel of Mark 4.35-41:

On that day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. And other boats were with Him. And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” And He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?” Lord Yeshua the Messiah, True God, have mercy on us! प्रभु यीशु मसीह, परमेश्वर के सन्तान, हम पर दया कर!  We learn from St. Mark that, in the words of the St. Athanasius the Great, “The Lord Who rebuked (the storm) was not a creature, but rather its Creator.” St. Basil the Great further teaches us that “by these encounters we are meeting the Father of the Son, the Father Who creates through the Son.

The Beatitudes: 

In Thy Kingdom remember us O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Dimitri Klepinin the New Martyr, Ilya Elias Fondaminsky, George Yuri Skobtsov, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Gregory Palamas, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Porphyrios Bairaktaris the Kapsokalyvite, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna The New Martyr of Russia, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Patrick of Ireland, Bridget of Ireland, Archangel Michael, Christopher of Lycia, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, John Sergiyev of Kronstadt, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Dymphna, Nino of Georgia, Joseph the Betrothed, Queen Esther, Judith the Conqueror of Holofernes, Archangel Uriel, Gabriel Urgebadze, Grigol Peradze, Apollonia, Panteleimon the Holy Unmercenary Healer, and Mary Magdalene pray for us always!

“I AM the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, he it is that BEARS MUCH FRUIT, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Mary Magdalene, Claudia Procula, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, John the Theologian, Pavel Peter Gojdič, John Maximovitch of Tobolsk, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco, Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia, Yared of Ethiopia, Gabra Manfas Queddus, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Herman of Alaska, Matrona Nikonova the Wonderworker of Moscow, Patrick of Ireland, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Josephine Bakhita, Dymphna, Herman of Alaska, Job Zhelezo of Pochaev, Luke Voino-Yasenetsky the Blessed Surgeon of Simferopol and Crimea, Peter the Aleut, André Bessette of Montreal, Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Gregory Palamas, Nilus of Sora / Nil Sorski, Christopher of Lycia, Thérèse Martin of the Child Jesus YESHUA of Lisieux, Vida Dutton Scudder, Florence Converse and Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow PRAY FOR US ALWAYS!

Prophesy of Daniel 3:16-18, 3:23-24

Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), and Abednego (Azariah) answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is in the heavens, able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.” And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the fiery furnace. And they walked about in the midst of the flames, singing hymns to God and blessing the Lord. +MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS AND SAINTS MARY MAGDALENE, Holy Prophet Daniel, Shadrach (Hananiah), Meshach (Mishael), Abednego (Azariah), Gabriel Urgebadze, Panteleimon the Unmercenary Healer, Apollonia, Xenia of St. Petersburg, Dymphna, Barsanuphius of Optina, Sophrony Sakharov, Grigol Peradze, Isaac the Syrian, Kassiani the Hymnographer, Holy Righteous Father Abraham, Queen Esther, Judith conquerer of Holofernes, John Maximovitch the Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco, John Sergiyev of Kronstadt, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, Phoebe the Deaconess, Patrick of Ireland, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna the New Martyr of Russia, Pachomius the Great, Alexander Hotovitzky, Alexis Toth of Wilkes-Barre, Phanourios the Great Martyr, Herman of Alaska, Peter the Aleut, Mitrophan Yang, Nectarios Kephalas of Aegina & Pentapolis, King David, King Solomon,Gabra Manfas Qeddus, Takla Haymanot, Yared of Ethiopia, Gregory Palamas, Holy Prophet and God-seer Moses, Elijah/ Elias the Prophet, Holy Righteous Joshua (Jesus) son of Navi (Nun) , Christopher of Lycia, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom, Hesychius the Horebite, Anthony the Great of Egypt, Michael the Archangel, Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, Salathiel, Jehudiel, Jeremiel, Barachiel the Archangel, Pavel Peter Gojdič, André Bessette of Montreal, Josephine Bakhita, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos and Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia PRAY FOR US ALWAYS!

“Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” Most Holy Theotokos and Saints Mary Magdalene, Claudia Procula, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Pavel Peter Gojdič, Vida Dutton Scudder, Florence Converse, Sergius, Bacchus, Bayard Rustin, Coretta Scott King, Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos, Josephine Bakhita, André Bessette of Montreal, Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Holy Righteous Prophet-King David, Jonathan, Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn, Silouan Antonov the Athonite, Sophrony Sakharov of Essex, Florence Li Tim-Oi, Grigol Peradze, Maxim Sandovich of Gorlice, and Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov pray for us always!

Saint Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia Quote:

“This is the way we should see Christ— He is our friend, our brother. He is whatever is good and beautiful. He is everything. Yet, He is still a friend and He shouts it out, “You’re my friends, don’t you understand that? We’re brothers. I’m not threatening you. I don’t hold hell in my hands. I love you. I want you to enjoy life together with me.” Christ is Everything. He is joy, He is life, He is light. He is the true light who makes man joyful, makes him soar with happiness; makes him see everything, everybody; makes him feel for everyone, to want everyone with him, everyone with Christ.“ -Saints Porphyrios Bairaktaris of Kafsokalivia, Paisios of Mount Athos, Maria Skobtsova the New Martyr of Paris, Seraphim Moshnin of Sarov, John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco, John Jacob the Romanian Chozebite of Hazeva, Ephrem the Syrian, Nektarios Kefalas of Aegina and Pentapolis, Grigol Peradze, Mitrophan Yang of Beijing, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna  the New Martyr,Moses the Black, Tikhon Bellavin of Moscow, and Nino of Georgia pray for us always! LORD YESHUA THE MESSIAH, SON OF ALLAH / ELOHIM, HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE UNIVERSE! LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON THE WHOLE UNIVERSE!

Prayer of Saint Paisios Eznepidis of Mount Athos: “Our Lord Jesus Yeshua the Messiah Christ: Do not abandon your servants who live far away from the Church. May your love convict them and bring them back to you.Lord have mercy on your servants who are suffering from cancer. On your servants who suffer either from small or serious ailments. On your servants who suffer from physical infirmities. On your servants who suffer from spiritual infirmities. Lord have mercy on our leaders and inspire them to govern with Christian love. Lord have mercy on children who come from troubled homes. On troubled families and those who have been divorced. Lord have mercy on all the orphans of the world, on all those who are suffering pain and injustices since losing their spouses. Lord have mercy on all those in jail, on all anarchists, on all drug abusers, on all murderers, on all abusers of people, and on all thieves. Enlighten these people and help them to straighten out their lives. Lord have mercy on all those who have been forced to emigrate. On all those who travel on the seas, on land, in the air, and protect them. Lord have mercy on our Church, the bishops, the priests and the faithful of the Church. Lord have mercy on all the monastic communities, male and female, the elders and eldresses and all the brotherhoods of Mt. Athos. Lord have mercy on your servants who find themselves in the midst of war. On your servants who are being pursued in the mountains and on the plains. On your servants who are being hunted like birds of prey. Lord have mercy on your servants who were forced to abandon their homes and their jobs and feel afflicted. Lord have mercy on the poor, the homeless and the exiled.Lord have mercy on the nations of the world. Keep them in your embrace and envelope them with your holy protection. Keep them safe from every evil and war. Keep our beloved Greece (we can add here the USA [or Planet Earth]) in your protective embrace day and night. Embrace her with your holy protection defending her from all evil and war. Lord have mercy on those who have been abandoned and have suffered injustice. Have mercy on families that are going through trying times. Pour your abundant love upon them. Lord have mercy on your servants who suffer from spiritual and bodily problems of all kinds.Lord have mercy on those who are despairing. Help them and grant them peace. Lord have mercy on those that have requested that we pray for them. Lord grant eternal rest to all those who have passed on to eternal life throughout the ages.”

[peachnchip]

Zaki’s circumcision

Dear arani,

A week before the second term of school started, Zaki had his circumcision. Like, we FINALLY went with it. Actually, there wasn’t a we in this because it was only mama who wanted Zaki to be circumcised early. The reason being mama was still on a maternity leave and this will be only time where mama can devote myself to him.

The procedure at the RIPAS hospital is that you’ll need to register and book a slot and after that the doctor will check the boy’s penis to see if its ok or not. Zaki was good to go, but the doctor also warned that its best to wait for the boy to be a bit older, preferably when they are 8 years old and above. Its so that they would not squirm or move so much on the operating table and are able to differentiate between sakit and ngilu.

Daddy was not keen on the idea from the very beginning so naturally after listening to the doctor’s explanation, it gave daddy more reason to be discouraged about the whole thing and tried to dissuade mama.

Ultimately, whether the circumcision will go ahead or not, depended on Zaki.

A day before Zaki’s scheduled appointment, we received a text from RIPAS asking if we’d like to come in the morning instead because one patient pulled out. Mama said yes, but daddy still clearly not too happy texted back with a heavy heart and sigh that we will be there. So many times that daddy tried to talk mama out of it, until we sort of reach a compromise and agreed that if Zaki is not ready, we will not force him.

The day for his circumcision arrived and both mama and daddy (with his long face) went to accompany him. Before Zaki was brought to the operating room, we were briefed about what they are going to do and if the doctor thinks zaki is not ready and won’t cooperate, they will not go ahead with it.

Somewhere at the back of my mind, mama thought Zaki would back out and we would just go home. Mama was already prepared for that scenario.

But Zaki surprised everyone when he bravely went through the whole procedure – granted he was wailing and crying throughout the procedure. Alhamdulillah nonetheless. Daddy held Zaki’s hand the entire time and distracted him with his favourite Super Mario game. After the procedure finished, he was still distressed crying his heart out, so much so that it must’ve frightened some of the other boys who was waiting for their turn.

Once at home, Zaki went on manja mode full swing. Mama was prepared for this. We made sure he rested, attended to his every need (i.e spoonfed him when eating, held his glass for him when drinking, carried him when he wanted to readjust his lying/sitting position) and got him whatever he wanted to help him get through this rough time of his. His happy pill comes in the form of a hubba bubba chewing gum and lounging around the house watching TV and on the ipad. Mama was not argue with it. I mean, its not like he asked for some super duper expensive lego toy.

Alhamdulillah, Zaki did not have any complications and fully recovered by day 7 just in time before school reopened. Throughout that week, Zaki was in his sarong and gamis for most of the time and he refused to take a shower for 2 days until mama had to force him with so much effort. The circumcised area probably felt ticklish which he mistook of being painful.  He didn’t pee for one and half day, probably too scared because according to daddy it would stung. But walking was not an issue for him, just had to walk slowly and I think by day 5, he was already playing his bicycle.

Alhamdulillah. So proud of Zaki. 1 down. 2 more boys to go. -.-“

Mama loves you all so much!

[divinethunder]

Dubai Safari World

Dubai Safari World

Now a days, On this new era people are keen in the direction of adventures , tour and thrills There are lots of sorts of adventures and excursion in UAE. The ride on the dunes was thrilling. We have been in the again seats of Land Cruiser and so loved rather a lot. In Desert Safari in Dubai the Camp you'll visit is among the many most vital Desert Camps in Dubai. It was made to resemble a conventional Arabian town. It may possibly assist you take pleasure in town of business. Take a jacket as a result of temperature drops in night at desert.

If you're fascinated to obtain newest info on our tours and excursions, please drop your e mail tackle below. We're always adding new departures dates and times, as they're made out there to TakeTours by our local suppliers. Greatest for quick hangout in Dubai, it allows you to explore the deserts without having to be involved about devote a complete day sightseeing. As well as, it is a photographer's paradise. The desert camp gives good sanctuary for custom lovers.

Escape the hustle and pressure of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and head for the warmth of the desert on a full morning's journey! Combine an thrilling 4 WHEEL DRIVE safari across the desert, with a leisurely camel ride, and try a spot of sand snowboarding for added thrills. We require a minimum of three individuals for this safari. Please name Morning Desert Safari in Dubai or email us and we are going to get again to you with more particulars. You can visit our picture gallery for pictures of Dune bashing and Quad bikes. You can also get extra data by clicking on the hyperlink beneath.

Dubai Morning Safari

For individuals who love looking out or snowboarding, this activity shall permit you to get related delight or more even. The graceful golden sand is a implausible floor to surf on. So, after conquering the sand in a SUV, it's time to overcome it over a snowboard. That is clearly an adrenalin pumping activity for teenagers and thrill seekers. Zaki advised us that the morning tour would Dubai Morning Safari not run daily, as most individuals want the afternoon tour, which includes meals, with a stomach dancing present etc. We felt that the few hours in the morning was excellent, leaving us to do our own factor for the remainder of the day and night time.

Morning Desert Tour

This activity ended up being my favourite a part of the tour! It was incredibly thrilling to ride up and down the sand dunes on somewhat machine. We followed another information who led us all over the dunes. It was essentially Morning Desert Tour the most enjoyable I've had in a very long time. My face literally damage from smiling so much with glee. We couldn't discover any obtainable dates for this tour, sorry for the inconvenience. Please examine our other offers.

The SIC tour transfer timing can be modified by half-hour to 60 minutes, based mostly on a number of features together with automobile availability, visitors condition, and your location. The early morning desert safari has been an amazing experience!!!! Watching the sun rising in the course of the dunes was priceless. The whole lot was nicely organized and the employees good and helpfull as effectively. Will certainly advocate it.

Thrilling desert drive over the golden sand in solar shine. To experience the tradition and culture of the Arabian land, you possibly can take a relaxing journey on a camel. Feel like nomads because the camels transfer up and down over the sand dunes. We additionally hold fuelling you with refreshments over the tour so that your pleasure doesn't fade off. I wished an actual desert experience. I need to journey a camel for longer than 5 minutes.

Highlight: Start your morning with journey. Spend your day under desert morning sun rays. Have an thrilling experience of Morning Desert Safari. If you are seeking to get pleasure from this trip and need to know what's included. Then read below for inclusions in our morning desert safari offers. Emirates has sponsored the creation of a conservation park right here and it was here that we drove to to begin the dune part. As it's all part of the same group I consider Arabian Adventures has the unique entry to this 225 square km park.

Early Morning Safari

This desert safari contains dune bashing and a chance to discover the desert by taking a look at its rare wildlife. You may as well get pleasure from activities like quad biking, camel riding sand boarding if interested (at additional costs). We delight Early Morning Safari ourselves on our attention to detail and how we exceed our guest's expectations on daily basis. In the event you prefer your Desert Safari in the morning, find out why Platinum Heritage is the #1 Desert Safari in Dubai.

Receive monthly cool ideas, inspiring stories, great critiques and presents. Since Desert Safari in Morning is a very powerful exercise of Dubai, choosing the right company makes all the distinction. Pregnant ladies, people with back problems, senior citizens with heart conditions and infants aren't really useful for desert safari tour. We simply had a fantastic time final time so we had to ask for our driver back the one and only QISMAT Once once more he was very helpful and took care of us.

Early Morning Dubai Safari

Dune Bashing in Excessive Pink Dunes for 35 - forty five Minutes. Pregnant girls, people with back points, senior citizens, or with heart problems aren't steered to do the Dune Bushing / Desert Safari. Make certain Early Morning Dubai Safari to inform us / driver to drop you on to the camp area. This sunrise safari Dubai is an impressive expertise. The warmth of the desert solar with the straightforward and cool early morning breeze goes to be probably the most gratifying expertise of your life. The morning safari commences with the ecstatic and thrilling dune bashing.

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