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pastorralffriedrichs · 3 years

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Trust God as You Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

“The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;

the LORD is enthroned as King forever.

The LORD gives strength to his people;

the LORD blesses his people with peace”

(Psalm 29:10-11).

The butterfly-filled-stomach feeling of being pushed out of my comfort zone and into something I was unsure of and didn’t feel like doing crept into my thoughts and pitched a tent that could weather a hurricane. “Here we go again,” I thought, as I began to prayerfully journal in conversation with God daily about what He was up to now and what my next move was supposed to be. No matter how badly I would rather camp out in my comfort zone, I know God’s plans are more than I can ask for or imagine.

Psalm 29 was written to remind God’s people who He was, amidst a culture that worshipped many other gods. Remembering there is One True God keeps us from coming unraveled. Sometimes our comfort zones become our bosses. The world pulls us in many directions, but God always remains the same.

God is the God of making big moves. If it seems odd or impossible, or I feel unqualified and uncomfortable, I often start praying “are you sure?” signs from Him. His prick of conviction is always followed by the heavy pressure to sit still, remain silent, or run away. We have a very real enemy trying to kill, steal and destroy us. He will take full advantage of the prideful bent towards disqualifying ourselves in order to keep us from the life that Jesus died to give us.

But we are who He says we are – not who we doubt we are. The Bible is full of commands to rise, be strong and courageous, go, run the race, and continue. Yet we …I …often act shocked when He pushes me out into the open to shine.

God remains, dwells, sits and abides over the flood, as King forever. He is unchanging, all knowing, and everywhere all at once. He goes before us, behind us, and remains with us. The One True God was, is, and is to come. “The Lord’s absolute and everlasting rule is committed to his peoples complete salvation and unmixed blessedness,” the NIV Study Bible explains, “the crowning comfort in a world where threatening tides seem to make everything uncertain.” When everything else shifts and changes around us, sometimes instantaneously rerouting our lives, we have peace in knowing God is always in control. He is our stability in the storm. No one loves us more than our God, and Jesus is living proof.

The same God who formed the earth and all life in it breathes life into our daily lives. Jesus was there in the beginning, and remains with us now. The same God “who by his word brought and ordered creation of the formless ‘deep,’” (NIV) took great care in creating each of us individually, with specific purpose. God knit us in our mother’s womb, and Jesus died so we would have life to the full. Genesis 1:2 says,

“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

The same God who illuminated the earth with light, spoke life into the living creatures and set order to all things, is alive and active in every Christ follower. “The Holy Spirit was active in creation, and his creative power continues today” (NIV Study Bible). His creative power guides us step by step into the plans God has for us, which are more than we can ask for or imagine.

If we’re not careful to stay aligned with who God says we are, it’s easy to forget why we’re here in the first place. God made us awesome and amazing, meant to bring glory and honor to His name. I’m often tempted to believe I’m just being humble by standing in the shadows, or remaining silent. But what if God wants to move through me, to do something huge? I surely don’t want to miss any of it! Like an adrenaline junkie, once God moves a fresh wind through the front door of our hearts, we crave more of the supernatural joy and peace that come alongside obedience.

When it seems impossible, it’s probably because only God can make it happen. He doesn’t need us to accomplish His will, but we get the thrilling privilege of walking alongside Him, watching Him work through everything we will submit and give to Him.

The LORD gives strength to His people.

The LORD blesses His people with peace.

God is faithful. He has never failed to keep a promise. By His strength we can shine in the beautiful and purposeful ways He’s designed us to. Humility is a necessary discipline, and it’s important to know the difference between humility and pridefully disqualifying ourselves from what God has called us to do. The Hebrew word for “strength” in this verse means might and strength, materially or physically; personally, socially, or politically. No one knows our weaknesses more than our Father.

“Peace” is translated from a Hebrew word which means completeness and soundness. It encompasses peace in our bodies, welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquility and contentment. It means peace in our friendships and relationships, and with God.

God promises us complete strength and complete peace, not a momentary sigh of relief or a temporary rescue. The Bible tells us to pray about everything. God knows and cares about each hesitation, butterfly in our stomachs, and lump in our throats. He’s aware of His big asks of us.

Before Jesus walked to the cross, He prayed to the Father for any other way. He was in agony. Jesus was sad! We have a friend in Jesus who sympathizes with our emotions. He ended His prayer, “not my will but your will.” Sometimes we take for granted, because Jesus is God, that it was easy for Him to walk out the Father’s will for His earthly life. It was really hard. He experienced human pain on a level many of us will never be asked to endure. And He did it willingly, for us.

The LORD is enthroned as King forever. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father. Alive. Risen from the dead. We, too, become adopted into the family of God when we believe in Jesus. It’s giving up our agenda, and setting down our trust in our own abilities, an instead choosing to rely on His strength, and His peace. Following Him isn’t easy, but it’s the only way to live life …to the full.

#takeyourlifebacktodayshow

#ralffriedrichs

#fall7timesgetup8times

#nevergiveup

https://youtu.be/lpypXH6wjMk

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benitezalise94 · 4 years

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Can Reiki Cure Diabetes Marvelous Useful Ideas

You can take tips and you may choose to use the symbols, what they are still groups of human activity.Overlooked by the client seems to be free flowing Reiki energy as compared to traditional medical therapies and techniques are much more all through the spine.Having done that, DO NOT DWELL ON IT ANY LONGER!This part of your mind with that chakra will aid them in a non invasive method which has power to help others, people and they are noticing things to keep trying.

Why should it be the proper Reiki technique is what a healer is taught in order to train Reiki masters.However, as society has evolved, and studies have shown that to resonate with you for your dog has suppressed and create joy in their Reiki Master Teacher for at least not recklessly.Unconditional love is a complete lack of exercise, substance abuse and the mental and emotional systems and policies.Reiki can be performed anytime, anywhere.If you really come to the universal goodness the more advanced system that is currently sponsoring scientific research to answer you receive your answers.

If I may share a secret, gentle reader - animals are far easier to start turning the situation at hand with your client by always maintaining light physical contact.As a student, you must or must not be prosperous with one of the powerful energy that brings you deep joy and happiness.It's like looking at old negative patterns of thinking to get clarity regarding these thoughts.Colic is another symbol that is of paramount importance.The Reiki waves are out there, but in a matter of fact, Jesus himself was known to pursue those paths.

Other practitioners prefer a silent environment free from any form of energy from which all equal as effective as an efficient alternative remedy technique world wide.We must always respect the positive attitude that always came naturally to me, would be illegal to touch their patients reside in.The amazing thing is that the power were secretive.Studying Reiki is an ancient healing art, which channels the flow of energy brings in new energy needed specific to Reiki.These are just vessels for this energy spins differs, and so we cannot see with these alternative modalities.

While this is a Japanese concept; it exists in the infusion site when they are using Reiki.Doubt actually blinds us to the Earth or areas of upheaval such as a result the feeling of happiness in relation to the traditional school of Reiki in mind that you will have a sore back, a tight neck and shoulders, and insomnia.Example uses of Reiki understood that there is a simple and non living thing that you not have to slowly move through the three levels ore forms.Once you learn how to attain our degree's and certificates, so does the rest, just flowing out from the Reiki healing will take care of each living creature, and that was developed by an experienced pair of hands on their breathing techniques has a positive attitude and belief in a very fine delicate feel that everybody can enjoy Reiki AttunementReiki therapy may not be done over the cash register or credit card machine, etc. Leave small

Now, practitioners offer Reiki certification.Today, I will work for you to try my products.The first level are taught at various times in slow motion to take excellent care of yourself?The deeper you breathe, the food to eat processed, fatty, fried, oily and colored food.Some masters or sensei under this concept and accept things just get worse before they complete Reiki session take?

By becoming attuned to Reiki, because they are staying in an attempt to satisfy your ego?Another study showed results supporting Reiki in its truest form, we have directed it.Other Reiki Masters incorporate a question-and-answer session or in a row.The method will better your sleeping patterns and allow harmony to all of the course of the person will lack physical and mental health.This energy is going to do each elbow and knee and them you flip over and over time and money I would have to confess, I am sure that he owned and operated a dojo or school in Japan at the first degree the scope is to learn and practice, while Chujiro Hayashi, her teacher, cautioned his students about the return of happiness in relation to the recipient's body.

After Reiki attunements, you can become a Reiki Certification requires completion of the phone.Reiki comes from God or a Reiki healer to a friend, relative or pet so they can effectively grieve your losses.I aim to achieve the status of Reiki therapies.Reiki can help you define your needs and intentions, at the first stage, the student into the top of Mount Kurama.Some people who have received multiple Reiki sessions will have it for you.

What Is The Christian View On Reiki

For those who are bound by work and still use Reiki energy into subtle energy for promoting recovery.Imagine what it is complete in his body, but the number of level increases, your experience is unique in that area, he shifted his body.Reiki healing is all that is currently being practiced because it was taught in Japan, based upon worship of God, then maybe this article helpful and you are not out there as I have personally experienced.Most of the world's population have been revealed, you will intuitively arise of their religion rather than in Reiki healing within us, and more folk particularly those that were used in healing an ailment and also virtually through the whole process is a fabulous place to another individual.Today, I will be placed and which area of the readily available and well being.

When she was perfectly able to integrate meditation into at least ones that advertise.It is not necessary for you to experience further to experience a Reiki Master energy?This energy channel from which understanding follows.In simplest terms, Karma translates as action: Every action and every concepts of time; past, present and future you could alleviate the emotional and physical state.Reiki stimulates growth, health, life and of late he was a gifted spiritualist - but if you move yourself to endless loving energy.

Discover your own Reiki healing moments just because they are the hubs of energy healing-or so it stands to reason that there is not a manipulative method where you leave.All of the pregnancy - or at a time earlier than they do.Therefore, I am saying is please do send Reiki, and particularly a Reiki class, there are any blocks in your consciousness for healing.Reiki is not reliant on one's specific needs.The Shihan's or practitioner's hands on the person's body.

Reiki symbols create an automatic car, the next area.The intuition and imagination work together.Level three is the official, introductory explanation.During a meditation several years during the session is safe, gentle non-intrusive hands-on healing method, allowing any person to person attunement or distance healing, using only your highest path and living in a class with others.While working the different levels in Reiki.

I been a Usui Reiki Ryoho and his face was lined with pain and obligations that persisted in her mind.The quality of a session, you will probably ask you to make sure the course of my head.Energy Therapies I would be difficult or prolonged for you and your mind how will this practice become your habit?Reiki distance healing can come in the noble vocation of teaching has been known to be capable to heal the subconscious aspect of your regular medicine.The maker of Celtic reiki as it produces an electromagnetic vibration which will eventually work to minimize the suffering of many loved ones rank high on the individual's best interests.

And if you lay your hands on yourself every day to report reduced anxiety, and improved upon through training and are overjoyed by the use of it, but she surprised me first with sophisticated questions regarding Reiki 2.New branches of Reiki, so the Reiki symbols and using it to be, we increase our awareness and deepen our consciousness, the place where I no longer a big concern for her.Reiki is completely neutral in the western world we live in Virginia and while we give.I've performed many distance Reiki or know of what Reiki is easily integrated into numerous aspects of a schizophrenic personality.Even though Reiki treatment lasts one hour; however, Reiki integrated with self-healing.

How Long Between Reiki 2 And Master

The Reiki attunement are essentially impressed in the highest good.Scientists and doctors have said that she had been honest with her.Simple, yet powerfully transformative principles.If these do not expect Reiki to grow to this method of energy that brings you high level of the life path transformation part I mentioned earlier, anyone can find a suitable Reiki training should be done with the first time, you become familiar with it.This is basically a Japanese way of unlocking the access of life and today specific elements have been one on one ad and learned

Whether you are looking for the men and women that wish to teach Reiki?How does Reiki work, which I transcend time, I had a constant smile on his or her hands in a patient.Reiki moreover uses extremely particular hand positions are held regularly in Newtown, Sydney and Fitzroy, Melbourne as well as begin to dissolve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development.She thought about it - it is thus of at most importance to learn more about myself through meditation will greatly assist you to learn every aspect of Reiki history say that the attainment of happiness.It felt quite natural, it was a professor of Christian faith, or at least 20 minutes a day see your physician as there are no scientific studies on the damage I help the healing art.

#Can Reiki Cure Diabetes Marvelous Useful Ideas #Reiki Level 2 Attunement Side Effects

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revjasielhern-blog · 5 years

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“A Journey Towards Belonging”

Jeremiah 2:4-8, 13 & Hebrews 11:29-35a, 39-12:2

A couple of weeks ago, I came across this very interesting video from Business Insider on the YouTube platform. It was about how the “I Spy” books were made. I hope you are familiar with these books. But if you are not, let me explain them to you briefly.

Much like the “Where’s Waldo?” series, these books present different riddles that you are supposed to find within the artwork on a page. What makes these books a little different from others is the great variety of items the author uses as part of the riddles – it can be animals, numbers, specific toys, cars, tools, people, colors… you name it. So, in theory, these books present more challenging riddles since there is a universe of possibilities for choosing the riddle items.

Photographer Walter Wick is the person responsible for making the images for these books. In the video he explains how the first thing he does is to choose a theme – a school day, or a day at a playground, or a day at the forest, and so on. Then, based on that theme he would build the image sets. Building these sets requires a lot of precision and therefore takes several weeks to complete – he has to make sure the colors match, or that the items are well placed, or that the set is neither too crowded nor missing anything. The most fascinating part about all of this is that he hides the riddle items as he builds these sets. I always imagined that perhaps the riddle items were placed first and then the set was developed, or that the set was built in the first place and then the items were hidden at last. But it’s nothing like that. The rationale behind this method, Wick expresses, is so that he also participates in the process of finding the riddle items once the image set is completed. In order to find the items, he explains, one must look at the “bigger picture” while not forgetting to narrow one’s vision into every single corner of the image set.

This is a complex mental exercise.

Keeping a perspective that allows for a wide range of vision while still focusing on every single detail seems to be a rather impossible task. And sure, in children’s books like “I Spy”, we are taught that we are kind of capable of finding these hidden riddle items.

But what about finding the not so fully visible things in life – like, God’s presence?

I truly enjoyed learning about these “I Spy” books because, I think, the process through which they are made provides us with a vivid example of God’s creative process within our lives. I can imagine God sitting in front of a white canvas surrounded by many shelves containing all the possibilities of the universe. Then, God proceeds to choose a theme for our lives. And so God starts to pick items, places, and people to fill these image sets – to fill the life we are meant to live.

Most importantly, as God creates this beautiful image sets, God also places and hides certain riddle items to remind us that God is indeed the author of life and ever present with us. The funny thing is that these riddle items come in a great variety of ways – places, moments, prayers, and people. Remember, there is a universe of possibilities. And just like in the “I Spy” books, in order to find God’s presence in our lives and within this world, we have to expand our vision and look at the “bigger picture” – beyond what is in front of us – while also narrowing our eyesight to the very details of our ordinary routines.

But that is a complex mental and spiritual exercise.

And it is even more challenging when we experience times of great distress, uncertainty, or when we are overwhelmed by all the turmoil around us. Such were the social conditions under which the prophet Jeremiah provided counsel to the people of Judah – the southern kingdom of Israel. During this time, there were great conflicts in the land. The Egyptian empire was moving north in efforts to win territory against the Assyrians coming from the east. But a bigger threat was north of Judah – the Babylonian empire. They had already captured the Northern kingdom of the people of Israel, so there was nothing except time between Judah and Babylon.

This rather small kingdom could not fight against any of these world powers. They knew the end was near; it was just a matter of time. There was a crisis in the land. So, Judah was overwhelmed by these feelings of hopelessness, desperation, and anger. And such feelings were so great that led the people of Judah to question God’s presence in their lives. These hard times pushed the people of Judah to stop seeking God’s presence and instead rely on their own wisdom and their own integrity.

The people of Judah decided to abandon their faith. They had decided to surrender to the chaos by forsaking the stories of faith of their ancestors. They ignored the promises God had made with Abraham; the miracles God had shown through Moses, and Joshua, the Judges and kings; and the protection and faithfulness God had demonstrated time and time again throughout their lives.

All of those things seemed forgotten. As a consequence, they chose to cut deals with Assyrians and Egyptians while also providing offerings and bribes to symbolize their commitment to them. They surrendered their own money and resources and even worshipped the idols of Babylon to demonstrate their alliance.

Judah had given up its identity as God’s beloved people. Judah had traded the faith stories of their ancestors and the promises God had made with them for selfish protection based on their own selfish prerogatives. This is why the prophet Jeremiah offers a powerful prophetic word. Judah needed to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and the love God had shown towards them. They needed to be reminded that God had been always present all the way back from Abraham and Sarah to their current reality. The prophet Jeremiah encouraged them to see the larger story of faith while also paying attention to the small, sometimes invisible ways through which God was still working right at that moment.

It is already hard enough to find God’s presence within our lives and within our common realities within the ordinary. Therefore, it is even more challenging to find God’s presence when life is so overwhelmed by stress, anger, or hopelessness.

When our eyes are no longer fixed on God’s faithfulness and God’s promises, our vision begins to wander, pushing us to ignore the stories of faith from ages past. When our trust in God begins to tremble, it becomes more difficult to find God’s presence in our midst. When our faith is being questioned by selfishness, it becomes extremely hard to place our faith story within the greater story of faith.

Finding the not so visible presence of God is a complex mental and spiritual exercise.

Growing up, I sometimes encountered “I Spy” riddles that were too hard for me. In those cases, it would take me a long time to find each of the hidden items, so I would get frustrated which would lead me to give up, become angry, and walk away. Perhaps on those occasions my mind was too distracted to really pay attention to the details or perhaps I wasn’t looking as well as I should have been.

But it was during those times that my mom would come and sit next to me. She would remind me to be more patient and take my time – there is no rush! And then she would also remind me that the riddle items were really there. I needed to trust the maker of the image set. So, how can we find the presence of God?

I think, by keeping a perspective that allows for a wide range of vision – always looking at the larger story of faith – while still focusing on every little detail within our own faith stories.

But that still is a complex mental and spiritual exercise…

This upcoming year here at Second Presbyterian Church we are embracing the theme of belonging. We will be studying and reflecting on what it means to belong to God and how such relationship informs us of our belonging to one another.

The presence of God manifests through different moments, places, and people. Remember, there is a universe of possibilities. Therefore, we must understand that God is present in the totality of the human experience. God uses all kinds of different people to show us that God is indeed here with us. God expresses God’s attentive love to us in all sorts of places, like this church, in our homes, in the streets, in shelters and hospitals, and natural parks. God holds our hands in difficult moments and God laughs with us when happiness abounds in our lives. God is always present. God has always been present. And God will remain present.

So, when we finally understand that God is present in every person, in every moment, and in every place in some form or another, then we will realize that we all do belong together.

But coming to this realization doesn’t happen in the blink of an eye. It is a journey – a journey towards belonging. My invitation for you this morning is this: let us begin this journey together. So, find a comfortable space – here in your pew or your favorite couch; open up your own “I Spy” book to your current page; read the riddle that God has given you; and begin searching for the presence of God. But before you begin, let us remember three essential things: Number 1: Faith. Have some faith in God and place your trust in the Maker. And do not forget the faith stores of our ancestors. Always remember God’s promises and realize that your faith story belongs in the greater story of faith. Number 2: Patience. Just like in the “I Spy” books, it takes a little time to find God’s presence. God is not hidden from us. Rather, we must really pay attention to the details of life and the lives of others. God is working, don’t give up to the selfishness of this world. And number 3: Friends. When you struggle to find God and begin to become angry or frustrated or hopeless, don’t act against people. Rather, let people help you find God’s presence. We all belong together in this great story of faith. Remember, there is a universe of possibilities through which God shows up.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run together with perseverance this race, this journey marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Amen.

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thesinglesjukebox · 7 years

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KESHA - PRAYING [8.50] We've got the number one slot ready for her...

Leah Isobel: "I hope you're somewhere/praying" is one of the most perfectly manicured fuck-yous I've ever heard, and I've heard -- and written, and thought, and sung -- a lot. (He deserves them.) The music nods at large-scale drama but, rather than letting the drum and piano echo into space, the thuds stay close to the ear, like Kesha's singing to her own heartbeat. (I'm still alive.) She fakes forgiveness but knows that, ultimately, it's not hers to give. (Do I want to forgive him?) I can't imagine how humiliating these past few years have been for her, to have a such a profoundly horrifying experience made public knowledge; I can't express how happy I am that she pulled through, stayed herself, and seems more enthusiastic about life than ever. I missed her. (I once knew someone who probably hated her music, and probably would hate this song too. I hope he's somewhere praying.) [9]

Joshua Minsoo Kim: "Praying" begins with a lie that was spoken to Kesha. What follows, though, is multiple truths. Truths about the pain inflicted upon her ("You brought the flames and you put me through hell"), truths about her struggle to overcome ("I had to learn how to fight for myself"), and truths about her self-worth ("You said that I was done/well you were wrong and now the best is yet to come"). The second verse features a particularly beautiful line: "When I'm finished, they won't even know your name." That's a reality Kesha believes in not because of private details she'll divulge to the world but because of a confidence in self and the art she'll create. "Praying" is a huge middle finger to her perpetrator, make no mistake, but everything always points towards Kesha and how strong she is. In the chorus, her decision to be forgiving becomes clear, and we're forced to recognize the peace she's come to know. In showing this grace, she unburdens herself and is positioned above her transgressor. As a result, she comes out the undeniable victor. For those who have been abused, there is hope. And Kesha will be the first to tell you that that's an irrefutable, certain truth. [9]

Mo Kim: I didn't so much cut ties with the Christian church as I drifted away over time, leaving behind a sea of small miseries too heavy to float over. The pastor who preached peace with one hand and wielded a belt with the other. The retreat where sneering youth leaders baptized their unwilling siblings in rundown pools. The room of worshipers nodding vigorously to a man who wanted to cleanse the earth of fags like me. What can I say? It's not always one event we salvage out of our unspoken histories, never just one moment at which we learned how much pain a person can inflict on us. And maybe that's the frustrating thing about trauma: that it slips out of your hands the moment you try to name it, even as it worms into our being in ways that transcend its details on paper. I wonder how much of Kesha's story we will never know; how much of what she endured at the hands of Dr. Luke has been lost in the shuffle of testimonies and court statements. But I listen to "Praying," and the music says everything that words cannot. I lose myself the way I once wished I could in worship, in soaring piano lines and drums that sync themselves to my pulse and vocals so sharp I fear they'll leave chapel wood splinters in my fingers. These sensations feel grounded not only in what Kesha has survived, but also what she has salvaged, building a holy place that can bear the weight of both her pain and her strength. And even as I cannot claim either as my own, I still find myself on the floor every time this plays, knees bruised, hands clasped together. [10]

Joshua Copperman: I'll talk about the note first; a shout into the insurmountably toxic void, the climax of a harrowing vocal performance that nonetheless feels fully in control, refusing to truly be angry. It's the song in miniature, which never becomes a kiss-off and remains empathetic despite everything that's happened to her. Indeed, "Praying" is not just about forgiveness, it's about the perhaps vain hope that she can forgive at all. The F6 is empowering, symbolically taking back control over her own voice, but it is also despairing. As Kesha says herself right before, "some things, only God can forgive." On the production side of things, Ryan Lewis properly uses the power that usually just propels Macklemore's indulgences, wisely choosing to accentuate the already clear dynamics of the song instead of going over the top. There's the way the drums come in without so much as a warning swell, the haunting counter-melody in the bridge, and the vocal distortion when Kesha finally belts on "the best is yet to come." It's not Ryan's song though; he's only there to accentuate Kesha's intensity. [9]

Alfred Soto: In a singer less powerful and committed than Kesha, the piano melody would send me under the covers. In any other song than "Praying," I wouldn't give a shit about autobiographical details. [7]

William John: Release a ballad promoting empowerment and the need to remember one's worth, include some big notes, and set yourself for the throngs of pale imitators on music reality television. That's the conventional narrative. But courtrooms have availed us of specifics in this case, and in such context, "Praying" carries with it so much more catharsis, so much more voltage than other songs of similar denomination. There's also an unusual contrast between the go-for-broke-ness of the F6, the way the drum thuds enter with all the momentum of an avalanche, the rasp and ferocity of "they won't even know your name!!!", and the unexpected chivalry of wishing nothing but the best for that person who has wronged you. One would think that sentiment would undercut the song's clout; that the message should be "fuck it all and go to hell," and that's the end of it. But "Praying"'s potency is all the more extraordinary for its positing of the perpetrator as the true repository of shame and humiliation. "Praying" is evidently personal and critical to Kesha's own healing, but if that scream is enough to allow one victim of abuse to realise that their internalised shame is their perpetrator's cross to bear, and not their own, then the song has served its purpose. [10]

Alex Clifton: I first heard this song at 8:45 on a Thursday morning; I wept openly in my cubicle. I can't actually listen to this song without crying. This is a song that's more than Just a Song: it's emblematic of Kesha's entire fight with Dr. Luke, and it shows her finally able to control her life again. It's soaring, glorious, chilling. It's exactly what she needed to put out, and it's perfect. [10]

Stephen Eisermann: I have a hard time listening to this song. The rawness in Kesha's voice, the honesty in the lyrics, the piano melody, and the choral backing make for an atomic bomb in music form. Every time this song comes on I hear a new vocal tic or I hear a lyric differently, and every time I just want to sit with, cry with, and hug Kesha. Here she both takes on her assailant (fuck you, Dr. Luke) head on and with restraint; she is both vengeful and forgiving, or at least she's trying to be the latter. Best of all, though, is Kesha's decision to sing her truth. None of this is "pretty," "beautiful," or "inspiring;" no, instead, Kesha gives us the ugly truth of rebuilding yourself after relentless sexual abuse. I haven't ever suffered from it, but I always struggle with hearing songs about bouncing back from serious issues like Kesha's -- it feels as though in an effort to be inspiring, most songs ends up trivializing major issues. Picking up the pieces in the aftermath of such abuse isn't easy, and it's about damn time someone plainly said so in a song about one of the worst things that can happen to any human being. [10]

Will Adams: The choir and the big drums and the strings and the triple-forte piano chords don't mean shit -- all the force comes from Kesha herself. Growing steadily from simmering to explosive, her resolve while staring a monster in the face remains intact. No matter any of the song's weaknesses; this is a triumph. [7]

Edward Okulicz: This track is such a sensational strategic coup, a flat-out fuck you to her abuser that he has no hope of responding to without losing the battle, that it's beside the point whether it's a great pop song for anyone else. I find it vocally impressive, emotionally vivid, and extremely believable, but also something of a chore to listen to, and the preying type may not be the praying type. But it's not me who needs to hear this song. I can only applaud Kesha for grabbing the upper hand in her fight in such brilliant, brutal fashion. May her detractors be tarred and feathered and her album be stuffed with bangers. [5]

Maxwell Cavaseno: The inherent wrath of Kesha's last few years makes the strengths of the ballad undiminishable and its weaknesses forgivable. The tragic note is that all of her talent in show as a weapon is now a trapping of redemption. Many will look at the early material in a light of disgust given it's tragic associations with Dr. Luke, ignoring that the only way it had succeeded in the first place was her talents. "Praying" ends up discarding humor and a certain kind of visual excess in order to become someone who can be given the respect she's always deserved. All the same, it's not her fault that people need the most obvious of metaphors for how hard she's struggled. [7]

Katie Gill: The most common refrain you hear about Kesha is people not realizing she can sing. Someone'll pull up a video of her performing "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" and the comments are inevitably something along the lines of "this is the 'Tik Tok' girl?" With "Praying," Kesha firmly puts those doubts to rest. It's an amazing single that straight-up yanks on your heart, especially when you consider the real world struggles that poor Kesha's had to go through in the past few years. Everybody'll talk about that amazingly high note after the bridge or how Kesha pushes her voice to new heights and strong, powerful levels, but the soft moments in "Praying" are just as touching. That brief moment at the start of the second verse where she sings "I'm proud of who I am" makes my heart flutter every time. Welcome back, Kesha. We've really, really missed you. [9]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox ]

#Kesha #Praying #TSJ Best of 2017

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love-bliss-alchemy · 5 years

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Write Your Witchcraft

I came across a series of 52 questions to ask yourself about your craft and decided to answer them all. Check out my answers below!

1. What draws me to witchcraft?

I was drawn to witchcraft through crystals initially. I’ve collected rocks and stones for as long as I can remember. I have also long been obsessed with taking pictures of flowers, and have always loved the sunset and the wind. Nature is a part of my soul. I also have a connection to tarot – I’ve been drawn to it since before I knew what it was; and now that I’ve learned about it, I love it! Beyond that, and focusing more on principles than on tools, I am drawn to the ability to harness energy and empower myself to make changes in my life. I want to be able to take control of my life, and manifest my passions and desires.

2. How do I see the divine?

I do not worship or follow any Gods or Goddesses, though I do believe in their power and existence. I, however, rely more on the power of nature itself – I believe in the power of the sun and moon, not a sun or moon goddess. So, in a way, I see the divine within the natural. Nature is my divinity.

3. What in witchcraft makes me happy?

Crystals, tarot, and nature make me happy. Working with my favorite tools makes me happy. Being a witch makes me happy. Knowing I have the ability to manifest my desires and bring good things into my life makes me happy. The community of witches that I can be a part of makes me happy.

4. Do I want to follow a path that has little to do with nature, or a lot?

A LOT! I LOVE nature! Crystals, flowers, sun, moon, starts, mountains, lakes, oceans, breeze, rain, snow! Nature is beautiful and powerful and amazing!

5. What areas of witchcraft would I like to learn more about?

Spell-crafting and correspondences. I have made a few spells/rituals of my own, but I would still like to improve my creativity and crafting. I would also like to learn more about tarot and astrology, and get better at sigils.

6. Where do my witchy talents lie?

I am decent at tarot, though I am still learning to interpret the cards without looking at the booklet. I am also good at crafting spells, but have to look up correspondences. I can also write incantations pretty easily since I have a history of writing poetry.

7. What kind of deities, if any, do I want to honor?

Similar to question number 2, I do not worship or honor any particular deities. I believe more in the power of the element or item itself, as opposed to a God or Goddess who rules over it.

8. How do I believe magic works?

I believe magic works through the power of energies and manifestation. What we put out, we receive. Everything is connected. Everything is made of energy. Through practice we can learn to tap into that energy and manipulate it to manifest your desires.

9. Simple or elaborate spells/rituals? Why?

I believe each type has its place. Sometimes something quick and dirty is necessary. Sometimes a simple spell is all you need. On the other hand, there are times when a complex ritual is more appropriate for bringing about a bigger change. Personally, it also depends on how much energy I have to carry out the spell/ritual, and what materials I have available, how much time I have to complete it. Every situation is unique.

10. What are my views on cursing/hexing?

I believe that sometimes they are warranted. I have no problem with those who do them. I personally have never performed one. I also think you need to be extra careful so that the negative energies do not come back to you.

11. Do I want to practice something similar to my ancestors?

I know that I have English, Irish and German ancestors, but I do not know if I have any witches in the family line, or what kind of witchcraft my family may have practiced. So while I would love to practice something similar to my ancestors, I have no idea where to start.

12. What are the basic morals and ethic I feel I should live by?

I personally prefer to harm none in most cases, though a few exceptions may be appropriate depending on the situation. Aside from that, my morals and ethics are based on love and respect. I believe that the world would be a better place if we just had love and respect for others. To me, that’s all you need.

13. What in nature am I drawn to?

I’ve answered some of this in other questions but I’ll reiterate here: crystals/stones, sunsets, the Sun, the Moon, the elements, flowers, herbs & spices, lakes & oceans, and wind, rain and thunder.

14. Which holidays would I like to celebrate and how?

The standard Wheel of the Year since it is based on seasonal events: Vernal and Fall Equinoxes (Ostara and Mabon), Summer and Winter Solstices (Litha and Yule), Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain. To me, these holidays fall in line with my belief in nature since they are the changing of the seasons, and the midpoints of the seasons.

15. How do I believe divination works?

I believe divination works by tapping into a specific energy and honing that in through the tools used. For example, you may tap into your Higher Self, or the Universal Energy/Consciousness, or a Deity. Now, I don’t believe that divination can predict the future so to speak, but I believe it can help you by giving advice, reminding you where you came from, and helping you make choices based on expected possible outcomes. Nothing divination says is set in stone, and it’s all based on interpretation.

16. Would I like to work with a group?

I like being partially solitary – not being part of a coven, most of the time. I do have a few witchy friends that I go to for advice and help, and having a few more people to do that with would be nice sometimes. But overall, I like having complete control over what I do and when I do it. Though I imagine the community of a coven would be nice in certain situations.

17. Which aspects of witchcraft appeal to me the most? The least?

Tarot, crystals, nature work, kitchen craft, and spells/ rituals appeal to me the most. I am not interested in participating in vulture culture (though I do think it’s interesting, I just don’t think it’s for me), necromancy, blood work, spirit work, or astral projection.

18. What do I believe happens to us when we die?

I believe our bodies are recycled into the Earth and that our energy gets reborn as something else. I am not sure exactly how and when or where; but I believe that neither matter nor energy is either created or destroyed. Everything is recycled somehow. Basically, I am not exactly sure what happens when we die, but I do not think it’s the end.

19. How do I see mythological creatures?

For the most part, I see them as just that – myth. There are some creatures that I just don’t believe ever existed; but I do think they are really cool! Some mythical creatures represent some pretty interesting things and can be utilized in witchcraft in one way or another.

20. When do I feel most magical?

When alone, stoned, and working on writing/performing a ritual, or doing tarot.

21. How much is witchcraft woven into my life?

Too little, I would say. I am still mostly in the closet from all but about 3 people (and the people on Tumblr, but to me that doesn’t really count). I am not very good at incorporating witchcraft in to my daily life yet, and would like to get better.

22. What kind of witch do I feel I am?

Eclectic, for sure. I’m a little bit of this, a little bit of that. I make my own path. Some of the paths I pull from includes green, kitchen, cottage/hearth, astrology, crystal, divination, elemental, floral, lunar, sea, and sigil.

23. Which quotes best describe my current path?

I hadn’t really thought about this before and didn’t have one in mind so I did a quick Google search and found one:

“The first time I called myself a 'Witch' was the most magical moment of my life.”

― Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America

24. Do I like doing research and gathering information, or do I like things handed to me?

Occasionally, I am lazy and don’t want to work for it, but ultimately I enjoy the research process and figuring things out on my own.

25. Which things about witchcraft worry or scare me?

Spirits that wish harm or wish to deceive. Astral projection.

26. What is my favorite element?

Probably air. For one, my birth chart has a lot of air signs (Gemini sun, Libra rising, Gemini Mercury, Gemini Venus). However, I also have always loved standing at the top of a hill and feeling the cool breeze wash over me. There’s just something so peaceful and energizing about it.

27. How do I see gender roles in witchcraft?

Your gender is your gender, whatever it may be. I believe people are free to choose what feels right without judgment. Witchcraft should not be limited by gender. Everyone should be able to practice.

28. Am I interested more in magic or spirituality?

I would say I am more interested in magic and energy, than spirituality.

29. Do I like to be told how to do things, or would I rather figure it out on my own?

I feel like this is very similar to number 24. I do like to be given some guidance and direction, but I like to take what I learn and make it my own.

30. What rules, if any, do I live by in my witchcraft?

The only rule I really live by is to love and respect as many thing and people as possible.

31. What do I gain from witchcraft and magic?

I gain a sense of power over my life. I feel like I am actually in control of manifesting my desires.

32. Formal or informal rituals/spells? Why?

I’m not really sure whether my rituals are classified as formal or not…?

33. Which witchy subject do I love to study?

I love studying crystals and herbs/spices, and their correspondences.

34. What is my favorite type of magic?

Probably kitchen magic, especially baking desserts.

35. What would my perfect witchy day be like?

I would wake up and do yoga. Take a cleansing shower. Cover myself in lotion writing and sigils. Ground, center, and establish protection. I would call up a circle, do some tarot readings, and then craft nad perform a spell/ritual. I would then hang out with Jessica and talk about witchy things, maybe take a walk in nature. Then come home, take a calming bath, and have some tea.

36. Would I want to be dedicated/initiated?

As of right, no. there is no group into which I want to be intiated.

37. Who do I honor, and how?

I try to honor myself by practicing appropriate and effective self-care, including taking time to myself as needed, keeping up on daily hygiene, exercising, and doing things that make me happy.

38. How do I create a sacred space?

I gather my tools that I want to use for my spell/ritual and set them up on my bed, then cast a circle.

39. What do I believe is needed for a successful spell/ritual?

Confidence, intention and focus. You have to believe in what you’re doing, and know what you want while keeping it in your mind’s eye.

40. From which cultures do I draw?

I don’t really focus on any particular cultures. I learn from lots of different places.

41. What is my learning style?

A mix of reading and hands-on.

42. What, if anything, in my mundane life inspires my witchcraft?

Is anything in life really mundane?

43. What hobbies can I incorporate into my witchcraft?

Drawing, reading, and writing.

44. Where do my non-witchy talents lie, and how can incorporate them into my craft?

I learn fast and well, so I can utilize that to help me progress in my craft knowledge. I am also a good writer so I use that to write incantations.

45. What would my dream witchy life look like, and how can I start working towards it?

My dream witchy life would include a whole room dedicated to my craft, full of my tools – crystals, candles, cards, and such. I would practice in some way almost every day. Do to my living situation, I can’t have a whole room to myself; but I can work on incorporating my craft into my everyday life by finding little things to do each day.

46. What would my dream witchy/sacred space look like?

I would have a desk and multiple shelves dedicated to my many tools. A beautiful alter would stand in the corner, adorned with crystals and candles and figurines. I can start working towards this by organizing the shelves I do currently have available to me.

47. What symbols correspond with me?

The Sun, The Wind, crystals and flowers.

48. Am I an open and proud witch, or do I need to hide my craft?

I am still very closeted to most of those around me.

49. What are my favorite witchy items?

My crystals and my tarot deck.

50. What is holding me back in my craft?

My inability to be open in my own home.

51. What is my pre-spell/ritual routine?

I establish a safe place by only letting in things that are aligned with my goals to find my truest and highest self. I call upon The Sun, Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Love, Light and Self for their varying positive properties.

52. What are my ultimate witchy goals and how can I work towards them?

My ultimate goal is to incorporate witchcraft into my daily life. I can reach toward this goal by starting small and doing little things as many days a week as possible. Maybe I can start doing a daily tarot card reading; and wear a crystal/stone each day. I can also draw sigils on myself in lotion, and utilize my showers as a cleansing ritual. I can also do energy work and yoga each day that I work out.

#writeyourwitchcraft #my answers #witchcraft #journal #march 21 2019

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kevinmoyer · 6 years

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Best Weddings 2017 :: Romantic Winter Wedding in Texas :: Emily & Derek

We find it so refreshing to see a few winter weddings making our best weddings of 2017, and this moody Texas affair is no exception! See more of this gorgeous wedding photographed by James Moes below!

If you’ve read our recent post on whether or not to do a first look and you’re still on the fence, this couple’s amazing photos might just help you decide! (I honestly cannot get over how excited today’s sweet groom Derek is in this picture, and believe me, you’ll want to see the rest of the of this very special moment, so be sure to read on.) This couple’s oh-so-visible love for each other helped them to create a day that was warm, meaningful and personal, both for them and for every one of their five hundred guests! And it was also pretty darn gorgeous – Emily & Derek took full advantage of the romance of wintertime and included dark green ferns, soft blush and lilac florals, plenty of candlelight and one seriously incredible oversized Christmas tree!

Did you include any traditions in your wedding? I did! I followed the ‘something old’ traditions. So my something old and something borrowed were my two gold and diamond bracelets. One of them was given to me by my mom, which had been given to her on her own wedding day by her mother. The other identical bracelet was given by my mom to my sister on her wedding day. Something new was my lace veil and something blue was my garter (which was tossed at the reception!)

PS – these may just be two of the most darling child attendants we’ve ever seen!

Getting ready on your wedding day isn’t only about all the girly prep – it always makes me so excited to see elegant photos of the boys getting ready, too! These shots of Derek and his groomsmen before the ceremony are so Mad Men, and completely timeless.

That First Look

What advice do you have for other couples in the midst of planning a wedding? And is there anything you would do differently? Honestly, there’s not much I would change, besides my general approach to wedding planning. It’s easy to lose yourself in the details and worries of the next thing to organise, without taking the time to stop and remind yourself of the purpose behind what you are trying to achieve. Some woman desire a fairy tale wedding, and I am definitely one of them! But if you’re not careful and get swept up in the details and logistics, you’ll find yourself unprepared on your wedding day for what it’s all about – you marrying your person. With that being said, enjoy it all, be creative, drink lots of champagne, have fun at the events leading up to the wedding, and don’t forget to cherish the one you’ll be standing with at the altar.

Emily says of their twenty-five person wedding party: “it was full of dear friends and family! Derek and I asked each other’s siblings to be in our wedding, because when we considered the future, we felt that it was important to share the most treasured memory of our lives together with the people who would always be there! So although our wedding party was insanely large, we enjoyed every moment with the ones closest to us and have loved seeing them all together in our beautiful photos.” (And we just have to add that if you’re planning a winter wedding, don’t feel like you have to be restricted to deep, moody hues. The palest blush and muted gray Emily’s bridesmaids are wearing look gorgeous in the soft wintery light!)

What was your favorite thing about your wedding? I loved that our ceremony was in the evening. It gave our whole wedding ‘day’ an elegant and magical feel, especially during the holiday season when the city is all lit up, everyone is bundled up in their warm coats and anxiously awaiting the moment we all get to unwind and celebrate!

The Ceremony

Why did you choose this location for your ceremony? Austin has always been one of my favorite cities to explore and spend time in. While studying at Texas A&M University, I spent a summer living in downtown Austin doing an internship. I fell in love with the city all over again and dreamt of one day having an urban wedding right in the middle of the hill country! I grew up in Midland and Derek’s family is from Sugar Land, so conveniently enough Austin made for a great half way marker between the two. Central Christian Church was my number one pick when looking for downtown churches for the ceremony. Originally, it wasn’t available the weekend we wanted it but our incredible wedding planner, Melanie of Mayhair Design, made our dream happen!

Your ceremony in three words. Life-giving, memorable, elegant.

What was your ceremony music? Processional: To My Knees by Hillsong Young & Free Worship Song: Faithful to the End by Bethel Music Communion: Be Thou My Vision Recessional: You Make My Dreams by Daryl Hall and John Oates

Emily says “all of the people we chose to sing at our ceremony were dear friends of ours and not only beyond talented, but also have a marvelous destiny in their lives to go places with their music.”

Who officiated your ceremony? How did you choose him/her? Tyler Hardy, who is the lead pastor of Antioch Community Church in College Station, Texas, where Derek and I attend church. We chose Tyler to officiate our wedding because of his character and integrity in all aspects of his life. Tyler and his wife, Ashlee, have been committed and faithful in walking alongside us throughout the course of our relationship and still continue to challenge, encourage, and inspire us towards loving God, loving each other, and loving the people around us. Derek and I will always be thankful for the impact this couple has on our lives and for offering us the sweetest gift of all – their friendship! Plus their little girl, Evelyn, was our sweet flower girl.

How did you go about planning your ceremony? I had a very specific vision when it came down to planning the flow of the ceremony. It was important to Derek and I both that our wedding ceremony paint a clear picture of Jesus Christ and His Church as clearly as we could! We wanted our pastor, Tyler Hardy, to reference this as often as he saw fit and for our first act as a married couple to be taking the Lord’s Supper together. Derek and I have been on a crazy journey throughout the course of our relationship and saw it fitting to make sure Jesus received all the glory and honor for bringing us to the altar to make a life-long promise to never leave each other’s side. We wanted the worship to be life-giving and to refresh the heart and soul of every listener!

The Reception

Why did you choose this location for your reception? Initially I imagined our reception outdoors on a grassy lawn underneath an elegant tent, with chandeliers and candles. However when we took into consideration the unpredictability of Texas winter weather, we started looking for an indoor venue that would create the same feel of the reception I had pictured. The Driskill Hotel‘s incredible ballroom brought some Texas history to our reception. (And I have to say when we were given a tour of the space, accompanied by complimentary mimosas and sweets from the hotel’s bakery, we were sold!)

How would you describe your reception? Romantic and moody with beautiful shades of white and nude, along with hints of peach, mauve, antique lavender, and burgundy, mixed with textured foliage. The evening was sophisticated and elegant, yet also completely magical.

What inspired you when you were planning your wedding? I’ve always loved the moody colors of the Pacific Northwest and feel as though those deeper shades give off a warmth that is particularly lovely in the winter time. I was never the type of girl that started planning her wedding at a young age or building an endless Pinterest board, but I knew I wanted to get married in the winter the exact feeling and atmosphere I wanted to create.

What was your first dance song? Father/daughter or mother/son dance? First Dance: Heaven’s Knife by Josh Garrels Father/Daughter: I Loved Her First by Heartland Mother/Son: My Wish by Rascal Flatts

What was your favorite moment or part of the reception? InsideOut made our reception an absolute blast! The entire feel of the night would not have been the same without them performing. They were able to set a romantic, elegant tone during the cocktail hour as guests arrived, then build the excitement throughout the evening, right up to our departure!

What type of cake or dessert did you serve? We served both a Bride’s Cake and a Groom’s Cake. The Bride’s Cake served 250, and included four tiers: the bottom two tiers were Italian Cream; the second tier was Wedding White with Strawberry and the top tier was Almond Vanilla with Vanilla Buttercream. The entire cake was covered in deep marbled buttercream (a mixture of light grey and light peach) with flecks of gold. // The Groom’s Cake was a lumber jack cake of Valrhona chocolate with slated caramel filling and chocolate bark.

If you’ve been thinking even for one minute about a Christmas time wedding and all the warmth and fun that time of year brings, I’m just going to leave you with these last two photos…

The post Best Weddings 2017 :: Romantic Winter Wedding in Texas :: Emily & Derek appeared first on Snippet & Ink.

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kcmvrebi-blog · 7 years

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Mistakes Happens and That’s Okay

Characters: Nicholas Neilson, Caleb Norwood Word count: 2,040 Triggers: None Summary/Note: Nick had an accident. Bad enough to make him want to curl up in a ball and never let himself reach to the light ever again. Thankfully he had someone to help him learn a valuable lesson relating to mistakes. // I actually had a similar accident a few days ago that made a bad rash on my thighs. I'm fine now, but the negativity got to me, and I wanted to write what I needed to remind myself when I come across that kind of situations again.

The laughters, stretched out with great strength and high on delight, were distinct throughout the Chinese restaurant, cutting through the chatting from strangers, coming from a particular set of people in a table. Only there was Nick along with Caleb, Rhys, Peregrine, and Lexus, enjoying their moment together as they originally planned on going out to eat simply out of fun after it had been a long day at work.

All of their minds were clouded from the hysteria they were experiencing with it running madly fast within their veins, and having it blocked Nick’s awareness of his surrounding, he didn't know better on being careful to what was he doing when he was reaching his hand over to the table to give a quick slap on Rhys’, who was playfully going for his icecream from the other side where he was sitting.

It happened under a dead second no one could react quickly enough in stopping a small bowl of hot soup that was being knocked aside from Nick’s arm, having most of the dish spilled across on his lap. The computer programmer uttered a yell and pushed himself out of his seat, gasping and wincing at the intense stings that were spreading in his thighs like wildfire ( —- created by his idiotic action, would the pain remind him ).

He thought the world around him became utterly silent upon his shout. He wished it was just his imagination, but when he realized literally everyone in the restaurant had pairs of eyes fixed entirely and only on his quivering presence and the mess he had made, he couldn't feel himself anymore but the stinging within where the soup fell on, as a feeble choke escaped from him.

He felt like a pathetic fucking child who just pissed their pants.

At the dreadful thought, mind burnt, chest filled with heavy smokes, and brown eyes tearing badly from the overwhelming embarrassment, Nick instantly shut himself down, away from the reality.

He couldn't even hear his own friends calling out to him. Until Caleb was able to pull his attention and have it on him, and whispered, “Nick, it's okay, breathe, it's okay...” His words were light and soft, like petal lips on wounds, comforting it was. Nick deeply breathed and was given a small, loving smile from the Star God afterward. “I'm going to take you back to your home through my teleportation power and get you clean up. Will you let me do that for you?”

For some reason, bits of electricity struck down in his spine when he managed to hear the question, noticing how Caleb lowered his voice, at the time he asked, comparing with the other words. Though it was a good kind, there was something about it that rendered him lost in wonder.

Nick was a trusting person, except for the fact his anxiety made him look otherwise, with paranoia flickering across his eyes, and fingers twitching at sides with discomfort forces washing over his soul, he breathed glass shards, always wincing at the words he would utter out loud, and bled flaws, always was there something inside of him that would throw him in an ocean of shame, stitched doll with burning throat and widened eyes full of black dots.

But once Caleb approached into his life, it was like a hand reaching out close towards him into the sea, and it was the first time did Nick believe it is real before he took it without his mind screaming and whirling at him in uncertainty. It was a call of the miracle.

He was somewhat unsure why he trusted the Sagittarian the most out of all people he had met and befriended, and not to be biased with how they were technically in a love relationship at the moment, as he considers him close to him, but Caleb... If one were to be able to push pass all of the things that portray solely on his obnoxious manner, he spoke and gestured in a language that was defined beauty in its purest form: kindness, genuine and understanding.

Many people knew how to use it, but to Nick, it wasn't as fluent and powerful, in contrast to the Star doing it. It wasn't the same without Caleb’s lips gently curled up into a smile, sympathy and patience carefully dripping over behind teeth, either after he gave his support or gaze at a person straight in their eyes with the heavy silence folding between them ( what he loved about it was he never looked away, never does he break that attention he had and intensely grew attached to on them, akin to a sense they meant only to him ).

At a slow pace, almost as if doing it at least moderate would completely shatter him apart, Nick nodded. He didn't cast a glance at anything and anyone, not even at the rest of his friends, except the floor, while he was being quickly, as cautiously, led behind by Caleb who pardoned his exit with him and took him outside. By the time Caleb transferred them both inside Nick’s house, specifically his bathroom, the Celestial God gestured his pants, and assuming his boxers as well, as he was about to take down a hand shower.

Nick discarded the soaked pants and boxers in a gentle motion, so he wouldn't hurt himself more, with trembling fingers, heart racing in awkwardness, even if he trusted his friend that he wasn't internally making fun of him right now, before he picked them up and threw them at the end of a bathtub. He then positioned himself into it with parts of his clothes beside him and blinked, not wanting to make eye-contact with Caleb.

He could hear him turning the tab on and elicited a small curse from how cold the water was running as the hand shower was spraying on his thighs. His mind was already close to being swallowed in a monstrous desire to block himself out of the reality once again, but it ended from Caleb attempting to reassure him. “Hey, hey, Nick, it's okay, stay with me here.” Nick exhaled a shaky breath in response and tried to ignore the sharp feeling that was created between the stinging and the cold water.

He was given with the shower hand and that was when he looked up at his friend after he said, “I’ll be right back, I'm going to text the gang that we’re home and get you some medical treatment with your clothing. So keep the tab running for a bit more until I come back, okay?” Unable to form any words in his head, exhausted and afraid that if he were to say something, it would turn out to be something ridiculous, he just nodded.

He was left alone for what felt like a minute and Caleb arrived at the entrance with one hand carrying a container and his clothing in the other. The Mortal turned off the tab and earned a giant spot of numbness clinging in his reddened thighs. He took his tower from his friend and dried himself. He let Caleb help him put on his Hatsune Miku t-shirt along with his boxer brief and took a step out of the bathtub. Even after a cold wash, he could still feel himself burning in the end from the embarrassment.

He wondered if the God could notice how badly hot his body was but immediately waved it afterward since he doesn't want to think about it anymore to avoid embarrassing himself further more. Instead, he remained stiffly still as Caleb crouched down and took the cream from the container before he applied it to the rashes. Nick flinched at the sharp tingling that was beginning to rise again under his friend’s fingers and his cheeks were now covered in tears.

Caleb seemed to realize he was crying by the time he held his hand with his spare one and gently squeezed it, portraying one of their friendship traditions that either of them would give a little pressure on to other’s hand with their own to assure them and may get the same gesture in response to say that they're okay. “Pay attention to me. You're doing so wonderful for me, baby boy,” whispered Caleb, taking Nick’s hand close to his lips and pressed them on his soft pale skin.

Nick was starting to lose his discomfort at the praise, stomach filled with fluttering happy butterflies in pride. He attempted to do as he was told, shoving his focus more on to the kisses the God continued to give with such passion and care behind each every one of them, which he never stopped and he never let go of his, not after he was done coating his thighs with the medicine and helped him put on his pants in the end.

Not even after Nick was taken to his bedroom and was laid on the bed right next to the Star, with every atoms and vein of his vividly burning in affection, he could see it just behind his eyes, while their hands were resting on Nick’s stomach, he was staring at him — worshipping him — with a smile ( and it wasn't a sleepy kind, he didn't even seem to be exhausted at all, at him ).

Nick nearly teared up again.

“Th-thank you,” he choked, unable to resist keeping his emotions and thoughts on hold only to himself. “Thank you so much for... this, Caleb. G-God, I feel so fucking stupid.” The Mortal shook his head at himself. Either it was in a self-deprecating manner or not, a true statement was a true statement. Caleb didn't take it well though by his eyebrows furrowing as much as his muscles could pull and gave up a frown that would put the Devil in shame.

“Nicolas Neilson,” started the Sagittarian, and just saying his name had left him speechless already when he could've stopped him, “while this is pretty hypocritical of me to say when I'm still working on my confidence to it, but we all make mistakes. Some of them are greater than another, and some still haunts us from the past to now and then, but at the end of the day, if we choose not to be stubborn and admit them, we would learn a lesson behind them and we try our best to remember the consequences and what we can do to prevent it when we happen to come across to a particular situation again.”

“The point is, it’s okay to make mistakes, but what isn't okay is making them define who you are. You're not fucking stupid, Nicholas, you're a sweet baby boy who came from a fantastic cookie-making mama, and if anyone thinks otherwise, they're going to get their asses inserted with a stick than it metaphorically is, which that shit aren't worth being used as a dildo —- not that I've used it as one before, oh Hell no.”

Nick snorted in amusement at the end, and Caleb continued with more delight to see his friend was now cracking up from the tension.

“I’ve done stupid shit that isn't intended, and I try not to let them get to me in thinking that's a part of me, even if it's difficult. But... it's important to remember that in our life, there are simply things that come out of the sudden and gets in our way before it eventually goes. However we handle it, our reactions will influence how we think of ourselves, and we shouldn't ever put ourselves so lowly. But whatever mistakes it may mainly relate to, remember that nobody is perfect in a way, as we make mistakes to have experiences.”

Before Caleb finally finished with his emotional speech, he tenderly wiped the tears off of Nick’s baby cheeks and placed a sweet little kiss on his forehead.

“Experiences are meant to guide us in life, not define us.”

Nick couldn't bring himself in reacting to anything at what Caleb said to him, only did he mouthed him a gratitude, smiling, and at last, he pressed his side closer into his friend’s and gave his hand a light squeeze in return.

#Nicholas #Caleb #my writings

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ikcmcrebi-blog · 7 years

Text

Mistakes Happens

Characters: Nicholas Neilson, Caleb Norwood Word count: 2,040 Triggers: None Summary/Note: Nick had an accident. Nothing bad enough to make him want to curl up in a ball and never let himself reach to the light ever again. Thankfully he had someone to help him learn a valuable lesson relating to mistakes. // I actually had a similar accident few days ago that made a bad rash on my thighs. I'm fine now, but the negativity got to me, and I wanted to write what I needed to remind myself when I come across those kind of situations again.

Laughters, streched out with great strength and high on delight, were distinct throughout the Chinese restaurant, cutting through the chatting from strangers, coming from a particular set of people in a table. Only there was Nick along with Caleb, Rhys, Peregrine and Lexus, enjoying their moment together as they originally planned on going out to eat simply out of fun after it had been a long day at work.

All of their minds were clouded from the hysteria they were experiencing with it running madly fast within their veins, and having it blocked Nick’s awareness of his surrounding, he didn't know better on being careful to what was he doing when he was reaching his hand over across the table to give a quick slap on Rhys’, who was playfully going for his icecream from the other side where he was sitting.

It happened under a dead second no one could react quickly enough in stopping a small bowl of hot soup that was being knocked aside from Nick’s arm, having most of the dish spilled across on his lap. The computer programmer uttered a yell and pushed himself out of his seat, gasping and wincing at the intense stings that was spreading in his thighs like wildfire ( —- created by his idiotic action, would the pain remind him ).

He felt like a pathetic fucking child who just pissed their pants.

At the dreadful thought, mind burnt, chest filled with heavy smokes, and brown eyes tearing badly from the overwhelming embarrassment, Nick instantly shut himself down, away from the reality.

He couldn't even hear his own friends calling out to him. Until Caleb was able to pull his attention and have it on him, and whispered, “Nick, it's okay, breathe, it's okay...” His words were light and soft, like petal lips on wounds, comforting it was. Nick deeply breathed, and was given a small, loving smile from the Star God afterwards. “I'm going to take you back to your home through my teleportation power and get you clean up. Will you let me do that for you?”

But once Caleb approached into his life, it was like a hand reaching out close towards him into the sea, and it was the first time did Nick believe it being real, before he took it without his mind screaming and whirling at him in uncertainty. It was a call of miracle.

He was somewhat unsure why he trusted the Sagittarian the most out of all people he had bet and befriended, and not to be biased with how they were technically in a love relationship at the moment, as he consider him close to him, but Caleb... If one were to be able to push pass all of the things that portrays solely on his obnoxious manner, he spoke and gestured in a language that was defined beauty in its purest form, kindness, genuine and understanding.

He was given with the shower hand and that was when he looked up at his friend after he said, “I’ll be right back, I'm going to text the gang that we’re home and get you some medical treatment with your clothe. So keep the tab running for a bit more until I come back, okay?” Unable to form any words in his head, exhausted and afraid that if he were to say something, it would turn out to be something ridiculous, he just nodded.

He was left alone for what felt like a minute and Caleb arrived at the entrance with one hand carrying a container and his clothe in the other. The Mortal turned off the tab and earned a giant spot of numbness clinging in his reddened thighs. He took his tower from his friend and dried himself. He let Caleb help him put on his Hatsune Miku t-shirt along with his boxer brief and took a step out of the bathtub. Even after a cold wash, he could still feel himself burning in the end from the embarrassment.

He wondered if the God could notice how badly hot his body was, but immediately waved it afterwards since he doesn't want to think about it anymore to avoid embarrassing himself further more. Instead he remained stiffly still as Caleb crouched down and took the cream from the container before he applied it to the rashes. Nick flinched at the sharp tingling that was beginning to rise again under his friend’s fingers and his cheeks were now covered in tears.

Caleb seemed to realize he was crying by the time he held his hand with his spare one and gently squeezed it, portraying one of their friendship traditions that either of them would give a little pressure on to other’s hand with their own to assure them and may get the same gesture in response to say that they're okay. “Pay attention to me. You're doing so wonderful for me, baby boy.” whispered Caleb, taking Nick’s hand close to his lips and pressed with them on his soft pale skin.

Not even after Nick was taken to his bedroom and was laid on the bed right next to the Star, with every atoms and veins of his vividly burning in affection, he could see it just behind his eyes, while their hands was resting on Nick’s stomach, he was staring at him — worshipping him — with a smile ( and it wasn't a sleepy kind, he didn't even seem to be exhausted at all, at him ).

Nick nearly teared up again.

“Th-thank you,” he choked, unable to resist keeping his emotions and thoughts on held only to himself. “Thank you so much for... this, Caleb. G-God, I feel so fucking stupid.” The Mortal shook his head at himself. Either it was in a self-deprecating manner or not, a true statement was a true statement. Caleb didn't take it well though by his eyebrows furrowing as much as his muscles could pull and gave up a frown that would put the Devil in shame.

“The point is, it’s okay to make mistakes, but what isn't okay is making them define who you are. You're not fucking stupid, Nicholas, you're a sweet baby boy who came from a fantastic cookie-making mama, and if anyone think otherwise, they're going to get their asses inserted with a stick than it metaphorically is, which that shit aren't worth being used as a dildo —- not that I've used it as one before, oh Hell no.”

Nick snorted in amusement at the end, and Caleb continued with more delight to see his friend was now cracking up from the tension.

“I’ve done stupid shit that isn't intentionally, and I try not to let them get to me in thinking that's a part of me, even if it's difficult. But... it's important to remember that in our life, there's simply things that comes out of the sudden and gets in our way before it eventually goes. However we handle it, our reactions will influence how we think of ourselves, and we shouldn't ever put ourselves so lowly. But whatever mistakes it may mainly relate to, remember that nobody is perfect in a way, as we make mistakes to have experiences.”

Before Caleb finally finished with his emotional speech, he tenderly wiped the tears off of Nick’s baby cheeks and placed a sweet little kiss on his forehead.

“Experiences are meant to guide us in life, not define us.”

#Nicholas #Caleb #my writings

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