#Adorn the doctrine of God

[superbdonutpoetry]

Things That Differ are Not the Same

This blog is read not only by those who are saved, but also those who are not, hence this post. Here are several good reasons why you shouldn’t be a Bible blender. The instructions and good news given to Paul by the ascended Christ pertaining to salvation for all men, as well as edification concerning the Body of Christ during the Age of Grace, differs to that of: *Adam &…

[preacheroftruthblog]

Something Good To Wear -- Roy Knight

It is said, “Clothes make the man.” Simply put, the clothes we wear represents the person inside. Most people in the morning will stand in front of a mirror and examine themselves before going out into the world. Why? Because we do not want to be embarrassed by having something on our face, a spot on our clothes or to have clothes that do not fit quite right. Yes, clothing speaks volumes about us…

[talonabraxas]

Red Jambhala and Red Vasudhara Yabyum.

Red Dzambhala (Tibetan: dzambhala marpo) is the manifestation of Vajrasattva. Red Jambhala is the The God of Wealth, embracing the consort Vasudhara. This is the Red Jambhala, red in colour, he is adorned with a crown, jewel and gold ornaments and silk garments, embraced the consort Vasudhara, seated imperially in the center of the multi-coloured lotus throne, steped on a white conch shell. He has two faces and four arms and holds a treasury mouse on his left hand. With left hand in the stoat a jewel keeping in mouth and right hand the wish-fulfilling jewels on the right knee, with the jewel earring and jewel necklace, he is exposing his chest and abdomen, the aura and lucky cloud surrounded on the sides.His consort Vasudhara also holds the wish-fulfilling jewels in the right hand and holds a skullcup.

The beneficence of the Red Jambhala is that his doctrine is suitable for those in high social positions. If they practise his doctrine, they can recruit more talented people and possess more money, valubles and food. If one chants his mantra sincerely, he will protect one and also gain wealth and one can lead a very good life and become popular. He has two mantras, the male one and the female one.

The Mantra of Red Jambhala is :

OM JAMBHALA JALENDRAYE DHANAM MEDEHI HRIH DAKINI JAMBHALA SAMBHARA SVAHA

[nrvcntr]

Losing Everything

sooooo i haven't written fanfiction since i was a preteen but i got hit with a case of gale dekarios and could not rest until i wrote a really angsty thing about tav trying to move on from god!gale ......... that is all

“You may not wish to enter the heavens, but you do a fine job conjuring them here,” He said. Then he was gone, again. The God of Ambition, formerly Gale of Waterdeep, formerly Gale Dekarios. Somewhere in there had been a man that you loved dearly, but there was no trace of him now. Only a faint scent remained. The same one that stuck to your pillow and sheets and the bed that you shared, the scent that hung around you like smoke. When you were falling asleep and in that space between dream and wake, it was almost like he was still there. But when you reached out, you were met with the realization that you were alone yet again. 

So you moved on. The best you could, at least. You dove into your old work as a historian of ancient poetry. You translated what you could, but primarily focused on seeking out old texts to verify their authenticity. One of your recent interests was the poet Copperbloom, whose complete works were rumored to be hidden at one of the libraries in Amn.

On your first afternoon there,  you saw the temple dedicated to the God of Ambition. Like a magnetic force pushing you through, you walked in, taking in the sights of brilliant marble pillars and rich purple fabric adorning the walls. A testament to the power of ambition. It looked so clean that you were afraid your mere presence was a mark on its face. You looked at the altar of Gale, a looming, giant sculpture that looked like him and unlike him. Like a sculpture of a picture someone painted of a picture of Gale. The features were generally right, but it was missing his warmth. Something about the eyes and the smile were inconsistent to you, as though he was smiling at something painful. That wasn’t like the man you remembered. 

Your eyes closed, and that familiar scent drew you in. Here in this temple, it made sense that he felt so close. It was enough to break your heart again, but months of waking up alone had shattered it beyond repair. What else could you lose at this point? There was nothing left. You held a coin in your hand, ready to make an offering to the embodiment of ambition, when you heard a voice from behind you.

“Excuse me,” it said.

You turned, meeting the eyes of a handsome young elf.

“Is that a book of Copperbloom’s poetry you’re holding?” He asked. 

“Yes, it is,” You replied.

He told you that his name was Adlar, and that he was a fan of Copperbloom’s poetry. Excitement radiated from him, his eyes bright and alert when he told you that he was raised among the trees, and that Copperbloom eloquently captured the beauty of nature in a way that so few could. You slid the coin back into your pocket, enamored by the creature in front of you. He was awkward, sure, but a welcome distraction from your self-imposed isolation. 

“Would you like to talk about this more, somewhere more private?” You asked.

“I--Yes, I would like that very much. There’s a tavern around the corner, if you’d like to go,” He replied.

So you walked out of the Temple of Ambition with the handsome young elf on your arm, who chattered your ear off the entire way. After exchanging pleasantries about poetry, the basics of who you are and where you’re from, he asked if you were a devotee of Gale.

“No, I’m not. Are you?” You asked.

“Oh, yes, absolutely,” He replied, “He has given me everything. Before I learned of his doctrine, I was lost. Wandering around, wasting my potential. But now I have a purpose. I helped to build the temple, you know. And I’m leading the expansion.”

“An expansion? It’s one of the largest buildings in the city,” You remarked. 

“Yes, it is going to be the largest building in Faerun if I have anything to say about it. That’s the beautiful thing about ambition. It led me out of the forest and into places I had never even heard of or dreamt I could be. Like here,” He said, tentatively reaching for your hand. You allowed it. Adlar was the first person you touched since your electric goodbye kiss with a deity. Well, other than crying into Shadowheart’s arms for as long as she would let you. 

And so you began a love affair with the handsome young elf, slipping into a summer routine of balmy nights cooled by morning tea on the terrace, then separating to do a day’s work. You, toiling around libraries and bookshops in search of poems, and he leading the expansion in the temple. For the first time in a long while, you felt the comfort of a routine and a home.

You could still feel your former lover, his scent lingering on you no matter how hard you try to wash it away. At some point, it stopped feeling comforting and started to suffocate. You threw out your old clothes, ready to start something new. If you could change your hair and clothes and look like someone new, you thought, maybe you could start a new life. It may not be perfect, it may not have the magic of the Weave, but it could be yours. 

Well, until your dreams were dashed again. That God you had loved had once remarked about how easy it is to lose things, no matter how hard they are to gain. 

Adlar would meet you every night outside the temple. You never went back inside after your first visit. Until that night, that is, when thick black smoke blanketed the air and other devotees ran out, screaming about a collapse in the expansion wing. Instinctively, you ran toward the danger, passing the sculpture of Gale, whose smile looked menacing behind the haze of smoke. You approached the rubble where your elven lover would lay forever and begin feverishly clearing it again. Even after your fingers begin to bleed. Even when your hands ached. When someone picked you up to move you from the carnage, you kicked and screamed. But you knew. No one could survive under there. Especially not your gentle love, whose hands trembled that first night you held them. His bright eyes would never stare into yours again when you revealed your fears to him. You would never again wash the dirt from his hands after he delivered you a flower that Copperbloom compared her lover to in one of her famous poems. He was gone. A casualty of ambition. 

You broke from the grasp of the person holding you and ran toward Gale’s altar. You slammed a coin down. 

“Please, let me talk to you.” 

It was a plea, not a prayer. But he answered nonetheless. You found yourself in a strange state that seems real and unreal, beyond mortal comprehension. Gale stood in front of you, a bemused expression on his silver face. 

“You called?” He asked.

“What happened?” You ask in return.

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Do not fuck with me, Gale. I know that you know what happens in your own temple.”

“Oh, right, the collapse. Hm. Such a shame. They were making great progress. You know how foolish mortals can be at times,” He replied flippantly. This set your teeth on edge. 

“Did you cause the collapse?” You asked.

“I could never, and I would never. You have my word. They knew the risks of what they were doing, and it was a dangerous endeavor.”

“But was the God of Ambition in their ears, telling them that the reward would be worth any risk?”

“Some risks are worth taking, you know,” Gale said.

“I do not need advice from you,” You replied.  

“Well perhaps you should heed some advice. You’ve been toiling your summer away laying about with some elf who is far beneath your station. What are you doing? Your mortal life is so short. You could be brilliant. You could do anything that you want. You could be anything you want to be. You could be -”

“A goddess?”

“Perhaps. If you wanted to be.”

“I don’t. I already turned down that offer.” 

Silence. 

“Why?” Gale asked.

“Because I loved the man you were, not the God you pretend to be,” You reply.

“I do not pretend. I am a God. And I did it for you. I did everything for you. And you repay me this way? You must know that I care for you because I would never let a mortal speak to me the way that you do.”

“Did you cause the collapse because you were jealous?” You asked. 

Silence. Whatever love you still had in your heart for the man was replaced by animosity for the God. 

“Answer me, damn you,” You demanded, reaching out to shove Gale’s chest. Lightning crackled when you made contact with him and you pulled your hand back in agony, cradling it with the other. 

“It is not wise to pick a fight with a God,” Gale warned.

“Why? If that is how you treat your most devoted followers then I would like to see how you treat a heretic,” You hissed. “Smite me, then, if what I say so offends you. Ambition is a curse. It has stolen everything from me. I will never bow to it. I will never honor it. I will never love it.” 

In that moment, you hoped he would strike you down. If only to take away his favorite toy. But he doesn’t. 

“I would never harm you,” He said.

“You have destroyed me,” You replied, “I want nothing to do with the God in front of me. I loved the man I knew. I will miss him for the rest of my days. And one day, I will be gone and I do not know what will happen or where I will go. But you will be here, alone. I hope it was worth it. Was it?” 

You stare at each other. No words could come out that would give either of you solace, and some wounds can never heal. Instead of a reply, you found yourself back at the smoky temple, surrounded by carnage. You walked out, never turning back even once to look behind. That night you crawled into your bed and stared at the wall, trying to will comfort out of the isolation. Finally, you were free from that scent. You were truly alone. At least when you’ve lost everything, nothing else can be taken from you.

Somewhere on some plane that mortals can’t comprehend, in a place that exists and doesn’t, the God of Ambition looked out at eternal nothingness. He had the powers of a God, powers that he had always dreamed of. 

But, the thought flickered in his mind. Perhaps he could have lived without them. After all, without you, what did he really have? Nothing, as far as anyone or anything could ever hope to see. 

[orthodoxadventure]

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, / an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; / your humility exalted you; / your poverty enriched you. / Hierarch Father Niphon, / entreat Christ our God / that our souls may be saved.

Saint Niphon, Bishop of Novgorod

Commemorated on April 8

Saint Niphon was a monk of the Kiev Caves Monastery, where he struggled in asceticism. In imitation of the Holy Fathers, he uprooted the passions through fasting, vigil, and prayer, and adorned himself with every virtue. He was chosen as Bishop of Novgorod when Bishop John retired to a monastery after twenty-five years of episcopal service. Saint Niphon was consecrated bishop in Kiev by Metropolitan Michael and other hierarchs.

Saint Niphon embraced his archpastoral duties with great zeal, strengthening his flock in the Orthodox Faith, and striving to prevent them from becoming separated from the Church, which is the same as being separated from Christ Himself.

The saint was also zealous in building and repairing churches. He built a new stone church in the center of Novgorod, dedicating it to the Most Holy Theotokos. He repaired the roof of the church of Holy Wisdom (Christ, the Wisdom of God), and adorned the interior with icons.

When war broke out between Novgorod and Kiev, Saint Niphon showed himself to be a peacemaker. Meeting with the leaders of both sides, he was able to pacify them and avert the war. In the same way, he always tried to settle arguments and to reconcile those who were at enmity.

He instructed his flock in the law of God, preaching to them, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting them patiently and with sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2) so that they might obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:10).

When the people of Novgorod drove away their prince, Vsevolod, they invited Prince Svyatslav to govern them. The new prince wanted to enter into a marriage which was against the Church canons. Not only did Saint Niphon refuse to perform the ceremony, he also told his clergy to regard this betrothal as unlawful. Prince Svyatoslav brought priests in from elsewhere to perform the wedding, and the holy hierarch was not afraid to denounce his behavior.

After the death of Metropolitan Michael of Kiev, the Great Prince Isaiaslav wished to have the schemamonk Clement succeed him. However, he wanted to have Clement consecrated without the blessing of the Patriarch of Constantinople.

At a council of bishops, Saint Niphon declared that he would not approve the consecration without the permission of the Patriarch of Constantinople. He reminded the other bishops that this was contrary to the tradition of the Russian Church, for Russia had received the Orthodox Faith from Constantinople. Starting in 1448, however, the Russian Church began to elect its own primate without seeking confirmation from Constantinople.

The uncanonical consecration took place despite the objections of Saint Niphon. Metropolitan Clement tried to force the saint to serve the Divine Liturgy with him, but he refused. He called Clement a wolf rather than a shepherd, for he had unjustly assumed an office which he did not deserve. Saint Niphon refused to serve with Clement, or to commemorate him during the services.

In his fury, Clement would not permit Saint Niphon to return to Novgorod. Instead, he had the saint held under house arrest at the Kiev Caves Monastery. When Isaiaslav was defeated by Prince George, Saint Niphon returned to Novgorod, where the people welcomed him with great joy.

The Patriarch of Constantinople sent a letter praising Saint Niphon for his steadfast defense of church teachings. He also sent Metropolitan Constantine to Rus in order to depose Metropolitan Clement, and to assume the see of Kiev himself.

Saint Niphon again took up residence in the Kiev Caves Monastery, where he became ill. Thirteen days before his death, he revealed to the brethren that he had had a wondrous dream. Saint Theodosius (May 3) appeared to him and announced his imminent departure from this world.

Saint Niphon reposed in peace on April 8, 1156. Now he stands before the throne of God, interceding for us before the All-Holy Trinity, to Whom be all glory, honor, and worship forever.

[Text from Orthodox Church in America]

[sailorspica]

Kat, my honey, my darling, the light of my life — I've a question for you

What (if any) was the Council of Trent's influence on the art? (specifically about depicting nudity)

It's for... research purposes

mae my angel my baby.........

now I don't know that nudity was a specific concern but iconography in general, the sacred image, depictions of saints and biblical figures and with them the rennaissance system of patronage?

very vital to the catholic counter-reformation, against a growing trend of protesant iconoclasm mostly in the netherlands. the 1563 (final) session of trent mostly focuses on the doctrinal/pedagogical use of sacred art and icons, reviving debates from byzantium where people were confused about whether god/jesus/mary/others were actually present in the images, whether images were idolatry, but they leaned back into that to avoid the most compelling criticism that calvinists had for art, which is: why is the church dumping all this money into symbols of wealth instead of feeding and housing the poor?

but, the 1563 session throws in, just as a little tiny nugget:

Moreover, in the invocation of saints, the veneration of relics, and the sacred use of images, every superstition shall be removed, all filthy lucre be abolished; finally, all lasciviousness be avoided; in such wise that figures shall not be painted or adorned with a beauty exciting to lust; nor the celebration of the saints, and the visitation of relics be by any perverted into revellings and drunkenness; as if festivals are celebrated to the honour of the saints by luxury and wantonness.

what artistic license *i* think you can so take here is: people are damn hypocrites, and wealthy art patrons in the papal states who want to see nude men probably don't keep up with doctrine closely and might think they're above it. if you try to criticize them or the artists? they could deny, deny, and accuse anyone trying to censor their horny saint art commissions of being protestants. i think it fucking rocks. like you can't tell me what's lascivious or not??

one from venice a good few decades before trent:

here's the martyrdom of saint sebastian by michel coxie, just 12 years after trent, not in a papal state but still the HRE:

here's baroque ones, a century later by pietro della vecchia:

please peruse the wikmedia commons category

point is, nothing fucking changed the roman catholic church is so slow but moreover, so horny

[orthodoxydaily]

SAINTS&READING: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025

january 21_february 3

St Maximus-the-Confessor (662)

St. Maximus the Confessor, Troparion O instructor of Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and purity,/ beacon for the whole world, divinely inspired adornment of monastics./ O most wise Maximusby thy doctrines thou hast illumined all.// O harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion of the Venerable One. With fitting hymns, O ye faithful, let us honor the great Maximus,/ the lover of the Trinity, who manifestly teacheth us the divine Faith,/ to worship Christ in two natures, volitions and activities;// and let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O preacher of the faith!

VIRGIN-MARTYR AGNES OF ROME (304).

The holy Virgin Martyr Agnes was born in Rome during the third century. Her parents were Christians, and they raised her in the Christian Faith. From her youth, she devoted herself to God and dedicated herself to a life of virginity, refusing all other suitors.

When she refused to enter into marriage with the son of the city official Symphronius, one of his associates revealed to him that Agnes was a Christian. The wicked Eparch decided to subject the holy virgin to shame and he ordered that she be stripped and and sent to a brothel for disdaining the pagan gods. But the Lord would not permit the saint to suffer shame. As soon as she was disrobed, long thick hair grew from her head covering her body. An angel was also appointed to guard her. Standing at the door of the brothel, he shone with a heavenly light which blinded anyone who came near her.

The son of the Eparch also came to defile the virgin, but fell down dead before he could touch her. Through the fervent prayer of Saint Agnes, he was restored to life. Before his father and many other people he proclaimed, “There is one God in the heavens and on earth: the Christian God, and the other gods are but dust and ashes!” After seeing this miracle, 160 men believed in God and were baptized, and then suffered martyrdom.

Saint Agnes, at the demand of the pagan priests, was given over to torture. They tried to burn her as a witch, but the saint remained unharmed in the fire, praying to God. After this they killed her by stabbing her in the throat. Through her death at the age of thirteen, Saint Agnes escaped everlasting death and inherited eternal life. The holy virgin martyr was buried by her parents in a field they owned outside of Rome.

Many miracles occurred at the grave of Saint Agnes. Her holy and grace-filled relics rest in the church built in her honor, along the Via Nomentana.

MARTYR ANASTASIUS, DISCIPLE OF VENERABLE MAXIMUS THE CONFESSOR ( 662)

The Holy Martyr Anastasius was a disciple of Saint Maximus the Confessor and, with him, suffered persecution under the Monothelites. Saint Maximus and two of his disciples were subjected to the cruelest torments. Each one’s tongue was cut out, and his right hand was cut off. Then, they were exiled to Skemarum .in Scythia, enduring many sufferings and difficulties on the journey.

Saint Anastasius wrote the Life of his teacher and died in 662.

1 Peter 2:21-3:9

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Luke 6:17-23

17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. 20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

[religiousfashion]

*Unveiling the Truth: God's Perspective on Fashion and Self-Expression*

For centuries, women have been bound by restrictive religious doctrines that dictate their appearance and self-expression. But what does God's Word really say about fashion and beauty? In this blog, we'll delve into scripture to uncover the truth and inspire women to embrace their beauty. 

At Religious Fashion, we're on a mission to prove that you can have fun with fashion, look amazing, and still love Jesus with all your heart. We're breaking down barriers , exposing religion and challenging stereotypes, one outfit at a time.

*The Spirit of Religion vs. God's Intent*

Religion often perpetuates a spirit of control, shame, and conformity. However, God's intention is for us to live in freedom and authenticity.

*Galatians 5:1*

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

*Beauty and Self-Expression in the Bible*

The Bible celebrates beauty and creativity, encouraging us to express ourselves in unique ways.

*Psalm 139:14*

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

*1 Corinthians 10:31*

"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

*Makeup, Perfume, and Adornment*

Contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn't condemn makeup or perfume. In fact, it acknowledges their value in cultural and personal contexts.

*2 Samuel 14:2*

"Then Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman. He said to her, 'Pretend you are a mourner; put on mourning clothes and don’t anoint yourself with oil.'"

*Esther 2:12*

"Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics."

*Exposing False Teachings*

It's time to challenge harmful doctrines that restrict women's autonomy and self-expression.

*1 Timothy 4:1-3*

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron."

*Conclusion*

God's Word encourages women to embrace their uniqueness, creativity, and beauty. It's time to break free from the shackles of religious oppression and live in the freedom and love of Christ.

*Reflection Questions*

1. How have you been impacted by restrictive religious teachings on beauty and self-expression?

2. What does it mean to you to live in freedom and authenticity as a woman of faith?

3. How can you celebrate your individuality and creativity while honoring God?

Join the conversation! Share your story, and let's inspire each other to live boldly and beautifully for God.

*Follow us for more inspiring content!*

*Share your thoughts in the comments below!*

[suguwu]

Bee ur lil god!knives stuff is making my brain go brr but esp those tags abt vash??? Like I’m imagining catching vash’s eye long before knives turns his to your little village…

How the legends say the Stampede walks among humans, selfishly and cruelly—against the wishes of his brother, benevolent and careful be the lord of the hunt, for the merciless Vash brings only death and destruction. How you never put much faith in legends, and let the stranger into your little home in the woods because you have always let strangers in, and because he needed help you could provide. How you allowed him to stay as long as he needs, put him to work caring for the home while you’re off collecting plants or at your apothecary in town, and grow steadily attached to his presence in your home—and your bed, soon enough.

How he leaves you in the night, and how you wake up blessed.

Your village adheres strictly to doctrine. They would not call you blessed. A blessing from the Stampede is not a blessing by any means, however much the wind brushes you like a lover’s caress, no matter how healing your very touch has become.

They have lost you. You are a child of the village, and he has stolen you away. Whatever remains cannot be sacred.

When the high priestess, therefore, pays your quaint little home a visit, they rejoice. She tells them of her dreams. The mighty lord of the hunt still considers them worthy enough to provide an offering despite their failings with you.

But when they bring every villager who meets the requirements—your age, your hair, your eyes—all are rejected. The elders rumble, hushed and frantic. The quiet threat of the Stampede is carried in on the wind, but they have their faith. You must be the one. The lord of the hunt, magnanimous be he, has not abandoned you as your village has. You must be truly adored.

Acolytes storm your cottage in the woods. They burn it to the ground, stained as it is with the Stampede’s presence. The trees shake, the wind howls; your struggling body is dragged from the blaze, helpless.

Your mother weeps when she is allowed a final visitation before they take you away, and you cannot tell if the tears are relief or mourning. Your father stares as if he witnesses a walking ghost. You have been bathed and perfumed, draped in silk and gold, a circlet of precious jewels upon your forehead. They have never seen you look so holy.

The acolytes bring you to the Great Temple far away from your home. It is vast and grand and well kept; you’ve never been before, though your pious grandmother made the trek once late in her life for prayer.

The door to your chamber remains locked and guarded at all times but you manage, in the final hour, to crack your window.

Through it the wind, weak and restless here in the temple, brings you a wildflower. Stubbornly you tuck it into your flimsy girdle with the other flowers you’ve been adorned with.

(The lord of the hunt’s invisible hand finds it first when he arrives. You cannot see him any more than the acolytes, but you feel the pressure; your mind is flooded with an oppressive enmity.

He plucks it from your waist and lets it fall to the ground, withered. For once the wind does not answer)

plu i am SHAKING oh my god what a TREAT to wake up to!!! and yes i couldn't help myself with the vash tags and those tags have served me so well by bringing me this absolute deliciousness!! those last few lines...i'm gnawing off my own arm.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Music For the Soul by Alexander MacLaren

Is My Name Written There?

"Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life" – Revelation 20:12

We read, in the highly imaginative picture of the final judgment, that when the thrones are set, two books are opened, one the Book of Life, the other the book in which are written the deeds of men, and that by these two books men are judged. There is a judgment by conduct. There is also a judgment by the Book of Life, That is to say, the question at last comes to be, " Is this man’s name written in that book? " Is he a citizen of the kingdom, and therefore capable of entering into it? Has he the life from Christ in his heart? Or, in other words, the question is, first, Has the man who stands at the bar faith in Jesus Christ? and, second, Has he proved that his faith is genuine and real by the course of his earthly conduct? These are the books from which the judgment is made. We read further in that blessed vision - the vision of the City of God " that came down from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband " - that only they enter in there who are "written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." Only citizens are capable of entrance into the city; aliens are necessarily shut out. The Lord, when He writeth up His people, shall count that this man was born there, though he never trod its streets while on earth, and therefore can enter into his native home. What need we care what other people may think about us, or whether the "hollow wraith of dying fame" that comes like a nimbus round some men may fade wholly or no, so long as we may be sure of acknowledgment and praise from Him from whom acknowledgment and praise are precious indeed.

Remember that names can be blotted out of the book. The metaphor has often been pressed into the service of a doctrine of unconditional and irreversible predestination. But, rightly looked at, it points in the opposite direction. Remember Moses’s agonized cry, "Blot me out of Thy book," and the Divine answer, " Him that sinneth against Me, his name will I blot out of My book." And remember that it is only to " him that overcometh " that the promise is made, " I will not blot him out." We are made partakers of Christ if we "hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end."

Remember that it depends upon ourselves whether our names are there or not. John Bunyan describes the armed man who came up to the table where the man with the book and the inkhorn was seated, and said, " Set down my name." And you and I may do that. If we cast ourselves on Jesus Christ, and yield our wills to be guided by Him, and give our lives for His service, then He will write our names in His book. If we trust Him we shall be citizens of the City of God, shall be filled with the life of Christ, shall be objects of an individualizing love and care, shall be accepted in that day, and shall enter in through the gates into the city. "They that forsake Me shall be written on the earth," and there wiped out as are the children’s scribbles on the sand when the ocean comes up. They that trust in Jesus Christ shall have their names written in the Book of Life, graven on the High Priest’s breastplate, and inscribed on His mighty hand and His faithful heart.

[steveezekiel]

A MASTER/SERVANT RELATIONSHIP

9. “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,

10. not pilfering [thieving], but showing all good fidelity [honesty], that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.”

Titus 2:9,10 (NKJV)

• If you are an employee under a  person or company, the Bible admonishes you, as a Christian, to be obedient to your master or employer.

- Not only that, but also, you should be well pleasing in all things, that is, you do your best to please your master (Titus 2:9).

- Not answering back: if you are being instructed, corrected or scolded, you should not talk back (Titus 2:9).

- Your obedience should not be to the masters who are good only, but froward or harsh masters as well.

18. “Servants be submissive to your masters with all fear, NOT ONLY TO THE GOOD AND GENTLE BUT ALSO TO THE HARSH.

19. For this is commendable, if because of conscience towards God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.”

1 Peter 2:18,19 (NKJV)

• You should do, whatever you do for your master, employer, as if you do it for the Lord (Ephesians 6:5-7).

5. “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, IN SINCERITY OF HEART ❤️, AS TO CHRIST;

6. not with eyeservice, as men pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

7. WITH GOODWILL DOING SERVICE, AS TO THE LORD, AND NOT TO MEN.

Ephesians 6:5-7 (NKJV)

- If you are submissive and obedient to the person you work for, your boss, you are not being stupid; you only display the good virtues of God in you– the unbelievers will have nothing evil to say of you (Titus 2:8).

- Through your conduct, the Word of God is adorned–you make the teaching about Christ, the gospel, attractive to others (Titus 2:10).

• In addition to that, you should be faithful and financially accountable; not pilfering or thieving, that is, not stealing things, regardless of the value– no matter how small.

- Some believers do not have a good testimony where they work, they collude with other employees to steal and swindle their masters.

- The reason why a number of believers do not excel in what they do is because; they employ, apply, the principles of the world to succeed, but it cannot work for them– a servant cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13).

- If you want to prosper in what you do, follow the principles of the Bible (Matthew 7:24-27).

• If you have a callous, froward, or harsh master, submit to him anyway.

- If your employer is cruel and unkind, and yet you are faithful, loyal, and obedient to him– God will safeguard your interests, deal with him, if he mistreated you (Ephesians 6:9).

- God is not partial, He is a just God (James 5:1-4).

• Truth

- At times the reason why some masters are unfair is because some employees are not faithful–they are not diligent in their works (Proverbs 22:29).

- Some do the work given to them with levity–they have a laid-back attitude to work. They do not work for the money they earn.

- Albeit, if you are faithful in what you do, God will give you a better job–if your faithfulness is apparent or obvious (1 Timothy 4:15).

• Take Note:

- If you are honest, you live right where you work; through your good conduct, you make the gospel attractive to others–you adorn the gospel.

- Some believers cannot witness for Christ where they work or live.

- The life they live, sinful life, has shut their mouth–they cannot witness for Christ (Acts 1:8).

- Remember, if you are good to your master, God will reward you. If you are faithful in another man’s thing, yours shall be given to you (Luke 16:12).

“Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.”

Ephesians 6:8 (NKJV)

14. “YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15. “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16. “LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.”

Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)

• You will not fail in Jesus’ name.

Peace!

[superbdonutpoetry]

Paul was a Chosen Vessel

Acts 9:15 – Authorised Version But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: God is foreknowing and knew even before Paul (then Saul) was born that he would not give up on or reject the grace message of the ascended Christ which he was made the chief steward of, and which was personally…

[gtunesmiff]

'...not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

~ Titus 2:10

[T]he early disciples lived lives others wanted to experience.

Even with the persecution, pain, problems, prison, and even martyrdom, multitudes chose to follow Jesus.

It’s crazy to think that an outlawed bunch could attract multitudes to their cause.

Could it be that they lived lives attractive to outsiders?

Better question: are we living lives attractive to those far from God? 

God’s design and desire is that we live lives that adorn, garnish, trim, put in order, and become ornaments of the Gospel.

Like a faith fashion show, we should make the gospel attractive and our lives should be the trimming around the message of hope and salvation. 

...

When people far from God look at us, what do they see?

Do they see excited, Spirit-filled, joyous disciples who are thrilled to serve the God of the universe?

Do they see Christ followers who have not gotten over the grace that saved us?

Do they see people blown away that Jesus walked out of the grave and is the ultimate Victor?

Or do they see something else? 

Do they see people who act just like them?

Do they see people not concerned about the Kingdom of God?

Do they see people more concerned about sports, money, and a busy earthly schedule than adorning the doctrines of God? 

If the early believers were anything, they were all in witnesses of Jesus’ power to transform a life.

In their first meeting, they went from just 120 people to 3,120 people. The next week, they added 5,000 more.

Then, six months later, there were 60,000 followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. 

The religious leaders of the day thought killing Christ would stop His people, yet here we are two thousand years later with over two billion followers of Christ!

If we recognize that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in us, we will recognize that two billion people is only the beginning. 

~ Dr. Chris Stephens || All In

[talonabraxas]

Etz Hayim “Tree of Life” Talon Abraxas

Tiphareth in Hebrew תִּפְאֶרֶת means “beauty,” “splendor,” or even “glory” (being close to ��Hod”), it is the sixth sefira in the cabalistic tree of life, and has in common the association of “Spirituality”, “Balance”, “Integration”, “Beauty” and “Compassion”.

In the Bahir (one of the first cabalistic literature works) we read: “Sextus is adorned, glorious, enchanting throne of glory, the home of the world to come. His place is engraved in wisdom as ‘GOD said: Let there be light, and light was”.

Tiphareth is the force that integrates the Sefira of Chesed (“compassion”) and Gevurah (“Strength, or judgment”), these two forces are, respectively, expansive (giving) and restrictive (receiving), one without the other could not manifest the flow of divine energy. They must be balanced in perfect proportion by balancing compassion with discipline, and this balance can be seen in the role of Tiphareth, where conflicting forces are harmonized and creation flourishes. Tiphareth also balances Netzach and Hod in a similar way, in this case Hod can be seen as intellect and Netzach as emotion.

Tiphareth is the only one among Sephirot that is connected to all others except Malkuth, its position in the center between Keter and Yesod indicates to many Kabbalists that it is a kind of “conversion” of the sefirah between form (Yesod) and strength (Keter). In other words, all the intersections on the central path via Tiphareth determine a polarity inversion. The law of conservation, valid for both energy and mass, tends to confirm this, in all cases of energetic transmutation, as can happen in the transmission of gifts and goods from parents to their children, a sacrifice is necessary for a new form to be born.

Tiphareth is the center of the tree, and five Sefirot surround it: above are Chesed on the right (south) and Gevurah on the left (north), and below are Netzach on the right, Hod on the left and Yesod directly below. Together these six are one entity, Zer Anpin, which is the male counterpart of the Malkuth female sefira. In certain contexts, Tiphareth alone represents the whole sefirot of Zer Anpin, so that the whole tree appears with only five sefirots: Keter, Chochmah, Binah, Binah, Tiferet and Malkhut.

In both the Jewish tree of life and the hermetic tree, Tiphareth has eight paths leading (counterclockwise) to Keter (through Daat), Binah, Gevurah, Hod, Yesod, Netsach, Chesed and Chokmah.

Tiphareth can also be a variant of the word “Tifarah” and in modern Hebrew used in Israel is translated as “Glory” (from GOD – “ELOHIM, ADONAY).

[orthodoxydaily]

SAINTS&REading: FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025

january 18_janaury 31

St Athanasius the Great (373)

Troparion, Shining forth with works of Orthodoxy and reducing all heresy to ashes,/ ye were victors and conquerors, enriching all with piety;/ and, having greatly adorned the Church,/ ye have acquired Christ God, as is meet,// Who granteth us great mercy.

Kontakion Planting Orthodox doctrine, thou didst cut down the tares of heresy,/ causing the seed of faith to increase/ through the rain of the Spirit, O venerable one.// Wherefore, we hymn thee, O Athanasius.

VENERABLE ATHANASIUS , ABBOT OF SYNADEM (Valaam_1550)

Saint Athanasius of Synadem and Vologda was a disciple of Saint Alexander of Svir (August 30). After the death of his mentor, he established the Dormition hermitage in the forests of Karelia, not far from the city of Olonets, on the island of Lake Synadem.

The slander and pettiness of the local inhabitants compelled Saint Athanasius to move back to the Svir monastery, where they chose him as igumen. Later, returning to the Dormition hermitage, Saint Athanasius died in about 1550 in great old age and was buried on one of the promontories of Roschinsk island. Afterward, a church was built over his grave, named for Saints Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria. The incorrupt relics of Saint Athanasius were placed in this church in 1720.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

St EPHRAIM THE LESSER, THE PHILOSOPHER (Georgia_1101)

Today, little is known about the life of venerable Ephraim the Lesser, the great 11th-century writer, translator, philosopher, and defender of the Georgian Church. However, his work Reminiscences and other sources provide us with the means to speculate about the significant periods of his life and labors.       In 1027, when King Bagrat IV (1027–1072) ascended the Georgian throne, many noblemen of the Tao region in southern Georgia relocated to Greece. Among them was the honorable Vache, son of Karichi, whom scholars believe was Ephraim’s father.       After receiving a Greek education in Constantinople, Ephraim settled in the Black Mountains near Antioch and began his labors there. His achievements in Georgian theological and philosophical writing are immeasurable. His works are almost one hundred, and the subjects cover nearly every branch of theological inquiry. Ephraim even developed his translation theory, later forming the foundation for written composition in the Georgian language. His theory consists of three essential points:       1. A composition must be translated from the original, that is, from the language in which it was first written.       2. The translation must carry the same literal meaning as the original. Still, accuracy in this matter doesn't mean the language in which the text is being translated.       3. The translated text should include A section of commentary that examines all relevant historical, grammatical, and literary issues.

Ephraim translated five of the works of St. Dionysius the Areopagite, The Ascetic Rules of St. Basil the Great, the writings of St. Ephraim the Syrian, commentaries on the Epistles and Psalms, and many other important patristic writings.       Among Ephraim the Lesser’s original works, his most significant is An Explanation of the Reasons for the Conversion of Georgia, a compilation of existing essays and his own commentaries on the nation’s conversion.       In the second half of the 11th century, the monks of Antioch and the Black Mountains began to deny the independence of the Georgian Church. Among other claims, they argued that none of the Apostles had preached the Christian Faith in Georgia. It became necessary to prove that the Georgian Church was indeed autocephalous, and members of the nation’s elite accordingly called upon Ephraim to settle this issue. Ephraim studied many patristic writings in the original Greek, gathered the ancient sources, and succeeded in fully securing the independent existence of the Georgian Church.       St. Ephraim wrote the following about the Apostles’ preaching: “Know that from the time the Apostles were preaching, according to the Prophet David: Their voice was heard through all the earth, and their words resounded in every village (c.f. Ps. 18:4). In Georgia, Andrew the First-called preached the Gospel in Avazgia (now Abkhazeti), and from there he journeyed to Ossetia (now Shida Kartli). Bartholomew also preached in Georgia, in the Kartli region.”       St. Ephraim never left the Black Mountains. In 1091 he was enthroned as the abbot of Kastana Monastery (The precise location of Kastana is unknown, but according to modern archaeologists, it was probably in the Black Mountains. For a full discussion of the subject see: Wachtang Z. Djobadze, Materials for the study of Georgian monasteries in the Western environs of Antioch on the Orontes (Louvain: Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1976), pp. 101–3)       Our holy father, Ephraim, was reposed in the Lord around 1101. He is included in a list of the departed compiled by the Council of Ruisi-Urbnisi in 1103, and the year of his death has been approximated from the information given in this source.       Ephraim was canonized by the Orthodox Church of Georgia because of his God-pleasing life and the many commendable works he performed on behalf of the Church and his nation.

© 2006 St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood.

1 Peter 1:1-2, 10-12; 2:6-10

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-things which angels desire to look into. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." 7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone," 8 and "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Matthew 5:14-19

14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 17 Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or tittle will not pass from the law until all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

[xxdoubledaisyxx]

Routine rites of cleansing (sacred)

As the First Priest of Story, the founder of the 'Way of the Story', article not necessary, I hereby instate the first rituals of doctrinal cleansing of sin which shall be considered absolution for the Catholic definition of venial sin. The capital punctuation is necessary for the assumed authority of God Most High, which is the presiding unanthropomorphized deity synonymous with Allah. That is required to be distinct from worldly dignity under pain of death.

Literally. I suppose you could believe that if I failed to capitalize that word at that time because I didn't know why it needed to be capitalized, even if I thought lower casing it would be good for a divinely immaculate joke, I would die. Literally die. I couldn't tell you how, but you would not be wrong to imagine being something as serious as my blood suddenly turning into crude petroleum oil and me dying of the effects of total blood loss and... oilification instead. Dead because all of a sudden my veins turned black with gasoline.

If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.

It can't happen here. "They said", comments Sinclair Lewis, author of a novel by the same claim, warning of the same danger we are experiencing catastrophe from now.

We have only one hope of recover and that is through me, as much as it pains me to tell you, as it was the last of possible ways of story I had decided to paspire. ... for the lambkin (passion + inspiration = passionate inspiration note Jesus 1, A.D.)

I forgot to tell you the rite...

every Sunday in mockery of the Lord's day, the authorized priest of story (male or female) (gender role necessary, human being applicant diversely omniadaptable) (what is that if not a spell? you tell me, sweet beast, come get your black magic witchcraft on with the best... grrrrrr)

every Sunday the priest of story will get high with legit cannaflower as is reasonably available. If you have to smoke some oregano, do it. Hopefully you don't die, because I wouldn't recommend smoking cooking spices unless it was a last resort. Sometimes these things are necessary, but don't try to fool them. They will know and then the priest will get laid.

There will be no avoiding nor expecting it.

Then they will tell a Story. Any story. It's cool. Whatever you feel like is groovy for the good gravy enslathering your maiden senpai's flapjack shortstack with a spoonful of strawberry slime and fluffy cloud puffs of creamy heavenliness adorning her volcanic eruptions like the first pure cumulonimbus clouds after an age ending explosion.

That will absolve people if they attend and "hear the Story". Remember the capital punctuation for your memory security insurance that saves you like Christ, and remember the phrase so you don't forget the first thing.

Hear the Story.

Don't make the mistake that will have you killed in real life like a fool in the first chapter of a storybook.

Amplifying information for inquisitive theologians and curious kinkophiles:

cannaflower is the specific corresponding nomenclature for the cannabis plant aka weed/pot/flower, except that I am using a casual slang form as a formal informal dialect. Any form of casual slang will suffice.

The plant and the use of recreational "marijuana" (the use of the quoted word as I understand conveys a somewhat negative connotation from a respectable rumored source that has not been corroborated with research) is extremely important in the progress of human civilization.

I'm not saying that all people need to get high to be their best, because that couldn't be further from the truth.

What I am saying is that some people need cannabis flower as vital medicine for our daily lives, and we have been doing so for longer than bricks have been used to make buildings.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it, freemasons of portland.

The usage of the herbal medicine for spiritual sickness and bodily wellness was integral in the passions and motivations for the American War for Independence, and the Breakdawn Powerslam Blastorama Superbomb that was Nick Bylotas' rebuke that changed the world for everyone. Praise God! Thank the Love of Christ, if not the Man Jesus himself for the fact that there is in fact an answer when all hope was once lost!

It is okay. You have nothing to be embarrassed about to learn that "Jesus saves your soul" if you are the most passionate Satanic atheist. As hard as that may be to your pride, Mr. Lucifer-Wannabe, that will be much harder for those who call themselves Christians and don't know what they have done by supporting the Lawless One's rise to power, signified by Trump's existence as an elected president.

His life is inconsequential, but the meaning of his evil in relation to the necessary good of president's employment by the citizens whom they serve, couldn't be more significant.

Heed the heavenly mystery, my people, and heed it whether you are wicked or righteous. Only the best can ride with me, and many of the best never had a chance because they weren't informed before the Day of the Lord dawned on their time.

The day of Death. When the Infidels, Heathens, and Unclean all die as one unwanted filthy creature of evil, reviled unto the sight of the Lord, Caesar, if there will be a name, and only Caesar, because that is the name of Rome, from Romulus who was insulted by Remus, who paid with his Life in corresponding value to Jesus, the Christ.

Cannabis will be grown on every civilized world in the galaxy. Do not try to deny us or make life more difficult than it needs to be. We all understand how important the laws are and the enforcement of those laws by sober professionals, but none of us desire to be antagonized for our ways of life. Remember that as you lead your lambkin and wolfish ones to their paradise city of dreams.

Where the grass is green...

Maidenly Maiden be praised.

That is why it is necessary for the priest of Story to smoke cannabis flower at the public rite of celebration. There are mysterious forces at work here that remain to be illuminated by scholars of the mystical traditions of Story. The smoking of the herbs will open the omnidimensional sanctity of Story for the transitive application of celebration at the Lord's altar.

They will require authorization in writing from the tradition which maintains the Divine Order of Story sanctioned by myself personally, Nicholas Daniel Bylotas. In real life. Don't be fooled nor let people fool those who would be if they try to wordswing some malarky about fantastical biblioclasms and whatnot. That's amazing, yes, you should seduce those people in the secret ways of Story, but don't let the blind lead the blind ever again.

You cannot bet on chaos. You will lose every time because Law enforcement promises that by being able to enforce the Law with the Lord's power.

There it is. How's that? Can everyone get jiggy with America's standard of calendar time, if we make special accommodations for historical memory of tradition and cultural substance to the total fullness of a nation's desire? Your memories preserved, and your defiance immortalized.

All of us hate the yoke of the High Lord his majesty the emperor, ya-da-ya-da, but we are not in any position to complain nor deny the fact because that is simply what it means to be an adult. That is the difference between adulting and playing. It is a burden that we all have to carry as adults on our own when we are adults.

Do not let yourself learn the hard way why adults are treated differently than children by the lord of the land.

If a child sins by cause of adult lead, that adult will suffer the penalty of death in addition to the penalty for the sins of the child.

This is how it is. I do not have the proof in mind now, because it has turned over, but another will provide it at a later time.

This is true even for small offenses, such as organizing children to steal. That is unacceptable in real life. Very amusing in story and fantasy, but unacceptable in real life. Let it be boring and dry, but do not tolerate evil. The juiciness will be juicified when the right person shows up to get jiggy with his juices and jibes.