#I am singing and rejoicing that it is all finished with!!!

[fortes-fortuna-iogurtum]

hey tumblr--

i submitted my university honours program application

!!!!!!!!!!

[harleehazbinfics]

Home is where my Heart is.

Chapter 7: Stayed Gone Table of Contents | Profile

Word Count: 1014 A/N: yeah we're going to the singing bits yaaaay. just imagine her voice trying to meld into his and creating this like light airy but enchanting sound on top of his deep and dark tone. cuz yes we love blending and harmonizing in this family. also also alastor will be in bold and miledy in italics and both will be like this for the song. enjoyyyyy (thank you sm transcribers of the wiki id actually die if encoded all of that gshdajsdg)

“This is such a nice day,” I hummed enjoying my tea while Alastor sat opposite of me reading the paper with his coffee and enjoyed the mundane moment together.

Until it wasn’t, as a rocket launches below us. “Come show yourself, Alastor! Come face—oh, there you are. Face my wrath!”

“Who are you?” he jeers enjoying getting on his nerves while I smiled at the two. Al clearly doesn’t dislike him but instead enjoys toying with him, he doesn’t completely shut him down unlike an unpleasant certain someone. I actually find Sir Pentious quite cute how he tries to size Alastor up despite failing several times but he’s got guts I give him that.

“Who am I? Who am I? I am the great Sir Pentious! Inventor! Architect of Destruction! Villain extraodinare!” He announces while the both of us slide within Al’s shadow and appear in front of Charlie and the others.

“Ooh! He’s a bad boy!” Nifty calls as she appears on top of Al’s shoulder.

He takes Nifty and places her in my arms and replies, “Ha, well if all that's true, you'd think I'd have heard of you.”

“I attacked you literally last week,” Sir Pentious replies, only for Alastor to cock his head, “We've done battle, like... 20 times.”

 “Well, you must have been really bad at this,” he teases putting his cane down.

“Silence! Now cower! For when I've ssslain you, the almighty Vees will finally acknowledge me as their equal.”

“Ooh! Wait, who are the Vees?” Nifty asks while in my arms.

“Oh, nobody important,” both Al and I respond giving each other a knowing look.

While Al kept beating up the poor lad, I turn my eyes on the drone in the sky noticing the familiar logo on it. A devious smile creeps on my face as I place Nifty on the ground and shot it down with a lance made of water. It falls with a crash conveniently landing on my feet. I crushed it under my heel before turning back to the group.

“Thanks for another forgettable experience,” Al says pleased with himself while he leans on his cane looking down at Sir Pentious.

“Thank you...” he pauses before tearing off a piece of his tailcoat, “for letting your guard down!

“Oh, deer,” I mutter, wide eyed as I watched Al transform into his demon form and makes an explosion that causes the snake to fly off to the distance.

“Well, it looks as though I need a visit to the tailor! Best of luck, chums,” he announces, taking me with him.

“Wait, you're LEAVING?! Alastor! We need your help! We need you to do your job,” Vaggie yells gesturing to the hotel.

“We need a wall,” Angel deadpans pointing at the broken wall.

“Of course! Can't let my new project fall into disrepair already. What would the papers say?!” he exclaims.

With a snap of his fingers his shadows appear with building equipment. He turns away from the group and takes us to the pentagram. We enjoy a little stroll before getting inside the boutique, he got his suit redone while I looked at the new dress they had on display. I bought a couple dresses that caught my eye and exited the building together, only to be greeted by Vox’s unpleasant face singing on the television. We shared a look and went back to Al’s studio with a smile.

“Salutations! Good to be back on the air,” We greeted in sync blending our voices ever so often creating a seductive distortion.

“Yes, I know it's been a while since someone with style treated Hell to a broadcast.” Al starts off while I finish, “Sinners rejoice!”

“What a dated voice!” Vox yells.

I drape my arms around Al’s neck as he sat back on his seat in an easy going way while keeping the microphone to his face and replies, “Instead of a clout chasing mediocre video podcast.”

“Is Vox insecure, pursuing allure? Flitting between this fad and that. Is nothing working? Ha ha!” we tease him enjoying the annoyance in his voice.

“IGNORE THEIR CHIRPING!”

“Every day he's got a new format!”

“YOU'RE LOOKING AT THE FUTURE! He's the shit that comes before that!”

“Is Vox as strong as he purports? Or is it based on his support? He'd be powerless without the other Vees!”

“Oh, PLEASE.”

“And here's the sugar on the cream. He asked ME to join this team!”

“Hold on!”

“I said no, and now he's pissy! That's the tea.”

“You old timey PRICK! I'll show you suffering!”

“Uh oh, the TV is buffering!”

“I'LL DESTROY YOOOOU YOU LITTLE—"

His little temper tantrum leads him to short circuit causing the electricity in the entire pentagram to disappear.

“I'm afraid you've lost your signal.”

“Let's begin.” He sings menacingly slowly transforming to his demon form. “Let's begin.” I sang hauntingly on top of his voice, my eyes turn black leaving my glowing blue irises hypnotically.

“I'm gonna make you wish that I stayed gone!” “Tune on in.”

"When I'm done, your status quo will know its race is run!

Oh, this will be fun!"

I laughed in delight, celebrating our wonderful comeback to our radio show. Al gives me smile and stands there quietly enjoying my reaction.

“That was wonderful! We haven’t done that in so long!” I gushed holding onto his hands. “I thought I’d have to wait 200 hundred years to sing with you again.”

He laughs petting my head, “No need for drastic measures, my dear. I’m here to stay.”

I beamed a smile and gave him a brief hug. “I’m guessing you’ll be greeting our new guest,” I asked while fixing his bow.

“But of course! I need to welcome their little toy they reeled in for us,” he smirks, “Have a good rest. I’ll see you later.”

I wave him off before I went back to our room, relaxing in our bed drifting to sleep.

‘Mom! Dad! I found some flowers over here!’

Tears fall down my face as I recall much happier times.

[capybaraonabicycle]

Apples of Avonlea (Anne & Marilla & Matthew)

For @jennyandvastraflint for the prompt 'apple picking'

Here you go, friend! I want to apologise in advance for the anti-math stance prevalent in the fic. That is not my opinion, I am completely blaming it on Anne. And Marilla and Matthew agree with me that algebra is lovely. Probably.

I hope you enjoy! Thank you for the prompt <3

Rating: General

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None, but the complaints about math, I believe

Words: 968

It was October and the apple trees at Green Gables were hung full with the sweetest, reddest apples in all of Avonlea - that was if you asked one Anne Shirley Cuthbert. Miss Stacy had given an algebra lesson to be worked upon for the afternoon, but the sun was in the sky and Matthew was starting the picking season.

So Anne had begged and pleaded until Marilla had exclaimed "Then go with him, Anne, for Heaven's sake! You won't be able to concentrate on your lessons in either case!" and the girl had fled the kitchen not a second after.

Matthew was all too happy to have chatty, wiry Anne with him, who had a much easier time climbing up ladders and coming up with ideas to sweeten the work, like work songs to sing or birds to wave to that were retreating south for the winter.

When Marilla found them, Matthew was picking already fallen apples from the ground and Anne was prancing through a tree's canopy, pretending she was Princess Cordelia overseeing the orchards in her realm, donning apples to the commoners when filling her bag.

"Anne Shirley Cuthbert!" Marilla called in exasperation, hurrying closer fast as she could. "What are you doing!"

"Oh, Marilla!" Anne sighed, leaning from a branch at a dangerous angle to wave at her. "Isn't it just the loveliest day to go apple picking? Isn't autumn just the most splendid time in the year?"

"You get down right this minute!" Marilla ordered. "Matthew! Did you allow this?"

"I -" Matthew looked up, scratching his neck. "I didn't think it was an issue, having Anne on the ladder and me on the ground."

Admittedly, by the time he had finished his defence, Anne had climbed down to the ladder, almost twice her height lower than the canopy she had presently resided in.

"You should be ashamed!" Marilla fumed, cradling Anne against herself as soon as her feet touched the grass. "Both of you! I dread to think what could have happened."

"I am sorry, Marilla" Anne cried. "I did not mean to be bad, today, I promise! It just keeps happening against my deepest desires!"

"Well, this time, it is Matthew's fault more than yours, Anne" Marilla allowed. "He should have reminded you to stay on the ladder. And preferably not let you mount in the first place."

Matthew looked fittedly sheepish and Marilla signaled with a curt nod that all was forgiven.

"Dry your eyes, now, Anne." She stepped away from the girl. "Nothing bad has happened finally."

"Are you no longer angry with us, Marilla?" she asked, dabbing at her eyes with her apron.

"No, I am not angry" Marilla smiled.

"That's tremendous, Marilla" Anne rejoiced. "Because I got something for us!"

She pulled three perfect, round apples from her apron, holding them out to her family.

"These are the prettiest apples I could find" she said solemnly, handing one to Marilla and Matthew each. "And I hoped - I hoped -"

She heaved a sigh, overcome with such a deeply-felt emotion, she could not continue.

"Get your words out slowly, Anne" Marilla reminded her strictly but fondly. "There's no need to rush yourself."

Matthew in turn reached out a hand for Anne to hold and steady herself on, which she took gratefully. Anne nodded, breathing in and out once more before managing to go on.

"I hoped, no, I dreamed," she whispered, "we could eat them together now. The first apples of the season! We could have a little ceremony to greet autumn and celebrate the apple harvest. Can we do that, Marilla? Oh, please say, we can, Marilla! It would be terribly romantic!"

Not long ago, Marilla would have found such a notion silly. But she knew how much ceremonies and romantic moments meant to Anne, so she nodded her agreement.

"We can have a ceremony and then you can come back with me and do your algebra while Matthew finishes up here" she decided.

"Oh, Marilla!" Anne whined. "How can you speak of algebra now, when we are standing underneath the most resplendent apple tree? Algebra is not romantic at all!"

"Hush now" Marilla said. "I agreed to your ceremony, so quit complaining."

Immediately, Anne turned all serious and festive.

"We should hold our apples close to each other in the middle" she ordered and Marilla and Matthew followed her lead. "And then we think very hard of the beauty of autumn and how grateful we are the tree is carrying so many delicious apples and how good it is to live in a world where you can go apple picking in Avonlea at Green Gables."

"And-" Matthew started shyly but when Anne nodded encouragingly, he continued: "And we're very grateful too, that we have an Anne at Green Gables. Who can pick many apples. And - and enjoy autumn. With us."

He clapped his mouth shut and Anne squirmed with happiness.

"Matthew!" she beamed. "Thank you! That was beautiful!"

"And now?" Marilla asked and Anne, very carefully, tapped her apple against Matthew's and Marilla's.

"Now, we eat the apples" she said.

The all dug in and Anne's face contorted in utter bliss.

"Matthew" she whispered. "This is the best apple, I have ever had. Your trees are miraculous!"

"They will make for a fine apple crumble" Marilla agreed, gingerly licking apple juice from her fingers. "Good work, Matthew!"

Anne's eyes grew wide.

"Apple crumble?" she echoed devoutly.

"I'll teach you the recipe" Marilla promised. "But come on now. You have work to do in the kitchen, and so do I."

Anne nodded wistfully. She bid goodbye to Matthew and followed Marilla willingly enough.

"You know what, Marilla?" she said, while they were walking home through the fading evening sun, "After eating an apple like that, not even algebra can scare me."

Thanks for reading! Shut up, Anne, algebra is very romantic <3

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

A Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God

by William Mason

"As sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord." – Romans 5:21

Sin, like some mighty conqueror, hath obtained a victory and reigns over the whole human race. All men are naturally under, and well pleased with its reign and government; but sovereign, almighty grace dethrones this usurping monarch in the hearts of the elect; triumphs over its spoils and conquests, delivers their captive souls from its dominion, and reverseth the sentence of death they were under: and all this is effected in a just and righteous way. For though salvation is all of grace to poor sinners, yet eternal life is a just debt due to the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ: he hath a right to challenge it from the hands of justice; and he doth so by promise, "Father, I WILL that they whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am." (John 17:24).

To think of doing something to procure the favor of God and entitle ourselves to eternal life; this we are prompted to from the pride of our natures and unbelief of our hearts. But such notions ever oppose the gospel of grace, resist the Spirit of truth, degrade the glory of Jesus, depreciate the perfection of his finished work, and make the God of truth a liar. But thou, O believer, art not saved without a perfect righteousness, in perfect obedience to the law of God; and through faith in Jesus thou hast a just challenge, an humble claim founded upon his righteousness, to eternal life! O, the rich triumphs of abounding love! how glorious is the victory of sovereign grace! Soul, thou must sink into nothing at its discovery, yet rise into a glorious subject, from the knowledge and experience of it. Grace reigns over all the aboundings of sin; here is our hope, through the righteousness of Christ, over all our unrighteousness; here is our justification in God’s sight unto eternal life; here is our triumph over the wages of sin and death. O sinner! destitute of righteousness in thyself, GRACE demands the daily study and those of thy heart; GRACE demands the whole devotion of thy life. Give all the glory where only it is justly due; to the Father, for everlasting love; to the Son, for everlasting righteousness; and to the Spirit, for everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. The more thou art enabled to live upon the divine truth and faithfulness of the covenant, as revealed in the word, and shining with full lustre in the person of Jesus, thou wilt become dead to every hope but him; out of conceit with all righteousness but his, and thou wilt be singing in triumph with the church, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; MY soul shall be joyful in MY God; for he hath clothed ME with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness." (Isaiah 61:10).

[sallysavestheday]

20 questions for fic writers

Thanks very much to @nocompromise-noregrets for the tag! This is always an interesting exercise and I haven't done it in a while.

1. How many works do you have on Ao3? 182, but a goodly subset of those are collections of very short works (drabbles, my beloveds!).

2. What’s your total Ao3 word count? 137,372. I average around 700 words per ficlet (counting those that are collections of drabbles). I have only two works over 2,000 words -- one at barely 2,100 and one at 5,600 by dint of TRSB last summer.

3. What fandoms do you write for? Tolkien only. Mostly Silmarillion but occasionally Lord of the Rings, as well.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos? I'm splitting this by fandom because the older LoTR stuff has more kudos simply as a function of time.

For LoTR: Deep in the Ancient Forests of the World; Light a Little Fire in Me; I Do Not Grudge You the Game; Rash Words and Bitter Hopes; Sing, O Stone and Air. These are all Legolas/Gimli ficlets.

For Silm: When All Other Lights Go Out (the aforementioned TRSB Feanorian family drama); What We Make, Makes Us (Caranthir and Feanor); What Keeps Us Here (Celeborn and Thranduil); Still Plenty of Good in the World (Sam Gamgee fixes Feanor and Nerdanel); and It Is the Opinion of this Reviewer (Finrod critiques the research of his peers).

No method to the madness here, it seems. Some shippy, most not. Some angsty, some humorous, mostly canon compliant. Range of Silm characters. Interesting to see the variety, actually.

5. Do you respond to comments? Always. Usually within a few days. Comments are a great way to get to know other people in the fandom, and it's always a pleasure to see familiar names pop up. It's nice to know I have a bit of a following. But I also love seeing new people appear, and I welcome everything from a single emoji to a full blown rant. I reply to them all.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? Only one? Impossible to choose. I love an angsty ending. Killing Fingon off is always a delight (like this, or this). Sending people off to their dooms (like this, or this) is another. Making them consider might-have-beens, too (like this, or this, or this).

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? I do also like happy endings! I write many happy post-canon returns, to tie up all the loose ends. Also happy moments within canon, but you usually have to pretend you don't know what comes next (blame the Professor, not me). For LoTR, These Our Braided Lives has a very happy Gimleaf ending. For Silm, try In These Altered States, Rejoice.

8. Do you get hate on fics? Spitting over my shoulder on this one, but no. Even the people who don't agree with my takes on particular characters have always been polite. Thank you, kind readers!

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? I don't write anything explicit. I'll read a wide variety but am more restrained in my writing. I've snuck a little bit into the mature range for a few things recently, but I prefer allusion and metaphor, really. It's the spirit of the intimacy that interests me, not so much the mechanics.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? Nope. Canon compliant or canon adjacent always.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? Yes, I've had a few requests. My Thranduil seems to be quite popular in other languages.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? I haven't but would be happy to explore the possibility.

14. What’s your all time favorite ship? Can't pick just one. Legolas/Gimli, Glorfindel/Ecthelion, Maedhros/Fingon, Finrod/Edrahil. The much rarer Egalmoth/Rog. And I'm pleased to have originated the tag for Amrod/Aredhel. Spitfire fans, get on that! (thanks to chestnut_pod for the horrible, wonderful ship name)

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? Not a WIP, even, just an idea that I've mentioned before: an AU in which Fingon, returning from Thangorodrim with Maedhros, can't hold onto him, and he falls from the eagle's back into Lake Mithrim. I won't write it, but I sure hope someone else will.

16. What are your writing strengths? Brevity, ha! Condensing a great deal of emotional development into very few words. Figurative language. Ripping your heart out and stomping on it, tidily.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? Dialogue. I don't write much of it, and it takes a long time to get it right.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? I'm not likely to do so. I don't like the way it interrupts the flow. I'd rather indicate the language that is being spoken than try to craft compelling dialogue in it. This is especially fraught in the Tolkien fandoms, where the linguists WILL come for you if you get it wrong, lol!

19. First fandom you wrote for? LoTR. I've only been doing this for a couple of years.

20. Favourite fic you’ve written? Impossible to choose! But my comfort series is The Flower and the Fountain: 16,000 words of Glorfindel and Ecthelion in 32 vignettes. I love those guys.

Thank you so much for the tag! @polutrope @eilinelsghost @melestasflight @tathrin @thelordofgifs @zealouswerewolfcollector, what about you? And anyone else who'd like to share, hop in!

[just-some-random-blogger]

Songbird

Dream of the Endless x Musician!Reader

Summary: Ever since the Apollo incident, you haven't gotten a good night's sleep. It was not because of the anxiousness that came after that horrible encounter, it was by design. After all, you would not have to fall on your knees and beg to the King of Dreams again if you do not enter his domain. Boy, did that backfire.

Word Count: 5k+

Warnings: BRUH I WROTE 5k SMUT AGAIN BYE, no feminism in sight, themes of polytheism, fem!reader, egyptian goddess insert, possessive!dream, smut (dom!dream to soft!dream, hair pulling, begging, thigh riding ig, vaginal penetration, cock warming), typos, etc.

A/N: yeah so 🫶 today we get on our knees So this is a continuation to Left In Hell (p1) and Sounds Like Heaven (p2). You do not need to read them to understand, but I highly suggest you read part 2 at least to get the reference of the summary and to understand why dream's so mad HAHAHA I feel like i've made yn into this mystical, immortal-esque being but i dont actually know whats going on with her so just roll with it. who knows maybe i'll keep writing for musician!reader Also @aralezinspace gave me some ideas for this fic. TY LOVEY. And I'm tagging @rosaren2498 cause i said i would if i continued

"You look horrible," Meret judges.

I dart my tired eyes at her silky black hair and perfectly smooth skin. She crosses her toned arms and not a wrinkle interrupts her face as she knits her brows at me.

"I will always look horrible in comparison to you, my goddess," I retort as I press my hands together and mutter a solemn greeting to her.

She raises her nose, "no. Usually, the mere entrance in my shrine makes you glow," she nears me and places a hand on my cheek, "but you have damaged yourself, as you have clearly been avoiding the master of dreams."

The heat of her gaze makes me gulp.

Meret hums, "why is that, my love?"

"There is a reason why I have been more devoted to you these days," I force a smile on my tired features.

Meret pulls her hand away and raises a brow, "and here I thought you've finally grown tired of that bacchanal Apollo."

The goddess of rejoicing strides to her throne. I find some clarity at the sight of her swaying hips.

I clear my throat, "you are thinking of his brother, my lady."

Meret sits on her throne and waves a hand. She crosses her legs and her pale blue chiffon skirt slips to the side, revealing her shapely legs, "they are all the same to me." She drops her hands to her armrest and tilts her head, "did you not bring an instrument with you?"

I tent my hands in front of me and push away the face that springs up in my head, "I thought you would enjoy if I recounted the Songs of the Nile for you today instead."

"Oh," she smiles, "well, it has been a while since I have heard its tune."

I bow before her then lift up my voice with the song I had learned ages ago. I sing to her until her dwelling blooms with flowers by her own delight to the worship. My voice echoes in her chamber and time passes gently as I finish my tale.

Once I am done, Meret stands from her throne and applauds me, her entire being left with a glow, as, I find, is my own.

I am in a way revitalized, my eyelids don't feel as heavy, yet there is a lingering fog in my mind.

She praises me in ancient Egyptian, and I curtsy at the words, though I do not understand.

Meret walks over to me and places a joyous kiss on my lips. Once she pulls away, my head spins at her sentiment.

She grabs my face, "another song, my child."

I nod enthusiastically, "as you command, oh goddess."

By the time I finish my 10th song, I meekly decline her pleas to continue with another selection. Her encompassing essence in the snug realm had forced all my tiredness away after all the worship. But it was not because I had gotten reinvigorated now that I wanted to leave. It was because I knew the trickle of time may seem slow here, but that did not mean the same thing to the waking world.

"Will you have your goddess get on her knees for you to sing once more?" Meret offers.

I then me drop to my knees and I shake my hands in defeat, "I would not, oh Meret, I-"

"I understand," she sighs, waving her hands, "you fear the passing of time in your realm," she adds, "time is annoying, is it not?"

I merely nod.

She, who had gone back to the throne, walks back to me and pulls me to my feet, "it is a pity that you are so loyal that man."

I suck in a breath, "Apollo is-"

"But I do not mean the sun child," she presses a finger to my lips, "the Endless you are fleeing from has been whispering for me to release you after I declined his request to enter my domain."

"Dream..." I shiver, "has been calling for me," my shoulders tense.

Meret narrows her eyes, "if my daughter is being harassed by the King of Dreams, then I shall have you stay here with me until he tires."

I grab her hands. She feels me shudder as I say, "no! No!" I even my breathing, "that would not be necessary."

"But it is," she takes rubs her thumbs on my skin, "I am your patron, and I-"

"He is also my patron!" I quip nervously, "and I-" I blink rapidly and force out a smile, "-should not chose to anger him any more than I have already."

Meret's face begins to darken.

"The King of Dreams is why Apollo is stuck still in a void," I nervously chuckle, "I would not have another one of my precious divinities answer to the same fate," I choke on my saliva momentarily, "nor do I want to wake up in a darkness I cannot escape."

Before Meret could speak, I urge her with a shaky voice, "please let me go back home. Please. I beg of you."

She weighs the sincerity of my voice.

"My goddess, please," I drag out desperately.

She huffs, "as you wish."

With a wave of her hand, a portal appears to my side. I give her one last curtsy and step into the vortex.

A shiver runs down my spine when I make it to the cold hallway in front of the door to my apartment. The temperature was not a good sign.

I enter my home and immediately look for my phone and check my phone for the date.

I release a shudder at the sight of the digital calendar, "it's fine." I heave, "it's only been a month." I drop my phone to the coffee table and stretch my back, "I thought it would have been at least two, considering the one aria was so-"

"You have been avoiding me."

I turn behind me and gasp at darkness that suddenly cloaks my room. At the heart of it was Dream's pale and angered face, towering over me as though I was an ant, which would not be so far from how someone like him would see me anyway.

I tear my gaze away from him as he calls my name out in a warning.

I clear my throat, willing the fear out of my system, and point to nowhere in particular, "I had... errands."

I make the mistake of turning back to him and my very soul nearly leaves me.

When I tear away from him again, he stops me. His large hand traps my jaw and turns me back to him. He does not apply force, he does not need to. I do as he wishes as behold the searing heat of his glorious face.

My chew my lower lip as he steps forward and peers down at me with his cold blue eyes, "you will look at me when you are speaking to me and I am speaking to you," he lifts my head up higher that my lips nearly touch his as he leans forward, "am I understood?"

I nod.

"Good," he breathes out, sending a shiver down my spine.

Dream examines my expression and blinks before he speaks, "these errands of yours, they have forced you to lose sleep?"

"I-" I can't tell him the truth, "I am busy."

He tilts his head, "that does not answer my question."

I find great difficulty in keeping his gaze.

He calls out my name again, and I turn to him and freeze.

"These errands you have to your gods and goddesses," he words carefully, "have they forced you to lose sleep?"

My lack of better judgement gets the better of me, "y-yes."

He hums so gutturally I feel it echo in my thorax. Dream finally releases me then allows a fraction of space between us, "then I will exact a punishment to Meret, who-"

"NO!" I grab his coat and hang my head low in shame, "I-" I stutter and feel goosebumps rise on my skin when his hands find my arms.

I lift my head up to him and heave at the expectant and hard gaze he held.

"I-I... was lying," I mutter so lowly that the sound barely leaves my lips. I knew he heard it though, seeing how his lips pursed.

"The truth is, my lord," I gulp, "I have been avoiding you."

"Yes," he retorts, "as I said moments ago."

Dream prompts me to straighten myself up, and once I do, his hands travel to my sides and pulls me close to him.

As I am sure the sound of my pulse echos in his ears, he leans down and nearly chokes me with the look of his glassy blue eyes, "I wonder why you wasted great efforts in losing sleep, as though there is a realm I could not reach you-" his hands travel up my ribs, "-could not hear my songbird's sweet voice."

A sharp shudder escapes me when he bends down and sucks in a deep breath against my cheek. My hands instinctively dart to his own, and the moment I do so, he grabs my wrists and pulls away. He is disgusted, "you smell like your goddess."

I open my mouth but find no reply.

Dream's eyes dart down, "she even made it a point to stain your lips with her rouge," his eyes slowly dart back up, "or perhaps this was your scheme," he raises his brows.

I dawns upon me that there was most definitely lipstick stains on my lips.

I open my mouth, but speak not a single word when his fingers brush on my lips, "there is something to be done about this," he mutters, "don't you agree?"

I squeak an undiscernible response.

"I have just worn out your ears with my chastising, did I not?" Dream questions, "and your voice tired after repeating your pleas of mercy."

His fingers rake my back, just below my shoulder blades, "and yet," his other hand cups my jaw, "you insult me worse than you did before, in a way that tells me you do not place value to my words."

"My king, I- I-"

He raises his brows.

"I-"

I cannot continue.

He visibly does not enjoy this.

I whine, feeling tears cloud my eyes, "I-"

"Save your voice," he commands, swiftly drawing away from me, "you will need it when I wear out your entire body with my chastising."

I am sent reeling but his severe words, left as still as a statue.

I watch him as he walks over to my sofa and sits upon it, as though it was his throne. Dream turns to me and my frozen state, "have you any complaints, songbird?"

I choke on my spit and clear my throat.

He awaits my response and feel my palms sweat.

"Do you not think it is fair of me to seek retribution of your spite?"

I shake my head.

"Very good," he speaks plainly.

I fidget with my hands while Dream relaxes against the cushions.

"If your goddess can make her most devoted musician sing, then I expect nothing less for myself," the King of Dreams states with finality.

I release a breath and point a finger, "would you like me to bring out an instrument, my lord?"

He hums, "you are willing to play so suddenly?"

His tone was laced with an accusing knowledge, knowledge of the fact I did not bring any instruments to Meret's shrine, lest I trigger more jealousy out of him.

If I had played his Harp of Dreamlight, then he would hear me and demand audience, as it was his right. But if I had played any other instrument, say the Flute of the Desperation, or my Marimba of the Tides, then he would have still heard and made reason to scorn me over the fact I am not using the precious gift he mended with his bare hands.

I do not make the mistake of noting any of this.

"I am always willing to please my patrons," I curtsy.

He merely blinks, "then play Death's piano," the said piano materializes in front of me, "and sing me her lullaby?"

I turn to the seat in front of the instrument then back to Dream, "you want me to sing Death's Lullaby?"

"I have yet to hear your rendition of it."

I shudder under his gaze then turn to the piano, "as you command, Dream Lord."

I open the fallboard once I sit before the piano. I straighten my back as I close my eyes. I begin to play the chords and the melody of the song, giving myself a moment to recount all the lyrics as I do.

I feel agitation build inside me when I am unable to recount all the words in my head.

"Dream," I mutter, opening my eyes to look at the black and white keys under my fingers.

The hair on my nape rises when he speaks my name out in response.

"I don't think I remember all the words."

"I will not hold it against you if you hum the part you cannot recall."

With the reassurance, I start by humming the lullaby's tune before attempting to sing it. Once I do, I sway my head in beat and find myself finally relaxing even with the Endless' presence.

This does not last as I, not only cease my singing, but also my playing when I feel hands come upon my shoulders. With a shaky grunt, I regain composure and continue my performance, tensing against him before easing myself back to calmness.

"Very good," Dream praises, brushing my hair away before placing a kiss on the side of my neck.

I breathily rasp out the lyrics and forget the rest when he begins to suck and lick my skin.

He does not seem to mind that I only manage to play the tune on the piano while I shakily breathe when I feel him wrap his arms around me.

As far as lullabies go, this one was as short and briefly meets its end. I do not mention it to him however and decide to simply repeat the lullaby over and over again until he asks me to stop.

I press on a few wrong notes when Dream's hands begin to massage my breasts. I am unable to hold back my moan when he does.

He ceases his kisses then hotly whispers, "now play me the Ballad of Nightmares."

Like a true puppet, I quickly transpose and restraighten my back as my fingers climb up and down the keys.

He hums and pulls away from me fully, leaving my head spinning at the loss of his tender touches. I crane my neck up at him and feel my stomach tighten at the sight of his pleased expression.

Before I could reach the section where I would sing, Dream's deep voice causes me to freeze, "I would prefer if you only sang to me this time."

I immediately nod and stand from my seat.

The next moment, the piano is gone and Dream pulls me against him.

I look up at him, open mouthed, and blink rapidly at the sight of his moistened lips. I gulp when he leans closer.

"Well," Dream starts, hands taking my hips, "sing for me."

He begins to push me back, and so I walk backwards as he directs. I gasp when I am pushed on the sofa. I bounce slightly when Dream sits to my side.

I steal a quick look before turning away and closing my eyes. I begin to sing the first verse but choke on my words feel his fingers on my abdomen, tugging my top off.

He raises his brows at me when I turn to him, "you do not require clothes to sing, do you?"

My voice goes silent and my breathing quickens.

Dream's expectant look makes me stutter, "I- no-"

"Then do not stop on my account," he dismisses as he frees me off my top.

I continue the song, goosebumps and all, as Dream brushes his fingers on my collarbones and then works to rid of my bra. I try not to think about how warm and large his hands are when he frees my breasts and massages them. I especially try not to think of how my core throbs when he bends down in front of me and takes my pert nipple into his eager mouth.

My hand darts to his messy hair and my thighs press tightly against each other. I reach the chorus when he wordlessly instructs me to stand before him.

I am severely aware of how his eyes are glued on my chest as make my way between his legs. His hands grab my sensitive lumps before travelling down to pull my bottoms off.

I am proud of myself that I do not even hitch when the cool air hits my bare thighs. I do, however, not fault myself for needing a moment to gulp when he squeezes my thighs and brings a finger up to my soaking heat.

I stop all together when he stands before me and grabs my hands. I feel blood rise up my neck as he towers over me.

The king tilts his head, "did I tell you to stop?"

I shake my head quickly. I continue my song.

He guides my hands onto his shoulders, "you can sing and strip me, can you not?"

I nod eagerly as I continue with the second verse.

He places a quick kiss on the pulse point on my wrist, "very good."

I pull off his trench coat hastily and drop it to the floor. I then take my time brushing my fingers up his toned stomach as I rid him of his shirt. I am glad he does not deny me this pleasure.

When my hands grab onto his waistband, he moves away and grabs the area himself, "eyes on mine, pretty girl," he mutters, making me turn back to his crystal blue eyes.

"I will do this myself," he says undoing the button on his pants, "I do not need you more distracted than you already are."

It was a chore to keep my eyes on him when I could still see him in my peripherals.

When I begin to mess up the chorus, Dream clicks his tongue. My heart is too loud for me to even hear myself properly at this point, if I'm being honest. Once he is as bare as I am, he sits down on the couch and grabs me by the hips, forcing me in front of him.

This time, he pushes my legs apart with his knees and sneaks in between my soft thighs, "you sung so beautifully the words moments ago. I am disappointed you cannot remember them now."

I screw my eyes shut as I try to rejog my memory. It is futile when Dream grabs the back of my thighs and urges me toward him. My hands grab his shoulders as I climb on him.

I release a moan when my wetness lands against his toned thigh. He allows me the courtesy of continuing my lewd desires as I stammer over whatever the fuck I was singing in the first place.

The next moment, he reels me close to him and I hiss when I feel his hardened length rub against me.

His hands grip my sides tightly as he rocks against me, "I did not tell you to stop."

"D-Dream-"

"I did not ask you to beg," his voice falls deeper.

Heaving deeply, I test my voice before continuing with the rest of the song, but I rip my eyes open when and fall silent when Dream stills and blurts, "from the beginning."

I whine, chest inflating and deflating with reluctance.

"You are in no position to decline me," he leans in, pushing his pulsing hard-on against me, making me bite my lips to conceal my whine.

"I will burn traces of your devotion to others," he mutters as he brushes his nose on my neck. Dream feels bitterness rise up his throat as he speaks, "will you dare deny your king of this?"

"I-"

He pulls my head back by the roots of my hair, causing me to whimper and grip him tightly, "I will not have you agree, only to shirk me and pray tribute to your false gods."

"My lord, I-"

"You are my music maker," he mutters, "you owe your allegiance to whom gifted you your talents," he growls, biting the throbbing pulse on my neck, "I am your master."

His one hand moves to my core, "your maker," this thumb massages my sensitive nub, "who will make you come undone all over me."

"Morpheus, my lord, please!" I whine out.

He chuckles darkly, "you do not even know what you beg for."

"Exact your punishment on me, I swear I will not answer to anyone else's calls but yours."

He finally releases his grip on my hair and places both his hands on my waist, rubbing the surface up and down, "then sing for me," he grips my hips and elicits a whine from me once he sheathes himself in my slickened folds, "while I relieve my frustrations in your heat."

I catch my breath at the feel of the stretch, "Dream, please."

He purrs, hips barely rolling beneath me, "what are you begging for this time?"

"I-" I lean close to his face, "I don't think I can sing everything."

I bite my lips when he stills and looks at me, "then shall I stop?"

I shake my head furiously, causing him to chuckle, causing me to squeak at the feel of him.

"You must not fall mute while you sing," he brushes my hair behind my ear, "or else it would not be singing, would it?"

I whine in a mix of worry and need, "but what if I forget the words," I mutter, grabbing his wrists that were by my sides as I rut against him.

He growls in protest, hands flying off me before he seals me tightly against him, hindering any further movements, "you are too audacious for your own good, girl."

I pant against him heavily.

Dream eyes me darkly, "fine. In the nature of your punishment, for every time you fall silent, you will repeat the ballad from the top and I will not allow you relief until you finish every word."

I whine, "Morpheus-"

"Or," he cuts me of, "you can speak my name with every ounce of adoration in the moments you forget the lyrics."

I nod eagerly to his words.

"Do not be so quick to agree," he mutters, leaning back on the cushion as his hands find my hips again, "I can tell if you speak my name in vain."

"Morpheus," I drawl instinctively as he begins to move underneath me.

"Very good," he croons, leading my hips with his hands, "but that is not the opening words to the song, little one."

And so I draw in a deep breath and rack my brain for the start of the words, lest my Dream maker stop his ministrations.

I begin my singing and Dream rewards me by rocking more eagerly and allowing me to I rock in sync against him. For the most part, I manage my musings clear enough to make out the words and the tune. If it was your first time to hear the song though, I'm sure it would not have made sense to you.

There is a slight hitch in my voice when Dream begins to latch his lips on my collar bones and graze the area. My hands find his nape and my fingers dig into the roots of his hair.

I feel glorious on him, especially with how successful I am with my singing.

I persevere all the way to the chorus, but then that was when Morpheus shifts and flips us over. He pushes my back on the cushioned seat and my head props on the arm chest.

At this point, I struggle with my lyrics and he seems to enjoy it. I end up a sputtering mess and don't have the wits to say anything but his name.

He smiles as I grab his face and whine. He rolls his hips deliciously into my and my legs anchor him in the perfect position.

"Dream, oh, Dream, you feel so good."

His thrusts bring unholy sounds to my mouth.

"I don't remember that part of the song, pretty girl."

Fuck the song, I could care less about a stupid ass-

"Will you continue your tune, or shall I withdraw and use my hands instead of your throbbing-"

"No, please!" I whine and shake my head as I latch my fingers around his neck. "Morpheus, please, please, give me a chance."

"Well, when you say my name so sweetly," he sighs, quickening his actions, "I would hate to see my favorite songbird suffer," he grips my legs tightly, "not when she's submit to me willingly."

I moan out his name while I finally remember the next words to the song. I hit all the wrong notes and even modulate to a different key when he maneuvers me up. My body is trapped in the corner of the couch and he begins to brutally ram into me.

My head falls back and my voice strains as my tongue helplessly hangs out. I gasp for air as he grows relentless.

Oh Morpheus. Morpheus. Morpheus. Morpheus. Morpheus. Morpheus. Morpheus. Morpheus. Morpheus. Morpheus. Morpheus.

That's all that could come out of my lips at this point.

He hums and steals one gasp of his name from my lips. It does not end my holy mantra though.

Dream utters, "I quite like this song."

I do nothing but squirm, especially when one of his hands begin to fiddle with my sopping heat.

The sounds of me are absolutely obscene.

It is music to his ears.

"Do you think your beloved Meret or Apollo would enjoy this song as much as I?" he quips harshly, though his voice is not strained at all.

For once he does not enjoy the fact my only response is his name.

He snaps his hips particularly harshly, "I am asking you a question, my dear."

I dumbly whine as I gain the wits to look at him. My jaw hangs low at the sight of his dark gaze while he absolutely annihilates me.

"If that poses too hard to answer, then I'll ask something simpler," he leans his forehead against me, "who is making you feel this good?"

My legs tighten around him, "you."

"And what is my name, dearest?"

"Morpheus," I whine, "my- my Dream, my king of dreams and nightmares, my-" I squeal, "my king, my love, my -"

He hums and rewards me with a kiss on my jaw though my response is all very messy, "very good." He licks my throat as he thrusts, "and again-"

"Morpheus-"

"Again-

"Morpheus-"

Dream continues like this, making sport of burning his name on my throat, up until my words are muffled and my breathing escapes me.

All at once, I am wild with pleasure, burning from the core of my very being, as I coil tightly around him, both with my limbs and from within. I can barely make out any coherent sounds as I am blinded by my undoing. I come around him with a noise I'm sure my neighbors are not enjoying.

"Very good, my girl," he praises, "very good for me, indeed," he kisses my neck, "will you allow me a few moments to chase after release?"

I nod furiously and grab his face, "fuck, Morpheus, please, come inside me. Please, please, please."

He only groans in response as he chases his own high.

I cry out when I feel him spasm inside of me. He draws out a prolonged sigh as he thrashes his hips. I'm merely a moaning, boneless, mess as he draws every last grain of delight out of him and into me.

Even though I am helplessly shaking beneath him as his movements heavily persist, I am utterly pleased by the feel of him coming undone in me.

Once he finally slacks, I manage to catch my voice and my breath as my toes curl and my belly rolls.

I attack his neck, eager to mark him the way he surely marked me.

Dream moans and snakes his arms around my torso, pressing me closer against him, if that were possible, "pretty girl, this is your punishment, remember?"

"Wanna make you feel good," I mutter against his skin.

He lifts his head as he groans, raising a brow at me, "I can practically hear the aching of your core. You cannot possibly take me now."

I attempt to kiss him but end up pouting when he dodges me, "I thought you were punishing me, my king."

"You make me out to be so cruel," he croons, brushing his nose against mine, "I did not even hold true to my threats," he ghosts his lips on mine.

He rolls his lips against me and I am unable to mask my sharp whine.

"You've proved it to yourself, girl," he mutters, "you would break against me."

My stomach flutters at the idea, "then break me."

He draws my name out in a warning and feels the shiver that runs down my spine because of it. Dream lifts face to look down on me with disappointment, "you are more insolent than you have proved."

I nibble my lip, "I can be a good girl for you," I release my lip and offer a soft smile, "or a really, really bad girl."

"I wonder how much worse you can become."

"I can show-" I gasp and tighten my arms around him when he begins to move, "no wait, I'm sorry, please don't leave," I press my cheek on his shoulder and quickly beg, "please don't leave."

Dream shifts before he stills, "but is this not uncomfortable for you?"

"I like the way you feel," I admit, "I don't want you to pull away."

I relax when he rearranges me in his arms.

Effortlessly, Dream keeps me cradled in his arms as he rearranges us on the sofa. He is back beneath me and my legs are straddling his.

We both release a sigh of relief.

I lean back on the crook of his neck and begin to work on his hickies.

"Do not test me, girl," he warns so fervently I feel my womb quiver.

I whimper as he wraps his arms around me and moves his head to hinder my actions.

"I'm not testing you, my lord," I complain, taking his face in my hands, opting to kiss his face instead, "I'm worshiping you, adoring you, loving you."

Dream relaxes at the notion, then chuckles. The vibrations of his laugh leave me whining. He leans back and exposes his milky neck to me. I eagerly attack throat as he says, "very good."

[redbelles]

5, 18, 69, and 76 for the fic writer meme!

5. how many wips do you have? what fandoms/pairings are they for?

yeah i've got wips

kidding! (mostly! not really. but only kind of. it's fine!)

i have just. so many fucking wips. don't wanna talk about how many i have because it's embarrassing, actually! this is absolutely because i consider anything i've written words for/thought about for more than a hot minute a """wip""" but that's a me problem, so here, have semi-comprehensive list of wips i'm determined to finish this year:

the chimneys hardly ever fall down masters of the air; post-war john/gale/marge

gonna stand here in the ache the punisher; post-season one frank/karen

our hands are cold, the moon sets low asoiaf/got; post-season eight jon/sansa

butchered tongue still singing berserk; post-canon guts/casca

something in the night gilmore girls; keg max!au jess/rory

don't you hear me howling, babe? shadow & bone; season one canon divergence darklina au

the second hand unwinds (time after time) stranger things; post-season four hellcheer au

and then, for fun, some wips that aren't top priority atm:

prophetic perfect tense dune; always a girl!paul atreides au

i've walked for miles top gun; post-canon icemav road trip au

more than kin and less than kind hotd; rhaenys flambés the greens at aegon's coronation au

the knife i turn inside myself dune; irulan/feyd post-kanly hatefucking + marriage of convenience au

18. do you enjoy research? which fic of yours required the most research?

yeah! i'm a nerd at heart and also i have a burning need to be canon-compliant with both canon and reality, so i love getting into the research weeds when i'm all in on a fic!

the most """research""" i've done for a fic was, astonishingly, for the fucking,,,,, robert baratheon story (that started life as, and i cannot stress this enough, a joke). i spent so many hours on a wiki of ice and fire i'm pretty sure i made up at least 40% of the site's traffic during the calendar year time it took me to write the damn thing. extremely normal behavior!

anyway! i'm actually in the opposite situation with chimneys, which is super weird. i know a staggering amount of information about the post-wwii usaaf/usaf, and i have to actively stop myself from a) infodumping about things like the development of the american bomber fleet and b) trying to make the timeline accurate, because the entire premise of the fic relies on me Ignoring what was actually going on. anti-research. insane! everyone pour one out for @sluttyhenley— she's spent the last two months taking one for the team and letting me rant at her about curtis lemay so i can get it out of my system and spare everyone who's there for porn instead of a dissertation on strategic bombing doctrine <3

69. what are your favorite fics at the moment?

first of all: nice 😏

second: i feel like i've blathered enough about my own fic today that i'm gonna take this as a question about what i've been enjoying as a reader, so! some recs!

moon's low (can't say no) by @meyerlansky delicious introspective curt pov that nuances an already insanely interesting scene! love this for me! in related news, i am barking and frothing at the mouth as i wait patiently for the follow up to dancing cheek to cheek (to cheek)! tumblr user meyerlansky comin' in hot with THEE definitive curt biddick voice!

never saw the sun shining so bright by @sluttyhenley absolutely shrieking about this series! marge deserves the world! and also both of the buck(y)s! good for her.jpeg! i'm lucky enough to be getting snippets of this as m writes it, and i cannot wait for the next few installments to go live

careful fear and dead devotion by @everyangel another john/gale/marge series i'm currently losing my mind over! the marge voice is so delicious, and i love the pre-war angle that underpins the first fic! cannot wait for more!

enter night by @rhaegang monsterfuckers and barry keoghan enthusiasts rejoice! the writing is top notch, the sex is blisteringly hot, and the tension and pacing are superb. rhaegang truly never misses

nothing safe is worth the drive (follow you home) by @yoursummerfrost i never really had a buffy phase, but i came across this fic the other day and boy howdy does it have me by the throat. deeply emotional, very sexy, and written with so much love it's got me thinking about giving the series more than a cursory "well, it was on when i was home sick from school way back when" watch. also! i've devoured every buffy fic they've written since i found this one and i'm happy to report that they're all incredible!

76. how do you deal with writing pressure, whether internal or external?

mature answer: i try to take a step back and remind myself that this is a hobby i am doing for fun and for free and i should calm the fuck down about it

follow up answer: and if that doesn't work, i whine ceaselessly at my writing buddies until i'm over it

send me some fic writing asks!

[theprayerfulword]

November 17

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

Psalm 9:10 And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee.

John 9:4 I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

May you not harbor resentment or hold on to long-standing grudges that prevent you from showing God's grace to others in their time of need, for God is just, faithfully measuring out to you, whether great or small, the same measurement you use for others, showing mercy to those who are merciful, and judging you with the same judgment you use on His people. Ezekiel 35

May you bear with others in their sorrows, sharing comfort in their distress, bringing encouragement to lift their head and strengthen their hands in the time of their trouble, for that which you choose to give to others is what you will receive from the hand of God. Ezekiel 35

May you know that though others turn from you or deride you as you go through God's discipline, not understanding His will or recognizing His purpose in cleansing, purging and purifying you to receive His power in love, His authority in mercy, and His strength in grace, the Lord will honor you in their eyes – not for your sake, but for His name's sake, and to test them, showing them what is in their heart, that they may repent and be renewed in forgiveness. Ezekiel 36

May you be ready to respond when the Lord calls you to Himself, for He will sprinkle you with clean water, cleansing you from all your impurities and distractions, giving you a new heart and putting a new spirit in you, removing from you your heart of stone and giving you a heart of flesh, for the Lord will put His Spirit in you, and move you to follow His decrees and be careful to walk in His ways so that He will be your God and you will be His child, having been saved by the Lord from all your uncleanness, knowing that He does all this for His name's sake. Ezekiel 36

May you consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance, endurance, patience, and steadfastness which, when finished, will prepare you perfectly and equip you completely, so that you will be lacking nothing. James 1

May you ask God whenever you need wisdom, for He gives generously to all without reproach or finding fault, but be sure your faith is in God alone, not doubting or wavering, for if your loyalty is divided, you will not be able to stay on course or receive anything from the Lord. James 1

May you rejoice in your seasons of want, for then God can strengthen your faith by being more visibly seen as your Source for all your needs; and may you rejoice in your times of plenty, for then you can loosen your grip on the world and grow in humility as you understand God's favor, and not your ability, brings it to pass. James 1

My child, what convinces you that I am the Lord? Is it the love and compassion you feel when My Spirit makes My Word real to you and brings life to your spirit as you pray and draw close to Me? Is it the awe and respectful fear that you experience when you see My power demonstrated in someone's life, delivering and healing them in a miraculous way? Is it the weighty and sorrowful conviction of sin when My Spirit moves on your heart to bring cleansing and purifying to your life and your ways? Is it the dreadful and terrible shaking you encounter when My judgment is executed against the enemy and those who choose to be influenced by him, even to those who call themselves by My Name, but whose hearts are far from Me? It is your choice, My dear one. I am the Lord, and all mankind will know that I AM.

May you persevere under trial, for when you have stood the test, you will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1

May you not be deceived, but understand that every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like shifting shadows, but chooses to give you birth through the word of truth that you might be a kind of first-fruits of all He created. James 1

May you love the Lord for He hears your voice when you cry for mercy, and because He turns His ear to you, you know you can call on Him as long as you live. Psalm 116

May you call on the name of the Lord to save you when you are overcome by trouble and sorrow, and the cords of death entangle you as the anguish of the grave comes upon you, for the Lord is gracious and righteous, full of compassion, protecting the unwary and inexperienced, saving you in your great need. Psalm 116

May you be at rest once more for the Lord has been good to you, delivering your soul from death, your eyes from tears, and your feet from stumbling that you may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 116

May you repay the Lord for all His goodness to you by lifting up the cup of salvation and calling on the name of the Lord as you fulfill your vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people. Psalm 116

May you truly serve the Lord, Who has freed you from your chains, for precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116

[bibleversegarden]

The captain of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ, has wrought a great work in the earth, in bringing many sons to glory. O, praise His holy name!

He who was made perfect through sufferings, is perfecting a glorious church. His joy has become ours; let the redeemed declare His high praises!

By Him all things were created, both visible and invisible. The Lord, He is God; from age to age the same. His kingdom is forever. 

Rejoice in the LORD, our eternal hope and stay.

Psalm 100 "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." 

Hebrews 1:8-12 But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."

And: 

"You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail."

Hebrews 2:1 "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

Colossians 1:3-4 "We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints."

(See Colossians Chapter 1 in its entirety: about walking worthy of the Lord, bringing forth fruit, increasing in the knowledge of God, continuing in the faith, grounded and steadfast, not moved away from the hope of the gospel.)

Hebrews 2:9-13 "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praises to You."

And again: "I will put My trust in Him." 

And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."

Hebrews 12:2-3 "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." 

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." 

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the LORD always. Again I will say, rejoice!"

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

[fukuokanodivision]

SUMMIT OF DIVISIONS (OverDrive Ver)

Bring The Beat!

[All-] Here we go (here we go), east and west Connecting divisions (divisions) with this microphone Old and young, come together and make our voices a chorus The battle is locals vs. Chuohku Here we go (here we go), you and me Right and left, me and you Overcoming blood relations and troublesome connections Anyway, this party, let's get it on A night where shocking oaths crowd around The no.1 mic that aims at our days Let us drink and sing, get wired as we like A party night limited to only one stage, make love Hop, skip, and jump, taking the initiative asap Let's get started Reverberating sound and hearts If we don't have fun, there's no point Let's go! [Eko-] On this stage of life, I want to hear your voice! Shout out your passions, Make your sounds rejoice It’ll be alright, Let your feelings flow Let’s get this party started, Here we go! [Mai-] Arigato Onii-san, Thanks big bro! Hmm, Let’s see what Mai-san has to show~ Watch me, On this rhythmic beat You want to join me? Then get up on your feet! [Yuno-] Speaking of which, Why don’t you two accompany me? We’ve been on this long journey, I’ll take care of us three The stars are so beautiful tonight, Like tiny blinking light Aoi, Shuiro, Shall we finish this fight? [All-] A night where shocking oaths crowd around The no.1 mic that aims at our days Let us drink and sing, get wired as we like A party night limited to only one stage, make love Hop, skip, and jump, taking the initiative asap Let's get started Reverberating sound and hearts If we don't have fun, there's no point [Eko-] Stage by stage, Colossal verse and rhyme Out of the way, Don’t bother this time Oh, So you want to throw down? If you insist, Though I’m no clown! (Haha!) [Mai-] Step by step, Closer to victory Losing last minute? Don’t play with me Break times over, Let’s head to the wings On the stage of history, Let’s mix up some things! (Yeah!) [Yuno-] Guarding my team, I won’t let them go Concerned with them? Select me in first row Don’t worry about my teammates, Your surprise is with me Will you take me on, The one and only? (Don’t be shy!) [All-] A night where shocking oaths crowd around The no.1 mic that aims at our days Let us drink and sing, get wired as we like A party night limited to only one stage, make love Hop, skip, and jump, taking the initiative asap Let's get started Reverberating sound and hearts If we don't have fun, there's no point Let’s go! Fukuoka! (Hey!) Toyama! (Ho!) Katsushika! (Hey!) Obihiro! (Ho!) Shizuoka! (Hey!) Kumamoto! (Ho!) If you stan them, put your hands up! (Ho!) Boys! (Hey!) Girls! (Ho!) Gentlemen! (Hey!) Ladies! (Ho!) Middle aged men! (Hey!) Mature women! (Ho!) If you're there, raise your voice! (Ho!) [Eko-] Raps electric triple threat, Make sure to watch your hands Keep your distance from me, You’ll regret having fingers in bands Through the monitor, here’s a surprise Fukuoka’s 2nd team? We’ve always been 1st prize! [Mai-] No strings attached, down from my post Just a tiny puppet? No need to boast Plucking strings, Verse on point Keep up on your toes, Just don’t crack a joint [Yuno-] “Comes in many forms,” I am not a doll If you leave me to gather dust, What’s the matter at all? I’m way more fun when up and about So I can rap, protect and knock you out! [All-] Here we go (here we go), east and west Connecting divisions (divisions) with this microphone Old and young, come together and make our voices a chorus The battle is locals vs. Chuohku Here we go (here we go), you and me Right and left, me and you Overcoming blood relations and troublesome connections Anyway, this party, let's get it on A night where shocking oaths crowd around The no.1 mic that aims at our days Let us drink and sing, get wired as we like A party night limited to only one stage, make love Hop, skip, and jump, taking the initiative asap Let's get started Reverberating sound and hearts If we don't have fun, there's no point

[alittlebitoftruthcan]

‘Osho, many of your jokes I don’t get. What to do?’

Anand Magdalena, you must be trying too hard to get them. You must be too serious. When I say that I am very serious about my jokes I am joking! You should not listen to me at all! Be alert, be watchful. I am not a man to be relied upon always.

There is no need to get the joke—the joke will get you! You simply relax—you simply relax! You are trying to find some significance, some hidden meaning, something esoteric in it. It is simply a joke!

But that’s how we have been conditioned for centuries: to take everything seriously. I want to destroy your seriousness. That’s why I have to search for all these stupid jokes, just to destroy your seriousness! In fact, it is very troublesome for me. It will be easier for me not to tell you any jokes, but then you will become very very serious. Even telling you these jokes you go on clinging with your seriousness. You are trying to find some meaning.

Life has no meaning. Rejoice! It has no meaning. Dance, sing, enjoy! It has no meaning. You need not be serious. It is a cosmic joke! What is there to get? But the achieving mind is always trying to get something, even out of a joke.

Can’t you relax at all? Can’t you simply listen and laugh? Do you have to understand it and its significance and its esoteric meaning then you will laugh? By that time the joke is finished—you have missed the point. The point is simply to relax; but you will be very serious about it, you must be.

I have heard… Jesus, I have lost it again! I have not heard anything, not a word! Do you see? Even without a joke people are getting it! So if you want to get it you get it, joke or no joke! I have not heard. I have not told you, and you have got it! It is a question of relaxing!

— Osho (Guida Spirituale)

[thetheoreticaljehovist]

Bless Jehovah, O my soul. O Jehovah my God, you have proved very great. With dignity and splendor you have clothed yourself, Enwrapping yourself with light as with a garment, Stretching out the heavens like a tent cloth, The One building his upper chambers with beams in the very waters, Making the clouds his chariot, Walking upon the wings of the wind, Making his angels spirits, His ministers a devouring fire. He has founded the earth upon its established places; It will not be made to totter to time indefinite, or forever. With a watery deep just like a garment you covered it. The waters were standing above the very mountains. At your rebuke they began to flee; At the sound of your thunder they were sent running in panic— Mountains proceeded to ascend, Valley plains proceeded to descend— To the place that you have founded for them. A boundary you set, beyond which they should not pass, That they should not again cover the earth. He is sending springs into the torrent valleys; Between the mountains they keep going on. They continually give drink to all the wild beasts of the open field; The zebras regularly quench their thirst. Above them roost the flying creatures of the heavens; From among the thick foliage they keep giving forth sound. He is watering the mountains from his upper chambers. With the fruitage of your works the earth is satisfied. He is making green grass sprout for the beasts, And vegetation for the service of mankind, To cause food to go forth from the earth, And wine that makes the heart of mortal man rejoice, To make the face shine with oil, And bread that sustains the very heart of mortal man. The trees of Jehovah are satisfied, The cedars of Lebʹa·non that he planted, Where the birds themselves make nests. As for the stork, the juniper trees are its house. The high mountains are for the mountain goats; The crags are a refuge for the rock badgers. He has made the moon for appointed times; The sun itself knows well where it sets. You cause darkness, that it may become night; In it all the wild animals of the forest move forth. The maned young lions are roaring for the prey And for seeking their food from God himself. The sun begins to shine —they withdraw And they lie down in their own hiding places. Man goes forth to his activity And to his service until evening. How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made. The earth is full of your productions. As for this sea so great and wide, There there are moving things without number, Living creatures, small as well as great. There the ships go; As for Le·viʹa·than, him you have formed to play about in it. All of them—for you they keep waiting To give [them] their food in its season. What you give them they pick up. You open your hand—they get satisfied with good things. If you conceal your face, they get disturbed. If you take away their spirit, they expire, And back to their dust they go. If you send forth your spirit, they are created; And you make the face of the ground new. The glory of Jehovah will prove to be to time indefinite. Jehovah will rejoice in his works. He is looking at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to Jehovah throughout my life; I will make melody to my God as long as I am. Let my musing about him be pleasurable. I, for my part, shall rejoice in Jehovah. The sinners will be finished off from the earth; And as for the wicked, they will be no longer. Bless Jehovah, O my soul. Praise Jah, YOU people!

Psalms 104, NWT

I Will Make Melody To My God As Long As I Am

[baptistsuicidewidow]

Today this song was in my head, which is easy since it's a repetitive thing I made up while it was recording back in 2017 or so. The song tries to illustrate how no one close to you has met 100% of your expectations, and every human has disappointing moments, even yourself.

I think I need to compile a list of songs that make me feel better during this time.

Anyway, music is such a weird topic for me in general, and now it just got even weirder. I used to be obsessed with the vanity of being 'in the know' with THE BEST NEW MUSIC... I wasted an embarrassing amount of time on that. Music was like an idol for me. Then I got hyper into Christianity, and I didnt know what to do with myself, since here I was stuck with snobby tastes. I abandoned music with lyrics for awhile, and then eventually abandoned music for awhile.

But now that I'm driving, and my car isnt new enough to have Bluetooth setup, I find myself needing some music.

When I learned that my husband did NOT kill himself in our new van, I was relieved. If he had, I for sure would have to sell it/wouldn't be able to drive in it. (To this day I still dont know exactly how he did it..., I just know it was in the basement). So when I first went to the house to collect what all was needed for the next week, I was also able to pick up the van and start heading for Sterling, IL.

My husband was the type that would listen to a cd over, and over, and over, and over without ever seeing the need to change the music. Most of his favorite music was not 'my jam', as he really actually preferred barbershop quartets singing hymns, and 'Gaither music'.

So out of curiosity, I turned on the cd player and tried to appreciate his music anew.

It wasn't long until this cd made me physically sick and weirded out. The cd's theme is fixated on how exciting going to heaven is. How we just cant wait to get to heaven. I couldn't help but imagine my husband in the basement all alone with these damn songs running around his confused mind before he did what he did.

I turned off the cd immediately. Tried to listen to anything else. I've stayed in that mode ever since, even to the point of listening to secular radio, which isn't a good long-term solution. I threw the cd away. I kept going to church and one church I attended anonymously just sang song after song about how excited we all are about heaven. I just cried the whole time.

I do not like these songs now-Can't sing them.

I keep thinking, "How about we get excited for living our lives for Christ down here, huh?" I can guarantee you that I won't be singing these 'sweet release of death' songs anytime soon.

It's as Paul wrote:

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. Philippians 1:21-24

We needed Jeremiah. I need him. It was VERY needful for him to stay. I wish he finished his runaway train of thought with the following verses as Paul concludes:

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Philippians 1:25-27

So here I try to stand fast. Striving. And I hope after God's healing and time I can get back to what was our household's favorite thing to do, and give the gospel of Jesus again.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

15th July >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Saturday, Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

And

Saint Bonaventure, Bishop, Doctor. 

Saturday, Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: White: A (1))

(Readings for the feria (Saturday))

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

First Reading Genesis 49:29-33,50:15-26 'God has turned the evil you planned into good'.

Jacob gave his sons these instructions, ‘I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me near my fathers, in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave in the field at Machpelah, opposite Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite as a burial-plot. There Abraham was buried and his wife Sarah. There Isaac was buried and his wife Rebekah. There I buried Leah. I mean the field and the cave in it that were bought from the sons of Heth.’

When Jacob had finished giving his instructions to his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed, and breathing his last was gathered to his people.

Seeing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, ‘What if Joseph intends to treat us as enemies and repay us in full for all the wrong we did him?’ So they sent this message to Joseph: ‘Before your father died he gave us this order: “You must say to Joseph: Oh forgive your brothers their crime and their sin and all the wrong they did you.” Now therefore, we beg you, forgive the crime of the servants of your father’s God.’ Joseph wept at the message they sent to him.

His brothers came themselves and fell down before him. ‘We present ourselves before you’ they said ‘as your slaves.’ But Joseph answered them, ‘Do not be afraid; is it for me to put myself in God’s place? The evil you planned to do me has by God’s design been turned to good, that he might bring about, as indeed he has, the deliverance of a numerous people. So you need not be afraid; I myself will provide for you and your dependants.’ In this way he reassured them with words that touched their hearts.

So Joseph stayed in Egypt with his father’s family; and Joseph lived a hundred and ten years. Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children, as also the children of Machir, Manasseh’s son, who were born on Joseph’s lap. At length Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am about to die; but God will be sure to remember you kindly and take you back from this country to the land that he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ And Joseph made Israel’s sons swear an oath, ‘When God remembers you with kindness be sure to take my bones from here.’

Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten; they embalmed him and laid him in his coffin in Egypt.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 104(105):1-4,6-7

R/ Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive.

Give thanks to the Lord, tell his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. O sing to him, sing his praise; tell all his wonderful works!

R/ Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive.

Be proud of his holy name, let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice. Consider the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face.

R/ Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive.

O children of Abraham, his servant, O sons of the Jacob he chose. He, the Lord, is our God: his judgements prevail in all the earth.

R/ Seek the Lord, you who are poor, and your hearts will revive.

Gospel Acclamation 1 John 2:5

Alleluia, alleluia! Whenever anyone obeys what Christ has said, God’s love comes to perfection in him. Alleluia!

Or: 1 Peter 4:14

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

Gospel Matthew 10:24-33 Everything now hidden will be made clear.

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘The disciple is not superior to his teacher, nor the slave to his master. It is enough for the disciple that he should grow to be like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, what will they not say of his household?

‘Do not be afraid of them therefore. For everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, proclaim from the housetops.

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

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

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saint Bonaventure, Bishop, Doctor 

(Liturgical Colour: White: A (1))

(Readings for the memorial)

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

First Reading Ephesians 3:14-19 May Christ live in your hearts through faith.

I pray, kneeling before the Father, from whom every family, whether spiritual or natural, takes its name:

Out of his infinite glory, may he give you the power through his Spirit for your hidden self to grow strong, so that Christ may live in your hearts through faith, and then, planted in love and built on love, you will with all the saints have strength to grasp the breadth and the length, the height and the depth; until, knowing the love of Christ, which is beyond all knowledge, you are filled with the utter fullness of God.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 118(119):9-14

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

How shall the young remain sinless? By obeying your word. I have sought you with all my heart; let me not stray from your commands.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

I treasure your promise in my heart lest I sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

With my tongue I have recounted the decrees of your lips. I rejoiced to do your will as though all riches were mine.

R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 23:9,10

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

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

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

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[dailyaudiobible]

04/09/2023 DAB Transcript

Deuteronomy 33:1-29, Luke 13:1-21, Psalms 78:65-72, Proverbs 12:25

Today is the 9th day of April welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian it is wonderful to be here with you today as we greet a new week. But it is wonderful to be here with you today as we celebrate and rejoice in the most important day in human history. Today is Easter Sunday, resurrection day. The hope of the world centers and is held together by the events that we observe and commemorate today, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead as the victorious one.

Song:

Keith Green – The Victor

Swallowed into earth's dark womb And death has triumphed That's what they say But tried to hold him in the tomb The son of life Rose on the third day

Just look The gates of hell They're falling Crumbling from the inside out He's bursting through The walls with laughter (hah!) Listen to the angels shout

It is finished He has done it Life conquered death Jesus Christ Has won it

His plan of battle You know it He fooled them all They led him off to prison to die But as he entered hades hall He broke those hellish chains with a cry

Just listen to those demons screaming See him bruise the serpent's head The prisoners of hell He's redeeming (oh!) All the power of death is dead

It is finished He has done it Life conquered death Jesus Christ Has won it

Just look The gates of hell they're falling Crumbling from the inside out He's bursting through the walls with laughter (hah!) Listen to the angel’s shout (listen, oh, listen)

It is finished He has done it Life conquered death Jesus Christ Has won it

It is finished He has done it Life conquered death Jesus Christ Has won it

So, this is our last full day in the book of Deuteronomy and today we will read chapter 33.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your word. Jesus, we thank You for Your victory. Today on Easter Sunday as we celebrate the world over billions of us rejoice in Your victory and Your offer of salvation to the people of the earth. We are eternally grateful, and we are at a place again that we find ourselves so often where there aren't the right words that can adequately say what we need to say. And, so, we once again realize that we say what we need to say through our lives as we humble ourselves before You and take this offer, this gift of eternal life, and as we live our earthly lives completely different ending up in a completely different place than we would have without You. The words aren't adequate. Thank You seems so less than what needs to be said. You are the victorious Savior. You would not abandon us. You have rescued us. There is nothing about us that has not been touched and transformed and this continues on and on as we are sanctified and made into Your image. We rejoice in You and yes, we thank You with all of our hearts. We thank You.

Song:

Keith Green – Easter Song

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing That You can be born again Here the bells ringing, they're singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone Said, ? He has risen, just as He said Quickly now, go tell His disciples That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world He has risen, Hallelujah He's risen, Hallelujah He's risen, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing, they're singing That You can be healed right now Hear the bells ringing, they're singing Christ, He will reveal it now

The angels, they all surround us And they are ministering Jesus's power Quickly now, reach out and receive it For this could be your glorious hour

Joy to the world He has risen, Hallelujah He's risen, Hallelujah He's risen, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

The angel up on the tombstone Said, ? He has risen, just as He said Quickly now, go tell His disciples That Jesus Christ is no longer dead

Joy to the world He has risen, Hallelujah He's risen, Hallelujah He's risen, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah