#I'd like to thank the gods and the saints for blessing me with this

[moonmaenad]

my doctor has recommended that a hysterectomy be preferable treatment for my fibroids ✨✨✨

[ghuleh-recs]

★ Ghost Fandom Fic Rec Tag ★

VERY annoyed about the anon hate I’m seeing in my favorite writers’ ask boxes lately. So! I thought I'd live up to my username. Let’s appreciate some amazing writers and rec some fucking fics.

Rules (re: loose guidelines)

Pick some fics from your AO3 bookmarks or your likes/reblobs here on tumblr, and post them with links and a blurb about it. Maybe a summary or just a reason you liked it. As many or as few as you feel like sharing. Then, as one does, tag your friends.

This is a ZERO pressure tagging situation—if you’re too busy or don’t feel like participating, no biggie at allll. Let’s just spread some love and positivity shall we?

I’ll go first (some slightly spoiler-y descriptions ahead):

[REC] and 1080P by @st-danger We've got some absolutely delicious vulnerable Dew x completely smitten Swiss right here. Long story short, they send a video of Dew in panties to Aether. These are scorchingly hot. Part of Saint’s Kinktober series—which you better subscribe to if you haven’t already.

This Swiss x Aeon stoned hand kink ficlet from @crimsonclergy actually set my brain on fire yesterday. So there’s that.

This fic from @riconas featuring insecure Dew knotting Aether. A little desperate, a little mean, a LOT sexy.

A Touch Too Much by @miasmaghoul Hey have you ever wondered what would happen if Dew went into heat during a ritual? And how he might react to Papa singing about daddies and caressing him during KTGG? Hmm? You ever wonder about that?

It would tear me apart, it would haunt me forever (so much you'd never get to know) by @littlemoon-beam oh boy this is some stunningly good Dew angst. This fic will hurt your feelings and then you’re gonna thank Moon for it. She really blasted into this fandom like the Kool-aid guy and we are honestly so hashtag blessed for it.

Now for some reader-insert if that’s more your style.

Misaimed Desire by @violet-lazer Whoops. You accidentally texted Secondo something saucy and he summons you to his office. Whatever will he do to you? Part of her excellent First Kisses: Papal Edition series. Terzo is next so y'all better subscribe.

Banchetto by @angellayercake This. This right here is the good shit. Terzo is wasting away, not handling life after the Ghost Project well at all. Primo and Secondo enlist your help seeing as you’ve got some serious cooking skills. This is gorgeously written with some god tier slow burn and eventual smut. It’s a WIP but the most recent chapter is super satisfying, don’t you worry.

The Cardinal's Bride by @ramblingoak If you’re not following along with this, you’re REALLY missing out. This is pure bodice-ripper GOLD. Some of the most satisfying slow burn I have EVER read. I reread the whole thing every time Oak drops a new chapter.

The Prince by @kissingghouls Vampire!Terzo x slayer!reader need I say more? I am loving the latest installment of Suck Club (you should really read them all). Terzo is pathetic and wears crop tops and it has me actually kicking my heels and giggling as I read.

One last thing:

Leave a comment on ao3, or reply/reblog (with tags) here on the hellsite anything you enjoyed that someone else recommended. I dare you. The author might even reply and you’ll feel oh so special.

I tag: @littlemoon-beam, @rightintheghoulies, @myghemicalghostmance, @angellayercake, @ramblingoak, @neekocalico, @kissingghouls, @stede-bonnets and anyone reading this that also enjoys fanfic. Yeah you. I’m so serious. Don't test me, boy.

(Feel free to tag me back because I have soooo many others but this already got way too long.)

[soupedepates]

Antonina belongs to @noa-de-cajou

People tend to remember me, for I am the goth mommy working in retail in two different locations. I need the two incomes to have a good life for my son. Even if Idalia is paying child support, life is still pretty expensive, and young kids grow up really fast. And I grew up on hand-me-downs from my mother, from the Lupsowiec, from the neighbours... which is mad cheap and convenient, but clearly, it did impact me in the wrong way. I just want the best for Dmitry.

My superiors know I am a single mother. Well, everyone knows that. My manager at one store is...

Yeah.

I know why I called a Uber just to make sure he won't follow me. He's been getting handsy these days. And I can't disappear because, you see, I am the goth mommy working in retail. I can't lie low and I catch the eye.

And people don't care about me because I am the goth single mommy working in retail. Colleagues and clients alike. I might be "asking for it", who knows. I...

I do look like I am an easy prey.

Perhaps because I am.

No, no, Tekla, don't think like that.

You don't deserve that.

"You're a wonder and a queen, and I will destroy anyone who dares to look at you. You're mine, and I will protect you." Fuck, get out of my head. It's been 4 years and you're with another, and this woman is a fucking patron saint to put up with your bullshit.

Still, it was easier to hide behind you.

Thanks heaven here's my Uber.

I send Zuza a text to tell her I will be late picking up Dima at her place. I prefer dealing with her, bless her heart, than with my ex. Then, I get into the car.

"Can you please drive around for a bit?" I ask, looking anxiously at my manager staring at me through the window.

"......Tekla? Tekla, from middle school, 6e A, 5e D, 4e C, 3e A?"

I look at my driver in disbelief. These green eyes and this fair hair. This tired face.

"Tonia? My God, it's you???"

"It is!" she smiles before she turns the engine on. "Oh my, it's been a while... Since the end of middle school, right?"

"Yeah!" I take a moment to observe her driving. "You seem to have a lot figured out, Tonia, woah."

"Eh, I'm not sure."

"You look way less gloomy."

"Still, I feel like my life is upside down", she chuckles. "How's life?"

"My manager is a creep and I'm a mother. You?"

"I'm a mother too, and a bad one at that."

"Why do you say that?"

"It's..." She hesitates, then sighs. "Nothing. I just feel like a bad mother."

"You're the sweetest girl I've ever met, you can't be a bad mother."

"...Yeah. Are you still with Efrém?"

Who? Oh. Yeah. Hm. I don't know how familiar Antonina is with the concept of transidentity. Well, not the first time I have to educate people on that.

"It's Idalia now."

"Always knew that kid was fruity", she smiles, giving me a giggle.

"We broke up four years ago. I'm going to her girlfriend's place to pick up my kid."

She looks at the address for a bit.

"That's funny because my midwife has been in this block since four years."

...Wait a damn minute.

"Is she, like, with a thick accent?"

"Yes she is."

"Is this Mrs Majak?"

"You know her?" She exclaims. "The Polish diaspora is quite tight-knit in this city. That's crazy when you think of it."

"You want tea? I have some to spill."

"Always," she twitters.

"Idalia cheated on me with your midwife and that's why we broke up."

"Noooooo."

"Yes," I assure. "And she now lives with her. It's been four years. My kid is at theirs. I am picking him up at theirs and your midwife is actually helping him doing his homework and brewing coffee for me."

She bursts out laughing at a stop sign before resuming her path. She seems like she needed that right now. Girlie is stressed out. Antonina has always been secretive, and I respect that. Least I can do is making her feel better for a while.

"Damn, and I'd rather sit and discuss with this woman than with my ex. You remember how she was in middle school? She didn't calm down at all! It got worse! Well, you know that the Lupsowiec have always been a handful but clearly, she is the worst of them..."

I chat and babble and talk and talk and talk to fill up the silence. When I stop, like on cue, she snorts or says "oh, really? That's crazy! Oh wow!". I think it temporarily alleviates her burden. Perhaps she needs to hear stupid ramblings. Just to feel less alone. I need that sometimes. She said she was a mother. It's kind of lonely to be a mother, and a single one at that. You need company. She can use some of that.

"Annnnd we're at destination", Antonina announces as she parks her vehicle.

"Thanks a lot, Tonia, that's an immediate 5-star," I smile. "Oh, and before I forget, please note my number. You should drop by sometimes, I'm a great cook and we have to catch up."

Her eyes sparkle.

"We sure have. See you soon, I guess?"

[heresylog]

Do you have any simple resources on learning how to pray the rosary? My family are all Catholic but never passed on any knowledge to me and I have not put much effort into learning before. I'd like to learn now. Thank you.

I was going to link you to a how-to but I’d rather just explain it.

I wrote this from mostly memory. For a more in depth explanation I’d recommend researching on your own. There are so many things I left out.

You begin with the crucifix on the bottom and do the sign of the cross “in the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit” and it starts on your forehead for father, your chest for son, and your left shoulder for holy and right shoulder for spirit.

Then you say the Apostle’s Creed: I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Then you do three Hail Marys for an increase in faith, hope, and charity. I will include the prayers in the end.

You then begin with the first mystery (each set of mysteries corresponds for a day of the week) You will read the passage from the Bible and meditate on the fruit of the mystery. For example, the first sorrowful mystery is about Jesus praying the night before and becoming so stressed that beads of blood formed instead of sweat. The fruit of that mystery is obedience and you are meant to meditate on how that passage and obedience plays a role in your life.

You will pray the Our Father and then you will say 10 Hail Marys (a decade) while meditating on the mystery. Once you reach the tenth you will then pray Glory Be. After that you will pray Fatima’s Prayer (also known as the O My Jesus prayer) and then you will do the same thing with another mystery.

Once you reach the end of the rosary, there’s usually a connecting bead that corresponds. You will pray the Hail Holy Queen. Sometimes people end with a response, sometimes it just ends there. It just depends on you, your situation, or the group you pray in.

Prayers

Hail Mary

Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Our Father

Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed be thy name thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Glory Be

Glory be to the father and to the son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

Fatima

Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sims. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven especially those in most need of thy mercy.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail holy queen mother of mercy. Our life our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then most gracious advocate thine eyes of mercy toward us. Show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, o loving, o sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O holy mother of God that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

*all text in red indicates that it is meant to be said by everyone in a group setting. When by yourself, obviously you will pray both parts. When in a group, only the leader will say the words in white.

[mathlann]

10 characters | 10 fandoms | 10 a negotiable number of tags

Tagged by @poetikat! Thank you!

1. Selina Kyle/Catwoman- DC. One of my oldest faves, even if I don't talk about her much on here. Something is happening in Gotham City? Is Catwoman going to be there? If not, then I don't care! It's rare that a Batman writer can be normal about her but I'd rather suffer through badly written Selina than no Selina (and God have I suffered).

2. Matilda- The Monk: A Romance. One of the best villains I've read this year, I adored every page she was on! The scheming! The seduction! The audacity! She worked hard for her place in Hell and I hope Satan gave her a promotion!

3. Yennefer of Vengerberg- The Witcher 3. Ever since Geralt showed up Skellige and she gave him those party outfits knowing damn well she wasn't going to like either one of them... I loved her. I immediately got back on the boat to find the right merchant to buy the correct outfit so we could coordinate. Never made the same mistake again.

4. Arthur Morgan- Red Dead Redemption 2. My sweet cowboy! He was awful at crime and riding horses but I kept him clean, fed, and dressed in the finest Cowboy Gucci 1899 money could buy. He rode his white mare off to the Big Train Job in the Sky years ago and I still can't finish the epilogue because I miss him too much.

5. Daeran Arendae- Wrath of the Righteous. Every blessing in his life has turned out to be a curse and he deals with that by being just ....the pettiest asshole. He actively makes my KC a worse person by association but he is never allowed to leave my party. To avoid a dissertation level essay....I just think he's neat!

6. Aloth Corfiser- Pillars of Eternity 1 and 2. My favorite Team Nerd. This elf has never met a crack in the ground too small to dramatically hurt himself on, but also is regularly one of the last ones standing during boss fights. He hates me in Deadfire as of now but his general wizardly wimpiness is so endearing I can't be mad about it.

7. Alicent Hightower- House of the Dragon. Owner of the biggest, saddest eyes in Westeros. She should have been allowed to kill that old man. I wanted her to kill that old man so badly.

8. Maeve Millay- Westworld. Her and Hector altered my brain chemistry for a straight month back in 2021 (their intro! The tent scene!). That show did not do her right because Maeve should've been the special main character android rather than Dolores. The whole narrative ~bullshit~ just makes more sense if it was Maeve. I said it then, I say it now, and I'll be saying it again on my deathbed.

9. Johnny Gat- Saint's Row II. Johnny, my best friend Johnny! He never stops criticizing my Boss's driving but I take him everywhere all the same. Accidentally launched him out the front of a car so bad he didn't come back for what felt like a week. I thought I'd killed him for real and was devastated! Saints Row III is so boring without him.

10. Morrigan- Dragon Age Origins. Still one of my favorite video game character arcs. Platonically. Romantically. To me, she can do no wrong.

If y'all are up to it! Tagging @babeoffrontiers @neocores @feluka @bhaelspawn @gojuo or anyone who wants to!

[traumacatholic]

I'd like to ask for prayers about my job, please -- I've been trying to get disability accommodations for months and I'm so tired, and I know job hunting while working will be just as exhausting as trying to wrangle doctors and all... I just want my energy back

I'm so sorry to hear that you're having a hard time getting the disability accommodations you need. If you haven't already, it might be worth seeing if you can get a charity / support organisation to become involved in helping you access disability accommodations. Having someone step in and help you with the work should hopefully alleviate a lot of your burden.

I have attached some prayers under the readmore that you might find comforting.

Prayers to Saint Jude

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of.  Pray for me who am so needy; make use, I implore you of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired.  Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings particularly (here mention your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity.  I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you.  Amen.

---

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, I place myself into your hands at this difficult time.  Help me to know that I am not alone.  Please pray for me, asking God to send me comfort for my sorrows, bravery for my fears, and healing for my suffering.  Ask our loving God to strengthen my faith and give me the courage to accept His Will for my life. Thank you, St. Jude, for the hope you offer to all who believe in you.  Amen.

--

O Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance.  Help me in my present and urgent petition.  In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.  St. Jude pray for us all who invoke your aid.  Amen.

Prayer for problems at work

Dear Lord, I confess the burden I carry at work, it feels too heavy, too cumbersome to lift, to carry daily. Please come and give me freedom from this weight, change the circumstances of this situation, free my heart and mind from the anxiety it causes. Give me wisdom to know how to resolve, manage or walk away from this worry. I come to you, my Lord, my Saviour, my comforter and my friend. I know you are with me. I am not alone, I need not fear. Amen.

Prayer of Someone in Trouble

O God, our help and assistance, who art just and merciful, and who hearest the supplications of Thy people, look down upon me, a miserable sinner; have mercy upon me, and deliver me from this trouble that besets me, for which, I know, I am deservedly suffering.

I acknowledge and believe, O Lord, that all trials of this life are given by Thee for our chastisement when we drift away from Thee and disobey Thy commandments.

Deal not with me after my sins, but according to Thy bountiful mercies, for I am the work of Thy hands, and Thou knowest my weakness.

Grant me, I beseech Thee, Thy divine helping grace, and endow me with patience and strength to endure my tribulations with complete submission to Thy will.

Thou knowest my misery and suffering, and to Thee, my only hope and refuge, I flee for relief and comfort, trusting to Thine infinite love and compassion that, in due time, when Thou knowest best, Thou wilt deliver me from this trouble and turn my distress into comfort, when I shall rejoice in Thy mercy and exalt and praise Thy holy name, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Amen.

Prayer for Protection

O Lord, Thou who steadied the hand of Peter as he began to sink on the stormy sea, if Thou are with me, no one is against me.

Grant to me the shield of faith and the mighty armor of the Holy Spirit to protect me and guide me to do Thy will.

The future I put into Thy hands, O Lord, and I follow Thee to a life in Christ. Amen

Prayers for Oneself in Time of Need

Almighty God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to my help and deliver me from this difficulty that besets me. I believe Lord, that all trials of life are under Your care and that all things work for the good of those who love You. Take away from me fear, anxiety and distress. Help me to face and endure my difficulty with faith, courage and wisdom.

Grant that this trial may bring me closer to You for You are my rock and refuge, my comfort and hope, my delight and joy. I trust in Your love and compassion. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, our help in time of need, Who are just and merciful, and Who inclines to the supplications of His people. Look down upon me and have mercy on me and deliver me from the trouble that now besets me. Deal with us not according to our iniquities, but according to Your manifold mercies, for we are the works of Your hands, and You know our weaknesses. I pray to you to grant me Your divine helping grace, and endow me with patience and strength to endure my hardships with complete submission to Your Will. Only You know our misery and sufferings, and to You, our only hope and refuge, I flee for relief and comfort, trusting in Your infinite love and compassion, that in due time, when You know best, You will deliver me from this trouble, and turn my distress into comfort. We then shall rejoice in Your mercy, and exalt and praise Your Holy Name, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen

[songsofbloodandwater]

for the ask game: 2, 3, 18 and 20! 🌼🦋

2. Do you have a deity that is particularly close to you?

A few actually. Stella Maris being the first to come to mind, I literally call her Mother on the regular. La Dolorosa and the Mother of Rivers aswell, two Mothers of our lineage who've repeatedly come forwards to aid when there was need. From my father's side I've inherited a pact to Saint Cajetan that I'm still unraveling for myself, and yet he's also important to me as the most direct and recent representation of my paternal lineage's support. I say recent because there's also a few germanic Gods of old who've managed to make their presence known and their influence heard over the years, and still have a special place in my heart.

3. Whats your favorite tale about your Gods?

Any story having to do with the origin of water bodies and winding rivers in particular is specially dear to me, as a Child of the Rivers. I grew up with a lot of stories about mountains and Ancestors turned to stone, with their profiles still clearly discernible in the rock, and also of Ancestors turning to plants and flowers, their spirits still available to aid us in that form. Ancestors are Gods to me, and all the Gods I worship are family, even if very distant family members sometimes. I can't pick a favorite. They all remind me of very special moments of my childhood and of loved family members. Any of the stories about the Ancestors and the Land, and Ancestors becoming part of the Landscape, that I grew up with are my favorite.

18. Do you have any food or drink that is spiritually important?

Many!!! I was just thinking about this yesterday actually. There's certain plants that we traditionally make infusions of to ease spirit communication, to Gods, to Nature Spirits and to Ancestors. Anything (food, herbs, produce) grown or made in the land I currently live in, I also consider sacred as I see it as a direct blessing from the Land Spirits to our family. Rice is particularly sacred, as is corn and a few kinds of beans. Some drinks spiritually important to me are coffee, milk, water, rum and other high alcohol content drinks like vodka.

20. Do you believe in fairies, nymphs or nature spirits?

Yes to fairies and nature spirits, both things have a big place in my family's traditions. I grew up learning about them and how to keep good relations with them. Nymphs, yes? question mark? I'm not particularly knowledgeable about hellenistic traditions but I'd tentatively see them as separate and different from what I grew up with. I do believe they exist, I just have no business with them.

Thanks for asking!

[angeltreasure]

Hi there- to start with, your account is lovely and I like seeing it on my dash. I have a potentially slightly stupid question for you- I'm relatively inexperienced in the faith, and nobody's ever shown me how to pray for someone (outside of Mass, obviously). I'd like to be able to help with some of the requests I see on your blog. How do you pray for someone?

Many thanks!

Good Morning!,

Aww thank you! Don’t worry it’s not a stupid question at all. In Catholicism specifically, there are two basic types of prayers. We worship only one God, so all prayers are sent to Him. This is direct prayer. The saints (that is, a person in Heaven) are not worshiped but rather, they are like a friend we go to we need help with prayers. They pray with us for an intention we have by sending that prayer up to God. This is called intercessory prayer. Here is a photo below to better show you.

Praying can be as simple as you want. When you pray to God, you can use prayers already created by other people or you can make your own. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated in wording. Pray as simple as you would talk to a friend when praying to God. For example you could do something like “God, please help John Doe, they are in a lot of pain”. Talk to God like you would a friend. You can make it a whole conversation whatever you have on your mind or in your heart. Jesus in the Bible showed us a way we can pray too. In Catholicism, we have titled that prayer as the Our Father. It’s a great way we can pray for someone. Here it is below:

You can also use videos on YouTube for prayer. I learned how to pray Chaplets and the Rosary by the use of tv and YouTube. Some videos are nice enough to have the words on the screen! There are also many prayer books you can buy and even little tiny pamphlets too for less than $5. Your local church website may also have prayers. Radio is also a good place for prayer try Relevant Radio. Prayer requests are taken by religious Orders too on their website you can personally submit. You can find a lot of prayers by google images too if you can’t buy any books, etc yet.

When someone outside of Mass asks you to pray for them, you can do silent prayer, vocal prayer, you can light a candle for them, you can offer a mass for them. You can pray anywhere you want without limit (as long as you are safe under the law of your country or the safety of your own home for example or church, etc). You can be a great source of comfort to someone by praying for them and other people. Be light a light in the darkness of this world. It will take you deeper through the narrow path of holiness to get to our goal: Heaven.

Please search the tumblr tag #prayer request to see the kinds of prayers I do for others. Feel free to make a post with that tag too for yourself or intention for others anytime. May God bless you.

Bishop Barron on Prayer

[immerlein]

hello ms immerlein, hope you're doing well. i'm a simple inquirer into the orthodox church and i wanted to ask if you could go into detail about what marriage is, in the faith. my boyfriend is the type who thinks "why can't we just get married at a courthouse?" but because having a wedding is important to me, he'd ultimately like to go with a 'proper' one. i'm glad that he cares about me enough to allow me to make the decision, but i don't know how to convince him that marriage is indeed something sacred. ideally i'd want to have our wedding at an orthodox parish, but as he isn't (yet, maybe sooner or later) a christian i'm content with waiting

Hi there :)

Thanks for your question; it's great to hear your boyfriend respects your feelings on something as important as this. I will say, though, that you might have a hard or impossible time getting married to a non-Christian in an Orthodox church, so you would need to discuss it with a priest. By the way you've phrased your ask you do seem to know that, but just clarifying in case :) I agree that marriage is sacred and a very beautiful mystery of the Church. It is taken seriously, entered into seriously, and only broken under the most serious of circumstances (the Church allows remarriage, with conditions). The whole idea is that you marry to be "companions on the journey from earth to heaven" (St John Chrysostom) and "attain holiness". "The purpose of marriage is to unite two persons into a bond of love for their mutual companionship, support, enjoyment, and fulfillment. While the couple, on their own, already is a family, giving birth to and nurturing children is an important purpose of marriage." - goarch.org

I'm going to include some other quotes from Saints/Church Fathers/theologians that I think speak to the theology of marriage better than my own words could.

Marriage is a sacrament and a state of grace: “Marriage is not only a state of nature but a state of grace. Married life, no less than the life of a monk, is a special vocation, requiring a particular gift or charisma from the Holy Spirit; and this gift is conferred in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.” (Ware, Timothy (1993-04-29). The Orthodox Church)

“Marriage is the key of moderation and harmony of desires, the seal of a deep friendship… United in the flesh, one spirit, they urge each other on by the good of their mutual love. For marriage does not remove God, but brings all closer to Him, for it is God Himself Who draws us to it.” - Saint Gregory the Theologian

Elder Aimilianos of Simonos Petros Monastery on Mt. Athos wrote: “When two people get married, it’s as if they're saying: Together we will go forward, hand in hand, through good times and bad. We will have dark hours, hours of sorrow filled with burdens, monotonous hours. But in the depths of the night, we continue to believe in the sun and the light.”

"There are two misunderstandings about marriage which should be rejected in Orthodox dogmatic theology. One is that marriage exists for the sole purpose of procreation...is has never been a teaching of the Church. On the contrary, according to St John Chrysostom, among the two reasons for which marriage was instituted,  it is the first reason which is the most important: 'as for procreation, it is not required absolutely by marriage...’ In fact, in Orthodox understanding, the goal of marriage is that two should become one, in the image of the Holy Trinity, Whose three Persons are essentially united in love... In the Orthodox Church, there is no understanding of sexual union as something unclean or unholy. This becomes clear when one reads the following prayers from the Orthodox rite of Marriage: 'Bless their marriage, and vouchsafe unto these Thy servants ... chastity, mutual love in the bond of peace ... Preserve their bed unassailed ... Cause their marriage to be honourable. Preserve their bed blameless. Mercifully grant that they may live together in purity .. :. Sexual life is therefore considered compatible with 'purity' and 'chastity', the latter being, of course, not an abstinence from intercourse but rather a sexual life that is liberated from what became its characteristic after the fall of Adam. The ultimate goal of marriage is the same as that of every other sacrament, deification of the human nature and union with Christ. This becomes possible only when marriage itself is transfigured and deified." - taken from the writing of Metropolitan Hilarion.

I hope this helps! Take care and all the best :)

[i-dreamed-i-had-a-son]

Hey I saw your post about John from the Chosen and it touched my heart because as a catholic (and I totally understand if you don’t believe this of course haha,) God has called us to love like John so many times! He is associated not only with love in general (which isn’t surprising for an INFP hahaha) but with the love of the heart of Jesus. ❤️‍🔥

In His dialogues with Gabrielle Bossis (considered private revelation so their up for interpretation) He said the following:

“Lord, give me the grace to understand better.”

“Ask Saint John to help you. It’s his feastday today. Although I left him on the day of My ascension, he went on living with Me right to the end of his life on earth. Ask him for the tender faithfulness that won so much light for him. And trust.”

According to Catholic tradition, in 1673, on the feast of St. John the Evangelist, Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary and showed her His Sacred Heart displaying His Divine Love in the form of flames. He said to her,

"My Heart is so full of love for men that It can no longer contain the flames of Its burning love. I must discover to men the treasures of My Heart and save them from perdition."

Anyways, I thought of sharing this with you. ❤️🫶 God bless!

Thank you for sharing this lovely thought and story! I'd never heard that before. But yes, I certainly agree that we are called to love like John (in imitation of our Savior, of course)! Although I love to think of John as an INFJ ;)

And it's technically a little early, but Happy Easter! He is risen 😊🙏

[warrenwilkinson]

Texts: Erik & Warren

@erikdragon

Erik: Warren

Erik: Warry

Erik: Worrywart

Erik: Guess who has two thumbs and is getting the festival in his honor back after a good 300 years?

Warren: don't talk to me you treacherous fuck

Warren: I can't believe you chose a disgusting mutt to be your best man!

Warren: and even worse, I had to hear it from Maya cause you couldn't even tell me

Warren: for fuck sake's we've know each other for centuries and not chose a stupid wolf over me 😠

Erik: Ouchie

Erik: Seth was right then, you are upset about that

Erik: But it's not what you're thinking, Worrywart

Erik: And besides, Jason is a pretty cool guy, I'm sure you'd like him if you knew him

Warren: don't talk to me

Warren: you're lucky I like and respect your angel, otherwise you'll have my sword in the middle of the chest

Warren: I don't care if he's a fucking saint

Warren: I thought our friendship meant something

Erik: Warren

Erik: I know you enjoy these anger outbursts, but would you shut up for a second

Erik: Best men is a thing of this century, I met Jason this century

Erik: Your role in my wedding was supposed to reflect our story

Erik: So I was gonna ask you to do our fucking handfasting, you absolute dickhead

Warren: oh

Warren: you want me to make your wedding official?

Warren: ok

Warren: I'm sorry 👉🏻👈🏻

Warren: it was just really upsetting to think you hadn't consider me to be part of such an important day in your life

Warren: especially because both Maya and I consider you family

Warren: I'm sorry for been such a dick

Erik: I mean

Erik: Seth's god doesn't deserve to bless our wedding, so we agreed to do this by the old gods

Erik: And you're one of the last people in this world who understands what it means to be blessed by nature in a promise like that

Erik: Oh wow you're apologizing, is that my wedding gift already? 😮

Erik: You big baby

Erik: You really thought I'd let some nobody marry me and Seth when I have a brother who fought alongside me still walking this Earth?

Warren: that's true. They don't deserve to be part of your wedding. Is he really ok with that? Not having his father's blessing?

Warren: I do. Long time ago I even considered a wedding too and that's exactly how it would have gone. With the blessing of the true gods

Warren: no. It's just part of your present

Warren: that really means a lot. Thank you Erik

Erik: It's a sore topic, of course, but he said he's fine as long as we're together. So I promised him every time we renew our vows we can do it with a different creed, so we get the blessing of every entity I the fucking universe to prove his god's wrong.

Erik: I knew you'd get it

Erik: Hey, don't get soft on me now. I'm counting on you to run the ceremony, so keep it together man

Erik: 🫂

Erik: We're going to have the wedding during the Golden Festival's celebration, I'm thinking of a small hand fasting by the beach at sunset and then we do the dances and offerings in a village wide party at night

Warren: that's very thoughtful of you. I'm glad you two found each other

Warren: don't worry about it. This is a one in a century emotional outburst

Warren: sounds like a great way to reset the Dragon's reign 😉

Warren: we should meet up to settle everything, so it goes as planned

Erik: Thanks. It seemed to cheer him up, so I'm planning the 20 year as an Indian wedding, or maybe Greek? The chair thingy sounds fun

Erik: lmao duly noted, I'll appreciate it while it lasts then 😛

Erik: Right? I'm actually super excited about the whole thing!

Erik: Well, I was going to invite you over for drinks to ACTUALLY ask you to do the handfasting, before you went and cried your crocodile tears all over my plans

Erik: So wanna come over? I'll pop one of the truly OLD bourbons to celebrate

Warren: make it Greek! It's always fun to smash things 😋 maybe your angel will be less shy then

Warren: don't enjoy it too much

Warren: I am too. It's been a long time since I've seen a real ceremony like that. Too bad orgies are frowned upon now and that I'm in a committed relationship

Warren: I already apologized but since it was my mistake it's only fair I invite you over for dinner at least. Both of you

Warren: that's sounds fantastic actually. Should I bring something?

Erik: True 💯 Oh you haven't seen Seth in a while, he's not that shy, believe me (;

Erik: Well, since we're both into monogamy these days, I'd say it's the best time to have an orgy-less festival lmao

Erik: We graciously accept (: maybe on the weekend? I think by then the actual invitations will be ready and Seth and I can go there to deliver them

Erik: Just bring that tight ass of yours 😉 If you get here before I reach the lair, you get to pick which one we open

Warren: I've seen him at his store. Even though I have a baker at home, I enjoy his sweets on my way to work sometimes. He's still very calmed and soft spoken

Warren: that's a good point. Who would've thought we would be ok with a celibate celebration?

Warren: that's sounds like a great plan. We'll be happy to have you over

Warren: was that a challenge? I'll be there literally in the blink of an eye unless you're cheating and put on wards in the castle

Erik: Oh, that he is, calm and soft-spoken, but don't mistake it for shyness, my friend 😉

Erik: I'm still trying to absorb it myself, it's crazy to think of us as monogamous.

Erik: Not a castle, just a mansion, and nope, no wards, but I'm moving downstairs as we speak 😉

Warren: I very much rather mistake it for kindness, thank you

Warren: we wouldn't have believe it if someone had told us that before

Warren: fine. I'll wait for you there

[imaginarybestie]

Other Friends I Might Love to Write

Dear P,

There might be other imaginary friends who I'd love to write to. God, for one, and Jesus. And maybe Baha'ullah and Sikh teachers, and Jewish religious leaders and other Christian saints and other spiritual and religious leaders, teachers and writers. They are ones who I might have some burning questions to ask, too, I guess, to follow up on the last letter I wrote.

But I also have some other imaginry friends who I might love, and who I might love to write, too, who aren't necessarily anybody who I'd have any burning questions for. Maybe what I'd write to them about is just everyday stuff. Or memories of our times together, if it's someone who I knew in the past. Or special memories of things which happened recently, or each day, recording daily blessings, and mindful moments. Gratitude. Just pondering this or that and whatever idle thoughts might feel compelling too, maybe. Sharing my worries, troubles, thoughts, questions. Sharing just my stream-of-consciousness and the random things that spill out of my mind when I try to write or talk. Whatever feels right or good.

Sharing special ideas, important concepts, resources, books, music, videos, websites, practices, realizations, experiments and discoveries, about all the things that help me in my daily life. About things that help me with my spirtiual path, mental health, physical health, philosophical topics, social realtionships, love, family, creativity, life plans, all the many different areas of life where I'm trying to work on and grow.

Another thing I can do is share my journey with these friends, the goals I make, the steps I take, habits I try to form, ways to celebrate the tiny habits, ways to break down habits so they're very small, ways to reframe my accomplishments and my role and purpose to feel better about myself and my self-image and what I contribute. Seeing and expressing my own validity as a person who often feels very unseen, unvalued, negated in so many ways by so many in this world.

Sharing how I overcome all that, how I find my own sense of validity, sharing this all with imaginary friends who I picture as rooting for me, and relating too me, possibly even gaining inspiration for their own lives and inner healing from my journey that I'm sharing with them. They might take steps alongside me, maybe we can be imaginary goal buddies, who set the same goals and work on them together, or even just similar goals, but we're inspired that we're both setting goals and keeping each other up to date and doing it all together, in a sense.

Also, pets. Writing to them about special times we have together. Writing about what they mean to me, and special things about them, things that I love about them, trying hard to put it into words, to observe so closely just why and how they're so special to me. And nature, animals, plants, the earth, elements. Maybe even the weather. I'm not sure how far i can go with things like this. Maybe, pets who I have loved over the years, who have now passed away, too. Sometimes I feel really inspired and carried away by such things, and I might be able to enjoy and feel motivated to write them letters. Most of the time it seems like these days I just keep silent, wordlessly admiring and being fascinated by things but not really feeling motivated to write about them. So I don't know how often I will feel like doing this, or if at all. But I will see.

Thank you for listening and caring, again, like I feel you always do, about everything, P.

Love,

C

[fatopiaplus]

Chadwick Horsley

Wanna see a real arrogant jerk?? Well, there he is. Me. Yeah. That's right. Young, immature, a real ass. I was a really intolerant guy. I hated everyone that didn't fit my narrow views. Gays, Jews, Blacks, Hispanics, Indians, the handicapped and especially those fat people. Yeah. I hated fat people most of all. I was poking fun of a fat chick when I walked out in front of a bus. Yep. A bus. Oh, that's gonna leave a mark! Well, the bus cracked open my head and messed up my hypothalamus. In case you didn't know, it's the little part of the brain that controls appetite regulation. Yep. Old Chet doesn't know when his tummy's full anymore. Trying to correct it, but looks like I'm gonna be one of those fat people. I was 159 pounds here.

Ok, well the doctor put me on these pills that would fill my stomach up and make it uncomfortable for me to eat more, and me, being the arrogant jackass I was, decided that MANLY WILLPOWER alone would get me by until I could get over this thing. Wasn't smart. Six months after the accident, I'd gained up to 228 pounds. Okay, so I started taking the pills ... after I ate. I didn't follow the directions. I didn't measure my meals and I didn't follow the diet as prescribed. Stupid son of a jackass ....

Well, after another nine months, I was 427 pounds. I didn't know how to do much of anything for myself. I couldn't get my great big gut in my pants and nothing fit right. I went back to the doc, humbled and much embarrassed, and went on a special diet that was ultra low calorie. Not only that, but a hospice nurse came to help me get used to life as a porker. And guess who it was? The fat chick I'd been makin' fun of when I'd swan-dived in front of that bus. Man, talk about just desserts! I had it coming, for sure, because I was fatter than she was. I waited for her to lay into me, but she didn't. She helped me find clothes to fit, helped me with my hygene and helped me with getting used to my size.

Over the months, I continued to gain weight, but not nearly as fast as I had before, thanks to Jesse. She made my meals for me and once I'd finished the portion, I stopped. Occasionally, I cheated, and that's when I picked up pounds. I've learned a lot from her and learned a lot about her. I was a real jerk. I didn't know ... I didn't know that she'd lost both her husband and her daughter tragically. She's a real saint, to be so kind to me after all I'd done to her. Funny thing is, on something she called Sadie Hawkins Day, February 29th, she asked me to marry her. Me? Marry her? I wasn't sure. I was afraid. I'd already ballooned up another ninety pounds, pushing 520 and I was only gonna get fatter. Jesse assured me that she didn't mind. Strengthened by her courage and sweetness, I agreed. This was a time where I was going from extreme self-consciousness to accepting of my weight, so there's not much in the way of photos I let myself be in.

Jess and I got married and got to work on a family right away, before I got too big to be of any use in that department.  In four years, God blessed us with five wonderful tykes, Calypso, Selene, Ashton, Chet and Jessica. My weight is up to 650 and I've got an implant in my brain and stomach that tells me, artificially, when I'm full. I'm not going to get skinny again. I don't think I could if I wanted to anyhow. Being like this has made me a far better man than I'd ever been. I'm happy being big fat Dad rather than being Chad the Cad.

[ragingstillness]

Shadow and Bone spoilers - random thoughts from my notes (e1)

They matched Alina and Mal's outfits on the ship and that's cute. Alina's dress is gorgeous too. I'm very into the embroidered neckline.

Did they film this at the actual Ellis Island? It looks like it.

Alina's freckles are adorable and I'm happy to see them.

I'm liking the movable map version of showing us where things are. Wish they'd give us a tiny bit more context for the overall map though.

Baby Kaz is cute and I like him. Genuinely can't believe the Stadwatch thought they'd be able to take all three of them.

LMFAO about this fanart of Darklina wanted poster.

They're leaning hard on the "there is only one bed" trope as if the two of them didn't book the room off screen. Also the dialogue is literally ripped from a fanfic.

I'll never be a Malina shipper but show Malina is pretty cute. Like, they're nice to each other and sweet and I think my care for the actors is taking over my opinion of them a little.

Quoted literally from my notes here: "Give the people what they want fuckers, I wanna see Ben"

Durast!Jesper is everything to me and I am in love with this storyline. However, if he could make a key out of a coin why couldn't he undo the cuffs? Later in the season they mention that Durasts can control all metal, surely those cuffs aren't made of plastic or smtg. I wanna know the rules here.

"Like calls to like" - nice, iconic, happy to hear it.

I am very into the traditional African outfits for the Zemeni. But I am very conscious of being a white person so I'd be interested to read what someone who's POC would think of them.

Calling being Grisha a blessing, thank god we finally get some Grisha who are actually having a good time. Literally all other Grisha we've met until this point have been just suffering.

Endlessly funny to me that this wanted poster of Alina has a realistic image of her but people throughout the show continue to not recognize her on sight.

I am liking the increased action. I can see Archie's stunt double sometimes but he's doing a decent amount of the running and fighting himself. Mal is also just funnier and quippier this season and I like it. Is it racist to say I'm getting Aladdin vibes from him rolling back under the table and paying the dude while running from the police? Also pleased they're doing a callback to the fact that we did see Mal fighting in episode one of season one.

The sun saint salute. Excellent, well coordinated, we love to see it.

That photo negative wanted poster of the crows is hilariously creepy.

Love me some Inej just nicking knives but I'm surprised she hasn't had some on her already. Did she seriously use all of them in the Fold? I don't think we saw that.

The whole "say Inej every five minutes" thing is back haha.

Quoted literally from my notes here: "Pekka says fuck the police I guess"

"Funny guns and angry hat" are now my names for Jesper and Kaz.

Oof Hellgate looks awful.

"Valiant of you but I bet they printed more than one" - cuties

"First army needs to know its place" - yeah get fucked

Quoted literally from my notes here: "It ain't the Volcra dumbass. Get it Sasha"

Why do the Nichevo'ya look like the transformed Tyrant from RE2?

"This again" - fuck me up that is a tragic thing to say.

"I shall have to overthrow the king now" yeah you do that my man.

[river-in-the-woods]

Ancestor veneration anon, many thanks again for the response. I need to strengthen my spiritual perception but I can feel at ease knowing language won't screw me over when I get there. I had another question for you which is how much of an impact working with your deity has done for the karma cleansing? My path currently is general so I just work with my guides and if needed will ask for help from the universe too. I'm not actively working with deities out of respect for the religions and because my abilities aren't as advanced as I'd like, I don't want to bark up the wrong tree and regret it immensely. My other question is: what can I do immediately to help with lightening the load of my ancestors' karma considering what I have to work with? I already pray everyday (so it's no biggie to add some new prayers) and offer stuff to honour my guides so would it do much to ask for their help in the clearance process?

From what I’ve gathered through divination and ritual with my peers, my ancestors seem happy with my efforts to help them. I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time to them as I would like this past year, but I may be one of the few living descendants who are attempting to cleanse their negative karma and make offerings (which is quite typical for today’s time). One of my shaman friends has told me that because of this, she has seen my ancestors guarding me very closely.

I don’t know if it’s the ancestors, the landspirits, or my Buddhist practice in general, but my intuition has sharpened considerably as well. And I’d also say my fortunes have improved; things generally go well for me whatever the circumstance. There is a wealth of blessings that the spirits can impart, and often all it takes is a bit of courtesy and making small regular offerings.

You have to consider that your ancestral line may have an immeasurable amount of negative karma, that they may have participated in inflicting acts of unspeakable suffering upon other beings, that they may have offended certain gods and spirits whether they meant to or not. This is why we ask for help from divine beings who are more powerful and have greater perspective on what can be done. If you want your guides to help you, you must ask them whether they are qualified to do so. This really depends on who your guides are, so only they can advise you on this.

I am not sure what your reasons are for avoiding the help of gods. This is part of what they do. It’s fine to have a contractual relationship with them where you do xyz and they help you with xyz. Of course there are certain POC gods, spirits and practices to avoid, but otherwise it’s between you and the spirit/god. Not every relationship has to be permanent or personal.

Whether you are inclined towards angels, saints, pagan gods or otherwise, there seems to be at least one from each pantheon who specialises in assisting the dead. Bear in mind that your ancestors will have had their own religious inclinations as well, and this is worth being considerate of. Sometimes spirits of the dead can become aggrieved if you offer them prayers or rites from a religion they did not choose (such as in the case of colonialism). In other cases they don’t mind and will accept help from anywhere.

The Buddhas and bodhisattvas will also help you with no strings attached, as they have vowed to aid all sentient beings. It is attested in the Sutras that they can take any shape or form in order to help others. Most mantras are initiation-locked, but Ksitigarbha’s mantras are among those open for anyone to chant:

Sanskrit: Om Pramardani Svaha

Chinese: Námó Dìzàngwáng Púsà

Traditionally you chant 108 repetitions at a time (we use a mala to count), and dedicate the merit accumulated from chanting to whomever you wish. In this case, you dedicate it to your ancestors and ask Ksitigarbha to cleanse their negative karma and bring them shelter and relief. It is recommended to make a small offering to demonstrate your sincerity: fresh water, incense, candlelight.

As for other spirits or deities, you’ll have to do a bit of research on how to petition them. I encourage you to do so. There are a couple of rituals you can do which don’t involve petitioning deities, but I don’t know how effective they are. I’ll leave links here.

https://www.impactshamanism.com/blog/2017/6/2/how-to-perform-an-ancestor-elevation-rite

https://river-in-the-woods.tumblr.com/post/679240238755938304/ivycrownedwitch-ancestral-fever-stone-once-a

[angeltreasure]

Hi! Confirmation name Cecilia here. Not really a question, but more a couple things I wanted to share. I wasn't able to go to my typical church this morning due to inclement weather, so I went to the other Catholic church nearby my home. I go over to get my missal and find the box for parishioners and faithful to get stuff for free to help in prayer, such as prayer pamphlets, medals, etc. I check inside and find a St. Jude prayer card with a 3rd class relic inside! St. Jude is one of my favorites, so I was able to take it home. So later this afternoon I'm cleaning up my room for 2 reasons, 1 because in May/June we're having the neighborhood garage sale, 2 because if I wanted to live in a convent I need to cut down on personal belongings before I'd go. So I was digging through an old drawer I haven't checked in ages and found something really cool. It was one of my Grandma's old rosaries, but even better yet it's a specific rosary from Lourdes, with water from Lourdes in it! How cool is that! God's really giving me some good stuff today, praise him! I'm in a good mood atm, I hope God is treating you well as well. And Blessings on you and your journey and family.

Hey there Cecilia!,

I love how you give me updates now and then as my sister in Christ; it’s been really exciting to have a penpal of our Lord. I think it’s funny sometimes how God can surprise us in ways we never expect. We think bad weather can upset our normal routine or ways, but just when we least expect it, God reminds us of Him precense is all around, even in the church down the road and in the quiet moments, hidden away. When we have these discoveries, they are like little gems. How lovely it is that our Communion of Saints does this too, they give us signs of the grace of God in many forms as simple as picture, a Rosary! I think I may have a similar Rosary! I’ve had a dark blue one forever with a medal of Lourdes and on the back of the metal looks to be Holy Water (I could take a picture of it if you ever want to see it). I wish I could remember who gave it to me. Thank you! He is treating me well this year. I feel so recently I want to grow closer to Him each year I live. I have a few plans in store for 2023. May God bless you and your family as well.