#love the Lord your God with all your heart

[oakandpearls]

An experience, and an idea of sorts.

We all know the act of pouring a libation for a deity, surely. But, there is something that feels so personal about sharing a drink with your deity/deities and just...chatting. I had some cream soda I wanted to share with my two patrons. I cleansed myself, my arms and my face especially, grabbed a small glass and a few ice cubes. Then, grabbed the bottle of soda and quickly ran up to my room. I approached their altar, spoke my usual greeting and stated my intentions before pouring all of our drinks (gods first, of course) and then took a seat on the ground. Then I just...talked. I talked my absolute head off. My cold drink in hand, occasionally stopping to take a sip or two, then going right back to it. My faith had dwindled for awhile after I got severely overwhelmed and burnt out, so this was my first time praying within a week. I talked about everything. How I was feeling, what led to the burnout, my latest experiences, my thoughts on everything and even dove down into some childhood memories regarding my patrons and how I felt they were always there for me even when I didn't know what Hellenism was. For the first time in what felt like ages, my mind was just completely empty. Not a single thought, none. All I knew is that I was just talking, pouring my heart and feelings out, and sooner or later emotionally going on about how beautiful all of this was to me, and my love for my patrons. Once I had finished my drink, at the same time I just about ran out of things to say. I set my glass down, stated that I had nothing more to say and took their cups to the bathroom sink. I graciously thanked them both for the time they gave to me as I poured out the drinks, for allowing me to talk so freely, and proceeded to tell them I love them and farewell for now before cleaning the cups. That was undeniably the most positive experience I've ever had while praying, truly. It felt so incredibly good, almost cathartic in a way. All I know is that I am incredibly grateful for my deities and came out of prayer feeling overwhelmed with joy, warmth and euphoria. Now, I'm incredibly relaxed, and dare I say sleepy. Hail Father Zeus, and Hail Lord Poseidon. ♡

[deesseshesca]

PAC: What would your broken heart feel about your nuptial union ? (18+)

PILE 1 

SONG: AT LAST - ETTA JAMES

2 swords, 3 cups (reverse), five cups, king wands (reverse)

The person you are going to say ‘’Yes, I do’’ is actually just under your nose. He’s waiting patiently for you. He could come in and make his way into your heart but he knows that the only way to truly gain your affection is by give u the power of choice. 

He dreams and fantasizes about a future where you give him your love not to brag but for him is one of the most precious things on this planet : being loved by you. 

He’s always close and never far … he’s handsome 2. 

Before you sit down and be like … ‘’damm if he wanted it 2, he would …’’. Babe you are emotionally unavailable at the moment. Your self sabotage tendency in love is through the roof and he knows, believes and has faith that what you guys could create is worth the wait. 

So… the cards are in your hands. Don’t rush, rest assured when the time is right, they will reveal themself to you. 

One last thing … No love is not going to pass you by. 

The person writing is the version of you that’s obsessed with the idea of love but can't bring yourself to actually love someone. You are discussing with my spirit and we are just spiritual guests at your wedding. You can't see us but we see it all and your older self spills it all. 

From : Broken heart 

To: Loving heart 

Who would have thought ? Honestly who would have ? You, me … maybe our ghost. Can’t believe I am, I mean this version  of myself is dancing in a beautiful silk white gown in front of hundreds of guests. Ready to show off my last stop in love… And with him ! He’s even more handsome now, his barber really gave him some extra love. It feels so good to be in his embrace while he looks at me like I am his moon and sun. Like whatever I say, goes. Like I am forever  more precious than the big diamond on my finger would ever be. God does he smell good, I just want to eat him up. First let me enjoy this amazing strawberry pound cake. Damm I did not know those fucking roses were real (the one on the cake), we really got some grown people money in … HERE ! (She (technically you) tapped my shoulder) Guess I really needed to stop spending on retail therapy ( ME: I mean you're wearing a 7k$(or plus) dress… lol. Is ok girl I will let it slide)).Look at them, their chemistry, the way his hand is never far away from her. The way she’s been smiling the whole time, ear to ear, I know her face hurts. Lord, are they awful at dancing … Yet do they stop ? Nah, so we must suffer. I never thought it would be him that would fulfill our broken heart. I mean the man has always been handsome, don't get me wrong but I always thought I would hurt him with my desires, personality and baggage. I don’t like being told what to do, I don't like submitting … I just wanted somebody to love me just for me.

YOUR SOUL HAS MORE TO SAY...

[iamnotcoolenough]

I won't lie I've gotten into debates with people over misconceptions of the bible and often I am told "well you must be part of "God's" chosen people, and only they can understand the bible." And that's not verbatim but pretty much what they like to say at me and recently something popped I to my head regarding this.

Matthew 11:15

"Whosoever has ears, let them hear."

I don't pretend to understand even a fraction of what the bible means. Sometimes it's hard to sit through (lookin at you the numbers and the later half of genesis haha). But there are verses and things that stick out and understanding rains down like a warm hug upon my head. And that's awesome it's like a lil light bulb moment.

And with that said let me explain what was revealed to me.

"Whosoever has ears, let them hear."

Yes, let them hear the word of the Lord, but it also means let all those who are willing and wanting to not only listen but to understand.

James 1:5-8 "5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

Meaning if you don't look in faith and don't look for God and look only for youurself you will find nothing but words that aggravate you. You will see a cage and a rule book you don't want to abide by. You will get the world and lose your life. James 4:4 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." And with out God we are dead. John 15:5 "5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." And further in Ephesians 2:1-10: "1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Without God sending Jesus down we would be dead in a grave and doomed to eternity in hell. So if we look for the Lord in faith, we will find him.

Jeremiah 29:13

"13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

[gracieelinn]

Something I want to share! <3

I know it can be difficult to make time for God's word every day. That's something I've had a lot of trouble being consistent with once I made a commitment to do so. As Christians, it is VITALLY important that we are cultivating a strong and rich relationship with God. So how can we take time to hear His still, small voice, in the middle of the noise of our busy lives? I know I've made excuses before, sighing, "I'll read my Bible later," or, "I'll add that to my prayer list and pray about it another time," when I knew I really wouldn't. I'd pick up my phone or I'd get sidetracked with chores or a project, and the whole day would go by without me spending time with Jesus. I'm not just making an excuse to myself - I'm making excuses to Him! Look for times in between your schedule, if it's hard for you to make a specific time. In between loads of laundry? Read your Bible. Your lunch break/other break times at work? Read your Bible. Waiting for an appointment? Spend some time in prayer. Every day, we have moments of stillness built into the chaos. I've noticed this more and more in my own life. I've started to look for those times and take advantage of them. I encourage you all - look for those times, too. <3

[itspileofgoodthings]

I go off about Catholic/christian religious influencers of all kinds and I do so for many reasons but one of the main ones is just. the feeling they’re selling (and it is a feeling and they’re selling it, even if just for views) it doesn’t feel like that for everyone. That whole simplistic set-up of struggle struggle struggle, breakthrough, clarity, emotional peace, tears streaming down the face. That’s not real. Or at least it’s not real much of the time in MANY cases and even when it is real that isn’t the only part or the most important part of having a relationship with God. It’s probably the least important part, the feeling. and so it fills me with RAGE when the emotional part of religion is sold and packaged and paraded and presented on Instagram as “inspiration”! it distorts the whole reality of a relationship with God and puts a literal and figurative Instagram filter over the whole thing.

[mysticmasterstephenstrange]

Stephen softly sings the Shema prayer in Hebrew as he holds Cedar in his arms.

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ יְיָ אֶחָדSh'ma Yisra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.

Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.

בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ Barukh sheim k'vod malkhuto.

Blessed be the Name of His glorious kingdom לְעוֹלָם וָעֶדl'olam va'ed.

for ever and ever וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְיָ אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ V'ahavta eit Adonai Elohekha.

And you shall love the Lord your God בְּכָל לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל נַפְשְׁךָ b'khol l'vavkha uv'khol nafsh'kha.

with all your heart and with all your soul וּבְכָל מְאֹדֶֽךָ uv'khol m'odekha

and with all your might וְהָיוּ הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵֽלֶּה V'hayu had'varim ha'eileh

And it shall be that these words אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוְּךָ הַיּוֹם asher anokhi m'tzavkha hayom

that I command you today עַל לְבָבֶֽךָ al l'vavekha

[shall be] in your heart וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶֽיךָ V'shinantam l'vanekha

And you shall teach them diligently to your children וְדִבַּרְתָּ בָּם v'dibarta bam

and you shall speak of them בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶֽךָ b'shivt'kha b'veitekha

when you sit at home וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּֽרֶךְ uv'lekht'kha vaderekh

and when you walk along the way וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶֽךָ uv'shakhb'kha uv'kumekha

and when you lie down and when you rise up. וּקְשַׁרְתָּם לְאוֹת עַל יָדֶֽךָ Uk'shartam l'ot al yadekha.

And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand וְהָיוּ לְטֹטָפֹת בֵּין עֵינֶֽיךָ v'hayu l'totafot bein einekha.

and they shall be for totafot between your eyes וּכְתַבְתָּם Ukhtavtam

And you shall write them עַל מְזֻזוֹת בֵּיתֶֽךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶֽיךָal m'zuzot beitekha uvish'arekha

on the doorposts of your house and on your gates

וְהָיָה אִם שָׁמֹֽעַ תִּשְׁמְעוּ V'hayah im shamo'a tishm'u

And it shall come to pass if you surely listen אֶל מִצְוֹתַי el mitzvotai

to My commandments אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם הַיּוֹם asher anokhi m'tzaveh etkhem hayom

that I command you today לְאַהֲבָה אֶת יְיָ אֱלֹהֵיכֶם l'ahavah et Adonai Eloheikhem

to love the Lord your God וּלְעָבְדוֹ בְּכָל לְבַבְכֶם ul'avdo b'khol l'vavkhem

and to serve him with all your heart וּבְכָל נַפְשְׁכֶם uv'khol nafsh'khem

and with all your soul וְנָתַתִּי מְטַר אַרְצְכֶם בְּעִתּוֹ V'natati m'tar artz'khem b'ito

That I will give rain to your land in its time יוֹרֶה וּמַלְקוֹשׁ yoreh umalkosh

the early rains and the late rains וְאָסַפְתָּ דְגָנֶֽךָ וְתִירֹשְׁךָ וְיִצְהָרֶֽךָ v'asafta d'ganekha v'tiroshkha v'yitzharekha

that you may gather in your grain, your wine and your oil וְנָתַתִּי עֵֽשֶׂב בְּשָׂדְךָ לִבְהֶמְתֶּֽךָ V'natati eisev b'sadkha livhemtekha.

And I will give grass in your fields for your cattle וְאָכַלְתָּ וְשָׂבָֽעְתָּ v'akhalta v'savata

and you will eat and you will be satisfied הִשָּׁמְרוּ לָכֶם פֶּן יִפְתֶּה לְבַבְכֶם Hishamru lakhem pen yifteh l'vavkhem

Beware, lest your heart be deceived וְסַרְתֶּם וַעֲבַדְתֶּם אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים v'sartem va'avad'tem Elohim acheirim

and you turn and serve other gods וְהִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶם לָהֶם v'hishtachavitem lahem

and worship them וְחָרָה אַף יְיָ בָּכֶם V'charah af Adonai bakhem

And anger of the Lord will blaze against you וְעָצַר אֶת הַשָּׁמַֽיִם v'atzar et hashamayim

and he will close the heavens וְלֹא יִהְיֶה מָטָר v'lo yihyeh matar

and there will not be rain וְהָאֲדָמָה לֹא תִתֵּן אֶת יְבוּלָהּ v'ha'adamah lo titein et y'vulah

and the earth will not give you its fullness וַאֲבַדְתֶּם מְהֵרָה va'avad'tem m'heirah.

and you will perish quickly מֵעַל הָא��ֽרֶץ הַטֹּבָה mei'al ha'aretz hatovah.

from the good land אֲשֶׁר יְיָ ��ֹתֵן לָכֶם asher Adonai notein lakhem

that the Lord gives you וְשַׂמְתֶּם אֶת דְּבָרַי אֵֽלֶּה V'samtem et d'varai eileh

So you shall put my words, these עַל לְבַבְכֶם וְעַל נַפְשְׁכֶם al l'vavkhem v'al nafsh'khem

on your heart and on your soul וּקְשַׁרְתֶּם אֹתָם לְאוֹת עַל יֶדְכֶם ukshartem otam l'ot al yedkhem

and you shall bind them for signs on your hands וְהָיוּ לְטוֹטָפֹת בֵּין עֵינֵיכֶם v'hayu l'totafot bein eineikhem

and they shall be for totafot between your eyes וְלִמַּדְתֶּם אֹתָם אֶת בְּנֵיכֶם V'limad'tem otam et b'neikhem

And you shall teach them to your children לְדַבֵּר בָּם l'dabeir bam

and you shall speak of them בְּשִׁבְתְּךָ בְּבֵיתֶֽךָ b'shivt'kha b'veitekha

when you sit at home וּבְלֶכְתְּךָ בַדֶּֽרֶךְ uv'lekht'kha vaderekh

and when you walk along the way וּבְשָׁכְבְּךָ וּבְקוּמֶֽךָ uv'shakhb'kha uvkumekha

and when you lie down and when you rise up. וּכְתַבְתָּם Ukhtavtam

And you shall write them עַל מְזוּזוֹת בֵּיתֶֽךָ וּבִשְׁעָרֶֽיךָ al m'zuzot beitekha uvish'arekha

on the doorposts of your house and on your gates לְמַֽעַן יִרְבּוּ יְמֵיכֶם L'ma'an yirbu y'maychem

In order to prolong your days וִימֵי בְנֵיכֶם עַל הָאֲדָמָה vi-y'may v'naychem al ha-adamah

and the days of your children on the land אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע יְיָ לַאֲבֹתֵיכֶם asher nishba Adonai la-avotaychem

that the Lord promised your fathers לָתֵת לָהֶם latayt lahem

that he would give them כִּימֵי הַשָּׁמַֽיִם עַל הָאָֽרֶץki-y'may ha-shamayim al ha-aretz

for the days that the heavens are over the earth

Vayomer Adonai el mosheh leimor

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying... דַּבֵּר אֶל בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל Dabeir el b'nei Yisra'eil

Speak to the children of Israel וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם v'amarta aleihem

and say to them וְעָשׂוּ לָהֶם צִיצִת v'asu lahem tzitzit

they should make themselves tzitzit עַל כַּנְפֵי בִגְדֵיהֶם לְדֹרֹתָם al kanfei vigdeihem l'dorotam

on the corners of their clothing throughout their generations וְנָתְנוּ עַל צִיצִת הַכָּנָף v'natnu al tzitzit hakanaf

and give the tzitzit of each corner פְּתִיל תְּכֵֽלֶת p'til t'kheilet

a thread of blue וְהָיָה לָכֶם לְצִיצִת V'hayah lakhem l'tzitzit

And they shall be tzitzit for you וּרְאִיתֶם אֹתוֹ ur'item oto

and when you look at them וּזְכַרְתֶּם אֶת כָּל מִצְוֹת יְיָ uzkhartem et kol mitzvot Adonai

you will remember all of the Lord's commandments וַעֲשִׂיתֶם אֹתָם va'asitem otam

and do them וְלֹא תָתֽוּרוּ v'lo taturu

and not follow אַחֲרֵי לְבַבְכֶם וְאַחֲרֵי עֵינֵיכֶם acharei l'vavkhem v'acharei eineikhem

after your heart and after your eyes אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם זֹנִים אַחֲרֵיהֶם asher atem zonim achareihem

which lead you astray לְמַֽעַן תִּזְכְּרוּ וַעֲשִׂיתֶם L'ma'an tizk'ru va'asitem

In order to remember and do אֶת כָּל מִצְוֹתָי et kol mitzvotai

all of My commandments וִהְיִיתֶם קְדֹשִׁים לֵאלֹהֵיכֶם viyitem k'doshim leiloheikhem

and be holy for your God אֲנִי יְיָ אֱלֹהֵיכֶם Ani Adonai Eloheikhem

I am the Lord, your God אֲשֶׁר הוֹצֵֽאתִי אֶתְכֶם asher hotzeiti etkhem

who lead you מֵאֶֽרֶץ מִצְרַֽיִם mei'eretz Mitzrayim

from the land of Egypt לִהְיוֹת לָכֶם לֵאלֹהִים lihyot lakhhem leilohim

to be a God to you אֲנִי יְיָ אֱלֹהֵיכֶםAni Adonai Eloheikhem

I am the Lord, your God

4 hours of labor. 6 pounds, 4 ounces. Cedar Donna Fisk-Strange. APGAR of 25, perfect.

The baby was fast asleep in her medical bassinet, pulled close to the hospital bed her mother rested in. Kaya's eyes were heavy, but she couldn't sleep. She couldn't take her eyes off of her baby.

[aspirant1598]

[boxwinebaddie]

oh freckle, freckle⠁.. what makes you so s p e c i a l?

[sunkissedliterarylightofchrist]

sorry not sorry but its twisted that people take Christian media and try to twist it around to fit and affirm their gender ideology

[wiirocku]

Mark 12:30 (NLT) - And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’

[thelingering]

how is it that there is such an abundance of really good things and somewhat rough things in my life right now

friends!! mucho bueno!! I love them all very very much <3

school!! stressful!! so much to do and so little time to do it

[dizzybevvie]

boy how do you reblog such great things

been cultivating my dash for years. i also found most of them in my drafts

[iniziare]

Tag drop: Guizhong (don't mind me re-dropping this with the fixed ones, shh)

[justana0kguy]

2023 MARCH 17 Friday

"The first is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

~ Mark 12:29-31

[fanfoolishness]

Just losing my mind at the implications that the companions have all been trying to help Rook grieve Varric, and Rook doesn’t know

Emmrich, wise and long-familiar with grief, being told by Neve and Harding what happened; understanding why sometimes he overhears Rook’s muffled voice in the Infirmary, talking to no one. He takes Rook to the Memorial Gardens and mentions he talks to his parents, thinking Rook might be comfortable with the same. Rook lights candles and rings bells but Emmrich watches, sorrowed, to see Rook still seems in deep denial.

Neve takes Rook to the Wall of Light; a Shadow Dragon Rook knows just what this means but any Rook can understand the solemnity, the power of remembrance. Neve reenergizes Brom’s light and looks to Rook, hoping Rook will mention wanting to make one for Varric. Rook is kind and comforting to Neve, but Neve is lost in wondering why Rook doesn’t take the chance to open up. She can’t figure it. Maybe Rook just can’t face it, not yet. Maybe Rook does something privately. She isn’t sure but it nags at her.

Davrin’s not big on talking about feelings. He’d rather just move on. But he sees the way Rook seems a little hollow sometimes, a little distant; he sees how Rook takes so quickly to Assan. “Hey Rook,” he says, and invites them to come with him and Assan to safe places in Arlathan, where the woods are clean and green and growing, where real sunlight dapples through the trees. Rook always seems to love these outings, seems lighter afterwards. But Davrin feels a little confused in that Rook never seems to realize the outings are mostly for them.

Taash is another person not big on feelings. But they know how much feelings can twist you up and mess with your head. When Lace tells them about Varric they feel badly for Rook, and think to how they feel when they’re struggling. Epic fights, dragon fights, drinks with the Lords. Taash is perfectly capable of doing all that on their own. But maybe bringing Rook along will help get them out of their head a little bit. Does it help? Taash isn’t sure.

Bellara’s double-versed in grief after what happens to Cyrian. Rook helped her through trying to reach him, and Bellara wonders, in her own pain, if she can help Rook a little bit too. Especially if Rook is elven, teaching Rook about the braziers and the challenges is another tool she can share about her or their people, another way that might help Rook with their grief. Neve’s told her that the Wall of Light didn’t seem to help Rook much, but maybe a different funeral tradition could help them instead. Rook helps her light the braziers and Bellara feels her heart lightening, though she wonders at Rook, who seems more moved by Bellara’s reactions than anything else.

Lucanis is nearly as allergic to dealing with feelings as Davrin is, but he immediately clocks how Neve and Harding are acting, and asks what happened before he joined them. They tell him about Varric and that they’re worried about Rook, that Rook seems to just be shoving those feelings down without dealing with them. Lucanis is no stranger to that, but while it’s fine for him, he doesn’t want to see someone who risked their life to save him share that struggle. He brings Rook to Caterina’s funeral planning to show Rook it’s okay to admit the loss and honor it. When that doesn’t seem to make a dent, he falls back to his standard - lavish meals, small gifts, coffee. He knows it would help him. He just wishes it helped Rook too.

Lace hurts the worst after losing Varric and Lace is where Solas’ magic comes the closest to faltering. Rook can see Lace is down, she’s quiet, she’s afraid after what happens with the gods escaping; but Solas’ magic holds and Rook can still never see quite why. Lace would love to sit over drinks one night and share stories about Varric, but she sees that Rook doesn’t seem ready, and she doesn’t want to push. Instead she writes letters to Ma, to the Inquisitor, to Cassandra, to Aveline, maybe even to Hawke. She writes out her stories with Varric’s old quill and she carries a bolt of Bianca with her. A dozen times she goes to talk to Rook about him, and when she tries Rook turns away or changes the subject. It hurts, but Lace knows she can’t make Rook talk about him, and she hopes in time it will get better.

This just absolutely crushes me the more I think about it 😭

Edit: Varric’s death is Rook’s personal companion quest every other single companion tries to help them with, and can’t 😭😭😭

[aspirant1598]