#poverty is sloth

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Do Not Envy

Saying 20

1 Do not envy wicked men or desire their company;

2 for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.

Saying 21

3 By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established;

4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

Saying 22

5 A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.

6 Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

Saying 23

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.

Saying 24

8 He who plots evil will be called a schemer.

9 A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men.

Saying 25

10 If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength!

11 Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter.

12 If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds?

Saying 26

13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.

14 Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off.

Saying 27

15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place.

16 For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times.

Saying 28

17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,

18 or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.

Saying 29

19 Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked.

20 For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.

Saying 30

21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.

22 For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring? Further Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

24 Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;

25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.

26 An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.

28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”

30 I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.

31 Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.

32 I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction:

33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. — Proverbs 24 | Berean Standard Bible (BSB) The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Cross References: Genesis 3:18; Leviticus 6:2-3; Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 16:19; 2 Samuel 3:32; 2 Chronicles 22:4; Job 5:4; Job 15:31; Job 15:35; Job 30:7; Psalm 1:1; Psalm 10:9-10; Psalm 19:10; Psalm 37:1; Psalm 82:4; Psalm 119:103; Proverbs 6:10-11; Proverbs 6:15; Proverbs 6:32; Proverbs 8:21; Proverbs 9:1; Proverbs 11:26; Proverbs 17:15; Proverbs 19:15; Proverbs 21:22; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 27:23; Proverbs 28:23; Ecclesiastes 10:18; Matthew 5:39; Matthew 15:19; Romans 1:30; Romans 2:6; Romans 13:1; 2 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 4:25 Hebrews 12:3

[afr0-thunder]

[Poor Chronicles Pt. 2]

[DETOUR: Why did some man steal about $10 in quarters from me at the laundromat today? Did I blatantly ignore him asking for $1 in quarters minutes prior to noticing my container of quarters were gone? Yes I did. Did I search the premises and stopped at him last to ensure him that I knew it was him? Also yes. Did he pay someone to change his laundry and run off after this? Yes as well. Why did I not confront him verbally? I do not believe in verbal exchanges. My only solution would be getting banned (possibly arrested, depends) from the laundromat for knocking a grown man out cold. This is the only laundromat in my neighborhood…I THINK THE FUCK NOT! Why not? He is stupid and will remain broke and angry forever, why the fuck do I care to retaliate in anger? Also, I would have been victorious in battle, so I am not left wondering “What could’ve happened?”.]

Anyways, another week. Another $0.00 account balance. This week I have but a dollar to my name. I have started my next monthly expenses count. This one’s is complete. This time we have 2 and 2/3s boxes of cereal left with 1 and 1/3 gallons of milk. It was originally about 12. Why? This month’s diet experiment was: Majority cereal and snacks. Ranging from chips, AirHeads, Reese’s, Kit Kats, Milky Ways, Pop Tarts (On and Off brand), etc… The snacks only lasted the 1st 12 days, so I decided on just chips and cereal. I almost decided to add a cheat meal to start next month, but decided to strictly and fully revert back to last month’s diet. Strictly chicken salads from work and ramen noodles (with hot sauce).

Although I would like to just strategically space out the remaining cereal…I may just fast the last few days before starting the next diet, if finished before the month is over. Strict on not starting the next month’s diet before 12am on the 1st. Do not recommend next month’s diet. Requires a lot of cooking to prepare noodles and remain full. Also lots of fatigue due to lack of food pyramid intake. Not for weak stomachs either. Ramen noodles will make you sick from overconsumption and hot sauce will rip through your insides like a hurricane. Even worse if you own pets. If you do not possess a lot of natural muscle or do possess lots of body fat…do not attempt, I repeat. This is not a weight loss method. I may keep this diet up for who knows how long. Will miss my chips (and cereal).

Also found, the channel I watch (CW) is partnered with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and will broadcast various Division IA football games, from the likes of Clemson, Louisville, Florida State, Syracuse, Duke and many more. No longer sad. Only on Saturdays though. Unexpected for a channel mostly known for dramas, sitcoms and church specials. Do not like how they depict me (God). Almost ignore it entirely. Found out I have time to attend one of those local games as well.

Lastly, why are there so many fat “christians”/religious people? I thought greed was a sin. Make it make sense. I will resume cooking, variety in meal consumption and many other things when I have made it out of THIS neighborhood. Even in wealth, I will be Maruchan’s top consumer. Until then, I will embrace the struggle that is being African American, a Southsider and a Chicagoan. That is to live powerfully and without sin. I, above all else, shall not envy, experience sloth or indulge in greed. Everything else as well, but wrath…is just not one. Feel this one.

Live life freely and enjoy all life has to offer. Every “tough” experience will make sense in due time. Money will always be available to make because it is just a number in someone else’s mind and you only get ONE chance to experience your one true life before you spend eternity suffering trying to keep up in someone else’s. Rage all you want. “Make them pay for this” all you want. At the end of the day, they will be successful at living THEIR life and you’ll watch from the back seat in sin…

- MH (2023)

[enkephallic]

Limbus Company: Deep Analysis of Sin

So, I decided to take a deeper dive into the different sin types in Limbus Company.

The TLDR Version:

Wrath - Unable to accept something

Lust - Having a strong desire

Sloth - Losing sight

Gluttony - Satisfaction-seeking

Gloom - Controlled by pain

Pride - Contempt of others/selfishness

Envy - Desire to surpass

Regarding the sinners' skills, the sin position is important as well. A S1 sin is a surface-level appearance, but S3 represents something deep inside them.

The detailed explanations are under the cut!

Wrath

Wrath, on the surface level, can present as being irritable or hard to get along with.

Wrath S1 examples

LCB Ishmael, who seems irritable and nitpicky at first.

Seven Heathcliff "Why am I doing this stupid job?"

Hook Office Hong Lu "Don't speak so softly, I'll feel homicidal"

S2 gets closer to how they really feel. The feeling of wrath comes from the feeling of "I can't accept this" - whether it's how they're being treated, how their environment is, etc.

Wrath S2 examples

LCB Heathcliff (past speculation) - Discriminated, mistreated, resenting what's happening to him

LCB Sinclair (past) - I don't want to get prosthetics

W Corp Hong Lu - Bored with his job.

And S3 wrath represents a strong rejection - they won't accept Anything they deem contrary to their own beliefs and ideals. It is a violent refusal.

Wrath S3 examples

N corp identities who are brainwashed - Kill all the dissenters and heretics.

Pequod Ishmael - "It's MY way or the HIGHWAY, god damn it!" (Throws a fit if another ID kills an enemy)

R Corp Ishmael - Hates it to the point she's looking for Singularity information of old R corp

LCB Rodya - I can't accept this armchair revolution and endless poverty. I have to kill this old windbag.

Lust

Lust in this case is a pursuit of something non-physical - a relationship, an ideal, a core element of your self. On the surface level, this can present as really wanting to be something.

Lust S1 Examples

LCB Don Quixote - Wants to become a great Fixer.

W Corp Ryoshu - Wants to be a great artist.

Sous Chef Gregor - Wants to improve his cooking.

S2 is a little stronger than just normal desire. They will willingly hurt other people or trample them to achieve their goal.

Lust S2 Examples

Tingtang Gangleader Hong Lu - Uses violence and is callous to those invading his turf

The One Who Grips Faust - Massacres Sinclair's village to get what she wants

LCB Ryoshu - Her idea of beauty ties in with violence

S3 is a little different - It's desiring something so badly on an existential level. It's pretty much what they live for.

Lust S3 Examples

R.B. Chef Ryoshu - Needs to be one of the Eight. Will stop at nothing to achieve this.

N Corp Heathcliff - Not brainwashed, doesn't really want to be. Wants to preserve his "true self".

G Corp Gregor - After an irreversible transformation, fully believes his reason to exist is to be a killing machine.

Interestingly, both LCB Heathcliff and Hong Lu have a Lust S3.

Sloth

Sloth is inaction, watching from the sidelines, not seeing what is in front of you. This can start with just simply being misguided, believing something to be true when it's not.

Sloth S1 Examples

W Corp Don Quixote - "I am working at a Wing!! CHOO CHOO!! Sally forth!!"

LCB Outis - Her piss-poor act of blind acceptance and obedience.

LCB Meursault - It is simply none of my business if Sinclair hyperventilates and vomits on the floor.

S2 sloth is more purposeful, not taking action when one should or purposefully being ignorant of reality.

LCB Faust - Does not tell Dante and the others a lot of information and doesn't stop sinners from running amok.

LCB Hong Lu - Despite being perceptive, does not seem to register bad situations as bad or react to pain appropriately.

G Corp Gregor - This feels wrong but I'll just continue with it anyway.

S3 sloth is a total loss of vision, not being able to see what's important to them. Losing sight of all they used to desire, and doing nothing about it.

Dieci IDs - Lost their memory and doesn't even remember what was most important to them.

K Corp Hong Lu - Doesn't seem to mind his total loss of freedom and autonomy, despite desiring freedom in other IDs.

LCB Yi Sang - Could not care about anything he once loved or aspired to be, until he was able to gain his wings once more.

Blade Lineage Don Quixote - Once used her strength to fight alongside her comrades, but now kills for purely her own sake.

Gluttony

Gluttony is a desire to be satisfied, whether it's something material or psychological. This can present like greed or selfishness at first sight.

S1 Gluttony Examples

LCB Rodya - "I want meat, I want money, I want to gamble!"

LCB Ryoshu - "Let me smoke. Let me do as I please."

Lantern EGO Don Quixote - Curious about the abnormalities and wanting to know more about them

S2 Gluttony is wanting more at a crucial point in their life, or desiring more than they could chew. It could also mean getting hooked into something or addicted.

S2 Gluttony Examples

LCB Ishmael - "I quit my job, I need something that's not labour hellscape... Hm? That hag can sure talk..."

R Corp Heathcliff - Began deriving enjoyment from killing

N Corp Don Quixote - Didn't even need the brainwashing, got hooked onto the N Corp ideology herself

S3 Gluttony seems to be the final stage of seeking what they desire - being satisfied, even when they shouldn't be.

S3 Gluttony Examples

Tingtang Gangleader Hong Lu - Seems completely happy and enjoying himself

Seven Heathcliff - Actually learned to like his job

W Corp Hong Lu - Doesn't want praise or a raise, just fine with how things are now

Gloom

Gloom represents pain, and how it affects how the person treats their situation or other people. On the surface level, they may appear melancholic or having given up.

S1 Gloom Examples

LCB Yi Sang, LCB Gregor - Self explanatory.

Rosespanner Meursault - Crushed by work

R Corp Ishmael - Headache, pain, does not like it here

S2 Gloom is a moment of despair, when something in their heart was broken. This may also involve guilt and inflicting pain.

W Corp Don Quixote and most W Corp IDs (Except Hong Lu and Ryoshu) - The shocking reveal of what W Corp really is.

N Corp Heathcliff - "What the hell am I even doing??"

Lobotomy EGO Heathcliff - "All my friends are dead."

S3 Gloom can represent letting their pain affect how they treat others. Lashing out, being insensitive to others' pain, or simply giving up and accepting the hurt as inescapable.

W Corp Yi Sang - Abandoned hopes for freedom, just wants it to hurt a little less

G Corp Outis - Knows she cannot escape the unfair treatment

LCB Ishmael - Lashes out and hurts others because she is deeply hurting, making it more painful for her too

Pride

Pride is the belief that they are different from other people, and so the rules don't apply to them. This can seem as arrogance at first, even if they are not actually like that.

S1 Pride Examples

LCB Sinclair - Rich boy 1

LCB Hong Lu - Rich boy 2

LCB Faust - Doesn't hide that she thinks she's better than everyone else

S2 Pride can contain disdain for other people, and believing they are better than those around them. Therefore, their actions can be excused in their eyes.

S2 Pride Examples

LCB Meursault and LCB Outis - Competent and they know it themselves. Outis thinks of her comrades as dirt and points and laughs when they die.

W Corp Ryoshu - Her art comes from chopping up the dead and deformed passengers, doesn't give a single shit about them

LCB Rodya - Believed she was special enough to make a difference and split the hag's skull.

S3 pride goes a step further - their own desires take precedence over anyone else's. They may even see other people's lives as literally the same as a blade of grass. If they want something, they'll trample everything and anything.

S3 Pride Examples

The One Who Grips Faust - Probably doesn't even give a shit about the grand ideology or her minions. Just did it because she could, and wanted to.

The Middle Little Sister Don Quixote - "I can kill anyone who disrespected my organization!"

LCB Ryoshu - Has the littlest regard for human life.

Envy

Envy can start out with the simple desire to surpass someone, to become better than others. To want more than what other people have.

S1 Envy Examples

Tingtang Gangleader Hong Lu - Began wanting to be stronger, to have more power.

LCB Heathcliff - Rich bastards are annoying, they don't deserve it more than I do

Shi Ishmael - Just wants to survive in a world of dog eat dog

S2 envy is the need to be better than what you once were, to surpass yourself and get something accomplished.

S2 Envy Examples

LCB Yi Sang - Bettered his own craft and created the mirror.

Pequod Members - Lay their past self to rest, and opted to hunt the whale.

R.B. Chef Ryoshu - Wants to make better and better pies

S3 Envy is the result of their desire to surpass - or that they have accomplished something, but with a heavy price.

S3 Envy Examples

W Corp Ryoshu - Extremely powerful, but her sword will suck up her health if she doesn't charge it properly.

R Corp Heathcliff - Gained insane power but lost something important to him in the process.

LCB Sinclair - Was able to avoid getting prosthetics but his whole family dead.

Pequod Heathcliff - Managed to get out of the Middle but is covered in scars he can't erase.

I will continue to write more specific theories, but this is how I feel about the sin affinities right now! I'd love to write about EGO and enemies as well soon.

[error4343]

Questions

CW: gore & blood It all will end where it began - at Snake Meadow Hill Church Love letter for @zzoupz John loves you AU

Don't be afraid, preacher. I hear His voice loud and clear now. He's welcoming you. And so do I. It's our last opportunity to talk before my Ascension. So ask, don't make Him wait

What you want to ask about?

John You don't recognise my face, Miller? I'm John Thomas Ward, a servant of His, just like you. I condemned myself to God since young age and, under guidance of father Garcia, learned true ways of preaching and serving His will. I was priest of false church before you, cowards, threw me away from God's home. But I hold no anger.

Snake Meadow Hill Church Too predictable, isn't it? Sentimental even. I was thinking the same when we moved here. Still, this place more fitting than anything: it's cradle of my own faith.

What you want to ask about?

Horned twins Ah, will-o-wisps. You're not the first whom they brought here. My apologize if they caused you any trouble. I couldn't deny them their fun.

"Him" I see. You forgot for whom you've been praying to. Don't be ashamed: you're not the first or last one to went astray. Recall: Him is above, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. If only you weren't so afraid, you would hear His voice though mine.

What you want to ask about?

Lisa Pearson Made not for caring His will on her shoulders, but for guide us towards it. A sinless lamb, iconographer, send to us long ago even before I knew my destiny. She was closer to absolute pureness that anyone of us could get. She was the one whom Initiation you interrupted, but it doesn't metter now. Everything went according to plan. She's with Him now, speaking with us from above.

The Ascension The Ascension isn't some bloody mess as you describe in church guidelines. It's delicate, precise process of hard work. And in the end - He grands His blessing. Firstly, one must clean themselves from any sin. For each sin there's way of redemption. Not just penance: for pride, lust and warth - mortification of flesh, for greed - poverty of monkhood, for envy - condemnation to another, for gluttony - everlasting fest, for sloth - work. Cleaning can take years… But you will know when you're ready.

Then comes the Ascension. No need to describe - you about to witness it. Participate, even.

Oh, how nice of you were to visit us today.

[sahihmuslim]

Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness, Book 48, Hadith 65

'A'isha reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to make these supplications:

" O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from the trial of Hell-Fire; and from the torment of Hell-Fire; and from the trial of the grave and torment of the grave; and from the evil of the trial of the affluence and from the evil of the trial of poverty and I seek refuge in Thee from the evil of the turmoil of the Dajjal. O Allah, wash away my sins with snow and hail water, purify my heart from the sins as is purified the white garment from the dirt, and keep away at a distance the sins from me as yawns the distance between the East and the West; O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from sloth, from senility, from sin, and from debt."

Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness, Book 48, Hadith 65

[shellem15]

The Nine Hells of Baator

As a devil fangirl, I finally decided to write a basic overview of the Nine Hells, which has consumed my brain since forever. While most of this is taken straight from forgotten realms lore (shoutout to the wiki!), I've put my own spin on things and emphasized certain details I found interesting. The list of sins associated with each layer (Wrath, Fear, Greed, Lust, Deceit, Gluttony, Sloth, Envy, and Pride) is taken from the Enneagram sins, because I needed 9 of them instead of just 7.

I might decide to go more into depth for each layer/archdevil, but no promises!

Overview:

The Nine Hells of Baator is a plane of pure law and evil, a place where tyranny reigns supreme. Devils, or Baatezu, make their home here, crafted from the souls of the damned and eternally bound to serve their betters. The Hells consist of nine descending layers of sin and punishment, connected by the flowing waters of the river Styx. Each layer is ruled by an Archdevil, a devil of immense power and influence who exerts total control over their domain. While the layers are distinct, they are still interconnected, each serving a purpose to further the Hells' agenda.

Devilish society is centered around power, hierarchy, and order, with those without power seeking to claim it and those with power seeking to keep it. The Blood War, the endless conflict between Devils and Demons, keeps the Hells running; an eternal enmity that keeps the populace from turning against their masters. Everything in the Hells ultimately serves to further the goals of Asmodeus, the Lord and Master of this dark domain.

Avernus:

The first layer of Hell is Avernus, a blasted plane of endless trenches and rivers of blood. It is a war-torn battlefield, the Hells' first line of defense against the ceaseless hordes of demon-kind. This is the layer of Wrath, of eternal bloodshed and unending hatred. The armies of the Hells are stationed here, ready to be thrown to the crushing wheel of the Blood War.

Avernus is ruled over by their fell general, the Archduchess Zariel. A fearsome warrior—a fallen angel—who lives for the kill, for the next great conquest.

Dis:

The second layer of Hell is Dis, a plane of those who watch, and those who are watched. An iron city, one of smoke and steel and hidden eyes. This is the layer of Fear, whose denizens live in terror of those beyond the walls—and of those within, as well. Dis acts as a multi-tool for the Hells: it is a hub of interplanar trade, a great titan of industry that produces the arms and means needed to fuel the Blood War, and, most critically, it contains the greatest surveillance network in the outer planes. Knowledge is as valuable as souls in the streets of Dis.

The overseer of this foul city is the Archduke Dispater, an old devil, paranoid about usurpation despite the tight grip he keeps over his domain. He locks himself away in his iron tower, a panopticon from which he monitors all dealings in his realm.

Minarous:

The third layer of Hell is Minarous, a plane of those who have, and those who have not. It is a thick swampland, home to monstrosities that slither and crawl through the muck and mud. This is the layer of Greed, of crushing poverty, sinking debt, and grabbing hands. The heart of this fetid realm is the Bank of Minarous, the center of all commerce in the Nine Hells. This is only bank allowed to mint soul coins, the official currency of the Hells. The Blood War runs on the souls of the damned, and all souls pass through Minarous' coffers.

The master of the bank is the Archduke Mammon, a miserly, serpentine devil who sits upon a hoard larger than any dragon's. He is a devil loved by none, but money speaks louder than words, and power is oft bought rather than earned.

Phlethegos:

The fourth layer of Hell is Phlethegos, a plane of flame and rock, pleasure and penance, judges and those who whisper in their ears. The great courts of the Hells reside in this volcanic realm, and so too do the pleasure houses and casinos. This is the layer of Lust, of tipped scales and weighted dice, of burning passion underneath cool indifference, of great rewards and dire consequences. Law and order is the backbone of Hellish society, and it is here where "justice" is served.

Reflecting the dual nature of Phlethegos, the rulers of this place are the Archduke Belial and Archduchess Fierna. Belial is the original ruler of the fourth Hell, the great Justiciar who presides over the court system. Fierna is the newcomer, Belial's daughter and rising challenger, the Lady of Lusts and Pleasures. On the surface, it seems that father and daughter are at odds, each vying for power over the other; Much like their realm, however, their interests are more entwined then one might think.

Stygia:

The fifth layer of Hell is Stygia, a plane of lies and exaggerations, of truths distorted in icy reflections. A frozen ocean of dark waters and bright glaciers blinding those who gaze into the ice. This is the layer of Deceit, of endless news cycles and lies sold as truths. A war cannot be fought without support, and the broadcasts of the fifth ensure the thirst for blood among Hell's populace is never sated.

The chief of this artic bureau is the Archduke Levistus, a handsome, silver-tongued devil frozen in a vast glacier. The conniving charlatan was trapped as punishment for his own treachery, and now can only speak though the forked tongues of his servantry.

Malbolge:

The sixth layer of Hell is Malbolge, a twisted plane of cushioned cellblocks, of iron bars and shackles disguised as sweet salvation. It is an endless labyrinth, a prison of luxury and extravagance which traps its inmates like flies in honey. This is the layer of Gluttony, where excess and indulgence bind souls tighter than any chain. Even the Hells have its lawbreakers, its criminals and traitors, and here is where those souls are sentenced, forced to pay penance for their crimes and misdeeds.

The warden of this dreadful prison is the Archduchess Glasya, Princess of the Hells and daughter of Asmodeus. While she oversees the Hells' penal system, she is also the Hells' greatest criminal, bending Baator's laws and rules as far as she can while skirting her way out of consequences.

Maladomini:

The seventh layer of Hell is Maladomini, a once-bustling plane now fallen to rot and ruin. It is a place of the lost and forgotten, of decaying cities, crumbling infrastructure, and long-abandoned ghost towns. This is the layer of Sloth, of malicious negligence and crushing complacency, of rusted factories and strip-mines long since dried up. Bureaucracy is the bane of progress, and here, where all the records in the Hells are kept and stored, bureaucracy reigns supreme.

The chief executive of this putrid domain is the Archduke Baalzebul, the Lord of the Flies. Once a beautiful angel of the Heavens themselves, he is now as grotesque and wretched as the realm he rules.

Cania:

The eighth layer of Hell is Cania, a plane of melting ice and rapid development, of forbidden knowledge and those who wield it. It is a frozen mountain range, one where vast glaciers and snow-capped peaks hide secret laboratories and great libraries, where "progress" is made at the expense of morality and reason. This is the layer of Envy, of the relentless strive to be greater than your peers, of the pain one feels at others' success. The Blood War demands bigger weapons and greater firepower, and Cania is at the forefront of these advancements.

The mastermind behind this frigid realm is the Archduke Mephistopheles, the Hells' greatest wizard and second-most powerful Archdevil. In his resentment of his fellows, the Lord of Hellfire has thrown himself to invention and experimentation, creating new and terrible magics that melt the very foundations of his icy domain.

Nessus:

The ninth and lowest layer of Hell is Nessus, a plane of those who rule and hold themselves above all else—a plane of power itself. It is a wind-swept wasteland scarred by endless chasms and ravines, where grand citadels and fortresses light up the darkest trenches in the Outer Planes; where the greatest deals are struck behind closed doors. This is the layer of Pride, of great hubris and unwavering conviction—the mother of all vices. It is here where laws are made and authority is unchallenged, where power is held as most sacred and holy. All the Hells are beholden to the will of Nessus.

The Lord of this realm, and of all the Hells, is the Archduke Asmodeus. The greatest of all devils, the Lord of Lies and Prince of Evil, the mastermind behind the Hellish Project. He is ancient and powerful, unchallenged in his dominion, and a being of pure, unfettered arrogance. A tyrant who seeks absolute domination over all of reality, and one willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

[gatekeeper-watchman]

Daily Devotionals for September 19, 2024

Proverbs: God's Wisdom for Daily Living Devotional Scripture: Proverbs 24:33-34 (KJV): 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 34 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Proverbs 24:33-34 (AMP): 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep -- 34 So shall your poverty come as a robber, and your want as an armed man.

Thought for the Day

Yesterday, we looked at Solomon's observations of the property of the slothful. Today's verses record the instruction that he gained from observing the mentality of the slothful person and its disastrous affects. "A little more sleep in the morning…the work will still get done; a few minutes over on a break or lunchtime won't hurt; a day off here because it's snowing, a day off there for a headache…" Lazy people are more concerned with momentary comfort than with protecting their family's and their own long-term interests. Rather than fix a small problem, they prefer to rest or amuse themselves, until it grows too large for them to handle. Poverty breaks upon them as suddenly as a robber and is as overpowering as an armed soldier. If one is not diligent at work, mistakes and infractions collect against one's record just as a thief collects one's valuables while one sleeps.

God allows everyone the same number of hours in a day. We choose to wisely use or waste them. Some people waste their precious time by over-indulging in sleep. We are admonished as "children of light" to be spiritually alert and watchful. We must ask God to help us balance our time between work, sleep, rest, play, prayer, study, and ministry to others. Time and sleep are both God's gifts. When we are careful to balance our lives properly and give our worries to God, our sleep will be refreshing. "When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24). With His guidance and enabling, we will not neglect the important things that must be accomplished in our allotted 24-hour day.

The Bible says that a man who labors will have sweet sleep, while those who are gluttons will not rest well. Sometimes, they will even have bad dreams. As Christians, we are to remember whether we are sleeping or awake, we belong to God. "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him" (1 Thessalonians 5:5-10). Prayer Devotional for the Day Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of sweet sleep. I am most grateful to be able to lie down at night and be able to find rest. Lord, help me to be disciplined in all areas of my life and not to over-sleep, or over-eat. I want to be a good example for You and walk in moderation in all things. Lord, may I never neglect my spiritual duties of prayer and devotion, so that I can be guided in Your ways and avoid the snares of the devil. May my light always shine in this dark world for You. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

[putah-creek]

the pride that goes before a fall

the cemetery where the bullets are buried and the people are not the cemetery of the kiss of death the kiss of remembrance the cemetery where the tombs stand on their hind legs and walk away time was a thirst and a hunger time was the sting of iodine the sting of a wasp that was tall as a man and feared by all the bite of uselessness and sloth the bite of disregard the winter that froze the heart of summer that froze the beams of sunlight right there in the sky the grave of horror and sorrow the graves of the children that could not be saved their bodies stacked like cords of wood and covered over with grief and wails the cemetery that holds death like a prison holds men lIke a cruel bride who toys with a weak husband or like a cruel husband waits out his own bitterness a poverty that is beaten down with the jawbone of an ass a poverty that leaves pockmarks on the skin of the young the cemetery where the bullets are buried and the people are not time like a sharp blade a sharp blade that is mistaken for the deeps of time the slayer of pride

james lee jobe

[reverthelp]

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would say in his supplications, “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from disability and sloth, cowardice and senility, hardness of heart and negligence, dependence and humiliation and misery. I seek refuge in You from poverty and unbelief, wickedness and discord, hypocrisy and fame-seeking and ostentation. I seek refuge in You from deafness and dumbness, insanity and contagion, leprosy and evil ailments.”

al-Da’wāt al-Kabīr lil-Bayhaqī 348

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Valley of Vision

A Disciple’s Renewal

O MY SAVIOUR,

Help me. I am so slow to learn, so prone to forget, so weak to climb; I am in the foothills when I should be on the heights; I am pained by my graceless heart, my prayerless days, my poverty of love, my sloth in the heavenly race, my sullied conscience, my wasted hours…

Read More

[pugzman3]

The Sluggards Vineyard

I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Proverbs 24:30-34 KJV

[expfcultragreen]

Why do i get to be on the dole? Well, im part of a standing army called the british commonwealth and we all surround the king from everyone else, but of course, we all surround him, period...american leaders have no loyalty to their people so your wellfare programs are weak and everyone growls about bootstraps to eachother

Its a quid pro quo scheme, like the healthcare. Unemployment is a real thing, in my world. "Its rather fashionable actually" said marwood to uncle monty, iirc

Universal basic income, for them that asks

Really im on disability but thats only 400 more a month and they might bump me down to regular assistance if my case were audited particularly harshly; admittedly im less disabled now than i was when i got on it but the reasons i got on it are ongoing irrevocable issues including those of neuroanatomy, and frankly, the shit they perscribe for that costs the government a lot more than i have being off it, so, i consider myself a kind of pilot project or case study vis a vis my own policy recommendations

If its true that we have the budget for UBI if we abolish inheritance, and install a personal wealth cap, beef up corporate earnings taxation and corporate crime fines (for pollution, sabotage, hostile monopolization etc), restructure the military spending....well, WOULD that help even highly "dysfunctional" and aggrieved people regulate better and live more pro-socially? And the answer is YES

Poverty as punishment for "sloth" or "wrath" or "irresponsibility" or "undue impulsivity" or whatever imagined personal flaw is projected onto any given skid among the economically disenfranchised, is war on the poor, because poverty kills

And if the poor are on one side and the other side is full of morality police and the bourgeoisie, well, shit gets messy, its open season in either direction, its "by any means necessary" from either sphere's most militant combatants' povs

[witchycatwife]

Opus and the three Dedications

Asceticism and abstinence have a complicated relationship with the Perfect Order.

The Proper life of an average enlightened person is considered to include marriage, family, and the pursuit of material wealth in ways conducive to collective benefit. On average, a virtuous person is expected to reach some success in these endeavours, and failure is generally attributed to some sin or vice first and bad luck second. (However, that sin may be performed by other people; a merchant may be driven to bankruptcy by either their own sloth and carelessness, by the improper business practices of an unfair competitor, or by a disaster spawned by someone else's sin entirely like a citywide fire burning their business down.)

However, it is also clear that there are people unfit to live a normally proper life, for one reason or another, and for them the Church offers Opus: engaging in some manner of godly work for a period of time, or indefinitely.

Opus typically consists of one or more Dedications; ways in which the dedicant sacrifices aspects of a normal life to pursue the holy work.

The Dedication of the Heart is like a vow of chastity; the promise to refrain from marriage and romance (and, thus implicitly sex, as by the Church sex is only proper in, or with the intent to enter, marriage) to focus on the work.

The Dedication of the Hand is like a vow of poverty; the promise to dedicate all of one's material possessions and resources to the pursuit of the work.

The Dedication of the Mind is like a vow of obedience; the promise to take on any effort, task or duty required by the fulfillment of the work and so assigned by the appropriate authority.

The Perfect Order encourages people to pursue their Opus in an organised manner, as part of a relevant holy order. This is in part to more effectively coordinate effort and utilise the available resources, but also to keep tabs on and control people who may be otherwise prone to more volatile forms of fanaticism. However, only the Dedication of the Mind requires an authority to assign appropriate tasks; Heart and Hand may be dedicated on one's own.

A person may pursue Opus for a definite period, e.g. 5 or 10 years; for an indefinite but limited period, e.g. until marriage; or permanently. The latter is considered significantly more serious and severe than the former, and socially well-adjusted people from good families are generally discouraged from making permanent dedications too lightly. (Weirdos, outcasts and fanatics, whom the system is partially designed to contain and manage, will find less resistance.)

A Triple Dedication for life would be quite similar to joining the Jesuits or a monastic order in our world, but other forms of Opus are common. A successful businessman nearing the end of his life might perform a Dedication of the Hand and spend all his wealth on philanthropic efforts, except what is required to protect his family from inappropriate poverty and destitution. A young aristocrat might dedicate their Heart and Mind for a few years to travel the world in a Peace Corps/missionary manner while preparing for the wealth and status that eventually awaits back home.

The Orthodox stance on Opus makes clear that is is neither required, nor even better per se than an ordinary life pursued correctly. The Perfect Order holds that proper adherence and observance will lead to perfection, that everyone no matter their position is at least theoretically able to achieve it, and that if everyone performs their religious duties properly the world will be perfect.

By the doctrine that the tree shall be known by its fruits, anything that would seriously disrupt society if adopted in a widespread manner must be at best a left-hand path* to perfection, only suitable for an abnormal minority.

(* Not to be confused with the western esotericist definition, although not entirely dissimilar to it either. Borne from the observation that for whatever reason some people find their natural inclinations to be contrary to mainstream teaching on how to properly use their hands, a "left-hand path" in the Perfect Order means an alternative method of pursuing perfect observance which is permissible for misfits but not to be pursued by the majority.)

There is no reason a perfect world couldn't have a minority of people dedicating their lives to Opus, and the existence of such a minority appears to benefit society as a whole, so it must be appropriate. On the other hand, the general population pursuing chastity, poverty and obedience, or even seriously exalting them over ordinary life, would bring chaos to family, industry and commerce, and hierarchy.

[mechatiqe]

⠀

TAGGED BY: @wickedserpent , ur so real for that

— TAGGING: @91cmspoilers @more-than-a-princess @quickdeaths @heartheaded @magescheer @the-ultimate-muses + anyone that wants to try: pretend i tagged you and go for it

《 𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝙄𝙎 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙈𝙐𝙎𝙀’𝙎 𝘼𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙏𝙄𝘾 ? 》

BOLD any that applies to your muse and italicize any that conditionally applies to your muse.

⠀

[ 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒. ] red. orange. yellow. green. blue. pink. purple. black. white. teal. brown. silver. gold. grey. lilac. metallic. matte. royal blue. strawberry red. charcoal grey. forest green. apple red. violet. navy blue. crimson. cream. mint green. sky blue. pale jade. copper. magenta. rainbow.

[ 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒. ] fire. ice. water. air. earth. rain. snow. wind. moon. stars. sun. heat. cold. steam. frost. lightning. thunder. sunlight. moonlight. dawn. dusk. twilight. midnight. sunrise. sunset. dewdrops. darkness. shadows. nature. aether. quintessence. blood. life. death.

[ 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒. ] scythe. fists. legs. sword. dagger. spear. lance. bow & arrow. hammer. shield. poison. guns. axes. throwing axes. whips. knives. throwing knives. pepper sprays. tasers. baseball bats. machine guns. slingshots. katanas. maces. staffs. wands. powers. magical items. magic. rocks. mud balls. claws. teeth. stealth. strategy. robotics.

[ 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐒. ] gold. silver. copper. platinum. titanium. rose gold. diamonds. pearls. rubies. sapphires. emeralds. amethyst. metal. iron. steel. glass. rust. wood. porcelain. paper. wool. fur. lace. leather. silk. velvet. denim. linen. cotton. charcoal. clay. stone. asphalt. brick. marble. dust. glitter. blood. dirt. mud. smoke. ash. shadow. carbonate. rubber. synthetics. ribbon.

[ 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄. ] grass. leaves. trees. bark. roses. daisies. sunflowers. tulips. lavender. petals. seeds. hay. sand. rocks. roots. flowers. fungi. ocean. river. frozen lake. meadow. valley. forest. desert. tundra. savanna. rain forest. caves. underwater. coral reef. beach. waves. space. clouds. mountains. snow. mist. pond.

[ 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐒. ] lions. wolves. foxes. eagles. owls. falcons. hawks. swans. snakes. turtles. crocodiles. ducks. bugs. spiders. birds. whales. dolphins. fish. sharks. horses. cats. dogs. bunnies. penguins. deer. crows. ravens. mice. lizards. werewolves. unicorns. pegasus. dragons. monkeys. tigers. parrots.

[ 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃/𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐒. ] sugar. salt. candy. bubblegum. wine. champagne. hard liquor. vodka. beer. coffee. sake. tea. water. spices. herbs. apples. orange. lemon. cherry. strawberry. watermelon. vegetables. fruits. meat. fish. pies. desserts. chocolate. lollies. cream. caramel. berries. nuts. cinnamon. burgers. burritos. tacos. pizza. ambrosia. eggs. milk. ramen. chips. ice cream. cereal.

[ 𝐇𝐎𝐁𝐁𝐈𝐄𝐒. ] music. art. gardening. smithing. sculpting. painting. sketching. fighting. writing. composing. cooking. baking. sewing. training. dancing. acting. singing. martial arts. self-defense. electronics. technology. cameras. video cameras. computer. phone. movies. theater. libraries. books. magazines. CDs. records. vinyl. cassettes. piano. daydreaming. strings. violin. guitar. electronic guitar. bass guitar. harmonica. harp. woodwinds. brass. flute. bells. exploring. playing cards. poker chips. chess. dice. motorcycle riding. eating. sleeping. climbing. running. jogging. parkour. studying. video games. comics. manga.

[ 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐂. ] balloons. comedy. bubbles. cityscape. light. dark. candles. growth. decay. war. peace. wealth. power. percussion. clocks. mirrors. pets. diary. journal. fairy lights. madness. sadness. happiness. optimism. pessimism. loneliness. suffering. family. friends. strength. assistants. co-workers. enemies. loyalty. smoking. drugs. kindness. love. hugs. kisses. spring. summer. autumn. winter. poverty. farmland. countryside. suburban. village. depression. longing. sloth. pride. envy. wrath. greed. gluttony. lust. melancholy. fate. soulmates.

⠀

[your-toxic-trait]

What if god told you to? PT1;

You are in a dream far from your reality

In a world vivid in all colors of contrast

Teeming with luscious gardens of vegetables and orchards rich with various fruits

Pious, would be the only word that could possibly describe a plain of existence such as this

But the darkest of black can be seen in the distance

Barely visible against the depth of a hue, like a blush cascading around you

A bizarre ting of reds and blues almost warping the scenery like wearing 3-D glasses

Even still you witness the deepest of shades becoming clear to see

A shape in tone that would make the night seem brighter draws the focus of your gaze

Apparition hastily forms to what is your current desire

Survey with irrepressible consternation

A goddess appears with long blond wisps flowing like a water fall

In awe of the essence flowing in the air around them

You speak asking for a name from the being

“ I am know as Milkhail. Im a-strange to this world it seems and you are the first person I’ve seen in this-“

Desire is a mysterious power here.

Once a goddess, coalesced into man

Observation in this moment bore intense confusion

Warping, mutilating, rearranging, constructing a new form disgustingly as this pure goddess became a god

Mikhail in absolute shock finished his question

“In this place….”

Draped in a cloak lurid with a faint glow like stardust

Small particles slowly scatter around the creature constantly

Each one reflecting light as if every atom is comprised of microscopic moons

“ I am you. I am the ecosystem. I am pain. I am glee. I am poverty. I am wealth. You could say I am everything”

The moment it spoke you can hear faintly other voices whispering in the air.

Small instances of word echos as they reverb back to your ears.

“I am everything”

The phrase repeats not by the creature, but the absolute aura it admits.

So many questions, so many answers, so much noise it drives one mad but is deafly silent at the same time

“ I am god, Michail. I will grant your ever desire. “

The echos flurrying in the wind cease after he expresses his godliness

Rustle of the world abroad returns to the back ground

“ you can grant me any wish, so to speak? What if I feel incompetent and lack desire”

Timidly Mikhail spoke to the proclaimed deity

The being replied with a grin as he began to say

“That in itself could be something I can change for you.

A stir brought about change in the fabric of space in the realm

Everything changing in light speed passing by in lines of colors

Strings of memories searing into the ground

Mikhail is confused by the state of affairs at play with this creature

“ What is it I have to do? I do want and long for what I wish, but how can I be certain it will be obtained”

The vibrancy once making this realm pious dissipates

All of the crops that bore produce evaporate as everything returns to a dark nothingness

Purgatory, no more descriptively a void of darkness

Only the creature and Mikhail can be seen

Breaking the new found silence the deity ask Mikhail

“Which one are you?”

Two mirrors, more like windows appear out of thin air

Both showing versions of Mikhail that are possible

“Are you going to be the one who writes the story, or are you going to be the one the story is about, Mikhail?”.

The window on the left shows a life of luxury, adventure, power, and all the wealth one could need

On the right the window projects struggle, sloth, Weakness and typical misfortune.

This would be a lot to take in all at once

The message this so called god is trying to convey is cryptic with numerous occult symbolisms

strung across a fanciful presentation of desires and tragedies.

Mikhail’s lips are moving but no sound can be heard

Even the quiet void is cracking to pieces in the midst of awakening

The entity speaks one last time before the dream ends in reply to Mikhail’s sniffed out question to break the silence

“What if god told you to?”

PT1

The End

[house-vestra]

fe17 thoughts (part 2)

similar spoiler warning as last time; i’ve now beaten chapter 18 but this post is about the brodia gang in this post so mainly spoilers for mid-game

first up in the brodia gang is yunaka. she’s fine. her personality is cute, just not my type of chara, and her design doesn’t work for me so she’s just mid-tier. covert units are good but i prefer zelkov

i unexpectedly like alcryst. i don’t care that much for bernadetta so i wasn’t expecting to like him, but his portrayal balances the serious and comedic elements of his personality better imo. i like that he threatened my life and i also do find extreme apologizing funny (it must have been a direct reference, right????) i think this type of character is very interesting against the backdrop of brodia, and despite his self esteem, he still has a backbone of steel on him, which is all. very. interesting.

i also like his evil-looking eyes. i don’t think diamante has them

(get his pandreo c-support if you can. awoo!! awoo...)

i was worried lapis looked super generic in the character previews but she’s grown on me. actually my first in-game impression of her was very positive because she and citrinne were totally ready to shank us from the front even after they knew who we were, which was refreshing after firene. but then she became nice and i was worried again. now i’ve decided i like her; i need to get more supports with her but i felt the signs that she grew up in extreme poverty were well done, things like being grateful for any type of thing you give her and, obviously, the milk convo. i’ve only gotten the c-support and it’s definitely funny but you can see lapis piecing it together at the same time you’re realizing what she’s talking about (i think the clip circulated on twitter/tumblr on release or near release, and seemed the idea online was that it was a joke about a white person thinking milk needs to be watered down, but the real context is much more interesting). ANYWAY i need to get more lapis supports but also unexpectedly ended up liking her.

citrinne is a hot rich lady. i uncomplicatedly like her. also need to get more supports with her. 

diamante... he’s fine. his thing with his dad was neat; that whole family’s dynamic is fun. otherwise, he’s very... there. i do like giving him lyn for the same reason ppl use sylvain to kill felix. i just got a diamante/jade support where diamante fully guffaws out loud for like 2 whole lines and that decimated my grasp of what his character is.

i didn’t notice it for a while, but i think diamante has 2-color hair too? he has a bright red streak at his temple that kind of looks like light glare but it doesn’t move even when he turns around, so i think he has like... idk just one patch of hair that grows differently...

amber. alpaca. he definitely comes the closest to the hisame/pickle situation just bc... alpacas are such a specific animal lol and very like 2011-brand “i love alpacas and sloths bc i’m so random” but from an adult man. his alpaca sweater is cute. his support with vander is funny.

i have no thoughts on jade except that her c support with bunet was funny.

i mentioned i needed master seals last time but actually after ch. 17 you get finally get unlimited seals in the shop so i’ve been rescued. everyone is now promoted except for clanne... i may go back to him but he’s only level 9; we’ll see if he can net any arena exp.

i appreciate that everyone’s default outfit changes with their base advanced class! i haven’t used a second seal so don’t know whether there are reskins for different classes but it’s reminiscent of the RD promotion outfit changes. i imagine if this game had had sprites, we might not have gotten this? i would have liked to see sprites by mika pikazo though; possibly some character designs might have clicked better visually.

supports are annoyingly hard to get?? i feel like after most battles i’ve only gotten 2 or 3 supports unlocked, and even after unlocking gifts to give people (which are SO EXPENSIVE), it feel like gifts and meals had more of an effect in 3h (altho u did get to eat a lot more meals in that game lol)

misc. but i wonder how many people entered the series with fe17? ig we’ll get more of an idea over time because those people probably wouldn’t get it on release. 3h was a huge entry game but i feel like everyone who is talking about engage is just like.... a series veteran lol i was on reddit and people are like “you couldn’t do that map?? unless this is ur first FE, you should know the optimal way is to do this” which struck me as an incredibly weird thing to say if any other game was in discussion?