#restoreth

[g7art]

🕊️ The Lord is my Shepherd

-

✝️ Psalm 23:1–3 ✝️

"..The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

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[aniah-who]

In case you may have not known… the Valley of the Shadow of Death is also a literal place in Israel <3

Psalms 23:

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

[rileydaisy]

Psalm 23

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside the quiet waters

He restoreth my soul.

He guides me in the path of righteousness

for his name sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadows of death,

I will fear no man cause thou are with me

Thy rod and thy staff

They comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

In the presence of me enemies

You anoint my head with oil

My cup overfloweth.

Surely goodness and love shall follow me

all the days of my life

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Lord is My Shepherd

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. — Psalm 23 | Third Millennium Bible (TMB) Third Millennium Bible, New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Cross References: Deuteronomy 20:1; 2 Samuel 22:19; Psalm 5:8; Psalm 16:5; Psalm 19:7; Psalm 25:7; Psalm 25:10; Psalm 36:8; Luke 7:46; John 10:11; Philippians 4:19; Revelation 7:17

Psalm 23 Meaning: Analysis of This Powerful Scripture

[glass-strawberries]

The Valley by The Oh Hellos: A Biblical Song Analysis

*Full analysis under the cut*

By @glass-strawberries and @glass--grapes

Author's note: we grew up Christian and we love whimsical music so hearing all these references from our childhood hit pretty well. We wanted to analyze it and share all the references because The Oh Hellos are honestly some of the best lyricists we’ve seen. 

This analysis does contain references to Genius Lyrics where we didn’t know what the lyrics were referring to. We didn’t copy them, but we added additional information.

The Valley 

Background/song summary: The Valley is the first track in The Oh Hellos Through the Deep, Dark Valley. Though the album is coined as a concept album, the concept itself is very loose. The album was made in respect to love, journeys, and righting past wrongs. 

This song is about the struggle and confusion of being born into wickedness or sin, as all humans are following the fall of humanity (the original sin). The speaker seeks a leader to the light. 

Lyric Analysis:

We were born in the valley Of the dead and the wicked

A reference to the Valley of Canaan, the ancient land that is now known as Israel/ Palestine. 

That our father's father found And where we laid him down

Moses led the Israelites to the land of Canaan as they were fleeing Egyptian captivity. Before Moses could get there, he essentially pissed off God and was banished from entering the promised land. He dies in Moab and God buries him there(Deuteronomy 34). 

We were born in the shadow Of the crimes of our fathers

 After the fall of humanity, every human ever born is born with sin. The “fathers” in this sense is everyone who came before them(Romans 3:23-24). The speaker struggles with discrimination and labels placed on them from their fathers. 

Blood was our inheritance No, we did not ask for this Will you lead me?

Canaanites were considered wicked, and were killed in a genocide against them. The speaker resents the sin that they have inherited, having been credited to this crime against the Canaanites. They once again yearn for a leader.

We were young when we heard you call Our names in the silence Like a fire in the dark

The speaker did not know God until they started to hope for a leader or divine intervention. God says that He will reveal Himself to those who truly seek him(1 John 3:2). The Bible states that when God calls out to you, He will call you by name and you will know immediately that it was Him that was speaking (Isaiah 43:1).

Like a sword upon our hearts We came down to the water And we begged for forgiveness

Water baptism is a symbolic representation of death in the flesh and being brought back to life in a new “body” that will “live” forever. The purpose of baptism is defined differently in different branches of Christianity and even among churches, but the two popular ones are: 

To proclaim your faith publicly(either way, you are saved as long as you have faith)

To become a true christian and be saved(you will not be saved unless you are baptized)

The singer chose to repent for their sins. Shadows lurking close behind We were fleeing for our lives Will you lead me?

Psalm 23:3- He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

1/24

[official-gospel-gang69]

John resting on Jesus during the last supper 🥺

"23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

[sl-newsie]

Behind Masks (Dr. Jonathon Crane x OC) Ch. 24: Love You To Death

Masterlist: https://www.tumblr.com/sl-newsie/744620213809594368/behind-masks-dr-jonathon-crane-x-oc-masterlist?source=share

It was all a lie. Dr. Crane gets the last laugh after all.

My heart drops into my stomach as a guard grips my arms behind me and forces me to stand. I’m led out of the echoing courtroom to the back door. The alley. Where they put bullets through skulls. And now it’s my turn. 

Congratulations, Prentiss. You finally went all the way off the deep end. How could I be such an idiot? All this time I thought… It doesn’t matter now. All I can think about now is how much I hope this will be quick and painless. As painless as being shot in the head can be. 

“On your knees!” The brute orders and kicks me down.

My knees scrape against the pavement. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.

“Any final comments, Reaper?” The guard taunts.

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

“Hello? Are you still here?” He pokes me and I feel the gun press to my temple. “Whatever. Say bye-bye-”

“Stop right there.”

Crane’s voice makes me want to bash my head against the ground. He makes me feel so naïve! If I could work my will I would rip his black heart out and then tear out my own shriveled heart. I hear his footsteps get closer until he’s standing right next to me. I don’t give him the satisfaction of seeing my broken spirit. Just pull the trigger already.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Crane kneels down next to me and I feel his breathing against my cheek. “Hold your breath and count to ten.”

Hiss! 

The familiar sound of a canister clicking open sends my body reacting on autopilot. I sweep my leg under the gunman, tripping him and sending him crashing to the ground as the fear gas spreads over him. Jonathan helps me to my feet and we watch with shared delight as the man spasms in terror.

“No- No! Get away!” 

Jonathan grabs my hand and I want to scream a million questions at him. Was this a trick? Is this some sort of rescue mission?

Crane pulls me back from the hallucinating man. “Hurry! Before someone-”

“Hey! What the Hell is this?” Another voice yells from down the street. 

A group of citizens wanders into sight. When they see the man screaming on the ground they begin to charge. Crane and I break into a run but he’s too slow. In the corner of my eye I see him get snatched and I turn around to see the mob pin him to the ground. 

“Wait-!” I gasp.

Thud! Thud!

The raging citizens kick at his ribs and Jonathon lets out a muffled cry. The sound makes my blood run cold. Not from the sight of the blood gushing from his mouth. But from the pained gasps and the horror seen behind his piercing blue eyes. An all-too-familiar feeling creeps across my skin. Fear. And this time I react differently.

I grip my knife and slice through one of the people. Blood gushes from the wound and they crumple to the ground. But I don’t stop. Stab. Stab. Cut. Cut. My body stiffens and all I can do is push the wounded citizens off of Jonathon’s limp body. He’s breathing. He’s still conscious. That alone helps to calm my pulse.

What does not supply relief is the pile of bleeding people moaning in pain. Guilt pools in my stomach. So much injury caused by such a small blade…

“C-Calico,” Dr. Crane stutters, clutching his side on the ground behind me. 

It snaps me out of my trance. “Come on. More will come. I will be hunted for dead once they see what I’ve done. And what you committed as well.”

I gently grip his shoulder and help him stand. He is in no condition to flee. Instead I’m forced to lean his nearly limp body against my shoulder to carry half his weight, leading Crane back to his penthouse. 

By the time we get to the bottom of the building’s stairs he’s gripping me to stay standing. The whole way up the stairs Jonathon spurts out gasps of pain. Each tortuous breath makes my heart race even faster. Gone is the man who did not hesitate to mock my weaknesses. Instead I am carrying a man who looks as if life has nearly been pushed out of him. 

I kick open the penthouse door and drag Jonathon to the couch. When he lies his head on the cushion his eyes fly open to stare at me.

“Calm your breathing,” I finally speak. “More than likely your ribs are bruised or broken so it will only make things worse.” I pause a second and swallow my jumping nerves. “Was that- Did you do that to save me?”

Even though he’s wincing in pain Jonathan still rolls his eyes. “Not really a rescue mission so much as a beating.”

Despite his attempt at a joke I cannot relax. I shakily take his hand and stare into those calculating eyes. 

“Remember when I said there’s nothing you can do to change my fear?” Crane nods slowly. “You did. I no longer fear failure. First I thought it was the fear of being loved, then it was fear of being alone. But now the greatest terror my mind can conjure is seeing you hurt like this. The fear of being alone without you.”

Something changes in Jonathon’s face. The shadow of doubt. “You must be in shock.”

I shake my head. “We all wear masks, Jonathan. Some… less obvious than others. Sometimes we’re trapped behind them, sometimes we hide behind them. Use them to lie, cheat, love…”

“How can you love someone behind a mask?” Dr. Crane murmurs.

A hint of a playful smile crosses my face. “You should know. You’ve been witnessing it first-hand.”

It clicks. Jonathan immediately catches my confession and pulls his head back. “This isn’t real. This can’t be real. This is all a hallucination…”

His disbelief saddens me. “What makes you say that?”

“Because I can’t love you,” Jonathan whispers and brings a hand up to touch my scraped cheek. “My obsession is fear. I can’t… but I want to.”

This is what we’ve been circling around. His obsession with fear and my spiraling mind. I guess the pressure of my fear set me off and Jonathon’s helped me to pick up the pieces. Why do our passions need to separate us when they are what caused our attraction in the first place?

“Being insane doesn’t make you incapable of love,” I reason.

Jonathan scoffs. “Clearly that’s proven by Quinzel and the Joker.”

My eyes narrow. “You’re basing this off of them?”

“Right. Good point. We’re much more civilized.” His eyes soften and begin to scan me. “I respect the mind’s power over the body. It’s how I do what I do. And right now my mind is trying not to dwindle on your intriguing mind... and your body too.”

I can finally admit it to myself. I’ve fallen in love with Dr. Jonathan Crane.

“No matter how hard I study it, no amount of books or research can help me understand romantic involvement.”

“Is this a new fear I see, Prentiss?” Jonathan asks, fascinated. “Philophobia, perhaps?”

I arch a brow. “Are you really going to mock my confession when we both know I’m more than capable of punching your teeth out right now?”

He licks some blood off his lips. “You can do that after I kiss you.”

And I let him. Jonathan leans in and captures me in the same mesmerizing feeling as before. Despite the metallic taste of blood the touch of his lips still makes me go limp. He pulls me closer until my upper half is lying on the couch next to him. I want to allow his embrace but don’t want to risk hurting his ribs.

Jonathan pulls away and leans his forehead to mine.  “Who knew my favorite patient would be my downfall? The death-obsessed Reaper.”

I give a small chuckle. “Sounds like a new method of murder. Do you think I’m going to love you to death?”

He lets out an annoyed groan. “As cheesy as that sounds, that wouldn’t be such a bad way to go if it was coming from you.”

“Are you going soft on me, doctor?” I tease and move a strand of his hair from his face.

“My mind is still wild enough to keep you guessing, Dr. Prentiss,” he smirks. “It is my ribs who have gone soft.”

Right. His injuries. “Would you like me to examine them?” I ask in a more serious manner.

Jonathan’s smile widens. “Darling, you never have to ask to examine me.”

I roll my eyes and tug away his shirt, ignoring his pained grunt. The bruising on his chest looks like a rigid pattern against his pale skin. This is the first time seeing him nearly shirtless and I can’t say I’m disappointed. There’s no question that he’s as skinny as he appears. Some girls might find this unappealing but it’s not his scrawny physique that attracts me. It’s his ‘wid mind,’ clever wit, and those eyes that stare at me as if I’m the center of his universe.

“Are you still here, sweetheart?”

My head jerks up. How long have I been staring- er, examining? Jonathan’s looking at me like I’m a child caught stealing a cookie from the jar.

“I- I’m still here.”

“That bad, hm?” He looks down at his wounds.

“No, it’s worse. You are still Dr. Crane,” I joke and playfully nudge his shoulder. “You’re fine. It looks like only bruising, no broken ribs. The best I can do is suggest bedrest and possibly dig up some narcotics around here. I don't know how long until someone comes looking for us but we'll cross that bridge when it appears. Sit tight. I’ll get a cloth to clean off the dirt.”

I sit up and begin to stand-

“You’re tending to me? After what…”

Jonathan trails off and I sense a touch of guilt in his voice. He must be talking about what transpired in Arkham.

“You’re right, Dr. Crane. If it weren’t for you I might still have half of my sanity left.” He hangs his head and I change to a more caring tone. “And if it weren’t for you I never would have believed I could fall in love. You made me into who I was supposed to be and you love me anyway. You’re in love with a killer and I’m in love with a mad scientist.”

Jonathan’s guilty face softens. “I suppose we’re both damaged. You know, Dr. Prentiss, you attract what you fear.”

I press another kiss to his cheek. “I guess I won the fear lottery.”

[gritandgrace40]

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalm 23:1-6 KJV)

[artsymumof5]

The LORD is my Shepherd I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

[spugnaeros]

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

[victoryrifle]

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

SKYND - ARMIN MEIWES

[avengers-21]

today’s verse ✨

“He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭23‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

He Restoreth my Soul

2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water 3 he restores my inner person. He guides me in right paths for the sake of his own name. — Psalm 23:2-3 | Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Cross References: Revelation 7:17; Psalm 36:8; Psalm 5:8; Psalm 19:7; Psalm 25:9; Psalm 31:3; Psalm 46:4; Psalm 65:11; Psalm 85:13; Psalm 109:21; Psalm 139:10; Psalm 143:10; Proverbs 4:11; Proverbs 8:20; Isaiah 49:10; Ezekiel 34:14-15

Read full chapter

What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)?

[tenaciousmoneymuffinzine]

My God Can 🩵

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.

Psalm 23 KJV

[alterlest]

⭒✮⭒

Naberius; Valiant Marquis of Hell

some basic information.

⭒✮⭒

Who is He? ⇲

Also named Cerberus, Naberius is a fallen angel and the 24th of 72 spirits of solomon. He appears as a crow, a black crane, or a three headed dog much like his greek counterpart. Naberius is described as having a hoarse voice. He teaches about arts and sciences, skills like rhetoric, and helps to restore honor and dignity. Marquis Naberius was first mentioned by Johann Weyer in 1583. In that text, he presents himself as eloquent and amiable. It is unclear if he has a direct association with the greek Cerberus, however, Weyer considered them the same demon.

Excerpt from “The Goetia: The Lesser Key of Solomon the King” (1904) ⇲

“NABERIUS. – The Twenty-fourth Spirit is Naberius. He is a most valiant Marquis, and showeth in the form of a Black Crane, fluttering about the Circle, and when he speaketh it is with a hoarse voice. He maketh men cunning in all Arts and Sciences, but especially in the Art of Rhetoric.
He restoreth lost Dignities and Honours. He governeth 19 Legions of Spirits. His Seal is this, which is to be worn, etc.”

-S.L. MacGregor Mathers

Experiences ⇲

From my own research, Naberius is described as a wonderful teacher who will teach rhetoric, scrying, and other skills useful to one’s practice.

He can help you restore tarnished reputations, and, as a psychopomp, is a wonderful infernal to work with when practicing death Magick.

In the same way, he can help improve your skills in divination thanks to his teachings in communication. He is useful among artists for helping spark creativity and enthusiasm about a project.

Associations ⇲

*please note that this section may contain UPG elements.

Colors: gold, yellow, red, orange

direction: East

Season: Winter

Planet: Moon

metal: Silver

element: Air

animals: birds (pigeons and corvids), dogs, wolves

zodiac: Scorpio

Offerings ⇲

*please note that this section may contain UPG elements.

Edible: green apples, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, cranberries, plums, cauliflower, green beans, spinach, turnips, elderberry tea, alfalfa tea, black and white teas, rosemary, cilantro, cinnamon, cranberry juice, orange juice, prune juice

Misc.: benzion incense, sage incense, star anise incense, juniper incense, any music, amethyst, garnet, jade, aquamarine

Enn ⇲

Enn: Eyan tasa volocur Naberius

[momentsbeforemass]

What are you so worried about?

(by request, my homily from Sunday)

What are you so worried about?

My first thought, when someone asks that, is “how much time do you have?”

Because I’ve got a list. Stuff I’m worried about. Stuff I should be worried about. Stuff I forgot to be worried about - that’s going surprise me later when I remember it.

There may be different things on it, but every one of us has a list like that. We’ve got a lot to be worried about.

That’s where you and I are at, when we hear today’s Psalm,

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.”

It’s a breath of fresh air – compared to everything that you and I are worried about. One that sounds great, if you’re a sheep.

I grew up grain farming with my dad. We didn’t have livestock. So, I didn’t know much about sheep.

We had some cousins who raised sheep a few miles up the road. I’d always see the sheep standing out there in the pasture when we drove past.

Watching how they moved in one big bunch, seeing how the sheep followed my cousins around, they never struck me as being very bright animals.

But seeing sheep from a car window for a few seconds as you drive past? That doesn’t give you the whole picture.

I found this out the first time I actually worked with sheep.

It turns out that what Jesus is saying in the Gospel about who sheep will follow is right.

Sheep won’t follow just anybody. In fact, they won’t follow anybody – until they get to know you.

If you go out in the pasture and start calling sheep that don’t know you, they’ll just look at you.

They don’t waste their time with people they don’t know.

Sheep are very peaceful animals.

If you get upset and start yelling at them, they’ll just walk away.  

They don’t waste their time with people who are upset and agitated.

As it turns out, sheep do what they do, because they know what they want.

And what they want is to be at peace.

And they do what they do - to get that. Because peace doesn’t happen by accident.

You and I can’t wait to have peace when our list of things to worry about runs out. Because every day, something else adds itself to the list. Truth be told, we’ll never get to the end of that list.    

That’s why if you and I want peace, we can’t wait for it to happen. Because peace doesn’t happen by accident.

We need peace right in the middle of it all. We need peace, even though we’ve still got a list.

So, what do sheep have to do with that?

For animals that want to be at peace, sheep are sitting ducks for pretty much anything that wants to get them.

They can’t run fast. They don’t kick very well. They don’t have claws or sharp teeth.

Sheep are basically defenseless. Sheep know this. That’s why they rely on the shepherd to take care of them.

And the shepherd does. The shepherd makes their peace possible.

When a storm’s coming in, the sheep will follow the shepherd to shelter.

When they hear wolves or coyotes, the sheep know the shepherd will fight their battles.

That is what the sheep do. What the sheep don’t do - is worry. No sheep has ever worried and “what-iffed” themselves into a sleepless night.

Because they know that as long as they’re with the shepherd, everything will be fine.

That’s what the 23rd Psalm is telling us – “yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.”

That’s what Jesus is telling us in today’s Gospel. Making it clear that there is no limit to what the Good Shepherd will do to protect His sheep.

If you and I want peace, we need to be like sheep.

As much as we may not like to admit it, there’s not much that you and I can do to stop most of what wants to be on our list of things to worry about.

And even when we can stop some of those things, you and I can’t stop everything. As hard as we try, there will always be something that finds its way onto that list.

Which is why you and I need to be like sheep.

Don’t waste your time thinking about your list of things to worry about.

Instead, think about the Good Shepherd who is watching over you. And stay in peace.

The God who has always loved you, from before you were born, is guiding you and protecting you. Even now.

That doesn’t mean that life will become magically trouble-free and nothing bad will ever happen, if you don’t focus on all the reasons to worry.

We all know from experience that sometimes the only way out is through.

But instead of looking at everything that’s on the list, instead of focusing on the reasons to worry in life, look to God.

The Good Shepherd who makes our peace possible.

When the storms come in, be like sheep.

When you hear wolves and coyotes, be like sheep.

As long as you’re with the Shepherd, everything will be fine.

This is the lesson from the sheep.

Stay in peace. Trust the Good Shepherd. Be like sheep.

Sunday’s Readings