#sometimes i forget how applicable the bible can be | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mybeautifulchristianjourney · 4 years ago

Text

Devotional Hours Within the Bible

by J.R. Miller

Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:21-32)

Ezra is an interesting character. He was a priest and scribe who was commissioned to return from Persia to Jerusalem, and so took an active part in the civil and religious affairs of the Jews at Jerusalem. He led a fresh company of exiles back with him. A royal edict had been issued by Artaxerxes, clothing Ezra with authority. He was the bearer of offerings for the temple made by the king and by the Jews. He led a caravan. He was influential in enforcing the Mosaic law among the people, who had become indifferent to many features of it. Before setting out, he gathered his company together and spent three days in making preparation for the journey. The first thing he did was to seek God's guidance. He says, "I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions." We should begin every new journey, every new undertaking, every new piece of work - by asking God to show us the way.

The Bible very significantly begins with the words, "In the beginning God." At the beginning of everything, God should be recognized and honored. No friendship ever reaches its best - unless God is in it and God's blessing is on it. No business ever can have the fullest success - unless the hand of God is in it and God's guidance be sought. The things we cannot ask God's blessing upon - we would better not do. The place into which we cannot ask God to guide us - we never should enter. Ezra asked the Lord to show him a safe journey to Jerusalem. We need always to seek guidance of God, for only He can show us the right way.

Ezra is very frank in giving the reason why he cast himself so completely upon God. He was seeking the honor of God, and wished therefore, as far as possible, to be independent of human help. "For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way." He had told the king that the hand of God would be upon all them that sought Him for good, and he wished to give the king proof of this in his own experience. It was a dangerous journey upon which he and his company were about to set out. No doubt the king, with his kindly interest in the expedition, would have furnished an escort if Ezra had asked for it. But Ezra felt that this would be dishonoring God.

A life of faith - is a life of dependence upon God. Part of our witnessing for God before the world - is showing that our trust is not in human strength - but in God Himself. We say, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not be in want." Do we prove our faith in this confession? When need is upon us, do we show ourselves trustful because the Lord is our Shepherd! We say, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." We sing the words with a measure of triumph in our voices. But do we live as if God were indeed our refuge, as if He were indeed a very present help in all trouble? Many of us are too easily frightened in time of danger or trouble. With such a God as ours - we ought to be ashamed to be afraid of anything. We ought not to turn to the world's help after we have declared so strongly that God is our defense and our refuge. We should show by the way we meet difficulties, dangers, losses, sorrows, that there is a divine reality on which we are leaning.

Ezra was taking up with him a great quantity of silver and gold and the sacred vessels for the house of God. He took special care for the safety of these treasures. He set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests. .. and weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels." First, these were godly men, honest and trustworthy, whom Ezra selected. This was important. Sometimes sufficient care is not taken in choosing those who are to be the custodians of money belonging to others. In this case, the money and the treasures were all carefully weighed and the amount set down. Again, at the end of the journey, the men were required to account for everything they had received. Some people are very careless about money matters. Young people should learn that it is part of their religion - to be strictly honest. If others put money into their hands for any purpose - it should be accounted for to the last cent. In societies of different kinds, there is money to be handled, and certain people have to act as treasurers. Those who accept this position should realize their responsibility. No matter if only a few cents a month are to be handled, there should be the same careful putting down of the amount and the same accuracy in accounting for it at the end as if the sum were thousands of dollars.

The charge of Ezra to these men who were entrusted with the treasures, is worthy of careful study. He said unto them, "You as well as these articles are holy to the LORD. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem before the leading priests and the Levites and the family heads of Israel." The men themselves were holy; that is, they had been set apart to a holy service. The treasures entrusted to them were holy. The money and the vessels did not belong to any man - but to God. The men were now to carry them safely through all the dangers of the thousand-mile journey. They would be held responsible for their safe-keeping, until they deposited them in the house of God in Jerusalem. Then the treasures would be weighed again, to see that they had been carefully guarded and that nothing, not even a fraction of an ounce, had been lost.

This was a very solemn trust. But every one is continually receiving trusts which he is to guard amid the world's dangers, and deliver at last at God's feet. A Christian convert in a missionary country said of something he was guarding with special care, "It is God's - but I am in charge of it." This is a true statement of our position regarding many of our responsibilities. It is true not only of the religious funds entrusted to our custody - but just as really of money of any society or institution or corporation or business that may be entrusted to us. It is true of anything for which we may be responsible. Our own life is a sacred trust committed to us, for which we must give account.

There are many applications of this principle. Other people are continually putting into our hands the gold and silver of their love, their confidence, their friendship, trusting us with things which we are to guard and keep for them.

Do you ever think, for example, of the responsibility of being a friend ? One confides in you and comes under your influence. How careful must you be lest you harm the life that thus entrusts itself to you. We accept friendships and confidences eagerly, and sometimes perhaps thoughtlessly, not asking ourselves if we can care for them, guard them, keep them. We forget that we must answer to God for every touch and teaching and for every impression we put upon any other life.

Our own good name also is a trust committed to us to be kept unspotted. We must guard it and live so every day that no stain may ever fasten upon it through any act or conduct of ours, or any association with evil. So the good names of others are in our keeping. We must be careful never to tarnish another's name by any careless word we may speak concerning the person.

Ezra testifies to the faithfulness of God in caring for him and his company on the way. "Then we departed. .. and the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy." At the beginning of his journey Ezra committed the care of himself and other pilgrims, to the good hand of God. He was glad to say that without any help from the king, without escort of soldiers to guard them, they had come to the end of the long journey, through manifold dangers - yet without harm.

We never know how much good we owe every day and every night to the good hand of God that guards us amid life's dangers. We think we are keeping ourselves by our own tact or shrewdness, or that we owe our safety in our journeys to the perfection of the railways and vessels on which we travel, or to some sort of chance that favors us. We leave God out too often when we are thinking of our safety, our protection, our comfort, the countless favors of our lives. Always the eye of God is upon us and the good hand of God is over us. This is our Father's world, and we have children's care in it.

#J.R. Miller #Devotional Hours Within the Bible #Ezra 8:21-32 #Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem #May 5 #2021

8 notes · View notes

nerdygaymormon · 4 years ago

Note

Do you know of any resources for trans mormons? It’s fine if not.

The best resource I could ever suggest would be other trans Mormons. There’s some here on tumblr and they’d love to connect. They are an important part of #queerstake.

I’ll list a few, and I apologize because I know I’m forgetting some, and I suggest all trans mormons on tumblr respond. And I know there are some differences, but I think that so much about the experience is similar that I’m going to also include non-binary & genderfluid blogs as as well. @loveerran @alliharkness @nonbinary-gay-disaster @genderdysphoriablues @gellyopal @transgenderdaysaint @busymakingwaves @nottskyler @bittersweet-green-jello @latter-day-saint-nick

———————————————————————

Genderqueer Ordained Anglican Priest once posted “Every step deeper into my gender is a step closer to a God in whose image I was made.”

This quote gives me a lot to think about, and it seems that if God didn’t want you to transition then you wouldn’t have been made trans.

People regularly make changes to their bodies and we don’t say they’re going against God’s design. Just because we had to make adjustments, we don’t say God made a mistake, our bodies are imperfect and sometimes need extra support. I wear glasses, my friend has had a knee replacement.

A way I like to think about it is that God is inviting the trans person to participate in the creation process. Sort of like giving them wheat and they get to make bread. And wow, are there a lot of different kinds of bread that can be made. It’s an opportunity to collaborate with God that most of us don’t get.

———————————————————————

The Bible provides an arc about eunuchs that I think is applicable to trans, nb & genderfluid people.

Eunuchs were seen as other, not fitting the gender binary. They were banned from worshipping with Jews.

Eunuchs were responsible for the salvation of Esther.

Isaiah declared that one day eunuchs would be fully welcomed in.

Daniel, who is castrated, becomes one of the heroes of the Bible, even held up by Christ as one of the greats.

One of the very first non-Jewish Christian converts being the Ethiopian Eunuch in the book of Acts.

We have likewise seen an ever-growing circle of inclusion by the Church in it’s 190 years, and I have no reason to believe it’s done expanding until all of God’s children have access to gospel blessings.

If the Gospel is to be “good news” it must always be good news for the most marginalized, and until then, there’s work to do.

———————————————————————

Laurie Lee Hall was the chief architect for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is a former bishop & stake president. Laurie Lee is a trans woman and when she transitioned she lost her job and was excommunicated.

It’s quite a story. What really struck me in this story is how over a period of years, she was building temples as she built herself, both were sacred endeavors.

Laurie Lee Hall begins speaking at the 28:40 mark of this video. Laurie speaks & answers questions for 1 ½ hours. It’s a time commitment, but is so worth listening to.

———————————————————————

I put together a collection of links to scientific studies which show how queerness is biological. If you look through, you’ll find numerous ones that are about trans people.

———————————————————————

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shows allowing trans kids to transition virtually eliminates higher rates of depression and low self-worth. And there’s many other studies that confirm the best results for trans people is to let them transition, at whatever level they are comfortable doing so.

———————————————————————

Not everyone is in a place where they can transition, and here’s a list of little things you can do to feel better

———————————————————————

Dr. Gregory Prince wrote in BCC about a trans woman who previously had bottom surgery & joined the LDS church. She fell in love with a man and they wanted to be married in the temple.

At the time there was no policy in the Handbook, so a General Authority was contacted. Spencer W. Kimball was president of the church at that time and says he received a personal revelation allowing the marriage to performed. THIS is what happens when a prophet asks where God stands in regards to trans people.

In January 2016, a blogger wrote about the BCC post. In the comments section, a person identifying as Ann wrote to say that she is the person who was sealed. She provides some detail, including the date of the sealing and the name of the Seventy who performed the marriage.

They are promised an eternity of being husband and wife.

———————————————————————

Emmett Claren became well known for a series of YouTube videos that documented his transition while also being an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. VICE life did a nice documentary about him in 2017.

I’ve met Emmett and he’s great. Last year he posted this video that gives an overview of his story and where he’s at now.

———————————————————————

Earlier this year the Sistas in Zion tweeted out a Trans thread and I posted pictures of it here.

———————————————————————

I wanna share a thought, which is I’m glad trans people are part of our queer community for a variety of reasons, but particularly so as a gay Mormon. Together we expose the truth.

Traditional Mormon to a Trans person: God doesn't make mistakes

Same Traditional Mormon to a Gay person: God will change you

Well, which is it? They can’t have it both ways.

———————————————————————

Another thought - Our church has been talking about the gays since the 1970′s. That’s many decades of discussion, argument, disagreement and change. This church hasn’t been discussing trans people until recently. The resources you’re looking for are thin because people like you are creating them now. This is a moment that a lot of trans heroes in the LDS community are starting to emerge.

For example, in 2017 for Mother’s Day, the Salt Lake Tribune shared the stories of two trans women–Ann Pack and Sara Jade

Laurie Lee Hall shares her story after being excommunicated

Kris Irvin, a trans masculine, non-binary, asexual BYU student makes national news for having a bishop threaten to withhold an ecclesiastical endorsement if Kris receives top surgery. Without the ecclesiastical endorsement, Kris would not be allowed to continue as a student at BYU

Provo’s Daily Herald newspaper published an article on past & present transgender BYU students: Cammie Vanderveur, Jami Claire, Andy Winder, Kris Irvin

———————————————————————

Learn about trans history. There are real heroes and pioneers, and you have claim to their legacy.

There’s Disclosure on Netflix, which talks with several actors/actresses about Hollywood’s impact on the Trans community.

You can find many people sharing their stories or telling about aspects of Trans history on YouTube or with a Google search.

———————————————————————

First transgender suicide hotline in the US has been created. Should you need it, please contact Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860

———————————————————————

Here’s some videos on YouTube I recommend (they’re among my favorites and show commercials can make an impact):

A Secret deodorant commercial

A Sprite commercial that features gender non-conforming people getting ready for Pride. The words at the end say “Pride: what you feel when someone you love chooses to be happy.”

A Starbucks commercial about the importance of a name.

A MasterCard commercial about the name on your card.

A Nike commercial with Chris Mosier.

British Vogue has Paris Lees interview Emma Watson, overall it’s a lovely interview, and several times they touch on Trans issues. Starting at 14:00 is especially meaningful.

———————————————————————

Affirmation is the oldest organization for LDS/post-LDS LGBTQ+ individuals, family and allies. They have multiple Facebook pages for people in different spots of their faith journey/in what way you’re queer/if you’re an ally or parent of a queer child, including Trans people.

Transactive LDS is a private group for transgender individuals or family members.

———————————————————————

Some links that may help others understand you:

LDS/LGBTQ Guide to Ministering – this is a short pamphlet put together by Latter Gay Stories to help members understand some of their fellow members and how to better minister to them.

The Family Acceptance Project put together a resource to help LDS families understand. Basically it says to accept & love your kid, and failure to do so has real consequences.

The Human Rights Campaign has an online booklet for LGBT Mormons

Listen Learn & Love is a website by Richard Ostler. He’s a former bishop who has made loving LGBT Mormons his ministry. Here’s a list of some of the podcast episodes he’s done with transgender people.

PFLAG has resources for families of LGBT individuals. They focus on supporting those in need, education & advocating to create a better world for LGBTQ+ people, friends, family & neighbors (and I’ve been really impressed with their Provo, UT office).

#this is sort of a mishmash #not all is specifically about trans mormons

32 notes · View notes

thewritingamateur · 4 years ago

Text

Sneak Peek: The Temptations for the Wallflower

So I wrote this story a year or two ago and I’ve been thinking to revamp it and post it on Ao3. This is a small snippet of the story I edited. Unlike my other stories though it is a bit more explicit in nature and pretty dark.

~~~

In her move from New York to Ireland, Tabitha thought the hardest thing would be transferring her grades. It was quite easy, to her surprise, and she was thankful to see that it would be a smooth transition. She was going to spend her last year there before she was to head off to college. There were many places in mind that she had thought of going to, Princeton, Harvard, NYU. They all did sound far-fetched for someone like her; a lower-class child to immigrant parents, but there was still some hope for her.

She was always on the top of her class, having a near-perfect grade point average. Not only that, but she also put herself in several extra-curricular activities knowing that those colleges were also going to look into that. It was a lot to handle, especially during the obstacles of the previous year, but she refused to lose focus, there was too much at stake. Now, she was going to be in an all-girls Catholic school to finish up her time before college. Although she had to send in applications, this year was also important for the admissions offices of the colleges to watch so she had to juggle everything, which now included a job and taking care of two individuals who couldn't take care of themselves.

Tabitha didn't want to go to a Catholic school at first, but her grandmother thought it would be best, saying that it wasn't too far from the house and she could get a scholarship which would be good to write in her college applications. Tabitha agreed, taking this compromise. Without a doubt, they would be going to Mass and have religious classes, so there would be conflict at least with the teachings.

The only positive was the uniform, she wouldn't have to worry about what to wear as another task to add onto her plate.

She headed out early that day, making sure she gave a good first impression. Classes would start at 7:45 am, she reached at 7 am. She left the formula and all the necessities that were needed for Issac at arms reach for her grandmother. Hopefully, she could come back to the house for a few moments until her shift started at Brennan's store.

She had gone to the office of the school, wondering if they'd have her information and her schedule. Tabitha did come the day before hoping it would be available like all the other students, but it wasn't the case. The secretary told her that the headmaster had it and she would have to come in early for it today.

It made her wonder who the headmaster could be. She had always heard rumors back home that in Catholic schools the headmaster would be a priest or something, but Tabitha scoffed at the thought, there was no way that a priest would be the headmaster. Father Foley would be the headmaster then, but what qualifications did he have? He had no degree in education so how can he be in charge in that way? Maybe she was thinking just too far ahead, she shouldn't be imagining things like that.

Tabitha waited outside the headmaster's office, her foot shaking rapidly as she felt her nerves getting to her. The ticking of the clock on the ceiling was a reminder of how long she was waiting there. By 7:15, on the dot, the secretary told her that she could go into the office, that the headmaster would be there shortly.

She had walked in, the room was lit dimly, the sun shining through the blinds as it was coming up from sunrise. The office was neat, files in place, and the crosses were appropriately placed on the right parts of the office. There was also a Bible, in front of the nameplate of whoever's office it was, how ironic. She would've moved it, but she was scared to, not needing to get yelled at first thing entering the school. Tabitha thought it would be best if she simply took a seat.

Her hands ran through her straight black hair, which had grown nearly mid-back now. She had a bad habit of biting her lip when nervous, not in a sexy way like the movies showed, but literally pulling her bottom lip and biting it till it was all dried and chapped. It wasn't cute, but sometimes she couldn't help it. It felt like an eternity, but finally, she heard the door open. Although the person didn't speak, she sat up straight, crossing her legs appropriately, and had her hands on her lap. Her eyes were cast down, the reason wasn't known to her but she did it anyway.

Tabitha saw the shoes of the person walk around her to the desk, she heard the person take a seat, and she heard the clearing of his throat.

"Good morning Tabitha"

Her fingers began to fidget recognizing exactly who it was.

Wasn't life funny?

~~~

Stephen wasn't sure of how this would turn out, especially with how things were between him and the young girl.

He wouldn't lie, he told Sonya to allow her granddaughter to come to his school. He wanted a reason to see Tabitha again and if it meant to confine her in these walls where he could watch her, then so be it.

He had taken a look into her school records too, it was really good. He wouldn't deny that he never thought of her as being the smartest person, but it was due to his prejudices against her. She had the ability to go places, but would she? Seeing the life she was living it would be hard for her to juggle going to a good college and take care of her family.

He always thought that family should be the most important priority for a woman, over herself at least. He watched her body seated in front of him, her eyes refusing to look up. Her defiance against him was gone, which he saw as a good thing.

But as always, she had the upper hand by not answering him.

"Tabitha, when someone says good morning, you should respond."

Her coffee eyes glanced at him briefly before mumbling a response, it was better than nothing.

There was nothing but hate in her heart when looking at him, the pain still evident in the burning the felt with his gaze on her body. Her mother taught her that one should not hate, it wasn't Christian like. Deep down, she knew her mother was right, feelings such as hate could have dire consequences. Tabitha wasn't ready to forgive yet though, it was still all too fresh.

"Alright, well here is the timetable of your classes every day. I know you might be against it but you will have to attend Friday mass like everyone else, no questions asked. Also, wear your blazer, modesty is of importance here, something I know you don't know much of."

She knew he said that just to get a rile out of her, but she wasn't going to give in. Twisting her mouth, she said thank you and got up to leave with her schedule at hand.

"I didn't dismiss you yet"

She froze, refusing to turn and see him.

"Don't forget, Tabitha, I call the shots here. My word is the law, so you will have to obey it too." She hoped the trembling in her fingers weren't showing too much, she wanted to cry so badly but knew she needed to stay strong.

She only wondered how things could turn so bad so quickly for her. As soon as she walked out into the hall, hands moved quickly wiping the tears that threaten to fall out.

#original writing #original character #original fiction #temptation #temptation for the wallflower #Tabitha #Stephen #sneak peek #Setting: 1990s Ireland #catholic church #religious undertones #dark themes #definitely a story full of whump #whump fic #what do you guys think?

7 notes · View notes

kukuandkookie · 5 years ago

Note

So, I'm making a story which may or may not be a remake of a old story I made, but with a new setting, new characters, a different tone, and a new storyline. Any writing tips?

Ahhh first off, I just wanted to say how honoured I am that you’d feel like asking me for writing tips! And I must also apologize if this is at all late, since Tumblr has this bad habit of not really notifying me when someone sends me an ask. PS: This might get long ahaha. I tend to ramble a lot. ��

My first piece of advice is to read and study what you read! I often get inspired by a good book after I’ve finished reading and begin itching to write, but I actually learned how to write stories by imitating the Warriors series when I was a kid.

I’d also highly recommend studying grammar. Not so much so that it becomes boring and no fun, but enough that it doesn’t hinder your story. Bad grammar or spelling doesn’t usually ruin a story unless it’s really bad, but it can pull someone out of your story. When reading over my classmates’ works, I usually found they worked quite well when read out loud, but reading it over myself caused me to spot those sort of grammatical errors and it would draw me out of the atmosphere they were creating for their story.

And on the topic of atmosphere, it is important to set the scene and also describe things, but definitely don’t go overboard. It often comes off as pretentious or cumbersome, breaking the flow of writing. I do describe certain things while writing, but I usually focus more on dialogue.

When it comes to dialogue, every character has their own voice, so they won’t all sound the same! Make sure to tag their dialogue with variety as well (like, don’t constantly use “he said, she said”). Try looking at other novels. Sometimes authors use “cried, scolded, screeched, begged,” etc). Sometimes they don’t use any dialogue tags at all so as not to break the flow of dialogue.

For example, this is a piece from the chapter I’m currently writing:

Or for something more casual:

The second one had four voices going on, but hopefully the voices flowed naturally enough and it wasn’t too confusing who’s who. If flow is hard to tell, you can try reading it out loud; it’ll also help you pick up on repetition.

Repeating something can be really good for dramatic effect, but too much repetition can also be bad. This is something I’ve had drilled into me by my English teachers since high school. Seeing the same few words a thousand times isn’t very interesting, so try to vary your vocabulary! There’s a whole internet out there to help you find the right words (for example, instead of always writing “angry,” you can look up “angry synonyms”).

Fictional writing, or creative nonfiction, is also where you can break a few rules of English for more dramatic flair. For example, there’s no need to always have full sentences. An incomplete sentence will stand out.

Definitely be sure to vary sentence length so not everything looks the same. And every time a new action/piece of dialogue happens, it’s a general rule to start a new line.

I like keeping certain things about my characters and world vague and versatile so that I can play around with it more, although I know worldbuilding and detailed characters are important to many writers. It’s okay if your characters start off a little flat—the more you write for them, the more their personality will come alive and have proper depth.

Sometimes I make a character because I feel like it and I give them a name I just feel like fits. I once made a character with curly brown hair and green eyes and randomly named him Ross, but I eventually incorporated the meaning of his name into his backstory (promontory or headland). He evolved while writing from a more cocky character to someone who is kind and quiet, but stubborn, distant, and has trouble getting over the past.

Of course writing characters also depends on your style. I have a friend who enjoys picking meaningful names for their characters, and there are authors who like to write down all the personality traits, flaws, and strengths right away. I prefer going with the flow, which I find isn’t a bad place to start, but the other way isn’t bad at all!

I usually like fleshing out the backstories for all of my characters, probably more than things like height or birthday. And that’s mostly because every person has their own story and their own scars, so it can affect them in different ways. Even flat characters I first develop just to be a villain often end up becoming more sympathetic later because I decided to focus on their backstories.

And of course we know everyone says “don’t write a Mary Sue!” but characters that seem pretty perfect can still come off as flawed and likeable. Not writing a Mary Sue doesn’t mean writing someone who is boring or terrible at everything or horrible to everyone—there is often a reason the hero is the one with some form of hidden skill or talent.

I’m going to pull on the character of my current obsessions as an example: Wei Wuxian from the novel Mo Dao Zu Shi. He’s intelligent, heroic, kind, and powerful, but such good things can also be translated into bad ones. Flaws are often exaggerations of positives. So for example, even though Wei Wuxian is intelligent, he’s still brash and reckless. He’s heroic, but this translates into a hero complex with impulsiveness, a lack of foresight, and can drive other people away. His kindness can turn into rage or self-sacrifice, and his power makes him arrogant.

Like with the thing on Mary Sues, try not to always worry about avoiding clichés or tropes. It’s good to avoid them, but they’re also staples of writing for a reason, and people do like what’s familiar (in my Film Studies classes, we describe movie tastes as “people want to see what they’re familiar with, but with something unfamiliar sprinkled in”). So it’s okay to use clichés/tropes sometimes, but don’t rely too much on them or your story will feel generic. Add your own twist!

But speaking of twists, don’t try and shock your readers with plot twists out of nowhere. Don’t panic if a reader picks up on your clues and then change the twist to something that doesn’t make sense just to shock the reader. This often cheats people of their experience. If they guess your plot twist, it can mean you laid down the right clues! But if you really want to shock them, try to drop enough hints for the new twist so it makes sense. For example, I find Coco’s plot twist much more sensible than Frozen’s.

Oh, and try not to worry too much about things like Chekhov’s gun. I had a Writing prof ask us to keep it in mind, but I find it more applicable to short stories, and that’s because it started as a rule for theatre. If you show a gun in your play, it should be used later by a character as a sort of payoff. In a longer story, this is less relevant as not every prop has to be important. Still, if you focus a lot on a particular thing, you should probably go back and explain it later.

I have a bad habit of sometimes mentioning things that seem important to characters at the time and totally forgetting it later until I reread old chapters. For example, I had one character who doesn’t have his mom with him anymore be interested in a ring box in one chapter, but I forgot about it for awhile. I later explained that it was his mom’s wedding ring, which is why he cared about it so much.

I do often get lucky, as my two long-term stories (one that’s close to being wrapped up and one that’s already finished) have both filled most plot points sometimes by chance. I usually just start writing without a real idea of where I’m going—sometimes the stuff I write just establishes characters or their backstories—but they usually start forming into a proper plot later on when I’ve established more characters and backstories and figure out where I want the climax to go.

I’m not saying that my way is the right or only way though! It helps a lot of authors to map everything out from the very beginning. I just find certain plot points change as my writing improves, so I start off with less plan but usually end up coming up with a proper story bible for me to follow as I write. Research and planning, at the end of the day, are still really helpful!

The hardest problem with writing is that we need our readers to care. If they don’t care, then the thing you work painstakingly on won’t feel as rewarding. And it’s easier to have people care when your characters/plot/world are interesting, feel real, and are likeable (or at least have a “love to hate” thing going on for them). Not every character needs to be tragic and edgy—most people recommend against this—but they can still be sympathetic. Sometimes though, characters are just villains or just background characters, and that’s fine too!

Plus everyone has different tastes, so it’s never guaranteed everyone will like your story—but then again, it’s no guarantee everyone won’t like it either!

I hope all of that helps, and that I haven’t scared you off with my ranting! Writing is a world of infinite possibilities, and I find it easier to test more of those possibilities than with drawing. At the end of the day, don’t forget to write for yourself and write what you also like. Improvement comes with practice, after all!

#advice #reference #writing tips #kuku answers #kuku88 #kuku rambles #quite a lot oops #wei wuxian #mo dao zu shi #svtfoe next gen #svtfoe

11 notes · View notes

eldritchsurveys · 5 years ago

Text

436.

What is the most annoying thing about your life right now? and how can you change it? >> I can’t really think of anything except, like, being sensory-defensive, which I can’t change.

What was the flavor of the last smoothie you had? >> ---

Do you think you get enough protein? >> I probably do.

What is your favorite time of day to run? >> I don’t run.

How many 5ks have you ran? >> Exactly zero.

What is a current concern of yours right now? >> I don’t have any concerns.

What color shirt are you wearing? >> Black. I’m actually wearing a shirt for once, because it’s chilly tonight.

When was the last time you talked to your mom? >> ---

What's one unpopular opinion you have? >> I don’t have any sense of moral outrage about the existence of paedophiles and I strongly believe that the stigma should be lessened so that they can go to therapy without fearing the dire consequences of revealing their pathology.

What's a dream you've had since childhood that hasn't left you? >> ---

Do you parents crush your dreams? >> ---

What's a show you remember the very first episode of? >> Well, I mean, a lot of shows. I remember the very first episode of American Horror Story because I literally rewatched it yesterday.

Did you sleep in today? >> I don’t sleep in, I just sleep until I’m done sleeping.

Do you hate sleeping in? >> I hate sleeping too much, which usually happens when my sleep is interrupted and my internal clock is all thrown off.

How late do you consider too late to sleep in? >> I don’t like to still be sleeping past like 9a.

What is something of yours that is falling apart? >> I can’t think of anything.

Does your phone have a good camera on it? >> It’s serviceable.

How long have you had a smartphone? >> I’ve had this one for a year. I’ve been using smartphones in general for maybe 5.

How old were you when you got your first smartphone? >> Late 20s.

Do you have a crush on someone right now? >> No.

When was the last time you saw your crush? >> ---

If applicable, what is stopping you from pursuing your crush? >> ---

Did you ever regret letting someone go? >> No.

Who is someone you wish were still in your life? >> ---

When was your due date, and when were you born? >> I don’t know when my due date was. I was born on the 28th of May.

Do you want to have kids? >> Not particularly.

Do you keep lists of names that you like? >> No.

How long does it normally take for you to fill a journal? >> ... It’s weird how many of these questions were on the other survey I just took.

What are you behind on? >> Nothing.

Do you have a good doctor? >> I don’t have a doctor at all.

Do you like to sit on the floor? >> Sometimes, as long as I have back support.

What color is the toolbar at the top of your screen? >> Black.

What website do you usually check first when you get online? >> The first thing I check when I open my browser is the browser extension for my email accounts.

Have you ever butt-dialed someone? >> No.

Have you ever sent a text message to the wrong person by accident? >> No.

What is your favorite type of pizza? >> Veggie or pepperoni.

What is your favorite pizza place? >> Jet’s.

Do you enjoy eating at 50's diners? >> I mean, sure.

What are your favorite girls' names? >> ---

What are your favorite boys' names? >> ---

What do you want to be for Halloween this year? >> I haven’t thought about it.

What do you do to make money? >> I’m on a federal fixed income.

Name someone you know who has everything handed to them. >> I don’t know anyone like that.

Do you know anyone who is spoiled or stuck-up? >> No.

Do you believe life is fair? >> No, and I don’t need it to be.

Have you ever made a fan account on Instagram? >> No.

Have you ever bought a youtuber's merch? >> No.

Name three people you want to meet in Heaven. >> ---

Do you believe in Heaven and Hell? >> I do not.

If so, do you believe you are going to Heaven? >> ---

What was the best time of your life? >> ---

Do you feel loved or appreciated for who you are? >> I don’t think I’ll ever feel that way about anyone outworld, but I always feel that way about inworlders.

What could be the theme song of your life? >> ---

Don't you hate being all alone? (if applicable) >> Not at all.

Do you believe rich people are worth more than those who are poor? >> No.

When was the last time you read the Bible? >> It’s been a few years. I always forget I even own a copy of it.

Do you have any embarrassing health issues? >> No.

What are you longing for? >> Nothing.

Who do you wish you could talk to? >> ---

What was the name of the college you went to? >> I didn’t.

Were your college years the best years of your life? >> ---

Who was your first roommate? >> I don’t remember.

Who lived across the hall from you your first year of college? >> ---

What was your favorite food they served in the Dining Commons? >> ---

Do you consider the lunch ladies your friends? >> ---

Have you ever had a janitorial job? >> No. I’d have a meltdown a minute if I tried to work a job like that.

Have you ever worked in food service? >> Briefly.

What was your first job? >> In food service.

What year did you graduate high school? >> 2004.

What's something of yours that is missing right now? >> Nothing of mine is missing right now.

Do you lose or misplace things a lot? >> No.

Have you ever had a nasty rumor spread about you? >> Yeah.

Has anyone ever tried to ruin your reputation? >> I don’t think I’ve ever had a reputation.

What is your favorite flavor of frosting? >> ---

What is your favorite type of donut? >> Krispy Kreme glazed.

What is the name of your favorite bakery? >> ---

What is your current favorite Starbucks drink? >> ---

Have you ever been to the very first Starbucks in Seattle? >> No.

When was the last time you wrote someone a letter? >> ---

Do you write mostly in cursive or in print? >> Mostly print, because I usually only write longhand when I’m filling out a form or something like that.

Have you ever called a teacher "mom" by mistake? >> No.

Do you like the color of your eyes? >> Sure.

What color are your eyes? >> Dark brown.

What was the name of the street you grew up on (if you don't live there now)? >> Broadway. (Not that one, lol.)

What was the name of the first dorm you lived in? >> ---

What was the name of your first imaginary friend? >> The first inworlder that I can remember is a girl named Clodagh. I must have been about 6 or 7.

Does it still feel like summer where you live? >> Eh, some days. The temperature is kind of up and down.

What is today's date? >> 27 September.

Who's birthday is today? >> Beats me.

What do you usually get for your birthday? >> A daytrip to Chicago. Sometimes a whole weekend.

Who's birthday is coming up next? >> Sparrow’s.

What is the last thing that came in the mail for you from Amazon? >> A pair of shorts.

Do you have a Paypal account? >> Yeah.

Have you ever had a brand or company reach out to you on Instagram? >> No.

What is the last thing you purchased from Etsy? >> A perfume oil.

Do you sell on Etsy? >> No.

What is a childhood dream that hasn't stuck with you? >> ---

What is something you want to change about your life? >> I’m not looking to make any changes right now.

What is one thing you are looking forward to coming up? >> *shrug*

Have you decorated for fall yet? >> I don’t decorate for seasons.

Do you type fast? >> I do.

What color was your bedroom growing up? >> I don’t remember.

Who was your first favorite cartoon character? >> Johnny Bravo, maybe. I didn’t get to watch many cartoons, and in fact, that’s the only one I can remember watching.

Who is your favorite Disney princess? >> Moana.

Do you enjoy typing? >> Sure.

What bank do you use? >> Flagstar.

What grocery store do you shop at the most? >> Meijer.

What is your favorite fast food place? >> I don’t have one.

Do you get sauce on your pizza? >> Yeah.

Do you like hamburgers? >> Sure.

Do you like Coca Cola? >> No.

Do you like McDonald's french fries? >> Sometimes. Sometimes they’re not salty enough.

What color is your hair? >> Dark brown.

Did you get your hair color from your mom, your dad, or a grandparent? >> All of them, I guess.

What is your name (first and middle)? >> Mordred Shadow.

What are some other names your parents' considered when naming you? >> My parents did not name me.

What would you have been named if you had been born the opposite gender? >> ---

Do you prefer tea hot or cold? >> Hot.

What is the best fall drink? >> Apple cider or mulled wine.

Who was the last person you know who had a baby? And what was the baby's name? >> Sparrow’s sister, Liz. The baby’s name is Elliot.

If you had a boy and a girl, what would they be named? >> ---

Do you clean your room often? >> No, I don’t have to clean it that often.

Who taught you how to drive? >> No one. (I don’t drive.)

What color is your dresser? >> White.

Do you have a hope chest? >> No, but I had one as a child.

Do you have a favorite aunt, and if so, who is it? >> ---

Who is your favorite cousin? >> ---

Do you look like your mom? >> ---

What does your middle name rhyme with? >> I don’t know, what does “shadow” rhyme with?

What does your first name mean? >> I don’t feel like copy-pasting that again.

Have you bought next year's calendar yet? >> I don’t buy calendars, although that Bananya... however that shit is spelled... one that I saw recently was tempting, lol.

What year did/will you turn 30? >> I turned 30 in 2017.

Have you found your first gray/white hair yet? >> Yeah, a few years ago.

Is your hair long or short? and which way do you like it best? >> Short. It hasn’t been long since childhood, so.

What's a food that you like, but it makes you feel sick? >> ---

Do you have a problem with needles? >> No.

Have you ever had to use an epi pen? If so, do you get a bruise when you use it? >> No.

Have you ever ridden in an ambulence? >> Yeah, both in the front and the back.

If applicable, what color are your glasses? >> ---

Do you like the name Addison? >> It’s fine.

Is there anything that you regret getting rid of? >> No.

What have you been saving up to by for a while? >> Nothing.

Does anything bother you about your past? >> I mean, sure, if I bother thinking about it.

Do you get bullied on facebook a lot? >> ---

Why do you think people bully others? >> That’s not something I have any insight about.

Have you ever stood up to a bully? >> No.

Do you post on youtube regularly, if you have a channel? >> ---

Which famous person do you think you could be friends with? >> I don’t know enough about any famous person to say.

If you could sit down and talk to anyone for an hour, who would it be? >> ---

Do you own striped tights? >> No.

Have you ever made your own Halloween costume out of clothes from ur closet? >> I mean, clothes from my closet is basically what I wear every Halloween, because I’ve never worn a costume.

Do you own any antique furniture? >> No.

What year were you born? >> 1987.

What is your favorite alcoholic beverage? >> That’s hard to say, I like a lot of them.

Do you set goals for yourself? >> No.

Which country has the coolest flag? >> I don’t know.

Do you like your country's flag? >> No, it’s not that aesthetically pleasing to me.

Which country do you live in? >> USA.

What is your heritage? >> Hm.

When was the last time you received a hug? >> I don’t remember.

Do you believe hugs are necessary for survival? >> If they are, I guess I should be dead.

Do you have anyone who hugs you regularly? >> No, because I prefer not to be hugged frequently (if at all).

Who gives the best hugs? >> I don’t know.

Would you rather have the bottom bunk or top bunk? >> Top.

Window seat or aisle seat? >> Window, always.

Have you ever thrown up on an airplane? >> No.

Have you ever seen anyone else throw up on an airplane? >> No. I’m tempted to believe that’s just a thing that happens in movies, but of course my experience isn’t like... comprehensive or anything.

Have you ever gotten sick in the car? >> No.

What color pen do you write with the most? >> Black.

Do you still wear clothes from the children's section? >> I wear children’s underwear.

What were your favorite stores when you were in high school? >> Hot Topic was one.

Do you watch Bethany Mota on youtube? >> No.

What color is your watch? >> ---

What color was the last pair of flip-flops you wore? >> Black.

What is your favorite season? >> Spring or autumn.

Were you born in your favorite season? >> Spring, yeah.

Have you eaten oatmeal lately? >> No, but now that summer is almost over I will probably start eating it again. (I don’t like eating heavy breakfast foods in warm weather.)

If you have bangs, do you cut them yourself? >> ---

What color was the last cup you drank out of? >> Yellow and white.

Do you enjoy graphic designing? >> I don’t know anymore, I haven’t done it in years.

Do you enjoy editing photos? >> Meh.

What is your favorite app on your phone? >> If we’re going by how often they’re used, Gems of War or CloudLibrary.

Do you answer your phone every time it rings? >> I never answer my phone.

Have you ever called the wrong number? >> Not that I can recall.

Do you usually pick Truth or Dare? >> I don’t play Truth or Dare.

Was your first kiss magical? >> ---

Do you like kissing? >> Not unless it’s inworld.

Who do you want to be best friends with? >> ---

Do you like to decoupage things? >> No.

Do you have a printer? >> Not anymore.

How many tabs are open on your browser right now? >> Two.

Which Internet browser do you use? >> Chrome.

Did you have a Myspace page back in the day? >> I sure did.

Do you miss Myspace bulletins? >> No.

Did you ever learn HTML? >> I used to be pretty proficient at it back when I was on MySpace and Vampirefreaks constantly. I do miss that about the first era of social media -- it encouraged learning how webpages worked so you could get stupid creative with yours. (And, of course, people that used to make Geocities and Angelfire sites had a leg up on all of us late bloomers, lmao.)

Have you ever wanted to start a business? >> Not seriously.

#surveys #survey #random survey

2 notes · View notes

surveysonfleek · 6 years ago

Text

1307.

List three people you’ve had crushes on. my current boyfriend, calvin and gerald. Have you ever been in love with someone that you watched from afar? no... unless you count when i see my boyfriend from across the room. How old were you when you started your period? i was about 11 i think.

How old were you when you had your first crush? maybe 4-5? i had a huge crush on aladdin lol.

How old were you when you were first head over heels in love? 18.

Have you ever been in love with someone who made you miserable? i don’t think so.

How bad are your worst cramps on a scale of 1-10? i hardly ever get cramps but there was one time years ago i had cramps that were worth an 11.

Have you ever thrown up from cramps? yeah, years ago.

List three people you had a hard time forgiving. idk... i usually forgive but never forget.

Is there someone you are currently struggling to forgive? kinda.

What is the most physically painful thing you’ve ever experienced? this weird virus/migraine. it lasted about two weeks.

Do you have an embarrassing period story? If so, what is it? yeah. so i got my period in primary school and there obviously wasn’t any of those sanitary bins in the bathroom. i knew not to flush pads but i used to just hide them behind the toilet seat lids. one day one of the teachers had a meeting with just girls and explained that they’ve been finding pads in the bathroom and from now on we had to let a teacher know and use the teacher’s bathrooms instead. i didn’t tell any of my friends i even got my period so i just kept it to myself hahaha.

Have you ever had bad cramps in class? no. i do remember having bad cramps during school camp though.

Have you ever thrown up in school? If so, what happened? not in high school, in primary school yeah. i forgot what happened tbh.

Have you ever left school because of cramps? no.

Did your school allow you to have pain medicine on you? pretty sure so.

Did your school have a nurse? yes.

When was the last time you threw up? last weekend lol.

Have you ever tried to starve yourself in order to lose weight? no.

How old were you when you lost your virginity? 18.

If applicable, what form of birth control do you use? the pill.

What is your sexual orientation? straight.

Have you ever questioned your sexuality? no.

Are you happy with your gender? yes.

What gender do you identify as? What gender were you born as? female to both.

Do you identify as “religious”? nope.

Do you identify as “spiritual”? nope.

Have you ever tried drugs? yes.

Have you ever gotten high off a prescription medication? no.

Have you ever been drunk? yes.

Have you ever smoked pot? yes.

Have you ever smoked a cigarette? yes.

What’s your favorite drug? probably coke. it has short term effects so i’d rather that than a damn 4-6 hour trip on shrooms.

What’s your favorite alcoholic beverage? alize or bourbon.

How old are you? 27.

Do you drink regularly? nope.

Are/were you abused? no.

Do you have a significant other? If yes, are you happy in your current relationship? If not, are you happy being single right now? yes. i’m happy with it i guess.

Do you want a significant other? i have one.

Do you take drugs or drink to numb your pain? nope.

Who is your current crush? my boyfriend.

Who is your current friend crush? no one.

Do you prefer tampons or pads? pads tbh.

Have you ever used a tampon? yes.

What’s your bra size? 14c.

Do you have a hard time finding bras in your size? yes.

Can you still wear clothes from the children’s section? nope.

Are you lonely? no.

Did your parents give you “the talk”? no.

How old were you when your parents talked to you about puberty? when i got my first bra i guess.

Do you like going to the doctor? um, no lol. who likes that?

Do you like going to the dentist? noooo.

Do you think you are attractive? no.

Are you happy with the way you look? nope.

Do you look more like your mom or your dad? probably my mum.

What was the last thing you baked? a cake.

Does your computer run slow? sometimes. i just got a new hard drive so i hope it lasts a couple more years.

If you’re a Christian, do you love your enemies? If you’re a Christian, do you sometimes forget to love your enemies? If you’re a Christian, what’s your favorite version of the Bible? i was raised catholic but i hardly practice it anymore.

Who is the most spiritual person you know? my friend’s mum.

What type of surveys do you like the best? any, it depends on the content.

Have you ever accidentally overdosed on a drug? nope.

Do you have the same worldview as your parents? mostly. i’m a little more liberal.

What is your favorite forum game? none?

Do you like to play Truth or Dare? no.

Would you ever start a vlog? if i had a following i would. my life isn’t exciting though.

Has anyone ever mistaken you for a celebrity? nope.

Are your dreams coming true yet? no.

Do you struggle with depression? no. What makes you laugh the most? my friends. Are you haunted by your past? not really.

Do you believe ADHD is real? no idea tbh. i don’t know anyone personally that’s been medically diagnosed.

Have you ever questioned your sanity? yes. What medical conditions do you have? anxiety. Have you ever had low self-esteem? yes. Do you use a Magic Bullet? no.

What are your favorite things to put in smoothies? banana and strawberries.

What does your apron look like? i don’t have one.

#survey #quiz #surveys #bored #questions

11 notes · View notes

lovemesomesurveys · 6 years ago

Text

Favorite day of Homecoming Week? I’m not in school anymore. Which youtuber have you learned the most from? Not sure, but I mean I’m subscribed to a lot and find them interesting. What is your favorite type of church that you’ve visited? The one I went to with Ty. What different types of churches have you visited? I’m not sure what different types. What type of church do you hate or dislike? Uh?

Who would you want to be the flower girl at your wedding? I’m not getting married. Do you want to be married within the next ten years? No. Do you feel like your life is too fast-paced, or do you wish it were busier? My days really just drag, honestly. I don’t have the energy or motivation to have a busy life, though. I don’t even have a social life anymore. Do you prefer to be busy or bored? I just like doing what I like to do--Tumblr, surveys, read, watch TV, color, and sleep. What are your current favorite hobbies? ^^^^ What are some hobbies which you want to pick up? *shrug* Does anyone encourage you to go after your dreams? My family does. What group are you most active in on facebook? None. Are you ashamed of anything? I’m ashamed about a lot of things. I don’t like who I am right now or where I’m at in life. What were your favorite Disney rides as a kid? All of them! I still love it. What were your favorite rides at Cedar Point? Never been. What are some places you want to visit that you’ve never been? Sweden, Bora Bora, Greece, Hawaii... What are some places that you’ve been that you’d like to go to again? Plenty of places. What kind of dog is your favorite? I’m definitely bias towards Labs and German Shepherds. <3 List five youtubers you love. Nah. What DIY project do you want to do next? I don’t do any. When was the last time you wore a sweater? I’m wearing a sweatshirt right now. What color was the last sweater you wore? Black. Have you ever owned a succulent? No. Favorite type of tea to drink in the fall? I like peppermint and chamomile tea once in awhile, but I’m much more of a coffee drinker. Do you support small businesses? Yes. If a brand were to sponsor you, which brand(s) would you prefer? I feel like Taco Bell should sponsor me because of how much I go there. ha. Have you read the entire Bible? No, I’m still in the process of reading it. Do you make bucket lists for each season? No. What is the next hobby you want to start? I can’t think of any. What do you need to buy at the grocery store next? Food. How old were you when you first dyed your hair? 13 when I first got highlights. Do you dye your hair regularly? I do. Well, “regularly.” I used to do it every month, but just like everything else in my life I started to slack. It’s been 4 months since I last got it done, but that’s definitely not the longest I’ve gone. I really need to make an appointment soon. What is the most comfortable type of pants, in your opinion? Leggings and sweatpants. What makes you depressed? My brain and my life and my health. What magazine would you like to be in? None. Do you think you could ever be famous? Nope. Do you think you have what it takes to make it big in the entertainment biz? Nooo. I have no interest at all in that. What industry is it that you want to go into? I don’t know. Do you have a job now? If so, what is it? No. What are some jobs you’ve had in the past? None. What are some jobs you want to or would like to have? List five. I don’t know. What are some jobs you have considered? A teacher when I was a kid and then in high school I thought I’d get a degree in psychology and be a psychologist when I grew up. Ya girl once had dreams and aspirations! List 10 favorite girls’ names. Autumn and Scarlett come to mind. List 10 favorite boys’ names. Alexander is all that comes to mind at the moment and I don’t feel like thinking more about it. Which stereotype do you fit the most? Uhhh. Are you thankful for social media, or do you wish it didn’t exist? I enjoy it. Man, my life would even more dull without it. Do you think social media is beneficial? Or is it destructive? Both. Have you ever been socially awkward? I am socially awkward. Have you ever acted awkward in front of a crush? Of course. How old were you when you started puberty? 13. Do you think of baby names you like often? No. I’m not having kids. What health issues do you have? A few. What are some health problems you have had in the past? The same ones now and some others. What are some of the best medications you’ve ever had? I mean, the pain medication helps a lot. The anti-depressant I was on didn’t do much for me. What is your favorite Vitamin? I don’t have a favorite vitamin. Do you swallow vitamins or chew them? The gummy ones. Or liquid for certain ones, like the B12 one I have. What is your favorite pizza topping? Just cheese and pesto. Do you shop at thrift stores? No. Who are your favorite small youtubers? Have you ever made money off of youtuber? How would I make money off of them? What color is the rim of your full-length mirror (if applicable)? Pink. What was a video you watched over and over as a kid? Not a video cause YouTube wasn’t a thing back then, nor was there anything like it, but I was obsessed with the TV show, Barney. My mom recorded one of the concert specials that I watched countless times. Have you ever dyed your hair a wild color? Red was about as “crazy” as I got, which really isn’t at all but it was a bold choice for me. Do you own a pair of fishnets? No. Sugar skulls or zombies? *shrug* Are you sore right now? Yes. Have you ever experienced depression as a side effect? As a side effect to life, yes. Have you ever been suicidal as a withdrawal symptom? No. How old were you when you got braces? Never had braces for my teeth, but I had back and foot braces as a kid. How old were you when you started wearing glasses (if applicable)? I was 9. Have you ever been told you have an accent? No. What is your favorite accent? Southern and British ones. Do you know a lot of people who were loving, and then turned cold? Not that I can think of. Do you own anything plaid? Yes. What do the first pair of Lularoe leggings you got look like? I don’t have any of that brand. Do you think Lularoe is too expensive? - Do people think you look your age? They think I look younger. Are you good at guessing people’s ages? No. I also don’t really try. Are you good at remembering names? I sometimes will forget after you just told me and I feel so bad lol. Do you prefer common names or unique ones? Depends on the name itself, not whether it’s common or unique. What does your name rhyme with? Nothing.

#personal #text #survey #surveys

4 notes · View notes

dominushq · 6 years ago

Photo

Hello everyone! Below the cut will be a sample application to act as a sort-of guide for all of you. Please take note that this is only a guide and that we, in no way, shape, or form, expect everyone’s application to look like this. This is only provided as an example!

Congratulations, HENRY! You have been accepted for the role of MARCUS with the character JOHN MARCUS ELLIS. Please head over to the checklist page for any final reminders and send in your blog within twenty-four hours. Congratulations on your acceptance and we can’t wait to have you with us!

OOC.

Name/Alias: henry Pronouns: they/them or he/him Age: nineteen Timezone: gmt+1 Activity Level: i’m one of the two admins of the roleplay, so i’ll probably be around a lot! the exchange program will probably be an issue, though i promise to still try and pull my own weight. weekends will probably see me more active more often than not. for a numerical rating, i’d say 7/10. Triggers: removed for privacy. Anything else? removed for privacy.

IC.

Name: John Marcus Ellis

— JOHN: The name of an Evangelist, the Beloved Disciple, the only one who stood with Mary the Theotokos at the foot of the cross as Christ hung crucified—your father named you John in great anticipation of the works of faith he hoped you’ll come to exemplify and you’ve somewhat followed much of the example your namesake set. Even now, the words of the Gospel of John is still seared onto your brain, a piece that you memorised once when you were bored that your mind never quite let go of.

— MARCUS: How convenient that your name in Sodalitas has already been, in some respects, your name. The Stoic Roman Emperor had never held your regard but you can somewhat see the respect people had or him. When the society gave you that name, you began using it in your daily life as well, seeing no point in keeping John when all the people you knew called you Ellis or Marcus already. Sometimes, when you’re with your parents at Lambeth, the sound of your own first name feels like a stranger’s now.

— ELLIS: Your last name has never really been that notable until your father became the Archbishop of Canterbury. It was noble, to be sure, but it was a minor noble family, one that accorded no mention in history books. In fact, it had been your mother’s family that was the more notable when you were younger, the Grosvenor family one of the few who share the privilege of being close to the Queen and her family. With the passage of time, the star of your father’s rise began to shine brighter and it is his name that draws attention now. When you introduce yourself, it only takes a second for them to realise that you’re that child of the Archbishop, and you realise that there’s a possibility that you will remain forever in the shadow of your father.

Age: Nineteen Faceclaim: Niels Trispel Gender ID: Nonbinary Pronouns: They/them Field of Study: Theology and Religion College: St. John’s College

Biography.

trigger warnings: stillbirth

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ( John 1:1)

These words spill out of your lips, over and over again, as if you’re a broken record. Your father asks you to continue and you try to recite the next verse from memory alone, the Bible in front of you only ever to be consulted if strictly necessary. This could almost be a vigil, except you’re far too young to know what the words really mean, and so it ends up meaning nothing, the words just remaining words instead of whatever phenomenon your father had hoped to conjure up. It’s not that you’re stupid—you could, if you concentrate hard enough, conceptualise of a word given Being (and, even now, you know it’s with a capital B)—but the concept of divinity itself is foreign to you, even as your father exemplifies it with his very being and your mother takes great care to ensure that you’re brought up in the faith.

You know he’s an important man and that you are, in some ways, blessed for having such a man for a father but his title means nothing to you—at least not for now. It will in the future, but the future’s a long way away still. For now, you are a child.

( But were you ever really a child? )

This is an account of the heavens and the earth. ( Genesis 2:4 )

This is how your life starts: you are born to The Right Reverend Thomas Weatherby Ellis and a schoolteacher named Lady Margaret Anne Grosvenor. You are their only child, after complications from a birth after yours resulted into a stillbirth and the inviability of your mother’s womb to ever bear fruit again. The years of your childhood pass by without consequence, and you are hard-pressed to remember the details that surround your early life. If you concentrate hard enough, you can think of the feel of leather under your cheek as you dozed off while studying, the way you thought that gilding at the edges of the Bible would rub off on your fingertip and the disappointment when it didn’t, and the way expectation always seemed right around the corner, a familiar and dark thing that has been your nurturer more than either of your parents.

Beyond these, however, there is nothing much else—not for the reasons of tragedy or great harm, but because you’ve always been mature for your age: an adult in a kid’s body was what they called you, and you’ve realised through the passage of the years that you were never really a child in the conventional way other children were. In a way, you’re more mature than any of your other peers. (In another, this repression has made you capable of a childishness that shocks even you, resulting in a fearful wanting that only children are capable of—a wanting that you deny exists but continues to do so nonetheless.)

You do not remember much of your childhood because it blends from this day and the next and so on, an almost stunning replica of your life right now that it feels as if you have stood unchanging since the dawn of time. However hard you try, you can’t ever remember a time when you haven’t always been like this, as if the void has always been inside of you, swallowing any vestiges of real emotion, sapping you of the vitality that you keenly feel is so present in other people but not you, never you.

( Have you always been wanting? )

Pray, then, like this: our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. ( Matthew 6:9 )

There is a great bustling in your life one day, a great rupture in the routine schedule of your day-to-day living. People tell you your father is a great man—no, a good man, a holy man—and they say this as if it should mean something to you. They hail your family as a paragon of virtue and they think that the knowledge you have is proof of your father’s upstanding virtue. His titles change and you move into a new place called Lambeth, a veritable palace in comparison to your former residence, which you are quick to forget. (Some days you forget even its name, until it hits you suddenly: Bishopthorpe.) It’s a stretch to say you’ve flourished in your new residence, but the library at Lambeth does become your home, for whatever it’s worth, and your mother often found you passed out in between stacks of books.

You stay for only a couple of years or so at most before you get shipped out to boarding school. It’s a tradition, after all, and that is what your family has stood for ever since time immemorial. The decision is not without its detractors—for how, some say, can a man who profess to follow the example of Jesus Christ justify the use of so much money?—but then you test as a Queen’s Scholar and the news of the extravagance of your tuition fees is swept away by news of your precociousness. They begin whispering that you will be like your father some day, a scholar in the service of Christ, knowledge pursued and discovered for the greater glory of God.

You don’t know what to think about that.

( And so it goes, and so it goes, and so it goes— )

Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or familiar spirit, or inquires of the dead. ( Deuteronomy 18:10-11)

Your father tells you the history of your family one night when you are home after Michaelmas term.

It is a long and proud history, he says, one in which he and your mother took part in, and which you will take part in one day soon. Oxford’s secrets will be laid bare before you, as well as the secrets of the universe and the meaning of life, but—perhaps most importantly—you will come to know the most important people who will undoubtedly make changes in the history of your nation, if not the world. The preparations have already been made, he tells you. A boy should have come up in Eton to befriend you and tell you all about it, but he’s just making sure.

The last statement confuses you. You have no friends. It’s the first fact anyone at your school knows about you. You’re the student that always keeps to themself with their books, distinguished academically but not much else. Your father frowns when you tell him this and tells you a name, while in the same breath asking if nobody has truly come to you before he said all this.

You recognise the name as a boy who you’ve ignored all throughout the year. You realise that your father probably won’t like it if you tell him you’ve ignored who was supposed to be your... mentor, you supposed (for lack of better term), so you tell him nothing and just shrug, saying you’ll follow it up when you get back for HT.

You never do. In fact, you don’t acknowledge the boy as someone who exists at all, and he does the same to you. You take your A-Levels and get into Oxford to read Theology and Religion and you expect nothing to come out of the heritage you inherited from both of your parents—but then comes the invitation and the initiation. You don’t refuse but neither do you really accept it: you just went along with everything, an almost fatalistic and nihilistic apathy tinging your actions. They give you the name Marcus not knowing that it already is your middle name, purely because of your reputation as an academic, never mind the fact that you don’t really follow the philosophical code championed by Marcus Aurelius. You say nothing about it: you don’t think they’re the sort of crowd to care much for historical accuracy, anyway.

Your membership is one that is at the sidelines. You are an audience member to the theatricality of the whole thing, knowing as you do that every words is blasphemy and realising that your father and mother (holy folk, people called them) have committed idolatry several times over—and that now you will follow in their footsteps: singing hymns to a pantheon that’s now defunct, toasting to spirits that aren’t even there, and committing cruelties that would make the hunting sessions some of your father’s friends go to look tame.

You take part in it, but you don’t believe in it. You believe in nothing, really, and perhaps that’s been your most fatal flaw. You’ve been oversaturated with holiness, with sacredness, with belief—so much that you must have gotten sick of it over time without your knowing, and now you’re condemned to a life half-lived as punishment for a sin you didn’t even know you committed.

It has always been like this, and it always will be like this.

( So it has been, and so it shall be, forever and ever. )

Interview.

What is your name and what was your relationship like with the deceased?

the silence that greeted the first question is almost deafening in its suddenness, but marcus has grown used to long silences from long reading sessions in the library with nothing but books to keep them company. they regarded the officer in front of them and blinked slowly, owlishly, almost boorishly. “my name’s john marcus ellis,” they say finally, “but people either call me marcus or ellis.” there was a short pause, as if they were waiting for an acknowledgement of their statement from the officer, but there was no answer forthcoming and they were left to continue their thread of conversation. in the silence that filled the empy space, marcus became all too aware of the soft ticking of their wristwatch—a quick look at the device and they realised that they were going to be late in handing in their old testament paper. “i suppose people will call hardwicke and i friends,” they said at long last, their tone a smidge distracted by their realisation, “but we’re not that close really.” although perhaps some would also say shared membership in a secret society was close enough. then again, marcus didn’t really care what other people thought. “i knew him since we were kids, and he was an associate of mine in eton as well as in oxford, but there’s nothing else to tell you beyond that.”

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself before we start?

they knew, almost detachedly, that they could say a lot of things as an answer to this question, but their mind came up blank. usually, marcus introduced themself simply with their name and, if some odd people still needed clarification, announced their link to their father. it would almost be a proud claiming of a heritage, but the words just fell flat with their deliverance, and it sounded more like a shameful thing rather than a point of pride to be the child of the archbishop of canterbury.

somehow, they realised that such a performance would not be welcome now, and so they struggled to fill the silence. “there’s nothing much to tell,” they say. “i’m just a student at oxford. i don’t really know how i can help you in this investigation of yours, honestly.”

Do you possess a reason we should know about for having murdered the deceased?

"of course not,” they said quickly, and it was true. edward hardwicke never posed a threat to them and whatever political machination that caligula and agrippina tried to wrought upon their group didn’t really interest marcus. they were apathetic in most things, the politics of their secret society simply being but one of the many things that just existed for them but nothing more than that. “hardwicke and i were at the very least amicable.” and this, too, was true, for edward did treat them civilly enough, a behaviour which they mirrored right back until the fateful night that they didn’t.

then again, that was what the authorities would kill to know, wouldn’t they? logically speaking, a profile of a killer must have already been written up by them somehow, and they could just imagine the profile they have right now: esoteric, highly intelligent, familiar with religious symbols, and possessing a connection to edward hardwicke—traits which marcus knew they fulfilled to the letter.

how amusing to know that the law could be so wrong yet so right at the same time. “i don’t know what to tell you,” they said. “i’ve said all that i can say: i have no reason to kill hardwicke, and that’s it.” this, too, was true; but having no reason didn’t stop them from plunging that knife into his chest anyway.

Did the victim have any enemies? Was anybody threatening the victim?

marcus shrugged, an easy motion of the shoulders that didn’t really come easily to them as much as they like to think it did. “maybe?” they said. “hardwicke’s very well-known in oxford. they’re very active socially and i think they’re in all the political clubs.” a false lead would work well in their favour now, especially when such a lead was likely in the eyes of the authorities. “he can be a bit abrasive and forceful, but i don’t know anyone specifically whom he offended.” they could, of course, drop caligula’s name—and a small part of them did want to, merely to see what repercussions it could hold—but a threat to caligula was a threat to the society, which will ultimately result in a threat against marcus themself. as much as they were curious to see how that potential chain of events might unfold, they had to be smart too.

Can you give us any information that might help the investigation?

"i don’t know,” they said, their voice feigning sheepishness. “as i said, i don’t really know how i can help you, because i really know nothing about the whole thing.” this has been, they realised, the most impassioned they’d been in quite a while. it was a pity, then, that this was in the end just another fabrication, a simulation designed to keep what needs to be secret secret. “in fact, the last time i saw him, it was in a lecture last term about the poetic elements present in the prophetic books. he told me we should catch up during the summer, but i never had time to take him up on his offer.” a pause. “it’s a pity, really.”

Where were you on Sunday morning?

removed to keep the mystery alive.

Extras.

I have a Pinterest board here.

A playlist here.

And a mockblog here.

Their character tag can also be found here.

And a general tag for Dominus as a whole can be found here.

#lsrp #lsrpg #skeleton rp #new rp #rpg #sample #accepted

1 note · View note

toomanysurveys9 · 6 years ago

Text

started last night - finishing today.

List three people you’ve had crushes on. jacob (obviously), tito (back before i was with jacob - like middle school), and chris. Have you ever been in love with someone that you watched from afar? not love, no. and i didn’t have any crushes on people i didn’t talk to or whatever. How old were you when you started your period? i think i was like ten. it was on thanksgiving too, of all days. it was horrible.

How old were you when you had your first crush? my mom teased me about a boy in kindergarten but it was like 4th grade or something before i actually had a crush on someone.

How old were you when you were first head over heels in love? fourteen or fifteen and it was jacob.

Have you ever been in love with someone who made you miserable? you could say that, yes.

How bad are your worst cramps on a scale of 1-10? i had some recently that were like an easy six or seven.

Have you ever thrown up from cramps? i have not so far.

List three people you had a hard time forgiving. jason, christian, and my aunt mary.

Is there someone you are currently struggling to forgive? no one comes to mind, no.

What is the most physically painful thing you’ve ever experienced? labor. contractions are no joke.

Do you have an embarrassing period story? If so, what is it? i started my period on graduation day in high school. and our robes were white. luckily it wasn’t too bad, just a drop of blood got on my robe, and it wasn’t until AFTER we walked. but oh my god.

Have you ever had bad cramps in class? nope. i didn’t really get cramps with my period. i’ve only ever gotten cramps while pregnant.

Have you ever thrown up in school? If so, what happened? i have. i am pretty sure i just got sent home.

Have you ever left school because of cramps? nope. i didn’t have cramps with my periods.

Did your school allow you to have pain medicine on you? i think we could if we told the teacher we had it?

Did your school have a nurse? yeah. i think that’s pretty common with most schools, at least in the u.s.

When was the last time you threw up? i don’t remember. it’s been a very long time.

Have you ever tried to starve yourself in order to lose weight? yeah. in middle school, and into high school.

How old were you when you lost your virginity? the first time i had consensual sex i was fifteen i think.

If applicable, what form of birth control do you use? i’m not on any birth control right now since i’m pregnant.

What is your sexual orientation? straight

Have you ever questioned your sexuality? i have not.

Are you happy with your gender? yup.

What gender do you identify as? What gender were you born as? female for both.

Do you identify as “religious”? not even a little bit.

Do you identify as “spiritual”? nope.

Have you ever tried drugs? nope.

Have you ever gotten high off a prescription medication? nope. i have not.

Have you ever been drunk? many, many times. i was drunk almost every weekend after i turned 21.

Have you ever smoked pot? i have not.

Have you ever smoked a cigarette? i have not.

What’s your favorite drug? i don’t do any drugs, as i’ve already stated.

What’s your favorite alcoholic beverage? i used to really enjoy liquid marijauna when we went to bars. otherwise, i liked to do shots of whatever.

How old are you? twenty-five.

Do you drink regularly? not anymore.

Are/were you abused? yeah.. i was sexually abused a lot.

Do you have a significant other? If yes, are you happy in your current relationship? If not, are you happy being single right now? i do. and most of the time, yes. it’s not always perfect, but i couldn’t see myself with anyone else.

Do you want a significant other? i have one.

Do you take drugs or drink to numb your pain? i used to use drinking to do that.

Who is your current crush? my husband.

Who is your current friend crush? i don’t have a friend crush. i don’t even know what that is supposed to mean.

Do you prefer tampons or pads? tampons. i hate the feeling of pads.

Have you ever used a tampon? yeah.

What’s your bra size? like 38d or something? that’s what i buy usually anyways.

Do you have a hard time finding bras in your size? cute ones, yes.

Can you still wear clothes from the children’s section? nope. i cannot.

Are you lonely? not at the moment.

Did your parents give you “the talk”? not really.

How old were you when your parents talked to you about puberty? they didn’t really discuss it until i had my period. school talked about it in fourth grade or something though i think.

Do you like going to the doctor? it’s not my most favorite thing in the world. i always feel awkward.

Do you like going to the dentist? NO. i hate it.

Do you think you are attractive? i know i’m not.

Are you happy with the way you look? obviously not if i know i’m not attractive.

Do you look more like your mom or your dad? i don’t know. i hear both.

What was the last thing you baked? i put a frozen pizza in the oven tonight for jacob if that counts. lol. otherwise, i don’t remember right off hand.

Does your computer run slow? sometimes.

If you’re a Christian, do you love your enemies? If you’re a Christian, do you sometimes forget to love your enemies? If you’re a Christian, what’s your favorite version of the Bible? i’m not a christian so i’m not going to bother answering these.

Who is the most spiritual person you know? my mom’s foster family.

What type of surveys do you like the best? anything besides the bold surveys, or surveys that are mostly yes or no answers.

Have you ever accidentally overdosed on a drug? nope.

Do you have the same worldview as your parents? there are some differences...

What is your favorite forum game? i don’t have one?

Do you like to play Truth or Dare? i used to like it. i mostly picked truth though.

Would you ever start a vlog? no. i wouldn’t have anything to do for it.

Has anyone ever mistaken you for a celebrity? lol, no.

Are your dreams coming true yet? more or less, sure.

Do you struggle with depression? i do. What makes you laugh the most? wyatt makes me laugh all the time. Are you haunted by your past? occasionally.

Do you believe ADHD is real? yeah, i do. but i also think it sometimes gets over diagnosed, especially in little kids who are just being little kids. we tend to expect a lot out of them.

Have you ever questioned your sanity? yeah. What medical conditions do you have? depression. anxiety. asthma. Have you ever had low self-esteem? story of my life. Do you use a Magic Bullet? i do not. i have a ninja though.

What are your favorite things to put in smoothies? my favorite smoothie are the raspberry banana ones. i also put yogurt in it.

What does your apron look like? i don’t have an apron. i don’t see the point, to be honest.

What do you want to name your first child?

we named him wyatt robert. :) if he had been a girl, his name would have been adalyn sue. his sister is going to be named eliana sue though.

Would you ever name a child after yourself? definitely not.

Is there a guy or girl you wish things had worked out with? no one comes to mind.

What makes you nauseous? pregnancy. lol. lately i’ve been getting nauseous for no apparent reason. but i get nauseous if i don’t eat enough or drink enough or get too hot. or smell something my belly doesn’t agree with.

What are your favorite spicy foods? i don’t really eat any spicy foods.

Which do you like better: being an adult or being a kid? i mean, there are pros and cons for both. being a kid was so much easier and less stress. but i love being a mom to my babies.

Were you excited to be a teenager on your thirteenth birthday? i guess so.

Did you feel insecure in high school? i’ve always been on the insecure side.

Do you think there are different types of depression? yeah.

Would you ever be friends with someone who was suicidal? yeah....

What is the antidote to self-harm? (If you don’t know, don’t answer.) it varies for everyone. i still struggle with wanting to do it, but i’ve done good at not giving in to those desires because my kids.

Who was the biggest bully in high school? i honestly don’t know. i didn’t really pay attention to the people around me. i kept to myself.

What was your favorite class in high school? choir and english. and i loved history with sabo.

Would you rather have a daughter or a son? i have a son, and will soon have a daughter, and i’m happy about that.

Are you woman, man, boy, or girl? woman.

Have you ever written to an advice columnist? i have not.

What color is your Christmas tree? we had a white one, but i think we’re going back to green. the white ones yellow..

Do you celebrate Christmas? yes. i love christmas. i love giving gifts.

Do you celebrate Halloween? sure do. i cannot wait to take the kids trick or treating on wednesday!

Do you believe all Christians are evil and hypocritical, or only some? obviously i don’t believe that. whether someone is evil and hypocritical doesn’t really have to do with religion.

Do you think it’s bullying to tell someone they’re naive? no.. as long as you’re not saying it just to be a jerk. there are nice ways to talk to people.

Did you get bullied more as a child, a teenager, or an adult? teenager i guess.

Have you ever broken out in hives? not hives, no.

Have you ever had a doctor not believe what you told him? nope. i have a good doctor.

If you’re female, would you feel uncomfortable having a male gynecologist? my family doctor is a male and he does all the ob stuff and everything else. i’ve been going to him for years, so i trust him, even if it is a bit awkward.

Do you like Lisa Frank? i guess i did as a kid. i liked the folders and whatnot at least.

What gives you nightmares? lately, they’ve been nightmares about someone trying to hurt wyatt or me..

Do you dream in black and white or color? usually color.

Have you ever been in a car accident? yeah. one year i was in two. one with each of my parents.

Were you ever hospitalized as a child? yeah. for awhile (until about middle school) i was hospitalized every year with pneumonia.

Do you have a conscience now? well, yeah.

Do you believe everyone has a conscience? no. plenty of people have proven that i think.

Do you believe that drug addicts and alcoholics should count as people? well, duh. they are people.

Are narcotics safe? depends how they are used. if they are misused, then no.

Will you vote in the next presidential election? yup.

What’s your favorite zoo animal? owls or wolves or foxes.

Are you allergic to your favorite animal? i am not.

What is the best thing to eat with soup? i don’t know. i usually just eat soup if that is what i’m having.

Do you eat ice cream with a fork or a spoon? spoon... the only reason i could see using a fork is if were were totally out of spoons and had no way to wash them.

What’s your favorite country besides the USA? i’m not too sure, to be honest. i’m not even sure i would call the us my favorite right now.

Are you an adventurous eater? i’m more adventurous than i used to be. lol. but still wouldn’t say i’m all that adventurous.

Do you take risks? not really, no.

Who was the last friend who turned on you? he didn’t really turn on me, he just decided he no longer cared, if he ever did, and that was tito.

How old were you when you get your first cell phone? i don’t know. i was in sixth grade i think though but it was for emergencies only.

How old were you when you got your first personal laptop? eighteen.

Did you get senior pictures taken? my dad did them. :)

What will you do to save money at your wedding? i just tried to find the cheapest things that i could for it. there was a lot of do it yourself, as far as favors and decor.

What was the last thing you bought online? phone case for ashley i believe. my mom paid for it.

Do you shop online? not a whole lot, no.

What color is your bicycle? i don’t have a bike anymore.

Do you consider yourself unique? not really, no. no more unique than anyone else.

What’s your favorite coffee shop in your town? i usually just go to dunkin’.

Did you attend a youth group? not anymore. i did on and off when i was younger though.

Did you ever have to take home a fake baby in health class? i didn’t HAVE to, and it wasn’t for health class. but i did take one home.

Do you have any friends of a different ethnicity than you? i have like two friends, and they are the same ethnicity as me. i have had friends of different ethnicity in the past though. we just aren’t really friends anymore because we drifted apart.

Are you part Irish? i am not that i’m aware of.

Would you rather wear ivory or white on your wedding day? What color will your bridesmaids wear? i wore white and my bridesmaids wore royal blue.

What does your first name rhyme with? nothing comes to mind.

Have you ever taken a poetry course? no. we’ve talked about poetry in some courses, but it wasn’t the primary focus.

Would you ever take a college class just for fun? probably not.

Do you like mowing the lawn? i’ve never mowed the lawn. i’m too allergic to do it.

Would you rather have a swimming pool or trampoline? a swimming pool.

What’s your favorite age for kids to be? i don’t know. i love the baby stage, because they’re adorable and baby cuddles. but i also love the toddler and older stage because they are learning so much and becoming more independent.

Do you think babies are cute? yes.

What would you name twin girls? if we were to have twin girls after eliana is born, i kind of like adalyn and emersyn. but i don’t know. it would probably change.

Are you named after anyone? my first name is after a character on a soap opera my mom used to really like and my middle name is after my mom’s foster mother.

Who picked your name: your mom or your dad? my mom. i’m the only one she named. she wanted to name erin courtney renee but my dad liked erin nicole.

What is your birth order in the family? i’m the oldest of my parents’ kids.

Have you ever been in someone’s wedding? just my own.

Do you want to have a bachelorette party? jacob and i combined our bachelor/bachlorette party. it was fun. went to kayla’s mom’s house and had food, alcohol, homemade water slide, some nerf guns, water balloons. then ended it with smores and a bonfire.

What season do you want to get married in? we got married in summer.

Do you dream about the future a lot? not really.

Do you think about your past a lot? not as much as i used to. but still more often than i would like to.

How good are you at living in the moment? i’m pretty good at it lately.

Would you be scared to meet God? maybe if he existed, but i don’t believe he does.

Have you ever questioned God’s existence? yeah. guess so.

Do you have a mirror in your room? i do not.

Target or Walmart? we usually go to walmart.

Is there a Kmart in your town? nope.

Do you think Jasper sounds more like a girl’s name or a boy’s name? boy. i’ve only known boys, but that’s not to say it wouldn’t work for a girl either.

Who are the cutest babies you know? my son. :p

Do you enjoy seeing wedding and baby announcements on facebook? yeah. :) i like seeing people happy.

Vanilla frosting or chocolate? depends on my mood and the type of cake.

Do you keep up with trends? nope. i don’t care enough to.

Would you ever go to Montana? maybe. i’m not really planning on it though, and it’s not the first place i think to go for vacation.

What’s your favorite foreign cuisine? italian probably these days.

Where do you do your grocery shopping? usually just go to walmart.

Have you ever moved to another state? i was born in florida, and then my parents moved us to indiana when i was a few months old. so technically yes but i don’t remember it.

Do you have a drawer just for socks? no. it’s for socks and underwear.

Do you wear mismatched socks? usually, yes.

Do you enjoy garage sales? i used to like them, but i couldn’t care less anymore.

When was the last time you prayed with someone? i don’t remember. it’s been a long time.

Favorite magazine? food network i guess.

How far away do you live from the nearest hospital? like ten or fifteen minutes.

Are there mansions in your town? i wouldn’t call them mansions, no. there are some pretty big houses though.

Would you decorate for holidays if you had a big house of your own? i want to decorate for the holidays since we do have a house of our own, but probably won’t this year. next year i hope to though!

What is your favorite planet besides earth? i’ve kind of always liked mercury since i did a book on it in like sixth grade. lol.

Do you believe in aliens? not the stereotypical ones, necessarily. but i’m not 100% confident in saying we are the only living organisms when there is still so much of space we haven’t even begun to explore.

Have you ever won a costume contest? not that i can think of.

Pink or red? depends what we are talking about. like if it’s a color of a car, red. but if it’s a pen, pink.

How late did you stay up last night and why? it was after midnight. i just haven’t been able to sleep well.

Who were the last two people you texted? jade and erin.

What’s currently bothering you? been a little crampy again.. i’m not sure why though.

Have you ever liked someone you didn’t expect to? yup.

Do you and your last ex hate each other? i don’t hate him - i don’t really feel any particular way about richard. i don’t know (or care) how he feels about me.

Have you ever been called a slut? it’s possible. but not that i’ve heard.

Is the person you last texted single? that was erin, and as far as i’m aware, she is single right now.

Have you thought about an ex today? just when i answered that question about him. otherwise, no.

Do you know how it feels to be cheated on? unfortunately.

What would you say if you found out your last ex was in a relationship? i honestly wouldn’t care.

Did you do anything productive today? so far, i have not. ha.

Would you ever get a tattoo? i have three and would like one or two more.

Where was the last place you traveled? we went for a walk last night.. walked to martin’s.

Is someone on your mind right now? wyatt. he’s being a trouble maker today. lol.

Can you say the alphabet backwards? i could but it’ll take me longer than saying it the “right” way.

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? i mean.. there are some things i would like to change..

What’s irritating you right now? feeling crampy and knowing it has nothing to do with ellie even being close to ready to come out even though her due date is only 3 days away..

#survey #surveys #personal #question #questions #random

2 notes · View notes

hannahxox16 · 3 years ago

Text

I woke up this morning and felt the devil really condemning me of sins that I had been forgiven for. I spent sometime with God thanking and praising him for all his forgiveness and his faithfulness towards me. It says in Romans 8:1 “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” It sure is a daily struggle trusting the Lord has forgiven us but it’s something we need to practice on and ask God for his help. We need to meditate on this and think about what it means to us and our walk with the Lord. One thing it doesn’t mean is not to go out purposefully sinning, the devil wants you to think it’s ok. What it does mean if we sin (which we will inevitably do on a daily basis) we can go to God about it as it says in Gods word “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Ponder this in your hearts for a moment. Go back to a time when you didn’t really know the truth of this verse or was listening to the devils condemnation. Did you know that because you gave your life to the Lord this was applicable then as it is now? See God knew everything about us before we even were conceived in our mothers womb. He knew how many hairs our upon our heads, when we were going to take our first steps and say our first words. Exactly like the Lord knows our sins and when we will commit them before we know ourselves. I love this verse in the bible when it says “I, even I, am the one who wipes out our transgressions for my own name sake, and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). He will not remember your sins. Wow! Read that verse again! So now we know this truth what do you think God wants us to do with our past sin? Keep a hold of them and remember them? Absolutely not!! The Lord wants us to forget them, just like He has. I was in church on Sunday and the minister who was preaching was speaking about sin. He gave a good analogy on sin and repentance using a medical stance on it. So like in a medical view you have the symptoms- how your feeling, are you sore or feeling sick? Then you got the diagnoses - Doctors will identify what may be causing your symptoms. Lastly you got the cure - Doctors have now singled out what could be the problem identified it and now has given the right medication to prevent and cure the illness. This is just like our sin, we have symptoms - we may feel nauseous, we may feel sad or lonely. Sometimes we don’t know that’s sin that’s causing the feelings so that’s why we go to God and ask him to reveal what the problem is and he diagnoses us. Now that we know it’s sin that’s causing us the feelings what do you think happens next? We ask God to forgive us (cure us) and that’s when we get healed from our sin. Doesn’t stop us from still sinning but it helps us to know that as humans we are sinners and know we can go to God about it. Wherever you are just now sit with me in a quiet place and thank God for the sins he has and will forgive you for. Once you prayed a short prayer asking him for this, ask him to help you forget your past sins and to trust that he has forgiven you. God bless Hannah x

#christianity #god loves all

1 note · View note

kbpcta · 3 years ago

Text

Prayer (Being Positioned to God’s Plan Part 2)

What is prayer?

Prayer

Prayer is a two-way conversation between God and Jesus’ followers. To be specific, it is the bridge of connection between the earthly place and heavenly place.

God speaks to believers through the Bible as it is entirely packed with His word. Therefore, the Bible can be a prayer book (2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 16-17).

God also sometimes talks to believers through the Holy Spirit by sending promptings or convictions (John chapter 16, verses 12-15).The Holy Spirit is the gateway of God’s Spirit and ours (1 Corinthians chapter 2).

Although Jesus’ followers cannot see God in reality until they go to heaven at the end of their physical lives, God longs to communicate with them as they automatically become His children through faith in Jesus.

Prayer sounds as spiritually refreshing as it is, but we often forget since we live in a culture of busyness. Some of us may think that God completely understands how we live to glorify Him in everything we do.

Although God completely understands how we are living, prayer should be one of the main priorities because communication leads to a relationship.

Application

What helps me to pray is the ‘Sacred Space Daily Prayer’ Application on my iPad since it tells us what to pray.

However, since the main point of prayer is a heartfelt and Spirit-led conversation with God, our heavenly Father, I also usually pray what my heart and spirit follow (Romans chapter 8, verses 26-27).

Therefore, it does not matter how we pray as long as we connect with our heavenly Father through faith in Jesus. This means we need to have hope in what we are praying for until the end (James chapter 1, verses 6-8).

Nevertheless, since prayer sometimes goes unanswered, we need to ask ourselves: “Is what I am praying for according to God’s will?”

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John chapter 5, verses 14-15)

As long as we ask ourselves this question, especially when we are unsure, faithful prayer will be answered unless God has better plans(Proverbs chapter 16, verse 9).

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm chapter 37, verses 23-24)

Unanswered prayers seem frustrating at times when we put so much hope into them, but they actually make life beautiful.

If everything falls into place and prayers are being answered as we expect them to be, then why do we need God and what is the point of the Christian life?

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verse 11)

An answer to the second question is knowing God through faith in Christ!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John chapter 3, verses 16-18)

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John chapter 17, verse 3).

0 notes

dancedogsanddevotion · 6 years ago

Text

Unqualified.

Preface: This topic came to mind while I was thinking of leaders but is applicable for any follower of Jesus who might- and probably will- encounter hard questions with themselves and/or others.

This is the first time I’ve sat down to write something about what Jesus has been teaching me in a long time. I pray that you feel at least a little bit more confident, encouraged and enthusiastic about loving Jesus and all of His kiddos- like you and me- after reading this.

When I was 17 I started leading kids. Where to? Well, many places. Camps, coffee shops, difficult discussions, but mostly to Christ. That was the goal, at least. As a leader I have seldom felt actually prepared and qualified to show kids, or anyone, the road to Jesus. Why? Probably because when I was their age I was making decisions I would later try to forget, and because Jesus was just the guy I had to hear about on Sundays. Maybe some of you can relate.

In the midst of those idiotic, rash, damaging decisions, Jesus found me and said “Hey. I love you. You’re a mess. Let’s chat.” And because He’s literally the most perfect and irresistible thing to anyone ever, being full of love and light and hope and humor and creativity and all- oh yeah and dying for us- I fell in love with Him so fast. He led me out of the rotting garden from which I was eating and continues to lead me through this new glorious garden with fulfilling, vibrant, sometimes sour fruits that taste good after a while. Some examples of those sour fruits being self-control and patience; like when Jesus tells me not to buy another Ben & Jerry’s pint even though it’s on sale, or when I’m going to be late to a meeting because of bumper-to-bumper traffic and can’t do anything about it.

Along the way, during my walk with Jesus through this new garden of life, He said “Hey, now that we’re tight, I want you to lead kids to Me.” I slowly, kind of comedically- like the way Jim does in The Office- looked back at the old, dying garden I came from. “Me? After all I did in that nasty place? Lead kids? I don’t think so,” said 17 year old Markella.

Whoopdy-do, here we are, almost four years later and leading kids is my job. It’s funny how Jesus doesn’t care how unqualified we are, how messed up our past is, or if the only Bible we have is on our phones. If we give ourselves to Him, He’ll make it happen. Annoying; it’s like He knows what He’s doing or something.

In my almost-four-years of leading, I have met some of the most wonderful people I could have ever dreamed to meet. To any girl who has ever let me be their leader, you should know that you filled me with more of Jesus than any verse ever could. Also I love you and you changed my life. Thank you. And to any leader who I’ve ever had the pleasure of leading next to, you have been my rock at times whether you know it or not, and you're a superhero. Every hard conversation, every prayer for a kid’s test, and every cent towards coffee and gas (it’s a lot, I know) does not go unnoticed. You are walking agents of grace. (Donna Hatasaki said that once and I was like “MINE, THAT PHRASE IS MINE NOW” but really it’s hers. But you are an ‘agent of grace’.)

My almost-four-years of leading have also brought to me some of the hardest questions I have ever encountered. Like ever. Like I’d have an easier time doing rocket science than answering some of these kid’s questions. They either want my brain to explode or for me to just start crying on the spot.

You could guess some of these questions;

“Why do bad things happen to good people?”

“Did God create evil?”

“Why does the Bible say that Adam came from the dirt, but my science class teaches us evolution?”

“How far is too far?”

“Is it okay to question God?”

“What is the Holy Spirit?”

“I think I might be gay, is that bad?”

Y’all! Jesus loves you, that’s the best I got!

So many times I’ve heard these and I’m like “where’s the fire alarm?? Jesus?? I’m scared??” because the last thing I want to do it give an answer that is either wrong or misguides them.

I was asked to create a way to respond to just about any and all questions that I think is pretty solid, and this is what I came up with. I don’t have answers to the hard questions but I hope with these three filters you’ll walk away from that conversation proud of and confident in what you said.

1. PRAY and WAIT.

After you hear the question, literally pray. Like in those few seconds between them asking the question and it being awkward or seeming like you didn’t hear them, pray.

“Jesus, give me the wisdom and patience to answer this question. Provide the best possible answer. Use me to tell them what they need to hear. Don’t let any false information leave my mouth. Guide my answer and fill me with grace for them and passion for You in my response.” I’m not saying you will have time to pray all of this, it’s just a handful of a few phrases that can put your heart in the right place.

Then let the Holy Spirit do it’s thing. Maybe you’ll feel this brilliant answer washing over you. Maybe you won’t feel anything at all. Just trust that Jesus is there and He’s on your team.

2. ANSWER SLOWLY.

An obvious follower to #1; but a lot of us forget this one. I do. Sometimes we don't know the answer, and then other times we are convinced we do know the answer, which is where it gets tricky. I’ve definitely answered some questions hastily before, and I’ve walked away from the conversation feeling like I swayed them one way or another because I answered too fast, and talked from my opinions; not my heart.

When responding, first of all, it’s okay to say “Hmm, I am not quite sure.” Or “Regardless of my opinion, the short answer is _______.” Or “I don’t know, let’s look in the Bible together.” These are okay. And say them slowly. Like physically speak slowly and gently. It’s possible that whatever you're going to tell them will be hard to hear.

Answering slowly gives you more time to BE INTENTIONAL.

I can't emphasize this enough. Actually I’m still working on my “Intentional” post. Jesus was not always happy, or always working, but He was ALWAYS intentional. Always always always. Be completely intentional with every single word you say, and the only way to do this is to be patient and slow.

3. ASK QUESTIONS.

Many times, the original question is rooted in a much more intense place than we might imagine. By asking questions, you show the other person not only that you are interested and that you want to know more but also that they might have answers to their own question. Thanks to my YoungLife leaders who did this for me, I was able to answer lots of my own questions with the knowledge I had, but just didn’t realize I had it.

These aren’t answers, but I have found when encountering a question only God can answer, by praying, being patient, and asking more questions I learn more about the person asking the question and I can love them better, and hopefully be a little bit more of Jesus for them than if I didn’t do those things.

I love hearing about leading techniques and ways to embody Jesus. Please let me know of any suggestions, comments, ideas, etc.

<3 Markella

6 notes · View notes

luantavares · 3 years ago

Text

THE CHRISTIAN AND WAR

William D. Barrick Professor of Old Testament

Answering the question, “Should a Christian be a member of the military?” is the best way to elaborate on “The Christian and War.” On the positive side, the military emphasizes the importance of moral character for its leaders. On the negative side, the military is a profession in which killing may be a part of one’s responsibility. Four possible positions to take regarding this difficult issue are nonresistance, Christian pacificism, just war, and preventive war. Also at stake is the Christian responsibility to submit to governmental authority as indicated in Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17. New Testament analogies comparing responsibilities of Christian living with being a good soldier seem to point to the legitimacy of Christians being part of the military endeavor of their country. That plus other factors support a Christian’s being involved in military service. Yet the conscience of each Christian must prevail in making this difficult decision about the issue, “Should a Christian be a member of the military?”

* * * * *

Introduction The issue of war and Christian involvement in military service is so extensive that it is necessary to limit the scope of this study of “The Christian and War.” Its literature dates from the earliest years of church history,1 with a history too vast even to be summarized here. Obviously, biblical exegesis and Scripture rightly interpreted must inform any resolution of the issues. Therefore, at least to look at what the Bible has to say about the topic is imperative. A focus on one basic question is the best approach: “Should a Christian be a member of the military?”

Since the question deals with “a Christian,” the emphasis should be upon what the NT has to say about the matter. However, the question itself did not originate with the Christian church. Indeed, the issue predates the Christian era. Even in OT times believers faced the problem of involvement in war. Certainly Abraham had given some consideration to the issue prior to commencing armed action against Chedorlaomer’s coalition of kings (Genesis 14). He engaged the kings in battle in order to free his nephew Lot and his family.2 Since both testaments are the inspired Word of God and “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,” 3 a consideration of the teaching of the whole of Scripture on this issue is in order. “If Christians are to have clear attitudes towards war, they must first come to some understanding of the subject in the Bible, including the Old Testament.”4 However, in order to keep within the length restraints of this article, the study will limit itself to what is revealed in the NT. The OT has much to say about war, but it is not often directly pertinent to the specific question upon which this study will focus.

Military service is a brotherhood of sorts because a fighting unit must be as one if it is to succeed under fire. It is a strange brotherhood since, in the passing of time, even enemies will regard themselves as having a bond forged in the horror of battle. That is why American and Japanese veterans can meet at Corregidor or Iwo Jima and British, American, and German veterans congregate on the beaches of Normandy fifty years after the fact and shed tears together for departed comrades in arms. Such a brotherhood, however, is not the supreme brotherhood that believers enter through the gospel of Christ.

Military service involves keeping faith with a vision for a nation’s freedom and greatness. Nothing less than total commitment is required of a soldier. Semper fi is more than a motto for the United States Marine Corps, it must be a way of life—and death. Without total commitment, a man or woman cannot serve as a good soldier in any army.

It is the modern military that finds new slogans that emphasize personal development and individual potential. “Be all that you can be” does not focus on selfless commitment to one’s nation. Such a trend is not unlike the transition experienced in churches that offer a need-based ministry rather than upholding selfless commitment to the Word of God and the cause of Christ.

This push for personal development is associated with a renewed emphasis upon core values and ethics in the military. Every member of the United States Army carries a laminated card entitled “Army Values.” On it are the following words:

Loyalty: Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other soldiers. Duty: Fulfill your obligations. Respect: Treat people as they should be treated. Selfless-Service: Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own. Honor: Live up to all the Army values. Integrity: Do what’s right, legally and morally. Personal Courage: Face fear, danger, or adversity (Physical or Moral).5

Both of my sons serve in the American military. Nathan is now a major in the Army and Timothy is a captain in the Marine Corps. Both have made it clear that moral character is vital to proper military leadership and that values-training in the current military is something that committedChristian officers are uniquely qualified to teach. General John A. Wickham, a past Army Chief of Staff, wrote about the importance of moral character for military leaders. He noted that “one does not develop character in the heat of battle or a moment of crisis. Character grows out of the steady application of moral values and ethical behavior in one’s life.”6 The Christian home and Bible-teaching churches are the best institutions for producing individuals with high moral values and consistent ethical behavior.

If moral character were the only issue, Christians would find military service a simple decision. However, the challenge is far more complicated than that. A number of arguments for a Christian to stay out of the military are as follows:

The military is a profession in which killing people may be a part of the job description.

The military can be a very worldly environment in which Christians can face all kinds of temptations. . . .

Jesus said to love your enemies. . . . In contrast, the military is about hitting the enemy before he hits you.7

Some of the hard things about being a Christian in the military include:

Family separation during deployments can make it tough on the family.

Family separation can be a source of temptation. . . .

It’s hard to be an evangelical witness on the job. . . .

There is a lot of peer pressure to drink alcohol, curse, and party “on the town” in places of ill repute.

You have to be politically correct. . . .

I might have to kill someone someday. . . .8

War is violent and terrible. During the American Civil War in 1862, Confederate troops held a low ridge called Marye’s Heights near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Union troops sent to assault Marye’s Heights had to cross exposed ground. Wave after wave of Union troops charged but were cut down before they could reach the Confederate lines. Over 12,000 were slain. Watching the battle, Gen. Robert E. Lee turned to Gen. James Longstreet, whose men were holding Marye’s Heights, “It is well that war is so terrible; else we would grow too fond of it.”9 Any man, woman, or child who has experienced the horrors of war firsthand knows how awful the toll of war can be. That toll is perhaps the strongest argument (outside Scripture itself) for devoting time to an examination of the Christian’s involvement in the military.

The violence of military conflict creates a natural tension with the normally peaceful nature of Christian living. One must not forget the significance of nonviolence in Christian character and behavior, but must remember the following biblical truths:

Non-violence is preferable to violence (cf. Rom 12:17-21).

Non-violence is more consistent with Christian morals (cf. Matt 5:9, 38-48; 1 Tim 3:3)

However, the Scriptures themselves do not allow the believer to seek peace at any price (cf. John 2:13-17; Acts 23:1-10; 1 Cor 4:19-21; Gal 2:5-14; Eph 5:11; 2 John 9-11; 3 John 9-10). Granted, the situations to which Scripture passages refer are nonmilitary in nature. However, there is a line to be drawn when standing up to the forces of evil. There are occasions in the course of Christian life when there cannot be peace—when it would be unchristian to compromise or to fail to act unpeaceably toward someone. Sometimes Christians shun confrontation while using Christian love, compassion, and mercy as an excuse. That can result in direct disobedience to Scripture—as in the matter of exercising church discipline against a sinning brother or sister in Christ.

Francis Schaeffer declared that “to refuse to do what I can for those under the power of oppressors is nothing less than a failure of Christian love. It is to refuse to love my neighbor as myself.” 10 He went on to say that was why he was not a pacifist: “Pacifism in this poor world in which we live—this lost world—means that we desert the people who need our greatest help.”11 Peace at any price is never right, whether it is in the realm of spiritual warfare, church discipline, or government.

Does a posture in defense of truth and morality include military action? Christian apologists have offered four major views in the search of answers to this question.

Four Views

Nonresistance. The title chosen for this view reflects the words of Matthew 5:39: “Do not resist him who is evil.”12 However, although physical force may not be employed to resist evil, spiritual means may be enlisted to combat evil (cf. Luke 6:27-36; Rom 12:21; 2 Cor 10:3-4; 2 Tim 2:1-2; Jas 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8-9). In this view the Christian is dedicated to the work of the gospel as his/her highest priority as a citizen of a heavenly kingdom. One may pray for peace and must support the government, but must never be involved in any action that takes the life of another human being. If the unbelieving government needs to fight a war to fulfill its obligations to defend its citizens, let it do so, but no Christian should be an active member of combat troops.13 Christians holding this viewpoint ought to request non-combatant status when fulfilling a military obligation.14

Christian pacifism.15 The basic philosophy undergirding the nonresistance view is also foundational to the Christian pacifist viewpoint. The key difference is that the Christian pacifist will not serve in the military in any role. Whereas the nonresistance adherent may serve in a non-combatant role, the Christian pacifist must be a conscientious objector.16 Views that tend to pacifism rest upon texts in the Sermon on the Mount (cf. Matt 5:9, 21-26, 38-48). This viewpoint also relies on the Scriptural background of Matthew 5:21 in Exodus 20:13/Deuteronomy 5:17.17 The Christian pacifist believes that Christians are called upon to counteract this world’s warlike tendencies by promoting the spiritual love and peace which Christ exemplified.

Just war. Adherents to the just war viewpoint have sought to establish guidelines to ensure the exercise of the military option in a just fashion. Those criteria include the following:18

A just cause is basically defensive in posture, not aggressive.

The intent must also be just—the objectives must be peace and the protection of innocent lives.

War must be a matter of last resort when all attempts at reconciliation or peaceful resolution are exhausted.

A just war must be accompanied by a formal declaration by a properly constituted and authorized body.

The objectives must be limited. Unconditional surrender or total destruction are unjust means.19

Military action must be proportionate both in the weaponry employed and the troops deployed.

Non-combatants must be protected and military operations must demonstrate the highest possible degree of discrimination.

Without a reasonable hope for success, no military action should be launched.20

Although the just war position may seem fairly straightforward, it is, in reality, a very complex matter. Consider the possible combinations and interrelationships of the factors: (1) unjust cause and just means; (2) just cause and unjust means; (3) unjust cause and unjust means; and, (4) just cause and just means. Remember, too, that all of these possible combinations apply to at least two different sides in the conflict: friend and foe.21 How should each of the criteria apply to each side in the conflict? “Since human beings of a mind and will are involved on both sides of a conflict, it is often hard to determine what is the just cause in asserting or shunning a ‘just’ hegemony.” 22 War is never simple. It is always complex. It is not a blackand-white matter, nor even gray—if anything, it is blood red.

Preventive war. This view is an extension of the just war position. It supports preemptive action or first-strike options (even with nuclear weapons, when necessary) if an enemy’s aggression is thought to be imminent and unavoidable. Preventive war adherents also advocate the use of military force to recover territory unjustly seized by an aggressor.23 Indeed, such aggressors may be struck without warning while they are residing in their conquered territory in apparent peace.

Governmental Authority in the New Testament Just war advocates normally base their position on passages revealing the divine origin and approval of government and its functions. Romans 13:1-7 is the cornerstone of this viewpoint. Consider a question in regard to this important text: May Christians wield the government’s biblical sword? The apostle Paul represents the government as a divinely constituted authority (vv. 1, 2).

It was to Paul a matter of little importance whether the Roman emperor was appointed by the senate, the army, or the people; whether the assumption of the imperial authority by Caesar was just or unjust, or whether his successors had a legitimate claim to the throne or not. It was his object to lay down the simple principle, that magistrates are to be obeyed.24

Even though the civil and military assets of the Roman Empire would be employed to slaughter Christians, the Holy Spirit directed the apostle to instruct believers in Rome to submit to the Roman government. Even though the emperors of Rome lived profligate livessteeped in immorality and debauchery, their authority was legitimate. Every believer was to submit to that authority unless the demands of that government directly contradicted divine command (cf. Acts 5:29). All other “resistance is a violation of God’s law and meets with judgment.”25 According to Everett Harrison, the seeming contradiction of Romans 13:1-2 and Acts 5:29 might be handled in two different ways: (1) assume that the apostle merely presents the norm stripped of any possible biblical exception26 and (2) apply the principle of Romans 8:28, trusting that God eventually will “bring good out of apparent evil.”27

The text is also explicit on the role of God-ordained governmental authority: the sword is to be employed in avenging28 wrong (vv. 3, 4). As John Murray explains,

The sword is so frequently associated with death as the instrument of execution (cf. Matt. 26:52; Luke 21:24; Acts 12:2; 16:27; Heb. 11:34, 37; Rev. 13:10) that to exclude its use for this purpose in this instance would be so arbitrary as to bear upon its face prejudice contrary to the evidence.29

Government cannot be passive nor can it avoid actions that might involve the taking of life in order to accomplish its Scriptural mandate. “The Biblical state protects against tyranny from within (crime) and tyranny from without (invasion).” 30 Interestingly, this fact is recognized by all four major views concerning Christian involvement in the military. For some, however, the Christian must not take part in any avenging action, although they would allow non-Christians in the government to do so.

Subjection to governmental authority is not just to avoid punishment for civil disobedience. Subjection is a matter of maintaining a good conscience with regard to one’s obligation to God (v. 5).31 This involves active monetary support for the government by all legitimate forms of taxation (v. 6). Not even the Christian pacifist is given the option of refusing to support the government financially in its military actions.32 Whether the Christian is on the front lines of battle pulling the trigger or serving as a non-combatant or remaining at home as a conscientious objector, each must pay the taxes for that war. By those taxes, every Christian is a participant in that war and the killing that takes place in its progress. An interesting fact is that the very taxes that Paul exhorted the Roman Christians to pay eventually financed Paul’s own execution.

Paul was not the first to experience this irony. Christ Himself ordered the payment of taxes to Caesar and was put to death by Roman soldiers paid by those taxes. Historically, the church has carefully defined a balance of duty for Christians in these matters. Augustine’s statement is representative:

So if anyone thinks that because he is a Christian he does not have to pay taxes or tribute nor show the proper respect to the authorities who take care of these things, he is in very great error. Likewise, if anyone thinks that he ought to submit to the point where he accepts that someone who is his superior in temporal affairs should have authority even over his faith, he falls into an even greater error. But the balance which the Lord himself prescribed is to be maintained: Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s but unto God the things which are God’s (Mt 22:21).33

First Peter 2:13-17 lends support to the submission so carefully delineated in Romans 13:1-7. Peter states quite clearly that such submission is the will of God (1 Pet 2:15). The one who rebels in this area rebels against God. Although this study focuses upon the matter of military service, recognition that the role of the civil police in society is also a function of the avenging arm of government is relevant. If a Christian must avoid military service, neither must that Christian be a police officer. Christian pacifists sometimes attempt to distinguish between police action and military action, allowing the former while denying the legitimacy of the latter.34

Does the NT give any examples of Christians acting as officers of government who bear the responsibility of wielding the avenging sword of Romans 13:4? Are they approved or disapproved? Were converts required to resign from such positions when they entered the early church? Consider the following:

Cornelius was a centurion, a military officer of high rank in a battalion of Roman fighting men (Acts 10:1). Although he was a soldier on active duty, he is described as “devout” (,ÛF,$ZH, eusebs, v. 2), a term that, at the least, describes a man of high moral character and piety. He became a convert to Christ and was baptized publicly (v. 48). The Scripture is silent about his status from that point on.

Sergius Paulus was a proconsul in the Roman government in Cyprus (13:7). A proconsul’s (a Roman provincial governor) authority included ordering the execution of criminals and deploying Roman troops in battle when needed.35 He became a believer (v. 12). The Bible gives no record of any resignation from his office upon becoming a Christian.

Erastus (Rom 16:23) was an active city treasurer even after his conversion. As a government officer he managed the funds that would be utilized in the execution of criminals and the payment of police. As an active official, he could be called upon to wield the Roman sword of authority both figuratively and literally.

Zenas (Titus 3:13) was an active Christian lawyer. In the Roman system of the courts, he played a role in the application of the avenging sword—the application of capital punishment.

Somewhat related to the matter of Christians bearing a sword is the instruction Jesus gave to His disciples for taking prudent measures for self-protection in Luke 22:36. Although it might seem at odds with His teaching in Matthew 26:52, it should be obvious that the two are not mutually exclusive. Luke 22:36 “more likely indicates, not a reversal of normal rules for the church’s mission, but an exception in a time of crisis (cf. ‘but now,’ alla nyn). Jesus is not being ironic but thoroughly serious.”36 In regard to this passage, Loraine Boettner declared, “If we lived under such conditions we would have occasion to become much better acquainted with weapons than we now are.”37

On the basis of the Gospels and the teachings of Jesus, a number of arguments supporting the believer’s participation in the military are the following:38

Jesus’s approval of a king who waged war against wicked people (Matt 21:33-41).

After Peter cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest (John 18:11), Jesus did not tell him to rid himself of his sword, merely to resheath it—for future use?

In John 18:36 Jesus stated that it would have been proper for His disciples to defend His kingdom with swords if it had been an earthly kingdom.

New Testament Analogy Throughout the Bible the Holy Spirit led the writers in the choice of legitimate metaphors for describing both the character of God and the character of the believer. It is axiomatic that inherently evil vocations or activities are not employed for such descriptions. The simile of the thief (1 Thess 5:4; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 3:3; 16:15) in eschatological judgment is not an exception to this principle. The text does not say that the Lord is a thief, only that He will come as a thief comes (viz., unexpectedly). The metaphor of a thief is reserved for one who is anti-Christ (cf. John 10:1, 10).

The metaphor of warfare, armor, and the soldier himself is common throughout the NT. The Christian puts on the armor of God (Eph 6:10-20). Each believer is to be a “good soldier” (2 Tim 2:3-4). Believers are to be active participants in waging spiritual warfare (2 Cor 10:1-6). If being a soldier was as inherently wicked as being a prostitute, a thief, or a murderer, the Holy Spirit would not have permitted the writers of the NT to employ that metaphor.

It is hardly conceivable that the Scriptures should present the Christian life under a symbolism having to do so distinctly with soldiering and warfare and at the same time repudiate the reality for which that symbolism stands as always and everywhere wrong.39

In addition, that Christ Himself will engage in actual, blood-shedding, lifetaking warfare when He returns to set up His kingdom (Rev 19:11-21) is significant. He cannot be the Righteous One, the Holy One, if war is inherently evil and the combatant’s role satanic. When He comes, the Lord will instruct His people to engage in that future warfare (cf. Obad 15-21). Would He demand His people to commit sin? Of course not! Therefore, warfare cannot be inherently sinful.

Christians in Military Service Why should a Christian serve in the military?40 Are there any positive points to be advanced for such service? Soldiers at war are serving in a situation that can only be described spiritually as desperate. Men occupy a position where death is a real possibility for them to experience—a horrible and agonizing death by violent means. Such men are in desperate need of the gospel and the ministry of Christians. War itself creates an atmosphere of destruction and inhumanity. Violent deeds may bring out the very worst of the sinful nature’s traits. Christians may need to stand in the gap in order to maintain decency, order, and just action.

Such a thing as a just war may also occur. World War II could very well make the claim of being a just war.41 Doubtless, there are others and will be others. War is the result of sin (cf. Jas 4:1-2), but war itself is not necessarily sin. “The one who takes original sin seriously knows that life is lived on a descending escalator and that it is a tough job even to stand still.”42 It becomes all too clear to any sound theological thinking that the rejection of the employment of force might be a recipe for anarchy or tyranny attended by multiplied suffering and death for many innocent people. That is why all four major views of Christian involvement in war uphold the right of a state to maintain a standing army and to order it onto the field of battle. The issue is the degree of individual Christian involvement. “All violence is caused by sin, but not all violence is necessarily sinful—it may even be the occasion of virtue when it calls for courage and self-sacrifice.”43 In short, the need is for men who will stand for God and for His Word in the world—including in the military among soldiers who need the gospel.

The Christian’s Conscience Certain principles of Christian action apply even to considering participation in the military. Each believer is accountable to God (cf. Acts 5:29). No believer can leave this decision to someone else. Each Christian has liberty to determine the will of God for his or her life (cf. Romans 14). Part of that determination must take into account the dual citizenship of the Christian as being in the world while not being of the world (cf. John 15:19; 17:11).44

Consider the matter of prayer. Do Christians pray that the Lord Jesus will return soon? In point of fact, we are praying that

the whole pitiless machinery of war may go forward to bring, if possible, a speedy conclusion. It is mangled bodies, tortured minds, orphaned children that we are concerned with. There will be unstable children growing up to be parents of unstable homes, till the third and fourth generation, as a result of our war.45

Do Christians pray for the deliverance of Christians from persecution in places like China, the Sudan, and Pakistan? Do Christians pray for the release of the missionaries held hostage in Colombia? What will be the outcome if those prayers are answered by God? Christ eventually will come to judge those who have rejected Him and the gospel concerning Him. God may choose, in the meantime, to utilize war in China, the Sudan, or Pakistan to accomplish the deliverance of His people from persecution. The answer to these prayers may be war. Do believers know what they are praying? Any who have prayed these prayers cannot claim to have hands free of blood just because they have refused to be a soldier in their nation’s military.

Christians should not too hastily claim the role of “peacemaker” (Matt 5:9). Such a role is not necessarily antagonistic to the role of a warrior. Christ’s employment of the Greek term (,ÆD0<@B@4`H, eirnopoios) is the only Scriptural occurrence. Outside Scripture it is found only as a description of Caesar who wielded the sword of military might to produce the pax Romana. 46 A true peacemaker will not make peace at any price nor will he or she shun the employment of legitimate force to produce that peace.

Conclusion The issue is not one that can be decided quickly nor easily. No believer dare take the matter lightly. It is a difficult matter that involves the conscience of believers and perhaps even their Christian liberty. Note John the Baptizer’s response to the soldiers who inquired what they should do as works that would appropriately result from repentance:

And some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” 47

They were not told to resign from their vocation as soldiers, but to be content in that position with the wages it paid. Their behavior was to be just and honest—even while remaining soldiers. They were not instructed to resign, the life of a soldier not being viewed as inimical to true repentance. Ultimately, however, John’s instruction must be recognized as a pre-Christian declaration. Also, it was directed at those already in the military, not to those who might consider joining. These tensions have been recognized since the earliest centuries of the Christian church.48 The passage is offered here as a catalyst for further study. Has its teaching been revoked or revised by Christ or the apostles? What are its logical and theological implications in the context of all the rest of Scripture’s teachings on this subject?

The issue of war might be ignored for a time, but every individual must, at some time, come to grips with it personally. Peter Craigie described his encounter with the issue in the following way:

When I was a theological student, I worried about the “holy war” problem in the OT and sought the advice of a professor for further reading. He recommended one or two commentaries and von Rad’s Der heilige Krieg im alten Israel (“The Holy War in Ancient Israel”). I went off to study and found a mass of material of linguistic, historical, and cultural interest. But I found nothing which spoke to my problem, the theological anxiety I had about the identification of God with war. One cannot generalize from a single experience, yet I have met a large number of clergy since that time who experienced the same problem in their theological training.49

It is up to each believer to go to the Word of God in order to study this issue for himself/herself. Each believer’s good conscience is at stake in the decision. It is the opinion of this writer that the just war viewpoint offers the greatest consistency with the overall view of both the OT and the NT. Such a viewpoint ought not to be imposed on any individual believer, however. Perhaps the Scripture’s silence about any resignation from military service by converted soldiers on active duty is but an indication that the matter falls in the realm of freedom of conscience rather than the realm of absolute morality. That is the best answer to the question, “Should a Christian be a member of the military?”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 1 An excellent compendium of key discu ssion s in the pa st is to be fou nd in Arthu r F. H olmes, ed., War and Christian Ethics (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1975). The volume includes declarations of pagan philosophers as well as le ade rs in Christen dom (Plato, Cicero, Athenagoras, Tertullian, Origen, Lactantius, Ambrose, Augustine, Bernard of Clairvaux, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Erasmus, Menno Simons, Francisco Suarez, Hugo Grotius, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, G . W. F. Hege l, Lyman Abbott, Reinhold Niebuhr, Robert Drinan, and Paul Ramsey). Cf. Roland H. B ainton, Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace: A Historical Survey and Critical Re-evaluation (Nashville: Abingdon, 196 0). See als o A dolf Harnack, Militia Christi: The Christian Religion and the Military in the First Three Centuries, trans. by D avid McInnes Gracie (P hilad elph ia: Fortress, 1981), a work first published in German in 1905.

2Cf. Robert A. Morey, When Is It Right to Fight? (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1985) 23-25. In regard to the example of Abraham in Genesis 14, Lot and his family w ere not descendants of Abraham, therefore the action cannot be legitimized by appealing to the Abrahamic Covenant. Likewise, for those who would point to the uniqueness of Israel’s situation in the OT with regard to war, Genesis 14 was prior to Israel’s existence.

3 Second Timothy 3:16— all Scripture quotations are from the NASB unless noted otherwise.

4 Peter C. Craigie, The Problem of War in the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978) 16. This volume provides an outstanding study of the issue in th e OT in order to encourage a resolution to the problem of Christian involvement in militarism and war.

5 Headquarters, Department of the Army , “Army Values,” http://www.hqda.army.mil/ocsa/values.htm (30 Jan. 20 00).

6 John A. Wickham, Jr., “Leading—A Commentary,” Army Organizational Effectiveness Journal 1 (1985):6.

7 Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general, was reminiscing with Gen. John Hunt Morgan about their exploits in Tennessee and Kentucky in the summer of 1862. Morgan wanted to know how Forrest had captured the garrison and stores at Murfreesboro in spite of federal forces filling the surrounding countryside. Forrest replied, “I just took the short cut and got there first with the most men.” His answer has been enshrined as “I got there fustest with the mostest.” Cf. Clifton Fadiman, ed., The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1985 ) 214. Forrest’s statement aptly describes the nature of military engagement and the concept of preemptive strike.

8 Capt. Timothy Edward Barrick, personal communication, 7 Feb 2000. The downing of Iran Air 655 by the USS Vincennes on July 3, 1988, is an illustration of the final point made by Capt. Barrick. In the midst of a firefight with Iranian gunboats, the Vincennes mistook the civilian airliner for an attacking military aircraft and s hot it d own with surface -to-air missiles ta king the lives of 290 civilians from six nations.

9 Fadiman, ed., The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes 348.

10Fran cis A. Schaeffer, “The Secular Humanist World View V ersus the Christian Wo rld View and Biblical Perspec tives o n M ilitary Prepa redn ess,” in Fran cis Schaeffer, Vladimmir Bukovsky, and James Hitchcock, Who Is for Peace? (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1983) 23.

11 Ibid. Schaeffer uses the illustration of the obligation of Christian love to stop (by any means necessary) a big man from beating a tiny tot to death, if one were to come upon such atrocious conduct (23-24 ).

12 Matt 5:39 is best interpreted as a reference to personal interaction with other individuals in daily conduct, not interaction between armies or governments in a time of war.

0 notes